An order of houshold instruction by which euery master of a familie, may easily and in short space, make his whole houshold to vnderstand the principall and chiefe points of Christian religion, without the knowledge whereof, no man can be saued. Nichols, Josias, 1555?-1639. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A08202 of text S2248 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 18539.5). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 171 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 61 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A08202 STC 18539.5 ESTC S2248 23190901 ocm 23190901 26366 2240940967

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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A08202) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 26366) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1800:19) An order of houshold instruction by which euery master of a familie, may easily and in short space, make his whole houshold to vnderstand the principall and chiefe points of Christian religion, without the knowledge whereof, no man can be saued. Nichols, Josias, 1555?-1639. [119] p. Printed by the VVidowe Orwin, for Thomas Man, dwelling in Pater-noster row, at the signe of the Talbot, At London : 1595. Dedication signed: Iosias Nichols. Signatures: A-G⁸ H⁴. Imperfect: faded and torn, with some loss of print. Reproduction of original in the St. John's College (University of Cambridge). Library. eng Church of England -- Catechisms. Catechisms, English. eebo An order of houshold instruction by which euery master of a familie, may easily and in short space, make his whole houshold to vnderstand the principa Nichols, Josias, 1595 122 30308 82 0 0 0 0 0 27.06 C The rate of 27.06 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2010-06 Assigned for keying and markup 2010-06 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2010-07 Sampled and proofread 2010-07 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2011-06 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

AN ORDER OF HOVSHOLD INSTRVCTION : By which euery master of a Familie , may easily and in short space , make his whole houshold to vnderstand the principall and chiefe points of Christian religion : without the knowledge whereof , no man can be saued .

Deut. 6. vers. 6.7 .

And these words which I command thee this day , shall be in thine heart , & thou shalt rehearse them continually vnto thy children , and shalt talke of them when thou tariest in thine house , and as thou walkest by the way , and when thou lyest downe , and when thou risest vp , &c.

2. Tim. 3.15 .

Thou hast knowne the holie Scriptures of a childe , which are able to make thee wise vnto saluation , thorough the faith which is in Christ Iesus .

AT LONON Printed by the Widowe Orwin , for Thomas Man , dwelling in Pater-noster row , at the signe of the Talbot . 1595.

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE , THE LORD ROBERT DEVOREVX , Earle of Essex and Ewe , Vicount Hereford , and Bourchier , Lord Ferrers and Chartly , Lord Bourchier , and Louaine , Knight of the noble Order of the Garter , Master of her Maiesties Horse , and one of her Maiesties most Honorable priuie Councell : grace and peace be multiplied .

IT is a matter of great waight , and necessarie duety , Right Honorable , to consider wisely , and to iudge rightly of the workes of God , in the euent of thinges which happen vnto men . For as it is written in the Psalmes : a a Psal. 145.17 . The Lord is righteous in all his waies , and holy in all his workes . And againe : b b 107.43 . Who is wise that hee may obserue these things ? for they shall vnderstand the louing kindnesse of the Lorde . And againe : c c 92.6 . An vnwise man knoweth it not , and a foole doth not vnderstand this . And seeing d d Rom. 11.36 . all thinges are of him , and thorow him , & for him , and e e 1. Sam. 2.9 . in his owne might no man shall bee strong : but f f Psalm. 75.7 . & 33.11 . God is Iudge , hee maketh low , he maketh high ; and that the counsell of the Lorde shall stand for euer , & the thoughtes of his hart , Gods prouidence in all things is to be obserued . thoroughout all ages : euery man ought carefully to regarde the prouidence of God , in the thinges befalling to himself and others , which I find very fruitfully obserued by the holy seruaunts of GOD in the Scriptures . As Ioseph , when he sawe his Fathers house , in the time of the greate famine , to come into Egypt to buy foode , comforteth his brethren , who of enuie had solde him thither , with this obseruation , saying : g g Gen. 45.5 . Bee not sad , neither grieued with your selues , that ye sold me hither : for God did sende me before you , for your preseruation . And Dauid comforteth himselfe , and stayeth the rage of his seruaunt , against the cursing of Shimei , by this consideration , saying , h h 2. Sam. 16.12 Jt may bee that God will looke vpon mine affliction , & do me good for his cursing this day . So Mordecai encourageth Ester , to make supplication to the king ( though it were contrarie to lawe , and in hazard of her life ) in the behalf of the Iewes , who were appointed to die by wicked Haman : by such a wise collection among other wordes , saying : a a Ester . 4.14 . Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdome for such a time ? In like sorte , when I thinke vpon your honor , remembring what I haue heard of your noble Father , that good Erle , in the time of his last sicknes , & of his godly care ouer his children : comparing thereunto how God hath preserued you vnto this time , what speciall fauour you haue attained before so gracious a Prince , in what an high weightie place you are set , & in what yeares of your age these things are befallen you , together with the blessed giftes by which you are fitted thereunto : mine hart is touched with a comfortable hope , that the Lords grace working effectually in you , and his heauenly spirite directing you : you might be a worthie instrument , in faithfull and wise seruice to her maiesty for the good of this common-wealth , & the churches of Iesus Christ among vs . For if b b 1. King . 18.4 . Obadiah vnder wicked Ahab , could keepe from Iezebel , and feede an hundreth Prophetes : and c c Iere. 38.8.9 . Ebedmelech could obtaine of that euill king Zedekiah , to deliuer Ieremie out of the dungeon , into which he was cast by the Princes with the kings consent : and d d Nehem. 2. Nehemiah could apply the fauour he had with that heathenish King Artashasht , to the building of the walles of Hierusalem : who can tell ? but that much more , such a noble man of Christian knowledge , aduanced by God into the fauour of so Christian and religious a princesse , may likewise performe some seruice of great importance , to the Church of God and his countrie .

And verily if God e e Pr●u . 18.4 . made all for himselfe , Euery man ought to serue God , according to his place & giftes . and his elect f f Ephe 1 , 6. for the glorie of his grace , g g Act. 17.26 . assigning the times , which were ordained before , and the bounds of mens habitation , that they should seeke the Lord : and if he haue h h Math. 25.14 . giuen euery man a talent , whereof hee must render an account ; then ought euerie man i i 1. Cor. 7.17.24 so to walke , as God hath distributed to euery man , as the Lorde hath called euery one , and therein to abide with God . Therfore k k 1. Sam. 15. Saul , without reseruing of any spoyle , by any pretence , must bee obedient to the voyce of the Lord , in the vtter destroying of Amalecke ; because God had annoynted him to be king , & called him thereunto . And Dauid , l l 2. Sam. 12. though hee were a man after Gods heart : yet because he forgate his aduancement by God , & his great benefits , and by deflowring his neighbours wife , &c. disobeied God , and caused the enemies of God to blaspheme : was reproued sharply & punished seuerely . And thou O meeke m m Num. 30.12 Moses , what kept thee out of the lande of promise ? And thou O wise a a 1. King . 11. Salomon , what made thy latter dayes troublesome , and a breach in thy kingdome ? And thou O good b b 1. King . 22. Iehoshaphat , what brought thy life in hazard ? was it not , that God , who exalted you in honour , Who so honor not God are plagued . was not sanctified by your seruice ? If God thus deale with his owne c c 1. Pet. 4.17 . house , where shall the vngodly and sinners appeare ? d d Philip. 3.19 . whose God is their bellie , who e e Haback. 1.16 . sacrifice to the net of their own policies , and honour the f f Luk. 16.13 . God riches , but g g Exod. 5.2 . know not the Lord , who giueth them all things abundantly to enioy ? h h Rom. 1.24 . God giueth them ouer to their owne lusts , i i Iob. 5.14 . they meete with darknes in the day time , and grope at noone day as in the night , some by k k 2. Sam. 17.23 their policie make an halter to hang themselues , some in the l l Dan 5. middest of their iolitie , haue the ioynts of their loynes loosed and their knees smitten one against another , and some are m m Psal 53.5 . Prouerb . 28.1 . afeard where there is no feare , and flye when no man pursueth them . And n n Esay 5.24 . as the flame of fire deuoureth the stubble , and as the chaffe is consumed of the flame ; so their roote shall bee rottennes , and their bud shall rise vp as dust , because they haue cast off the lawe of the Lord of hosts , &c. that it might stand as an vnchaungeable decree of the hie God , the possessor of heauen and earth ; concerning the wicked & the true seruants of God : o o 1 Sam. 2.30 . The feare of God rewarded Them that honor me , I will honor , and they that despise me , shall be despised . So did the Lord aduance vertuous p p Gen. 45. Ioseph , before all his brethren , he q q Exod. 1.21 . made houses to the widowes , who feared God in Egypt , and deliuered r r Iere. 39.16 . Ebedmelech in the day of euill . Therefore , for the comfort of all them , that walke according to their gifts & callings with God , it is written : s s Psal. 33.18 . Behold the eye of the Lord is vpon them that feare him , and vpon them that trust in his mercie , to deliuer their soules from death , and to preserue them in famine . For this cause ( right Honorable ) haue I presumed to dedicate this small booke to your Honour , not onely because I am perswaded of your fauorable acceptation , but also that by mee being one among many , you might know what hope and expectation there is , among her Maiesties most faithfull subiects concerning you : that your yong yeres being sanctified , and ( t t 1. Ioh. 2.14 . as S. Iohn saith ) being strong & the word of God abiding in you , and hauing ouercome the wicked , you might amongst other graue and wise counsellors , bee a ioyfull labourer in all good causes , and a prosperous furtherer of things concerning God , to the great ioy , peace and honor , of her most excellent maiestie , and that by the mouthes of many her louing subiects , prayses may redound to the glorie of God , and that you may glorie in his praise . And here I humblie craue your Christian fauour , to giue mee leaue to tell you , what the Lorde speaketh vnto you . For me thinketh I heare him speake vnto you , as he did vnto Ioshuah and Abraham : a a Ioshu. 1. Be thou strong and of a most valiant courage , that thou mayst obserue and doe according to al the law , which Moses my seruant hath commanded thee : thou shalt not turne away from it , to the right hand , nor to the left , that thou maist prosper whither soeuer thou goest . I will be with thee , J will not leaue thee , nor forsake thee . b b Gen. 15.1 . & cap. 17.1 . Feare not , J am thy buckler and thine exceeding great reward . J am God alsufficient , walke before me and bee vpright . Now this little booke of houshold instruction , I tender vnto your Honors protection ; nothing comparable to the profound works set foorth by rare and singular men , but as a little candle to bee placed in the midst of the house , to giue light to all them that are therein . And as in the worke of the materiall Temple vnder Salomon , c c 2. Chron. 2.2 . hewers of stones had a necessary vse : so this little book may bee some good helpe , to prepare the seueral members of the familie , for the skilfull builders , that is , the d d 1 Pet. 2.5 . faithful ministers , to be ioined as liuely stons in the spirituall temple of God . For as the Psalmist doth testifie : e e Psal. 119.130 The entrance into Gods wordes sheweth light , and giueth vnderstanding vnto the simple . And our Sauiour teacheth , that there is a secret working in his kingdom , like the growing of the f f Mat. 13 . 3● . small graine of mustard-seed , and as a little leauen hid in three pecks of meale : So g g 1. Cor. 1.27 . God hath chosen foolish thinges of the world to confound the wise , & God hath chosen weake thinges of the world to confound the mighty , &c. And to whom should I offer the booke of teaching the familie ? but euen to him , whose houshold being well instructed , ordered , & guided , may diuers waies doe good vnto many of all estates and degrees : yea euen to him , who knoweth verie well , how needfull a thing it is in regarde of the Common-wealth : which in troublesome times doth find , that a Christian Prince cannot be sure of such a peoples faithfulnes , in dayes of triall : whose bellies being fedde with the fatte of the earth , haue mindes vnsetled ; and for lacke of the knowledge of Christ , and the feare of God , are apt to go after the sway of time , and to bee led as beastes by the bellie , where most ease , gaine , & pleasure shall draw them . Therefore nothing doubting , but that your godly wisedom , and good knowledge of Christ Iesus , will graciously receiue any thing , that may be helpful to Christian religion and godlines : I present this little booke vnto your Honour , with al humblenes and good will in the Lord ; leauing the successe vnto him , in whose handes are the a a Psalm. 31.15 . times of all things , and b b 1. Cor. 3.7 . who onely giueth increase . Most meekely praying his diuine goodnes to make you honorable in this world , in all pietie and Christian vertues , to the glory of his name , the honour of your Prince and countrey , and to the reioycing of all good christians : & in the world to come , to bee partaker of his glory : who shall be glorified in his Saintes , and made marueilous in all that beleeue . Amen . At Eastwell in Kent this 26. of Februarie . Anno 1596.

