An Orthodox Catechism
Being the Sum of Christian Religion, Contained in the Law and Gospel
A Baptist edition of the Heidelberg Catechism, the Orthodox Catechism was written shortly after the Second London Baptist Confession. This catechism was authored by Hercules Collins, an early Particular Baptist minister. The source of this site follows the original 1680 edition of the catechism.
#1
Question
What is thy only comfort in Life and Death?
Answer
That both in Soul and1 Body, whether I live or dye,2 I am not mine own, but3 belong wholly unto my most faithful Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: who by his most precious Blood4 fully satisfying for all my Sins, hath5 delivered me from all the power of the Devil, and so6 preserveth me, that without the will of my Heavenly Father not so much as an Hair may7 fall from my Head; yea all things8 must serve for my safety: wherefore by his Spirit also he9 assureth me of everlasting Life, and10 maketh me ready and prepared, that henceforth I may live to him.
#2
Question
How many things are necessary for thee to know, that thou injoying this comfort mayst live and dye happily?
Answer
1 Three. The first, what is the2 greatness of my sin and misery. The second, how I am3 delivered from all Sin and Misery. The third, what thanks I4 owe unto God for this delivery.
#3
Question
Whence knowest thou thy misery?
Answer
Out of the Law of1 God.
#4
Question
What doth the Law of God require of us?
Answer
That which Christ doth summarily teach us, Matthew 22:37–40. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy Heart, and with all thy Soul, and with all thy Mind, and with all thy1 Strength. This is the first and the great Commandment; and the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self. On these two Commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets.
#5
Question
Art thou able to keep all these things perfectly?
Answer
No1 truly: for by nature I am prone to the hatred of God, and of my2 Neighbours.
#6
Question
Did God then make man so wicked and perverse?
Answer
Not1 so, but rather he made him good, and to his own2 Image; that is, indued with true Righteousness and Holiness, that he might rightly know God his Creator, and heartily love him, and live with him blessed for ever, and that to laud and magnify3 him.
#7
Question
Whence then ariseth the wickedness of Mans nature?
Answer
From the fall and disobedience of our first Parents Adam and1 Eve: hence is our nature so corrupt that we are all conceived and born in2 Sin.
#8
Question
Are we so corrupt that we are not at all apt to do well, and are prone to all vice?
Answer
Indeed we are, except we are regenerated by the Holy1 Ghost.
#9
Question
Doth not God then Injury to Man who in the Law requireth that of him which he is not able to perform?
Answer
No; For God had made Man such a one as1 he might perform it: but Man by the impulsion of the2 Devil, and his own stubbornness bereaved himself and all his posterity of those Divine Graces.
#10
Question
Doth God leave this stubbornness and falling away of Man unpunished?
Answer
No: but is angry in most dreadful1 manner, as well for the sins wherein we are born, as also for those which our selves commit, and in most just Judgment punisheth them with present and everlasting Punishments, as himself pronounceth: Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this Law to do2 them.
#11
Question
Is not God therefore merciful?
Answer
Yea, Verily he is1 merciful; but so, that he is also2 just: wherefore his Justice requireth that the same which is committed against the divine Majesty of God, should also be recompenced with extream, that is, everlasting Punishment both in Body and Soul.
#12
Question
Seeing then by the just Judgment of God we are subject both to temporal and eternal Punishments, is there yet any way or means remaining whereby we may be delivered from these Punishments, and be reconciled to God?
Answer
God will have his1 Justice satisfied: wherefore it is necessary2 that we satisfy either by our selves, or by another.
#13
Question
Are we able to satisfy by our selves?
Answer
Not a whit. Nay rather we do every day1 increase our debt.
#14
Question
Is there any creature in Heaven or in Earth, which is only a creature, able to satisfy for us?
Answer
None. For first God will1 not punish that Sin in any other creature which man hath committed: and further, neither can that which is nothing but a creature sustain the wrath of God against sin,2 and deliver others from it.
#15
Question
What manner of Mediatour then, and Deliverer must we seek for?
Answer
Such a one verily as is very Man, and perfectly just, and yet in Power above all creatures, that is, one who also is very1 God.
#16
Question
Wherefore is it necessary that he be very Man, and that perfectly just too?
Answer
Because that the Justice of God requireth that the same humane nature which hath sinned, do it self likewise make recompence for sin: but1 he that is himself a2 sinner, cannot make recompence for others.
#17
Question
Why must he also be very God?
Answer
That he might by the Power of his1 Godhead sustain in his flesh the burthen of God’s wrath,2 and might recover and restore unto us that Righteousness and Life which we lost.
#18
Question
And who is that Mediatour which is together both very God, and a very perfectly just Man?
Answer
Even our Lord Jesus1 Christ, who is made to us of God’s Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification2 & Redemption.
#19
Question
Whence knowest thou this?
Answer
Out of the Gospel which God first made known1 in Paradise, and2 afterwards did spread it a broad by the Patriarchs and3 Prophets: shadowed it by Sacrifices and other Ceremonies of the Law; and4 lastly accomplished it by his only begotten Son Christ our Lord.
#20
Question
Is then Salvation restored by Christ to all men who perished in Adam?
Answer
Not to all: but to those only who by a true Faith are ingrafted into him,1 and receive his benefits.
#21
Question
What is Faith?
Answer
It is not only a knowledg, whereby I surely assent to all things which God1 hath revealed unto us in his Word, but also an2 hassured trust kindled in3 my heart by the Holy Ghost, through the Gospel, whereby I make my repose in God, being assuredly resolved that Remission of Sins, everlasting4 Righteousness, and life is given not to others only, but to me also, and that freely through the Mercy of God, for5 for the Merits of Christ alone.
#22
Question
What are those things which are necessary for a Christian man to believe?
Answer
All things which are promised us in the Gospel: the sum whereof is briefly comprised in the Articles of the Catholick and undoubted Faith of all true Christians, commonly called the Creed. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord, which was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead & buried, he descended into*Hell; the third day he arose again from the dead, and ascended into Heaven, fro whence he shall come to judge both the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy*Catholick Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the Resurrection of the Body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
* Not that he, (to wit, Christ) went into the place of the damned, but that he went absolutely into the state of the dead. See Dr. Usher of Christ, in his body of Divinity, pag. 174. and Mr. Perkins on the Creed.
* Not that we are to beleive in, but that there is a Catholick Church, and by Catholick, we mean no more then the universal Church, which is a company chosen out of whole mankind unto everlasting life, by the Word & Spirit of God.
#23
Question
Into how many parts is this Creed divided?
Answer
Into three: the first of the eternal Father, and our Creation: the second of the Son and our Redemption: the third of the Holy Ghost, and our Sanctification.
#24
Question
Seing there is but one only substance of God, why namest thou those three, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost?
Answer
1 Because God2 hath so manifested himself in his Word, that these three distinct Persons are that one true everlasting God.
#25
Question
What believest thou when thou sayest, I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth?
