AN endeavour OF Making the Principles of Christian Religion, namely the Creed, the ten commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments, plain and easy: Tending to the more speedy instruction of the meanest capacities, and weakest memories. And for the making trial also of their understandings, who though they have attained some measure of saving knowledge, yet through the weakness of their abilities cannot express even that which they do conceive. The third Impression. The Preface is specially to be heeded. Hos. 4. ver. 6. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. John 17. ver. 3. This is life eternal, to know thee the only true God, and him whom thou hast sent, Jesus Christ. LONDON: Printed for Thomas underhill at the Bible in Woodstreet. 1644. A Direction to the Christian Reader, concerning the reason and use of this way of Questions and Answers. CHristian Reader, Thou hast here an endeavour of making the Principles of our Christian Religion plain and familiar, even to very weak capacities, and easy to be remembered, even by very weak memories. How fit it is to perform this, though thy own expe●●ce will best inform thee, if thou be pleased to make trial of it toward any thou hast care of, yet thou Mayst partly conceive, if thou wilt take along with thee the reason of the composition of it in this form, and the drift aimed at by the Author, which will also direct thee to make right use of it. Whereas thou canst not but observe at the first I view, both a double sort of Answers and a double sort of questions; That is done, because the Author conceives that neither sort alone will suffice to drop in knowledge into narrow mouthed vessels, for whose sake this labour hath been undertaken. Experience hath taught him this, and he is willing to teach it thee better cheap. For the Answers (to speak of them first) observe in II them first their brevity: secondly, their completeness: thirdly, their 〈◊〉 1. One sort of them are undeniably as brief as may be; only Yes, or No: and yet even they will be of good use for instruction, but especially for trial. 2. Of the other sort also special ●are hath been had, to make them all as short as may be (considering their completeness) that the weakest memory may not justly complain of burden. 2. Then for the completeness of these Answers, take notice, 1. That they are all framed into entire sentences of themselves, without depending for their sense upon the f●regoing questions. Hereby the learner shall have a stock of Divine Truth in his head, even though he should forget the questions. And withal, this may help to prevent a common error observable in divers learners; who when the sense is shared between the question and the Answer (as for brevity's sake it is usual) forgetting the question, oft give the Answer, which they have learned by rote, to a wrong question, to the great confounding of their understandings: which cannot so easily be here, where the Answer carries ever a full sense in itself; besides that for the most part it repeats part of the question. 2. These answers, though suiting directly to the first or head-question of every division, yet also agree fully to every one of the under-questions, by joining but the brief Answer yes, or no, which is placed at the end of the question, & making it the beginning of the larger answer. 3 These answers are also remarkable easy, by reason that there is not a word in any of them, but hath been before in some of the Questions of that division. And so after the learner is but little used to them, he will soon get the answer; as having it altogether or in parcels, put into his mouth before in the Questions, and after he hath once learned them, he will the easier both understand and remember them upon the rehearsal of the questions again, or even of some of them. III. Now concerning the Questions. First, as there is 1 ever more than one Question belonging to the same division and full answer; so ordinarily and as oft as could be with convenience, the first question is general, and therefore printed in a different Character, as the answers also are: And then the following questions are subdivisions of that into more particulars, so to help to make the meaning of it more plain. Secondly, 2 where ever the nature of the general question would fairly bear it, and that it could be without multiplying too many questions under one head, the under-questions are by way of disjunction one cross to the other, Is it so? or so? directing to own the truth by answering Yes, & deny the falsehood or falsehoods (for oftentime they are more than one) by saying No. Yet now and then it could not well be avoided but they must be all of one sort, & so the brief answers of that division, all Yes, or all No. But these are but few if compared with the rest. Thirdly to every question 3 there is a proper answer fitted. To the head-question the larger answer suits fully; to the rest, the brief, Yes, or No ore against it, besides the light it hath from the larger answer, as was noted before. So that in teaching or examining any one question may be asked alone, or at the most borrowing but a word or two out of the foregoing question (which is sometimes left out to spare the trouble of repeating too often the same common and plain words) and even the answering so any one question of a division (if done with understanding & discretion) will be clearly so much progress in the knowledge of divine and saving truth, and lead on fairly to more. Fourthly, the total 4 number of the head questions and larger answers amounts not to any great proportion, and so will be the sooner learned and easilier remembered: and the under-questions and brief answers, though making the volume swell, yet diminish the difficulty both of understanding and memory: and by the advantage of them, the author hopes that nothing necessary to be known by way of foundation or principle is omitted, or left without some clearing. After all, the method and way of teaching these IV questions & answers to young beginners may be this: First, read over to them all the questions of a division 1 together, without expecting any answer at all from them at the first. Secondly, then go over the severals, 2 and see what answer they can now make to the head-question by having heard the under-questions, containing among them the full answer. Thirdly, if they 3 cannot do this, then try whether they can discern the truth from falsehood, by answering yes or no to the under-questions severally. 4. if this yet be too 4 much for them, then reach them those brief answers in order. 5. being perfect in the brief answers of 5 that division (and not before) teach them the larger answer. 6. In examining when they have once learned 6 all the answers of a division, ask the head-question twice, namely first and last, that so the larger answer may ever be made to the Head-question, and so proceed to another question in due season. Now the God of all wisdom & grace, who hath graciously promised, that under the kingdom of Christ the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the ●●ord, ●s the waters cover Esay 12. 9 Esay 54. 13. the sea, and particularly that all our children shall be taught of him: von ●safe for Jesus Christ's sake, and through him our great Prophet his blessing, as upon all other means used by any, so upon these weak endeavours of his 〈◊〉 thyest servant, that by them, thou (whoever thou art) that thinkest good to attempt the making use of them, Mayst for thyself and thine, si●de some help toward the more easy overcoming the conceited inseparable difficulty of making those that are not book learned (as the phrase is) attain to any measure of understanding in matters of Religion, so as both thou and they may be both the more willing and able to teach and to learn, until we all com● to the blessed persection promised, Ier. 31. 34 Heb. 8. 11 when there shall be no more need of teaching every man hi, neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord, because all shall know him from the least to the greatest: coming all in the unity of 〈◊〉, and of the knowledge Ephes. 4. 43. of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. I end with a double suit to thee-One, that according to thy knowledge, thou be careful to walk humbly, holidy and justly: The other, that receiving any good by this little work, thou pay the Author (though unknown to thee) by affording him a share in thy prayers: in which latter he promiseth again to requite thee whether known or unknown; as being ever Thine in the Lord Josia Christ, HERBERT PALMER Questions and Answers tending to explain the Articles of the CREED. Question 1. WHat is a man's greatest business in this world? A. A man's greatest business in this world is to a glorify God, & b save his own soul, a 1 Cor. 6. 20. 1 Cor. 10. 31. b Mat. 16. 26. Is it to follow the world, and live as he list? No. Or, Is it to glorify God, and save his own soul? Yes. 2 Q. How shall a man come to glorify God and save his own soul? 2 A. They that will glorify God, and save their own souls, must needs learn to c know God, and d believe in him, and e serve him. c 1 Chro. 28. 9 2 Thes. 1. 7, 8. d Rom. 4. 20. Heb. 10. 39 e Deu. 10. 12. Rom 6. 