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    Isham, Zacheus Author Profile
    Author Isham, Zacheus
    Denomination Anglican
    Catechism of the Church Text Profile
    Genre Catechism
    Date 1695
    Full Title The catechism of the Church: with proofs from the New Testament: And some Additional Questions and Answers. Divided into XII sections, for the Use of a Parish in London.
    Source Wing I1067
    Sampling Sample 1
    Text Layout
    The original format is octavo.
    The original contains contains elements such as change of font,italics,
    Annotations
    Downloads

    THE CATECHISM, WITH Proofs from the New Testament, and some Additional QUESTIONS and ANSWERS.

    SECT. I. Of the Benefits of BAPTISM.

    Quest. WHat is your Name?
    Answ. N. or M.
    Quest. Why dost thou
    tell me the Name receiv'd in thy Baptism,
    rather than that of thy Family?
    Answ. Because the Name I receiv'd at my
    Baptism, puts me in mind of the Duties
    and Priviledges of the Christian Religion.
    Quest. Who gave you this Name?
    Answ. My God-fathers and God-mothers in
    my Baptism; wherein I was made a Member
    of Christ, the Child of God, and an Inheritor
    of the Kingdom of Heaven.

    B

    1
    Quest. Why did your God-fathers and
    God-mothers give you your Christian
    Name?
    Answ. Because they presented me to
    my Baptism, by which I was made a
    Christian; and did answer, and engage
    for me; and gave security to the Church
    for my Christian Education: And therefore
    I regard them as my Spiritual Parents.
    Quest. How wast thou made in Baptism
    a Member of Christ?
    Answ. In being then made a Member
    of his Spiritual Body, the Church; and
    thereby united to him as our Head, and
    deriving from him all my Strength, and
    Power to live as a Christian.
    Quest. How is this prov'd from Scripture?
    Answ. From Rom. 12.5. We being
    many, are one Body in Christ.

    1 Cor. 12.12, 13. As the Body is one,
    and hath many Members
    , so also is Christ:
    For by one Spirit are we all Baptized into
    one Body.

    Eph. 1.22, 23 He gave him to be the
    head over all things to the Church, Which
    is his Body.

    2
    Quest. How wast thou made in Baptism
    the Child of God?
    Answ. In being then by the Grace,
    and favour of God adopted for one of
    his Children; through Christ, and our
    regeneration in him.
    Quest. How is this prov'd from Scripture?
    Answ. From Joh. 1.12. As many as
    received him, to them gave he power to become
    the Sons of God, even to them that
    believe on his Name.

    Rom. 8.15. Ye have received the Spirit
    of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba,
    Father.

    Gal. 3.26, 27. Ye are all the Children
    of God by faith in Christ Jesus: For as
    many of you as have been baptized into
    Christ, have put on Christ.

    Quest. How wast thou made in Baptism
    an Inheritor of the Kingdom of
    Heaven?
    Answ. In having the promise of this
    Eternal Inheritance; so that I may surely
    attain to it, by leading a Christian life.
    Quest. How is this prov'd from Scripture?
    Answ. From Luke 12.32. Fear not,

    B2

    3
    little Flock; for it is your Father's good
    pleasure to give you the Kingdom.

    Rom. 8.16, 17. We are the Children of
    God; And if Children, then Heirs, Heirs
    of God, and Joynt-heirs with Christ.

    Tit. 3.5, 7. According to his mercy he
    saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and
    renewing of the Holy Ghost
    : That being
    justified by his Grace, we should be made
    Heirs according to the hope of eternal Life.

    1 John 2.25. This is the promise that
    he hath promis'd us, even eternal Life.

    SECT. II. Of the Vow of Baptism.