Your Honours alwaies to command in Christ Iesus : IOSIAS NICHOLS .
To all gouernours of Families , grace and peace , &c.

I Very well remember , my welbeloued country men , ye that are gouernours of families , that he was a wise Preacher , that sayde : a a Eccles. 12.12 . There is no ende in making many bookes . And that many very good and excellent Catechismes are published in our English tongue : being not onely very profitable for Christians , to exercise themselues in : but also most notable tokens of the Christian care and loue , of diuers learned and godly minded men , toward their neighbors and countrie . Yet haue I some good reasons ( as I thinke ) to put foorth this little booke of mine as a mite , in comparison of the greatest gifts of other men , who by their excellent workes , haue greatly replenished the Lords treasurie . First , because that I finde that the Lord in the building of his Church vseth the diuers gifts of his seruants , to expresse his manifold wisedom . And as vnto men of diuers complexions and affections , he hath giuen choise of meate and varietie of apparell : so , many bookes to one end are set foorth in diuers fashions and with a diuers gift , order and facilitie : that hee whome one booke sauoureth not , might yet like the taste of another . So it may bee , that I striuing to enter into the lowest place of the Church , which is the familie ; and applying my selfe to the meaner sort , may happily finde a place to doe good vnto some , where books of greater excellencie , peraduenture are not entertained : and ioyning hands with my good brethren , who haue sorted themselues to the same standing place , may by ioynt working with them , peraduenture further their ioy , as they doe mine . Secondly , because I haue some experience in this order , that it may prepare them , which are hereby instructed , to haue their eyes open to other mens labours . And I am in great hope , that a discreet teacher shall finde by triall , that a childe of very tender yeres may be made able , through Gods blessing , with vnderstanding to giue a good reckoning of his faith , by the Scriptures . Moreouer , my purpose was not , curiously to set downe all points of doctrine , but especially those , which doe most neerely teach these two : a a Act. 20.21 . Repentance towards God and faith in Iesus Christ . And my desire was that these might be made to appeare easie and familiar by the Scriptures .

But aboue all other this moued mee most , that I might haue occasion to speake some things to the gouernours of the families , which doe very greatly affect my minde . Which is not to proue it their duties , to catechise their families , or to describe the houshold gouernment , & diuers such things which I know to be very excellently penned downe by others : but onely to lay before them , the great necessitie of this dutie , and the great and honorable seruice , which a priuate man may doe , to God and his people , by this meanes . In doing whereof , I thought no better meane , then the setting foorth of an easie way , to doe the thing , to which I desire earnestly to perswade them .

The necessitie will be seene , Necessitie to teach housholdes . if they obserue with me two things , the time present , and the time likely to ensue . In the first they shall finde , that although wee haue had the Gospell , by the mercie and long suffering of God seuen and thirtie yeares , vnder the happie raigne of our most deare and gracious Soueraigne Ladie Queene Elizabeth , ( who , I heartily pray our good God , may yet raigne many yeares ouer vs ) there are to bee found so many that know not how they shall bee saued , or how they are iustified , why they are called Christians , what is Christ in his person , and such like ( which b b Hebr. 6.1.2 . Psalm. 49.20 . euery beginner and yongling in Christ ought to be skilfull in ; Lamentable ignorance among vs . and without the knowledge whereof a man is like a bruit beast ) that I doe tremble to thinke , and am ashamed to vtter , and dare not commit to writing my knowledge herein . I haue had conference in some parishes with 400. some , 1000. some lesse , and haue made triall , and do make triall euery day , that I speake to any man , whom I knowe not , that I am astonished to thinke , that so many Christians in name , and baptized , should bee so ignorant and brutish , and so farre from being indeede , that which they delight to bee called . For I take it , that c c Galat. 3.26 . faith maketh the being of a Christian , and these d d Rom. 10.14 . who haue no knowledge cannot haue faith , which will then appeare , e e 2. Thess 1.8 . when Christ shall come in flaming fire , to render vengeance to them that do not know God . Therfore there is a great fault , whether it be in vs Ministers , or in you the masters of families , or in both , the Lord bee mercifull vnto vs , our danger is very great : for it is written , a a Rom. 1.23 . As they regarded not to know God , so God deliuered them vp vnto a reprobate minde , &c. Therefore it is a thing of necessitie , that such as keepe houses , should traine vp their people committed to their charge , Many Ministers teach not . in the knowledge of the Gospel . Againe , we that are Ministers , for the most part , are very vntidie for these workes , which might preuent this mischiefe . b b 7. Tim. 4.10 . Some imbracing this present world , and some being c c Math. 15.14 . blind leaders of the blinde . Therefore the masters of families looking not vnto this matter , the case is become lamentable . The time likely to ensue may bee very much iudged by the present . Coldnes in religion . Notwithstanding that God hath warned vs , to make more reuerent regard of his Gospell , by windes and vnseasonable weather , by diuers sicknesses , by the plague and dearth & feare of the sword , not once nor twise within these fewe yeares : yet the great carelesnes and coldnes ( that I say not contempt ) of religion , may hereby appeare , that Atheisme , dronkennes , and other very great sinnes , are waxen bold and shameles , and he that feareth an oth , and taketh great paines to bee instructed in Christ Iesus , suffereth no small molestation . What may we then looke for ? but as these former corrections , haue brought vs no one iot neerer to repentance , or loue of Gods word , so the Lord will yet stretch out his hand against vs . And what can we tell , that if other temporall plagues moue vs not , but that he will take away his word from an vnthankfull nation , We may seare the losse of the gospell . and giue it to another that will bring foorth better fruites ? If we that be Ministers ouerstip these things , how can they be repaired , but by the instruction of families . And many times when we take great paines , the backwardnes of the masters doth pull downe all that wee build . Therefore it is of great necessitie , that the gouernours of housholds should stirre vp themselues to this duetie .

Now the honorable seruice , which a priuate man may do to God and his Church , Teaching the familie honorable seruice to God . appeareth in this ; that such as traine their families in these good grounds , bring foorth an holy generation to the Church , and a ciuill nation to the Common-wealth ; which doth not a little shewe it selfe to Gods glorie , and the praise of the Gospell , in our owne experience . Whereof the example of Ioshua and his familie , Cornelius and his souldiers , Abraham and his three hundred and eighteene , brought vp in his house , are as sufficient testimonies . How are the names of many priuate men and women for their seruice in the Church , commended by Saint Paul , and registred to immortall fame and example of all professors , Priuate men and women may greatly further the Church . Rom. 16. So that among many he acknowledgeth , that all the Churches of the Gentiles were to bee thankefull to one Aquila and Priscilla his wife . And God doth so farre honour the house of a a Ierem. 35. Rechab , that he poynteth it out , and setteth it foorth , to be an euerlasting paterne , of the notable fruite of good gouernours of families . And as b b Exod. 35.25 . women did worke diuers things for the tabernacle , in the daies of Moses : and as the c c 1. King . 5. temple was not built , but by men of all sorts in the time of Salomon : and the d d Nehem. 3. walles of Ierusalem vnder the guiding of Nehemiah : So may priuate men very much further the building of the spirituall temple , which is the congregation of Christ . The Churches spring out of instructed families . And as out of Abraham , Isaac , and Iacobs house , sprang forth the Churches of the Iewes : so the glorious congregations of the Gentiles , began in the families : For if seruants well nurtured e e Tit. 2.10 . may adorne the doctrine of God our Sauiour in all thinges : and f f 1. Pet. 3.1 . husbands obeying not the worde , may without the word be wonne , by the conuersation of the wiues : how much more may the master of the familie doe vnto God and his Church honorable seruice ? not only by sanctifying his house by the word of faith ; but also by hauing alwaies in a readines , very notable matter to further the building of Gods dwelling place . Which thing is auouched to thee by g g 2. Tim. 1.5 . and 3.15 . with Act. 16.1 . young Timotheus , who being brought vp in the holy Scriptures from a childe , vnder his faithfull grandmother Lois , and his mother Eunice , when he was yet a very young man , became a companion of the Apostle Saint Paul , in that great and waightie worke of planting Churches . And h h Act. 18.24 . Apollos confirmeth the same , who being an eloquent man and mightie in the Scriptures , was yet more perfectly instructed in the way of God , by the house of a craftsman : by whom not onely they which beleeued thorow grace , were very much holpen ; but also the aduersaries of Christ were mightily confuted by the Scriptures .

Moreouer , I pray you to marke diligently , how that the disorder of one priuate familie , One familie well or ill ordered , may saue or destroy both Church & Common-wealth . namely , of one a a Iudg. 17. & 18. Micah of Ephraim , was an occasion that Idolatrie did spread thorowe the whole tribe of Dan : and so continued many yeares . And so contrarily , b b cap. 6. & 7. & 8. Gideon being stirred vp by the goodnes of God , to the reformation of one meane familie in Manasseh , was the cause of a very great deliuerance to the whole nation , from most mightie and cruell enemies , and most abominable Idolatrie , for the space of 40. yeares . Where were those c c 1 King 14.14.18 . 7000. in the daies of Eliah , that had not bowed the knee to Baal : when he thought there were none left in Israel that feared God ? were they not in the well instructed families ? Whence came it that d d Gen. 37. & 38. & 39. &c. Ioseph in his youth being sold vnto strangers , passed thorow so great temptations , the comfortles prison , the stocks & iron , to be so worthie a father of the Common-wealth of Egypt , & so good a nurse to the people of God ? Ica name no other outward meanes , but his good education in the familie of the faithfull . Hence is it written : e e Eccles. 4.13 . Better is a poore and wise child , then an old and foolish king , which will no more bee admonished : for out of the prison hee commeth for to raigne , when hee that is borne in his kingdome is made poore . Therefore God commandeth his people , f f Deut. 11.18 . to lay vp his words in their harts , and in their soules , &c. and to teach them their children , speaking of them when they sit in their house , and when they walke by the way , and when they lye downe , and when they rise vp , &c. that their dayes may be multiplied and the dayes of their children , &c. Behold then what good may come out of a well instructed familie , namely , that it may bee the preseruing of the countrie and Church , in the time of extreame daunger and darknes , the seedplot against the time of reformation , and a meanes by which God doth multiplie his people and peace in a countrie : and that by the contrarie , an whole countrie may fall into Idolatrie and destruction . Whereby euery man may see what honorable seruice I wish him vnto , when I exhort him to the instructing of his familie .

