A CATECHISME OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION, TAVGHT in the Schooles and Churches of the Low-Countries, and dominions of the Countie Palatine:
WITH THE ARGVMENTS, AND vse of the seueral doctrins of the same Catechisme By IEREMIAS BASTINGIVS.
And now authorized by the Kinges Maiestie, for the vse of Scotland.
Wherunto is adioyned certaine Praiers, both publike and priuate, for sundry purposes.
EDINBVRGH, ❧ Printed by Robert VValde-graue, printer to the Kings Majestie. 1591. Cum priuilegio Regiae Maiestatis.
The A. B. C.
A a b c d e f g h i k l m n o p q r r s s t u v w x y z &.
A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P Q R S T V W X Y Z.
a b c d e f g h i k l m n o p q r s s t v u vv x y z.
A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P Q R S T V VV X Y Z
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| a e i o u | a e i o u |
| ab eb ib ob ub | ag eg ig og ug |
| ac ec ic oc uc | ak ek ik ok uk |
| ad ed id od ud | al el il ol ul |
| af ef if of uf | an en in on un |
In the name of the Father, and of the Sonne, and of the holy Ghost, Sobeit.
The Lords prayer.
OVr Father which art in heauen: halowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come: Thy wil be done in Earth as it is in Heauen: Giue vs this day our dayly bread: And forgiue vs our trespasses, as wee forgiue them that trespas against vs. And leade vs not into temptation, but deliuer vs from euill. For thine is the kingdome, power & the glory, for euer and euer. Amen.
The beliefe.
I Beleue in God the Father almightie, maker of Heauen & Earth: And in Iesus Christ his onely Sonne our Lord, which was conceiued by the holy Ghost: Born of [...] virgin Mary. Suffered vnder Pon [...]us Pilate: was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into Hell, the third day hee rose againe from the dead. Hee ascended into Heauen, & sitteth at the right hand of God the Father almightie: From thence shal he come to iudge the quick & the dead. I beleue in the holy ghost: The holy Catholik Church: The cō munion of Saints: The forgiuenes of sinnes, the resurrection of the body: And the life euerlasting.
THE TEN COMMANDEments of Almightie God.
HArken, and take heede, Israel. I am the Lorde thy God, which haue brought thee out of the lande of Egypt, & from the house of bondage.
1 Thou shalt haue non other Gods before me.
2 Thou shalt not make to thy selfe any grauen Image, nor the likenes of any thing, that is in Heauen aboue, or in the Earth beneath, nor in the water vnder the Earth. Thou shalt not bow downe to them, nor worship them. For I the lord thy God, am a ielous God, and visits the sinnes of the fathers vpon the children, vnto the third & fourth generation, of them that hate me, and shewe mercie vnto thousands, of them that loue me and keepe my commandements.
3 Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vaine, for the lord will not holde him guiltlesse that taketh his name in vaine.
4 Remember that thou keepe holy the Sabboth day: Six dayes shalt [Page] thou labour and doe all that thou hast to doe. But the Seauenth day is the Sabboth of the Lorde thy God: In it thou shalt do no maner of work, thou, and thy Sonne, and thy daughter, thy manseruant, and thy maidseruant, thy cattel, and the stranger, that is within thy gates. For in six dayes, the Lorde made Heauen and Earth, the Sea, & all that in them is, and rested the Seauenth day, wherefore the Lord blessed the Seuenth day, and hallowed it.
5 Honor thy Father and thy Mother, that thy dayes may be long in the Land which the Lord thy God giueth thee.
6 Thou shalt do no murther.
7 Thou shalt not commit adulterie.
8 Thou shalt not steale.
9 Thou shalt not beare false witnes against thy neighbour.
10 Thou shal not couet thy neighbours house. Thou shalt not couet thy neighbours wife, nor his seruant, nor his mayde, nor his Oxe, nor his Asse, nor any thing that is his.
A PRAIER TO BE VSED before Catechising.
VVEe most hartily thank thee, O most mercifull Father, for all thy blessings, bestowed vppon vs, from the beginning of the world, vnto this time: for our election, creation, redemption, mercifull vocation, iustification, sanctification, continuall preseruation, and for that same assured, and most comfortable hope, that thou hast giuen vs, of our glorification in the world to come. And we beseech thee to direct vs, that, considering thy mercies, we may acknowledg and confesse our sinnes, which should prouoke thee rather to curse, than to blesse vs: to confounde vs, rather than to preserue vs. Wee haue sinned against thee, both in thoght, worde, & deed: grant, that we seeing the horror of our sinnes, and the fiercenes of thy wrath, may without hypocrisie or dissimulation be earnestly sory, & hartely repentant for our former wickednes: howbeit in such sort, as that wee despair not, but that in bitternes of our [Page] griefe, we may haue comfort by faith, in thy Sonne Christ, that our offences are pardoned. Grant O Lord, that we being assured hereof, in our consciences, may through thy holy Spirite, be renued in the inward man, to hate, detest, and abhorre sinn, and to study to liue according to thy blessed will during our whol life, and as now, throgh thy goodnes wee are here assembled together: so, we beseech thee, to direct vs, that at this present, both in our wordes, harts, and all our behauiors, may be in such sort ordered, as, that wee may trulie vtter, and reuerently receiue, the principles of thy holy & heauenly word, to the strengthening of our fayth, to the comforte of our consciences, to the amendement of our sinfull and lewd liues, and to the glory of thy most holy name, through Iesus Christ our Lord, So be it.
OF THE ONELY COMFORT OF MAN, IN LIFE AND IN DEATH.
❧ In the first section is handled, the soueraigne good of man, and namely, his onely comfort in life and in death: as also, the necessarie meanes to attaine that soueraigne good: and two questions are propounded for the handling of this preface, or argument.
Question.
Lords day. The first WHat is thy onely comfort in life & in death.
Answere.
That in soule and body,1. Cor. 6.19. 1. Thes. 5.10. whether I liue or die,Rom. 14.8. I am not mine owne, but I belong1. Cor. 3.23. vnto my most faythfull Lord and Sauiour, Iesus Christe: who by his precious blood, most fully satisfying1. Pet, 1.18. 1. Ioh. 1.7 & 2.2 for al my sinnes hath deliuered1. Ioh. 2.8. Heb. 2.14.15. me, from the whole [Page] power of the deuill, & doth so preserueIohn. 6.39. me, that without the will of my heauenly Father, not so much as a haire can falMat. 10.30. Luk. 21.18. from my head: yea, al things are madeRom. 8.28. to serue for my saluation. Wherefore by his spirit also,2. Cor. 1.22. & 5.5. Ephes. 1.14. he assureth me of euerlasting life, & makethRom. 8.24. me ready & prepared, that henceforth I may liue to him.
The vse
THe vse of this doctrine is manifold, and diuerse, partly seruing for the confirmation of our fayth, partly for the instruction of every godly and faythful man. For first, if Christ haue most fully satisfied for al my sinnes, as he hath, hereof I am perswaded, that al my sinns are forgiuen, and that I being iustified by fayth, haue peace with God through Christ, and that I am trulie blessed, both in life and in death, and hereof also, I conceiue certaine hope and assurance, that God for Christes sake, wil hereafter be gratious vnto me. Secondly, if he haue deliuered vs from the power of the Diuell: wee are hereby put in mind, every on of vs to detest sin, and diligently to beware that it raigne not in our mortall bodies, but rather to followe after righteousnes, innocencie, and vprightnes of life, all the dayes of our life. Then, whereas Sathan before reigned throgh death to our destruction, and Christ also hath subdued death for vs, wee may boldely despise death, considering that the [Page] first death can not otherwise light vpon vs, but for our saluation, and the second death is overcome by the power of Christ, that is, not able to hurt the godly. Thirdly, if wee properly belong vnto the Lorde, let vs not serue any other, but him who hath redeemed vs, according vnto the counsell of the Apostle.1. Cor. 7.23. Yee are bought vvith a price, be not the seruants of men: next, let vs not iudg our brethren, (as the same Apostle saith) Who art thou that iudgest an other mans seruant? Rom. 14. [...] he standeth or falleth to his ovvne Lord. Fourthlie, seeing the same Christ doth maintain that saluation which hee hath purchased for vs, and hath sealed the same by his spirit in our harts,Luke. 11.22. whatsoeuer Sathan that Enemie of ours dooth interprise, soe long as we haue on our side, so strong and so valiant an armed man, we are commanded not to quail or be discouraged, for that we are alwaies sure to bee conquerours, through Iesus Christ our Lord.
Question
2 How many things are needfull for thee to knowe, to the end thou enjoying this comfort, maist liue and dye an happy man?
Answere.
ThreeLuk. 24.47. 1. Cot. 6.11. Rom. 8.16. Tit. [...] 3.4.5.6.7.8. things: First, what is the greatnesIohn. 9.41. Rom. 3. of my sinne, and of my miserie. Secondly, by what means I may be deliueredIohn. 17.3. from all my sin & miserie. Thirdly, what thankfulnes I oweEphe. 5.10. 1. pet. 2.9. & 3.10.11.12. Rom. 6.11.12 13. Mat. 5 16. 2. Tim. 2.15. to God for that deliuerance.
THE FIRST PART, OF MANS MISERIE.
1. Of mans miserie, that is, of sinne, & whereby it is knowne. 2. How greate our debt is. 3. Of our inhabilitie to pay it.
Question.
Lords day. 2 3. How doest thou know thine own miserie?
Answere.
BY the law of God.Rom. 3.20.
The Vse.
THis vse of the lawe, the Apostle declareth in many places: By the Lavv, commeth the knovvledg of sinne. And vvithout the lavve sinne is dead, that is,Rom. 3.8. not perceiued: therefore by the Law, it is perceiued and quickned: but more plainly when he saith: Nay, I had not knovvne sinne, but by the Lavv, for I had not knovvne lust, except the Lavve had said, Rom. 7.8. thou shalt not lust. Last of all to the Galath.Gal. 3.9. The Lavve vvas added because of transgression. Out of which testimonies it is truly gathered, that it is the morall Lawe whereof hee here speketh, which is in stead of a glasse, wherein we [Page] perfectly behold our own vncleannes, even as a glasse sheweth vnto vs the spottes in our face, that we wel knowing and vnderstanding it, and withal, perceuing in what danger we stand, may bee ashamed of our selues, and by this meanes being trulie humbled before God, may sue to the sanctuarie of his grace.
Question.
4. What doeth the Law of God require of vs?
Answere.
That doth Christ teach vs summarily, Mat. 22. Thou shalt loue the Lord thy God with al thy heart, with all thy soule, with al thy mind, & with al thy strengthLuk. 10.27.. This is the first and the greatest commandement, and the second is like vnto this. Thou shalt loue thy neighbour as thy selfe. On these two commandementes, hangeth the whole lawe and the Prophets.
The vse
THe vse of the doctrine of the loue of God & of our neighbour, brieflie consisteth in these points. 1. That when wee heare it is required at our hands, to loue God with a single affection of hart, we chase away, and remoue far from vs all hypocrisie, lest that saying of the Prophet be fitly [Page] applied vnto vs:Esa. 29, 13 This people honoreth me vvith their lippes, but their hart is far from me. 2. That seing God requireth of vs, perfit loue of himselfe we earnestly consider, how great diligence and indeuour we had need to vse, that we may daily profite and increase more and more in the loue of God. 3. Seeing God requireth of vs to loue our neighbor as our selues, let vs beware of pretending any ignorance of this lawe, as that wee knowe not what, or how much we oughr to giue our neighbour, seeing every man is able to dissolue this doubt by the tender loue that he beareth vnto himselfe, and therefore is without excuse before God, if he do otherwise. Next, let vs restraine all selfe-loue in our selues, whereby it commeth to passe, that we think our selues only worthie to be loued, and doe either careleslie neglect, or disdainfully and proudlie despise all others.
Question.
5. Art thou able to keepe all these thinges perfectlie?
Answere.
In no wiseRom. 3.10.23 1 Iohn 1.8.: For by nature I am prone to the hatred of God, and of my neighbourRom. 8.7. Eph 2.3. Tit. 3.3..
OF THE CREATION OF man, after the image of God.
Of the creation of man to the image [Page] of God, and of his fall: & in this, of originall sinne, and of the power of free-wil, or of the vnderstanding and the will, in this corruption of nature.
Question.
Lords day. 3 6. What then, did God make man so bad and so corrupt?
Answere.
No truelieGen. 1.31.: Gut God created him good, & according to his own imageGen. 1.26. & 27., that is, endewed with true righteousnes and holines, that he might rightlie know God his Creator, and loue him with all his hart, and liue in blessednes with him for euer, and that to laude and magnifie him2. Cor. 3.18. Gol, 3.10. Eph. 4 24..
The vse.
THe rehersall, that is, the calling to remembrance of these benefits, which God in the beginning powred vpon man, will not onlie serue to that end, to make vs knowe and bewaile the greatnes of our sinne and miserie, by comparison with the good thinges which wee haue lost [...] but also wil awake vs, both to an earnest and feruent desire, to be restored fully vnto that blessed estate in Christ, and especially to apply the studie of righteousnes & goodnes, vntil the Image of God recouer his full brightnes in vs in Heauen: last of al, to be thankful vnto God for our restoring, crying out with the Prophet. What is [Page] man, that thou art mindful of him, or the Sonne of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lovver then the Angels, and hast crovvned him vvith glory and honor.
Question.
7. From whence then ariseth this corruption of mans nature?
Answere.
From the fall and disobedience of our first parentes, Adam and Euah in paradiseRom. 5 17 18.19.: where our nature was so corrupted, that we are al conceiued and borne in sinnePsal. 51.5. Gen. 5.3..
Question.
8. But are we so corrupt, that we are not at all fit to do well, and are wee prone to all vice?
Answere.
Yea: except we be regenerated by the holie GhostIohn. 3.5. Ge. 6.5. Iob. 10.4. & 15.14.16. & 35. Esa. 53.6..
The vse
THe vse and end of this knowledg and doctrin is this, not to increase in vs slouthfulnes, but that we vnderstanding, how by originall sinnes wee are bereaued of al power to vnderstand, to wil and to worke aright, and also, hemmed in on every side, with most miserable necessitie, may learn notwithstanding, to long after that good, [Page] whereof wee are voyde, and after that libertie which we haue lost, and therefore to heare the word of God,psal. 119.24. whereby our iudgment may be reformed, to craue the guift of the holy Ghost, that wee may learne the commandements of God, and that he would make of our stonie hart a fleshie hart, and giue vnto vs strength, as Augustine very wel aduiseth about this matter▪ O Man (saith he) by the commandement, knovv vvhat thou oughtest to haue, by correction learne, that by thine ovvn fault thou hast it not, by prayer vnderstand from vvhence thou must receaue that vvhich thou desirest to haue. So vvil it come to passe, that thy mind being enlightened, shal iudg aright, thy hart being reformed by the hand of God, shalbe made vvilling, & man according to the measure of grace vvhich he hath receiued, shall indeuour and applie all his povvers, and all his strength vnto obedience.
OF THE CAVSES OF mans miserie.
That God dooth noe man wrong, although hee require of man in his Lawe, that which hee is not able to performe: nay, that hee dooth iustly punish sin with punishmentes present and everlasting, both of soul and body, without any respect of age.
Question.
Lords day. 4 9. Doeth not God then deale injuriouslie with man, when hee requireth that of him in his Lawe, which he is not able to performe?
Answere.
Not at alIoh. 3.5. Ephe. 4.24.: for God so created man, that he was able to perfourm it: But man, intised by the DeuillLuke. 10.30., by his owne disobedience, depriued himselfe and all his posteritie of those giftes of God.
The vse.
THe vse of this doctrine touching our inhabilitie to keepe the Law of God, is threefolde. 1. That we acknowledge our owne guiltines, and accuse our selues of falling from God: for God by this iust exaction will humble vs: for by commanding things impossible, he doeth not make men sinners but humble, that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be founde guiltie before God. 2. That we may defie the Deuil and his workes, by whose instigation and inticement, we were thrown downe into the bottomeles pit of these calamities, according vnto that saying, Resist the Diuell, and he vvill flye from you. Iam. 4.6 3. Seing our weaknes and inhability is such, that wee are not able to performe that, which God by very good right requireth at our hands, let vs pray the Lorde with Augustine, and say: [Page] Graunt O Lord, that vvhich thou commandest, and then command vvhat thou vvilt: which was the godly prayer of that holy Father, not that hee hoped he was able to attaine vnto it in this life, but assuredlie in the life to come.
Question.
10. What then, will God let goe the disobedience and backesliding of man without punishment?
Answere,
No surely: but he is most fearefully angrie,Rom. 5.12. Heb. 9.27. both with our naturall sins, and with those sinnes which we our selues doe commit: and doth punish the same in his most iust iudgement, both with temporall and eternall punishments, euen as himselfe pronounceth: Cursed is euerie one, who, continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do thē Deut. 27.26. Gal. 3.10..