22. Can they do so that are ignorant? No Or, They that do not believe in God? No. Or, Do not serve him? No. Or, Must they not needs learn to know God? and believe in him, and serve him? Yes. Q. Say the Articles of the belief. A. I believe in God, &c. 3 Q. What is it to believe in God? 3 A. To believe in God, is f to be persuaded that there is a God, and g to trust in him h as my God, i. at all times, k according to his word, f Heb. 11. Is it not first to be persuaded that there is a God? Yes. And, is that enough without trusting in him as my God? No. Or, Is it enough to trust in him at some time only? No. Or, To trust in him, and not according to his word, No. 6. g Ps. 78. 22. h Dan. 6. 23. i Ps. 62. 8. k Psa. 56. 4. 10. 11. Or, Is it to trust in him as my God, at all times, according to his Word? Yes. 4 Q. What is God? 4. A. God is l a being, m infinite in all perfection. l Exod. 8. 14. m Job 11. 7, 8, 9 Is he a being, infinite in all perfection? Yes. Or, Is he finite and imperfect as all other things are? No. 5 Q. Are there many Gods? No. 5 A. There is but n one God. n 1 Tim. 2. 5. 1 Cor. 8. 4, 5, 6. Or, Is there but one God? Yes. 6 Q. How many persons are there in the Godhead? 6 A. There are o three Persons in the Godhead, the Father, the son, and the holy Ghost; yet still there is but one God. oh 1 Joh. 5. 7. Are there not three, the Father, the son, and the holy Ghost? Yes. Or, Are there more than three? No. Or, Fewer? No And, Is there still but one God? Yes. 7 Q. Is Jesus Christ God? Yes. 7 A. p Jesus Christ is God, Rom. 9 5. Or, Is he not? Yes. 8. Q. Which person is Jesus Christ? 8 A. Jesus Christ is q God the Son, r the only begotten of the Father. q 1 John 5. 20. r John 1. 14, 17. Is he God the Father? No. Or, God the Son? Yes. Or, God the holy Ghost? No. And, Is he the only begotten of the Father? Yes. 9 Q. Is the holy Ghost God? Yes. 9 A. The holy Ghost is s God, to equal with the Father and the son. s Act. 5. 3, 4. t Mat. 28. 19 And, Is he equal with the Father, and the Son? Yes Or, Is he not? Yes. 10. Q. From whom hath God his being? 10. A. God hath his u being only from himself. u Exod. 3. 14. From himself only? Yes. Or, Hath he it from any other? No. 11 Q. What manner of being hath God? 11 A. God is a x Spirit and y hath nobody. x John 4. 24. y Job 10. 4. Is God a Spirit? Yes. Or, Hath he anybody or bodily parts, as men and other creatures have? No. 12 Q. Where is God's dwelling? 12 A. God is z everywhere, and in all places. z Ierem. 23. 23, 24. Psal. 139. 7. &c. Doth God dwell only in Heaven? No. Or, Is he everywhere in all places? Yes. Or, only in one place at once? No. 13 Q. If God be everywhere, how is it we do not see him? 13 A. God is a invisible. a 1 Tim. 1. 17. 1 Tim. 6. 16. John 1. 18. Is God to be seen with a man's bodily eyes? No. Or, Is he invisible? Yes. 14 Q. What, or who is God likeunto? 14 A. God is not b like a man, or any thing to be seen in the world. b Isai. 40. 18, 25. Cannot a man make a picture that may be like God, as of an old man sit●ing in Heaven? No. Or, Is he like any thing to be seen in the world? No. 15 Q. What perfection of power, or strength is there in God? 15 A. God is c almighty, and d can do all things. c Exod. 6. 3. d Iob. 42. 2. Is he Almighty? and can he do all things? Yes. Or, Is there any thing too hard for him? No. 16 Q. What perfection of wisdom or knowledge is there in God? 16 A. God is e most wise, f knowing all things, and g doth all Is any thing hid from God, which he doth not know? No. things most wisely. e 1 Tim. 1. 17. f Heb. 4. 13. g Psal. 104. 24. Or, Is he most wise, and knoweth all things? Yes. And, Doth he all things most wisely? Yes. 17 Q. What perfection of holiness is there in God? 17 A. God is most perfect h holy, and i alloweth not any to sin. Is he most perfectly holy? Yes. Or, Hath he any sin in himself? No. Or, Doth he cause any to sin? No. Or, Allow any to sin? No. 18 Q. What perfection of justice, or righteousness in there God? 18 A. God is always most k just, and in all things; l whether he punish or spare good or bad, m Punishing all sin either in the sinner, n or in Christ the Surety. k Psa. 115. 17. l Job 34. 10, 11, 12, 23. m Mal. 4. 1. n Esa. 53. 6. Rom. 3. 23, 24, 25. Is he always most just in all things? Yes. And, That whether he punisheth or spareth good or bad? Yes. Or, Is there any unjustice or unrighteousness in him at any time? No. And doth he punish all sin, either in the sinner, or in Christ the Surety? Yes. 19 Q. What perfection of mercy is there in God? 19 A. God is most o merciful, both in giving and p forgiving beyond desert. o Psal. 145. 8, 9 p Ex. 34. 6, 7. Is he most merciful both in giving and forgiving beyond desert? Yes. Or, Doth he no more for any of his creatures then they deserve? Yes. 20 Q. To whom of mankind ●oth God show such mercy as to forgive them? 20 A. God's mercy only forgiveth those that q. repent of their sins, and r believe in Christ. q Prov. 28. 13. r John 3. 36. Doth he show a like mercy to all? No. Or, Doth he forgive only those that repent of their sins, and believe in Christ? Yes. Or, Every one that crieth, Lord have mercy upon me, whether they repent and believe, or not? No. 21 Q. What perfection is there in God in regard of time or continuance? 21. A. God is seternall, to from everlasting to everlasting, u having no beginning not end. s 1 Tim. 1. 17. c Psal. 90. 2. u Rev. 1. 8. Is God eternal from everlasting to everlasting? Yes. Or, Had he any beginning? No. Or, Shall he ever have any end? No. 22 Q. What perfection is there in God, in regard of stead fastness or Mutability? 22 A. God is x unchangeably y the same for ever. Notwithstanding the changes he makes in all other things. x Mal. 3. 6. Ja. 1. 17. y Psalm. 102. 26, &c. Is there any change or changeableness in God? No. Or, In any of his perfections? No. Or, Is he unchangeably the same for ever? Yes. And, That notwithstanding the changes he makes in all other things? Yes. 23 Q. What perfection of truth or faithfulness is there in God? 23 A. God is most ● true, and it is not* possible for him to lie. z Rom. 3. 4.* Tit. 1. 2. Heb. 6. 18. Nu●●●●. 23. 19 Is God most true in all his words? Yes. And, Particularly in his promises and threatenings? Yes. Or, Is it possible for him to lie? No. 24 Q. What perfection of blessedness doth God enjoy? 24 A. God is in himself most x blessed every way and y for ever, x 1 Tim. 6. 15. Act. 17. 25. y Rom. 9 5. Doth God want any happiness in himself? No. Needing the service of any creature? No. Or, Can any creature make him unhappy? No. Or, Is he in himself most blessed every way and for ever? Yes. 25 Q. What certain proof have you that there is a God, such an one as you have acknowledged him to be? 25 A. I am sure there is a God: because neither of myself nor any thing in the world could z make me, or a preserve me, or b order things that befall me without God. z Psal. 100 3. Psal. 139. 13, 14, 15, 16. a Psal. 22. 9, 10. b Job 1. 21. Doth not your own very being give you assurance of it? Yes. Or, could you yourself, or any thing in the world have made you without God? No. And, Doth not your preservation make you also sure that there is a God? Yes. Or, Could you yourself, or any thing in the world, preserve you without God? No. And, Doth not the ordering of things that befall you also prove assuredly there is a God? Yes. Or, Could you yourself, or any thing in the world, so order those things that befall you, without God? No. 26 Q. Who made the world and all things in it? 26 A. God is the c maker of the World, and of all things in it. c Gen. 1. 1. Acts 17. 24. Is God the maker of all? Yes. Or, Were any of them from everlasting, and without a beginning? No. Or, Did any of them make the rest? No. 27 Q. How are things preserved in the world? 27 A. The power of God is that that d preserveth all things in the World. d Neh. 9 6. Heb. 1. 3. Hath any of them, without God, power enough of themselves to preserve themselves? No. Or, One another? No. Or, Is it the power of God that preserveth them all? Yes. 28 Q. How is the world governed, & how come things to pass? 28. A. God's providence is that that e ruleth all things. e Psal. 103. 19 Iam. 1. 17. Amos 3. 6. Is it God's providence that ruleth all things? Yes. Or, do chance and fortune rule some things? No. Or, Destiny and the course of nature merely? No. Or, Doth any creature rule any thing at its own pleasure? No. 29 Q. From whence must we learn to know God and serve him rightly? 29 A. To f know God, and to g serve him rightly, we must be taught out of God's Word. f Psal. 19 1. &c. with 7, 8. g Esay 8. 20. Can it be of ourselves only? No. Or, By beholding God's works of creation, preservation, and providence only? No. Or, Must we be taught it out of God's Word? Yes. 30 Q. Which book is God's word? 30 A. The Bible or the h Scripture of the Old and New Testament is the very word of God. h 2 Tim. 3. 16. 2 Pet. 1. 21. Is the Bible the Scripture of the Old and New Testament the very word of God? Yes. Or, Is it merely the invention of man? No. Or, Is any other book besides the Bible the Word of God? 31 Q. How may it be proved that the Scriptures are the very word of God? 31 A. The Scriptures are sufficiently proved to be God's Word, by their being wholly to God's i glory & their k perfection, & l power upon consciences, i. John 7. 18. k Psal. 19 7. l Heb. 4. 