The first part of mans wretchednesse or miserable state .

Question .

BY what meanes shalt thou come by the knowledge of thy wretchednesse ?

Answere .

By the lawe of God . a. a. Rom. 3.20 .

Question .

What doth the lawe of God require of vs ?

Answere .

That doth Christ in a short summe teache vs . Mathew xxij . & Luke x. Thou shalt loue the Lorde thy God , with all thy heart , with all thy soule , with al thy thought , & with al thy strength . b. b. Luk. 10.27 This is the first , and greatest commandement . And the seconde is like vnto this . Thou shalt loue thy neighbour as thine owne selfe . And the whole law and Prophets hang vppon these two commaundementes .

Question .

Canst thou kéepe all these thinges perfectly ?

Answere .

No , c. c. Rom. 3.10 . 23 1. Iohn . 1.8 for I am readie & disposed of nature , to hate God & my neighbor . d. d. Rom. 8.7 . Ephe. 2 ▪ 3.

Question .

Did God then make man so vntoward , crooked , and so frowarde ?

Answere .

No , e. e. Tit. 3 Gen. 1.31 . for he made him good , and vnto the likenesse of his owne selfe , f. f. Ge. 1.36.27 that is , endued with true righteousnes and holinesse , that he shoulde rightly know God his maker , and hartely loue him , and liue for euer with him , to that end that he might loue & prayse him . g. g. 2. Co. 3.18 Col. 3.10 . Ephe. 4.24 .

Question .

Then , from whence sprange vp this crooked frowardnes of mans nature ?

Answere .

Of the fall and disobedience of our first father and mother , Adam & Eue , a a Gen. 3.5 . Rom. 5.12.18 19. by whom our nature is made so crooked & naughtie , that we be all conceiued and borne in sinne . b. b. Psal. 51.7 . Gen. 5.3 .

Question .

Are we then all so wounded , that we be vtterly vnsufficient to do any good thing , and disposed and readie to all vice and wickednesse ?

Answere .

Yes surely c c Iohn . 3.6 Gen. 6.5 except that we be borne againe by the holie Ghost . d d Ioh. 3.5 .

Question .

Doth not God then do wrong to man , whiles he requireth of him by the lawe to doe those things which he is not able to doe , performe , and fulfill ?

Answere .

Noe , e e Ephe. 4.24 . for God made Adam so , that he might fulfil those thinges , but he at the entisement of the diuel , f f Luk. 10.30 . &c. & by his owne stubbornes , both spoyled himselfe and his after commers of those godlye giftes .

Question .

Doeth God let go vnpunished such stubburnes , and departing from him ?

Answere .

Nay , he is by horrible meanes angrie , g g Rom. 5.12 . Heb. 9.27 . both with our sinns that are grafted in vs by nature , & also with them that we afterwards worke and doe , and the same he punisheth by his moste righteous iudgement , with present and euerlasting punishments , as hee doth pronounce . Cursed is euerie man that abideth not in all thinges that are written in the booke of the Lawe , to doe them . a a Deut. 27.26 Gal. 3.10 .

Question .

Then is not God also mercifull ?

Answere .

He is in déed mercifull , b b Exod. 34.6 . but so that he is also righteous , c c Exo. 20.5 . Psal. 5.5 . 2 Cor. 6.14 . wherfore his righteousnes requireth , the that which is don against the most high maiestie of God , shold be punished with the greatest punishmentes both of soule and bodie .

The seconde part of the deliuerance of man .

A. iiij .

Question .

THen , when as by the right iudgement of God , we are in daunger both of euerlasting paynes , and of such that lasteth here but for a time : is there yet any way or meanes whereby we may be deliuered from these paynes , and bee brought into fauour againe with God ?

Answere .

God will that we shal make amends or satisfaction vnto his righteousnes , d. d. Exod. 25. & 23.7 . wherefore we must néeds either by our selues , or by some other , content him e. e. Rom. 8.3.4 .

Question .

Can we by our selues make amends or satisfaction vnto him ?

Answere .

By no meanes at all , but rather from day to day , to encrease our debt . f. f. Iob. 9.2.3 . & 15.15 . Matth. 6.12 .

Question .

Can any creature in heauen or in earth , which is onely a creature , make satisfaction , recompence , or amendes for vs and our sinnes ?

Answere .

None at all : For to beginne withall , God will not punish that in any other creature which is due to be paid by man , a. a. Heb. 2.14 . and moreouer it can not ( because it is nothing but a creature ) abyde the wrath of god against sinne , and deliuer other from the same . b. b. Psal. 130.