Question.
11. What is not God mercifull also?
Answere.
Yes truly: he is mercifulExod. 34.6.: but so he is iust tooExod. 20.5. Psal. 55. 2. Cor. 6.14.. Therefore his iustice requireth to haue that punished with extreame, that is, with euerlasting punishment [Page] of soule and bodie, whatsoeuer is committed against the soueraigne maiestie of God.
The vse
THe vse and consideration of the mercie of God in generall, as it ought to keepe vs in affiance to call vpon him, and to hope, and certainly look for saluation from him: finally, to set on fire in vs the loue of him: so his righteousnes and iustice is set before vs to this end, that it may be as a bridle to vs to keepe vs from sinne, perswading vs, that except wee repent, although God for a time suffer vs to carie away our sins without punishment, yet it shal not alwaies be so, but at the last, he will take most bitter and most iust punishment vpon vs: But in this place wee may consider of them both. 1. That wee despair not of deliuerance from our euils, because God is exceeding merciful: 2. That we abuse not his mercie and so deceiue our selues, because he is also exceeding iust. 3. That wee seriouslie and diligentlie consider, by what meanes God will haue his iustice satisfied, that so wee may be reconciled vnto him, and may obtain sound comfort, both in life and in death.
THE SECOND PART, OF MANS DELIVERANCE.
That man being in the state of perdition, must seek redemption in the mediatour.
Question.
Lords day. 5 12 Seeing then wee are by the just judgement of God, in daunger of temporall and everlasting punishment, is there any way or meanes left, whereby we may be deliuered from these punishments, and be reconciled to God?
Answere.
GOd will haue his iustice satisfiedExod. 20.5. & 23.7.: Wherefore we, must needes make satisfaction,Rom. 8.3. ether by our selues or by some other.
Question.
13 Are wee able to satisfie by our selues?
Answere.
Not one whit: Yea, rather we doIob. [...]9.23. & 15.15. Math. 6.22 increase our debt euerie day.
Answere.
None at all: For first, God wil notHeb. 2.14. punish any other creature, for that sinne that man hath committed: Secōdly, that which is but an only creature, is not able to indure the wrath of God against sinne, and toPsal. 130.3. Iob. 4.18. & 25.5 deliuer others from it.
Question.
15 Then what maner of mediatour and deliuerer must we seeke for?
Answere.
Such a one as is true man, and perfectly iust, and yet notwithstāding more mightie than all creatures, that is, who is also true1. Cor. 15.21. & 25. Iere. 23.6. Esa. 53.11. 2. Cor. 5.14 Heb 7.16. Esa. 7.14. Rom. 8.3. God.
OF THE MEDIATOVR.
That Christ is that onlie mediatour, true man, and perfectlie iust, and true God, such a one as in the Gospell is promised, and exhibited.
Answere.
Because the iustice of God requireth, that the same nature of man which sinned, should also pay the punishment of sinne: but heRom, 5.12. & 17. that were a sinner himselfe,1. Pet. 3.18. could not pay for other men.
Question.
17 Wherefore ought hee also to be true God?
Answere.
That by the power of his Godhead, he might be able toEsa, 55.3. & 18. Act. 2.24. 1. Pet 3.18. sustaine the burden of Gods wrath in his flesh, & to recouer1. Ioh. 1.2. & 4.9.10. Act. 20.28. Ioh. 3.16. and restore vnto vs, the righteousnesse and life that we had lost.
Question.
18 But who is that Mediatour, who is both true God, and true and perfect man?
Answere.
Our Lord Iesus ChristMat. 1.23. 1. Tim. 3.16. Iohn. 14.16.. 1. Tim. [...] 5. Luke. [...].11., who is made vnto vs of God, wisedom, righteousnes, [Page] sanctification, and perfect1. Cor. 3.30. redemption.
Question.
19 Whereby knowest thou that?
Answere.
By the Gospell: which God first reueiled inGen. 3.15. Paradise, and afterwarde, didGenes 22.18 & 46.10.11. Ro. 1.2 Heb. 1.1. Act 3.12. &c. & 10.43. publish by the Patriarks and ProphetsIoh. 5.46. Heb. 10.7., shadowed out in sacrifices and ceremonies: and last of al,Gal. 4.4. &. 3.24. Heb 13.8. accomplished by his onely begotten sonne.
The vse
THe vses of this doctrine of the Gospel are four: for first, hereby appeareth the antiquitie of the doctrine of Christ our only redeemer, so that to doubt of the truth, therof were to robbe God, for that it hath witnes from God himselfe, from the Fathers and the Prophets, led by the holy Ghost. whereunto also, the sacrifices and ceremonies did lead men, and whereof the Son of God himselfe, comming in the flesh bare witnes. Wherefore it behoueth vs, carefullie to vphold in the Church, and faithfully to expounde and retaine this doctrine, both for the worthines of it, as comming from God, and for the antiquity, and also for the necessitie and profit thereof. Another vse is, to know, that after Christ is once com, the shadows of the sacrifices haue an end, and that now after the Sunne is risen, there is no more place for the ceremonies of the Lawe, and that concerning the vse of them, they are [Page] fulfilled & abollished in the death of Christ. The third vse is, to learne, by despising the World & the transitorie delightes thereof, to desire with the whole affection of the heart, that soueraigne good that is offered vnto vs in the Gospel. and when it is offered, to lay hold on it. The fourth vse is, in al affliction, and euen in life and death, to comfort our selues by these glad tydings of saluation purchased by Christ, which far exceedeth all the ioyes of the wicked
OF THE GOSPEL.
That Christ is a Sauior onlie of those that beleeue, and of true fayth, and of the summe of those things that are to be beleeued.
Question.
Lords day. 7 20 Is saluation then restored to all men by Christ that perished in Adam?
Answere.
Not to al: but only to those who are ingraffed into him by true faith,Ioh. 1.12. & [...].36. Esa. 53.11. Psal. 2.12. Rom. 11.20. Heb. 4. [...] ▪ & 10.39. and do lay hold vpon all his benefites.
Question.
21 What is true fayth?
Answere.
It is not onely a knowledge, by which I doe stedfastly assent to all things which God hathHe. 11.13. Iam 2.19. Gal. 2.20 reueiled vnto vs in his woord: but also an assuredRom. 4.16. & 5.1. & 10.10 &c. Iam. 1.8. affiance kindled in myRom. 1, 16. & 10.17, 1. Cor. 1.21. Mar. 16.16. Act. 16.14. hart by the holyMat. 16.17. Ioh. 3.5. Gal. 5.22. Phi. 1.19. Ghost through the Gospell, by which I rest vpon God, making sure account, that forgiuenesse of sinnes, euerlasting righteousnes, and life isHa. 2.4. Mat. 9.2. Eph. 2.7.8.9. Rom. 5.1. bestowed, not onely vpon others, but also vpon me, and that freely by the mercie of God, for theRom. 3.24.25. Act. 10.43. merit and desert of Christ alone.
Question.
22 What are those thinges which a Christian man must of necessitie beleeue?
Answere.
All those thinges that areIohn 20 30 Mat. 28, 10, promised vnto vs in the Gospell: the sum whereof is briefly comprised in the Apostles Creed, or in the chiefe heades of the Catholike & vndoubted faith of al Christians.
The vse.
VVHich being so, we gather from hence two conclusions: one, that non of those things ought to bee reckoned vnder the name of the [Page] Gospel, which men haue added to the written word of God, that is, to the doctrine conteined in the books of both testaments: the other is, that they are very Antichrists, and instruments of Sathan, who fearing to haue their iugling bewraied, do cry out, that onlie on certaine sort of men must reade the Scripture, and therefore it is very vnlawful to translate the holy scriptures into the vulgare tongues, which may be vnderstood even of siely Weomen.
Question.
23 What is that Creede of the Apostles?
Answere.
1 I beleeue in God the father almightie, maker of heauen and earth.
2 And in Iesus Christ his only son our Lord.
3 Which was conceiued of the holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary.
4 Suffered vnder Pontius Pilat, was crucified, dead & buried, descended into hell.
5 Rose againe the third day from the dead.
6 And ascended into heauen, and sitteth on the right hand of God the father almightie.
7 From thence hee shall come to [Page] iudge the quicke and the dead.
8 I beleeue in the holie Ghost.
9 I beleeue the catholike Church, the communion of Saintes.
10 I beleeue the forgiuenesse of sinnes.
11 The resurrection of the flesh.
12 And the life euerlasting.
The vse
THe profit of these articles, thus generally distinguished is this, that they may serue in sted of a rule, whereunto the fayth of al men ought to agree, and whatsoeuer is contrary, to one or to mo Articles, ought to be accounted false. Secondly, that they may be vnto vs in stead of a table, wherein we may perceiue distinctlie and seuerally, what things are to be marked in Christ: for as the partes of the bodie are distinguished by ioynts, so in this confession of fayth, whatsoeuer we ought distinctlie and seuerallie from the rest to beleeue, is rightlie and fitlie called an Aiticle.
OF THE APOSTLES Creede.
The partes of the Creede: and of God one in substance, and three in person.
Answere.
Into three parts: The first is of the euerlasting father, and of our creation: The second is of the Sonne, and of our redemption: The third is of the holie Ghost, and of our sanctification.
The vse
IT is therefore requisite to keepe this diuision, that although our saluation be the worke of the whole Trinitie, yet we may know how to put a difference betweene the propertie of every person, and to knowe what euerie of them hath done for our saluation and redemption.
Question.
25 Seeing there isDe. 6.4. Eph. 4.6. Esa. 44.6. & 45 5. 1. Cor. 8.4. but one onelie substance of God, why doost thou name those three, the Father, the Son, and the holie Ghost?
Answere.
Because God hath soEsa. 61.1. Luc. 4.18. Psa. 119.1 Mat 3.16, 17. & 28.19. Iohn. 14 26. & 15.26 Tit. 3.5.6. Ep. 2, 18 2 Cor. 13.13. Gal. 4.6. 1. Iohn. 5.7. reueiled himselfe in his word, that these three distinct persons, are one true and euer lasting God.
OF GOD THE FATHER.
Of God the Father, and of the creation and preseruation of our selues and of the whole world, that is, of heauen and earth.
Question.
Lords day. 9 26 What beleeuest thou when thou sayest: I beleeue in God the Father almightie? &c.
Answere.
I beleue in the euerlasting father of our Lord Iesus Christ, whoGen. 1. & 2 Psal. 33, 6. Iob. 33 4. Act. 4, 24. & 14 15, &c. Esa. 45.7 created of nothing the heauen and the earth, and all thinges that are therein, and doth vphold andpsal. 104, 3, & 125.3. Mat. 10 19. Heb. 1.3. Rom. 11.36. gouerne the same by his euerlasting counsell and prouidēce, to be, by the means of Christ,Ioh. 1.12, Rom 8.15. Ga. 4.5, 6.7 Ephes. 1.5 my God and my Father: Therefore I so trust in him, I so repose my selfe vpon him, that I doubt not, but he wil prouide all thingespsa. 55.23, Mat. 6, 26. Luc. 12, 22. necessarie, both for my soule & for my bodie: And moreouer also, that whatsoeuer euill he sendeth vpon me in this miserable life, he wilRom. 8.28 turne the same to my saluation, seing he is both able to do it, as being [Page] Esa. 46.4. Rom 10.12. & 8.38 God almightie, and willing to do it, as being myMat. 6. & 7.8.9. mercifull father.
The vse
THis article of our fayth & the doctrine therein conteined, maketh much for the comfort of the godly: For seeing we are ioyned in league with that God who is our Father, who is almightie, who created heauen and Earth, who gouerneth vs, and preserueth vs, what is there that we may not look for from such a Father? What is there, whereof we may not mak our selues sure? For example, the Leper was perswaded only of the power of Christ, he knew not his wil, therfore hee sayd, Lorde, if thou vvilt, Mat. 8, 2. thou canst make me cleane, and he was clensed: how much more shal we obteine those things which wee ask, if both we be perswaded of his almightie power, and also doubt not of his promises? From hence is our loue to our neighbour set on fire: for when God hath promised that he wil increase his blessings vpon them, who are liberal to the poore, and he is God almightie, who would not be pricked for ward to bestowe almes liberally and cheerefully? Thirdlie, by the same doctrine I am admonished, not to doubt of any mans saluation, thogh he seeme cast away of God, and withal to keepe my selfe in the feare of God, How? namely, because God is able to raise vp againe my brother that is fallen, and to call him home into the way of saluation, and also to suffer me to fall into grieuous sinns, and to cast me off, vnlesse I abide in fayth.
OF GODS PROVIDENCE.
Of Prouidence, belonging to the common place of Creation, and of the vse of both.
Question.
Lords day. 10 27 What is prouidence?
Answere.
The almightie and euerie where present power of God,Act. 17.25. &c. psal. 94.9, &c. Isa. 29.15. &c. Eze. 8.12 whereby he doth as it were, beare vp with his hand, andHeb. 1.2.3. gouern the heauen & earth, with all creatures: so that whatsoeuer groweth out of the earth, also raine and drowght, plentie & dearth, meat andIere. 5.24. Act. 14.17. drinke,Iohn 9.3. health & sicknesse,Prou. 12.2. riches & pouertie: finalie, al thinges that are, fal out not rashly or by chāce but by his fatherly counsell and will.
Question.
28 What profite haue we by this knowledge of the creation, and prouidence of God?
Answere.
Hereby we are in aduersitity madeRo, 5.3. &c. Iac 1.3. Iob. 1.21. &c. patient, in prosperitieDeut. 8.10. 1. Thes 5.18. thankfull, for [Page] the time to come, wee haue aRom 5.4.5. verie good hope, reposed in God our most trustie father, knowing assuredly, that nothing canRo. 8.38.39. draw vs from his loue, seeing all creatures are so in his power, that without his pleasure they are notIoh. 1.12. & 26 Pro. 21.1. Act. 17.25 &c. able, not onely not to do any thing, but not so much as to stirre.
OF GOD THE SONNE.
He commeth nowe to handle the second part of the Creede, of the Sonne of God, and of our redemption, and first is declared the meaning of the name Iesus, and they are refuted, who in word do acknowledge the sonne of God to bee Iesus, that is, a Sauiour, but in deed do detract from his merit.
Question.
Lords day. 11 29 Wherefore is the Sonne of God called Iesus, that is, a Sauiour?
Answere.
Because he saueth and deliuereth vs from all ourMat. 1.21. Heb 7.25. sinnes, neither ought saluation to bee sought for in any other, [Page] neitherAct 4.12. can it els-where bee found.
Question.
30 Do they that beleeue in the only Sauiour Iesus, who seeke for happines from Saints, or from themselues, or from any thing els?
Answere.
No: for although in word, they glorie in him as a Sauiour, yet in deede they denie the onely Sauiour1. Cor. 3.13. & 30. &c. Gal. 5.4. Iesus: For it must needs be, that either Iesus is not a perfect Sauiour, or els whosoeuer by true faith imbrace him as a Sauiour, they also are possessed of all things in him, which areHeb. 12.2. Esa. 9.6. Col. 19.20. & 2, 10, Esai, 43.11. & 25. Ioh 1.16. required vnto saluation.
OF GOD THE SONNE.
Of the name Christ: and of his three offices, and why wee are called Christians.
Question.
Lords day. 12 31 Wherefore is hee called Christ, that is, annointed?
Answere.
Because hee is ordained of the father [Page] & anointed with the holy Ghost, to be thepsal. 45.8. Heb 1.9. Deut. 18, 15 Act. 3.22. cheif Prophet andIoh. 1, 18, & 15 15. teacher, to reueilMat. 11.27. Psal. 110.4. Heb. 7, 21, & 10.12 vnto vs the secret counsel, & all the will of the Father, concerning our redemption: and to be our high & only Priest, to redeeme vs by the only sacrifice of his owne body,Rom. 8.34, & 59.10. daily to make intercession vnto the Father for vs: and to be the euerlastingPsal. 2.6 Luc. 1.33 king to gouerne vs by his word, and with his Spirite to preserue andMat. 28.18. Iohn. 10.28. maintaine that saluation which he hath purchased for vs.
Question.
32 Why art thou called a Christian?
Answere.
Because by faith I am a mēber of IesusAct. 11, 26. 1. Cor. 6.15 Christ, & partaker of his1. Iohn. 2, 26 Esa. 59.21. Ioel. 2.28. annointing, so that I bothMat. 10.33 confesse his name, and present my selfe vnto him, a liuelyRo. 12, 1, Reu. 4, 8, 10. 1. pet. 2, 9 2. Tim. 2.12. Ro. 6, 12, 13. Reue. 1 6. offering of thankesgiuing, & in this life with a free & good conscience fight against sin and Sathan, and afterward do1. Tim. 1.18, 19 possesse with Christ an euerlasting kingdome ouer all creatures.