    Quest. YOu have told me what you
    were made in Baptism: but
    cannot you forfeit these great advantages?
    Answ. I cannot fail of them, if I keep
    the Promises made for me, when I was
    baptiz'd.
    Quest. What did your God-fathers and
    God-mothers then for you?
    Answ. They did promise, and vow three things
    in my Name: First, that I should renounce
    the Devil, and all his works; the pomps, and
    vanity of this wicked World; and all the sinful
    lusts of the Flesh. Secondly, that I should
    believe all the Articles of the Christian Faith.
    4
    And thirdly, that I should keep God's holy Will,
    and Commandments; and walk in the same all
    the days of my life.
    Quest. Dost thou not think, that thou art
    bound to believe, and to do, as they have promised
    for thee?
    Answ. Yes verily; and by God's help so I
    will. And I heartily thank our heavenly Father,
    that he hath called me to this state of salvation,
    through Iesus Christ our Saviour. And
    I pray unto God, to give me his Grace, that I
    may continue in the same unto my lives end.
    Quest. Thou dost well in praying to
    God for his Grace, and in owning the
    necessity of his help: But what Proof
    hast thou from Scripture, for the doing so?
    Answ. From John 15.5. Without me ye
    can do nothing.

    2 Cor. 12.9. He said unto me, My
    Grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength
    is made perfect in weakness.

    Phil. 2.13. It is God which worketh in
    you, both to will, and to do, of his good
    pleasure.

    Phil. 4.13. I can do all things through
    Christ, which strengthneth me.

    Quest. Where didst thou learn to pray
    to God for his Grace?
    Answ. From Luke 11.13. If ye being

    B3

    5
    evil, know how to give good gifts unto your
    Children; how much more shall your heavenly
    Father, give the holy Spirit to them
    that ask him?

    Heb. 4.16. Let us come boldly unto the
    Throne of Grace; that we may obtain mercy,
    and find Grace to help in time of need.

    Quest. What dost thou bind thy self to,
    in renouncing the Devil, and all his works?
    Answ. I bind my self to the abhorrence of
    Satan, and all his temptations; and to the
    avoiding of all wickedness, either prompted
    by him, or done in imitation of him.
    Quest. What Proof hast thou of this
    Obligation?
    Answ. From 1 John 3.8. He that committeth
    Sin is of the Devil; for the Devil
    sinneth from the beginning: For this purpose
    the Son of God was manifested, that he
    might destroy the works of the Devil.

    1 John 5.18. We know that whosoever
    is born of God, sinneth not: But he that is
    begotten of God, keepeth himself; and that
    wicked one toucheth him not.

    Ephes. 4.27. Neither give place to the
    Devil.

    Quest. What dost thou bind thy self
    to, in renouncing the pomps and vanity
    of this wicked World?
    6
    Answ. I bind my self not to seek greedily,
    or by unlawful means, after Honour,
    and Glory, and Riches; nor to use any of
    God's Creatures to excess; but to refrain
    from Pride, and Ambition, and Covetousness;
    and from ungodly and vain Customs,
    and all the outward allurements to Sin.
    Quest. What Proof hast thou of this
    Obligation?
    Answ. From 1 John 2.15. Love not the
    World, neither the things that are in the
    World. If any Man love the World, the love
    of the Father is not in him.

    Rom. 12.2. Be not conformed to this
    World.

    Jam. 4.4. Know ye not, that the friendship
    of the World is enmity with God?
    Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the
    World, is the enemy of God.

    Quest. What dost thou bind thy self to,
    in renouncing the sinful lusts of the Flesh?
    Answ. I bind my self to abstain from
    those sensual Pleasures, which God hath
    forbidden; and to resist all impure desires;
    and to tame, and regulate my disorderly
    Inclinations, and corrupt Nature,
    inwardly delighting in what is evil.
    Quest. What Proof hast thou of this
    Obligation?

    B4

    7
    Answ. From Gal. 5.24. They that are
    Christ's have crucified the Flesh, with the
    affections, and lusts.

    Rom. 8.13. If ye live after the Flesh, ye
    shall die: but if ye through the spirit do mortifie
    the deeds of the Body, ye shall live.

    1 Pet. 2.11. I beseech you as Strangers,
    and Pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts,
    which war against the Soul.