Question .

What manner of man is to be sought out , to be our mediatour and deliuerer ?

Answere .

He which is in déede , a verie right man , and perfectly righteous , and yet more mightie then al creatures , that is he which also is euen verie true god c. c. 1. Cor. 15.21 . Ier. 23.6 . Isai. 53.11 . 2. Cor. 5.25 Heb. 7.16 . Ies. 7.14 . Rom. 8.3 . Ier. 33.16 .

Question .

Why is it néedefull that hee shoulde be a verie man , & perfectly righteous ?

Answere .

Because the righteousnesse of God requireth , that the same nature which hath sinned , should pay and make amendes for sinne . d. d. Rom. 5.1.15 . But he that is a sinner , can not paye and make amendes for other sinners . e. e. 1. Pet. 18.

Question .

Why must he also be verie GOD withall ?

Answere .

A.v.

That by his godly power he may abide the burthen of gods wrath in his flesh , f. f. Isay . 5.8 . Act. 2.14 . 1 Pet. 3.18 . & may get againe and restore vnto vs , the righteousnes and life which we haue lost . g g 1. Io. 1.2 . & 49.10 . Act. 20.28 . Ioh. 3 16.

Question .

Who is that mediatour which is both verie God and verie man , and perfectly righteous withall ?

Answere .

Our Lord Iesus Christ , a a Math. 1.23 . 1 Tim. 3.16 . Luk. 2.11 . which is made vnto vs the wisedome of GOD , righteousnes , hallower & deliuerer . b. b. 1. Cor. 1.30

Question .

Howe knowest thou this ?

Answere .

By the Gospel which God did open in Paradise , c c Gen. 3.15 . and afterwarde hath farther set it abroade by the Patriarches and Prophets d d Gen. 22.18 . & 49.10.11 . Rom. 1.2 . Heb. 1.1 . Act. 3.22.23 24. & 10.11 . Rom. 1.2 . Heb. 1.1 . Heb. 10.7 . & did darkely declare it as it were in a shadow , by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law ( e ) and laste of all fulfilled it by his onely begotten sonne . f f Rom. 10.4 . Gal. 4.4 .

Question .

Then is saluation giuen by Christ to all men that perished in Adam ?

Answere .

Not to all : but onely to them that by a true faith are graffed into him , & receiue or be partakers of his benefits or good déeds . g. g. Ioh. 1.12 & 3.36 . Ies. 53.11 . Psal. 2.12 Rom. 11.17.19 . Heb. 4.2 . & 10.39 .

Question .

What is faith ?

Answere .

It is not onely a knowledge , wherby I do surely assent to al things h h Heb. 11.1.3 Iac. 2.19 , Gal. 2.20 . which God hath opened to vs in his word : but also a sure trust i i Rom. 4.16 . &c. Iac. 1.8 . Rom. 5.1 . kindled in my heart by the holy Ghoste k. k. Matt. 16.17 Ioh. 3.5 . Ga. 5 2. Phil. 1.1.9 . through the gospel , l. l. Rom. 1.16 . Rom. 10.17 . wherby I am at peace with god , surely reckning with my self and iudging , that forgiuenesse of sinnes , euerlasting life , and righteousnesse , was giuen not onely to others but also to me a. a. Heb. 10.38 . Heb. 2.4 . Mat 9.2 . Eph. 2.7.8.9 . Rom. 5.1 & that fréely by the mercie of God , for the deseruing of Christ alone . b. b. Rom. 3.24 25. Gal. 2.16 .

Question .

What are those thinges that a Christian man must néeds beléeue ?

Answere .

All thinges that are promised in the Gospel , c. c. Ioh. 20.31 . Mat 28.20 . the sum wherof is conteined in the créede , or articles of our faith , wherein is shortely conteined , as in a certaine short summe , the chéefe points of the Catholike and vndoubted faith of all Christians .

Question .

What is the Créede ye speake off ?

Answere .

I Beleue in God the Father almighty , maker of heauen and earth . And in Iesus Christ his onely begotten sonne our Lord . Which was conceiued by the holy Ghost , borne of the virgin Mary . Suffered vnder Pontius Pilate , was crucified deade and buried , went down into hell . The thirde day he rose againe from the deade . And went vp into heauen , and sitteth there at the right hande of God the father Almighty . From thence shall he come to iudge the quick and the dead . I beléeue in the holy Ghost . That there is a catholike church . A communion of Saints . Forgiuenesse of sinnes . The rising againe of the flesh . And the life euerlasting . Amen .

Question .

Into how many parts is this Créede deuided ?