12. Psal. 19 7. Is their being wholly to God's glory and their perfection, and their power upon consciences a sufficient proof of it? Yes. Or, May all this be, & yet they be but the word of a mere man? No. Or, do these things agree to any other word or book not taken out of the Scriptures? No. 32 Q In what condition was man created by God at first? 32 A. Man was created at the first in a very happy condition, in the m Image of God. m Gen. 1. 26. Was he made miserable? No. Or, Very happy? Yes. In the Image of God? Yes. Or, No better than other earthly creatures? Yes. 33 Q. What was the Image of God in man? 33 A. Gods n Image in man stood in the perfection of his immortal soul, and dominion over the creatures. n Gen. 1. 26, 27, 28. Did it stand in the shape and frame of man's body? No. Or, In the perfection of his immortal soul? Yes. And, Had he dominion given him over the creatures? Yes. Or, was any of them, as they are now, rebellious against man? No. Or, hurtful to him? No. 34 Q. In what specially did God's Image in man's so●●e stand? 34 A. God's Image in man's soul was specially in a knowledge, p righteousness and holiness. o Col. 3. 10. p E●hes. 4. 24. Was he created in knowledge? Yes. Or, Ignorant? No. In righteousness? Yes. Or, sinful? No. In holiness? Yes. Or, unholy? No. 35 Q. What condition is mankind now naturally in? 35 A. mankind is now naturally in a very q miserable condition. q Ephes. 2. 1, 2, 3. Still happy? No. Or, Very miserable? Yes. 36 Q. Wherein is mankind's condition now so miserable? 36. A. man misery is, that they are now r all sinners, and subject to s punishment for sin; and that Is not mankind still righteous? No. Or, Are they all sinners? Yes. And, Are you a sinner as well as others? Yes. And, Are they all subject to punishment? Yes. is t my condition as well as others. r Rom. 3. 9 to 19 s R●. 5. ●2. t. Ephes. 2. 3, 4. And, Is that your condition is well as others? Yes. Or, Are any free from punishment, you or others? No. Or, Out of danger of it? No. 37 Q. What is sin? 37 A. sin is any u transgression of God's Law, be it but in x words or y thoughts u 1 Ioh. 3. 4. x Mat. 12. 36, 37. y Ier. 4. 14. Is it only a transgression of God's Law in deeds? No. Or, Any transgression, be it in words or thoughts? Yes. 38 Q. How came mankind to be miserable? Was it without their own fault? No. 38 A. Mankind became miserable by sinning z all with our first parents Adam & Eve, in* eating the forbidden fruit: and I sinned among them. ●Rom. ●. 12, 18.* Gen. 3. 6. Or, Because they all sinned with our first parents Adam and Eve in eateng the forbidden fruit? Yes. And, Did you sin among them? Yes. 39 Q. Why should children ●e charged with their parents faults? Is it not unjust? No. 39 A. Men confess it just to charge children sometimes with the parents' faults, doing so to Bastards and traitors children. Or, Do● men conf●sse it just, sometimes doing so to bastards and traitors children? Yes. 40 Q. How far are all mankind corrupted with sin? Are they only guilty of that first sin of Adam? No. 40 A. All mankind are a altogether corrupted with sin, and that in every part both of soul and body; and b so am ●. a Gen. 6. 5. Or, Are they all in themselves corrupted with sin? Yes. And, ●●e you so too? Yes. And, That altogether in every part both of soul and body? Yes. Or, only in some part? No. 41 Q. What do you mean by saying all men are altogether corrupted with sin? Rom. 3. 9 to 19 b Rom. 7. 24. Prov. 27. 19 Are they all inclined to all sins? Yes 41 A. c All men are inclined to all sns, and d untoward to any good: and e I as much as any other by nature. c Rom. 3. 9 to. 19 d Ier. 4. 22. e Tit. 3. 3. Or, Only to some? No. And, Are they all untoward to any good? Yes. Or, Inclined at least to some good? No And, Are you as much inclined to fin, and as untoward to good, as any other by nature? Yes 42 Q. What say you of children new borne? 42. A. f All children that are conceived a natural way, are conceived and borne in sin; and so was g I too. f Ephef. 2. 3. ●g Psal. 51. 5. Are they not altogether innocents? No And, Free from all taint of sinfulness and corruption? No Or, Are they all that are conceived a natural way, conceived and borne in sin? Yes. And, Were you yourself conceived and born so too? Yes. Or, Without any sin or sinfulness? No 43. Q. You say all mankind are altogether corrupted: how then came any to be of a better mind or behaviour than others? 43 A. Gods h grace is only that that makes one man better than another. h 1 Cor. 4. 7. 1 Cor. 15. 10. Doth not that show they are of a better nature? No. Or, Is it only God's grace that makes one man better than another? Yes. 44. Q. What is the punishment due to sin, which even the least sin deserveth? 44 A. The punishment due to sin, even the least, is i. death, and k eternal damnation, Is it death and eternal damnation? Yes. And, All curses and crosses in the mean time besides? Yes and, all l curses and crosses in the mean time. i Rom. 6. 23. k 2 Thess. 1. 8, 9 Psal. 9 17. l Deut. 27. 26. Or, Is that too great a punishment? No. Specially for some sins? No. 45 Q. What punishment do● your sins deserve? 45 A. Even m my sins deserve damnation and all punishments besides. m Ephes. 2. 3. Do you acknowledge that even they deserve damnation? Yes. And, All punishments besides? Yes. Or, Is any of that too much? No. Or, All that too much? No. 46 Q. If the least sin deserves damnation, and all punishments besides● what matter is it what sins a man commits that is guilty of any? 46 A. They that have n more and greater's sins, shall have more punishment in Hell, if they o repent not. n Luke 12. 47, 48. Mat. 11. 20. to 24. oh Rom. 2. 4, 5. Do men make their condition no worse by living in the world and multiplying sins? Yes. Or, Shall all be punished alike in hell, whether their sins be more or fewer, greater or smaller? No. Or, Shall they that have more and greater sins, have more punishment in hell if they repent not? Yes. 47 Q. But what if men be punished in this world? 47 A. They that are punished here and yet will not repent p deserve more punishment for that, and so shall be q sure also not to escape damnation. p Levit. 26. 18, 21, 23, 24, 27, 28. q Deut. 29. 18, 19, 20, 21. Shall not they escape all punishment in hell, though they never repent of their sins? No. Or, do not they deserve more punishment in hell, because they would not amend for any punishment here? Yes. And, So shall be sure also not to escape damnation? Yes. 48 Q. What is repentance? 48 A. Repentance is to r confess our sins to s God, with t shame and sorrow, and u to forsake them. r Prov. 28. 13. s Psal. 32. 5. ●●er. 31. 18, 19 u Esay 55. 7. Doth a man repent that covers his sins? No. And, Will not confess them to God? No. Or, That is not ashamed of them when he doth confess them? No. Or, not sorrowful for them? No. Or, However doth not forsake them? No. Or, Is it to confess our sins to God with shame and sorrow, and to forsake them? Yes. 49 Q. Whereby may repentance be known to be true? 49 A. Then a ma●●● repentance is true whe● he turns from x al● known sins, and doth not willingly fall to y new ones. x Ezek 18. 30, 31. y Ezek. 33 15. Acts 26. 2●. Is that true when it is only for some sins ● and not for all known sins? No. Or, When a man turns from his former sins, and willingly falls to new ones? No. Or, May not a man be sure of his repentance if he be sure he doth not cleave to any known sin? Yes. 50 Q. How far is it possible for a man that truly repents to forsake all sin in the world? 50 A. Those that truly repent have some sin in them still but none have 〈…〉 dominion over ● the● z Rom. 7. 15. & c. 1 Jo● 18.* Rom. 6. 14. 1. Jo● 3. 9 Hath any sin dominion over him still? No. Or, Can they be perfectly without all sin here? No. Or, Is there sin still in the best upon the earth? Yes. 51 Q. when is it that sin reigneth or hath dominion over man? 51 A. Sin hath the a dominion over man, when he b yei●… Is it in those that offend● in many things, but yet unwillingly? No. eth himself to obey the lust of it, and c commit sin d freely. a Rom. 6. 12, 14. b Rom. 6. 16. c John 8. 34. d Rom. 6. 20. Or, always when one sin th●● some hainouser matter with some willingness? No. Or, Only when he yields himself to obey the lusts of sin and commit ●●●ely Yes. 52. Q. since you say that no●e ●an so perfectly repent as to ●● without all sin in this world ● how shall any man be saved? 52 A. Even those that e repent have need to be f saved by Jesus Christ, and his g satisfaction e Acts 20. 21. f Tit. 3. 5, 6, 7. g Phil. 3. 9 Can a ●ans own works of right on 〈…〉 save him? No. Or, Can he make satisfaction ●o God for his sins by them? No. Or, by any other meane● of ●●s procuring? No. Or, Have even those that repent need to be saved by Jesus Christ and his satisfaction Yes. 53 Q. Why must all ●●a● are saved, be saved by Jesus Christ? 53 A. Jesus Christ is the h only Saviour of mankind. h 1 Tim. 2. 5. Acts. 4. 12. Is he the only Saviour of mankind? Yes. And, Cannot some creature, ●aint, or angel, save by their ●●ents? No. 54 Q. What is Jesus Christ? 54 A. Jesus Christ is i. God and man in one person. i Rom. 9 5. John 1. 14. You 〈…〉 God: ● but is he ●nely so? No Is he not man too? true man? Yes And, So God and man in one ●erson? Yes 55 Q. Why was the Saviour of mankind both God and man? 55 A. The Saviour of mankind must needs be both God and man, to k suffer and satisfy Must it needs be so that he ●ight suffer and satisfy for the ●…n of man? Yes. And, Because God alone could not suffer, and man alone could not satisfy for sin? Yes. for the sin of man k Heb. 2. 