    Quest. What Proof hast thou of being
    bound to believe all the Articles of the
    Christian Faith?
    Answ. From John 3.36. He that believeth
    on the Son, hath everlasting life: and
    he that believeth not the Son, shall not see
    life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

    John 17.3. This is life eternal, that
    they might know thee the only true God, and
    Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.

    Mar. 16.16. He that believeth, and is
    baptized, shall be saved: but he that believeth
    not, shall be damned.

    1 John 3.23. This is his commandment,
    that we should believe on the Name of his
    Son Jesus Christ.

    Quest. What Proof hast thou of being
    bound to keep all the Commandments of
    God?
    8
    Answ. From John 14.15. If ye love
    me, keep my Commandments.

    Mat. 28.20. Teaching them to observe
    all things, whatsoever I have commanded you.

    1 John 2.3.4. Hereby we do know that
    we know him, if we keep his Commandments.
    He that saith, I know him, and keepeth
    not his Commandments, is a liar, and the
    truth is not in him.

    Eph. 2.10. We are his Workmanship,
    created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
    which God hath before ordained, that we
    should walk in them.

    SECT. III. Of the Creed: and more particularly of God the Father.

    Catechist. Rehearse the Articles of thy Belief.
    Answ. 1. I Believe in God the Father Almighty,
    Maker of Heaven, and
    Earth: 2. And in Iesus Christ, his only Son,
    our Lord: 3. Who was Conceived by the Holy
    Ghost, Born of the Uirgin Mary: 4. Suffered
    under Pontius Pilate; was Crucified, Dead,
    and Buried; He descended into Hell: 5. The
    third day he rose again from the dead: 6. He
    ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right-hand
    of God the Father Almighty. 7. From
    thence he shall come to judge the Quick, and the
    9
    Dead. 8. I believe in the Holy Ghost: 9. The
    Holy Catholick Church, the Communion of
    Saints: 10. The forgiveness of Sins: 11. The
    Resurrection of the Body: 12. And the Life
    Everlasting. Amen.
    Quest. Thou hast well repeated this
    Apostolical Summary of the Principles of
    the Christian Religion: But why dost
    thou say Amen, after the rehearsing of it?
    Answ. To testifie my stedfast belief of
    it; and my desire to live, as one that
    heartily believes it.
    Quest. What dost thou chiefly learn in
    these Articles of thy Belief?
    Answ. First, I learn to believe in God the
    Father, who hath made me, and all the World.
    Secondly, In God the Son, who hath redeemed
    me, and all Mankind.
    Thirdly, In God the Holy Ghost; who
    sanctifieth me, and all the Elect
    People of God.
    Quest. What is it to believe in God?
    Answ. To believe that God is, and that
    he is faithful, and true in all his words:
    and to trust in him, and depend upon him.

    Quest. Let us go over the Articles of
    the Creed more distinctly: What believest
    thou concerning the first Article,
    I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker
    of Heaven, and Earth?
    Answ. I believe that there is one living,
    10
    and true God; an Infinite, Eternal,
    and Incomprehensible Spirit; having all
    Perfections in, and of himself: and that
    God was from all Eternity the Father of
    our Lord Christ; and that he hath an
    unlimited Power, and Right to do whatsoever
    he pleaseth; and that he did exert
    this Power in making out of nothing, by
    his Word alone, the Heavens, and the
    Earth, and all things therein; which he
    still preserves, and disposeth of most
    wisely, according to his own Will.
    Quest. What Proof hast thou of God's
    being an Eternal Spirit?
    Answ. From John 4.24. God is a Spirit.
    1 Tim. 1.17. Vnto the King eternal,
    immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be
    honour and glory, for ever and ever.

    1 Tim 6.16. Who only hath Immortality,
    dwelling in the light which no Man
    can approach unto; whom no Man hath
    seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and
    power everlasting.

    Quest. What Proof hast thou, that
    there is but One God?
    Answ. From 1 Cor. 8.4. There is none
    other God but One.

    Eph. 4.6. One God, and Father of all
    11
    who is above all, and through all, and in
    you all.