Answere .

Into thrée partes : the first is of the euerlasting father , and of our creation . The seconde is of the sonne , and our redemption or deliuerance . The thirde is of the holy Ghost , and making of vs holy , and sauing vs from sinne .

Question .

When as there is but one onely substance of God : a a Deut. 6.4 . Ephe. 4.5.6 . Why namest thou thrée : the father , the son , & the holy ghost ?

Answere .

Because God hath so opened him selfe in his worde , b b Ies. 16.1 . Luk. 4.18 . psa 110.1 . Math. 3.16.17 . & 28.19 . 1. Ioh. 5.7 . that these thrée sundrie persons are that one , true , and euerlasting God .

Of the Father .

Question .

WHat doest thou beléeue , when thou saist , I beléeue in god the father almightie , maker of heauen & earth ?

Answere .

I doe beléeue that the euerlasting father of our Lorde Jesus Christ , whiche hath made of nothing heauen & earth , and all things that are therein : c c Gen. 1.6 . Psal. 33.6 . and with his euerlasting counsell and prouision , vpholdeth and gouerneth all the same d d Psal. 104. & 115.3 . Matth 10.29 . Heb. 1 3. Rom. 11.36 for Christes sake , is my god & my father : e e Iohn . 1.12 . Rom. 8.15 . Gal. 4.5.6 ▪ 7. Ephe. 15. and therefore so trust and rest in him , the I do not doubt but he will prouide for me all things néedeful both for my soule and f f Psal. 55.23 . Matth 6.25 . 26. Luk. 12.22 . body , and that he wil also turne vnto my saluation , all the euilles and troubles that he layeth vpon me a a Rom 8.28 . in this troublesome life , both because hee can doe it , as an almightie God , b b Rom. 10.12 and will do it , as a gentle Father . c c Matth. 6.26 & 7.9.10.11 .

Question .

What is the prouision , or prouidence of God ?

Answere .

The almightie power of God d d Matth. 17.25 . &c. present in euerie place , whereby it holdeth vp as it were with a hande e e Heb. 8.2.3 . and gouerneth heauen and earth and all creatures , in so much that those thinges that growe vppon the earth , as raine , also faire weather , and drinesse , plenteousnesse in bearing , and barreunesse , meate and drinke , f f Ier. 5.24 . Act. 14.17 . health and sickenesse , g g Ioh. 9.5 . riches and pouertie : h h Prouerb . 22.2 . to conclude , all things fall and come vnto vs , not without aduise or by chance , but by his fatherly aduised counsell , will , and purpose .

Question .

What profite haue we by this knowledge of the creation , and prouidence of God ?

Answere .

That in aduersitie we may bee patient , i i Rom. 5 , 3. Iac. 1 ▪ 3. Iob. 1.21 . and in prosperitie thankeful , k k Deut. 8.10 . 1 , Thess. 5.18 and in time to come , we may haue a very good hope in God our most faithfull Father , l l Ro. 5.4.5.6 . knowing that there is nothing that can draw vs away from his loue , m m Rom ▪ ● , 38.39 . for all creatures are so in his power that without his will they can not onely doe nothing , but euen not so much as to stir or moue . n n Iob. 1.12 . & 2.6 . Pro. 21. 1 Act. 17.25.28 .

Of the Sonne .

Question .

WHy is the Son of God called Iesus , that is , the sauiour .

Answere .

Because hee saueth vs from all our sinnes , a. a. Matth. 1.21 Heb. 7.25 . and as no saluation ought to be craued of any other , 〈◊〉 there none be found in other , but in h●●●●dne . b. b. Act. 4.12 .

Question .

Then whether doe they beleeue in the onely sauiour Iesus , which séeke happines and saluation of saintes , or of them selues , or of any other thing ?

Answere .

No , for although they boaste themselues , and reidice in him as th● saviour in their wordes , yet for all that , in verie déede they denie the onely saviour Iesus , c. c. 1. Cor. 1.13 . & 31. Ga. 5.4 for either must Iesus not be a perfect sauiour , or else al they the receiue him with a true faith for a sauiour , haue in their possession in him , al thinges necessarie vnto saluation . d. d. Heb. 12.2 . Ies. 96. Col 1 19.20 . & . 2.10 . Iohn . 1.16

Question .

Why is he called Christus ; that is , anointed ?

Answere .