Therefore I heartily pray and earnestly entreate all gouernours of families , A request to the masters of families . that they would set such wise order , in the disposing of all their worldly affayres , that they may haue conuenient leisure and quiet time for the vse of this duetie : taking heede of all vaine excuses , Vaine excuses . which the diuell and our corrupt nature will set before vs , as blockes and hinderances , that we should not once meddle with such a a Luk. 10.42 . necessary matters . First , The Lords day the Lords day being an ordinary rest & time of libertie , doth call vnto you from the king of heauen , to doe this seruice . After morning and euening prayer , when you haue tried your people what they haue learned at the Church by their pastour , and called to mind the chiefe heads of his teaching : then is it good to make it a drinke offering , vpon the pastours lessons ; to teach them a point or two of the principles of Religion . Two howers once in the weeke . And if it be possible , I would begge for these poore soules , in the name of Iesus Christ , ( who shed his precious bloud for you and them ) that you would bestowe some two howers euery weeke , in some one of the working daies , ( as euery man shal be able to find best and fittest leasure ) to instruct your children and seruants , according to the order of this booke , or some such like : and that you would continue therein with al care and constancie . And I doe not doubt but you shall see great gaine by this little labour , euen a blessing from the Lord our God , b b Hebr. 6.10 . who will not forget any mans faithfull labour and loue , which is in Christ Iesus . There are foure sortes of people , Foure sortes of people haue most fit oppotunity to teach the yonger . 1. Noble men , & Gentlemen . whome I would especially moue vnto this most vertuous and laudable worke , for that they haue most fitte opportunitie , to doe greatest seruice herein to God and their countrie . First al noble men and Gentlemen , and all Masters of great housholds . Whose families as they are the most in number , so most commonly they stand vnder the most reuerend and humble submission of their superiours . Therefore in regard of the one they may profit most ; and in regard of the other with most easines and conueniencie ; Vaine pretence . For although the greatest part pretend it , a very hard thing in these daies , to bring their familie to Christian knowledge and sobernesse : yet the not hauing them so , consisteth not in the hardnes of the worke , or vnrulines of the people ; but in the common neglect of many gouernours . Who passing ouer this dutie , Libertie the spoyle of the familie . as a matter either not much to be regarded , or not pertaining vnto them : haue so hardeened the necks of children and seruants , with the loose raines of libertie and licentiousnes : that very few can abide this wholesome yoake of Christian nurture , the gracious & godly comforte of the knowledge of saluation . Great masters , rulers , princes , captaines , and kings may instruct their priuate families . For if one man could command to feare God , & to instruct 318. able men , beside all other seruants women and children : as is spoken of Abraham , Gene. 14.14 . and cap. 18.19 . and that a chiefe ruler ouer 120000 people , could so gouerne his priuat familie , that he could say , I and mine house will serue the Lorde , as wee reade of Ioshuah , cap. 24.15 . And an other great Prince had his seruants so guided in the feare of God , that hee and they were examples , in lending money and corne to the poore of the land : as did Nehemiah , cap. 5.10 . And if a Centurion could make both seruaunts and souldiers readie and obedient to euery good worke , as appeareth , Matth. 8.9 . yea if a King could protest vnto God , to banish deceitful and lying persons out of his house , and to entertain the faithful , & him that walketh in a perfit way : as you may see , Psalm . 101.5.6 . I verily thinke that no man endowed with a good conscience , fearing God and louing the Lord of life Iesus Christ , can haue any iust excuse or reasonable pretence , to keep about him a familie vntaught in the sweete words of the Gospell , and the holesome paths of our blessed Sauiour . Except they will say , that it is more behoofull for their children and seruants to serue them , and to reuerence them ; then to serue and reuerence the Lord of glorie .

Instructing of groat families , furthereth both Church and common-wealth . But why should I vse many words vnto men of such excellent wits & great gifts , in a matter so necessarily depending vpon them , that the least mention should suffice euery wise and truly noble Gentleman to so glorious a worke . For by the good order & Christian instruction of one such great familie , many soules are brought to God , there is great encouragement by ensample vnto others out of the familie , and a marueilous power for the bringing foorth and confirmation of al good things , both for the common-wealth , and also for the Church of God . For hence doe all other sortes of people take their light , and the liues of noble & worshipfull men , are many times more of force , then either the law of God or man . For they are like the great pillars in a building , that if they stand steadie in faith and good life , with their families , many are vpholden by them in the wayes of godlines : but if they swarue and become carelesse and dissolute ; they draw many with them , as by a mightie sway , into the wofull downfall of infidelitie and destruction . Therfore aboue al men , it behooueth them to take heed to themselues , and the good instruction and gouernment of their housholds .

The second sort are tutors in the Vniuersities , to whom I ioyne also the third sort , Second and third sort , Tutors & Schoolmasters . Schoolmasters in towne & countrie . Which two haue a great resemblance in their opportunitie to do good , when many mens children of all callings , are committed to their conscience : to the one , They may doe vnspeakable good . in the first and more tender yeares : to the other , in the yeares of most danger . If these two sorts of men would be painfull to wring out the iuyce of this heauenly erudition , as a necessary sawce , to giue a pure verdure , to their other literature , or as a sauoury salt to season al other learning : it is not to be spoken how much good they may doe . For as young plants , being straightned while they bee tender , and trimmed with pruning and other parts of husbandrie , will growe very goodly to behold in their greatnes , which being neglected , are many times very crooked and vnfit for diuers vses : So doe young men for the most part proue as they are nurtured in their youth . And the good instruction of Schoolemasters and Tutors ( in my knowledge ) hath very well straightned such young impes , ( who otherwise were very rough and vnfruitfull ) that many receiue comfort by their worthie example . Therefore I do most instantly beseech all Tutors and Schoolemasters to practise this booke : or , because you are learned , some better forme of your owne .

Lastly , Fourthly , women , as Ladies and Gentlewomen , honorable by instructing their children . I doe heartily and humbly entreate all sorts of women , to watch carefully to doe this duetie : and first all Ladies and Gentlewomen , that they may be honoured by the spirit of Iesus Christ , as was that a a 2. Ioh. Ger. 1.4 elect Ladie , whose children did walke in the trueth . And all other women like b b Rom. 16.12 . Persis , who laboured much in the Lord . And as c c 1. Sam. 2.19 . Hannah made coates for her sonne Samuel , who serued in the house of God : so these would aray their seruants and children with the d d Prouerb . 4.9 . goodly ornaments of wisedome and knowledge , which is from aboue . A woman , Women being at hand may instruct their children . being the e e Psal 128 3. fruitfull vine on the house sides , in whose sight the f f Prouerb . 4.3 . children are tender and deare : can by no meanes shew their naturall loue better , then being alway at hand with their children and maides , to giue them euery day in milde and pleasant manner some of these g g Prou. 25.12 . golden apples : wherewith the young babes will take such delight , that by the nourishment and exercise thereof , they will be made h h Psal. 8.2 . strong to confound the enemies of God and their countrie ; when they haue learned to i i 1. Ioh. 2.12.14 . know the father , and that their sinnes are forgiuen them for Christs names sake . It is exceeding great the profit you may doe in the familie , if as Salomon sayth of a vertuous woman , you k k Prou. 31.26.28 . open your mouthes in wisedome , and the lawe of grace be in your lips : For your children shall rise vp and call you blessed , & your husbands shall praise you . Whereas l l chap. 29.15 . children set at libertie , make their mother ashamed .

And generally , Instruction of youth bringeth ioy to the instructor . as a man wil sowe his ground with the best seede , and plant his orchard with the best fruit ; because he looketh for the greater and more gainefull encrease in the time of gathering : so if men , louing their children as well as they doe other commodities , would also traine them vp in the best thinges , which are found in the discipline , knowledge and faith of Christ : they should not onely escape many a secret griefe and bitter mischiefe ; but also blesse the Lord with great toyfulnes , when they finde this fruite of their education in knowledge of these good things : namely , their children to bee a comfort refreshing and honour to their gray haires ; and their seruants necessary helpes , before them , in all good causes and matters of honestie , truth , iustice and mercie . For it is written as a thing that faith not , m m Galat. 6.7 . Whatsoeuer a man soweth , that shall he reape . Hoping therefore that such as bee wise in heart , will earnestly follow my counsaile , and carefully stirre vp others to the same ; I will hasten to the matter it selfe , by which , euery one may bee ( as I hope ) greatly guided in the performance of the same . I beseech almightie God , of his infinit mercie in Iesus Christ , to prosper this our godly purpose , to his glorie and comfort of his people . His glorious name be praised for euer . Amen .

Your faithfull seruant in Christ Iesus , Iosias Nichols .
The Booke to the Householder . COme buy me , but passe not by me , for by me thou shalt winne , To light thy people , by my light : to trauell light , from sinne . The word , with words of trueth and ioy , doth shew his word by me : A way ( which if thou way ) it waies thee to felicitie . Two houres , each weeke , sixe monthes , to stay with thee , no more , I begge : To stay thy people , on that stay , which hell gates cannot wagge . Then trie , how trie my triall is : if God doe helpe with grace ; Both man and child , as wit doth grow , shall see the heauenly place . Yet know , that knowledge and no more , by thee , to thine I giue : The spirit of Christ ( pray thou therefore ) workes faith ; that thou maist liue : And as by proofe , thou proues me true , to proue the thing I say : So double time , for double gaine , and grant me longer stay .
An order of houshold instruction , by which euery master of a familie , may easilie and in short space , make his whole houshold vnderstand the principall and chiefe poyntes of Christian religion : without the knowledge whereof no man can be saued .
The first booke .
CAP. 1. The first order of instruction .

IN this order , some things are for the young & tender yeres , and some for yeres of greater capacitie , for confirmation and helpes : till they may bee grounded in the principles , with good vnderstanding , to giue a reckoning of their faith by the holy Scriptures . First , from the time that children speake , it is good to drop in this good licour of heauenly doctrine . For as Salomon saith : a a Prou. 22.6 . Teach a childe the trade of his waye , and when hee is olde hee shall not depart from it . The first order from the time that children can speake . Therefore from that time , it shall bee good to teach them ( as the manner of all christians is ) to say without book distinctly : The Lords prayer , the Creede and the ten Commaundements . And as hee perceiueth their capacitie to growe , to droppe into them by familiar wordes , the name of God , how hee made vs : the name of Christ , how hee shed his blood for vs : the name of the holy Ghost , who sanctifieth vs ; and that there is but one God and three persons , &c. Also the name of death , that for sinne all men die : and the name of the resurrection , that through Christ we shall liue againe in heauen : alwaies applying himselfe with tearmes to their capacitie : and alluring the childe , to the feeling and loue of God , of Christ , and of eternall life ; and to the hatred of sinne : as by saying and causing the childe to say : God loueth vs , for he made vs , and giueth vs all things , as our meate , drinke , apparell , &c. God loueth vs , for he gaue Christ to die for our soules . God loueth vs , for he giueth vs life after we he dead , in heauen . We must not doe sinne and Wickednes , for it bringeth paine , sicknes , death , &c. Then the capacitie encreasing , make them pronounce , how many petitions in the Lords praier , and which they be : how many commandements & which they be , til they can tell you euery one , being asked sodainely out of order , as the tenth , the fourth , the seuenth , &c. After that they haue been thus trayned a while , and can answer as children , readily to these : then let them learne that short Catechisme without booke , which beginneth after this sorte . Who made thee ? God . What is God ? he is almightie , &c. Wherefore did he make thee ? to serue him , &c. Which may be bought for the valew of a pennie in the bookesellers shops .

After all this , teach them some short stories and sentences of holy Scripture : stories such as these , Gen. 4. vers. 2. the trade , sacrifice and death of Abel , Gen. 11.1 . the building and ouerthrow of Babel . Mark . 10.13 . Christ receiueth children and blesseth them . Now some stories may bee taught them worde for worde , as in the text , such is that of Elisha , 2. King . 2. vers. 23.24 . onely adding the Prophets name , which is verse 22. and in the end of this storie teach them the vse . Children may not mocke . Some stories must be gathered more short , then the text , as that of Dinah , Gen. 34. Dinah the daughter of Iacob , went out to see the maides of the countrie ; and one Shechem , sonne of Hamor Lord of that countrie , saw her , and defiled her , and for this cause Simeon and Leui , slew Shechem and all the towne with the edge of the sworde . The vse , Maides must not wander or goe a gadding . The sentences may be such as these are , Prouerbs 29.15 . The rod and correction giue wisdome , but a childe set at libertie , maketh his mother ashamed , Mark . 8.36 . What shall it profit a man , though hee should win the whole world , if he loose his owne soule , Luk. 9.10 . The sonne of man is come to seeke and to saue that which is lost .

