The rule of faith, or, An exposition of the Apostles Creed so handled as…

This word I believe, is not a word only of a Christian addressing himself to lay hold upon these treasures contained in the Articles following, but it is the word of a man making answer: The question is suppressed, but the Answer is expressed: for as it is true that a true believer is oft questioned, so 'tis as true, that by his Creed, he answers all that can be said to him: for here is contained, that Answer of a good conscience spoken of 1. Pet. 3. 2•.

This word I beleeue, is not a word onely of a Christian addressing himselfe to lay hold vpon these treasures contained in the Articles following, but it is the word of a man making answer: The question is suppressed, but the Answer is expressed: for as it is true that a true beleeuer is oft questioned, so 'tis as true, that by his Creed, he answers all that can be said to him: for heere is contained, that Answer of a good conscience spoken of 1. Pet. 3. 2•.

This form of answering came first in at Baptism in the Primitive Church: for before the party to be baptized was admitted unto Baptism, he was examined (as the Eunuch was by Philip) and did answer by making confession of his faith in this or the like form. Neither is this the answer of the Christian at the time of his Baptism only, but all the days of his life: for if God ask him, what he hath to do to take his words into his mouth, or what he makes among his servants? or if the devil ask him, why he lives not in his sins, or contrariwise, why he despairs not, or why he entertains doctrines of which their can be no Reason given? or if the Law ask him, what shift he can make with all his sins, having broken every Law; and with all the curses due to him for his sins? or if the world ask him, why he lives so retiredly, and keeps ⟨p. 18⟩not company with the men of the world, and seeks not, or admires not the pleasures of life, or the honours and favours of great men, or the Riches of this world, and why he suffers so much disgrace, and affliction, which he might avoid if he would do as other men do? to all or any of these or the like questions, he still answers, I believe in God, &c.