OF THE ONLIE BEGOTten Sonne of God.
Why Christ is called the onlie begotten Sonne of God, and our Lord.
Question.
Lords day. 13 33 For what cause is Christ called the onely begotten Sonne of God, whereas we also are the sons of God?
Answere.
Because Christ is the coeternall, & natural sonne of his eternalIoh. 1.14. Heb 1.2. Iohn 3.16. Father: but we for his sake by grace, are made theRom 8.5. Eph. 1.16. Iohn 1.12 1. Iohn. 1, 3 sonnes of the Father by adoption.
Question.
34 Wherefore doost thou call him our Lord?
Answere.
Because he hauing redeemed our bodie and soule from sinne, not with golde nor with siluer, but with his owne precious blood, and hauing deliuered vs from all the power of the Deuill, doth1 pet. 1, 18, & 10, 1, Co [...]. 6, 20, & 7.23, Ep. 1, 7. 1 Tim. 2,, 6 chalenge vs properly to belong to himselfe.
The vse
VVEe ought safelie and with true assurance of mind, to commit and deliuer ouer our selues for euer to be kept of him as our Lord, & to whome we properly belong, and are his owne peculiar, both in life and in death: the remembrance of this benefit, may also put vs in mind, that we do not hereafter thinke, speak, or deuise any thing, but for his glorie. For in that wee are the Lords, it is meete that wee liue and dye vnto him, and that his wisdome and will, to wit, his word and his spirit, doe gouerne all our actions: for he is appointed by the Father, to be the head of Angels and of the faythfull.
OF THE CONCEPTION of the Sonne of God.
The incarnation of the Sonne of God, that is, the conception of Christ by the holy Ghost, his byrth of the virgin Marie, whereof the personall vnion of both natures, and of the fruit of both.
Question.
Lords day. 14 35 What doost thou beleeue when thou saiest, He was conceiued by the holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary.
Answere.
That the verie sonne of God, whoIoh. 1, 1. & 1.5 Rom. 1.4. Col. 1 15. &c. psal. 2.7. Mat. 3.17. & 16.16. is, and abideth true and euerlastingRom. 9.5. Esa. 7.14. & 9, 6, 1. Io. 5.20. Ioh. 20.28 God, did, through the woorking of the holy Ghost,Ioh. 1.14. Gal. 4.4 take the verie true nature of man, of the fleshMat. 1.18.20 Luc. 1.35. and blood of the Virgin Marie: so that he is also ofpsal 132.11 Act. 2.30. &c. Rom. 1.3. the true seede of Dauid,Phil. 2.7 like vnto his brethren in all things,Heb. 4.15. & 7 26. sinne excepted.
Question.
36. What fruit reapest thou, by the holie conception and byrth of Christ?
Answere.
That he is ourHeb. 2.16.17. Mediatour, and by his innocencie and perfect holines, doth couer my sinnes wherein I am conceiued, and keepeth them from comming in the sight ofpsal. 32.1. 1. Cor. 1.30. Ro. 8.3, 4. Gal. 44.5, God.
The vse.
FIrst hereby our faith is greatly confirmed, that he that was made man: is also the Sonne of God: for how shoulde al things not be very true, wh [...]tsoeuer he reporteth vnto vs of God, seeing he hath reueiled nothing to vs of God, but what himselfe sawe and knewe? Againe, our hope is also helped, in that he was so made man, that hee also made man God, and vs the sonnes of God, [Page] and euen his brethren, wherewith we may comfort our selues vnder the crosse, & in afflictions. Last of all, our mutual loue one toward an other is hereby inflamed: for there is no so evident token of loue, as that the Creator of all things was made for vs a creature, our lord, our brother, the Sonne of God became the Sonne of man: who woulde not then, to the vttermost of his power follow that our mediatour Iesus Christ, that is, his meeknes and kind disposition, who when as there was nothing higher then he, did for our sake cast him felfe so low, that of his own accord he tooke on him the shape of a seruant (that is, our flesh) and that subiect to al infirmities, even to the death of the Crosse.
OF CHRISTES SVFFERING.
Hitherto of the person: Nowe of the office of Christ, as touching our redemption, the partes whereof are two: his humiliation, & his glorification: to his humiliation belong his suffering, and vnder whome he suffered, and his punishment, that is, the kind of his death.
Question.
Lords day. 15 37 What beleuest thou when thou saiest, he suffered?
Answere.
That in the whole time of his life, [Page] which he continued here vpon earth, but especiallie in the end thereof,1, pet. 2, 24, & 3, 18, Isa. 53, 12 hee susteined both in body and soule, the wrath of God against the sinne of all mankind, that by his suffering, as by the onely1, Ioh. 2, 2, & 4 10. Rom. 3, 25, sacrifice of reconciliation, he might both deliuer our souls from everlasting condemnation, and might also purchase for vs, the fauor of God, righteousnes, and euerlasting life.
The Vse.
BY this historie of the grieuous and bitter suffering of Christ, we are put in mind, how hainous a matter sinne is, for the which, God would receiue no ransom, but the death of his only begotten Sonne: Secondly, howe exceeding the loue of Christ toward vs is, who did not sticke to suffer so fearfull torments for vs, that he might reconcile vs vnto God, and might purchase vnto vs life and saluation, which by sin we had lost. Thirdly, to consider what duty wee owe againe, namely, to prepare our selues according to the counsel of Peter, both to suffer patiently, because vve are thereunto called, 1, pet. 2, 21, 24 and Christ suffered for vs, leaving vs an Example, that vve should follovve his steps: And also to resist sinne, because he bare them in his bodie vpon the crosse, that we being dead vnto sinne, might liue vnto righteousnes.
Answere.
That he an Innocent, beingLuc. 23.14. Ioh 19.4. condemned before a ciuill Iudge, mightpsal. 69, 4, Isai. 53, 4, 5.2, Cor. 5, 21, Gal. 3.13. set vs free from the straight iudgment of God, which was to fall vppon vs.
Question.
29 Is it any more that he was fastened to the crosse, than if he had bene put to any other kinde of death?
Answere.
Yea truelie, it is more: For by this I am sure that hee hath taken vppon him the curse, which did hang ouer me: for the death of the crosse wasDeut. 21.23. Gal. 3.13. cursed by God.
OF CHRISTS SVFFERING.
That Christ died and was buried, & why, and what fruit there is of it, where of the death of the faithfull, and afterward the meaning of the words, He descended. &c.
Question.
Lords day. 16 40 Why was it necessarie that Christ should humble himselfe, euen to the death?
Answere.
Because the iustice and trueth of God could by noGenes. 2.71 other meanes bee satisfied for our sins, than by the death of theHe. 2.9.14.15, Phil. 2.8. Sonne of God.
Question.
41 Wherefore was he also buried?
Answere.
That hee might, thereby make it knowne that he was truelieActs. 13.29. Mat. 27.60. Luk. 23, 53, Ioh. 19.38 dead.
The vse
SO often as we heare the buriall of Christ spoken off, we are thereby put in mind, of the sanctifying of our graues, that they are now no more pittes,Esa. 57.6 wherein the cast bodies of men dye and consume to nothing, but chests and chambers, wherein men are laid vp and safelie kept, against the resurrection that shall surelie come.
Question.
42 But seeing Christ died for vs, why must we also die?
Answere.
Our death is not a satisfaction for [Page] our sinnes, but an vtter destroying of sinne, and a passage intoIoh. 5, 24, Phil. 1, 23. Rom, 7.24. euerlasting life.
The vse.
VVHerefore, hauing bene taught, that it is the common condition of all men to die, wee are all and every one of vs put in mind, so to order our life, that whensoeuer God goeth about to call vs out of this valley of miseries, hee may finde vs ready, that is, neither too much intangled with the cares of this life, nor discouraged with the feare of death, both because we knowe this to be the very way of the whole Earth,Rom. 4.8 and also, because whether we liue, or whether we dy, we are our Lord Iesus Christs: who is vnto vs, (as the Apostle saith) both in life and death aduantage.
Question.
43 What profit receiue we further by the sacrifice and death of Christ?
Answere.
That by the power of his death, our olde man is crucified together with him, and is also dead andRo. 6.6, 7. &c. buried, that the euill concupiscences and desires of the flesh, may not hereafterRom. 6.12, raigne in vs, but that we mayRom. 12. [...]. offer our selues vnto him a Sacrifice of thanksgiuing.
Answere.
That in my greatest sorrowes, and most grieuous temptations, I may vphold my self with this comfort, that my lord Iesus Christ, by the vnspeakable anguish, torments and terrours of his soule, whereinto he was plunged, both before, and especially as hee was hanging vppon the Crosse, hathIsai. 53.10. Mat. 27.46. deliuered me from the anguish and torments of hell.
The vse.
VVHerefore wee receiue no small fruit and comfort, even of this part of Christs humbling, whereby we may sustaine our selues in extreme sorrows, and in most grieuous tentations: for if our conscience do trouble vs with the multitude of our sinnes, for the which we tremble at Gods iudgment, who threatneth vnto sin everlasting condemnation, this shield of fayth is ready at hand: That Christ did most bitterlie indure in his soule, the anguishe of conscience for our sinnes, together with the sence and feeling of Gods iudgment and wrath, when hee complained and said.Mark 14.34. My soul is heauie even to the death: If Satan also set vpon vs, and set before our eies that gulfe, then which, non can be more fearful, [Page] as if God had forsaken and cast vs away, and would not vouchsafe to heare vs, as if hee had conspired our destruction, lette vs then call to minde, that the Sonne of God, was therefore heard and deliuered when he groned, and cried out. My God, my God, vvhy hast thou forsaken me? Mat. 27, 46. Heb. 5.7. that we might not for euer be forsaken. Last of all, seeing wee haue such a Mediatour, who did wrestle with the power of the diuel, with the horror of death, and with the paines of Hell, whoe woulde not here bee confirmed against any anguish and sorrowe,Heb. 4.15. being perswaded of the good will of so mightie a Prince and highe Priest towards him? who both in all things was tempted alike, yet without sinne, and in whome strait after his resurrection, that triumphant song which the Prophet made of him was fulfilled, O death, Hosea. 13.14. I vvill be thy death, O graue, I vvill be thy destruction: whereunto the Apostle alludeth, as being in vs likwise, to be fulfilled in the blessed resurrection. Death is svvallovved vpp in victory, 1. Cor 15.54, 54. O Death vvhere is thy victorie? O graue, vvhere is thy sting? wherevpon sayth Hillarie: The Crosse, death, and hell, are our life.
OF CHRISTES RISING againe from the deade.
Christs rising againe, and the fruite thereof: 2 His ascending into Heauen, and how far he is present at this day in [Page] his Church: also of the vnseperable coniunction of the two natures in Christ: Last of all, of the fruit of Christes ascention.
Question.
Lords day. 17 45 What doth Christes rising again profite vs?
Answere.
First, by his rising againe, he hath ouercome death, that he might1. Cor. 15.16. & 54, 55. Rom. 4 25.1. pet. 13. &c. & 21. make vs partakers of that righteousnesse, which hee purchased for vs by his death. Secondly, wee also now by the power thereof, areRom. 6.4. Col. 3.1. &c, Ephes. 2.5 raised vp vnto a new life. Last of all, the rising again of Christ our head, is a1, Cor. 15.12 &c. Rom. 8.11. pledge vnto vs of our glorious resurrection.
The vse.
THis pledg we ought to set against the wicked speeches of some, who say: Who ever came againe from the dead, to certifie vs of that heauenly life? as who say, the resurrection of Christ were not a sufficient testimonie and seal of the same resurrection, to be at the last accomplished in our bodies also, and in our flesh.
Question.
46 Howe doost thou vnderstande, that He ascended into heauen?
Answere.
That in the sight of his Disciples, Christ wasAct. 1.9. Mark. 16, 19, Luk. 24.51. taken vp frō earth to heauen, and isHeb. 4.14, & 7 25. & 9.11. Rom 8.34. Ephes, 4.10 Colos. 3.1 yet there for vs, & shall be till he come againe to iudge the quick and theAct. 1.11. Mat. 24.30. dead.
Question.
47 What then, is not Christ with vs as he promised, vnto the end of the world?
Answere.
Christ is true God and trueMat, 28.20. Mat 26.11. Io. 16, 18, & 17. Act. 3.21 man: therefore according to his manhead, he is not now vpon earth, but according to his Godhead, his grace, and his spirite, heIoh. 14, 17. &c. & 16.13. is at no time from vs.
Question.
48 And are not the two natures in Christ, by this means pulled a sunder, if the manhead bee not wheresoeuer the Godhead is?
Answere.
Not a whit, for seeing the Godhed cannot be contained in any compasse, and is presentAct. 7, 49. & 17 27. &c. Ierem. 23.24. in all places, it followeth necessarilie, that it is without the nature of man which it hath taken, & yet neuertheles, is in it also, andCol. 2.9. Iohn. 3.13. & 11.15. Mat. 28, 6. remaineth [Page] personallie vnited vnto it.
Question.
49 What fruit doth Christs ascending into heauen bring vs?
Answere.
First, that he1. Ioh. 2.1.2, Rom. 8.34. maketh intercession in Heuen vnto his Father for vs. Secondly, that we haue our flesh in heauen, that by this, as by a certain pledg we may be assured, that he who is our head, wilIoh. 14.2, & 20 17. Eph. 2.6 lift vp vnto him, vs that are his mēbers. Thirdly, that heIoh. 14, 16. & 16, 7, 2, Cor. 1, 22 2, Cor. 5, 5, sendeth vnto vs his spirit, as a pledg betwene vs, by the working whereof, we seeke not things on earth, but thinges that are aboue, where heeCal. 3.1, Phil. 3 20. &c. sitteth at the right hand of God.
The vse.
AS that maketh for our comforte, that hee sendeth his spirit vnto vs, so againe, hauing receaued this pledg of the Spirit, we are warned, not to seeke for the thinges on Earth, but the things that are aboue,Iohn. 16.11, for to that end, did he asscend into heauen, and from thence, bestowe his spirit vpon vs, that by the power thereof, shed abroade in our hartes, we might bee lifted from these earthlie, present, and carnall things, to long after things heauenly, things to come, and thinges spirituall. Hereupon sayth Paul, Seeke [Page] those things that are aboue, Col. 3.1. vvhere Christ sitteth at the right hand of God: set your mind on things aboue, and not on things on earth.
OF CHRISTES ASCENDING into Heauen.
The sitting at the right hand, and the fruit thereof, which is the third degree of Christ exaltation.
Question
Lords day. 18 50 Why is it added, he sitteth at the right hand of God?
Answere.
Because Christ did therefore asscēd into heauē, that he mightEp. 1, 20. & 5, 23. Col. 1, 18. therby declare himself the head of his church, by which his FatherMat. 28.18, Ioh. 5.22. gouerneth all things.
Question.
51 What doth this glory of Christ our head availe vs?
Answere.
First, that by the holie Ghost heeEphe, 4.10. powreth vpon vs his members heauenly guifts: And then, that by his power, he dothPs. 29. & 101, 2. Ioh. 10, 28, Eph, 4.8. protect and defend vs against all enemies.
The vse.
VVHich being so, and seeing so mighty a Lord reigneth for vs, who is not onlie able, but willing also to doe, whatsoeuer is good for our saluation,Mat. 8 31 to whome, while he reigned in his humilitie, euen the very Deuills became suiters: to whome, gouerning his kingdome in the dayes of his flesh, the Sea, the winds, and the storms were obedient: vnles we rest in his protection, whoe now sitting at the right hand of God, is Lord of heauen and earth, and gouerneth all thinges at his pleasure, we are most worthie, whome Christ should much more vpbraid with our shamefull cowardlines, then he did long agoe his disciples, because in the stormes of aduersitie our fayth dooth not rise higher by the consider [...]tion of so great matters.
OF CHRISTS COMMING againe to judgement.
Christes comming againe to iudgement. 2 The fruit or comfort thereof.
Question.
Lords day. 19 52 What comfort dooth Christes comming againe to judge the quicke and the dead bring to thee?
Answere.
That in all miseries and persecutions, [Page] I lift vp my head, andLuk. 21.28. Rom. 8.23.24. Phil. 3.10, Tit. 2.13. waite for him, who did before stand in my stead before Gods iudgmēt seat, & did2. Thes. 1.6.7. 1. Thes. 4.10. falte away all curse from me, to come from heauen as a Iudge, to throwe all his and mine enemies into euerlasting paines, and toMat. 25.41. receiue me with al the elect vnto himself, into heauenly ioies and euerlasting glorie.