Then teach them an ensample of euerie commaundement to the sence of this following .

The first commaundement brake Ahab , taking Baal for his God , 1. King . 18.21 . or 1. King . 16.31 .

The second , Ieroboam that worshipped golden calues , 1. King . 12.28 .

The third , an Israelitish womans sonne , striuing with a man of Israel , blasphemed the name of the Lord and cursed , Leuit. 24.10.11 .

The fourth , one that gathered sticks on the Sabbath day , Numb. 15.32 .

The fift , Absalom , who rebelled against his father , 2. Sam. 15.

The sixt , Cain , who slew Abel , Gen. 4.8 .

The seuenth , a Leuites Concubine , who played the whore , Iudg. 19.1.2 .

The eyght , the Shabeans tooke away Iobs oxen and asses , Iob. 1.14.15 .

Ninth , Potiphars wife falsely accused Ioseph , Gen. 39.17 .

Tenth , Ahab lusteth for Naboths vineyard , 1. King . 21.2 .

And in all these it will not bee amisse to cause the learner to repeate without booke , the places where all the stories and sentences are written : and herein the teacher may vse his discretion , to teach them more or lesse of like sort and easines : so that hee ouercharge them not at any one time : but let them as it were creepe vpon them by often repeating : and he shall finde that a little childe will beare very much more , then a man that hath not tried would beleeue . And if he cause them to learne without booke , the 1.15.112.127 . and 128. Psalmes , or some of them , they will no doubt worke very godly impressions in the tender minds . And it is a good recreation to quicken them , to teach them to sing some short psalmes , as the 117. the 131.133 . and such like , as they are in English meter .

CAP. 2. The second order of instruction , for the opening of the vnderstanding . This order is best , from sixe yeare olde and vpwards , & in some capacities before , and for such as are ignorant of what age so euer .

AFter that they can handsomely do these things ; then this catechisme following will be most necessarie for the opening of their vnderstanding : where the master of the house must not binde the learner to the very words ( as before ) here set downe : but so teach , as euery time he repeateth any question , there may bee some little difference in his wordes . And for that cause I will shewe him diuers formes of speaking , ( in some of the most needefull pointes ) teaching the meaning of one poynt , which a childe or young man will quickelie conceiue , and by the variation be able to vnderstand and beare away , and to answer with his own words , in diuers sortes , at diuers times and all to one sense .

The Catechisme for the second order .

b b

Or thus : How many Gods are there ?

But one only and three persons , &c.

WHat thinkest thou of God ?

I beleeue there is one God , and three persons , God the Father , God the Sonne and God the holy Ghost .

c c

Was there not a time , when there was neither heauen nor earth ? &c.

Yea : How did they begin ?

God created them by his word , &c.

How came the World ?

God made all things , of nothing in sixe dayes .

In what day made he man ?

The sixt day .

Was the woman made the same daye ?

Both man and woman were made in one daye .

How were they made ?

God made man of the dust of the grounde , and breathed in his face the breath of life , and the man was a liuing soule , that is , a liuely creature hauing bodie and soule . After God cast Adam into an heauie sleepe , and tooke out one of his ribbes , and closed vp the flesh , and of that rib , hee made the woman , so there was man and woman : the mans name was Adam , and the womans Eue.

Was man made any whit more excellent then other creatures ?

Yes , in two things : he was made after Gods image , and clothed with happines .

What was that image of God ?

Knowledge , holines , and righteousnes .

What was the happines ?

He was made Lord ouer the creatures , and being naked , was not ashamed .

What did God with man after hee had thus made him ?

Hee set him in a most pleasant place of the world , called the garden of Eden , appoynted him to keepe and dresse the garden , gaue him leaue to eate of all the trees in the garden , sauing one , called The tree of knowledge of good and euill : and if he eate of that tree , he should die the death .

What death ?

Of bodie and soule .

Was there not another tree of speciall name ?

Yes , the tree of life which was a Sacramentall signe , that if man continued in his vprightnes , he should liue for euer .

d d

If Adam were made good and happie : how came wickedne● and punishments ?

By eating the forbidden fruit , sinne , shame , damnation and all other miseries came vpon mankinde .

Did man continue in his vprightnes ?

No , for the diuell abusing the bodie of a serpent , tempted the woman Eue , and shee did eate of the forbidden fruite , and she gaue Adam , and he did eate , and then they were ashamed . And so Adam and Eue , and all mankinde were dead in sinne , and vnder damnation of bodie and soule .

e e How shall we 〈◊〉 deliuered , 〈◊〉 How shall we escape sinne and damnation ?

Onely by Iesus Christ .

f f 〈◊〉 ●●leefe in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was he 〈◊〉 Of God 〈…〉 ●●man ? Of ●●ngin Ma 〈◊〉 If Mary 〈◊〉 this Mo●er , who was 〈◊〉 ? He as ●uching his Godhead , and she touching his manhood . What is Christ ?

He is the eternall sonne of God made man , that is , perfect God and perfect man .

What did he for vs to saue our soules ?

Hee died and shed his most precious blood to redeeme vs from our sinnes .

Is it not possible for a man to liue so iustly and vprightly , that he may g g Deserue or merit . obtaine his owne saluation , by well doing ?

No man hath such a gift or power .

Why ?

Because no man can keepe al the commandements of God : if we breake any one we be guiltie of all .

How shall we doe then ?

If we beleeue in Iesus Christ , we shall be saued .

All ?

All doe not beleeue .

What neede we then care to do h h To liue honestly or godly good works ?

We must doe good works , because they are commanded by God ; and it is our duetie to obey him that made and saued vs : wee ought to bee thankefull and to glorifie him , and to declare our faith by our workes , for the good ensample of others , and for many other necessarie vses .

How are we saued by Christ , seeing we die daylie ?

This bodily death , is but the parting of the soule from the bodie for a time , but the bodie shall rise againe , euen as Christ rose the third day , for at the last day , when Christ shall come againe to iudge the quicke and the dead , all that beleeue in him shall rise againe vnto euerlasting life , and all other to euerlasting damnation .

How come we to know these things ?

God sendeth his word to bee preached vnto vs .

Doe all beleeue who heare the worde ?

None but they , whose hearts are opened , by his holy spirit .

Are there no other helps of i i Beleese . faith ?

Many : as the experience of all Gods doings according to his word , and namely in tribulation ; the exercise of all good works : and especially the right vse of the seales of the promise , which are commonly called Sacraments .

Which be they ?

Baptisme and the Lords Supper .

What is to be seene in them ?

The outward signe as water , bread , and wine , and the signification which is the * * The death or promise of Christ , the benefits of Christes death . grace of Christ .

Wherefore bee children baptized with water ?

In token that their sinnes are washed away by the blood of Christ .

Why doe men receiue the bread and wine in the Communion ?

In token that Christ gaue his bodie and blood for our redemption .

Are they onely tokens or bare signes ?

No : they are also as seales to assure vs of the grace of Christ , and his last will .

How doe Baptisme and the Lordes supper differ ?

Baptisme is outwardly with water , and the Lordes Supper with bread and wine : secondly , Baptisme signifieth the washing of our sinnes , to enter vs into the Church : the Lords Supper is for the strengthening of our faith : thirdly , Baptisme is once , signifying that wee which are by nature , the children of wrath are once borne in Christ , to be Gods children : but the Lords Supper is often , signifying by eating bread and drinking wine , the davly nourishing of our faith in and by Christ , that wee may continually grow stronger and stronger vnto eternall life .

What is eternall life ?

To liue with God , and to bee partakers of his glorie for euer .

CAP. 3. The third order of teaching .

HEre followeth diuers Catechismes for confirmation of knowledge , This order is for all that can conceiue well of the former , how young or olde soeuer they be : but in common and meaner capacities from 8. yeares and vpwards . drawne out of the words of some place of holy Scripture . Where I must admonish the Master or teacher in the familie , to follow this order . First , to teach his people , perfectly and distinctly to saye the place of Scripture without booke : which being perfect to shew them the briefe meaning ; and then the seuerall poynts of doctrine , and how they bee gathered out of the text . For which cause he shall finde , the addition of other textes and notes in the margin , for his help and direction , which he must keep to himselfe , and giue them the meaning or substance onely . Yet if he once get his family to conceiue deeper , hee may acquainte them with all ; but he must take heede hee oppresse not their memories , with ouer much at once , but giue them more or lesse , as hee perceiueth them able to conceiue and beare away , and to remember at the next time ; for it is very needefull to repeate that which was first learned , before he begin any more . Therefore for a while , after they can saye the place without booke , and shew where it is written , what chapter , what verse and the meaning , let them haue onely some two or three poyntes : but after a while , hee shall perceiue , that by vse they will bee able to take a great deale more , euen an whole Catechisme at once ; yea and by often practise to gather some poyntes of themselues : yet must hee not cease going forward , because that the k k Philip. 3.1 . oftener , the safer it is , and happier for them to bee grounded . Now as ofte as they haue learned any one Catechisme thorough out , cause them to repeat all that whole Catechisme together , as the place of Scripture , the meaning , all the poyntes of doctrine , and how they are gathered out of the text ; and after ( but not before ) begin the next Catechisme .

The first Catechisme for confirmation of knowledge , is drawne out of this text or place of Scripture . Gen. 3.15 . I will put enmitie betweene thee and the woman , and betweene thy seede and her seede ; he shall breake thine head , and thou shalt * * Heb. breake . bruise his heele .
The interpretation or meaning .

THe Master must consider out of the text , This is for the masters helpe . that the diuell abused the bodie of the serpent to deceiue Euah : & therefore the punishment is pronounced vpon the serpent , which partly and especially is in the words going before : but although he speak to the serpent , yet these l l As these places expound , Esay . 27.1 . Micah . 7.17 . Psalm. 91.13 . Luk. 10.18.19 . Rom. 16.20 . & Reuel. 12.7.8.9.10 . wordes are properly to bee applyed against the diuell himselfe , whose instrument the serpent was , ( although they haue accomplishment , euen against the beast it selfe , in that hee is hated naturally of all mankinde ) therefore the Master hauing wayed the places in the margin , may giue his familie this interpretation following .

By the serpent and his seede , This is for the familie . is meant Satan and his members , wicked men : by the seede of the woman , is ment Christ and his members ; by breaking of head and heele , is meant that either shall wound each other , but the diuell shall bee vanquished . The meaning is then , that God will haue this to bee a punishment of the diuell ; that he should haue continuall warre with Christ and his Saints , and finally be ouercome , and all that take his part :

Out of which interpretation arise these poynts of Catechisme .

The poynts of doctrine .

1. 1 1 This appeareth in the circumstance of the text , which inclusiuely condemneth Adam for his sinne , to haue an enemie to him & his seede for euer . By the temptation of the serpent the diuell and Satanas , man became a great sinner , and subiect to great miserie .

2. 2 2 This followeth of the former , and is shewed , cap. 1. and 2. Man was made good , without sinne and miserie , before this temptation .

3. 3 3 Because the wordes are the indivial sentence of God to that purpose , and is to expounded , Iohn 8.44.47 . Acts. 13.10 . 2. Cor. 4.3.4 . cap. 11.13.14 . Eph 2 1. 1. Ioh. 3.10 . God hath decreed , what shall bee the estate of Satan and mankinde , namely , that some men shall be the seede of Satan and the children of perdition : and some with Christ conquerers of them both .

4. 4 4 So expounded , Gal. 4.4 . Here the person of Christ is declared , that he is , as all other men , the seed of the woman , that is , the sonne of God made man .

5. 5 5 Expressed in the meaning , and is seene in Caine , and all of like sort following . There shall be alway enmitie of Sathan and his members , against Christ and his members .

6. 6 6 This is the breaking of the heele , as appeareth Esay . 53.2 . Cor. 4.8 . chap. 6.4.5 . Ioh. 15.19 20. 2. Tim. 3.12 . 1. Pet. 5.8.9 . Great sorrowes , temptations and persecutions , in bodie , goods , name and life come vnto Christ & his members by Satan and his members .