Answer
I believe the everlasting Father of our Lord Iesus Christ,1 who made of nothing Heaven and Earth, with all that are in them; who likewise upholdeth2 and governeth the same by his eternal Counsel and3 Providence. This God I believe to be my God and Father for Christ sake; and therefore so trust in him, and rely on him, that I make no doubt but he will provide all4 things necessary both for my soul and body; and further, whatsoever evils he sendeth on me in this troublesome life, he5 will turn them to my safety; seing both he is able to do it, as being6 God Almighty, and willing to do it, as7 being a bountiful Father.
#26
Question
What is the Providence of God?
Answer
The almighty Power of God, every where1 present, whereby he doth as it were by his hand uphold2 and govern Heaven and Earth, with all the Creatures therein, so that those things which grow in the Earth, as likewise rain and drowth, fruitfulness and barenness, meat3 and4 and drink, health and5 sickness, riches and poverty; in a word, all things come not rashly and by chance, but by his fatherly Counsel and will.
#27
Question
What doth this knowledg of the Creation and Providence of God profit us?
Answer
That in1 adversity we may be patient,2 and thankful in prosperity,3 and have hereafter our chiefest hope reposed in God our most faithful Father; being sure that there is nothing which4 may withdraw us from his love; forasmuch as all creatures are so in his Power, that without his Will they are5 not able not only to do any thing, but not so much as once to move.
#28
Question
Why is the Son of God called Jesus, that is, a Saviour?
Answer
Because he saveth us from our1 sins; neither ought any safety to be sought for from any other,2 nor can elsewhere be found.
#29
Question
Do they then believe in the only Saviour Jesus, who seek for happiness and safety of the Saints, or of themselves, or else where?
Answer
No: for although in word they boast themselves of him as their only Saviour, yet indeed they deny the only1 Saviour Jesus: for it must needs be that either Jesus is not a perfect Saviour, or that those who imbrace him as their Saviour with a true faith, possess all things in him2 which are required unto Salvation.
#30
Question
Why is he called Christ, that is, anointed?
Answer
Because he was ordained of the Father, and anointed of the holy Ghost1 the chief Prophet2 and Teacher, who3 hath opened unto us the secret Counsel, & all the will of his Father concerning our Redemption, and the high Preist, who with that one only Sacrifice of his Body4 hath redeemed us, and doth5 continually make Intercession to his Father for us; and a King, who ruleth us by his Word and Spirit, and defendeth6 and maintaineth that Salvation which he hath purchased for us.
#31
Question
But why art thou called a Christian?
Answer
Because through Faith I am a member of1 Jesus Christ,2 and partaker of his anointing, that both I3 may confess his name, and present my self unto him4 a lively Sacrifice of thankfulness, and also may in this life fight against Sin and Satan with free and good conscience, and5 afterwards enjoy an everlasting Kingdom with Christ.
#32
Question
For what cause is Christ called the only begotten Son of God, when we also are the Sons of God?
Answer
Because Christ alone is the eternal and natural Son of the1 eternal Father, and2 we are but Sons adopted of the Father by Grace for his sake.
#33
Question
Wherefore callest thou him our Lord?
Answer
Because he redeeming and ransoming both our Body and Soul from Sin, not with Gold nor Silver, but with his precious Blood, and delivering us from all the Power of the Devil, hath set1 us free to serve him.
#34
Question
What believest thou when thou sayest, He was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary?
Answer
That the Son of God, who1 is and continueth true and2 everlasting3 God, took the4 very Nature of man, of the flesh and blood of the Virgin Mary, through the working of the5 Holy-Ghost, that withal he might be the true Seed of6 David, like unto his Brethren in all things7 Sin excepted.8
#35
Question
What profit takest thou by Christ’s holy Conception and Nativity?
Answer
That he is our1 Mediator, and doth cover with his Innocency and perfect Holiness my Sins, in which I was conceived, that they may not come in the Sight of2 God.
#36
Question
What believest thou when thou sayest he suffered.
Answer
That he all the time of his life which he lead in the Earth, but especially at the end1 thereof, sustained the wrath of God, both in body and soul, against the sin of mankind, that he might by his passion, as the2 only propitiatory sacrifice, deliver our body and soul from everlasting damnation, and purchase us the favour of God, righteousness, and everlasting life.
#37
Question
For what cause should he suffer under Pilate, as being his Judg?
Answer
That he being innocent1 and condemned before a civil Judg2 might deliver us from the severe Judgment of God which remained for all men.
#38
Question
But is there any more in it, that he was fastened to the Cross, than if he had suffered any other kind of death?
Answer
There is more: for by this I am assured that he took upon himself the curse which did ly on me; for the death of the Cross1 was accursed of God.
#39
Question
Why was it necessary for Christ to humble himself unto death?
Answer
Because the Justice and Truth of God could by1 no other means be satisfied for our sins, but by the very death of the2 Son of God.
#40
Question
To what end was he buried also?
Answer
That thereby he might manifest that he1 was dead indeed.
#41
Question
But since that Christ died for us, why must we also die?
Answer
Our death is not a satisfaction for our Sins, but the abolishing of Sin, and our passage1 into everlasting Life.
#42
Question
What other commodity receive we by the Death of Christ?
Answer
That by the virtue of his Death our old man is crucified, slain, and1 buried together with him, (figured out in holy Baptism) that henceforth evil lusts and desires may2 not reign in us, but we3 may offer our selves unto him a Sacrifice of thanksgiving.
#43
Question
Why is there added, he descended into Hell?
Answer
That in my greatest pains and most grevious temptations I may support my self with this comfort, that my Lord Jesus Christ1 *hath delivered me (by the unspeakable distresses, torments and terrors of his Soul, into which he was plunged both before, and then especially when he hanged on the Cross) from the straits and torments of Hell.
* Not that he (to wit, Christ) went into the Place of the damned, but that he went absolutely into the state of the dead. See Dr. Usher in his Body of Divinity, pag. 174. and Mr. Perkins, on the Creed.
#44
Question
What doth the Resurrection of Christ profit us?
Answer
First, by his Resurrection he vanquished death, that he1 might make us partakers of that Righteousness which he had gotten us by his death. Again, we are now2 also stirred up by his Power to a new Life. Lastly, the Resurrection of our head, Christ, is a3 Pledg unto us of our glorious Resurrection.
#45
Question
How understand you that he ascended into Heaven?
Answer
That Christ, his Disciples looking on, was1 taken up from the Earth into Heaven, and yet2 still is there for our sakes, and will be until he come again to judge the quick and3 the dead.
#46
Question
Is not Christ with us then until the end of the World, as he hath promised?
Answer
1 Christ is true God, and true Man, and so according to his Manhood is not now on Earth, but according to his Godhead, his Majesty, his Grace, and2 Spirit is at no time from us.
#47
Question
Are not by this means the two natures in Christ pulled assunder, if his Humanity be not wheresoever his Divinity is?
Answer
No; for seeing his Divinity is incomprehensible, and1 every where present, it followeth necessarily that the same is without the bounds of his humane Nature which he took unto him, and yet is nevertheless in it,2 and abideth personally united to it.
#48
Question
What Fruit doth the Ascension of Christ into Heaven bring unto us?