The vse
VVHich being so, it is likewise most meet that every one of vs should so prepare himselfe, that he may so much the more comfortably look for, and be ready to receiue such a Iudge, that shalbe soe gratious and so mercifull vnto him. And wee shall duely prepare our selues to the iudgment of Christ, if following his counsell, Wee haue our loynes girded vppe, and our lamps burning: Luke. 12.36, 37 Mat. 22.11. that is, if first wee haue fayth the true marriage garment, which leaneth vpon a sure foundation, to wit, the merite of Christ alone, who deliuereth vs from the wrath to come.
OF GOD THE holie Ghost.
Of the holy Ghost, true, and euerlasting God, with the Father and the Son, [Page] and of his office, or working, and effects in vs.
Question.
Lords day. 20 53 What beleeuest thou of the holy Ghost?
Answere.
First, that he is true God, and coeternall with the euerlasting Father, and theGen. 1.2. Isai. 48, 16 1, Cor. 3.16, 1, Cor. 6.19. Acts. 5.3.4. sonne. Then, that hee is alsoMat. 28.19. 2, Cor. 1.2. giuen to mee, that through faith hee mayGa. 3, 14.1. pe. 1.2. 1. Cor 6.17, make me partaker of Christ and all his benefits, mayAct. 9, 31, comfort me, andIoh. 16.1, Pet. 4.14. abide with me for euer.
The vse
THe remembrance of this so excellent a benefit bestowed vpon vs, namely, that God hath made vs partakers, of his spirit, ought likewise to prick vs forward to holines of life. For seeing the spirit of the father, & of Christ, is called holy, not only by nature, but also, because in whome soeuer he is, he doth sanctifie, and seperate them from the vncleannes of the worlde, it is meete that by our deeds we should shew that he dwelleth in vs, and therefore, that that waightie exhortation of the Father, shoulde be alwaies before our eies:Eph. 4, 30. Greue not the spirit of God, by vvhome yee are sealed to the day of Redemption: hee is grieued and made sad by vncleane thoughts, words, and deeds, by licentious and filthy manners, as [Page] on the other side, he is delighted, and reioyceth in true humilitie, holines, and grauitie, in framing our words, and all the actions of our whole life according to the rule of Gods word.
OF THE CHVRCH.
Of the Catholike Church, and the notes thereof, of the Communion of Saints, and the forgiuenes of sinnes.
Question.
Lords day. 21 54 What beleeuest thou of the Catholike Church of Christ?
Answere.
I beleeue that the son ofIoh. 10.11. God, doth by his holie Spirit and by theAct. 2.46, Eph. 4.3, 4, 5, word, gather vnto himselfe out of alMat. 16, 18. Ioh. 10.28. mankind, from theGen. 26.4. beginning of the world vnto theRo. 8.29.30. Ep 1, 10, 1, pet. 1, 20 end, a congregation1, Ioh. 3, 21. 2, Cor. 13.5, chosen to euerlasting life, agreeing in true faith, and dooth maintaine andIsai. 59.21, Ro. 1, 16, & 10 14, 17 Ephes. 5.26. preserue the same, and that I am a liuely1. Ioh. 2.19, member of that congregation, and shal so,1. Cor. 1, 8, 6 Ro 8.35, &c. psal. 71 18. for euer abide.
The vse.
THe vse of this article consisteth in this, that I beleeue, my selfe also to be a liuely member of [Page] that congregation, and that I shall so for euer abide: which every man shall by this meanes profitablie knowe, namely, if he consider, that even at this day also, the Sonne of God dooth gather vnto himselfe a Church, while he prouideth, that his Gospell be publikely preached by ministers lawfully therevnto called, and the Sacraments by them administred, according to that rule which he hath left.
Question.
55 What meaneth the Communion of Saintes?
Answere.
First, that all, and euerie one of the beleeuers haueIoh. 1.3. Ro. 8 32.1. Cor. 12.13. & 21.1. Corint, 6.17. felowship with Christ and all his benefites, as beeing members of him. Secondly, that euery one who hath receiued gifts, ought to imploy them readily and1. Cor. 16.5. phil, 2.45, 6. cheerfullie, for the common profite and saluation of all.
The vse.
THis Communion is double, the one inwarde, whereby such as the Lord hath in this visible Church alwaies chosen, that is, true beleeuers, are vnited by the same spirit with the Father, & his Sonne Iesus Christ, and one with an other among themselues: the other outward, standing in the mutual duties of Charity, which the faithfull exercise one toward another.
Answere.
I beleeue, that God for the satisfaction ofIoh. 2, 2, 2. Cor. 5, 19.21. Christ, hath quite put out of his remembranceIere. 31.34. psal. 103.3.4.10.11. Rom. 7.22.25. Rom. 8.1, 2, 3 all my sinnes, and euen that corruption also, wherewith I must striue al my life long, and doth freely giue vnto me the righteousnesse of Christ, so that I shall neuerIoh. 3.18. come into iudgement.
The vse.
THe affection and loue of God, which he beareth toward vs in Christ, shall serue vs to this vse: first, to make vs take heed, that no doubting of the mercy and goodnes of God, in forgiuing vs our sinnes, do at any time creepe vpon vs, as if God did not from his hart, truely forgiue vs. Secondly, to driue out al such security, wherby it vsually commeth to passe, that men do carelesly sleepe in their sinnes, considering, that both sinne dwelleth in vs, wherewith we must striue al our life long, and also, that by this readines & goodnes of God, freely to forgiue vs our sinnes, wee are the rather prouoked, more carefully to avoid sinne, according to the doctrine of S. Iohn,Ioh. 1.9. Rom. 6.11. who when he had taught, that if vve confesse our sinnes, the Lord is faythful, and iust to forgiue vs our sinnes. Least any man might hereupon flatter himselfe in sinne, he meeteth with it by this admonition: [Page] Little children, [...] Ioh. 2, 1, these things I vvrite vnto you, that you sinne not: as also Ezechiel, or rather God himself by the prophet, speketh most seuerely against such frowardnes: When I say vnto the righteous man, Ezek, 33.13, thou shalt surely liue, if he trusting to his ovvne righteousnes commit iniquitie, all his righteous deeds shall not bee remembred, but in that his iniquitie vvhich he hath committed, he shall die.
OF THE RESVRRECTIon of the flesh.
Of the resurrection of the flesh, and of life euerlasting, and of the fruit of them both.
Question.
Lords day. 22 57 What comfort doth the resurrectiō of the flesh minister vnto thee?
Answere,
Not only, that my soul shal straight way after it is departed out of the bodie, beLuk. 23.43. phil. 1.23. taken vp vnto Christ the head thereof, but that this flesh of mine also, being raised vppe by the power of Christ, shal bee vnited againe to my soule, and shalbe1 Cor, 15, 52, Iob. 29, 25.26, 1, Ioh. 3, 2. phi. 3, 21, made conformable vnto the glorious body of Christ.
The vse
VVHerefore, seeing wee haue this ground of the resurrection of our flesh, from hence is ministred vnto vs, that comfort which is necessary. 1. To take away al heauines, which we conceiue for the dead, according to Pauls doctrine:1 Thes. 4.23. I vvould not haue you ignorant brethren, concerning those that sleepe, that you sorrovv not as others that haue no hope: For if vve beleeue that Iesus dyed and rose againe, so also shall God bring vvith him those that are layd a sleepe in Iesus. 2 Cor. 5.1, [...] 2. To driue a way all feare of death by the hope of a better life, to which we shall come by the resurrection, in respect of which end, Tertullian doubted not to cal the resurrection of the sleshe, the confidence of Christians. 3. To incourage vs vnto good works, not to deserue any thing, but because life is promised to them that do well. Last of all, that by remembring the resurrection to come, we may be hindred from evill doing, euen because of the punishment then threatned to evill doers.
Question.
58 What comfort receiuest thou by the Article of everlasting life?
Answere.
That because2. Cor. 5.2, 38 in this present life, I feele the beginnings of everlasting ioy in my hart, I1. Cor, 2.9. Ioh. 17, 3. shall after this life inioy full & perfect blessednes, wherein I shall praise God for euer: which [Page] blessednes neither eie hath seene, nor eare hath hard, nor any man can conceiue.
The Vse.
IT is the duty of every faithfull man, by a true fayth, and ful and stedfast perswasion, to apply vnto himselfe this comfort, generally propounded out of the assurance of euerlasting life, wher vnto this clause leadeth euery man: I beleeue the life everlasting, that is, I am perswaded that both in soule and body, I shal attaine that life everlasting, and that the same life which is in Christ Iesus, shalbe reueiled in me, and that vvhen Christ shal appeare, Colos. 3.4. then shal I also be vvith him in glorie. For first, Christ wil not breake his promise, who as he hath promised euerlasting life, to those that are his, so will hee raise them vp at the last day, that they may enioy it. Secondly, I am assured thereof, by the very beginning of it, and that hee vvhich hath begun that good vvorke in me, phil. 1.6. vvill also make it perfite, even vntil the day of Iesus Christ.
Last of al, wee must marke that this is the most principall end of everlasting life, namelie, that wee should praise God in that life for euermore. For as the rest of the creatures, were created for the vse of this present life, although they do also after a sort glorifie God: so men were created, much more to glorifie God in that everlasting life,psal. 149.1.2. Esa. 51.3. according to the testimonie of Esai: Ioy and gladnes shal be found therein, thanksgiuing and the voice of praise, which being spoken of that deliuerance, which was but a type of this, shall then be really performed.
OF THE RIGHTEOVSnesse of Fayth.
A repetition of the fruite of all the articles of our beleefe: where, both of Iustification by faith, and of the woorde (faith onely)
Question.
Lords day. 23 59 Now, when thou beleeuest all these thinges, what profite commeth to thee thereby?
Answere.
That in Christ I am righteous before God, and heir of lifeHeb. 2.4. Rom. 1.17. Iohn. 3, 36. euerlasting.
Question.
60 How art thou righteous before God?
Answere.
ByRom. 3.21.22.24, 25, 28, & 5.1. Galat. 2.16. Eph 2, 8, 9, Phil. 3.9. faith alone in Iesus Christ, so that although mine owne conscience do accuse me, that I haue grieuously offended against the commaundements of God, and haue notRom 3.9. &c. kept any one of them: moreouer also, that I amRom. 7.23. prone to all euill: yet notwithstanding [Page] (so that I doRom. 3.42, Ioh. 3.18. imbrace these benefits, with true affiance of minde) without anyTit. 3.5. Ephes. 2, 8, 9, merit of mine owne, of the mere1, Ioh. 2, 2 mercie of God, theRom, 3, 24. Deut, 9.6, Ezec. 36.22. perfect satisfaction, righteousnes, and holines of Christ, is1. Ioh. 2.1 &c. imputed andRom. 4, 4. 2. Cor. 5.19, giuen vnto me, as if I had neither committed any sinne, neither were there anie blot or corruption cleauing vnto me: yea, as if I had my self perfectly1. Cor, 5.21, performed that obedience, which Christ hath perfourmed for me.
The vse
VVHich being so, & seeing by al these proofs, it standeth out of doubt, that we are righteous by fayth only in Christ, of the meere mercy of God, we receiue from hence this most assured comfort, namely, that wee are altogether out of doubt of our saluation and of everlasting life, neither can be shaken, and as it were, throwne from our standing by any temptation of the Diuell, which surely, is a most notable fruit of the doctrine of iustification by fayth. For first, if my conscience (that is, that feeling of Gods iudgement, which is as a witnes within vs, not suffering vs to hide our sinnes, but drawing vs as guiltie before the iudgment seat of God) doe beare witnes against me, that I haue greeuouslie sinned against all the commandements of God, and haue kept none of them, and therefore, that I am [Page] vnwoorthie to be saued, and worthie to be cast away, especially, because God is most righteous, and a deadlie enemie, and a reuenger of all sin, forthwith commeth this answer in the way, that Christ hath performed both, who on my behalfe hath both offered himselfe to bee punished by the Father, and most perfitlie obeyed the Lawe, and therefore it cannot bee that mine iniquities should dismay my mind, as being wholly raised, and blotted out with the blood of Christ. If Satan yet lay to my charge: Although in Christ Iesus thou hast satisfied the punishment which thy sinnes deserued, and hast put on his righteousnes by fayth, yet thou canst not denie, but that thy nature is corrupt, so that thou art prone to al il, and thou hast in thee the seede of al vices: against this tentation, this answere is sufficient, that by the goodnes of God, not onelie perfect righteousnes, but even the holines of Christ also, is imputed and giuen vnto me, as if I had nether committed any sinne, neither were there any blot or corruption cleauing vnto me, whereto belongeth that of the Apostle:2. Cor. 8.19 Him that knevve no sinne, he made sinne for vs, (that is, guiltie of sinne in our sted) that vve might be made the righteousnes of God in him. Againe, To him that vvorketh not, Rom. 4.4. but beleeueth in him that iustifieth the vngodly, his faith is imputed for righteousnes: And,Rom. 4.6.7.8 Blessed are they vvhose iniquities are forgiuen, and vvhose sinnes are couered, blessed is the man to vvhom the Lord imputeth no sinne.
Answere.
Not because, by the worthinesse of my faith I please God, but because the satisfaction, righteousnes, and holinesse, of Christ, is my righteousnesse in the sight of1, Cor. 1.30 &c. 1. Cor. 2, 2. God: and I can lay hold vpon, and1. Iohn. 5.10. applie the same vnto my selfe, by no other meanes but by faith.
The vse.
VVEe must at noe hand let goe the difference of the word alone: Rom. 5.1. 1. That in the matter of saluation, due honor may be giuen to the Sonne of God. 2. That our consciences may haue stedfast and sounde comfort. 3. That the difference betweene the lawe and the Gospel may be perceiued, because these words, freely, by fayth, vvith out the Lavve, for the Mediatour, do make a difference betweene the Law and the Gospel: 4. That we may vse prayer rightlie, which is hindred by the sight of our own infirmities, and that we may come vnto God, hauing affiance in the onelie Mediatour,Ephes. 3.12. according to that saying: By him vvee haue entrance.
OF IVSTIFICATION BY FAITH.
That woorkes are not righteousnesse, or any part of righteousnesse in the sight of God, & therf [...]re, that the righteousnes of workes is gathered amisse from the reward: and yet, that men are not by this doctrine made carelesse, and prophane.
Question.
Lords day 24 62 Why cannot our good woorks be righteousnes or any part of righteousnesse in the sight of God?
Answere.
Because that righteousnesse, which is able to abide the iudgment of God must be most perfect, and in all pointsGal. 3, 10. Deut. 27.26. agreeing with the law of God: but our best works that we do in this life, are imperfect, and euenIsa. 6.64. defiled with sinnes.
The vse.
VVHich being so, we are here put in minde, to giue whollie to God, the glorie of our saluation, and to learne to humble our selues vnder his mightie hand, of vvhome, Peter sayth most [Page] trulie, 1. Pet. 5.5. Psal. 4.5. God resisteth the proud and giueth grace vnto the humble: vvherevnto Augustine speaketh agreably, the more weake thou art in thy selfe, the more doth God care for thee, &c. For as our humilitie is exalted before him, so the confession of our humilitie, hath his mercy readie to succour vs.
Question.
63 How saiest thou that our good workes deserue nothing, wheras God promiseth that hee will giue vs a reward for them, both in this life, and in the life to come?
Answere.
That reward is giuen, not of desert, but ofLuk. 17:10. grace.
Question.
64 Doth not this doctrine make men secure and prophane?
Answere.
No: For it cannot be, but they, who are ingraffed into Christ by faith, shuld bring forth fruits ofMat. 7, 18, Iohn. 15.5. thākfulnes
OF THE SACRAMENTS.
By whom and by what means faith is begotten and confirmed in vs: Of the [Page] Sacraments in generall what they are, & of the vse or end of the word and Sacraments, and of the number of the Sacraments of the new Testament.
Question.
Lords day. 25 65 Seeing then, faith alone maketh vs partakers of Christ, and all his benefites, from whence proceedeth this faith?
Answere.
From the holie Ghost, who by the preaching of the Gospel, dothEph. 2, 8, & 6.23. Ioh 3, 5, phil. 1.29. kindle the same in our heartes, and dothMat. 28.19.20. 1, pet. 1, 22, 23 confirme it by the vse of the Sacramentes.
Question.
66 What are Sacramentes?
Answere.
They are holie and visible signes and seales ordained of God to that end, that hee might thereby the more fullie declare, and seale vnto vs the promise of the Gospell: to wit, that he doth freely giue forgiuenesse of sinnes andGen. 17.11. Rom, 4.11. Deut. 30.6. Leu. 6.25. Heb. [...] 8.9, Eze, 20, 12. 1. Sam. 17.36. Isa. 6.6.7. & 54.9▪ life euerlasting, not onely to all in general, but euen to euerie one, that [Page] beleeueth, and that for the onely sacrifice of Christ offered vpon the Crosse.