7. 7 7 This is the breaking of the serpents head , & is expounded , Act. 26.18 . Hebr. 2.14 . Rom. 8.31.32 . Mat. 5.10.11 . & 19.28 . Phil. 3.21 . By the death of Christ and all the parts of his mediation , hee for vs and wee thorow him doe ouercome the diuel : to the restoring of the bodie in the resurrection of life , and endowing with immortall riches both bodie and soule , in the saluation of all beleeuers .

8. 8 8 Plaine in the words , and is expounded , 2. Corint. 6.14 . Iam. 4.7 . Eph. 6.10 & 5.6 7. Psal. 15.4 . The duetie of all Christian beleeuers is to resist the diuell and his members , and to haue no fellowship with the workes of wickednes .

CAP. 4. The second Catechisme for confirmation .
The Text. Gen. 12.3 . In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed .
The Interpretation .

For the master THese words containe Gods promise touching the blessed seede made vnto Abraham , when he called him to be his childe and father of the faithfull , which m m Gen. 3.15 . before was spoken in generall hard to bee knowne , but here is shewed more plaine and easie to bee found by the particular , namely , that it must be in Abrahams stocke and linage .

This clause , For the familie . in thee , is to be vnderstood of Abrahams n n Gen. 22.17 . and Gal. 3.16 . seede which is Christ ( who after a sort was in him , that is , in his loynes . ) By all families , is meant o o Act 3.25 . & Galat. 3.6 . all nations as well Iewes as Gentiles . And by blessed , is meant the p p Gal 3.13.14 . Rom. 5.12.13 . 1. Tim. 1.1 . deliuerance from the cursed and damnable estate , wherein we were by Adams fall . The summe is : God doth promise that both Iewes and Gentiles shall haue saluation , in none other but in Christ , who as touching his manhood was Abrahams seede .

This teacheth especially two sorts of points : What wee are of ourselues . What wee are made by Christ .

The doctrines .

1. 1 1 Otherwise there needed not the promise . Eph. 2.1.2 Of ourselues wee are sinners , and therefore accursed to damnation , by Adams fall .

2. 2 2 This is in a manner the text . By Christ wee are made blessed , that is , heires of eternall life .

3. 3 3 Expounded Heb. 2.16 . Here is taught what Christ is touching his person ( as in the former Catechisme ) Christ is God and man of the seede of Abraham .

4. 4 4 These two are gathered out of this text . Gal. 3.6.8 . Rom. 4.11.12.23.24 . There is but one way of saluation which is common to Iew and Gentill .

5. 5 5 These two are gathered out of this text . Gal. 3.6.8 . Rom. 4.11.12.23.24 . Christ is applied vnto vs for iustification by no meanes but faith onely .

6. 6 6 So gathered , Gal. 3.17.18 . Our saluation commeth not of workes in our doing , or will in our choosing , but of Gods free promise .

7. Vnder this word blessed , 7 7 Gal. 3.29 . 1. Cor. 1.30 . Reuel. 20.6 . are contained all Gods graces and gifts , which thorough Christ hee giueth to his Church , and his protection in this life , with the resurrection vnto life eternall .

8. One part of this blessednes is , 8 8 So applied Luk. 1.73 . Act. 3.25.26 . that Christ turneth vs from our sinnes , and leadeth vs by the promise to walke in godlines and honestie .

9. 9 9 For this promise is exclusiue , as Act. 4.12 . Gal. 1.8 . Ioh. 3.18 . There is no other meanes of saluation but Christ , and therefore all other professions and religions , which teach not the true beleefe in Christ , are the synagogues of Satan , and seminaries of hell fire .

10. 10 10 Ancienter by 430 yeares then the law of works , Gal. 3.17 . Tit. 1.1 . Heb. 13.8.9 . That we are iustified and saued by faith onely , is the most ancient doctrine , being taught by God vnto Abraham , long before euer there was any Church of Rome .

Here the master of the familie , may applie vnto euery particular person , how his faith should agree with these points by the example of Iob , whose Creede thus followeth .

Iob. 19.25 . I am sure my redeemer liueth , &c. Where thou maist see his faith , in that he saith , I am sure ; his acknowledgement of sins , and expectation of Christ in the word Redeemer , and in the word , liueth , hee sheweth that Christ is alway the onely q q So expounded . Heb. 7.24.25 . sufficient fauiour ; his hope of the resurrection is plaine in the rest , and the description of eternall life in this , r r So defined , Psal. 16.11 . & 17.15 . he shall see God .

CAP. 5. The third Catechisme for confirmation in knowledge .
The place of Scripture . Esay . 53.11 . By his knowledge shall my righteous seruant , iustifie many : whose iniquities he shal beare .
The Interpretation .

THese words are euidently a prophesie of Christ Iesus , wherin the master must teach his familie to consider the persons . First he that speaketh is God : then the persons of whom he speaketh are two , 1. Christ whom he calleth his righteous seruant : 2. all beleeuers , which are many men and women whose sinnes hee beareth .

The Doctrine .

1. 1 1 In the first person . 2. Tim. 1.9 . God decreeth the saluation of many by Christ .

2. Mans works , free-will , 2 2 This followeth of the first . merit and satisfaction are excluded , by the vndesired and vndeserued good pleasure of GOD in so decreeing .

3. In Christ we see two things , 3 3 This appeareth in the two following what hee is in himselfe , and what to vs : the first we call his person , and the second his office , adioyned to his person .

4. In his person hee is called : a seruant , 4 4 In the second person . Gods seruant , and a iust seruant . A seruant , because being God he became a man , which is called the s s Philip. 2.6.7 . forme of a seruant : Gods seruant ; because hee came to doe t t Heb. 10.7 . Gods will . Just or righteous , because it behoued , that hee being u u 1. Pet. 3.18 . iust should die for vs , who are vniust : so that he being x x Heb. 4.14.15 . GOD , was also man in all thing sauing sinne .

5. 5 5 In that God assigneth and accepteth him to iustifie vs , &c. 1. Tim. 2.5.6 . His office is here generally to be a mediator betweene God and man .

6. The parts of his office , 6 6 This is shewed in the two following . Psalm. 110. are his Kingdome . his Priesthood .

7. He being King of his Church , giueth giftes , that is , Ministers to teach remission of sinnes , and so as the righteous King he iustifieth all beleeuers . 7 7 In these words by his knowledge shal , &c. Act. 2.33 . Eph. 4.8.9.10.11

8. Hee being Priest , beareth our sinnes , 8 8 So expounded . Heb. 9.11.12 . when he made himselfe a liuely sacrifice to his father for vs .

9. 9 9 This expoundeth the former two , & in them is contained : reade 2. Cor. 5.19.20.21 . & Rom. 4.25 . and cap. 10.4.14 . By his Priesthoode he performeth the worke of our righteousnes , and by his Kingly office hee applieth it vnto vs . For being Priest he dieth for our sins , and riseth to make vs righteous : but yet till by hearing this kings Embassadors wee doe beleeue , wee are not iustified .

10. 10 10 In the third person : Many , &c. Rom. 3.23.24.25 . Wee are of our owne nature sinners , and al our iustification and redemption commeth onely by the free will of God , thorow beleefe in Iesus Christ .

11. 11 11 Reade Rom. 8.30 . Tit. 3.7 . Vnder iustification is contained glorification or euerlasting life , for these necessarilie follow each other .

12. 12 12 Gal. 1.4 . If Christ iustifie vs by bearing our sinnes , then wee must knowe , that aboue all things we ought to flie sinne .

Here the Master of the familie may applie to his people in a short summe , the substance of this Catechisme , by the words of Habbakuck . cap. 2. ver. 4. The iust shall liue by his faith .

In regarde of iustification thus , y y So expounded , Rom. 1.17 Galat. 3.11 . a good man findeth in himselfe , no wisdome , righteousnes , power , will or workes to leane vnto : but looketh for his iustification and saluation onely by faith in Christ .

In regarde of sanctification thus : z z So opened , Heb. 10.38.39 1. Pet. 4.19 . Gal. 2.19.20 . A good man forsaketh all his owne earthly deuises , and all wicked workes , in the maintaining of his estate and life , beleeuing that his life shall bee maintayned without any euill deuises or shiftes , and therefore committeth his soule , life , and all hee hath into Gods hands , in weldooing , depending vpon the mercie and promise of God in Christ .

CAP. 6. The fourth Catechisme , for confirmation of knowledge .
The place of holy Scripture .

Psalme . 130.3 . If thou O Lorde streightly markest iniquities : O Lorde who shall stand .

4. But mercie is with thee that thou maiest be feared .

The Interpretation .

THis text is a confession of faith , agreeing in substance with the former , wherein the faithfull soule , applieth the doctrine of iustification vnto a speciall vse in prayer , containing two parts , what wee are without Christ , ( for he is the a a Eph. 2.7 . mercie seate ) and what wee are by Christ .

The Doctrine .

1. 1 1 Marke streightly . No man can stand before God to be iustified , if God should iudge him after his sins .

2. 2 2 Mercie . It is his mercy applyed vnto vs by faith in Christ Iesus , by which we stand iustified before him .

3. 3 3 Feare thee . No man can feare God , that is to saye , serue God , as his childe , vnlesse hee bee set free by his mercie .

4. 4 4 Stand. Rom. 5.1.2 . To stand , is to be in state of grace , vnder the hope of the glorie of God .

And here the Master of the familie may doe well to shew vnto his folke , how the Scriptures of a a Luk 24.44 . Moses , the Prophets and Psalmes , doe agree in one sweete harmonie , teaching one and the same doctrine of saluation and godlynes , euen b b 1. Tim. 1.14 . faith and loue which is in Christ Iesus .

CAP. 7.

Now here follow a few more , for confirmation of their knowledge and faith , out of the new testament .

The fift Catechisme for cleerenes of vnderstanding . The Text. Matth. 17.5 . This is my beloued sonne , in whom I am well pleased : heare him .
The interpretation .

THese wordes are the voyce , For the master , reade 2. Pet. 1.17 . which Peter Iames and Iohn heard in the mount , to come from heauen , where Christ receiued of God the father , honour & glorie , when there came such a voyce vnto him , from the excellent glorie . Which thing if the Master tell his familie , and demaunde of them , first the meaning , as they haue learned by other places ; secondly , what poyntes of doctrine they perceiue in it ; it may bee they will bee found by meanes of the former to doe much in this , being very easy . For the familie . How be it to vnderstand it three things must be found out : first , who spake the words , that is , God the father , testifying of his sonne , teacheth the summe of the Gospell : secondly , what is ment by this clause , In whom , whom signifieth Christ ; and In , signifieth such as by beleefe are a a So is the clause vsed , Colos. 2.6 . and Rom. 8.1 . and 5.1 . in him : thirdly , what is ment by this clause , I am well pleased which I take to be , that God hath b b Ephe. 1.5 . & Ioh. 1.12.13 . decreede in himselfe to engraft all his elect into Christ by faith , and so to be well pleased with them , being planted by beleefe in Christ . The substance then is , that God would haue all men know , this man Christ , who was now in the mount with Peter , Iames , and Iohn , to bee his beloued sonne , and that he hath purposed to accept of euery soule that should beleeue in him , and therefore commandeth all to heare and obey him .

The Doctrine or Catechisme .

1. 1 1 This is all the text , and is proued , 1. Cor. 2.2 . Coloss. 2.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9 . The Gospell consisteth in the true knowledge of the person and office of Christ .

2. The doctrine of his person is cleere , in that the father calleth this man Christ his sonne : so that hee is the sonne of God and man . Where this worde Sonne , is not to bee vnderstoode in regarde of creation , as was c c Luk. 3.38 . Adam , or of adoption , as the d d Rom. 8.15.16 . elect : but by c c Ioh. 1.18 . nature and generation .

3. Obserue : the distinct person of the father , acknowledgeth the distinct person of the sonne : to which adde out of Matth. 3.17 . the distinct person of the holy Ghost .