    1 Tim. 2.5. There is one God, and one
    Mediator between God and Men, the Man
    Christ Jesus.

    Quest. What Proof hast thou of Three
    Persons in the Unity of this Godhead?
    Answ. From 1 John 5.7. There are
    Three that bear record in Heaven, the Father,
    the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and
    these Three are One.

    Mat. 28.19. Teach all Nations baptizing
    them in the Name of the Father, and
    of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

    2 Cor. 13.14. The Grace of the Lord
    Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the
    communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all.

    Quest. What Proof hast thou of God's
    being Almighty?
    Answ. From Mat. 19.26. With God
    all things are possible.

    Mar. 14.36. Abba, Father, All things
    are possible unto thee.

    Rom. 4.21. Being fully perswaded, that
    what he had promised, he was able also to
    perform.

    Quest. What Proof hast thou of God's
    Creating the World?
    12
    Answ. Besides the History of the Creation,
    from Acts 4.24. Lord, thou art
    God, which hast made Heaven, and Earth,
    and the Sea, and all that in them is.

    1 Cor. 8.6. To us there is but one God
    the Father, of whom are all things, and we
    in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom
    are all things, and we by him.

    Heb. 11.3. Through Faith we understand,
    that the Worlds were framed by the Word of
    God; so that things which are seen, were
    not made of things which do appear.

    Rev. 4.11. O Lord, thou hast created
    all things; and for thy pleasure they are,
    and were created.

    SECT. IV. Of Christ in his Divine Nature, and Incarnation.

    Quest. WHat believest thou concerning
    the second Article
    of the Creed, And in Jesus Christ,
    his only Son, our Lord?
    Answ. I believe in Jesus, as the Saviour
    of Mankind; and that he is truly the
    Christ, who was promised to come for our
    Redemption: and that he is the only Son
    of God by Nature, begotten from everlasting
    13
    of the Father: and that he is our
    Lord, and Master, and God.
    Quest. What is imply'd by owning
    Jesus to be Christ, or the Messias?
    Answ. That he was the promised Redeemer
    of his People; and was anointed
    with the Spirit of God, to be their
    King, and Priest, and Prophet.
    Quest. How is Christ our King, and
    Priest, and Prophet?
    Answ. He is our King, in governing,
    and protecting his Church: He is our
    Priest, in offering one Sacrifice, and always
    interceding for us: and he is our
    Prophet, in teaching us most perfectly
    the Will of God.
    Quest. What Proof hast thou of being
    bound to believe in Christ?
    Answ. From John 3.18. He that believeth
    on him, is not condemned: but he
    that believeth not, is condemned already;
    because he hath not believed in the Name of
    the only begotten Son of God.

    John 14.1. Ye believe in God; believe
    also in me.

    Acts 16.31. Believe on the Lord Jesus
    Christ, and thou shalt be saved.

    14
    Quest. How dost thou prove, that
    Christ is the Saviour of Mankind?
    Answ. From Mat. 1.21. Thou shalt call
    his Name Jesus: for he shall save his People
    from their Sins.

    1 Tim. 1.15. This a faithful saying,
    and worthy of all acceptation; That Christ
    Jesus came into the World to save Sinners.

    Heb. 5.9. He became the Author of eternal
    Salvation, unto all them that obey him.

    1 John 4.14. We have seen, and do
    testifie, that the Father sent the Son to be
    the Saviour of the World.

    Quest. How dost thou prove, that Salvation
    can be obtain'd by no other way,
    but by Christ alone?
    Answ. From John 14.6. I am the Way,
    and the Truth, and the Life: no Man
    cometh unto the Father, but by me.

    John 15.6. If a Man abide not in me,
    he is cast forth as a Branch, and is wither'd;
    and Men gather them, and cast them into
    the Fire, and they are burned.

    Acts 4.12. Neither is there Salvation
    in any other: for there is none other Name
    under Heaven given among Men, whereby
    we must be saved.