The vse
THe principall end of the Sacramentes, bee, to seale vp the promise of God, (by which argument againe, the opinion of the work wroght is overthrowne, for that faith alone is sufficient, to attaine the grace of Gods promise) yet the same are also signes vnto vs, of testifiing our duty, that is, of performing thankefulnes to God, that wee in like maner, may make knowne our religion towards him, as wel before himselfe and the Angels, as before men. Secondly, that by these, as it were by markes of one, and the same fayth and confession, we may be discerned from al other sects:1 Cor. 10.20.11 Exod. 12.44. For (as he saith) Men can be gathred togither into no name of Religion, either true or false, vnlesse they be tyed togither by some communion of visible seales or Sacraments, Thirdly, that by the same, and by the vse of them, we may be bound and stirred vp, to foster and maintaine mutual loue vnder one head, which is Christ.
Question.
67 What then, doe both these, as well the word, as the Sacraments, tend to that end, to lead our faith vnto the sacrifice of Christ offered vppon the crosse, as to the onely foundation of our saluation?
Answere.
Yea truelie: For the holie Ghoste teacheth by the Gospell, and confirmeth by the Sacraments, that all our saluation standeth in the onely sacrifice of Christ,Rom, 6.3, Gal. 3.27. offered for vs vpon the Crosse.
The vse.
THe holy Ghost must confirme in our soules, that which the Sacraments, doe shadowe and witnes, least that be drawne to corruptible elements, which God challengeth to himself alone, as to moue and affect the hart, to enlighten the mind, to quiet the conscience, which indeede is onlie proper to the holie Ghost, and ought to be accounted his peculiar worke.
Question.
68 Howe many Sacramentes hath Christ ordained in the new couenant?
Answere.
Two: Baptisme, and the holie Supper.
OF BAPTISME.
The application of the former doctrine [Page] of Sacramentes vnto Baptisme. 2 Of spirituall Baptisme. 3 And of the confirmation thereof.
Question.
Lords day. 26 69 How art thou put in minde and confirmed in Baptisme, that thou art partaker of that onely Sacrifice of Christ?
Answere.
Because Christ hathMat. 28.19. Act. 2.38. commanded the outward washing with water, adding thisMat. 16.16. Mat. 3, 11. Rom. 6.3. promise, that I shal no lesse assuredly beeMat. 1.14. Luc. 3, 3. washed by his blood, and by his Spirit, from the spottes of my soule, that is, from all my sinnes, than I am outwardly washed with water, wherewith the spots of my bodie vse to be washed away.
The vse.
THe vse of the sacrament of Baptisme, is declared, to wit, that the water is not onlie a signe, whereby the misterie of saluation is more plainly expressed vnto me, which Christ hath purchased for me, by the sheding of his blood: but also a seale, whereby is sealed vnto me, that my soule is purified from al vncleannes, as surely as the element of water hath power to wash mens bodies, and to clense them from al their spottes. Nowe how these things are imputed vnto vs, is here declared, but more fullie taught in the next question: [Page] namely, in respect of God, that giueth them by his spirit alone, who woorketh freelie in the elect, yet so, that the matter both of our clensing and of our regeneration, must be required and sought in Christ alone, by whose blood and spirit we must be cleansed and washed.
Question.
70 What is it to bee washed by the blood and Spirite of Christ?
Answere.
It is to receiue at the handes of God, forgiuenesses of sinnes, freelie for the blood of Christ, which he hathHeb. 12, 24. 1. pet. 1, 2. Reue. 1.5, & 22.14. Za. 13.1. Eze. 36.25. &c. shed for vs in his sacrifice vppon the Crosse: and next, to bee renewed also by the spirite of Christ, and being sanctified by him, to become a member of Christ, to the end wee may more and more die vnto sinne, andIoh. 1.33. & 3.5. 1. Cor. 6, 11, & 12.13. Rom. 6.4, Col. 2, 12. liue holilie, and without blame.
The vse.
A Double fruit redoundeth to vs by the Sacrament of baptisme. For first, we are not onlie by Baptisme assured, that al our sinnes are forgiuen vs, so that as often as wee sinne of infirmitie, we neither may, or ought to doubt of it, vnlesse we wil call the truth of God in doubt, and be enemies to our owne saluation: but also, we are by the same put in mind, what wee owe vnto God, that, forasmuch as by the spirit of sanctification he hath made vs his members, we doe more and [Page] more die vnto sinne,Rom. 6.4, 14. Col. 2.12 Tit, 3, 5 and do labour for vprightnes & inocencie of life, that so Baptisme may serue to order and rule our whole life, which is the second end of Baptisme.
Question.
71 Where doth Christ promise that he will as certainly wash vs with his blood and with his spirite, as wee are washed with the water of Baptisme?
Answere.
In the institution of Baptisme, the words whereof are these:Mat. 28.19 Goe and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Sonne, and of the holy Ghost, he that beleeueth, and is baptised shall bee saued:Mar. 16.16. he that beleeueth not, shall bee cōdemned: This promise is repeated, when the Scripture calleth Baptisme, theTit. [...] 5. washing of the new byrth, and the washingAct. 22, 16. away of sinnes.
The vse.
BY these testimonies therefore it is made plain, and prooued to be most true, that by Baptisme, I am no lesse assured, that by the bloode of Christ, and by his spirit, I am washed from the spottes of my soul, that is, from al my sinnes, then outwardly by water, the steines of the bodie are vsuallie washed away.
OF BAPTISME.
That Baptisme is the verie washing away of sinnes, and yet, that the holie Ghost doth not without cause so speake, and of the Baptisme of children.
Question.
Lords day. 27 72 Is then Baptisme the verie washing away of sinnes?
Answere.
It is not: For onelie theMat. 3.11. 1 Pet. 3, 21. Ephe. 5.26. blood of Christ, & the holie Ghost doth cleanse vs from all1. Ioh. 1.7. 1. Cor. 6.11. sinne.
Question.
73 Why then doth the holy Ghost call Baptisme the washing of regeneration, and the washing away of sins?
Answere.
God doth not without great cause so speake: to wit, not onely to teach vs, that as the spottes of the bodie are cleansed with water, so our sinnes areApo. 1.5. & 7.14.1. 1 Cor. 6.11. purged by the blood and spirite of Christ: but much more, that by this heauenly token & pledge, he may assure vs, that we are as truelie washed inwardlie frō our sins, as we areMat 16.16. Gal. 3.17. washed [Page] with outward & visible water.
Question.
74 Ought Infants also to be baptized
Answere.
Yea trulie: For seeing theyGen 17.7. belong to the couenant and Church of God, as wel as those that be at years of discretion, and seeing vnto them is promised by the blood of Christ,Mat. 19, 14. forgiuenes of sins, and theLuk. 1, 14.15, psal 22.11. Isai. 24, 1.2, 3. Act. 2.39. holie Ghost the worker of faith, no lesse than to the other: they ought also by Baptisme to bee ingraffed into the Church of God, and to beAct. 10.47. discerned from the children of Infidels, as they were in the olde Testament byCen. 17.14 circumcision, in place wherof, was ordainedColos. 2, 11.12. Baptisme in the new Testament.
The vse
OVt of this defence of baptizing of infants, ariseth a double doctrine and comfort: the one to the parentes, when they see, that the Lord wil be, not onelie their God, but the God of their seed, which is confirmed vnto them as it were, by a seale printed vnto them, according vnto that saying. Wee are all baptized in one bodie: The other to the children, that they knowe they are ingraffed into the bodie of the Church, and therefore are somewhat the better commended to the rest of the members, that is, to the faythfull: & when [Page] they are growne to yeares of discretion, may thereby, be pricked forward not a litle, to an earnest indeuour to serue God, by whome they were receiued for sonnes, by a solemne pledg of their adoption, before by their age they were able to acknowledg him for their Father.
OF THE SVPPER OF THE LORDE.
The application of the former doctrine of Sacraments to the Supper of the Lord: 2. A description of the spirituall Supper: 3. The confirmation thereof.
Question.
Lords day. 28 75 How art thou put in minde, and assured in the Supper of the Lord, that thou art partaker of that holie sacrifice of Christ, offered vpon the Crosse, and of all his benefites.
Answere.
Because Christ hath commaunded me, and all the faithfull, to eate of this bread being broken, and to drinke of this cup, being deuided among vs, in remembrance of him, and hath also added this promis:Mat. 26, 27.28 Mar. 14.12.23.24. Luk. 22.16.20, 1. Cor. 10.16 17, & 11, 23.24.25. & 12 [...] 13. First, that his bodie was no lesse assuredlie offered, and broken for me vpon the crosse, and his [Page] blood shead for me, than with mine eies I see, that the bread of the Lord is broken vnto me, and the cup reached vnto me. Secondly, that my soule is no lesse assuredly fed vnto euerlasting life by him, with his bodie that was crucified, and his blood that was shed for vs, than I doe with my bodily mouth receiue bread and wine, the tokens of the bodie and blood of the Lord, being deliuered vnto me by the hand of the minister.
The vse.
VVHich being so, it appeareth by this proportion to be most true, that the supper of the Lorde leadeth me to the onelie sacrifice of Iesus Christ, once offered vpon the Altar of the crosse, wherein by fayth I obtaine forgiuenes of sinnes, righteousnes, and life everlasting.
Question.
76 What is it to eate the body of Christ crucified, and to drinke his blood that was shead?
Answere.
It is not onely, with certaine affiance of mind to lay hold of the whole passion and death of Christ, and therby [Page] toIoh. 6, 35.4 [...].47.48.51.53, 54. obtaine forgiuenesse of sinnes, and life euerlasting: but also by the spirite of Christ, which dwelleth at one time both in Christ and vs, in such sort more and more to beIohn. 6.56, vnited vnto his holie bodie, that although he be inAct. 3.21. Act. 1.9. &c. 1. Cor. 11 26. heauen, and we vpon earth, yet notwithstanding we are flesh of his flesh, and bone of hisEph. 5, 29 30.32. 1. Cor. 6.15.17.19 1. Io. 3.24. & 4.13. Ioh. 14.23. bone: and as all the members of the bodie are quickened and [...]o. 6, 56.57.58. Io. 15.1.2.3.4 5.6. Eph. 4.15.16 gouerned by one soule, so are we all by one and the same spirite.
Question.
77 Where hath Christ promised, that he will as certainlie giue vnto the beleeuers his bodie and his blood in this maner to be eaten and drunke, as they doo eate this bread, beeing broken, and drinke this cup.
Answere.
In the institution of the Supper, the wordes whereof are these:1. Cor. 11.1 [...], &c, Mat. 26.26. &c, Mark. 24.22. &c. Luk. 22.19. &c. Our Lord Iesus Christ, the same night that he was betraied, tooke bread, & when he had giuen thankes, he brake it and said: Take, eate, this is my bodie which is broken for you: this doo yee in remembrance of me. Likewise after [Page] supper he took the cup: saying,Ezod. 24.8, Heb. 9.2. This cup is the new Testamēt in my blood,Exod. 13.9. This doe, as oft as ye drinke it, in remembrance of me: For as often as ye eat this bread, and drinke this cup, ye shew the lords death til he come. This promise is repeated by Paule, when he saith:1. Cor. 10.10.17, k The cup of thanksgiuing, wherewith we giue thankes, is it not the communion of the blood of christ? The bread which we breake, is it not the communion of the Lordes bodie? Because wee beeing manie are one bread, and one body, for we are al partakers of one bread.
OF TRANSVBSTANTIATION.
Transubstantiation of breade and wine in the vse of the supper disprooued, and the true exposition and meaning of these words: Bread is the body of Christ.
Question.
Lords day. 29 78 What then, are bread and wine made the very body & blood of Christ
Answere.
No truelie: But as the water of [Page] baptisme isMat. 26.29. Mar, 14.24. not turned into the blood of Christ, neither is the verie washing away of sinnes, but only a token and pledge of those things which are sealed vnto vs in Baptisme: No more is the bread of the Lords Supper the verie bodie of1. Cor. 10.16, &c. &. 11.26. &c. Christ: although after the nature of Sacraments, and theGen. 17.10 &c, Ex. 26.27, 43.48. & 13.9. Act. 7.8. Ex. 24.8. Leu. 16.10. & 17.12, Isa. 6.6.7. Tit. 3.5. Act. 22.16, 1. Pet. 3.21, 1. Cor, 10.1. maner of speach which the holy Ghost vseth in speaking of these thinges, the bread is called the body of Christ.
Question.
79 Why then doeth Christ call the bread his bodie, & the cup his blood, or the newe Testament in his bloode: and Paul, calleth the bread and wine, the communion of the body & blood of Christ?
Answere.
Christ not without great cause so speaketh, to wit, not onely to teach vs, that as bread and wine sustaineth the life of the bodie: so also his bodie crucified, and his blood shed, is indeede the meat and drink of our soul, where by it may beIohn. 6.51.55.56. nourished to life everlasting: but much more by this visible signe and pledg, to assure vs, that wee [Page] are noe lesse trulie made partakers of his bodie and blood, by the woorking of the holie Ghost, then we do1. Cor. 10.16.17. with the mouth of the bodie receiue these holy signes, in remembrance of him: Secondly, that his passion and obedience is as certainlie ours, as if we our selues had payed the punishment of our sinnes, and made satisfaction vnto God.
OF THE MASSE.
An opposition of the Masse, and the Supper of the Lorde, and whoe ought & may come vnto the supper, & whome Christ woulde haue to bee kept from the Supper.
Question.
Lords day. 30 80 What difference is there betwen the Supper of the Lord, and the Popish Masse?
Answere,
The supper of the Lorde, doth witnes vnto vs, that we haue perfect forgiuenes [Page] of all our sinnes, for that onely sacrifice of Christ, which himselfe once offeredHeb. 7.27 &. 9.12.26.28. & 10.10.12.14. Ioh. 19 30. Mat. 26.28. Luc. 22.19, 20 vppon the Crosse: and then, that wee are by the holy Ghost ingraffed into1. Cor. 6.17. & 10 16. & 12, 13. Christ, who nowe according to his humanitie, is onely in Heauen at the right hand of hisHeb. 1, 3. & 8. [...] Father, and will there beIoh. 4.21, 22 23. & 20, 17. Luc. 24.52. Act. 7.55.56. Col. 3.1. Phil. 3.10. 1. Thes. 19.10 worshipped of vs. But in the Masse it is denyed, that the quick and dead haue forgiuenes of sinnes, for the onelie suffering of Christ, vnlesse Christ be still euery day offered for them by the Priests: and then it is taught, that Christ is bodily vnder the appearance of bread and wine, and therefore ought to be worshipped in them. And so the very foundation of the Masse is nothing els, but a denying of that onely sacrifice, & suffering of Iesus Christ, and a most cursed Idolatrie.
Question.
81 Whoe ought to come to the Supper of the Lord?
Answere.
Only they who are trulie sory, that they haue offended God by their sins: and do beleeue that they are forgiuen [Page] them for Christs sake: and that whatsoeuer other infirmities they haue, they are couered by his passion and death, and who desire more and more to goe forward in fayth and vprightnes of life. But hypocrits, & they that do not trulie repent, doe eat &Cor. 10 21. & 11.28. &c. drink vnto themselues condemnation.
Question.
82 May they also bee admitted to this Supper, who declare them selues by their confession and life, to be vnbeleeuers and vngodly men?
Answere.
No in no wise, For by that meanes the couenant of God is prophaned, & the wrath of God is5. Cor, 11.20 34, Isai. 1.11. &c. & 66.3. Ier 7.20 &c. psa. 50.16. prouoked against the whole congregation: wherfore the Church, by the commandement of Christ and of his Apostles, vsing the keies of the kingdom of heauen, ought to keepe backe such from the Supper, vntill they repent and amend their maners.
OF THE KEYES.
Of the keyes, and their nomber, to [Page] wit, of the vse and authoritie of the key of the Gospell, and of discipline, in opening and shutting the kingdome of God.
Question.
Lords day. 31 83 What are the keyes of the kingdome of Heauen?
Answere.
The preaching of the Gospell, and Ecclesiastical discipline, whereby heauen is opened to them that beleeue, andMat. 16.19. & 18, 18. shut against vnbeleeuers.