Answer
First that1 he maketh Intercession to his Father in Heaven for us; next that we have our Flesh in Heaven, that we may be confirmed thereby, as by a sure Pledge, that it shall come to passe that he who is our Head2 will lift us up, his Members, unto him: thirdly, that3 he sendeth us his Spirit instead of a Pledge between him and us, by whose forcible working we seek after not earthly but heavenly things, where he himself4 is sitting at the Right-Hand of God.
#49
Question
Why is it further said, he sitteth at the Right-Hand of God?
Answer
Because Christ therefore is ascended into Heaven, to1 shew there that he is the Head of his Church, by whom the Father2 governeth all things.
#50
Question
What profit is this Glory of our Head Christ unto us?
Answer
First, that through his Holy Spirit1 he poureth upon us his Members heavenly Graces, then that he shieldeth and2 defendeth us by his Power against all our Enemies.
#51
Question
What Comfort hast thou by the coming of Christ again to judge the quick and the dead?
Answer
That in all my Miseries and Persecutions, I look with my1 Head lifted up, for the very same who before yielded himself unto the Judgment of God for2 me, and took away all Malediction from me, to come Judge from Heaven to throw all his and my Enemies into everlasting Pains; but to3 translate me with all his chosen unto himself, into Celestiall Joys, and everlasting Glory.
#52
Question
What believest thou concerning the Holy Ghost?
Answer
First, that He is true and Coeternal God, with the1 eternal Father, and the Son; secondly, that he is2 also given unto me, to make3 me, through a true Faith, Partaker of Christ and all his Benefits, to4 comfort me, and to5 abide with me for ever.
#53
Question
What believest thou concerning the Holy and Catholick Church of Christ?
Answer
I believe that the Son1 of God doth from2 the beginning of the3 World to the End thereof, gather,4 defend, and preserve unto himself by his Spirit5 and Word, out of6 whole Mankind, a7 Company chosen to everlasting Life, and agreeing in true Faith; and that I am a lively Member of that Company, and so shal8 remain for ever.
#54
Question
What mean those words, The Communion of Saints?
Answer
First, that all and every one who believeth, are in1 common Partakers of Christ and all his Graces, as being his Members; and then that every one ought2 readily and chearfully to bestow the Gifts and Graces which they have received to the common Commodity and Safety of all.
#55
Question
What believest thou concerning Remission of Sins?
Answer
That God, for the Satisfaction made by Christ,1 hath put out all the2 Remembrance of my Sins, and also of that Corruption within me wherewith I must fight all my life time, and doth freely indow me with the Righteousness of Christ, that I come not at any3 time into Judgment.
#56
Question
What Comfort hast thou by the Resurrection of the Flesh?
Answer
That not only my Soul, after it shall depart out of my Body, shall1 presently be taken up to Christ, but that this my Flesh also, being raised up by the Power of Christ, shall be again united to my Soul, and2 shall be made like to the glorious Body of Christ.
#57
Question
What Comfort takest thou of the Article of everlasting Life?
Answer
That forasmuch1 as I feel already in my Heart the beginning of everlasting Life,2 it shall at length come to pass that after this Life I shall enjoy full and perfect Bliss, wherein I may magnify God for ever, which Blessedness verily neither Eye hath seen, nor Ear heard, neither hath any Man in thought conceived it.
#58
Question
But when thou believest all these things, what profit redoundeth thence unto thee?
Answer
That I am righteous in Christ before God, and an Heir1 of eternal Life.
#59
Question
How art thou righteous before God?
Answer
Only by Faith in Christ Jesus. So that although my Concience accuse me that I have grievously trespassed against all the Commandments of God, and have not1 kept one of them, and further am as yet2 prone to all Evil; yet notwithstanding if3 I embrace these Benefits of Christ with a true Confidence and Perswasion of mind, the full and4 perfect Satisfaction, Righteousness and Holiness of Christ, without any5 Merit of Mine, of the6 meer Mercy7 of God is8 imputed and given unto me, and that so, as if neither I had committed any Sin, neither any Corruption did stick unto me; yea as if I my9 self had perfectly accomplished that Obedience which Christ accomplished for me.
#60
Question
Why affirmest thou that thou art made Righteous by Faith only?
Answer
Not for that I please God through the Worthiness of meer Faith, but because only the Satisfaction, Righteousness and Holiness of Christ is my Righteousness1 before God, and2 I cannot take hold of it, or apply it unto my self any other way than by Faith.
#61
Question
Why cannot our good Works be Righteousness, or some part of Righteousness before God?
Answer
Because that Righteousness which must stand fast before the Judgment of God, must be in all Points perfect1 and agreeable to the Law of God. Now our Works, even the best of them, are imperfect in this Life, and2 defiled with Sin.
#62
Question
How is it that our good Works merit nothing, seeing God promiseth that he will give a Reward for them both in this Life, and in the Life to come?
Answer
That Reward is not given of merit,1 but of Grace.
#63
Question
But doth not this Doctrine make Men careless and profain?
Answer
No, For neither can it be but they who are incorporated into Christ through Faith, should bring forth the1 Fruits of Thankfulness.
#64
Question
Seeing then that only Faith maketh us Partakers of Christ and his Benefits, whence doth it proceed?
Answer
From the Holy Ghost1 who kindleth it in our Hearts by the preaching of the Gospel, and other Ordinances, and2 confirmeth it by the use of the Sacraments.
#65
Question
What are the Sacraments?
Answer
They are sacred Signes, and Seals, set before our Eyes, and ordained of God for this cause, that he may declare and seal by them the Promise of his Gospel unto us, to wit, that he giveth freely Remission of Sins, and1 Life everlasting, not only to his all in general, but to every one in particular that believeth, for that only Sacrifice of Christ which he accomplished upon the Cross.
#66
Question
Doth then both the Word and Sacraments tend to that End, as to lead our Faith unto the Sacrifice of Christ finished on the Cross as to the only ground of our Salvation?
Answer
It is even so; for the Holy Ghost teacheth us by the Gospel, and assureth us by the Sacraments, that the Salvation of all of us standeth in the only Sacrifice1 of Christ offered for us upon the Cross.
#67
Question
How many Sacraments hath Christ ordained in the new Testament?
Answer
Two; Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper.
#68
Question
What is Baptism?
Answer
Immersion or dipping of the Person in Water in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, by such who are duly qualified by Christ.1
#69
Question
Who are the proper Subjects of this Ordinance?
Answer
Those who do actually profess Repentance towards God, Faith in, and Obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ.1
#70
Question
Are no Infants to be baptized?
Answer
None by no means; for we have neither Precept nor Example for that Practice in all the Book of God.
#71
Question
Doth the Scripture any where expressly forbid the Baptizing of Infants?
Answer
It is sufficient that the Divine Oracle commands the baptizing of Believers, unless we will make our selves wiser than what is written. Nadab and Abihu were not forbidden to offer strange Fire, yet for so doing they incurred God’s Wrath, because they were commanded to take Fire from the Altar.1
#72
Question
May not the Infant Seed of Believers under the Gospel be baptized as well as the Infant Seed of Abraham under the Law was circumcised?
Answer
No; For Abraham had a Command then from God to circumcise his Infant Seed, but Believers have no Command to baptise their Infants Seed under the Gospel.1
#73
Question
Seeing the Infants of Believers are in the Covenant of Grace with their Parents, as some say, why may not they be baptized under the Gospel, as well as Abrahams Infant Seed was circumcised under the Law?