    1 John 5.12. He that hath the Son,
    15
    hath Life: and he that hath not the Son,
    hath not Life.
    1 Jn 5.12
    Quest. How dost thou prove, that
    Jesus is the Christ?
    Answ. From Mat. 16.16. Thou art
    Christ, the Son of the living God.

    John 6.69. We believe, and are sure
    that thou art that Christ, the Son of the
    living God.

    Acts 2.36.Let all the House of Israel
    know assuredly, that God hath made that
    same Jesus, whom ye have Crucified, both
    Lord, and Christ.

    1 John 5.1. Whosoever believeth that
    Jesus is the Christ, is born of God.

    Quest. How dost thou prove, that
    Christ is the Only Son of God?
    Answ. From John 1.18. No Man hath
    seen God at any time: the only-begotten
    Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he
    hath declared him.

    1 John 4.9. In this was manifested the
    love of God towards us, because that God
    sent his only-begotten Son into the World,
    that we might live through him.

    Quest. How dost thou prove our Saviour
    to be God?
    Answ. From John 1.1. In the beginning
    16
    was the Word, and the Word was with
    God, and the Word was God.

    Rom. 9.5. Christ came, who is over all,
    God blessed for ever.

    Phil. 2.6. Who being in the form of God,
    thought it not Robbery to be equal with God.

    Col 2.9. In him dwelleth all the fulness
    of the Godhead bodily.

    Quest. What believest thou concerning
    the third Article of the Creed,
    Who was Conceived by the Holy Ghost,
    Born of the Virgin Mary?
    Answ. I believe that Christ was Conceived
    without any Sin, by the miraculous
    Power of the Holy Ghost over-shadowing
    a pure Virgin, whose Name
    was Mary: and that he perfectly took
    our Nature, and was born of her, appearing
    hereby to be the Son of David.
    Quest. What Proof hast thou of our
    Lord's Conception by the Holy Ghost?
    Answ. From Mat. 1.20. Fear not to take
    unto thee Mary thy Wife; for that which is
    conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost.

    Luke 1.35. The holy Ghost shall come
    upon thee: and the power of the Highest
    shall overshadow thee: therefore also that

    C

    17
    Holy thing which shall be born of thee, shall
    be called the Son of God.

    Quest. What Proof hast thou, that our
    Lord did really take the Nature of Man?
    Answ. From John 1.14. The Word was
    made Flesh, and dwelt among us.

    Gal. 4.4. God sent forth his Son made
    of a Woman.

    Heb. 2.16. Verily he took not upon him
    the Nature of Angels; but he took on him
    the Seed of Abraham.

    1 Tim. 3.16 God was manifest in the
    Flesh.

    Quest. How dost thou prove, that
    Christ descended from David?
    Answ. From his Genealogy in the
    Gospel; and from
    Mat. 21.9. Hosanna to the Son of David.
    Luke 1.32. The Lord God shall give
    unto him the Throne of his Father David.

    Acts 13.23. Of this Man's Seed hath
    God, according to his Promise, raised unto
    Israel a Saviour, Jesus.

    Rom. 1.3. Jesus Christ our Lord, who was
    made of the Seed of David, according to
    the Flesh.

    Quest. How dost thou prove, that
    Christ was born of a Virgin?
    18
    Answ. From Mat. 1.22, 23. Now all
    this was done, that it might be fulfilled
    which was spoken of the Lord by the Prophet,
    saying. Behold, a Virgin shall be with
    Child, and shall bring forth a Son.

    SECT. V. Of Christ in his Sufferings, and Exaltation.

    Quest. WHat believest thou concerning
    the fourth Article
    of the Creed, Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
    was Crucified, Dead, and
    Buried; He descended into
    Hell?
    Answ. I believe that the
    Son of God having taken
    our Flesh, did therein, for
    our benefit, undergo the accursed
    death of the Cross; to which
    he was condemned by Pontius Pilate,
    the Roman Governour of Judea: and
    that his Soul was really separated from
    his Body; which lying for some time in
    the Grave, his Soul removed to the Spirits
    of Men departed; and having conquer'd
    the Powers of Darkness by his
    Cross, he went down into Hell.