The vse
THe vse of the doctrine of the keyes is double: for we are first put in mind by them, of our misery, before the Lord cal vs by his Gospel, namely, that we are banished from the kingdome of God, and consequently excluded from righteousnes and saluation. Last of all, that we are fast bound as it were, with the bonds and fetters of Sathan. Secondly, howe great good God dooth bestowe vpon vs, and offer vnto vs, when he bleseth vs with the preaching of the Gospell, putting vs in hope: that if we beleeue in Christ, he wil deliuer vs from the power of darknes, and translate vs into the kingdome of his beloued Son:2. Tim. 1.1 [...]. whereto belongeth that of the Apostle, that life and immortallitie vvere brought to light by the Gospell. For [Page] Christ is the doore and gate of saluation,Iohn. 14.6. Act 10.45. and euen the onlie way which we must enter into, to come vnto the kingdome of heauen. Whereby it appeareth, that they are deceiued, whoe thinke that every one, whether he be Turke or Iewe, may be saued in his own superstition, so he keep some outward shadow and shewe of Iustice: for God hath ordained the preaching of the Gospell to be the key, whereby he wil haue the kingdome of heau [...]n to be opened, and the faithfull to be let into it, and whome in Christ his Sonne hee hath chosen vnto saluation.
Question.
84 How is the kingdome of heuen opened and shut by the preaching of the Gospell?
Answere.
When by the commaundement of Christ, it is openly preached to al and euerie one that beleeueth, that al their sinnes are forgiuen them by God, so oft as they lay hold vpon the promise of the Gospel by a true faith. Contrariwise, vnto all vnbeleeuers and hypocrits it is denounced, that the wrath of God, & euerlasting condemnation lieth vpon them, so long as theyIoan. 20.21 22.23 Mat 16.19 continue in their sinnes: According to which testimonie of the Gospell, God [Page] will iudge aswell in this present life, as in the life to come.
Question.
85 Howe is the kingdome of Heauen shut and opened by Ecclesiastical discipline?
Answere.
When by the commaundement of Christ, they who are in name Christians, but in doctrine or life shew themseluesRom. 12 7.8.9. 1 Cor. 12.20 strangers frō Christ, after they haue bene once or twise admonished, and wil not depart from their errors, or sinfull liuing, are presented to the Church, or to those who are appointed to that office by the Church, and if they obey not their admonition, are by forbidding them the Sacramentes by them shut out from the assemblie of the Church, and by God himselfe from the kingdom of Christ: and againe, and if they possesse amendement, and doo indeed declare it, are receiued asMa,. 18.15.16.17. 1. Cor, 5.3, 4, 5.2. The. 3.14, 15, 2. Iohn. 10.11. 2, Cor. 2.6.7.10 11. 1, Tim, 5.17. members of Christ and of the Church.
THE THIRD PARTE, OF MANS THANKFVLNES.
Of the necessitie of good workes, and the punishment of them, who go on carelesly in their sinnes.
Question.
Lords day. 32 86 Seeing we are deliuered from al sinnes and miseries, without any desert of our own, by the only mercie of God for Christes sake, to what end should we doe good workes?
Answere.
Because, after that Christ hath redeemed vs by his blood, he dooth also renewe vs by his spirit according to his owne image, to the end, that hauing receiued so great benefites, wee shoulde all our life longRom. 6.13. & 12.1.2, 2. pet. 2.5.9.10. 1. Cor. 6.20. shewe our selues thankfull towards God, and that he might beMat. 5.16. 1. pet, 2.10. glorified by vs. Secondly, [Page] that wee also every one of vs, may bee2. Pet. 1.10. Mat. 7, 17, 18. Gal. 5, 6.22 assured of our faith by the fruits thereof. Last of all, that by the vprightnes of our life, we may gaine1. pet. 3.1.2. Mat. [...], 16. Rom. 14, 19. others vnto Christ.
The vse.
VVHich being so, it followeth, that the studie of good workes is necessarie: 1. To honour God by our life: 2. To worke out our owne saluation in feare and trembling: 3. To ed [...]fie our neighbour by good examples, which is indeede to liue worthie of the Gospell.Phil. 2.22.
Question.
87 Can not they then bee saued, who being vnthankfull, and continuing securely in their sinnes, are not turned from their wickednes vnto God?
Answere.
By no meanes, for as the scripture witnesseth, neither vncleane persons, nor Idolaters, nor adulterers, nor theeues, nor couetous persons, nor drunkards, nor raylers, nor oppressors, shall1, Cor. 6, 9, 10. Ephe. 5.3.6. 1. Ioh. 3.14.15. inherit the Kingdome of God.
OF REPENTANCE.
Of repentance, and the fruits thereof, to wit, good works.
Question.
Lords day. 33 88 Of what partes consisteth true repentance, or turning vnto God?
Answere.
Of theRo. 6, 4.5, 6. Eph. 4.22.23, 42. Col, 3, 5, 6, 7.8, 9.10. 1. Cor. 5, 7. 2. Cor. 7, mortifiing or killing of the ould man, and quickening of the new man.
Question.
89 What is the mortification of the old man?
Answere.
Truelie, and from the hart to be sory, that by thy sinnes thou hast offended God, and more and more to hate andRom. [...], 13. Ioel. 2.13. Ho, 5.14. & 6.1 flie from them.
Question.
90 What is the quickening of the newe man?
Answere.
True reioycing in God, throughRom. 5.1. & 14 17. Isa. 57.15. Christ, and a forward desire to frame our life according to Gods will, and [Page] to exerciseRom. 6.10.11, Gal. 2, 20. all good workes.
Question.
91 What workes are good?
Answere.
Onely those that are done af a trueRom. 11.23. faith, according to the1. Sam. 15.22. Ephe. 2.10. lawe of God, &1. Cor. 10.31. are referred only to his glory, and not those which are deuised by our selues vppon a good intent, orDeut. 11.32 Eze. 20.18.19. Is. 29, 13. Mat. 1 [...].9. commanded by mens traditions.
Question.
92 What is the Law of God?
Answere.
The Lorde spake all theseExod. 20, Deu. 5, wordes saying.
1 I am Iehoua thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt from the house of seruaunts, see thou haue no strange God before my face.
2 Make not to thy selfe any grauen Image, nor drawe any likenes of those things, which are either in heauen aboue, or in the Earth beneath, or in the water vnder the Earth, thou shalt not fall downe before them nor worship them: For I am the Lord thy God strong and ielious, auenging the sinnes of the Fathers vppon the children, [Page] and that to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and shewing mercie vppon thousands in them that loue me and keepe my commandements.
3 Take not the name of the Lorde thy God in vaine, for the Lord will not let him goe vnpunished, that taketh his name in vaine.
4 Remēber to keep holie the Sabbath day: Six daies shalt thou labor, and doe all thy worke: But vpon the seauenth day, shalbe the Sabbath vnto the Lord thy God: Thou shalt doe no worke, neither thou, nor thy Son, nor thy daughter, nor thy seruant, nor thine handmaid, nor thy cattel, nor the straunger that is within thy gates. For in Six dayes the Lorde made the Heauen, the Earth, the Sea, and all things that are in them, and rested the seauenth day, therefore the Lord blessed the seuenth day and hallowed it.
5 Honor thy Father and thy Mother, that thou maiest liue long vpon the land, which the lord thy God shall giue thee.
6 Thou shalt not kill.
[Page]7 Thou shalt not commit adultery
8 Thou shalt not steale.
9 Thou shalt not bear false witnes against thy neigbour.
10 Thou shalt not couet thy neighbours house, neither shalt thou couet thy neighbours wife nor his seruaunt nor his maiden, nor his oxe, nor his asse, nor any of those thinges that are thy neighbours.
OF THE LAWE OF GOD.
The partition of the Law into two [...] bles, and a deuision of the commandements both of the first and second table: & a laying forth of the vices & vertues which are contained in the first commandement, the end whereof is that God alone may be serued.
Question.
Lords day. 34 93 Howe are these Commaundementes deuided?
Answere.
Into twoExod. 34.28. Deut. 4.13 & 10.34. Tables: wherof the first deliuereth in foure Commandements [Page] how wee ought to behaue our selues toward God: The latter in six Commandements, what duties weeMat. 22.37.38, 39 owe to our neighbour.
Question.
94 What requireth God in the first Commandement?
Answere.
That as I loue the saluation of my owne soule, so I diligently shun and auoide all1. Cor. 6, 9.10, & 10, 7.14. Idolatrie, coniuring, inchantment,Leu. 19.31. Deu, 18, 11 superstition, praying to Saintes, or otherMat. 4, 10 Apoc. 19, 10 & 22, 8.9, creatures: and doe rightlyIoh. 16.3. acknowledge the onely and true God,Ier. 17.5. trust in him alone,Heb. 10.36. Col. 1, 11. Rom. 5.3.4, 1. Cor. 10.10. Phil. 2.14. submit my selfe with all1. pet. 5.5, 6 humilitie and patience vnto him,Psal. 104.27, 28 29.30, Isai. 45, 7. Iac, 1, 17, looke for al good thinges from him alone: to conclude, with the most inward affection of my heart,Deut, 6, 5. Mat. 22.37. loue,Deu. 6.2. psal. 111.10. prou. 1.7. & 9, 10. Mat 10.28 reuerence, andMat. 4.20 Deut. 10.20. worship him: so that I will rather forsake all creatures, thanMat. 5.29.30, &. 10.37. Act. 5.29 cōmit the least thing that may be against his will.
Question.
95 What is idolatrie?
Answere.
It is, in the place of one God, or besides that one & true God, who hath [Page] reueiled himself in his word, to deuise or haue any other thing, wherein to put1. pro. 16, 26, Phil. 3.19. Eph. 5, 5, Gal. 4.8. Eph. 2.12.1 1. Ioh. 2.23.2 2. Ioh. 9. Io. 5.23 our trust.
OF THE SECOND Commandement.
What maner of God the Lord is, and with what kinde of seruice to be honoured, where, of painting of images: and whether it bee lawfull to set them in Churches.
Question.
Lords day. 35 96 What dooth the second Commandement require?
Answere.
That weDeu. 4.15. & 1. Isai, 40.18. &c, Rom. 1.23, &c Act. 17.29, expresse not God by any image or shape, neither1. Sam. 15.23. Deut. 12.30, &c, Mat. 15.9 serue him after any other manner, then as in his woord hee hath commanded himselfe to be serued.
Question.
97 Ought wee then to make no Images nor pictures?
Answere.
God neither ought, nor can by any [Page] means be drawen or pictured: and although it be lawfull to resemble the creatures, yet God forbiddeth to haue, or make their images, to worship orEx. 23.24. & 34.13.14. & 17. Num. 33.52, De. 7, 5. & 12.3. & 16.22. 2. Reg. 18.4. honour either of them, or God by them.
Question.
98 But may images be suffered in Churches, to be in steed of bookes to the ignorant multitude?
Answere.
No, in no wise: For it becommeth not vs to be wiser than God, who wil haue his Church taught, not with dumbeIer. 10.8, &c. Hab. 2.18.19 images, but with the liuely2. Tim. 3.16.17 2. pet. 19. preaching of his word.
OF THE THIRD COMmandement.
That God hateth the abuse of his name, and requireth of euery one to confesse and praise him both priuately and publikely.
Question.
Lords day. 36 99 What meaneth God in the third Commandement?
Answere.
That wee doo not reprochfullie, or vnreuerently vse the name of God, not onely by cursing orLeu. 24.11. &c. Leu. 19.12 forswearing, but also by swearingMat. 5, 37, Iac. 5, 12. rashlie, neither yet take part in these horrible sinnes, by holding our peace, or winking at them: but that weeIsa, 45, 43 vse the sacred name of god, nor without great religion &1. Tim. 2, 8 reuerence: that by true & cōstantRom. 2, 24. 1. Tim. 6, 1, Col. 3.16.17. confession, andMar. 10.32. calling vpon him, and finally, by al our words & deedes he be praysed and magnified.
Question.
100 Is it then soe great a sinne to take the name of God in vaine, either by swearing or by cursing, that God is also angry with them, whoe as much as in them lieth, do not forbid or hinder it.
Answere.
Surely a mostLeuit. 5. [...] grieuous sinne: for there is no greater sinne, or which doth more offend God, than the reproch of his most holie name: Wherfore also, heLeu. 24, 11, 1 [...] commanded that sinne to be punished with death.
OF THE THIRD COMmaundement.
Of a lawfull and vnlawfull oath: of the first, for the Anabaptistes: of the latter, for the popish sort.
Question.
Lords day. 37 101 But may any man lawfullie & in a godly sort, sweare by the name of God?
Answere.
He may: When either the Magistrate requireth it of his subiectes, or necessitie requireth, that by this meanes faith be assured, and trueth established: to the end that the glorie of God may be set foorth, and the saluation of other men furthered. For this kind of oath is cōfirmed by theDeu. 6, 13. & Heb. 6.16, Gen. 21.14 Gal. 1.20. Deut. 10.20. word of God, & therefore hath bene rightlie vsedIsa. 48.1. Ie. 12.16, Ios. 2.12. Ex, 23.10, 11. 1. Sam 24, 22.23. Gal, 1, 20 Gen. 21.24. & 31.53 by holy men, both in the olde and new testament.
Question.
102 Is it not lawfull to sweare by Saintes and other Creatures?
Answere.
No: For a lawfull oth, is a calling vpon God, wherein a man desireth, [Page] that he beeing the onely beholder of the heart, would giue witnesse to the trueth, and punish the swearer, if hee2 Cor, 1, 23 1. Sam. 20, 12 deceiue wittinglie: Now this honourIer, 5, 7. Amo [...] 8, 14 agreeth to no creature.
OF THE FOVRTH Commandement.
Of the true hallowing of the Sabbath.
Question.
Lords day. 38 103 What doth the Lord require in the fourth Commandement?
Answere.
First, that the ministerie of the gospell and schooles beTit, 1.5 Ephes. 4.11. maintained: and that both vpon other dayes, and especiallie vpon holie dayes, I do diligentliepsal. 68.26. & 40.9.10. Act. 2 42, 46, frequent, the holy assemblies,1. Cor. 14.19.29.31. heare the worde of God attentiuelie, vse theCor. 11, 33. Sacramentes, and to the publike prayers,1. Tim. 2.1, 2, 3 8, 9, 1. Cor. 14, 16. ioyne also mine own priuat, and according to mine abilitie, bestowe some thing vppon the1, Cor. 16. poore: Secondly that in all my life, I absteine from wicked actions, yeelding vnto the Lord, that by his spirit, [Page] he may worke his good worke in me, and so, that IEsai. 66.23. beginne that everlasting Sabbath or rest in this life.
OF THE FIFT COMMANDEMENT.
That they are to be honoured, whom the Lord hath set ouer vs, and both to be obeied, & thankfully to be requited.
Question.
Lords day. 39 104 What dooth the Lord injoine vs in the fift commandement?
Answere.
That wee performe vnto our Parentes, and euen to all that are set ouer vs, due honour, loue & fidelitie, and doeEph. 6.1.2, 5. &c. Col, 3.18.20, 22, 23, 24 Eph, 5, 22, pro. 1.8, 4, 1, & 15, 20 & 20, 20. Ex. 21.17, Rom. 10.1 submit our selues to their faithfull precepts and chastisements with that obedience that is meet. Secondlie, that weProu. 23, 22. Gen. 9.25. 1, pet 2, 18. patiently bear with their faults & manners, alwaies hauing in remembrance, that God will leadEph. 6, 40 Col. 3, 19, & 21, Rom. 13. Mat. 22.27. and rule vs by their hand.
OF THE SIXT COMMANDEMENT.
Of avoyding manslaughter, & how many waies it is committed in the sight of God, the end whereof is, that the safetie of everie one ought to bee commended to everie one.
Question.
Lords day. 40 105 What doeth God require in the sixt commandement.
Answere.
That neither by thought, nor by word, nor by gesture, much lesse by deede, either by my selfe, or by any other, I doe reuile, or hate, or hurt, orMat 5, 12, 22. Gen. 9.6. Mat 26.52, slay my neighbour, butEph. 4.26. Rom, 12, 19, Mat. 5, 25. & 18, 35 cast away all desire of reuenge. Moreouer that IRom. 13, 14, Col. 2.23, Syr. 3.27. Mat. 4, 7. hurt not my selfe, nor wittingly cast my selfe into any daunger. And therfore also, that murther might be avoided, he hathGen. 9, 6, Exod. 21.14. Mat 26.52. Rom. 13.4. armed the Magistrate with the sword.
Question.
106 Why? but this commandement seemeth to forbid onelie Murder.
Answere.
For the slaying of murder, God [Page] teacheth, that he hateth the roote and original of murder, to wit,Iac. 1.20, Gal. 5, 20. anger,Rom, 1, 29. enuy, hatred,1. Ioh. 2.9.1. and desire of reuenge, and doth d account all these for murder.1. ioh. 3, 15.
Question.
107 And is it sufficient to kill noe man in such sorte as hath bin spoken?
Answere.
It is not sufficient: for when God condemneth wrath, enuie, hatred; hee requireth, that weeMat, 22.59. & 7, 12 loue our neighbour as our selues, and that wee vse towards himRom. 12.10, curtesie, gentlenes,Ephe. 4.2 Galat. 6.1.2 Mat. 5.5. Ro. 12.18. Mat. 5, 7 Luk. 6, 3. meeknes, patience,Exod. 24.5, and mercie,Mat. 5, 45. and that whatsoeuer may hurte him, as much as in vs lieth, we turne it away from him. In a worde, that wee be so disposed in mind. that weRom, 22.20.81, spare not to doe good even to our enemies.