Because he was ordeyned of the Father , & was annointed of the holy ghost ; e. e. Psal. 45.8 . Heb. 1.9 . the highest prophet and doctour , f. f. Deutr. 18.15 Act. 3.22 . which opened vnto vs the secret counsell , g g Ioh. 1.18 . & 15.15 . and all the will of his father concerning our redemption & deliuerance . And the high Priest , who with one sacrifice or offering of his bodie and no moe : hath bought vs againe , and continually maketh intercession to his Father for vs . a. a. Rom. 8.34 . & 5.9.10 . And a King which gouerneth vs with his worde and his spirite , and defendeth and kéepeth the saluation which we haue gotten by him . b. b. Psal. 2.6 . Luk. 1.33 . Matth. 28.18 . Ioh. 10.28 .

Question .

But why art thou called a christian ?

Answere .

Because through faith I am a member of Iesus Christ , c. c. Act. 11.26 . 1. Cor. 6.15 . and am partaker of his annointing , d d Ioh. 2.27 . Ies. 59 ▪ 21. Act. 2.17 . Ioel. 2.28 . so that I confesse his name , e e Mar 8.38 . and giue my self vp vnto him , to be a liuing offering of thankfulnesse , f f Rom. 12.1 . Apoc. 5.8.10 . 1 Pet. 2.9 2. Tim 2.12 Rom 6.12 13. Apoc 1.6 in this life to fight against sinne and Sathan with a frée and good conscience , the afterward I may holde and enioy the euerlasting kingdome with Christ ouer all creatures . g g 1 Ti. 1 . 1● 19.

Question .

For what cause is Christ called the onely begotten sonne of God , when we are also the sonnes of God ?

Answere .

Because Christe is onely the euerlasting and naturall sonne of the Father euerlasting , h h Ioh. 1.14.18 . Heb. 1.2 and wee are but sonnes choosen and taken vp of the Father onely of fauoure for Christes sake . i i Rom. 8.15 . Ephe. 1.6

Question .

Why callest thou him our Lorde ?

Answere .

Because he buying againe our bodies and soules from sinne , not with gould nor siluer , but with his pretious bloud , and deliuering them from all power of the diuel : hath claymed vs for his owne proper seruaunts , belonging to none other Lorde or Maister . k k 1. Pet. 1.18 19. & 2.9 . 1. Cor. 6.20 . & 7.23 .

Question .

What beléeuest thou , when thou saiest : he was conceiued by the holy Ghost , and borne of the virgin Mary ?

Answere .

That the sonne of God , which is , a a Ioh. 1.1 . & 17.5 . Rom. 1.4 . & abideth true and euerlasting God , b b Rom. 9.5 . hath taken the very true nature of man , of the flesh and bloud of the virgin Mary , c c Ioh. 1.14 . Gal. 4.4 . by the working of the holy ghost , d d Math. 1.18 20. Luk. 1.35 that he might be also with all the true séede of Dauid e e Psal. 132.12 Rom. 1.3 . like vnto his brethren in all thinges , f f Phil. 2.7 sauing onely in sinne . g g Heb. 4.15.7.26 .

Question .

What profit takest thou of the holy conception and byrth of Christ ?

Answere .

That he is our meane or mediator , h h He. 2 16.17 and with his innocentnes and perfecte holines couereth my sinnes in the which I am conceiued , to come into the sight of God . i i Psal. 32.1 1. Cor. 1.30

Question .

What beléeuest thou , when thou sayest he suffered ?

Answere .

That he , all the time of his life while hee was here vppon earth , but specially at his last time , did suffer the wrathe of GOD againste the sinne of all mankinde , k k 1. Pet 2 24 & . 3.18 . Ies. 53.12 that with his passion as one sacrifice once for all , l l 1. Ioh. 2.2 . & 4.10 . Rom. 3.25 he should purchase mercie , & shoulde deliuer both our bodies and our soules from euerlasting dampnation , & get vs the grace of god , and righteousnesse , and euerlasting life .

Question .

For what cause did hee suffer vnder iudge Pilate ?

Answere .

That he being innocent , and yet condempned a a Luk. 25.14 . Ioh. 19.8 . before a ciuill iudge , might deliuer vs from the straight iudgement of God which we had deserued , & should haue suffered if Christ had not suffered this sharpe iudgement for vs . b b psal. 65.2.5 Ies. 53.2 . Cor 5.21 . Gal. 3.13 .

Question .

Is there any other cause beside , why that he shold rather suffer on the crosse , then die any other death ?

Answere .

Yes , there is one in déede : for by this thing I am assured that he tooke vpon himsefe the curse which was due vnto me . For the death of the crosse was cursed of God . c c Deut. 21.23 Gal. 3.13 .

Question .

Why muste Christ humble himselfe euen vnto the death ?