    C2

    19
    Quest. Why did our Lord submit to
    the death of the Cross?
    Answ. To deliver Mankind, by the infinite
    price of his Blood, from the Punishment,
    and Curse that was due for
    our Sins; and to reconcile his Father to
    us, by satisfying his Justice, and making
    himself a Sacrifice for us.
    Quest. How is this end of our Saviour's
    death prov'd from the Scripture?
    Answ. From Gal. 3.13. Christ hath
    redeemed us from the Curse of the Law, being
    made a Curse for us.

    Rom 5 10. When we were Enemies, we
    were reconciled to God by the death of his Son.

    1 Pet. 2.24. Who his own self bare our
    sins in his own Body on the Tree, that we being
    dead to Sins, should live unto Righteousness:
    by whose Stripes ye were healed.

    1 John 2.2. He is the propitiation for
    our Sins: and not for ours only, but also for
    the Sins of the whole World.

    Quest. What Proof is there of Christ's
    descending into Hell?
    Answ. From Acts 2.25, 27. David
    speaketh concerning him
    , Thou wilt not
    leave my Soul in Hell.

    Quest. What believest thou concerning
    20
    the fifth Article of the Creed, The
    third day he rose again from the dead?
    Answ. I believe that on the Morning
    of the third day after his Passion, the
    Soul of Christ was united again to his
    crucify'd Body; and he arose from the
    Grave, to an Immortal Life, by the
    Power of God.
    Quest. How dost thou prove the Resurrection
    of Christ in this manner?
    Answ. From the History of the Gospel:
    and from
    Acts 2.24. Whom God hath raised up,
    having loosed the pains of Death; because it
    was not possible, that he should be holden of it.

    Acts 13.37. He whom God raised again,
    saw no corruption.

    Rom. 6.9. Christ being raised from the
    dead, dieth no more; Death hath no more
    dominion over him.

    Rev. 1.18. I am he that liveth, and
    was dead: and behold, I am alive for evermore,
    Amen; and have the Keys of Hell,
    and of Death.

    Quest. What believest thou concerning
    the sixth Article of the Creed, He
    ascended into Heaven; and sitteth at the
    right hand of God the Father Almighty?

    C3

    21
    Answ. I believe that Christ, having
    finish'd by his death the work of our
    Redemption, was in his glorify'd Body
    taken up to Heaven, in the sight of his
    Disciples, forty days after his Resurrection:
    and that from his entrance into
    Heaven, he hath been exalted to the
    honour of sitting at the right hand of
    God the Father; and of appearing for us
    in his Presence, with full Power, and
    Dominion.
    Quest. Thou didst tell me truly, that
    God is a Spirit; and how then can Christ
    sit at his right hand?
    Answ. This Expression is borrow'd
    from the manner of Men, in counting
    it the most honourable place, to be set
    on the right hand of a Prince: and so
    it signifies, that Christ is advanc'd in
    Heaven to the highest Dignity, and
    Authority under God.
    Quest. What Proof hast thou of the
    truth of this Article?
    Answ. From the History of our Lord's
    Ascension: and from
    1 Pet. 3.22. Who is gone into Heaven,
    and is on the right hand of God;
    Angels, and Authorities, and Powers being
    made subject unto him.

    22
    Eph. 1.20, 21. He raised him from the
    dead, and set him at his own right hand in
    the heavenly places; Far above all Principality,
    and Power, and Might, and Dominion;
    and every name that is named, not only in this
    World, but also in that which is to come.

    Heb. 10.12. This Man after he had
    offered one sacrifice for sins, for ever sat
    down on the right hand of God.

    Acts 7.56. Behold, I see the Heavens
    opened, and the Son of Man standing on the
    right hand of God.

    Quest. What believest thou concerning
    the seventh Article of the Creed,
    From thence he shall come to judge the
    Quick, and the Dead?
    Answ. I believe that Christ shall come
    down again from Heaven with great Majesty,
    to judge all Men according to their
    works done in this Life; both the Righteous,
    and the Wicked; both such as shall
    be found alive at his second coming, and
    such as have died, and shall die before it,
    in all Ages of the World.
    Quest. How is this prov'd from Scripture?
    Answ. From Mat. 16.27. The Son of
    Man shall come in the glory of his Father,

    C4

    23
    with his Angels; and then he shall reward
    every Man according to his works.