OF THE SEAVENTH COMmandement.
Of Adulterie, that is, that we be not defiled with any vncleannes or intemperate lust of the flesh, but that wee gouern [Page] all the parts of our life, chastly and continently.
Question.
Lords day. 41 108 What is the meaning of the seuenth commandement.
Answere.
That God doethLeu. 18.27.28. abhor all filthines, and therefore that we also oughtIud. 22.23. to hate and detest it, and on the other side, that we ought to liue, soberly, modestly, and1. Thes. 4, 3, 4.5, chastly, either in holy wedlock or single life.
Question.
109 Doth God forbid nothing els in this commandement, but adultery and such kind of filthines?
Answere.
For as much as our body & soule, are the temples of the holy Ghost, the will of God is, that wee possesse both them purely & holilie, & therefore hee doth generally forbid filthy deeds, gestures and behauiours,Eph. 5.3, 4, Cor. 6, 18.19, 20, speeches thoughtsMat, 5, 27.23, and desires, and whatsoeuer may allure1, Cor, 15, 33. vs herevnto.
OF THE EIGHT COMMANDEMENT.
Because all vnrighteousnes is abhominable in the sight of God, hee forbiddeth greedilie to gape after that which is an other mans, and commandeth vs to lend our faythful helpe to every man, for the keeping of his owne goods, and by this meanes hee doeth allowe and ratifie the distinction of owners and proper possessions.
Question.
Lords day. 42 110 What doth God forbid in the eight commandement.
Answere.
Not only those1. Cor. 6, 10. thefts and1. Cor. 5.10. robberies which the Magistrate doeth punish, but vnder the name of theft, hee comprehendeth all naughtie shifts & occupations, whereby wee catch after other mens goods, and labor toLuk. 3.14 1. Thes 4.6 conveigh them to our selues, by force, or by couler of right, as are vnequallpro. 11.1 & 16.11 weights, an vniust metwand, vnequal [Page] Eze. 45.9, &c. measure, deceitfull ware, counterfeit mony,Psal. 15.5 Luc. 6.35. vsurie, or any other forbiddin way, or means to thriue & get welth. Add hereunto all1. Co. 6, 10, couetousnes, and the manifold mispending andProu. 5. [...]6, abusing of the guifts of God.
Question.
111 What are those things which God commandeth here?
Answere.
That I further and increase, as much as I am able, the commoditie and profit of my neighbour, and soe deale with him, as IMat. 7.12. desire to be delt withall my selfe: that diligently and faythfully I follow my worke, that IEph. 4, 28 may be able also to help the neede of others.
OF THE NINTH COMMANDEMENT.
That we ought not to abuse our tong to lying, slandering, and false accusations of our neighbour, but rather to avouch the truth, and to maintaine and [Page] preserue the life and goods of our neighbour.
Question.
Lords day. 43 112 What doeth the ninth commandement require?
Answere.
That I beare noe falseprou, 19, 5, 9, & 81.28, witnes against any man, that IPsal, 15.3, falsifie or misconstrue no mans words, that I back bite orRom, 1.29, 21, reproch no man, that IMat, 7, 1, &c, Luk, 6, 87, condeme noe man rashlie, or before his cause be heard, but that IIoh, 8.44, do with al carefulnes avoide all kind of lying & deceit as theprou. 12, 22, & 13.5, proper woorkes of the Diuell, vnles I will prouoke the most grieuous displeasure of God against my selfe: that in iudgments and other affaires I follow the truth, and freely and constantly1. Cor, 14, 6, Ephe, 4, 25. professe the matter to be even as it is:1. Pet, 4.8, Moreouer, that as much as in me lyeth, I defend and increase the good name and credit of others.
OF THE TENTH COMmandement.
That even the very smallest desire [Page] contrary to Charitie ought to be put out of mens mindes: 2. Of the proceeding of the godly in the obedience of the Lawe: 3. And what the vse of the Lawe is in this life.
Question.
Lords day. 44 113 What doeth the tenth commandement forbid?
Answere.
That our harts be neuer tempted, no not with the least desire or thoght against any commandement of God: but that alwaies from the harte, wee detest all sinne, and contrariwise takeRo, 7, 7. &c pleasure in all righteousnes.
The vse.
VVHich being so, who seeth not that in this last commandement, is required and conteined, the perfit obedience of the whole lawe? for howe commeth it to passe, that wee sinne against every commandement, but because this corrupt concupiscence is in vs? without which, we should of our owne accord, with our whole minde and bodie striue to attaine to the onelie good, altogether, without any contrary thought or mammering, but so long as it cleaueth vnto vs, it cannot be but that we shal all offend, both very o [...]en, and in many things, & shall eftsoones [Page] grone and lament with the Apostle, saying: O vvretched man that I am, vvhoe shall deliuer me from the bodie of this death? Rom. 7.24.
Question.
114 Are they able whoe are conuerted vnto God, to keepe these commandements perfectly?
Answere.
No verely: but euen they that ar most holie, so long as they liue, haue onely some small beginnings of this1. Ioh. 1, 8, &c. Ro. 7, 14, 15. Eccle. 7, 22. obedience: yet so, that with an earnest & vnfeigned indeuour, theyRom. 7.22 Iac, 2, 10. begin to liue, not according to some onelie, but even according to all Gods commandements.
Question.
115 Why then will God haue his Lawe, so exactlie, and so seuerely preached, whereas there is no man in this life that is able to keepe it.
Answere.
First, that in our whole life, we may more and moreIohn. 1, 9, psal. 22 5. acknowledg how forward our nature is to sinne, and soe much the more greedilieRom. 7, 23, desire forgiuenes of sinnes and righteousnes in Christ. Secondly, that we continually [Page] be1. Cor. 9.24, &c. phil. 3, 12: 13.14. about this, and daylie muse vppon it, that wee may obteine the grace of the holy Ghost from the Father, to the end wee may every day, more and more be renewed according to the Image of God, vntil one day at the length, after wee are departed out of this life, we attaine with ioy to that perfection which is sette before vs.
OF PRAIER.
The necessitie of Prayer, the conditions of good prayer, and a rule for those things that are to be asked.
Question.
Lords day. 45 116 Wherefore is prayer necessary for Christians?
Answere.
Because it is the principall part of thatPsal. 50.14.15 thankfulnes which God requireth at our hands: as also, because the Lord bestoweth his grace, and the holy Ghost vpon them alone, who with true gronings doe continuallie begge [Page] these things at his handes, and doeMat. 7.7.8. Luc. 11.9, 13, Mar. 13.12, psal. 50, 15. giue him thanks for the same.
Question.
117 What thinges are required to that prayer, wherewith God is pleased, and which he heareth and graunteth?
Answere.
That with true affection of harte, we ask of that true God alone, whoe hathIohn. 4.22. psal 81.8, 9.10. Iam 1.5. reueiled himselfe in his worde, all things, whatsoeuer hee hath commanded vs toRom. 8.26. 1, Iohn. 5.14. psal. 145.18. ask of him, and that with an inwardIohn. 4.21.22, Psal. 145.18. 2. Chron. 20.12. feeling of our owne needie & miserable estate, wepsal 2.11 psal 119.120, Esai, 66.2, Pro. 34 17.18. & 51.17. Iona. 3.4, &c, humbly throwe our selues downe before the maiestie of God,Rom, 10.14. Mar, 11.24. 1 Ioh 5.14.15, Mat, 15.22. &c. leaning vpon this strong foundation, that we, albeit vnworthie: yet are vndoubtedlyIoh, 26.23. Col 3.17. Ioh. 14.13. heard of God for Christes sake, as he hathMat. 7.7.8 psal 50.14. promised vnto vs in his word.
Question.
118 What are those things which God commandeth vs to ask of him?
Answere.
All thingesIam. 1, 17, Mat. 6.35. necessarie both for soule and bodie, which our Lorde Iesus Christ hath cōprised, in that praier [Page] which hee himselfe hath taught vs.
Question.
119 What is that prayer?
Answere.
OVrMar. 6.9.10. &c. Luk. 11.2. &c. Mat. 7.9, 10.11. Luk. 11▪ 12, 13. Father which art in Heuen: Hallowed be thy name: thy kingdome come: thy wil be done, as in Heuen, so also in Earth: Giue vs this day our daylie bread: And forgiue vs our debts, as we forgiue our debters: and lead vs not into temptation, but deliuer vs from euill. For thine is the kingdome, the power, and the glory, for euer, Amen.
HOW WE SHOVLD PRAY.
The preface of the Lords prayer, and the exposition thereof.
Question.
Lords day. 46 120 Why doth Christ commande vs after this maner to call vpon God: Our Father.
Answere.
That even in the very entrance of prayer, he may stir vppe in vs a reuerence, [Page] and trust in God, conuenient for the children of God, which ought to be the ground-work of our prayer: to wit, that God for Christes sake is become our Father, & will much lesse denie vnto vs those thinges, that wee ask of him by a true fayth, then our ParentsMat. 7.9.19, 11. Luk. 11.11, denie vs earthlie benefites.
Question.
121 Why is that added, which art in Heauen
Answere.
That weIer. 23, 24 Act. 17.24, 25.27. should not conceiue any base and earthlie thing of the heauenly maiestie of God: and withall also, that from his almightie power wee shouldRom. 10.12 looke for, whatsoeuer is necessarie for soule and bodie.
OF THE FIRST PETITION.
Wherein the hallowing of the name of God consisteth.
Question.
Lords day. 47 122 What is the first petition?
Answere.
Hallowed be thy name: that is, Grant first of all, that wee mayIoh. 17, 3. Ier. 9.23, 24 & 31.33, 34, Mat. 16, 17 Iam. 1, 5. psal, 119.105 knowe thee aright, and may reuerence, praise, andpsal. 119.137.138. Luk. 1.46. &c. 68, &c. psal. 145.8, 9, 17, Ex. 34.6.7. Psal, 143.1, 2, 5 10.11.12, Iere. 31.5, & 32.18, 19, 40, 41, & 33, 11, &, 20, Mat. 19, 17. Rom, 3, 3, 4. & 11, 22, 23 2. Tit. 2.19, set forth thy almightie power, wisdom, goodnes, righteousnes, mercie and trueth, that shineth in all thy workes. Secondly, that wee may so direct all our life, thoughtes, wordes, and deeds, that thy most holie name be not reproched by our occasion, but rather bepsa. 115, 1 & 71, 8, honored and magnified.
OF THE SECOND PETITION.
Wherein the comming of Gods kingdome, the preseruation and perfection thereof consisteth.
Question.
Lords day. 49 123 What is the second petition?
Answere.
Lette thy Kingdome come: that is, so gouerne vs by thy worde, and by thy Spirit, that wee mayMar. 6.33 psal. 119.5. & 143.10 bee more and more subiect vnto thee, preserue and [Page] increase thypsal. 51.20. & 122, 6, 7. Churche, destroy the workes of the Deuill, and every power that exalteth it selfe against thy maiestie: make void all the counsels that are1, Ioh. 3.8 Rom. 16, 20. taken against thy word, vntill at the length, thouApoc. 22, 17, 20. Ro, 8, 22, 23 do fully and perfectly raigne, when thou shalt be al in1, Cor. 15, 28 al.
OF THE THIRD PETITION.
The end of this petition is, that all men do submit themselues to the will of God, that so it may appeare, that God doth raigne effectually in the World.
Question.
Lords day. 49 124 What is the third petition?
Answere.
Thy will bee done, as in Heauen, so also in Earth: that is, G [...]unt that we, and all menMat. 16.24, Tit. 2.12. renouncing our owne wil, may readilie, and without any murmuringLuk, 22.42, obey thy wil, which onlie is holie: & so may cheerefully1 Cor, 7, 24. execute whatsoeuer the Angels doe inpsal. 103.20.21 Heauen.
OF THE FOVRTH PETITION.
The end of this petition is, that wee may acknowledg, that God is he, whoe must giue vnto vs all things necessary, for the maintenance of this present life.
Question.
Lords day. 50 125 What is the fourth petition?
Answere.
Giue vs this day our dailie bread. that is, supplie vnto vs all thingspsal. 145, 15 16, & 104.27, 28. Mat. 6, 2 [...] ▪ necessarie for this present life, that thereby we may acknowledg, that thou art the onelie fountaine, from whom all good thinges doeAct. 17▪ 27▪ 28, & 14.17. flowe, and except thou giue thy blessing, all our care & trauell, and euen thine owne guifts, will be vnprosperous and1 Cor 15, 58 Deut, 8, 3, psal. 27, 16.17. hurtefull vnto vs: Wherefore graunt, that turning our affiance from all creatures, we maypsal. 62.11. & 55.23, set it vpon thee alone.
OF THE FIFT PETITION.
Because the conscience of sinne hindreth [Page] men in praying, by reason that the Deuill suggesteth such thoughts, to the end wee might not bee overcome with these temptations, Christ would haue vs set against them, as a comfort, this petition of forgiuenes of sinnes.
Question.
Lords day. 51 126 What is the fift petition?
Answere.
Forgiue vs our debtes, as we forgiue them that are indebted vnto vs, that is, for the blood of Christ, imputepsal. 51.1. &c. & 143.2, 1, Ioh. 2.1, 2, not vnto vs most miserable sinners, al our sinnes, and even that corruption, which as yet cleaueth vnto vs: as wee also feele this testimonie of thy fauour in our harts, that we haue a stedfast purpose from our hartes, toMat., 6.14.17 forgiue all that haue offended vs.
OF THE SIXT PETITION.
This Petition is the second parte of the spirituall couenant, which God hath made for the saluation of his church, for [Page] we desire in it, that as he hath forgiuen vs our sinnes, so he woulde vouchsafe to write his lawes in our hartes, that hee would defend vs by the power of his Spirit, and susteine vs by his helpe, so that we may stand invinciblie against al tentations.
Question.
Lords day. 52 127 What is the sixt petition?
Answere.
Leade vs not into temptation, but deliuer vs from all evill: that is, forasmuch as wee are by nature soe feeble and weake, that weIohn. 15.5. psal. 103.14. are not able to stand no not a moment of time, & our deadly enemies,1. pet. 5.8. Ephe. 6, 12 Satan, theIohn. 15.19. worlde, and our ownRom. 7.23. Gal. 5.17. flesh, do continuallie assaile vs, vpholde thou vs and strengthen vs by the power of thy spirit, that weeMat. 26 41. Mar. 13, 33. faint not in this spirituall combate, but may so long stand against them, vntill at the last we1. Thes. 3.13. & 5,23. obtaine a perfite victorie.
Question.
128 How doest thou conclude thy prayer.
Answere.
For thine is the kingdome, the power, and the glory for euer: that is, wee ask all these thinges at thy hand, because thou being our king, & almightie, art willing, and ableRom 10.11 12, 2. pet. 29. to giue vs all things, and these things we therefore aske, to the end, that by them, al glorie mayIoh. 24.13 psal. 115.1. Ier. 33.8.9. redound, not vnto vs, but vnto thy holie name.
Question.
129 What meaneth the last word Amen.
Answere.
That the matter is certaine and out of doubt: for my prayer is much more certainlie heard of God, then I in mine owne hart do feele, that I desire it with all my hart.
A PVBLIKE CONFESSION of our sinnes, commonly vsed in the Church of Edinburgh in the day of common prayer.
O Eternal God, and most merciful Father, wee confesse & acknowledg here before thy diuine maiestie, that we are miserable sinners, conceaued and borne in sinne and iniquitie, so that in vs there is no goodnes. For the fleshe evermore rebelleth against the Spirit, whereby wee continuallie transgresse thine holy preceptes, and commandements, and so do purchase to our selues, through thy iust iudgement, death and damnation. Notwithstanding, O heauenlie Father, forasmuch as wee are displeased with our selues for the sins that wee haue committed against thee, and do vnfainedly repent vs of the same: wee most humblie beseech thee, for Iesus Christ his sake, to shewe thy mercie vppon vs, to forgiue vs al our sinnes, and to increase thine holie Spirit in vs, that we acknowledging from the bottome of our harts, our owne vnrighteousnes, [Page] may from henceforth, not onely mortifie our sinfull lustes and affections, but also bring foorth such fruits, as may be agreeable to thy most blessed wil: not for the worthines thereof, but for the merits of thy dearly beloued Son Iesus Christ, our onely Sauiour, whome thou hast already giuen an oblation and offering for our sinnes, and for whose sake we are certainlie perswaded, that thou wilt dedy vs nothing, that we shall ask in his name according to thy will. For thy Spirit dooth assure our consciences, that thou art our mercifull Father, and so louest vs thy children, through him, that nothing is able to remooue thine heauenly grace and fauor from vs. To thee therefore, O Father, with the Sonne, and the holie Ghost, be all honor and glorie, world without end. So be it.