Answere .

Because that the iustice and trueth of God d d Gen. 2.17 . could not be contented and swaged for our sinnes by any other meanes but by the death of the sonne of god . e e Heb. 2.9.14 15. Phil. 2.8 .

Question .

Why was he also buried ?

Answere .

That thereby we should haue sure witnesse that he was truely deade , and not feynedly . f f Act. 13.29 . Mat. 27.60 . Luk. 23.35 . Ioh. 19.38 .

Question .

But when as Christ died for vs , why must we also die ?

Answere .

Our death is not a making of amends for our sinnes : but a dying from Sinne , and a going into euerlasting life . g g Ioh. 5.24 . Phil. 1.23 . Rom. 7.24 .

Question .

What profite doe we further receiue by the sacrifice and death of Christ ?

Answere .

That by the vertue of his death our olde man is crucified a a Rom. 6.6.7 8.11.12 . killed and buried with him , that the euil desires and lusts of the flesh should not afterward raigne in vs , b b Rom. 6.12 . but that we should offer our selues vnto him an offering of thankesgiuing . c c Rom. 12.1 .

Question .

Why is it further saide : he went down into hell ?

Answere .

That in my grieuous temptations & assaltes , I might stay & make sure my selfe by this comforte , that my Lorde Iesus Christ by vnspeakable verations and griefs , painful troubles and feares of mind , into the which both before and most of all when he hanged on the crosse , he was caste into hath deliuered mee from the sorrowful griefe and paines of Hell d d Ies. 53.10 . Mat. 27.46 .

Question .

What profite haue wee by the rising againe of Christ ?

Answere .

First that by his rising againe he ouercame death , that he might make vs partakers of his righteousnesse , which hee had purchased vnto vs by his death . e e 1. Cor. 15.17 45.55 . Rom. 4.25 . 1. Pet. 1.3 21. Moreouer , we are also stirred vp by his power , vnto a newe life . f f Rom. 6 4. Col. 3.1.5 Eph. 2.21 And the thirde profite is , that the resurrection of our heade Christ , is a pledge and a perfect assurance vnto vs that we shall rise againe in glorie . g g 1. Co. 15.12 Rom. 8.11

Question .

Howe vnderstandest thou this , that he is gone vp into heauen ?

Answere .

That Christe ( the Apostles looking on ) was taken vp from the earth into heauen , a a Act. 1.9 Mat. 28. Mar. 16. Luk. 24. and yet stil is ther for our sakes , b b Heb. 4.24 . & 7.25.9.11 Rom. 8.34 . Ephe. 4.10 Col 3.1 . & will be vntill he shall come againe to iudge the quicke and the dead . c c Act. 1

Question .

Shall Christe not then bée with vs vntill the end of the worlde as hee hath promised ? d d Mat. 28.20 . Mat. 24.30 .

Answere .

Christ is true God and true man , and so according vnto his mans nature , hee is not nowe vppon the earth , e e Mat. 26 11. Ioh. 16.28 . & 17.11 . Act. 3.21 . but after his Godly nature , maiestie , grace , and spirite , he is neuer away from vs . f f Ioh. 14.17 . &c. & 16.28 . & 16.13 . Ephe. 4.8 Augustinus Tract. in Ioann. 50.

Question .

But whether by this meanes are the two natures of Christe pulled in sunder or no , if Christes manhoode bee not wheresoeuer his godheade is ?

Answere .

Nay , for when as the Godheade of Christe cannot bee inclosed nor holden within anie certeine compasse , and is present in euerie place , g g Act. 7.49 . & 17.28 . Ier. 23.24 . it must néeds be a good argument that his Godhead is without the nature of his manhoode which he hath taken vppon him , & reacheth farther , and yet for all that it is fast in the same , and abideth personally ioyned therevnto . h h Col. 2.9 . Ioh. 3.13 . & 11 15. Math. 28.6 .

Question .

What fruite haue we by the going vp of Christ into heauen ?

Answere .

First that he maketh intercession for vs in heauen , vnto the father . a a 1. Ioh. 2.1.2 Rom. 8.34 . Then that we haue our fleshe in heauen , that thereby we may be surely assured , as by a sure pledge , that hereafter hee will take vs that are his members , vnto him which is our heade . b b Ioh. 14.2 . & 20.17 . Eph. 2.6 . Thirdly , that he sendeth to vs his spirit in the stede of a pledge c c Ioh. 14.16 . & 20.7 . Act. 2.2 . Cor. 1.22.2 . Cor. 5.5 . betwéene him & vs , by whose strong working , we séeke not earthly things , but the things that are aboue , wher he is sitting at the right hand of god . d d Col. 3.1 . Phi. 3.