    Acts 10.42. He commanded us to preach
    unto the People, and to testifie; that it is he
    which was ordained of God, to be the Judge
    of quick, and Dead.

    Acts 17.31. He hath appointed a day, in
    the which he will judge the World in righteousness,
    by that Man whom he hath ordained;
    whereof he hath given assurance unto all Men,
    in that he hath raised him from the dead.

    2 Cor. 5.10. We must all appear before
    the Judgment-seat of Christ; that every one
    may receive the things done in his body, according
    to that he hath done, whether it be
    good, or bad.

    SECT. VI. Of the Holy Ghost: and the following Articles of the Creed.

    Quest. WHat believest thou concerning
    the eighth Article
    of the Creed, I believe in the Holy Ghost?
    Answ. I believe in the Holy Spirit, as
    God, together with the Father, and the
    Son: and that as the Scriptures come
    from his Inspiration; so by his working
    upon the Soul, all good Christians are
    24
    led, and converted, and sanctify'd, and
    made acceptable to God.
    Quest. What Proof hast thou of these
    operations of the Divine Spirit?
    Answ. From Rom. 8.14. As many as
    are led by the Spirit of God, they are the
    Sons of God.

    1 Cor. 3.16. Know ye not that ye are
    the Temple of God; and that the Spirit of
    God dwelleth in you?

    1 Cor. 6.11. But ye are washed, but
    ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the
    name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit
    of our God.

    1 John 4.13. Hereby know we that we
    dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath
    given us of his Spirit.

    Quest. What Proof hast thou, that
    the Scriptures come from the Inspiration
    of the Holy Ghost?
    Answ. From 2 Tim. 3.16. All Scripture
    is given by inspiration of God?

    2 Pet. 1.21. The Prophecy came not in
    old time by the Will of Man: but holy Men
    of God spake, as they were moved by the
    Holy Ghost.

    Acts 3.21. God hath spoken by the
    mouth of all his holy Prophets, since the
    World began.

    25
    Joh. 16.13. When he the Spirit of Truth
    is come, he will guide you into all truth.

    Quest. What believest thou concerning
    the ninth Article of the Creed, The Holy
    Catholick Church, the Communion of Saints?
    Answ. I believe that the Servants of
    God in all ages, and places, have made
    up one Body under Christ their Head;
    and that there is, and always will be a
    company of true Believers, appointed to
    Salvation, and joyning in the Word, and
    Sacraments under Pastors lawfully ordain'd:
    and that the Members of this
    Church are called to be Saints; and
    ought to maintain communion with
    Christ, and fellowship with one another
    in all the Offices of Piety, and Charity.
    Quest. Why is the Church called Holy,
    and Catholick?
    Answ. The Church is called Holy,
    because 'tis joyned to God in Covenant;
    and the true Members of it are sanctify'd
    by the Spirit of Holiness: and 'tis called
    Catholick, or Universal because 'tis spread
    over all the World, and all Nations are
    equally admitted to it.
    Q. What Proof hast thou of this Holy,
    Catholick Church?
    26
    Answ. From Mat. 16.18. Vpon this
    Rock I will build my Church; and the Gates
    of Hell shall not prevail against it.

    Acts 20.28. The Holy Ghost hath made
    you Overseers, to feed the Church of God,
    which he hath purchased with his own blood.

    Mar. 16.15. Go ye into all the World,
    and preach the Gospel to every creature.

    Eph. 5.27. That he might present it to
    himself a glorious Church, not having spot,
    or wrinkle: but that it should be holy, and
    without blemish.

    Quest. What Proof hast thou of the
    Communion of Saints?
    Answ. From Acts 2.42. They continued
    stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine, and fellowship;
    and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

    Eph. 4.3. Endeavouring to keep the
    unity of the spirit, in the bond of peace.