Another confession & prayer, commonly vsed in the church of Edinburgh.
O Dreadfull & most mightie God, thou that from the beginning, [Page] hast declared thy selfe a consuming fire, against the contemners of thy most holy precepts: and yet to the penitent sinners, hast alwaies shewed thy selfe a fauorable Father, and a God full of mercie: we thy creatures, and woorkemanship, of thine owne handes, confesse our selues most vnworthie to open our eies vnto the heuens, but far lesse to appeare in thy presence. For our consciences accuse vs, and our manifold iniquities, haue borne witnes against vs, that we haue declined from thee. We haue bin polluted with Idolatrie, we haue giuen thy glory to creatures, we haue sought support where it was not to be founde, and haue lightlied thy most wholesome admonitions. The manifest corruptiō of our liues in al estates, euidently proueth, that wee haue not rightlie regarded thy precepts, lawes and holy ordinances, and this was not onelie done, O Lord, in the time of our blindnes: but euen nowe, when of thy mercie thou hast opened vnto vs an entrance to thy heuenly kingdom, by the preaching of thine holie Euangell, [Page] the whole bodie of this miserable Realm still continueth in their former impietie. For the most part, alas, following the foote steppes of the blinde and obstinat princesse, vtterlie despise the light of thy Gospell, and delight in ignorance and Idolatrie: others liue as a people without a God, and without all feare of thy terrible iudgments. And some, O Lorde, that in mouth professe thy blessed Evangell, by their slaunderous life blaspheme the same. We are not ignorant, ô lord, that thou art a righteous iudge, that cannot suffer iniquitie long to be vnpunished vpon the obstinat trangressors: especiallie, O Lord, when that after so long blindnes and horrible defection from thee, soe louinglie thou callest vs againe to thy fauor and felloshipp, and that we doe yet obstinatlie rebell: we haue, O Lorde, in our extreame miserie called vnto thee: yea, when wee appeared vtterlie to haue bene consumed in the fury of our enemies, and then didst thou mercifullie incline thine eares vnto vs. Thou foughtest for vs, even by thine owne [Page] power, when there was in vs neither wisedome nor force. Thou alone brakest the yoke from our neckes, and set vs at liberty, when we by our foolishnes had made our selues slaues vnto straungers, and mercifullie vnto this day, hast thou continued with vs the light of thine Evangell, and so ceasest not to heape vpon vs benefites, both spiritual and temporal. But yet alas, O Lord, we clearly see, that our great ingratitude craueth farther punishement at thy hands, the signs wherof, are evident before our eies. For the whispering of sedition: the contempt of thy graces offered, and the maintenance of Idolatrie, are assured signes of thy farther plagues to fall vpon vs in particular for our grieuous offences. And this vnmeasurable intemperatenesse of the aire, doeth also threaten thine accustomed plague of famin, which commonlie followeth riotous excesse, and the contempt of the poore, wherewith, alas the whole Earth is replenished. Wee haue nothing, O Lord, that we may lay betwixt vs and thy iudgment, but thine onelie mercy, [Page] freely offred vnto vs in thy dear Son our Lorde Iesus Christ, purchased to vs by his death and passion. For if thou wilt enter into iudgement with vs thy creatures, and keepe in minde our grieuous sinns and offences, then can there no flesh escape condemnation. And therefore wee most humblie beseech thee, O Father of mercies, for Christ Iesus thy Sonnes sake, to take from vs these stony hearts, whoe soe long haue heard, aswell thy mercies, as seuere iudgments, and yet haue not bin effectuallie moued with the same, and giue vnto vs hartes mollified by thy Spirit, that may both conceiue & keepe in minde the reuerence that is due vnto thy maiestie. Look O Lorde, vnto thy chosen children, labouring vnder the imperfection of the fleshe, & graunt vnto vs that victory, that thou hast promised to vs by Iesus Christ: thy Sonne, our onely Sauiour, Mediatour, and Lawgiuer. To whome with thee and the holy Ghost, bee all honour and praise, nowe and ever.
A CONFESSION OF OVR Sinnes, commonly vsed in the Church of Edinburgh, before Sermons.
IT is of thy mercie, O Lord, and not of our merites, that it hath pleased thee to shew thy selfe vnto the world, euer from the beginning, and vnto vs nowe in this last & most corrupt age: yea Lord, we further confesse, that neither Lawe nor Gospell, can profit vs to saluation, except that thou of thy meere grace, worke in vs aboue all power, that is, in this our nature. For albeit thou teach, we shal remaine ignorant, albeit thou threaten, wee shall contemne, and albeit thou promise mercie and grace, yet shall we dispair and remaine in infidelitie: Vnles that thou create in vs newe hartes, write thy Lawe in the same, and seale in vs remission of our sinnes, and that the sense and feeling of thy fatherlie mercie, by the power of the holie Spirite. To the old world, thou spakest by Noah. To Pharaoh, & his people, by thy seruant Moses. To all Israell, by the fearfull trumpet of thy Lawe. To the [Page] Citie of Ierusalem, by thine owne wisedome, our Lord Iesus Christ, and to the multitude, as well of Iewes as Gentiles, by the preaching of the holy Apostles. But who gaue obediēce? Who trembled, and constantly feared thy hotte displeasure? Who did rightly acknowledg the time of their visitation? And whoe did embrace and keepe to the end, thy Fatherlie promises? Onely they O Lorde, to whome thy Spirite was the inward teacher, whose hartes thou openest, and from whome thou remoouest rebellion and infidelity, the rest were externally called, but obeyed not, they heard aswell mercy offred, as thretnings pronounced, but neither with the one nor with the other, were they effectuallie mooued. We acknowledge, O Lorde, that the same corruption lurketh in vs, that buddeth forth in them to their destruction, and iust condemnation. And therefore wee most humblie beeseech thee, O Father of mercie, for Iesus Christ thy Sonnes sake, that as thou hast caused the light of thy word clearly to shine amongest vs, and as thou [Page] hast plainlie instructed vs, by the externall ministerie in the right way of saluation. Soe it will please thee, inwardlie to moue our dull hearts, and by the power of thy holie spirit, that thou wilt write and seale in our harts that holy feare and reuerence, which thou crauest of thy chosen children, & that faythfull obedience to thy holie will, together with the feeling & sense that our sinnes are fullie purged, and freely remitted by that onely one Sacrifice, which only by it selfe is acceptable vnto thee, to wit, the obedience, death and meditation of thy onely son our Soueraigne Lord, only Pastour, Mediatour, and high Priest, our lord Iesus Christ. To whome with thee, and with the holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end.
AN OTHER CONFESsion of our sinnes.
IVst and righteous art thou, ô Lord God, father everlasting, holy is thy Lawe, & most iust are thy iudgments, yea, even when thou doest punishe in [Page] greatest seueritie, wee doe confesse as the truth is, that wee haue transgressed thy whole lawe, and haue offended thy godly maiestie, in breking and violating euery precept of the same, and so most iustlie maiest thou powre forth vpon vs, all plagues that are threatened: and that we finde powred foorth vpon the disobedient at any time from the beginning. And soe much the rather, O Lord, because that so long wee haue bene called, by thy holy worde to vnfaigned repentance, and newnes of life: and yet haue we still remained in our former rebellion, and therefore if thou wilt enter into iudgement with vs, we can neither escape confusion in this life, nor iust condemnation in the life to come. But Lorde, thy mercie is without measure, and the truth of thy promise abideth for euer. Vnwoorthy are we, that thou shouldest looke vpon vs, but Lorde, thou hast promised that thou wilt shewe mercie to the most grieuous offendours, when so euer that they repent. And further, thou by the mouth of thy deare Son, our Lord Iesus Christ, hast promised [Page] that thou wilt giue thy holy Spirite, to such as humbly call vnto thee. In boldnes of the which promis, we most humbly beseech thee, ô Father of mercies, that it wold please thy godly maiestie, to work in our stubborne harts, an vnfaigned sorrowe for our former offences, with some sence and feeling of thy grace and mercy, togither, with an earnest desire of iustice and righteousnes, in which we are bound continuallie to walk: but because that neither we nor our prayers, can stand before thee, by reason of that imperfection, which stil remaineth in this our corrupted nature. We flie to the obedience and perfect iustice of Christ Iesus our onelie Mediatour, in whome, and by whome, wee call not onelie for remission of our sinnes, and for assistance of thy holy spirit, but also for al things that thy godly wisedom knoweth to be expedient for vs, and for thy Church vniuersall. Praying as hee hath taught vs saying: Our Father &c.
A MORNING PRAIER TO BE VSED IN CHRIstian Families, before they goe about their outwarde affaires.
OMnipotent and mercifull God, we giue thee thankes, that thou hast so mercifullie kept vs this night, and that thou hast prolonged our life to this day. We beseech thee likewise, that thou wilt protect vs this day, and that thou wilt giue vs grace, that wee may bestowe it in those things, which are pleasant & acceptable vnto thee: And as nowe thou enlightenest the whole earth, with the beames of thy Sonne, so likewise thou wilt illuminate the darkenes of our soules with the brightnes of thy Spirit, least wee wauering from the path of righteousnes, wee swarue either to the one side or to the other: that wee may ever set thee who seest all thinges before our eies, that wee may reuerence and acknowledge thee, as a iust reuenger of al euill thoughtes, words, and deeds, [Page] that wee feare nothing more, than to offende thee so bountifull a Father: and that euer, it continually bee our finall drift, in all thinges whatsoeuer we take in hand or purpose to doe, to referre the same only to thy glory, and the profit of others. Moreouer, becaus wholesome counsell, fit occasions, and the happie successe and issue of matters are onlie in thine hand, graunte that wee may ask and receiue al those things from thee alone. Graunt also most merciful Father: that we bestow not so much thought, and trauell, in purchasing of those things, that perteine to the necessitie of this life, that in the meane time wee neglect & sluggishlie regarde heauenly things, but that first, we may seeke thy kingdome, and the righteousnes thereof: nothing doubting, but that thou wilt giue all things needfull and necessarie to such as do the same: keepe also, and defend this fraile body and soul of ours. Instruct vs with the counsell and power of thy Spirit, against so many and so diuers assaults of Sathan. Ridde vs out of all feare and perrills, whereby [Page] wee are in daunger alwaies in this worlde. And because it is nothing to haue begun well, except also we carefully perseuer and goe forward: Wee beseech thee, that thou wilt not onely take vs into thy protection this day, but likewise, thou wilt continually be our guide and defender all our life, confirming and increasing the guifts, which according to thy bountifulnes and mercy, thou hast bestowed vpon vs vnworthie sinners: vntill such time at last, as thou shalt fullie and perfectly, vnite vs with our head Christ: who seeing that he is that onelie Sonne of righteousnes, hee may replenishe vs with his eternall light and gladnes. In the meane time, while wee liue in this troblesome life, send out faythfull Pastours of Soules, and make thyne holy Spirite to bee effectuall in the hartes of the auditors by the power of thy word, to the end, a great Churche may be gathered to thee, and that the workes of the Diuell may be destroyed. Enarme the Magistrate with thy diuine strength, that hee may defende thy Church and common weal. Comfort, [Page] and confirme everie one, that is afflicted in soule or bodie, and that we may be bold to seeke and waite for so great good things at thy hands. Forgiue vs our horrible sins, for thy most deare Sonne Christ Iesus his sake, who hath promised to vs, that whatsoeuer we craue of thee, in a sure confidence in him, that thou wilt assuredly giue it vs, and therefore hee hath commanded vs to pray in this maner. Our Father &c.
A PRAYER FOR SCHOLLERS.
Wherewith shall a young man redresse his way? If hee wiselie take heede to guide himselfe according to thy word. 10. With my whole hart haue I sought thee, let me not wander from thy Commandements.
I Render thee thanks, most merciful God, for all thy great and infinite benefites, but chiefly, that according to thy singular mercy, thou hast called me to the knowledg of thy Gospell, & hast giuen me teachers, that they may [Page] bring me vp in good letters and sciences, to endue my minde with holy & honest precepts. Graunt that I may acknowledge aright, what, and howe great these thy benefites are, and that for the same, I may alwaies giue thee thanks. Bestowe moreouer vpon me thy grace, and lighten me with the beames of thy Spirite, in remoouing the darke cloudes of my minde, that I may desirouslie and gladly, learne these thinges which are taught vnto me by my teachers, that I faythfully keepe in memory, that I may render accompt againe thereof readily & with iudgment, least my Teachers labour and mine (the precious time, and this so meete an occasion giuen vnto me of thee, and the fruites which are hoped for of me,) shamefully perish not, thorogh my vnthankfulnes & slugishnes. To the ende this come not to passe, giue me thy holie Spirit, the authour of all vnderstanding and trueth, that hee may make me faythfull, able and meete to comprehend these thinges. Grant also, that to whatsoeuer studie I apply my minde, this euer may be [Page] before mine eies, to acknowledg thee, the onelie true God, and whome thou hast sent, Iesus Christ, and so I may worshippe thee in a pure conscience. Moreouer, because thou promisest wisdome to those, which are of a lowe and humble minde as children: but those that are proud and high, destitute of thy guifts, thou giuest them over to vanitie: roote out of my hart all pride, that being humbled, I may shew my selfe teachable and obedient, first to thee, then to those whome thou hast giuen me, to instruct, that so I may by little & little prepare my selfe to serue to thy glory onely, and to the profit of others, in walking in that calling, which thou shalt assigne vnto me, Amen.
A PRAYER BEFORE wee goe to meate.
The eies of all things trust in thee O Lorde, and thou giuest them their foode in due season, thou openest thy hand and fillest with thy blessing every liuing creature.
ALmightie & most mercifull God, which of thine infinite goodnes, hast created all things of nothing, and who susteinest and rulest the same perpetuallie by thy deuine power, whoe led the Israelites through the Desart, feding them with Manna 49. years: Blesse vs thy vnworthie seruants, and sanctifie those thy guifts, that soberly and holily we may vse them, & knowe in them, that thou art indeede our Father, and the fountaine of all good things. Graunt also, that wee vsing these things corporall, wee may be alwaies disposed, chieflie, to seeke that spirituall foode of thy word, that our soules may be nourished to eternall life, which Christ hath purchased vnto vs by his precious blood. Our Father which art &c.
A THANKSGIVING after meate.
When thou hast eaten and filled thy self, then thou shalt giue thanks vnto the Lorde thy God, 11. And thou shalt beware that thou forget not [Page] the Lord thy God, and neglect his Commaundements.
O Lord God and heuenly Father, we giue thee thanks for thy gret and infinite benefites, which thou bestowest vpon vs miserable sinners, of thine incomprehensible mercy at all times, in that thou vphouldest vs in this mortall life, furnishing vnto vs al things that are necessarie, but cheifly that thou vouchsafest to regenerate vs by the holy doctrine of thy Gospell, vnto the hope of a better life. Wee beseech thee mercifull God and Father, not to suffer our mindes to be occupied in these earthly & transitory things, but that they may looke vp, and seeke the things that are in heauen, waiting for the comming of our Sauior Christ Iesus, when he appeares in the clouds to deliuer vs. So be it. Our Father &c.
A PRAYER BEFORE wee go to bed.
O Lord God, and heuenly Father, which according to thy manifolde [Page] wisdome, hast appointed the day for labour, and the night for rest. We render thee thankes, that thou hast so mercifullie kept vs this day, and hast heaped continuallie vpon vs, so many benefites: Graunt likewise, that wee nowe ceasing from our labour and care, may so be refreshed with sleepe, that our mindes not beeing buried in sleep with the bodie, we be slumbring in thy loue: but that the memory of our Creation and saluation, be at noe time wiped out of our harts. Graunt moreouer, that our consciences, aswell as our bodies, may inioy the own rest. Likewise, that wee moderatlie vsing sleepe, we may haue a respect, not vnto sluggishnes but to necessitie, to the end that wee returning more apt, and quick to our works, left off for a time, we may the more readilie serue thee & profit our neighbor. And in the mean time, while we are taking rest, deliuer vs from all perill, and keepe vs vndefiled both in bodie and soule, that our sleepe likewise may serue to the glory of thy Name, and seeing this day is past ouer with vs, not without manifolde [Page] slidings, (for we miserable wretches, cary alway sin about with vs) we besech thee, that as the night now foldeth vp all thing in darknes, so according to thy incōprehensible mercy, that thou wilt bury all our sinnes, lest for them, wee be casten out from thy sight. Graunt also quietnes and comfort, to all those which are afflicted with any kinde of sicknes, or other calamities for Christ Iesus thy Sonne our Lords sake, which this way hath taught vs to pray. Our Father &c.