A Golden Chain

Further, it may be demanded, in what form this Creed was penned? Ans. In the form of an answer to a question. The reason is this. In the Primitive Church, when any man was turned from Gentilism to the faith of Christ, ⟨p. 188⟩and was to be baptised, ^athis question was asked him, What believest thou• then he answered according to the form of the Creed, I believe in God, &c. And this manner of questioning was used even from the time of the Apostles. When the Eunuch was converted by Philip, he said, What doth let me to be baptised? Philip said, If thou doest believe with all thine heart, thou mayest. Then he answered, I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God. By this it appears, that although all men, for the most part, amongst us can say this Creed, yet not one of a thousand can tell the ancient and first use of it: for commonly at this day of the simpler sort it is said for a prayer, being indeed no prayer: and when it is used so, men make it no better then a charm.

Further, it may be demanded, in what forme this Creede was penned? Ans. In the forme of an answere to a question. The reason is this. In the Primitiue Church, when any man was turned from Gentilisme to the faith of Christ, ⟨p. 188⟩and was to be baptised, this^aquestion was asked him, What beleeuest thou• then he answered according to the forme of the Creede, I beleeue in God, &c. And this maner of questioning was vsed euen from the time of the Apostles. When the Eunuch was conuerted by Philip, he said, What doth let me to be baptised? Philip said, If thou doest beleeue with all thine heart, thou maist. Then he answered, I beleede that Iesus Christ is the sonne of God. By this it appeares, that although all men, for the most part, amongst vs can say this Creede, yet not one of a thousand can tell the ancient and first vse of it: for commonly at this day of the simpler sort it is saide for a prayer, beeing indeede no prayer: and when it is vsed so, men make it no better then a charme.