Answer
By the Infants of Believers being in the Covenant of Grace, it must either be meant of the Covenant of Grace absolutely considered, and if so, then there is no total and final Apostacy of any Infant seed of Believers from the Covenant, but all must be saved then.1 Or, 2. They must mean conditionally, on consideration that when they come to years of maturity, they by true Faith, Love, and Holiness of life, taking hold of God’s Covenant of Grace, shall have the Priviledges of it. This being their sence, I then demand what real spiritual priviledg the Infant-Seed of Believers, as such, have more than the Infant Seed of Unbelievers, if they live also to years of maturity, and by true Faith and Love take hold of God’s Covenant?2 I further demand, whether the Seal of the Covenant do not under those considerations belong as much to the Children of Unbelievers as to the Children of Believers? yea, and more too, under consideration the Infant Seed of the Unbeliever should take hold of God’s Covenant, and the Believers Infant-Seed do not; as often this is seen to the sorrow of many Godly Parents.3 3. Suppose all the Infant Seed of Believers absolutely in the Covenant of Grace; yet Believers under the Gospel ought no more to Baptise their Infant-Seed, than Lot to circumcise himself or his Infant-Seed, if he had had Males as well as Females, albeit nearly related to Abraham, yea, a Believer, and in the Covenant of Grace too: forasmuch as Circumcision was limited to Abraham and to his Family. Also by the same rule we may bring Infants to the Lord’s Table, forasmuch as the same qualifications are required to the due performance of Baptism, as there is to the Lord’s Supper.4 4. We must know the Covenant made with Abraham had two parts: first, a spiritual, which consisted in God’s promising to be a God to5 Abraham, and6 all his Spiritual-Seed in a peculiar manner, whether they were circumcised or uncircumcised, which believed as Abraham the Father of the Faithful did. And this was signified in God’s accepting such as his People which were not of7 Abrahams Seed, but bought with his Mony, and this Promise was sealed to Abraham by Circumcision, that through Jesus Christ (whom Isaac typified out) the Gentiles, the Uncircumcision which believed, should have their Faith counted for Righteousness, as Abrahams was before he was circumcised.8 2. This Promise consisted of temporal good: so God promised Abrahams Seed should injoy the9 Land of Canaan, and have plenty of outward blessings, so sealed this Promise by Circumcision. It was also a distinguishing character of the Jews being God’s People from all the Nations of the Gentiles, which as yet were not the Seed of Abraham: but when the Gentiles came to believe, and by Faith became the People of God as well as the Jews, then10 Circumcision, that distinguishing Mark, ceased; and the character of being the Children of God now, is Faith in Christ, and Circumcision of the Heart. So that whatever pretence there may be for the Infants of Believers to be Baptised first, as their being the Seed of Believers; or 2dly, their being in the Covenant; or 3dly, that the Infant-Seed of Abraham a Believer, was circumcised; all this you see avails nothing: for Circumcision was limited to such a Family, the Family of Abraham, all others, though Believers, were excluded; also limited to such a day, the eighth day, and what ever pretence might be made, it was not to be done before nor after; limited also to such a Sex, the Male, not the Female; which if Baptism came in the room of Circumcision, and is the Seal of the Covenant under the Gospel, as Circumcision was under the Law, none but the Males must be Baptised, because none but the Males were Circumciled; but as under the Law respecting Circumcision, so now under the Gospel respecting Baptism, it depends purely upon the will of the Law-giver, at what season, upon what Persons and terms Baptism is to be administred; unto which Prophet we shall all do well to hearken, Acts 3:22.
#74
Question
How art thou admonished and assured in Baptism, that thou art Partaker of the only Sacrifice of Christ?
Answer
1 Because Christ commanded the outward washing of Water, adjoyning2 this Promise thereunto, that I am no less assuredly washed by his Blood and Spirit from the uncleanness of my Soul, that is, from all my Sins, than I am3 washed outwardly with Water, whereby all the Filthiness of the Body useth to be purged.
#75
Question
What is it to be washed with the Blood and Spirit of Christ?
Answer
It is to receive of God Forgiveness of Sins freely, for the Blood of Christ which1 he shed for us in his Sacrifice upon the Cross; and also to be renewed by the Holy Ghost, and through his sanctifying of us to become Members of Christ, that we may more and more dy to Sin, and2 live holily and without blame.
#76
Question
Where doth Christ promise us that he will as certainly wash us with his Blood and Spirit, as we are washed with the Water of Baptism?
Answer
In the Institution of Baptism, the words whereof are these,1 Go, teach all Nations, baptising them in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost:2 he that shall believe, and be baptised, shall be saved; but he that will not believe, shall be damned. This Promise is repeated again when as the Scripture calleth Baptism the washing of the New-birth, and forgiveness of Sins.3 the washing of the New-birth, and4 forgiveness of Sins.
#77
Question
Is then the outward Baptism of Water the washing away of Sins?
Answer
It is not; for the1 Blood of Christ alone cleanseth us from2 all Sin.
#78
Question
Why then doth the Holy Ghost call Baptism the washing of the New-birth, and forgiveness of Sins?
Answer
God speaketh so not without great cause, to wit, not only to teach us that as the filth of our Body is purged by Water, so our Sins also are1 purged by the Blood and Spirit of Christ, but much more to assure us by this divine Token and Pledg, that we are as verily washed from our Sins with the inward washing, as we are2 washed by the outward and visible Water.
#79
Question
What Principle of Christ’s Doctrine in the holy Scripture followeth Baptism in order?
Answer
Laying on of Hands, as in Hebrews 6:1–2
#80
Question
What is the form and end of this Ordinance?
Answer
Christ’s Ministers laying their hands solemnly upon the Head of the Baptised, with Prayer to Almighty God for an increase of the Graces1 and Gifts of the2 Holy Ghost, to inable us to hold fast the Faith which we now visibly own, having entred into the Church by Holy Baptism, and also be helped thereby to maintain a constant War against the3 World, Flesh, and the Devil.
#81
Question
Is it the Duty of every Christian to be under this Practice?