    1 Cor. 1.10. I beseech you, brethren, by
    the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye
    all speak the same thing, and that there be no
    divisions among you: but that ye be perfectly
    joyned together in the same mind, and in the
    same judgment.

    1 John 1.7. If we walk in the light, as
    he is in the light, we have fellowship one
    with another.

    27
    Quest. What believest thou concerning
    the tenth Article of the Creed,
    The forgiveness of Sins?
    Answ. I believe that in the Christian
    Church, pardon is offer'd by God to all
    penitent Sinners, and sealed in Baptism,
    through the Merits of our Saviour's
    Death, and Satisfaction: and that he
    hath authoriz'd the Ministers of his
    Church, to declare, and apply this release
    from the guilt of Sin, to all such as
    sincerely believe, and repent.
    Quest. How is this prov'd from Scripture?
    Answ. From Luke 24.47. That repentance,
    and remission of sins should be
    preached in his name among all Nations.

    2 Cor. 5.19. God was in Christ, reconciling
    the World unto himself, not imputing
    their trespasses unto them; and hath
    committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

    Eph. 1.7. In whom we have redemption
    through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,
    according to the riches of his Grace.

    John 20.23. Whose soever sins ye remit,
    they are remitted unto them.

    Quest. What believest thou concerning
    the eleventh Article of the Creed,
    The Resurrection of the Body?
    28
    Answ. I believe that the dead Bodies
    of all Men shall hereafter be rais'd out of
    the Grave, and restor'd for ever to their
    Souls; that they may be judged in the
    very same flesh, which they had in this
    life; and that the Saints may be freed
    from Corruption, and clothed with Immortality.
    Quest. How is this prov'd from Scripture?
    Answ. From John 5.28, 29. The hour
    is coming, in the which all that are in the
    Graves shall hear his voice, And shall come
    forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection
    of Life; and they that have done
    evil, unto the resurrection of Damnation.

    Acts 24.15. I have hope towards God,
    which they themselves also allow, that there
    shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the
    just, and unjust.

    2 Cor. 4.14. Knowing that he which
    raised up the Lord Jesus, shall raise up us also
    by Jesus.

    1 Thes. 4.14. If we believe that Jesus
    died, and rose again; even so them also which
    sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him.

    Quest. What believest thou concerning
    the twelfth Article of the Creed,
    And the Life everlasting?
    29
    Answ. I believe that after the Resurrection,
    all the Righteous shall enjoy
    eternal, and unspeakable happiness, both
    in Body, and Soul; and dwell for ever
    with Christ in the highest Heavens.
    Quest. How is this prov'd from Scripture?
    Answ. From John 6.47. Verily, verily
    I say unto you; He that believeth on me,
    hath everlasting life.

    John 10.28. I give unto them eternal
    life; and they shall never perish, neither
    shall any pluck them out of my hand.

    1 Pet. 5.4. When the chief Shepherd
    shall appear, ye shall receive a Crown of glory
    that fadeth not away.

    1 John 5.11. This is the record, that
    God hath given to us eternal life: and this
    life is in his Son.

    Quest. How are the Wicked to be dispos'd
    of hereafter?
    Answ. They are to be banish'd from
    the presence of God; and tormented
    eternally in Hell, with the Devil, and
    his Angels.
    Quest. How is this prov'd from Scripture?
    Answ. From Mat. 25.41. Depart from
    30
    me ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared
    for the Devil, and his Angels.

    Luke 3.17. He will gather the Wheat
    into his Garner; but the Chaff he will burn
    with fire unquenchable.

    1 Cor. 6.9. Know ye not, that the unrighteous
    shall not inherit the Kingdom of
    God?

    2 Thes. 1.7, 8, 9. The Lord Jesus shall
    be revealed from Heaven, with his mighty
    Angels; In flaming fire, taking vengeance
    on them that know not God, and that obey
    not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
    Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction,
    from the presence of the Lord,
    and from the glory of his Power.

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