14, 15, 17. Heb. 9 14. 56 Q. unto what offices was our Saviour Jesus Christ ordained of God, that he might completely save us? 56 A. Christ was anointed, that is, ordained of God, the great m Prophet, Priest, & o King of his Church, & p Lord q of all. l Act. 10. 38. m Act 3.22. n Heb. 5. 6. o Luk. 1. 32, 33. p Act. ● 36. q Acts 10. 36. Doth not his name Christ, signify Anointed, show him to be the great Prophet, Priest, and King of his Church and people, and Lord of all? Yes And, Was he sufficiently furnished with abilities for every one of these offices. Yes. Or, Did he fail in fulfilling any of them? No. 57 Q. How did Jesus Christ become man? 57 A. Jesus Christ was r conceived by the holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary r Mat. 1. 20. 25. Had he a natural father as he was man, as all others since our first Parents have? No Or, Was he conceived by the holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary? Yes. 58 Q. Seeing you say Jesus Christ was conceived by the holy Ghost, and borne of a Virgin; What perfection of nature had he as he was man? 58 A. Jesus Christ was s conceived and born t without sin and u never sinned in all his life time, but* else was like othe● men. s Luk. 1. 35. To He● 7. 26. u 1 Pet. 2. 2 2 Corinth. 5. 21.* He● 2. 17. Heb. 415. Do you reckon him in the number of sinners and guilty persons? No. Or, Was he conceived and born without sin, though no other children be so? Yes. Or, Did he ever sin all his life time? No. And, Was he not else like other men, even in natural infirmities and temptations? Yes. 59 Q. Since Christ was without sin, how came he to suffer? 59 A. Christ suffered under x Pontius Pilate the judge, who y knew him innocent, and yet z condemned him. x Mat. 27. 2. y John 18. 38. John 19 46. z Luke 23. 24, 25. Was it by a tumult of people falling upon him? No. Or, By any sickness? No. Or, Outward accident of mischief lighting on him. No. Or, Was he condemned by any judge? Yes. And, Namely Pontius Pilate the governor for the Roman Emperor? Yes. And, Did he believe him to be a guilty person deserving punishment? No. Or, Did he know and proclaim him innocent, and yet condemn him? Yes. 60 Q. What special suffering did Christ undergo? 60 A. Christ was a crucified, that is, b hanged c naked and alive upon a cross of wood, by d nailing his hands and feet to it. a 1 Cor. 1. 23. Ioh. 19 17, 18. b Gal. 3. 13. c John 19 23. d John 20. 25. Was it only some small pain or shame? No. Or, Was he crucified, that is, hanged naked and alive upon a cross of wood, by nailing his hands and feet to it? Yes. 61 Q. What necessity was there ●hat Christ should undergo such a punishment as to be hanged on a cross of wood? 61 A. Christ, to redeem us from the ● curse of the law and our sins, was to endure a cursed punishment, as hanging was by f God's law. e Gal. 3. 10, 13. f Deut. 21. 23. Was not hanging a cursed punishment by God's Law? Yes. And, Was it fit that to Redeem ●…s from the curse of the Law and our sins, Christ should endure ● cursed punishment? Yes. Or, Was not that too much for him to endure? No. 62 Q. How long did Christ continue on the cross? 62 A. Christ hung ●pon the cross till he g died, and gave his very h life a ransom for us. g John 19 30. Phil. 2. 8. h Mat. 20. 28. Was he taken down alive after he had hanged a while upon it? No. Or, Did he hang upon the cross till he died, and gave his very life a ransom for us? Yes. 63 Q. Why would Christ die? 63 A. Christ to deliver us from i. death, was to undergo death itself for us. i Heb. 2. 14, 15. Might he not have spared himself in that and yet we have been redeemed? No. Or, Was it necessary to deliver us from death, that Christ should undergo death itself for us? Yes. 64 Q. What became of Christ's body and soul after death? 64 A. Christ's body was k buried and he descended into l hell to show him to be truly dead, and to make his Resurrection m more glorious. k 1 Cor. 15. 4. ●Acts 2. 27, 31. m Luk. 24. 26. Was not his body buried? Yes. And, Did he not descend into hell? Yes. And, Was not this fit to show him to be truly dead, and to make his Resurrection more glorious? Yes. Or, Was it unfit he should tarry at all in the state of death? No. 65 Q. How long did Christ continue dead? 65 A. Christ n rose again the third day from the dead. n Luke 24. 46. 1 Cor. 15. 4. Did he rise again the third day from the dead? Yes. Or, Is he dead still? No. Or, Did he rise sooner? No. Or, Later? No. 66 Q. How came Christ out of the prison of the grave, since he wa● the surety to pay the debt of our sins? 66 A. Christ rising and coming out of the prison of the grave showeth that he, as our Doth his rising from the dead show that he hath fully paid the d●bt● Yes. Or, Might he have been raised, and yet the debt of our sins still remain to be paid by ourselves? No. o surety, hath p fully paid all the debt of our sins. o Heb. 7. 22. p Rom. 4. 24, 25. Or, By some other? No. 67 Q. How long did Christ continue on the earth after his rising from the dead? 67. A. q Forty days after his rising from the dead Christ ascended into r heaven body and soul. q Acts 1. 3, 9 r Acts 3. 2●. Is he still upon earth? No. Or, Did he forty days after ascend into heaven body and soul? Yes. Or, Is he anywhere else? No. Or, Stayed he longer on earth? No. Or, less while? No. 68 Q. What honour and happiness hath Christ in heaven? 68 A. Christ s sits at the right hand of God in the highest t happiness and u glory that can be. s Mark. 16. 19 To Psal. 16. 11. u Ephes. 1. 20, 21, 22. Doth he sit at the right hand of God in the highest happiness and glory that can be? Yes. Or, Doth he want either happiness and glory now? No. Or Hath any of the Saints or Angels any higher honour than he? No. Or, equal to him? No. 69 Q. What power and authority hath Christ by being a Gods right hand? 69 A. Christ at God's right hand* ruleth God's kingdom with all power and x authority.* Heb. 8. 1. x 1 Pet. 3. 22. Ephes. 20, 21, 22. Doth his sitting at God's right hand signify that he is upon a seat there? No. Or, That God hath any hand properly right or left? No. Or, Doth it signify that he ruleth God's kingdom with all power and authority? Yes. 70 Q. What is the greatest proof of Christ's authority? 70 A. Christ shall come to y judge the quick and the dead, even z all mankind none excepted. y Acts 10. 42. z 2 Cor. 5. 10. Shall he come with glory to judge both the quick and the dead? Yes. Or, Shall his authority be at an end before the last day? No. Or, Some other be judge? No. Or, Shall not some or other of mankind be excepted from being judged by him? No. 71 Q. What is the means of partaking of Christ, and making him and all his benefits ours? 71 A. Faith is the only means whereby we a partake of Christ & make him and b all his benefits ours. a Ioh. 1. 12. b Acts 26. 18. Is faith the only means? Yes. Or, Is there any other means whereby we can partake of him? No. 72 Q. What is faith? I mean true, justifying, ●●●ing faith? 72 A. True faith in Christ is to c rest in him alone for d pardon through his death, e according to God's offer, and then for all f grace and g salvation. c Phil. 3. 7, 8, 9 d Ro. 3. 25, 26, e Luke 24. 47. Esay 59 20. f John 1. 16. g Acts 15. 11. Is it not to rest on Christ alone for pardon through his death according to God's offer? and then for all grace and salvation? Yes. Or, Do they truly and throughly believe the doctrine of Christ who rest not on him? No. Or, Who rest on any thing or person besides him? No. Or, Together with him? No. Or, Who think of resting on him otherwise then God offers him? No. 73 Q. What warrant have you to believe in Christ, and rest so on him? 73 A. God in his h Word offers Christ to me as well as to any other man; and i commands me to Is it not presumption for such a sinner to offer to rest on him? No. Or, Doth God in his Word ●ffer Christ to you as well as ●o any other man? Yes. believe in him as well as to believe, or obey any other thing in his Word. h John 3. 15, 16. 36. i 1 John 3. 23. John 6. 29. And, Doth he command you ●o believe in him, as well as to believe or obey any other thing in his word? Yes. And, Do all the promises, which are of all sorts, to second the Commandment to believe, concern you as well as any other man? Yes. And, Do the threatenings against unbelief also concern you in like sort? Yes. And, Likewise the examples of grace? Yes. And, As well as any other thing in the word doth? Yes. 74 Q. How do you call the general company of those that do truly believe in Christ? 74 A. the general company of those that truly believe in Christ is called the holy Catholic k Church. k 1. Cor. 1. 2. 1 Thess. 1. 1. Is it not that which you mean by the holy Catholic Church? Yes. Or, Doth the holy Catholic Church signify any other sort or company of men? No. 75 Q. Why is the Church said to be holy? 79 A. Every true l believer and member of the m Church is a Saint and holy, truly sanctified, though not n fully in this World. ●Acts 15. 9 in Ephe. 5. 25, 26, 27. n James 3. 