4. 4 4 Prouerb . 8.30.31 . Eph. 1.6 Ioh. 1.14.16 . This sonne is called beloued , to shew , that in the loue , the father hath to the sonne , there flow the ioyfull streames of loue vnto his elect : so that hee is the fountaine of grace vnto vs .

5. Vnto these two poyntes of his person are ioyned two of his office , answering vnto them : First , in the beloued he is well pleased : this sheweth the mediation of his Priesthood to GOD for vs : Secondly , him being sonne he would haue heard : this sheweth the mediation of his soueraigne kingdome , from the father , ouer vs .

6. 6 6 Expounded 2. Cor. 5.19.21 . The mediation of his Priesthoode : that God will haue him come betweene vs and himselfe ; that our sinnes whereof we are guiltie in our selues , being pardoned through him , wee might haue his euerlasting fauour vnto saluation .

7. This mediation is to be vnderstoode in the parts : first , that Christ died for our sinnes , 1 1 Rom. 4.25 . and rose againe to make vs righteous : secondly , 2 2 1. Pet. 3.18 . by this meanes hee bringeth vs to God : thirdly , setteth vs at peace with him , 3 3 Rom. 5.1.2 . that wee may haue accesse thorow him to his grace , wherein wee stand reioycing vnder the hope of the glorie of God : fourthly , 4 4 Ioh. 14.2 . hee is gone vp into heauen to prepare a place for vs : fiftly , 5 5 1. Ioh. 2.1 . hee sitteth there as our aduocate .

8. 8 8 Iam. 1.8 . Galat. 1.4 . Mat. 11.25 . In that hee decreeth to please himselfe with Christ : this sheweth our free election , adoption , iustification , and saluation , to exclude all mans merits , free-will , workes foreseene , and all the reprobate : and to establish an vnspeakeable comfort to the man , who findeth that God hath giuen him faith , that hee may knowe , that GOD hath a a Ioh. 6.40 . predestinated him vnto saluation in his beloued sonne .

9. In him , 9 9 God spake this , & he will reproue them that put any thing to his word . Prou. 30.5.6 . 1. Cor. 3.11 . excludeth vnbeleeuers from this mediation , it condemneth all other sauiours and additaments whatsoeuer , as stubble for the fire .

10. The second parte of his office is his soueraigntie , in this , Heare him , which sheweth his soueraigne authoritie ouer b b Psal. 2.8.9 . all nations : which is , that he is the chiefe c c Deut. 18. Prophet ouer all : chiefe or d d Heb. 3.1 . hye Priest : and especially e e Phil. 2.8 . Eph. 1.21.22 . Matth. 28.18 . Reuel. 19.16 . King ouer all Kings , powers , and principalizies , and in all things head to his Church .

11. 11 11 This so taught Luk. 8.15 . 1. Cor. 1● . 1.2 Rom. 16.26 . & 15.18 . Vnder this word , Heare , is commanded our obedience , that we should heare him , which is with our eares , heartes , and deedes , that is , by learning his word , by acknowledging it , by faith , and practising it by works .

12. 12 12 Eph. 2.20.21 . Reuel. 3.7 . Matth. 23.8 . 1. Pet. 5.4 . Heb. 10.9.10 . &c. and cap. 9.24.25 . This word , him , is spoken exclusiuely , that is : there is no other head of the Church to rule and make lawes , but Christ : no other master to teach and prescribe doctrine ; no other priest to offer , or satisfie by sacrifice .

CAP. 8. The sixt Catechisme , for increase of vnderstanding .
The place of Scripture . Iohn . 3.16 . God so loued the world , that he hath giuen his only begotten sonne ; that whosoeuer beleeueth in him , should not perish , but haue euerlasting life .
The Interpretation .

IN this verse , Let the master shewe all this interpretation to his familie , and cause them to shew it him againe . Christ teacheth Nichodemus after many other argumentes , to vnderstand the doctrine of regeneration , spoken of vers. 3. by the cause , namely , by the first and principall cause , which is a a God . God : in whom there is rehearsed no b b So loued . outwarde cause to moue him , but onely that of his owne goodnes his singular loue did this worke , namely , hee loued c c The world . the world , which by no meanes had deserued it . The greatnes of which loue is shewed by the d d He gaue . worke , that he gaue his sonne , not purchased by any prayers , merits , or rewarde of ours , but of his free gift . And e e His sonne . what gaue he ? the earth , the heauen , cattell , infinit treasures , heauenly spirits ? Nothing so : yea rather , that which excelleth al these things , euen his sonne . And what f f Onely begotten . sonne ? an adopted sonne , or counterfeit sonne ? No : but his only begotten sonne . And g g Not perish , but haue eternall life . why did hee giue him ? that we should bestow any thing vpon him , or that wee can doe any thing for him ? Least of all : but that he might deliuer vs from euerlasting perdition , and giue vs eternall life . Vpon what h h Whosoeuer beleeueth in l.im. condition ? that we should do all his lawe , and satisfie by contrition , pilgrimage , or workes of condignitie , or supererrogation ? No such thing : but whosoeuer beleeueth in him . So that wee with Nichodemus may learne , that God giuing his sonne of his singular loue doth work this new birth , when by the preaching of the Gospell , the spirit frameth in vs faith in Christ , and when by faith he maketh vs partakers of euerlasting saluation , then doe we enter into the kingdome of heauen . And so it is expounded by the a a Tit. 3.5.6.7 . Apostle : God of his mercie saueth vs by the new birth , which is shed vpon vs thorow Christ , that being iustified by his grace , wee may bee made heires thorow hope of eternall life .

Now there are in these wordes certaine things to bee further explaned : that seeing their meaning more cleerely , wee may more fitly gather out the seuerall braunches of doctrine . First in this word * * Loued , what . loued , I vnderstand the goodnes of God according to his eternall decree , which is called b b Eph. 1.5 . The good pleasure of his will . As the c c Esay . 53.10 . Prophet also sayth : The Lord would breake him , &c. Secondly , I vnderstand this word * * World , what . world , for the vniuersall and whole mankinde , according to the couenant of God made vnto d d Gen. 12.3 . which is expounded before . Abraham , namely , that hee loued both Iewes and Gentiles , as is plainly taught , Rom. 3.29.30 . Yet e e Reade Deut. 10.14.15 . Rom. 9.7.8 . Acts. 10.34.35.43 . euery particular and singuler person is not meant thereby : as Christ expoundeth himselfe , when he addeth this limitation , that whosoeuer beleeueth , &c. Thirdly , this word * * Perish , what . perish , signifieth the miserable condition of mankinde in himselfe by sinne : yet when hee sayth , should not perish , he meaneth not that in this world wee should not dye for a time , but that f f Ioh. 11 25.26 although we be dead , we should be quickened and rise againe vnto eternall life . Neither doe I thinke , that this bodily death is that death which was threatned to g g Gen. 2.17 . Adam , which is properly the death h h Eph. 2.1 . in sinne , and to bee banished from the presence of God , as was Adam , Gen. 3. Therefore this is our life to bee i i 1. Pet. 3.18 . brought by Christ vnto GOD , to k k Psal. 16.11 . enioy whose presence is euerlasting life it selfe . The summe then is this : The free good will of God hath giuen his onely begotten sonne vnto all mankinde , that , whomsoeuer hee by his spirit , thorow hearing the Gospell , dooth regenerate and make to beleeue ; should bee deliuered from eternall death in sinne , and obtaine the euerlasting glorie of God .

As I haue been somewhat longer in opening this most worthie place : Direction to the gouernour of the house . so I finde here a most large field of Catechisme . Where I will obserue this order , for the direction of the gouernour of the house , ( whom I perswade my selfe , by that time he hath beaten the former Catechismes into his peoples heads , shal perceiue them better able to receiue stronger meate ) I will shewe the manifest beautie of this sentence , as a most goodly tree , where the master shall guide his folke to gather very many kindes of fruites , to the comfortable feeding and nourishing of the soule : and how to discerne by the good fruite , that which is euill . First therefore , the doctrines shall offer themselues , out of this sentence , with most sweete comforts annexed vnto them : and in the second place mine hand shall poynt out vnto him , how he may descrie vnto his familie , the errors contrary vnto the same . Vnto euery doctrine I will adde some one place of Scripture , for the further enlightning of their vnderstanding .

The doctrines .

1. 1 1 This is shewed out of the whole sway of the text , especially in the words , loued , gaue , and the end of giuing , which shewe his liuely working towards his creatures preseruation , &c. and so would hee bee knowne . Exod. 34.6 . Malac. 1.2 . 1. Ioh. 4.16 . Psalm. 9.16 . God is euerliuing , the most holy creator and wise gouernour and Sauiour of the world .

2. 2 2 This is expressed , sauing of the holie Ghost , which is shewed by the effect , beleeue , which is set for his cause , vers. 5.1 . Ioh 5.7 . In this one God , are three distinct persons , God the Father , God the Sonne , & God the holy Ghost .

Here he must begin to shewe the distinction of the persons thus .

3. 3 3 This is in a manner expressed , sauing of the holy Ghost , reade Ioh 15.16 . The Father begetteth , the Sonne begotten , the holy Ghost proceedeth from them both .

4. 4 4 The beginning of the father to loue and send , &c. the dispensation , it is done by the Son : the perfection , the holy Ghost worketh faith , &c. the like , Gen. 1.1 . Tit. 3.6.7 . Heb. 1.2 . 1. Cor. 12.11 . The beginning of euery action is giuen to the Father ; the dispensation to the Sonne ; the perfection or consummation to the holy Ghost .

5. 5 5 Made man is in the word gaue : for by incarnation he was giuen , Ioh. 1.14 . Mat. 1. all the rest is clecre enough . The person and office of Christ : person , Christ is the onely begotten sonne of GOD made man : his office , he is our Sauiour .

6. 6 6 1. Pet. 2.9.10 . The estate of mankinde by Adams fall is here shewed : for vnlesse God had giuen his onely begotten sonne , we had perished .

7. 7 7 Eph 1.5.6.7.8.9.10 and cap. 4.11.12 . The causes of our saluation and their concurrence and proceeding , first , the good pleasure of Gods will , who freely loueth vs , the first cause : secondly , the matter or meanes he vseth . Christ by his incarnation , suffering , &c. thirdly , the ioyning of these causes into his forme , that is , faith apprehending Christ , wrought by preaching , thorow the spirite . Lastly , the thing for men , euerlasting life .

8. Here is taught , who are saued : 8 8 This Christ so expoundeth in the next verses , and cap. 6.40.53 . those onely who beleeue , which is not to beleeue there is a God , or that God made the worlde , &c. which yet are necessarie : but to beleeue in him , that is , in Iesus Christ the onely begotten sonne of God .

9. Our saluation is most free & certaine . 9 9 It dependeth vpon Gods loue . Ioh. 13.1 . T it 1.2 .

10. 10 10 In the worde giue . Eph 2.8 . Our saluation is of the free grace of God , without our deseruing .

11. 11 11 This is seen in his person aboue all sacrificers , Heb. 10.11.12.13 . Our Saluation is perfectly wrought by Christ alone .

12. 12 12 1. Pet. 2.6 7.8 . Mat. 7.13 . & Mar. 16.16 . There are two waies of mens life , by the decree of God : some by beleefe in Christ shall be saued : some for vnbeleefe shall perish .

13. There is a double life , 13 13 Heb. 9.27 . 1. Thess. 4.14 . Matth. 25. and a double death , one of the body onely , and the other of bodie and soule .

14. 14 14 Matt. 16.18 . Mark 16.16 . 1. Ioh. 1.3 . Eph. 4.15.16 . Here is the catholike Churche , the communion of Saintes , remission of sinnes , resurrection of the bodie and life euerlasting , taught . For the catholike Church is of all that beleeue in Christ , the communion is our fellowship with God in Christ , thorow the spirit , in the vse of all his giftes ; or there is one God , one Christ , one faith , and one saluation to all . Remission of sinnes , & the resurrection of the bodie , are part of those giftes , which are shadowed is this eternall life , for by forgiuenes of sinnes , and the resurrection of the bodie , wee come to eternall life .