Answer
It is so: And appeareth plainly, if we do first consider the Practice of the Primitive Saints, we may read in Acts 8:12–19, of Men and Women that were baptized by Philip in Samaria, which when the Church at Jerusalem heard thereof, they sent down St. Peter and St. John (two Apostles) to them, who when they came thither, laid their Hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.1 What, them! some may say? were these they that were baptized which were Men and Women? So likewise in Acts 19:6–7. When Paul came to Ephesus he found certain Disciples there who were baptised, but had not heard whether there was any Holy Ghost, nor I conceive of the Promise of the Holy Ghost mentioned in Acts 1:4 then the Apostle layeth his Hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost; and it is said the number of them was about twelve; and Reason sheweth us from this place, and Acts 8 where St. Peter and St. John laid hands on Men and Women, that had here bin twelve score, he would have laid his Hands on them all. And whereas ’tis objected, we do not find the three thousand in Acts 2 under this Ordinance, nor many others which were baptised. As to the three thousand ’tis plain enough they had bin taught it, and doubtless so practised this Ordinance, if we consider the Apostle writing to the Jews, in Hebrews 5 telleth them they had need be taught again the first Principles of the Oracles of God, of which Oracles, Laying on of Hands was one. And as for others which were baptised, where mention is not made of their being under this Ordinance, we may also say many hundreds were baptised which we have no mention of. Shall we conclude many of the Apostles were not baptised, because it is not particularly mentioned? so we must conclude the primitive Saints were not short in this point, although it be not always specified; forasmuch as it is called one of God’s Oracles, as we all know the Moral Law was, wch is perpetually binding, and universally obliging; also called a2 Principle of Christs Doctrine, yea one of the first Principles; and that is not all, but called a foundation Principle, this with the other five must be laid first in that foundation, on which the Superstructure of Christianity must be built. And would it not have bin very unbecoming the Jews when God gave them ten Commandments, for them to have excluded the fourth? is it not also as unbecoming for any to exclude the fourth Principle of Laying on of Hands, a practical Principle of the Doctrine of Christ, and so practised by the Primitive Christians?
#82
Question
Did not the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit follow upon laying on of Hands in the Apostles time?
Answer
It did so: But not simply as the end of that Ordinance. For that Ordinance was appointed for the Ordinary Gifts of the Spirit to the Worlds end; though it is true, God honoured and crowned that Ordinance with Signes and Wonders in the primitive time, as he did others of his Appointment: as for instance, Acts 4 the Place was shaken, as the effect of the Churches Prayer; so Preaching was extraordinarily crowned when St. Peter converted three thousand at one Sermon; and in God’s giving the Holy Ghost to the House of Cornelius while Peter was preaching, so that they spake with Tongues, Acts 10. Also God crowned the holy Ordinance of Baptism extraordinarily, when the Spirit came in the likeness of a Dove, and sate upon our Saviour Christ as he came out of the Water, Matthew 3 and a Voice heard from Heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Also the Eunuch’s Baptism was wonderfully confirmed to him in God’s taking away Philip as soon as he came up out of the Water, insomuch that he went away rejoycing. Now, Beloved, as Prayer, Baptisme, Preaching, doth not cease, though it be not so miraculously owned as in the Primitive times; neither doth laying on of Hands cease, from the same Parity of Reason, though it be not so crowned now, as in the Apostles Days. Moreover our Brethren generally do hold, that five of those Principles in Hebrews 6 are the Duty of every individual Member to believe and practise, namely, every Member (say they) ought to repent, believe, be baptized, believe the Resurrection of the dead, and eternal Judgment; and why this of laying on of Hands should be excluded from being the Practice of every Christian, being a practical Ordinance, the bare belief of it not being enough, it being among the universal Principles of Christ’s Doctrine, I never yet did, nor cannot see any good Reason.
#83
Question
How art thou in the Lords Supper admonished and warranted that thou art Partaker of that only Sacrifice of Christ offered on the Cross, and of all his Benefits?
Answer
Because Christ hath commanded me and all the Faithful to eat of this Bread broken, and to drink of this Cup, distributed in Remembrance of him, with this Promise1 adjoyned, first, that his Body was as certainly broken and offered for me upon the Cross, and his Blood shed for me, as I behold with my Eyes the Bread of the Lord broken unto me, and the Cup communicated unto me: and further, that my Soul is no less assuredly fed to everlasting life with his Body, which was crucified for me, and his Blood which was shed for me, than I receive and taste by the Mouth of my Body, the Bread and Wine, the Signs of the Body and Blood of our Lord, received at the Hand of the Minister.
#84
Question
What is it to eat the Body of Christ?
Answer
It is not only to imbrace, by an assured Confidence of Mind, the whole Passion and Death of Christ, and thereby,1 to obtain Forgiveness of Sins, and everlasting Life, but also by the Holy Ghost, who dwelleth both in Christ, and us, so more and more to2 be united to his sacred Body, that though he be3 in Heaven, and we on Earth, yet nevertheless we are Flesh of his Flesh, and Bone of his4 Bones: and as all the Members of the Body are quickned by one Soul: so are we also quickned and5 guided by one and the same Spirit.
#85
Question
Where hath Christ promised that he will as certainly give his Body and Blood so to be eaten and drunken, as they eat this Bread broken, and drink this Cup?
Answer
In the Institution of the Supper, the Words whereof are these.1 Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Night that he was betrayed, took Bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat, this is my Body which is broken for you: this do in Remembrance of me. Likewise also he took the Cup, when he had supped, and2 said, This Cup, is the new Testament in my3 Blood; this do as often as ye shall drink it in Remembrance of me: for as often as ye shall eat this Bread, and drink this Cup, ye shew the Lords Death till he come. This Promise, is repeated by St. Paul where he saith, The Cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the Communion of the Blood of Christ? the Bread which we break, is it not the Communion of the Body of4 Christ? for we that are many, are one Bread, and one Body, because we are all Partakers of one Bread.
#86
Question
Are then the Bread and Wine made the very Body and Blood of Christ?
Answer
No, verily; but as the Water of Baptism is1 not turned into the Blood of Christ, but is only a Signe and Pledge of those things that are sealed to us in Baptism; so neither is the Bread of the Lords Supper the very Body2 of Christ, although according to the manner of Sacraments, and3 that Form of speaking of them which is usual unto the Holy Ghost, the Bread is called the Body of Christ.
#87
Question
Why then doth Christ call Bread his Body, and the Cup his Blood, or the new Testament in his Blood; and St. Paul calleth Bread and Wine the Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ?
Answer
Christ not without great Consideration speaketh so, to wit, not only for to teach us that as the Bread and Wine sustain the Life of the Body, so also his crucified Body, and Blood shed, are indeed the Meat and Drink of our Souls, whereby they1 are nourished to eternal Life; but much more that by this visible Signe and Pledg, he may assure us that we are as verily Partakers of his Body and Blood, through the working of the2 Holy Ghost, as we do perceive by the Mouth of our Body, these holy Signes in Remembrance of him; and further also, that his Sufferings and Obedience is so certainly ours, as though we our selves had suffered Punishments for our Sins, and had satisfied God.
#88
Question
What Difference is there between the Supper of the Lord, and the Popish Mass?
Answer
The Supper of the Lord testifieth unto us, that we have perfect Forgiveness of all our Sins, for that only Sacrifice of Christ, which himself once1 fully wrought on the Cross; then also that we by Faith are grafted into2 Christ, who now according to his Human Nature is only in Heaven at the Right Hand of3 his Father, and there will be4 worshipped of us. But in the Mass it is denied that the quick and the dead have Remission of Sins, for the only Passion of Christ, except Christ also be daily offered for them by their Sacrificers: Further, also it is taught, that Christ is bodily under the Forms of Bread and Wine, and therefore is to be worshipped in them: and so the very Foundation of the Mass is nothing else but an utter denial of that only Sacrifice and Passion of Christ Jesus, and an accursed Idolatry.
#89
Question
Who are to come unto the Table of the Lord?
Answer
They only, who are truly sorrowful they have offended God by their Sins, and yet trust that those Sins are pardoned them for Christ’s sake; and what other Infirmities they have, that those are covered by his Passion and Death; who also desire more and more to go forward in Faith and Integrity of life: but Hypocrites, and them which do not truly repent, do eat1 and drink Damnation to themselves.