Question .

Why is it further saide , that he is sitting at the right hand of God ?

Answere .

Because Christ therefore is gone vp into heauen , to shew that he is the head e e Ephes. 1.20.21.22.23 . & 5 23. Coll. 1.18 . of the Church by whom the father gouerneth all thinges . f f Matth. 28.18 . Ioh. 5.22 .

Question .

What profite is this glorie of our head Christ vnto vs ?

Answere .

First that through his holy spirit , he powreth into vs , ( his members ) heauenly gifts , g g Ephe. 4 10. the next is , that he shieldeth and defendeth vs by his might against all our enimies . h h Psal. 2.9 . & 110.12 . Ioh. 10 28. Ephe. 4.8

Question .

What comfort hast thou by the comming againe of Christ , to iudge the quick and the dead ?

Answere .

That in all my persecutions & troubles I do look vp to heauen , holding my head cherefully vp for the self same iudge i i Luk. 21.28 . Rom. 8.23.33 Phil. 3.20 . Titus . 2.13 . which purposedly before did deliuer himself to the iudgment of God for me , and hath taken away al curse from me , which shal cast all his and my enimies into euerlasting paine , a a 2. Thess. 6.7 1. Thes. 4.16 Matth. 25.41 Matth. 25.34 & shall bringe mee with all other chosen persons , into the heauenly ioyes and euerlasting glorie . b b Mat. 25.34 .

Of the holy ghost .

Question .

WHat dost thou beléeue , of the holy Ghost ?

Answere .

First , that he is a true and euerlasting God , with the euerlasting father and the sonne c c Gen. 1.2 . Ies 48.16.1 . Cor. 3.16.1 . Cor. 6.19 . Act. 5 3.4 Secondly that he is giuen vnto me , d d Matth. 28 19.2 . Cor. 1 21.22 . that by true faith hee maketh me partaker of Christ , and all his good déedes . e e Gal. 3.14 . 1. Pet. 1.2 . 1. Cor. 6.17 And thirdly , comforteth mee , and abideth with mee for euer . f f Act 9.31 . Ioh. 14 16. 1. Pet. 4.14 .

Question .

What is thy beliefe concerning the holy and Catholike Church of Christ ?

Answere .

I beléeue that the sonne of God doth g g Ioh. 10.11 . gather from the beginning of the world vnto the end ) h h Psal. 71.18 1. Cor. 11.26 . out of whole mankinde i i Gen. 26.4 . a chosen k k Rom. 8.29.30 . Eph. 1.10.11.12.13 . 1. Pet 1.20 . company by the spirit & the word , l l Ies. 59.21 . Rom. 1.16 . & 10.14.17 . Eph. 5.26 . agréeing together in a true m m Act. 2.46 . Eph. 4.3.4.5 . faith , & that he defendeth and saueth the same , n n Matth. 19 18. Ioh. 10.28 . 2● . 30 . and that I am one liuely members of that companie , o o 1. Ioh. 3.21 . 3. Cor. 13.5 and shall so abide for euer . p p 1. Ioh. 1.19.1 1. Cor. 1 8.9 . Rom. 8.35 .

Question .

What meanest thou by the communion , and felowship of saintes ?

Answere .

First , that all and euerie one that beleeueth , are in common partakers of Christe and of his good déedes , as his members and parts of his body , a a 1. Ioh. 1.3 Rom. 8.32 . 1 Cor. 12 13 21 1. Cor. 6.17 . and then that euerie man ought willingly , readely , and carefully , to bestowe the giftes which hee hath receyued , to the common profite and health of all men . b b Cor. 13.5 Phil. 2.4.5.6 .

Question .

What beléeuest thou of the forgiuenes of sinnes ?

Answere .

That GOD for the satisfaction or full recompence that Christ hath made c c 1. Ioh. 2.2 Cor. 5.19.21 . hath put out the remembraunce of my sinnes , and also of that my crooked nature and wickednesse wherewith I must fighte all my lyfe time , d d Ier. 31.34 Ps 103.3.10.12 Rom. 7.24.25 Rom 8 1.2.3 . and that hee will freely giue vnto mee the righteousnes of Christ , so the I shall not come at any time to iudgement , to be condempned . e e Ioh. 3.18 .

Question .

What comfort hast thou by the rysing againe of the flesh .

Answere .