15. 15 15 1. Ioh. 4.11.19 . 1. Cor. 6.11.20 . This place is most strong to teache men to liue godly , soberly , and righteously in this present world : for what may more moue , then the free loue of God : the great price of our saluation the onely begotten sonne of God ; the order of our calling , by the spirite to be regenerate vnto faith , and lastly the saluation it selfe , which is to bee deliuered from sinne ?

16. 16 16 This is taught , Rom. 4 11. cap 6 2 3. 1. Cor. 10.16 . You may ioyne vnto these , though not expressed in the text , as the rest : That the Sacraments are signes to teach vs ; as seales to applie vnto vs this doctrine .

Comforts out of this doctrine .

HEre is the place to explaine the sweete comfortes of this doctrine , which I may terme the pleasant taste of these good fruites : which I desire that euery Master would carefully and painefully drop into his familie , that they may taste how good the Lorde is , and feele that they knowe , for this will mightelie worke towards faith : so that his labour shall be ioyfull in the ende . The comforts are gathered , by the consideration of the persons . meditation of the things .

Comforts by the consideration of the persons .

1. 1 1 Psal. 23.1 . Rom. 8.31.32 . Eph. 1.13.14 . Beholde here the great loue of the almightie and glorious God , the loue of Christ his sonne , and of the holy Ghost . What was greater in God then his sonne ? That hee gaue for & to vs . What is greater in the sonne then himselfe ? That he bestowed vpon vs . What is more precious then the power and goodnes of the spirit ? that hee powreth into vs , renewing and endowing vs with faith and sanctification . O how vnspeakeable is the goodnes of God for the assurance of our saluation , so that no man can doubt , but euery soule that knoweth and feeleth these things , must needs reioyce with ioy vnspeakeable and glorious .

2. 2 2 Rom. 5 6.7 8.9.10 . 1. Ioh. 4.9.10 . Marke who they bee vpon whom this glorious God bestoweth this great gift : vpon the world , euen vs men , who hauing offended him by sinne are his enemies by euill mindes , and are weake , being able to doe nothing to recompense him , or to comfort or helpe our selues : but he chooseth vs , he redeemeth vs , he sanctifieth vs , he glorifieth vs . Must not this , being well wayed make vs burst out , with the blessed virgin ? a a Luk. 1.46 . My soule doth magnifie the Lorde , and my spirite reioyceth in God my sauiour .

Comfort by the meditation of the things .

3. 3 3 Eph. 2.1.2.3.4.5.6 . 1. Pet. 2.9.10 . cap. 1.3.4.5 . Coloss. 1.12.13 Reuel. 1 5.6 . Philip. 3.20 . 2. Tim. 4.8 . Call to minde in what miserie , danger , and wofull condition , we be of ourselues : into what happines , freedome , and blessed estate we bee brought by Gods loue in Christ : from sinne , from death , from hell , from the curse of the lawe , from the power of Sathan , from the wrath of God and eternall corruption , anguish and searefull sorrow : into the glorious libertie of the sonnes of God , to immortalitie and in corruption , to the crowne of righteousnes , and to be the sonnes and daughters of God , heyres of the kingdome of Heauen , to the fulnes of ioyes in the presence of God for euermore . Mine heart cannot conceiue , my pen cannot write the vnsearcheable riches of Christ : the price of this pearle , for which a man would sell all that he hath . And this is freely giuen vs , perfectly wrought for vs , assuredly kept for vs ; how may we triumph and glorie in our God ? Reioyce in the Lorde alway , and againe I say reioyce .

When the soule is thus seasoned with the taste of this heauenly doctrine , Admonition to the householder . then may the Master of the familie boldlie descrie vnto them , the errors which are contrarie to these trueths . And this he shall finde a perfect rule : that the true doctrine being once vprightly taught ; whatsoeuer is not agreeing thereunto , is falsehood and to be auoyded : as a a Epist. 2. ver. 9 Iohn teacheth , Whosoeuer transgresseth , and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ , hath not God . Now the errors are infinite , as there are many by-waies , and but one true waie : So b b Eccles. 7.31 . God made man righteous , but they haue found out many inuentions . I will name but a fewe in comparison , yet so many as I would the Master of the house , should vse discretion in rehearsing of them to his familie , namely some fewe at once : and so it wil much further them ; euen as by all contraries , euery good thing is the more perceiued , felt and esteemed . In repeating of these , he must rehearse the true doctrine , and so compare them together , that they may perceiue this to bee contrary to that : as light vnto darknes . And therefore by figures , answering to the doctrines , I wil shew him , which are contrarie to each other , and with a little heede taking and attention hee shall finde it easie .

The errors and heresies contrarie to the good doctrine .

1. THe first doctrine condemneth all these , i. the Atheists of whom Psal. 14.1 . Secondly , the Philosophers who make God , to bee idle , and not to haue care of the world : thirdly , the gentiles , who turned the glory of the incorruptible God , into the image of a corruptible man , and of birdes , &c. Rom. 1.23 . Fourthly , they c c Saturnians . who make one God of the Iewes , and another of the gentiles , and either contrarie to other , reade Rom. 3.29 . Fiftly , a a Symonians . they who affirme , that the diuell hath free power ouer all thinges , Iob. 1.8.9 . Sixtly , some ascribe ouermuch to phificke , pollicie strength and witches , reade 1. Sam. 2.3.8.9 . Psal. 36.6 . Prou. 21.30.31 . Seuenthly , b b Priscillianists . some make starres and planets to gouerne mens actions , Hier. 10.1 . Eyghtly , some ascribe the euent of things to fortune , some the being and continuance of thinges to nature , reade Esay . 45.5 , 6 , 7. Rom. 11.36 . Reuel. 4.11 .

2.3.4 . To these three of the Trinitie , are contrarie , three heretikes : first , c c Montanists . who say there is but one person in the trinity , which is called by diuers names , of father , sonne , and holy Ghost . Secondly , d d Aetians . who saye the three persons to bee onely three qualities : Thirdly , e e Triformians . who affirme the three persons to bee three diuers and separable Gods , 1. Corinth. 8.4 . 1. Iohn 5.7 .

Fiftly , against the person of Christ , the diuell hath fought by many heretikes . Some f f Nestorians , make one person of his diuinitie , and another of his humanitie : some g g Arrians . make Christ to be God , not by nature but by grace , and to be lesse then his father . Some h h Bonosians . call Christ an adopted sonne , some i i Marcellians . say he was not begotten of the father : some k k Carpocratians . say Christ was conceiued after the manner of other men . l l Apollinaris . Some will haue his bodie to bee heauenly , and not of the Virgin Marie . m m Eunomians . Some denie Christ a minde . n n Eutyches . Some auouch the humane nature to bee swallowed vp of the diuine . o o Timotheans . Some confound the two natures of Christ , and make him a mixt third thing .

The doctrine of the office of Christ doth condemne the Symonians , Sethians , Menander , and all that shew any other sauiour or meanes of saluation or additament , more then Christ onely and the faith and doctrine of him . Such as are the Papists , who ioyne mans workes , merits , satisfactions , pardons , pilgrimages , prayers , purgatorie , and I cannot tell what trumperie , as additaments to Christ , Acts 4.11 . Iohn 10.1 , 2 , 3. and 14.6 . Gal. 6.14.15 . Reuel. 22.18 . some a a Manichies . say the soule onely to be saued , and b b Paternians . some the vpper partes of the bodie , Rom. 8.1 . Philip. 3.21 .

6. The doctrine of the estate of man without Christ , condemneth them c c Pelagians . who deny children to be corrupted with originall sinne , and that without the grace of God a man may doe all the commandements of God , and d d Papists . they who dreame of certaine pure naturals , by which they imagine they can prepare themselues to grace , and worke with grace the merit to saluation , 2. Cor. 3.5 . Philip. 2.13 . Heb. 12.2 . There bee also some among vs , who thorow ignorance , doe very lightly feele their miserie , and how wickedly soeuer they liue , they yet fancie to themselues an happie estate , they say they will doe well , or pray , or aske pardon : but not feeling the deep wound of sinne , they little feare the sore and grieuous punishment which hangeth ouer their heads , for neglecting so great saluation by Christ . Heb. 2.1.2.3 . and 12.25 .

7. The doctrine of the causes of our saluation first in the good pleasure of Gods will condemneth them , e e Pelagians . who doe vtterly deny predestination to establish free-will . And then f f Papists . who tye it to workes foreseene . Rom. 9.11 . Concerning Christ , the meanes , it condemneth them g g Heracleans . who put in his roome oyntments and ceremonies . And the Papists as before in the 5. Heb. 1.5 . The doctrine of faith applying Christ , is against the Papists , who would ioyne workes . Rom. 3.28 .

8. This ouerthroweth all Atheists , Deists , Sophisters , and ignorant brablers , who frame to themselues a God , or saluation , without faith in Christ . 1. Tim. 3.16 . Gal. 3.26 .

9. The doctrine of certaintie , confuteth the Papists , who would haue men to doubt of their saluation . Heb. 10.19.20.21.23 .

10. Free saluation excludeth merit . Tit. 3.4 .

11. Perfect saluation ouerthroweth the sacrifice of the Masse , and much popish trash . 2. Pet. 1.3 .

12. This ouerthroweth Purgatorie , which is made a third place , contrarie to 1. Iohn . 1.7 .

13. This refelleth them , a a Cerdonians . who deny the resurrection , or b b Hymineus & Philetus . say it is past alreadie , or c c Epicures . make their happines in this life . 1. Thess. 4.14 . 1. Ioh. 3.1 .

14. This reprooueth them , d d Gnostici . who make faith a naked knowledge of the Gospel , without the fruites of good workes : or e e Libertines . make good workes contrarie to faith , or f f Antitactae . will men to be free from Gods commandements Eph. 4.24 . Gal. 5.6 . Eph. 2.10 .

15. Concerning the Sacraments in another place , onely here if it can bee taught , the difference of the outward signe and the thing signified , and that these are not to bee confounded , neither that which is proper to the one , to bee giuen to the other ; it shall giue cleere sight against many errors . As g g 1. Pet. 3.31 . Peter speaketh of Baptisme , that it saueth vs , openeth his meaning , saying , not the washing away of the filth of the flesh , which is the outward signe : but the inward working of the spirit , which is in the answer to God , and by the resurrection of Christ . So h h 22.19 . Christ calling the bread his bodie , dooth yet teach vs to follow this rule ; when he biddeth vs doe all that action of receiuing it , in remembrance of him . So that the outward action is as the signe and seale , but the power of working is in the thing signified , which is Christ by his spirit , applying through faith , that heauenly washing , and foode vnto our soules .

CAP. 9. The seuenth Catechisme , for establishing of iudgement .

HEre I will choose two places of holy scripture , because mine especiall purpose is to teach the doctrine of the Sacraments , and handle them both together : and because they are seales of the couenant of grace , the couenant also is therewithall to be declared , that the one may shewe the vse of the other , and each take light & strength from other : which I can hardly doe out of any one text .

The first Text.

Tit. 3. vers. 3. We our selues were in times past vnwise , disobedient , deceiued , seruing the lusts & diuers pleasures , liuing in maliciousnes and enuie , hatefull , and hating one another .

4. But when the bountifulnes and loue of God our Sauiour , towards man appeared :

5. Not by the works of righteousnes , which wee had done , but according to his mercie hee saued vs , by the washing of the new birth , and renewing of the holy Ghost .

6. Which he shed on vs abundantly through Iesus Christ our Lord .

7. That wee being iustified by his grace , should bee made heires according to hope of eternall life .

The second Text.

1. Cor. 11.23 . I haue receiued of the Lord , that which I also haue deliuered vnto you , that the Lord Iesus the same night hee was betraied , tooke bread :

Vers. 24. And when he had giuen thanks he brake it and sayd , Take , eate , this is my bodie , which is broken for you , doe this in remembrance of me .