#90
Question
Are they also to be admitted to the Lords Supper who in Confession and Life declare themselves to be Infidels, profane, and ungodly?
Answer
No; For by that means the Ordinance of God is profaned, and the Wrath of God is1 stirred up against the whole Assembly, wherefore the Church by the Commandment of Christ and his Apostles, inspired by the Holy Ghost, using the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, ought to drive them from this Supper till they shall repent and change their Manners.
#91
Question
How ought this Ordinance of the Lords Supper to be closed?
Answer
In singing Praises to God vocally and audibly for his great Benefits and Blessings to his Church in the shedding of the most precious Blood of his Son to take away their Sin; which Blessings are pointed out in this Sacrament. Also we find our Lord and his Disciples did close up this Ordinance in singing an Hymn or Psalm; and if Christ did sing, who was going to dy, what cause have we to sing for whom he died, that we might not eternally dy, but live a spiritual and eternal life with Father, Son, and Spirit in unexpressible Glory.1
#92
Question
You told us but now, that those who in Confession and Life declare themselves to be Infidels, profane and ungodly, should by the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven be driven from this Supper: what are the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven?
Answer
Preaching of the Gospel and Ecclesiastical Discipline, by which Heaven is opened to the Believers, and1 is shut against the Unbelievers.
#93
Question
How is the Kingdom of Heaven opened and shut by preaching of the Gospel?
Answer
When by the Commandment of Christ it is publickly declared to all and every one of the Faithful, that all their Sins are pardoned them of God for the Merit of Christ, so often as they imbrace by a lively Faith the Promise of the Gospel: but contrarily is denounced to all Infidels and Hypocrites, that so long the Wrath of God doth ly on them, as they1 persist in their Wickedness, according to which Testimony of the Gospel God will judge them, as well in this life as in the life to come.
#94
Question
How is the Kingdom of Heaven opened and shut by Ecclesiastical Discipline?
Answer
When according to the Commandments of Christ, they who in Name are Christians, but in their Doctrine and life shew1 themselves Aliens from Christ, after they have been some time admonished, will not depart from their Error, Heresies, or Wickedness, are made known unto the Church; and if neither then they obey the Churches Admonition, are by the same Church kept from the Sacrament, and shut out by Authority received from Christ, from the Congregation2 or Church, and by God himself out of the Kingdom of Heaven. And again, if they profess and declare an amendment of life, nothing to the contrary being to be proved upon strict scrutiny and search, are again to3 be received in Love & Tenderness as Members of Christ and his Church.
#95
Question
Whereas we are delivered from all our Sins and Miseries without any Merit of ours, by the Mercy of God, only for Christ’s sake; for what cause are we to do good Works?
Answer
Because, after that Christ hath redeemed us with his Blood, he reneweth us also by his Spirit to the Image of himself, that we receiving so great Benefits,1 should shew our selves all our life time thankfull to2 God, and honour him; secondly that every one of us be3 assured of his Faith by his Fruit; and lastly, that by our good Conversation we may4 win others to Christ.
#96
Question
Cannot they then be saved which be unthankful, and remain still careless in their Sins, and are not converted from their Wickedness to God?
Answer
By no means; for as the Scripture beareth Witness, neither unchast Persons, nor Idolaters, nor Adulterers, nor Thievs, nor Covetous nor Drunkards, nor Slanderers, nor Robbers,1 shall enter in to the Kingdom of God.
#97
Question
Of what Parts consisteth the Conversion of Man unto God?
Answer
It consisteth of the1 mortifying of the old Man, and a quickning of the new Man.
#98
Question
What is the mortifying of the old Man?
Answer
To be truly and heartily sorry that thou hast offended God by thy Sins, and daily more and more hate1 and eschew them.
#99
Question
What is the quickning of the new Man?
Answer
True Joy in God1 through Christ, and an earnest Desire to order thy Life according to God’s Will and to2 do all good Works.
#100
Question
What are good Works?
Answer
Those only which are done by a1 true Faith, according2 to God’s Law, and are3 referred only to his Glory, and not those which are imagined by us as seeming to us to be right and good, or which4 are delivered and commanded by Men.
#101
Question
Which is the Law of God?
Answer
The Decalogue, or1 ten Commandments.
#102
Question
How are these Commandments divided?
Answer
Into1 two Tables, whereof the former delivereth in four Commandments, how we ought to behave our selves towards God: the latter delivereth in six Commandments, what duties we2 owe unto our Neighbours.
#103
Question
What is the Preface to the ten Commandments?
Answer
I am JEHOVAH, the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the Land of Egypt, out of the House of Bondage.
#104
Question
What learn we from this Preface?
Answer
Three things: first he sheweth to whom the right of all Rule belongs, that is, to God himself. for I am (saith he) JEHOVAH. Secondly, he saith, he is the God of his People, that through the Promise of his Bountifulness he might allure them to obey him. Thirdly, he saith, which brought thee out of the Land of Egypt; as if he should say, I am he who have manifested my self unto thee and bestowed all those Blessings upon thee, therefore thou art bound to shew Thankfulness and Obedience unto me.1
#105
Question
Do these things belong unto us?
Answer
They do so, because they do figuratively comprehend and imply all the Deliverances of the Church; and further, also this was a Type of our wonderful Deliverance atcheived by Christ.
#106
Question
What is the first Commandment?
Answer
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.
#107
Question
What doth God require in the first Commandment?
Answer
That as dearly as I tender the Salvation of my own Soul, so earnestly should I shun and sly1 all Idolatry, Sorcery,2 Inchantments, Superstition, praying to Saints, or any3 other Creatures, and should4 rightly acknowledg the only and true God,5 trust in him6 alone, submit and subject my selfunto him with all7 Humility, and8 Patience, look for all good things from him alone, and lastly with the intire Affection of my Heart9 love,10 reverence, and11 worship him, so that I am ready to renounce and forsake all Creatures rather12 than to commit the least thing that may be against his Will.
#108
Question
What is Idolatry?
Answer
It is in Place of that one God, or besides that one true God who hath manifested himself in his Word and Works, to make or imagin, and account any other thing wherein thou reposest1 thy Hope and Confidence.
#109
Question
What is the second Commandment?
Answer
Thou shalt make to thee no graven Image, nor the Likeness of any thing which is in Heaven above, or in the Earth beneath, nor in the Waters under the Earth: thou shalt not bow down to them, nor worship them, for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, and visit the sins of the Fathers upon the Children, unto the third and fourth Generation of them that hate me, and shew Mercy to thousands of them which love me, and keep my Commandments.
#110
Question
What doth this second Commandment require?
Answer
That we should not1 express or represent God by any Image or shape and figure, or worship him any otherwise then he hath commanded himself in2 his Word to be worshipped.
#111
Question
May there then at all any Images or Resemblances of things be made?
Answer
God neither ought, nor can be represented by any means: and for the Creatures, although it be lawful to express them, yet God forbiddeth notwithstanding their Images to be made or had, as thereby to worship or honour either them, or God by them:1
#112
Question
But may not Images be tolerated in Churches, which may serve for Books unto the common People?