That not onely my soule ( after that it shall departe from the bodie ) shall streight way be taken vp vnto Christe her head , f f Luk. 23.43 Phil. 1.23 . but also that this my fleshe ( raised vp by this power of Christ ) shal be ioyned againe vnto my soule , & shall be made like vnto the glorious body of Christ . g g 1. Cor. 15.53.54 . Iob. 19 25.26 . 1. Ioh. 3.2 . Phil. 3 21

Question .

What comfort takest thou of the article of euerlasting life ?

Answere .

That for as much as I féele alreadie , the beginning of euerlasting life in my a a 2. Co. 5.2.3 hearte , it shall afterwarde come to passe , that after this life , I shal come to full and perfect blessednesse , wherein I may praise God for euer , which blessednes neither eye hath séene , nor eare hath hard , neither the thought of man is able to reach vnto . b b 1. Cor. 2.9 .

Question .

But when thou beleuest all these thinges , what profite hast thou thereby ?

Answere .

That I am righteous in Christ before God , and an heire of euerlasting life . c c Heb. 2.4 . Rom. 1.17 . Ioh. 3.36 .

Question .

Howe art thou rightuous before God ?

Answere .

Onely by faith or beléefe in Iesus Christ , d d Rom. 2.3.21.22.24 . Gal 2.16 . Eph. 2.8 9. Phil. 3.8.9 . in somuch that although my concience did accuse me , that I haue sinned grieuously against all the commaundements of God , and haue kepte perfectly neuer a one of them , e e Rom. 3.9 . &c. & am also readie and disposed yet still to all euill , f f Rom. 7.23 . yet for al that ( so that I can receiue all these good déeds of Christ by a true faith of my mind ) the perfecte satisfaction or amends making , the righteousnesse and holynesse of Christe , is counted and giuen vnto me by the only mercy of God , g g Rom. 3.22 . Ioh. 3.18 . Tit. 3.5 . Deut. 9.10 . Ezech. 36.22 . Rom. 3.24 Ephe. 2.8.1 . Ioh. 2.2.1 . Ioh. 2.1 . Rom 4.4.2 . Cor. 5.19 . euen as though I had neuer doe any sinne , neither any spot shoulde cleaue vnto mee : and furthermore , as though I had fulfilled in mine owne person , the obedience whiche Christ hath fulfilled and performed for me h. h. 2 Cor. 5.21

Question .

Why doest thou holde that thou art made righteous by faith alone ?

Answere .

Not because I doe please God with the worthinesse of my faith , but because the amendes making or satisfaction , righteousnesse and holinesse of Christ , are my righteousnesse before god , a. a. 1. Cor. 1.30 . &c. & I cannot take holde thereof , and apply the same vnto me by any other means , then by faith alone . b. b. 1. Ioh. 5.10 .

Question .

Why are not our good workes accounted righteousnesse : or at the least some parte of righteousnesse before God ?

Answere .

because that righteousnes that must stande faste before the iudgement of God , must be in all pointes perfect and agréeing with the word of God , c. c. Gal. 3.10 . Deut. ●7 . 26 and all our good workes ( euen the most holy & perfectest workes that we do in this life ) are vnperfecte and defiled with sinne . d. d. Ies. 64.6 .

Question .

Howe doe our good workes deserue nothing , when as God doth promise that hee will giue a rewarde for them , both in this life , and in the life to come ?

Answere .

That rewarde is giuen not of deseruing , but of fauour . e e Luk. 17.10

Question .

Doth not this learning make men to be carelesse , Godlesse , and of a loose life ?

Answere .

No , for it is not possible but that they that are grafted into Christe through faith , shall bring forth good and thankful fruites . f. f. Matth. 7.18 . Ioh. 15.5 .

Of the Sacramantes .

Question .

THen , séeing that onely faith maketh vs partakers of Christ & of his good déedes , from whence commeth this faith .

Answere .

From the holy Ghost , a a Ephe. 2.8 . & 6.23 . Ioh. 3.5 . Phil. 1.29 . who kindleth it in our heartes through the preaching of the Gospell , and strengtheneth the same by the vsing of the Sacramentes . b. b. Matth. 28. 1● 20. 1 Pet. 1.22.23 .

Question .

What are the Sacramentes ?

Answere .

They are holy signes and seales set before our eyes , ordeyned of God for that cause , that by them he might open vnto vs , and settle or confirme more largely the promise of the Gospell : that is to witte , he giueth fréely forgiuenesse of sinnes , and life euerlasting , not onely to the number of beléeuers , but to euery one that beléeueth , for the onely sacrifice of Christ , which he made perfect vppon the crosse , c c Gen. 17.11 Rom. 4.11 . Deut. 30.6 . Leui. 6.25 . Heb 9.8.9.24 . Ezech. 20.12 . 1. Sam. 17 36. Ies 6.6.7 . & 54.9 .