2. Is it for that every true believer and member of the Church ●● a Saint and holy, truly santified, though not fully in this world? Yes. Or, Is any one a true believer and member of the Church that is not sanctified and holy? No. Or, Are any of them fully sanctified in this world? No. 76 Q. What is it to be truly sanctified or holy? 76 A. To be truly holy, one is to o hat● all sin, and p forsake all creatures so far, as to strive to q serve God according to r all his will. o Psalm. 97. 10 p Luke 14. 26, 33 q Heb. 9 14. r Col. 4 12. Heb. 13. 21. 1 Pe●. 4. 2, 3. Are they so, who allow themselves in any one sin, how smal● so ever they judge it to be? No. Or, How necessary soever? No. Or, That are so fond of any creature, as that they cannot be content if they enjoy it not at their own desire? No. Or, Who serve God after their own will? No. Or, Who will do his will ●n some things, but not in all No. Or, Do they hate all sin, and forsake all creatures so far, as to strive to serve God according to all his will? Yes. 77 Q. Why is the Church called Catholic, that is, universal, or general? 77 A. The Church is called Catholic, because in s all ages Christ hath had Church, and he gathereth it out of all t countries, & u ranks of people. s Heb. 13. 8. Mat. 28. 20. To Rom 13. 29, 30. Act. 10. 34, 35. u Gal. 3. 28. Col. 3. 11. Is it because in all ages God hath had a Church? Yes. And, Because he gathers it out of all countries and ranks of people? Yes. Or, Was there never no time since Christ was first preached unto mankind, when there was no Church at all? No. Or, Are there some Nations or conditions of men, out of which God never takes any to be of his Church? No. 78 Q. What general benefit do all true believers and members of the Church enjoy from Christ together? 78 A. All true believers and member● of the Church enjoy together a* communion of Saints, that is a fellowship, with x Christ and y one with another.* 1 John 1. 3. 7. x 1 Cor. 1. 9 y John 17. 11. Do they not enjoy together a communion of Saints, that is, ● fellowship with Christ and one with another? Yes. Or, Is any of them being poor, o● the like, denied fellowship with Christ in his grace, in any respect? No. Or, Denied a right to any good their fellow members might do for them? No. 79 Q. What special benefit hath every true believer from Christ in this life? 79 A. z Every true believer hath from Christ in this life forgiveness of sins. z Acts 10. 43. 1 John 2 12. Acts 5. 31. Have they not forgiveness of sins? Yes. Or, Are they not forgiven till after this life? Yes. And, So any of them die without forgiveness? No. 80 Q. What do you mean by forgiveness of sins? 80 A. forgiveness of sins is a Gods not requiring of us ourselves to satisfy for our sins, because Christ hath done that already. a Rom. 3. 24, 25, 26. Is it not that God requireth not of us ourselves to satisfy for our sins, because Christ hath done that already? Yes. Or, Must we, notwithstanding our pardon, make God satisfaction by doing somewhat ourselves in this world? No. Or, By suffering in this life? No. Or, Afterward? No. 81 Q. But why then are the faithful afflicted in this life? 81 A. The afflictions that the faithful endure in this life are only b fatherly corrections for their amendment, Is it not to make, at least, part of the satisfaction to God for their sins? No. Or, Is it not a wrong that they should be afflicted when Christ hath made satisfaction for their sins? No. and c trials of God's grace in them, and to make them d like Christ. b Heb. 12, 6. 10, 11. c Jam. 1. 2, 3, 4. d Rom. 8. 29. John 15. 18. 20. Or, Is it only fatherly correction for their amendment, and trial of God's grace in them, and to make them like Christ? Yes. 82. Q. But what say you to death, which the faithful en●ure as well as others? 82 A. e Death itself to the faithful is but a temporal chastisement at the worst an withal a passage to a better condition, e 1 Cor. 15. 54, 55. Is not that at least laid on them to satisfy God in part for their sins? No. Or, Is death itself a temporal chastisement at the worst to the faithful? Yes. And, withal a passage to a better condition? Yes. 83. Q. What benefit or better condition can there be to the body after death? 83 A. There shall be to every faithful soul f resurrection of the body from death. f 1 Cor. 15. 42. 44. 1 Cor. 6. 14. Shall there be to every faithful soul, a resurrection of the body from death? Yes. Or, Shall not the bodies (even of the faithful) remain for ever in their graves dead and rotten? No. 84. Q What bodies shall be raised again? 84 A. The g very same body shall be raised again that died ● but the bodies of the faithful shall ●ow be made strong and h glorious. g 1 Cor. 15. 42. 43. 44. h Phil. 3. 21. Shall they be the very same bodies that died? Yes. Or, Others like them, new created and joined to the souls? No. And, Shall the bodies of the faithful be now made strong and glorious? Yes. Or, Be raised weak and imperfect as they were before? No. 85. Q. What shall become of the bodies of the wicked at the last day? 85 A. The bodies of the ● wicked shall be raised also at the last day, that being con●emned, both body & soul may be cast into k hell fire for ever. ●John 5. 29. k Matth. 25. 41, and 46. Shall they be raised also? Yes Or, Shall they continue in the grave still? No And, Shall they be raised with any honour, or for their good? No Or, That being condemned, both body and soul may be cast into hell fire for ever? Yes. 86 Q. What benefit shall be to the faithful after the general resurrection? 86 A. After the general resurrection the faithful shall l die no more, but enjoy m life everlasting, & all happiness and glory o with Christ p in heaven. l Luke 20. 35, 36. m Mat. 25. 46. n Eph. 1. 18. o John 17. 24. p 1 Pet. 1. 4. Shall they die any more? No. Or, Enjoy life everlasting? Yes. And, Shall they live upon earth any more? No. Or, Endure any more misery pain, or sorrow? No. Or, Enjoy all happiness and glory with Christ in Heaven? Yes. Questions and Answers tending to explain the Ten Commandments. Question 1. HOw do they live here, who partake of Christ and all his benefits? A. They that partake of Christ and all his benefits, do a serve God and b keep his Commandments. a Heb. 9 14. Rom. 6. 22. b 1 Joh. 2. v. 3, 4, 5. Do they live in sin as they list? No. Or, Do they serve God and keep his Commandments? Yes. 2 Q. How many Commandments are there? 2. A. There are ten Commandments which are the sum and substance of all God's perpetual Law. c Deut. 10. 9 Exod. 34. 28. Are there not ten? Yes. And, Are they not the sum and substance of all God's perpetual Law? Yes. And, Hath not every one of them a gener●ll meaning and ●●pe, and so ●●●●a●●th whatsoever tendeth to that? Yes. And, Do they not among them forbid all evil? Yes And, Command all good? Yes. And, That in words & thoughts as well as deeds? Yes. Q. What is the first Commandment? A. I am the Lord, &c. 3 Q. What is the general meaning and scope of the first Commandment? 3 A. The general meaning and scope of the first Commandment, is the giving all possible d glory and Is it not the giving of all possible glory and worship to one only God, without any equal or partner? Yes. Or, May ●e worship more ●●ds than one? No. e worship to one only God, without any equal or f partner. d Psal. 96 7, 8. Mat. 4. 10. 1 John 2. 15. Or, fail, to love, trust, fear, praise or obey God sometimes without sin? No. Or, Love, trust, fear, praise or ●●ey some creature, at least ●ometimes, more than God? No. Or, As much as God in any ●espect whatsoever? No. Or, Set up our own selves by ●●●de, or trusting to ourselves, without regard of God? No. Q. What is the second Commandment? A. Thou shalt not make, &c. 4 Q. What is the general mean●ing of the second Commandment? 4 A. The general meaning of the second Commandment, is the worshipping of God with those things and actions which g himself only hath appointed. g Deut. 4. 2. Matth. 15. 9 Is it not the worshipping of God with those things and action● which himself only hath appointed? Yes. Or, May we not use as parts of worship, and matters of Religion and holiness, something or o●her, merely invented by man? No. Or, Be careless of those duties which God hath appointed for his worship? No. 5 Q. Why are Images forbidden by name in the 2. Commandment? ●●● how far are they forbidden? 5 A. All h Images and Pictures to represent God are ● abomi●●ble to be made; and so is all k worship of them, though with pretence of ● worshipping God by them, Are all Images and Pictures to represent God, abominable to be made? Yes. And, Are all pictures of a man (as of ones friend, and the like) also unlawful and abominable? No. But is not all worshipping of any Image or Picture, and bowing own to them also abominable? Yes. h Deut. 4. 15, 16, 1● 18. i. Deut. 27. 1● k Esay 44. 15. 17. 19 I Exod. 32. 4. 5. un the 8. And, Is it any way excusable though it be with pretence of worshipping God by them? No. What is the third Commandment? Thou shalt not tak● &c. 6 Q. What is the general meaning of the third Commandment? 6 A. The genera meaning of the thi●… Commandment, is t●… reverent using whatsoever belonget to God, and to tho●… ends only which 〈…〉 hath allowed. Is it not the reverend using of whatsoever belongeth to God, and to those ends only which he hath alloweth? Yes. Or, May we profane any of them? No. Or, Abuse them to ill ends? No. Or, Neg●●● God's ends in the using of them? No. Q. What is the fourth Commandment? A. Remember, & ● ● Q. What is the general meaning of the 4. Commandment? 