Answer
No, for ’tis not seemly that we should be wiser then God, who will have his Church to1 be taught by the lively preaching of his Word, and not with2 dumb Images.
#113
Question
What is the third Commandment?
Answer
Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain.
#114
Question
What doth God decree in the third Commandment?
Answer
That not only by cursing1 or forswearing, but also by2 rash swearing we should not use his Name despitefully, or unreverently, neither should by silence nor connivance be Partakers of these horrible Sins in others, but that3 we use the sacred and holy Name of God ever with great Devotion4 and Reverence, that he may be worshipped and honoured by us with a true and5 stedfast Confession6 and Invocation of his Name; and lastly, in all our Words and Actions whatsoever.
#115
Question
Is it then so grievous a Sin by swearing, or banning, to take the Name of God in vain, as that God is also angry with them who in as much as in them lieth do not forbid or hinder it?
Answer
Surely1 most grievous: for neither is there any Sin greater, or more offending God, than the despiting of his sacred Name; wherefore also he would have this Sin to be punished with Death.2
#116
Question
May a Man swear religiously and lawfully, by the Name of God?
Answer
He may when as either the lawful Magistrate exacteth it, or otherwise necessity requireth it: by this means the Faith and Truth of any Man, or thing to be ratified and established, whereby both the Glory of God may be advanced, and the safety of others procured: for this kind of Swearing is1 ordained by God’s Word, and therefore was well2 used of the Fathers both in the old and new Testament.
#117
Question
Is it lawful to swear by Saints, or other Creatures?
Answer
No, for a lawful Oath is an Invocation of God, whereby we desire that he, as the only searcher of Hearts, bear Witness unto the Truth, and will punish the Swearer if he1 wittingly swear falsely: but this Honour2 agreeth to no Creature.
#118
Question
What is the fourth Commandment?
Answer
Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath Day: six Days shalt thou labor, and do all that thou hast to do, but the seventh Day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God, in it thou shalt do no manner of Work, Thou, nor thy Son, nor thy Daughter, thy Man-Servant, nor thy Maid-Servant, nor thy Cattel, nor the Stranger that is within thy Gates: for in six Days the Lord made Heaven, and Earth, the Sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day, and hallowed it.
#119
Question
What are we taught by the fourth Commandment?
Answer
That one Day in seven be kept in the Worship of God, which under the old Testament was the last Day of the Week, but under the Gospel changed to the first Day of the Week, and this Lord’s Day to be spent in private and publique Devotion, as hearing the Word diligently, practising the Gospel-Sacraments zealously, and doing Deeds of Charity conscionably, and resting from servil Works, cases of necessity excepted, this being the laudable Practice of the holy Apostles, who best knew the Mind of Christ as to the time of Worship; neither do we find in all the new Testament, that any Gospel Church in the Apostles times did set any other Day apart solemnly to worship God, save the first Day: and well might they so do, for if Israel, the natural Seed of Abraham, was to keep the seventh Day, to keep up the Remembrance of their Deliverance out of temporal Bondage, how much more are we bound to keep the first Day in Remembrance of Christ’s Deliverance of us from eternal Bondage?1
#120
Question
What is the fifth Commandment?
Answer
Honour thy Father and Mother, that thy dayes may be long in the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
#121
Question
What doth God enjoin us in the fifth Commandment?
Answer
That we yeild due honour, love, and faithfulness to our Parents, and so to all who bear Rule over us, and1 submit our selves with such obedience as is meet to their faithful Commandments and chastisements; and further also by that our patience2 we bear and suffer their manners, ever thinking with our selves that God3 will govern and guide us by their hand.
#122
Question
What is the sixth Commandment?
Answer
Thou shalt do no Murder.
#123
Question
What doth God exact in the sixth Commandment?
Answer
That neither in thought nor in gesture, much less in deed, I reproach, or hate, or harm, or1 kill my Neighbour, either by my self, or by another, but cast away2 all desire of revenge; furthermore, that I hurt not my self, nor cast my self3 wittingly into any Danger. Wherefore also that Murther might not be committed, he4 hath armed the Magistrate with the Sword.
#124
Question
But this Commandment seems to forbid Murther only?
Answer
But in forbidding Murther, God doth further teach, that he hateth the Root, to wit,1 Anger,2 Envy,3 Hatred, and Desire of Revenge, and4 doth account them all for Murther.
#125
Question
Is it enough then that we kill no Man, in such sort as hath been said?
Answer
It is not enough; for when God condemneth Anger, Envy, Hatred, he requireth that1 we love our Neighbour as our selves and that we2 use Humanity, Lenity,3 Courtesie, Patience,4 and Mercy towards him, and5 turn away from him as much as we may whatsoever may be hurtful unto him; in a word, that we be so affected in Mind as that we6 stick not to do good also unto our Enemies.
#126
Question
What is the seventh Commandment?
Answer
Thou shalt not commit Adultery.
#127
Question
What is the meaning of the seventh Commandment?
Answer
That God hath1 in Execration all Turpitude and Filthiness, and therefore we also2 must utterly hate, and detest it, and contrary-wife, live temperately, modestly, and3 chastly, whether we4 live in holy Wedlock, or in single life.
#128
Question
Forbiddeth God nothing else in this Commandment but actual Adultery, and such kinds of uncleanness?
Answer
Yea, for seeing both our Body and Soul are the Temples of the Holy Ghost, God will have us to possess both in Purity and Holiness, and therefore Deeds,1 Gestures, Words,2 Thoughts, filthy Lusts, and whatsoever inticeth a Man unto these, all these God3 wholly forbiddeth.
#129
Question
What is the eighth Commandment?
Answer
Thou shalt not steal.
#130
Question
What doth God forbid in the eighth Commandment?
Answer
Not only those1 Thefts and2 Robberies, which the Magistrate punisheth, but by the name of Theft he comprehendeth whatsoever Evil, Crafts, Fetches, and Devices, whereby we seek after other Mens Goods, and indeavour with force, or with some shew of Right, to3 convey them over unto our selves; of which sort are4 false Weights, false Ells5 uneven Measures, deceitful Marchandize, counterfeit Coin,6 Usury, or any other way or means of furthering our Estate, which God hath forbidden: to these we may add all7 Covetousness, and the manifold wast and8 abusing of Gods Gifts.
#131
Question
What are those things which God here commandeth?
Answer
That to my Power, I help and further the Commodities and Profit of my Neighbour, and that I so deal with him as I would desire to be dealt with my self, and that I do my own Work plainly and faithfully, that I may thereby help others who are distressed with any need or Calamity.1
#132
Question
What is the ninth Commandment?
Answer
Thou shalt not bear false Witness against thy Neighbour.
#133
Question
What doth the ninth Commandment exact?
Answer
That I bear no1 false Witness against any Man,2 neither falsifie any Man’s words, neither backbite3 nor reproach any Man, nor4 condemn any rashly, or unheard, but avoid, and5 shun with all carefulness all kind of Lies, and Deceipts, as the proper Works of the Devil, except I mean to stir6 up against me the most grievous Wrath of God; and that in Judgments and other Affairs, I follow the Truth, and freely and constantly7 profess the matter as it indeed is, and moreover defend and increase as much as in me lieth, the good Name and Estimation of others.8
#134
Question
What is the tenth Commandment?