Question .

Then whether do both the worde and Sacraments tend to that end , that they may leade our faith vnto the sacrifice of Christ fully ended on the crosse , as vnto the ground of saluation ?

Answere .

It is so in déede , for the holy Ghoste teacheth by the Gospell , and assureth vs by the Sacramentes , that all our saluation standeth in the onelye sacrifice of Christe , offered for vs vppon the crosse . d. d. Rom. 6.3 . Gal. 3.27 .

Question .

How many Sacraments hath Christ ordeined in the newe testament ?

Answere .

Two , Baptisme , and the holy supper .

Of Baptisme .

Question .

HOwe art thou warned and assured in Baptisme that thou art partaker of that onely sacrifice ?

Answere .

Because Christe commaunded the outwarde washing , a a Matth. 28.19 Act. 2.38 . putting to this promise : b. b. Marc. 16.16 Matth. 3.11 . Rom. 6.3 . that I am assuredly washed ( by his bloud & the holy Ghost ) from al the vncleannes of my soule , that is , from all my sinnes , as I am outwardly washed with water , c. c. Mark. 1.4 Luk. 3 3. wherby all the filthines of the body is scowred away .

Question .

What is it to be washed with the bloude and spirite of Christ ?

Answere .

It is to receiue of God forgiuenesse of our sinnes freely for Christes bloude sake , which he shed for vs in his sacrifice vpon the crosse , d. d. Heb. 12 24 1. Pe. 1.2 . Apo 1.5 . & 22.14 zach. 13.1 . Ezech. 36.25 . and also to be made newe men by the holy Ghost , and by his making of vs holy to be made members of Christ , that thereby we may die from sinne more and more , and may liue holily and vnblamedly . e. e. Iob. 8.33 . & 3.5 . 1. Cor. 6.11.12.13 . Ro 6.4 . Col. 2.12

Question .

Where promised Christe that hee would so surely wash vs with his bloud and spirite , as we are washed outwardlye with the outwarde water of Baptisme ?

Answere .

In the xvi . of saint Marke , where as he first ordeined Baptisme , whose wordes are these . Goe and teach all nations , and Baptise them in the name of the father , and of the sonne , and of the holy Ghost . a. a. Math. 28.19 And he that will beléeue and be baptised , shall be saued , but he that will not beléeue shal be dampned . b. b. Mat. 16.16 and this promise is rehearsed again wheras the scripture nameth Baptisme the bath of the newe birth , c. c. Tit. 3.5 . and washing away of sinnes . d. d. Act. 21.16 .

Question .

Is not the outwarde baptising with water , the washing away of our sinnes ?

Answere .

It is not : e. e. Matth. 3.12 1. Pet. 3.21 . Ephe. 5.26 . for onely the bloude of Christ maketh vs cleane from all sin . f f Iob. 17. 1. Cor. 9.11 .

Question .

Then why doth the holy Ghost call baptisme the bath of the newe birth , and washing away of sinne ?

Answere .

God not without a great cause speaketh so : to wit , not onely to teach vs the as the filthines of our bodies is scoured away with water , so likewise are our sins washed & scowred away with the bloud and spirite of Christ : g. g. Apoc. 1.5 . & 7.8 . 1. Cor. 6.11 . but also much more , that he might sicker & assure vs by his goodly token & pledge , that we are as surely washed from our sinns inwardly by the inward washing , as we are outwardly washed with the outwarde and seable water . h. h. Mark. 16. ●6 . Gal. 3.17 .

Question .

Ought all yong speachlesse children in be baptised ?

Answere .

Yea in any case , for when as they belong as well vnto the couenaunt or promise , and to the Church of GOD , as they doe that are fully growne and are perfect men and women , a a Gen. 17.7 . & when as forgiuenesse of sinnes b b Mat. 16.14 and the holy Ghost the c. c. Luk. 1.14.15 . Psal. 22.11 . Esa. 44.1.2 Act. 2 36. worker of faith , is as well promised to them through the bloude of Christ , as to them that are full growen men and women : they are to be grafted into the Church by baptisme , and are to be knowen from the children of vnbeléeuers or infidels , d d Act. 10.47 . as in the owe Testament , the children of them , that beléeued were knowen from them that beléeued not , by circumcision . e. e. Gen. 17.14 In whose place and stéede ( it now being taken away ) Baptisme was appointed . f. f. Col. 2.12.13