2 A. The genera meaning of the four●… Commandment, is th●… solemn times of wo●…ship, necessary to Religion at God's one● appointment, an chiefly a standing d●… in the week, of Re from worldly busin●… to attend on God. Is it not the solemn times of worship, necessary to Religion, at God's one y appointment, and chiefly, a standing day in the week, of rest from worldly business to attend on God? Yes. Or, May men of themselves appoint any days or times, as necessary to Religion? No. Or, May we unnecessarily spend God's Day upon- our selves? No. Or, upon any worldly mats? No. Q. What is the fifth Commandment? A. Honour thy F●…ther, &c. ● Q. What is the general meaning of the fifth Commandment? 8 A. The general meaning of the fifth Commandment, is the giving all due m honour and respect to all men, specially n superiors. m 1 Pet. 2. 17. n Rom. 13. 7. Is it not the giving all due honour, and respect to all men, specially superiors? Yes. Or, May we disobey the lawful commands of superiors when they please us not? No. Or, Carry ourselves proudly toward any, even the meanest under●ing? No. Q. What is the sixth Commandment? A. Thou shalt not kill. 9 Q. What is the general meaning of the sixth Commandment? 9 A. The general meaning of the sixth Commandment, is the preserving of men's o persons and p lives, q and fouls in all safety. o Math. 5. 21, 22. ●Proverbs 24. 11, 12. q Jude 22, 23. Levit: 19 17. 〈…〉 not the preserving of 〈…〉 and lives and souls ●n all safety? Yes. Or, May we, though we are ●…oked, do them the least ●urt? No. Or, Give them any despite ●ull words? No. Or, Harbour hatred or maice against them? No. Or, May we be angry with ●hem without cause? No. Or, More than there is cause? No. Or, forbear to have a tender are of any to the utmost of our ●ower? No. Q. What is the seventh Commandment? A. Thou shalt not commit adultery. 10 Q. What is the general meaning of the seventh Commandment? 10 A. The general meaning of the seventh Commandment is the Is it not the maintaining of ha●tity in all, married and un married, and in the heart, and words, as well as behaviour? Yes. maintaining r chastity in all, married or unmarried, and in s heart and t words, as well as u behaviour, r 1 Thess. 4. 3, 4. s Mat. 5. 27. 28. To Ephes. 3. 4. 5. Rom. 13. 13. Or, May not any, the unmarried at least, especially young people, take liberty to use some light and wanton carriage sometimes? No. Or, Wanton speethes? No. Or, Wanton looks? No. Or, At least have lustful, and wanton thoughts? No. And, Are not unnatural lusts specially forbidden? Yes. Q. What is the eighth Commandment? A. Thou shalt no●… steal. 11 Q. What is the general meaning of the eighth Commandment? 11 A. The general● meaning of the eighth Commandment is the preserving of m●…* goods and estates 〈…〉 x all safety.* ●Thess 4. 6. x Exod. 23. 4. 5. Is it not the preserving of men's goods and estates in all safety? Yes. Or, May we never wrong them in their estates any way, though they be able to bear it, and we are poor? No. Or, oppress them in any thing, having the law of men on our side? No. Or, Defraud them in any kind, when We find them unskilful, or heedless; even though they pretend great skill or care? No. Or, May we forbear to help them or further their good when we may without special wrong to ourselves? No. Q What is the ninth Commandment? A. Thou shalt not bear, &c. 12 Q. What is the general meaning of the ninth Commandment? 12 A. The general Is it not the maintaining of truth? Yes. meaning of the ninth Commandment is y the maintaining of a truth z and the preserving of men's a good names. y Prov. 24. 28. z Ephes. 4. 25. ●●James 4. 11. Levit. 19 16. And, Preserving men's good names? Yes. Or, May we ●t any time ●ie? No. Though it be for our advan●… No. Or, For our safety No. Or, For any other a sak●? No. Or, Even for God's glory? No. Or, 〈…〉 just cause speak 〈…〉 of 〈…〉 No. Or, Though the thing we ●peak be true? No. Or, Forbear to speak good of 〈…〉 when we might speak with truth and wisdom? No. Or, Forbear to maintain the 〈…〉 when it is seasonable and ●● are called to maintain it? No. Q. What is the tenth Commandment? A. Thou shalt not covet, &c. 13 Q. What is the general meaning of the tenth Commandment? 13 A. The general meaning of the tenth commandment is b contentedness with what is our own, and c rejoicing in another's good d as in our own, e forbidding the least motions and inclinations to the contrary. b Heb. 13. 5. c Rom. 12. 16. d Phil. 2. 4. e Rom. 7. 7. Is it not contentedness with ●hat is our own? Yes. And, Rojoycing in another's ●ood, as our own Yes. Or, May we at any time grudge 〈…〉 good others enjoy? No. Though we ourselves did exect as much and have it not? No. Or, May we envy them at any ●●e for any thing? No. Though we think they deserve or what they have? No. Or, That they ●ouse it? No. Or, Will abu●e it? No. 〈…〉 May ●…e 〈…〉 for ourselves, and regardless of others? No. And, Are not the least motions and inclinations to the contrary forbidden? Yes. 14. Q. How perfectly ●●● the faithful keep God's Commandments while they are upon earth? 14 A. The faithful do not f attain to perfection in God's sight 〈…〉, g yet they str●… for it, and may be ●…blameable before men f Phil. 3. 12, 13. Gal. 5●… 17. g 1 Joh. 3. 3. h 1 The 2. 10. Phil. 2. 15. Is there a just man upon the earth that doth good and sinneth not? No. Or, Do any attain to perfection in God's sight here? No. Yet, Do not the faithful strive for perfection. Yes. And, May they not be unblameable before men? Yes. 15 Q. How then are any justified and counted righteous before God? 15 A. i. None can ever be justified by thei● works and obedience to the Law: but only by God's free grac● through Faith 〈…〉 Christ's righteousness i Gal. 4. 16. Rom. 3. 23, 24, 25, 26. Ephes. 2. 8, 9 Can they ever be justified by their works and obedience to the Law? No. Or, only by God's free grace, through faith in Christ's righteousness? Yes. 16 Q. What must a faithful man do, when he hath again sinned and broken God's Commandment after God hath justified him? 16 A. When a faithful man hath sinned h● must k return to God by renewing his l repentance, and m faith in Christ. k Hosea 1● 1. l 1 John 1. 9 He● 4. 14, 15, 16. May he go on carelessly in sin, and presume God will justify him still though he repent not? No. Or, Must he not return to God by renewing his repentance ●nd faith in Christ? Yes. 17 Q. But how can a man ●ave pardon that sinneth again and again? 17 A. Christ is still our n Advocate and Surety procuring us pardon o when we repent, and come to him by faith. ● 1. John●. ●. 2. oh Heb. 10. 21, 22. Is it not impossible there ●…ould be any pardon for such? No. Or, ●● Christ still our Advocate and surety procuring 9● pardon when we repent and come to 〈…〉 by faith? Yes. Questions and Answers tending to explain The Lord's Prayer. Question 1. WH●… that we repent and believe, and keep● God's commandments. A. It is only from God's grace 〈…〉 Christ that we a repent, and b believe, and c keep God's Commandments. a 2 Tim. 2. 25. Acts 5. 31. b Ephes. 2. 8. Heb. 12. 2. e Heb. 8. 10. John 15. 5. Phil. 4. 13. Is it altogether from ourselves? No. Or, only from God's grace through Christ? Yes. Or, Partly from God, and partly from ourselves? No. Or, From God, through any mediator besides Christ? No. 2 Q. How doth God use to work repentance and faith in us? 2 A. God works d repentance, and e faith in us by his Word, with which his f Spirit conveyeth his grace unto us. d 2 Tim. 2. 25. e Rom. 17. 〈…〉 2 Cor. 3. 3. ●Pet. 1. 22. Is it not by his word, with which his Spirit conveyeth his grace unto us? Yes. Or, useth he to work by his Spirit without his Word? No. Or, Would the Word do us any good without the Spirit? No. 3 Q. How may we obtain grace from God when we find ourselves to want it? 3 A. God will have us to g pray to him for grace, as h also for all other good things, when we want them. g Ezek. 36. 25, &. with 37. h Jer. 29. 11. 12. Luke 11. 9, 10. 13. Will ●e not have us to pray to him for it? Yes. Or, May we expect it without praying for it? No. Or, May we expect any other good thing without prayer? No. Or, Will God ●●ve us to pray to him also for all other good things when we want them? Yes. 4 Q. What is Prayer? 4. A. Prayer is the i making of our requests to God, by k pouring out our hearts before him. i Phi. 4. 6. k Psa. 62. 8. Is it not the making our requests to God, by pouring out our hearts before him? Yes. Or, Is the repeating of the belief a Prayer? No. Or, Is the repeating of the ten Commandments a Prayer? No. Or, Do we pray when we say over the words of any prayer without understanding? No. Or, Without our hearts go a long with our tongues and lips? No. 5 Q. To whom must we pray or may we pray? 5. A. We must pray to l God alone, and none else. l Psal. 65. 2. Must we pray to God alone? Yes. And, May we pray to none else? No. Or, May we pray to Angels? No. Or, To Saints in heaven? No. Or, To the blessed Virgin? No. 6 Q. In whose name must we pray, or may we pray? 6 A. We must pray in the m name of Christ alone, and n of none else, trusting only upon Him, for making our Prayers accepted. m John. 16. 23. n John 14. 6. 1. Tim. 2. 