Answer
Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours House, nor his Wife, nor his Servant, nor his Maid, nor his Ox, nor his Ass, nor any thing that is his.1
#135
Question
What doth the tenth Commandment forbid?
Answer
That our Hearts be not at any time moved by the least Desire or Cogitation against any Commandment of God, but1 that continually and from our Heart we detest all Sin, and contrarily delight in all Righteousness.
#136
Question
But can they who are converted to God, perfectly observe, and keep these Commandments?
Answer
No, but even the holiest Men as long they live, have only small Beginnings of1 this Obedience, yet so that they2 begin with an unfeigned and earnest desire and endeavour to live not according to some only, but according to all the Commandments of God.
#137
Question
Why will God then have his Law to be so exactly and severely preached seeing there is no Man in this life able to keep it?
Answer
First, That all our life time we more & more1 acknowledg the great proneness of our Nature to Sin, and so much the more2 greedily desire remission of Sins, and Righteousness in Christ. Secondly, That we be doing of this always, and always thinking of it, and so implore and crave of the Father the3 Grace of his Holy Spirit, whereby we may daily more and more be renewed to the Image and likeness of God, until at length after we are departed out of this life we may joyfully attain unto that Perfection which is promised unto us.
#138
Question
Wherefore is Prayer necessary for Christians?
Answer
Because it is the chief part of that thankfulness which God requireth of us, and also because God giveth them only his Grace and Holy Spirit, who with unfeigned gronings beg them continually of him and yeild him thanks for them.1
#139
Question
What is required unto that Prayer which shall please God, and be heard of him?
Answer
That we ask of the only true God, who hath1 manifested himself in his Word, all things which he hath commanded to be2 asked of him with a true affection and desire of our Heart, and through an inward3 feeling of our need and4 misery cast our selves down prostrate in the presence of his Divine Majesty, and5 build our selves on this sure foundation, that we though unworthy, yet for Christ’s sake are6 certainly heard of God, even as he hath7 promised us in his Word.
#140
Question
What are those things which he commandeth us to ask of him?
Answer
All things1 necessary both for Soul and Body, which our Lord Jesus Christ hath comprised in that Prayer, which himself hath taught us.
#141
Question
What Prayer is that?
Answer
Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this Day our daily Bread: And forgive us our Trespaffes, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into Temptation, but deliver us from Evil: for thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, for ever and ever, Amen.
#142
Question
Are Christians tied to this very Form of Prayer?
Answer
We are not; our Lord here delivereth to his Church a brief Sum of those things which we are to ask of God, but yet Christ will have us also to descend unto specials, and to ask particular Benefits: for this Form prescribed is nothing else but a Set or Course of certain Heads or Generals, whereunto all Benefits both corporal and spiritual may be referred; but yet all particulars of Prayer must agree & correspond with this general Form, although we are not tied to this Form, as appeareth from James 1:5 where the Apostle exhorts the Saints, if any did lack Wisdom, they should ask of God, which giveth to all liberally, but these as touching the Words, are not in the Form of Prayer particularly expressed, though they are included. Besides, we have Examples of Prayer both in the old and new Testament, which are not the very Form here expressed, albeit, all they asked was comprehended in this Prayer, wherefore the Form of Prayer delivered unto us by Christ, is wholly a thing indifferent.
#143
Question
Why doth Christ teach us to call God our Father?
Answer
That presently in the very Entrance and Beginning of the Prayer, he might stir up in us such a Reverence, and Confidence of God as is meet for the Sons of God, which must be the ground and foundation of our Prayer, to wit, that God through Christ is made our1 Father, and will much less deny us these things which we ask of him with a true Faith, than our earthly Parents deny unto us earthly things.
#144
Question
Why is that added, which art in Heaven?
Answer
That we1 conceive not basely nor terrenely of God’s Heavenly Majesty, and also that we2 look for, and expect from his Omnipotency whatsoever things are necessary for our Soul and Body.
#145
Question
What is the first Petition?
Answer
Hallowed be thy Name; that is, grant us, first to1 know thee right, and worship, praise,2 and magnifie thy Almightiness, Goodness, Justice, Mercy and Truth, shining in all thy Works; and further also to direct our whole Life, Thoughts, Words, and Works to this end, that thy most Holy Name be not reproach’d by us, but rather be3 renowned with Honour, and Praises.
#146
Question
What is the second Petition?
Answer
Thy Kingdom come; that is, rule for us so by thy Word and Spirit, that we may1 humble and Submit our selves more and more unto thee. Also preserve and increase thy2 Church, destroy the Works of the Devil, and all Power that lifteth up it self against thy Majesty; make all those Councils frustrate, and void, which are3 taken against thy Word, until at length thou raign fully and perfectly, when thou shalt be all4 in all.
#147
Question
What is the third Petition?
Answer
Thy Will be done in Earth, as it is in Heaven. That is, grant that we, and all Men, renouncing1 and forsaking our own Will, may readily, and without any2 grudging, obey thy Will, which is only holy; and that so every one of us may3 faithfully perform that Duty and Charge which thou hast committed unto us, even as the blessed Angels do4 in Heaven.
#148
Question
What is the fourth Petition?
Answer
Give us this Day our daily bread; that is, give unto us all things which1 are needful for this Life, that by them we may acknowledg and confess thee to be the only Fountain from whence all good things2 flow; and all our Care and Industry, and even thine own Gifts to be unfortunate3 and noisom unto us except thou bless them; wherefore grant that turning our Trust away from all Creatures, we4 place and repose it in thee alone.
#149
Question
What is the fifth Petition?
Answer
Forgive us our Trespaffes, as we forgive them that trespass against us. That is, even for the Blood of Christ do not1 impute unto us most miserable and wretched sinners all our Offences, neither that Corruption which still cleaveth unto us, even as we also feel this Testimony of thy Grace in our Hearts, that we stedfastly purpose unfeignedly from2 our Hearts, to pardon and forgive all those who have offended us.
#150
Question
What is the sixth Petition?
Answer
Lead us not into Temptation, but deliver us from Evil. That is, because we our selves, are so feeble and weak by Nature, that1 we cannot stand so much as one Moment or Instant, and our most deadly Enemies2 Satan, the3 World, and our own4 Flesh do incessantly oppugne and assault us, uphold thou us, and establish and strengthen us by the might of thy Spirit, that we may not in this spiritual5 Combat yield as vanquished, but may so long stoutly withstand them, until at length6 we get the full and perfect victory.
#151
Question
How concludest thou this Prayer?
Answer
For thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory for ever. That is, we ask and crave all these things of thee, because seeing both thou art our King, and art Almighty, thou art both willing and able1 to give them all unto us; and these things we therefore ask, that out of them, not unto us, but unto thy holy Name all Glory2 may redound.
#152
Question
What meaneth this Particle, Amen?
Answer
That the thing is sure, and out of doubt: for my Prayer is much more certainly heard of God, than I feel in my Heart that I unfeignedly1 desire the same.