5. May we pray in our own names, that is, trusting in our own righteousness? No. Or, In the name of any Saint? No. Or, Angel? No. Or, Of the blessed Virgin? No. Trusting in any of them, or any other mere creature, for accepta●●on of our prayers? No. Or, Must we pray in the name of Christ alone? Yes. Trusting upon him and none else, for making our prayers accepted? Yes. 7 Q. What rule or direction have we for the making of our prayers? With what affections we should pray, and for what things? 7 A. The rule of our Prayers is oh God's Word, p specially the Lord's Prayer, o Esa. 8. 20. p Mat. 6. 9, &c. Luke 11. 2, &c. Q. What is that you call the Lord's Prayer? Repeat it. A. Our Father, &c. Is not God's Word to be our rule and direction? Yes. And, Specially the Lord's prayer, which Christ himself hath taught us? Yes. Or, May we pray as we list? No. Or, For what we list? No. 8 Q. With what affections must we always pray, according to the direction of the Lord's Prayer? 8 A. the Lord's prayer directeth us to pray in faith, and humility, and charity, & thankfulness. Must we not always pray in faith, as coming to a father, and one who hath all power? Yes. And, In humility, as to our heavenly Father, and the King of the whole world? Yes. And, In charity for others, as for ourselves? Yes. And, Forgiving, as we expect forgiveness? Yes. And, In thankfulness, as to him that ruleth all, and doth all for us? Yes. Or, May any of these be altogether wanting, and yet our prayer acceptable? No. 9 Q. What are we taught to pray for in the Lord's Prayer, saying, Hallowed be thy Name? 9 A. When we say hallowed be thy name, we pray, that God may be infinitely honoured q above us and all creatures, and everlastingly glorified ● by us and all creatures. q Psal. 115. 1, 2. &c. Psal. 103. 22. It is not that God may be infinitely honoured above us and ●ll creatures? Yes. And, Everlastingly glorified by us and all creatures? Yes. Or, May we at any time take the honour of any thing wholly ●o ourselves? No. Or, Match ourselves with God ●n any respect? No. Or, Ascribe like honour in any respect to any creature that we do to God? No. Or, Be careless of glorifying God in some thing or other, at ●ome time or other? No. And, Need we trouble ourselves, if others neglect to glorify God any way? Yes. Or, When any thing is spoken or done to his dishonour, may we be careless of it? No. 10 Q. What are we taught to pray for, saying. Thy kingdom come? 10 A. When we say, Thy kingdom come, we pray, that s Christ may reign throughout the World t by his word in despite of Satan and all other rebellious enemies. s Ps. 110. 1, 2. t ●Thes. 3. 1. Is it not that Christ may reign throughout the world by his Word? Yes. And, That in despite of Satan, and all other rebellious enemies? Yes. And, Is God's kingdom and Christ's kingdom all one? Yes. Doth Christ's kingdom anywhere take place, where his Word beareth not the sway? No. Or, Need we trouble ourselves, 〈…〉 Christ and his Word do not Prevail anywhere so long 〈…〉 o●● ourselves a●● 〈…〉 by it? Yes. Or, When Satan's kingdom prevaileth, and any other rebellious enemies of Christ, may we 〈…〉 to see or hear● it? No. 11. Q. Wh●● are we 〈…〉 to pray for, saying, Thy will b●● done? 11 A. When 〈…〉 say, Thy will be done we pray that 〈…〉 God will may be fully ye●ded to, x not our ow● wills, y nor the lusts 〈…〉 men. ●Psal. 142. 1● x Matth. 26. 39 42. y Psal. 140. 8. 1 Pet 4. 2, 3. Is it not that God's will may be fully yielded to a● all times? Yes. Or, May we not sometime● stand upon having our own● wils? No. Or, Grudge that we are forced to endure God's will? No. Or, Give way sometimes to the lusts of men contrarying God's will? No. And, Need we trouble ourselves if God's will be not done by 〈…〉 as we do it● ourselves? Yes. Or, If others grudge to be forced to endure God's will, may we be careless to see or hear it? No. 12 Q. W●●●●●● w●●●●●ght to pray for, saying Give ●●●●is ●●y o●● daily bread? 12 A. When we say, Give us this day our daily bread, we beg all y needful things for our bodily life and outward condition, with a 〈…〉 Doe we not beg of God all needful things for our bodily life and outward condition? Yes. And, A blessing withal upon the things that are given us? Yes. And, freedom also from all 〈…〉 ●● our ●●●ward 〈…〉? Yes. sing o● them, and a freedom from all 〈…〉 y Prov. 30. 8. ●Psal. ●8. 9 a Ps● 17. 8. Or, i●●●re ●●ead the only 〈…〉 we are ●llowed to 〈…〉 No. 13 Q. What are we taught to 〈…〉 saying 〈…〉. 13 A. When we say, Forgive us our ●rrespasses, we beg or God ● never to require of us ourselves to suffer and satisfy for our c sins past, and to d assure us that he will not. b Psal. 143. 2. c Psal. 79. 8. Psal. 25. 7. d Psal. 51. 12. Do we not beg of God, never to require of us ourselves ●o suffer o● satisfy for our sinne● 〈…〉? Yes. And, Wi●… that ●…e will not? Yes. Or, Are we forgiven if God ●oe require of us ourselves, to suffer or satisfy for our sins ●ast? No. Or, unless he accept the suffering and satisfaction of another, namely of Christ? No. 14 Q. What are we taught ●o pray for, saying, Lead us not into ●emptation? 14 A. When we say, Lead us not into temptation, we beg of God that we may not meet with any e provocation to sin, and may have f a●● helps to grace. e Prov. 30. 8, 9 Psal 141. 4. f Psal. 43. 3. Psal. 119. 43. Psal. 141. 5. Do we not beg of God that we may not meet with any pro●ocation to sin? Yes. And, May also have all helps ●o grace? Yes. Or, May we be so confident of ourselves as we need not ask these things. No. 15 Q. What are we taught 〈…〉 pray for, saying, Deliver us from 〈…〉? 15 A. When we say, Deliver us from evil, we beg of God to be kept from g sin, specially Do we not beg that we may ●e kept from sin? Yes. And, Specially from living in sin? Yes. from the living in it; and so from Satan and k Hell, having all things blessed to ou●l grace, and m salvation. g Ioh. 17. 15. Psal 19 12, 13. ●Psal. 119▪ 133. i. Zach. 3. 2. ●. ●Tim. 1. 18. l Ioh. 17. 17. m Iohn●7. 24. And, To have all things bles●… to our grace and salvation? Yes. And, So kept from Satan and Hell? Yes. Or, Is any of this needless to be asked? No. Or, May we presume to live in sin, and yet think to escape Satan and Hell, and be saved? No. Questions and Answers tending to explain the Sacraments. Question 1. WHat other means, besides prayer, hath God appointed i● to use, to confirm● and increase our faith and grace? A. To confirm and increase our faith and grace, God, besides prayer, hath appointed us to use his a word & b Sacraments. a Col. 3. 16. b Mark 16. 16 Luke 22. 19, 20. Hath he not appointed us to ●se his Word and Sacraments? Yes. Or, May we at any time wilingly forbear the use of them without offence to God, and hurt ●o ourselves? No. 2 Q. How will God have us ●se his word, that it may do us further good? 2 A. We are both to c read God's Word, & d hear it e preached and f read, with g delight, h meekness, i. faith, and a faithful k desire to grow thereby. e John 5. 39 Acts 17. 11, 12. d 1 Thes. 5. 20. e 2 Tim. 4. 1, 2. f Acts 13. 15. g Psal. 1. 2. h Iam. 1. 21. ●Heb. 42. k 1 Pet. 2. 2. Is it enough only to read it, without hearing of it preached? No. Or, To hear it only preached, without reading of it? No. Or, Without hearing it read? No. Or, Will it do us any good ●…ther way, unless we use it with delight, meekness, faith, and ● faithful desire to grow thereby? No. 3 Q. How many Sacraments are ●…re appointed by Christ? 3 A. There are two Sacraments appointed by Christ, namely, Are there only two, namely Baptism and the Lord's Supper? Yes. Baptism, and the Lords 〈…〉 more. l Matth. 28. 1● m ●Cor. 11. 23, 24, 25 Or, Are to ●re more than two? No. O, ●●●ter? No. 4 Q. What is a Sacrament? 4. A. Sacrament the applying an outward visible creature to our bodies as 〈…〉 sign, seal, and pledge from God of a ● like inward and spiritual grace to our souls n Gen. ●●●●. Rom. ● 11. ●●Cor. 10. 16. Is it not the applying of an outward visible creature to our bodies, as a sign, seal, or pledge from God of a like inward and spiritual grace to ou● souls? Yes. Or, Is there a Sacrament where there is no outward visible sign? No. Or, Where the outward creatures are not applied to our bodies, but only gazed on? No. Or, Are the Sacraments bar● signs, without any spiritual grace to our souls offered by them? No ● Q. Who hath authority and power to ordain a Sacrament? 5. A. p Christ ●●on● hath authority to command the use of any creature for a Sacrament, and q alone power to assure any r grace with i●. p Ma●. 7. 7. q. Col. 2. 8, 9, 10 r John 1. 16, 17. Hath not Christ alone authority to command any such use of any creature for a Sacrament? Yes. Or, Hath any man, or company of man any such authority? No. And, Hath Christ alone power to assure any such grace with it? Yes. Or, Can any man, or men of themselves promise it? No. 6. Q. What is baptism outwardly in regard of the vi●●l● sign, or creature commanded to be a pli●●t to our bodies? 6. A. baptism outwardly is washing the body with s water b● dipping or sprinkling Is it washing the body with water by dipping, or sprinkling the name of the Father? ●●. Yes. ●n the t name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost. John 3. 23. To Mat. 28, 19 Or, May not any other creature 〈…〉 for it 〈…〉 water? No. And, Will sprinkling the 〈…〉 d●● it without dipping 〈…〉 it? Yes. And, Will not other words do as well, where there is not all the three persons of the blessed Trinity named? No. 7 Q. What is the inward and 〈…〉 grace sealed to the faithful, ●…li●…? 7 A. The inward grace sealed to the faithful in baptism, is the u virtue of Christ's blood and of his Spirit, to the x was●ing away of sin, and y new birth to the life of grace. u Rom. 6. 3, 4. x Acts 22. 16. y Titus 3. 5. 〈…〉 of Christ 〈…〉 and of 〈…〉 to the washing awa● of sin and new ●…rth to the life of grace? Yes. Or, Do any of the faithful ●●o are baptised, mi●●e of this 〈…〉? No. Or, Do hypocri●es, though outwardly baptised, partake of his grace? No. 8. Q. How often is baptism to 〈…〉 administered to any one party? No. 8. A. baptism is to be administered to any one only once, and no more, because as we can be borne but once naturally, so but once spiritually. Must it be often administered 〈…〉 the same party? No. Or, May it be if any desire it? No. Or, Must it be to any one o●…●●ce and no more? Yes. And, 〈…〉 it so because as we ●…n ●…t once naturally b●● once spiritually? Yes. Q. 9 How is it proved, th●… within the Ch●…? 9 A. Children born within the Church are to be baptised because 〈…〉 a just proof of it, th●… children were wont to be circumcised by God's command? Yes. they were y wont be circumcised, a● because 〈…〉 they 〈…〉 within Gods. Gov●…nant, and ●●●●ve 〈…〉 to the seal of it. y G●● 17. 12. ●. Gen. 17. ● 1 Cor. 7. 14. Or, Is there any such difference between Circumcision and baptism, as for children to be admitted to the one and not to the other? No. And, Is it not also a just proof of it, because such children are within God's Covenant, and so have right to the seal of it? Yes. 10. Q. Since nothing can be required of children when they are brought to baptism; what is required of them afterward when they come to years of discretion, in consideration that they have been baptised? 10 A. Children ba●…tized are sound wh●● they come to years 〈…〉 discretion, to practi●…a faith, 〈…〉 and obed●ence, and then th●● shall feel, the bene●… of their Baptism● a Gal. 3. 26. b. Ro● 6: 3, 4. Are they not then bound to practise faith and obedience? Yes. Or, Are they free from any such engagements, although their sureties that required baptism for them did promise and vow it in their names? No. And, Shall they feel any benefit of their baptism, when they come to years, without this? No. Or, fail, to feel it if they practise this? No. 11 Q. What is the Lord's Supper outwardly, in regard of the visible g●e or crea●●●● commanded to be applied to our bodies? 11 A. The Lor● Supper outwardly c both eating brea● and drinking wit● in remembrance 〈…〉 Christ and his de●… Is it both eating bread, and drinking wine, in remembrance of Christ, and his death for us? Yes. Or, May we not only eat 〈…〉 bread, and for bear to drink 〈…〉 wine? No. for us. c 1. Cor. 11. 23. 24, 25, 26. 〈…〉, After the ●…tration for 〈…〉 Sacrame●… it still bread ●hich we 〈…〉 and eat? Yes. And, Wine which we drink? Yes. Or, Is it substantially changed into the very body and blood of Christ? No. And, Do● we receive a right 〈…〉 receive the bread and wine ●nd forget Christ? No. Or, 〈…〉 person, and 〈…〉 his death for us? No. 12. Q. What is the Lord's Sup●… towardly in regard of the reward ●nd spiritual grace there offered 〈…〉 i●? 12 A. The spiritual grace in the Lord's Supper is d Christ's body & blood, e nourishing our souls by renewing pardon for sin past, and grace against sin hereafter. d 1 Cor. 10. 16. e Ioh. 6. 51, 54, 55, 58. Is it not Christ's body and blood nourishing our souls by renewing pardon for sin past, and grace against sin hereafter? Yes. Or, Is there only a bare remembrance of Christ's body and blood, without an effectual par●aking of them by those that ●ome aright to receive them? No. Or, Can the body and blood of Christ be received by any without benefit to their souls? No. And, They missing pardon for 〈…〉 past? No. Or, Missing of some renewed grace against sin hereafter? No. 13. Q. Who do partake of the ●…y and blood of Christ in the 〈…〉 Supper, and how is it re●…? 13 A. The body & blood of Christ in the Lord's Supper is f only Is it only received by the faithful, and only by thei● faith? Yes. received by the faithful, and only b● their g faith. f 〈…〉 11. 29. g 〈◊〉 6. 3 〈…〉 48. 54. Or, do any else receive it though they eat the bread, and drink the wine? No. Or, do the faithful themselves receive it with their hands and mouths? No. 14 Q. How often is the Lord Supper to be administered and received? 14 A. The Lord's Supper is to be often administered, and received often by ever● Christian. h 1 Cor. 2● 25, 26, 27, 28. Is it often to be administered? Yes. Or, seldom? No. And, Must it be received often? Yes. Or, seldom? No. Or, May any keep away at their own pleasure, and come only when they lift? No. Or, Are they excusable that refuse to come, because they have no leisure for worldly businesses? No. Or, Because they have not repented of their sins? No. Or, Because they are not in charity? No. Or, Any such like excuse? No. 15 Q. How must a man come to the Lord's Supper? 15. A. He that cometh to the Lord● Supper must i i exami● himself, or else he ea●eth and drinketh unworthy; and so 〈◊〉 ignorant person 〈◊〉 come. i 1 Cor. 11. ●● 28, 29. May a man come carelessly; without preparing himself? No. Or, Can a man prepare himself sufficiently unless he examine himself? No. And, Doth not a man else eat and drink unworthily? Yes. And, May any ignorant persons, whether children, or grown 〈…〉 come to the Lord's Supper, 〈…〉 they ●n●●●ot how to examine them●…? No. 16 Q. What is the sin, ●nd danger of these t●●● eat and drink ●● the Lord's Supper unworthily? 16. A. ● They that eat and drink unworthily at the Lord's Supper, are guilty of Christ's body & blood, and eat and drink damnation to themselves, if they repent not of it. k 1 Cor. 11. 27, 29, 31, 32. Are● they ●●● guilty of the body and blood of Christ? Yes. And, do they not eat and drink damnation to themselves if they repent not of it. Yes. Or, 〈…〉 to accuse them of such a sin●● No. Or Is that too sort a punish them for such an offence? No. 17 A. When a man cometh to the Lord's Supper, the things he must examine himself about, are l repentance and m faith, & n thankfulness, and o charity: for a man is no Christian that is altogether without these. l Luke 13. 3, 5. m John 3. 36. n Col. 3. 15, 17. oh Mat. 6. 15. 1 Cor. 10. 17. 17 Q. What are the things 〈…〉 man must examine himself about, 〈…〉 to the Lord's Supper? Are they not repentance and faith, and thankfulness, and charity? Yes. Or, May a man come in his 〈◊〉 unrepented of? No. Or, Without faith in Christ? No. Or, Without thankfulness ●o Christ? No. Or, Without charity to men? No. Or, Is any man a christian that 〈◊〉 altogether without these? No. 18 Q. H●… a man examine himself about his repentance ●o, as he may know he doth ●…pent? 18 A. A man may know that he truly repenteth, when he seeth sin p so odious, and so q. mischievous, as he Is it when he seeth sin so odious ●●● mis●●ievous as he resolveth nothing shall make him willing to sin again? Yes. r resolveth nothing shall make him willing to sin again p. Ezek. 36, 31. q Ro. 6. 11 r Esay 30. 22. Ioh. 34 31, 31. Hos. 14. 38. Or, Doth a man truly repent unless he see sin to be most odious and most mischievous? No. Or, unless he resolve against all sin? No. 19 Q. How may a man examine himself about his faith so, as to know he hath true faith in Christ? 19 〈…〉 man may know he hath tru●… faith in Christ, when s only from his dea●… he looketh for pardon, and all good to h●… soul, and looking at that keepeth his soul from fainting utterly s Phil. 3. 7, 8, 9, 10. Is it not when he looketh for pardon and all good, to his soul only from Christ's death, and looking at that, keepeth his soul from fainting utterly? Yes. Or, Doth he truly believe that joineth any creature with Christ in expectation of pardon and good to his soul? No. Or, Whose spirit so fainteth as he looketh not at all for any good from Christ? No. 20 Q How may a man examine himself about his thankfulness to Christ so, as he may know he is truly thankful. 20 A. A man may know he is truly thankful to Christ when he esteemeth Christ's love and u benefits above all others, and so desireth to x please Christ in all things. To Eph. 3 17, 18, 19 ●Phil . 3. 8 x 2 Cor. 5, 14, 15. Is it when he esteemeth Christ's love and benefits above all others, and so desireth to please him in all things? Yes. Or, Is he truly thankful that esteemeth the love of men or their benefits, more than Christ's? No. Or, equal to them? No. Or, Any benefits in temporal respects, equal to Christ's? No. Or, That is not moved by Christ's love and benefits to de●… please him in all things? No. 21 Q. How may a man examine ●…selfe about his charity so, as he 〈…〉 know he hath true charity to●…d all men? 21 A. A man may know he hath true charity toward all men, when he loveth x every one, y even those that have wronged him, as he desires z God or* men should love him. x James 2. 8, 9 y Mat. 5. 43, 44, 45. z Math. 12.* Mat. 7. 12. 1 Ioh. 3. 18, 19 Is it when he loveth every one, ●…en those that have wronged ●●, as he desireth God and men ●…uld love him? Yes. Or, Hath he true charity that ●…ly loveth his friends who are ●…de to him? No. Or, At the most those only it wrong him not? No. Or, Pretending to love even ●●e that wrong him, yet his ●●art, and words, and dealings, 〈◊〉 otherwise towards them, ●…en he desireth from God and ●●th men as love him? No. FINIS.