25. After the same manner also hee tooke the cup when he had supped , saying , This cup is the new Testament in my bloud , doe this as oft as you drinke it in remembrance of me .

26. For as oft as you eate this bread , or drinke this cuppe , ye shew the Lords death till he come .

The Interpretation .

THese two places haue one end , Both texts to one end . namely , to teach good order and good behauiour amongst Gods people : the first touching all dueties , and the latter in the seruice of God , as namely in the vse of the Sacraments .

The first is by a comparison of the estate of Christians before their calling , The first text . with that wherein they are after they be called : the a a Were in times past . vers. 3. first estate is verse 3. in these wordes , were in time past : where he describeth the nature of the vnregenerate , in the b b Wee our selues . person of the Christian in these words , we our selues , first the corruption of the c c Vnwise , Disobedient , Deceiued . minde , vnwise in the vnderstanding part , disobedient in will , and deceiued in iudgement . Secondly , in the d d Seruing the lusts & diuers pleasures . affections , seruing the lusts and pleasures . Thirdly , in e e Liuing in maliciousnes and enuie . conuersation , liuing in all wickednes to the hurt of others : and this is set forth by the f f Hatefull and hating . vers. 4. effect , that one hated the other . By which hee emptieth man of all righteousnes , and strippeth him naked , that he may bee seene , to be nothing but filthines . Then the other estate is shewed in the rest . First , by the g g Bountifulnes and 〈◊〉 of God . fundamentall cause , the secret bountifulnes & loue of God . And because God is h h Our S●●●our . author of christian happines wholy & soly , he is intituled Our Sauiour , this bountifulnes is set forth , by the i i When appeared . vers. 5. time when it was knowne and effectuall , when it appeared and this is verse 4. Then verse 5. he sheweth k k According to his mercie . how it is wrought , namely by mercie , that is , compassion on our infirmities and miseries , being such desperate sinners , which is opened by his a a Not by the works of righteousnes which we had done . contrarie , that it was not by our workes of righteousnes . Then hee sheweth b b He saued vs . what God did , he saued vs , namely from that miserable estate of sinne : and this is declared by the instrument , which is double , one c c Washing . outward of lesse power , which is washing , that is Baptisme : the other d d Holy ghost . inward which is effectuall , and maketh the washing effectuall , this is the holy Spirite : and that by two e e New birth and renewing . effectes , the new birth or regeneration vnto faith , and renewing of vs in sanctification vnto holynes . And verse 6. these two effects are set forth by the holy f f Iesus Christ . conduit or meanes , by which they are powred downe vpon vs , which is aboundantly by Christ : and then verse 7. by the g g Iustified and made heires , &c. effects , that we should be iustified by his grace , ( that is * * Rom. 3.24 . freely reconciled vnto God by faith in Christs blood ) and made heyres of eternall life . This latter effect is declared by his h h Hope . instrument , Hope . The summe is then , that seeing by nature wee are so corrupt in minde , in will , affections and workes , and that God of his bountifulnes without our workes , moued onely by his mercie , hath begotten vs a new , and sanctified vs with his spirit , whereof Baptisme is a Sacrament , & all this by Christ , &c. We ought to bee subject to principalities and powers , obedient and readie to euerie good worke .

The other place , The second text opened . is by a rehearsall of the institution of Christ , that by it as by a rule or lawe , the Corinthian abuses and disorders might be reformed , where firs is the i i I haue receiued of the Lord , &c. preface to make it a rule , because he deliuerad to them that he receiued from the Lorde : insinuating that hee durst not teach them any thing else , and therefore they did ill to corrupt that order , by their abuses : then for the thing it selfe , he first simplie and truly sheweth the very storie , and after he expoundeth the vse of it . In the storie he beginneth with the a a The night he was betrayed . time that it was ordayned , The same night he was betrayed : namely the * * Colos. 2.16.17 Heb. 10.1.2.9 . time of the olde testament in the shadowes , hauing in him an ende , he erecteth ordinances for the new : then secondly hee sheweth the b b Hee tooke ●read and brake , &c. vers. 24. things . First , that hee tooke bread , then that hee blessed it by * * 1. Cor. 10.16 . giuing thankes , that is , hee separated it to some speciall vse , to that end followeth the breaking the bread , and bidding them to take and eate it : then he sheweth the c c This is my bodie . vse of these ceremonies in these words : this is my bodie , which is sacramentally spoken ( as * * Exod. 12.11.12 . 1. Cor. 10.3.4 . that of the Passeouer , and of Manna , and the rocke , &c. ) that that breaking of bread was a signe of his bodie to be broken , which he expoundeth himselfe in the d d This doe ye in remembrance of me . next wordes : which are a commandement , by vertue whereof , the Churche ought to vse this Sacrament , namely , that the Church should doe as hee did , and when they so doe , they should doe it in remembrance of him . Then verse 25. hee sheweth the e e After the same manner , &c. like of the cup , where the words of the f f This cuppe is the new Testament , &c. vse , are spoken by a borrowed speech , the cuppe for the wine in the cup : and alluding to the g g Exod. 4.8 . righte of the sacrifices , he calleth it the testament in his blood : meaning that it was a sacramentall signe of the couenant of God , sealed with his blood : which least we should dreame of any Transubstantiation , or consubstantiation , hee likewise expoundeth himselfe , in a h h This doe as oft as ye , &c. commandement to the Church , that when they drinke it , they should doe as he did in remembrance of him . Now the Apostle hauing the same spirit of Christ , in that very meaning doth teach vs the i i As oft as ye . &c. vers. 26. vse , verse 26. calling the creatures , in the eating bread ; and in the drinking wine : and that the same bread and wine , so separated by thankesgiuing , are not changed in their substance , but in their vse , namely that it is not now as common bread to feede our bodies onely , but it hath a sacramentall and holy vse annexed , for the feeding of our soules , that is , Wee shew the Lordes death herein till hee come .

The summe then is : seeing hee deliuered vnto them , onely that he receiued , and that in this order and to this vse : they must not prophane this holy Sacrament , by their disorder or additaments what so euer to doe in any other order , or to any other vse , more or lesse , then it was ordained . Whereupon he proceedeth in the rest of the chapter , to giue them certain canons or precepts , out of the premisses : namely , how they should reforme themselues , and doe it orderly and profitablie .

The Doctrine of the Catechisme .

1. Out of both places . These two places open vnto vs the couenant of God , touching the saluation of his elect , by two things . First , by doctrine as a writing declaratorie . Secondly , by Sacraments as seales of that writing , confirmatory .

2. The doctrine is in the description of the persons , couenanting one with another , and the couenant it selfe .

3. 3 3 In the first place , vers. 4.5.6 . The first person is he who offereth the couenant , namely God : who is described , by the speciall worke which hee doth in the couenant , hee maketh his bountifulnes appeare , and is therefore intituled a Sauiour , as one that seeketh vs , and not we him .

4. The second , man , 4 4 Vers. 3. shutting out pure naturals , free will , &c. who receiueth the couenants , who is described voyde of all goodnes , in minde , will , affections , & works : for so * * Ezech. 16.4.5.8 . God findeth vs in our filthines before the couenant .

5. 5 5 In the second place . vers. 24.25 . The third person is the mediator of the couenant , Christ : who giueth his body and blood for the confirmation of the couenant .

6. 6 6 This is out of both places . The couenant it selfe is first called the new Testament , that is , * * Ierem. 31.31 . not of the lawe of workes , but of mercie and grace . Therefore on the partie that offereth it is thus described . First , God propoundeth himselfe to bee our God and Sauiour : then hee receiueth vs to himselfe by mercie in Christ , and not by our workes . Thirdly , he sheweth the effect of the couenant , that wee should bee iustified by his grace , and made heyres thorow hope of eternal life . On our part the condition is no more , but to receiue all this by faith in Christ , which is giuen vs in the new birth , and therefore * * Rom. 8.15 . called the spirite of Adoption , by which wee call God , Father . And so the couenant is made on our part , as it is * * Gal. 3.26 . written , Yee are all the sonnes of God by faith in Christ Iesus . Where you may see that Christ is the mediator * * Eph. 2.18 . to bring vs to God , namely , by beleefe in him . Which couenant God will haue declared before men , by the vse of his seruice , as profession , Sacraments , &c. and by obedience vnto euery good worke .

7. In beholding which couenant , wee may see all merit and reioycing in man , vtterly excluded . For before the couenant , wee are altogether voyde of all goodnes : in the couenant wee are receiued and saued by mercie without workes : Christ is a mediator to God for vs , paying the ransome of our sinnes : by him is powred vpon vs the new birth , and renewing of the holy Ghost : by him we are iustified , and made heyres of euerlasting life . If we haue faith or hope , they are all the giftes of God thorow Christ : so that wee haue euery way , cause of abasing our selues , and onely to * * 1. Cor. 1.30 . reioyce in him . Wherefore the Church ascribing nothing to her selfe , maketh this ioyfull confession . a a Esay . 61.10 . I will greatly reioyce in the Lord , and my soule shall be ioyfull in my God : for he hath clothed mee with the garments of saluation , and couered me with the robe of righteousnes , &c.

Now not minding to shew euery particular poynt which these two places affoord , An obseruation to the teacher . we will come to the second parte of the Sacraments . In handling whereof , if any thing bee not in one of these two texts ( for it were much all to be ) I will set in the margine some other place , as a supplie to their wants : and this doctrine is in two things . 1. How many Sacraments . 2. What they be .

8. There are but two Sacraments of the * * I say couenant , because the word sacrament is vsed diuersly : this shutteth of vnproper vses . couenant , that is to say , Baptisme , and the Lords Supper .

The other poynt , What they bee , will appeare easie , if wee learne how they agree betweene themselues , and how they differ both betweene themselues , and also from others .

9. Two Sacraments agree in foure things . These two Sacraments agree in these things . 1. In a generall definition : A Sacrament is a signe and seale of the couenant of grace . First , they are signes , 1 1 In a generall definition . as water & washing in Baptisme ; bread and wine , eating and drinking in the Lords Supper . They are both signes of the couenant : for Baptisme signifieth Christs bloud in the couenant , and so dooth the Lords Supper : and they bee both more than bare signes , euen seales of assurance . For as the seale is set to a will or deed , to confirme the writing : so are these two appointed by Christ , to assure vs of the thing they signifie . Therefore the one is called his body , and the other the washing of the new birth : not because they bee chaunged in nature , but by such a neere speech to assure vs of the thing sealed or signed . They both herein assure vs of our iustification and sanctification . Secondly , 2 2 They be as badges . they bee both outward badges of our profession , as by the one we shew the Lords death , and by the other that wee are Gods children by a new birth . Thirdly , 3 3 Both commanded , Mat. 28.18.19 . they both haue a commandement from Christ . Fourthly , 4 4 Both haue a forme of administration . Acts. 2.14.37.38 . Mar. 16.15.16 they both haue a prescribed forme of administration , in regard of the Minister and people . The Minister is appoynted to preach and declare the couenant , and to administer the Sacraments ; the people to heare and to receiue the Sacraments . In Baptisme the Minister must wash with water , in the name of the Father , and of the Sonne , and of the holy Ghost : the person to bee admitted into the Church , is to submit himselfe to such a washing . In the Lords Supper , the Minister by thanksgiuing is to set apart , to this holy vse , the bread & wine seuerally , to breake the bread , and to giue afterwards seuerally , first bread , and then wine , to the people , bidding them to eate & drinke , &c. and the people ought to receiue them both seuerally , first bread , and then wine , and to eate the bread and drinke the wine : not as common bread and wine , but as sanctified to the holy vse by Christ prescribed .

10. 10 10 The first disagreement with others . The fiue forged Sacraments of the Church of Rome , cannot bee reckoned with these ; because they are not pertaining to the couenant , nor commaunded by God , with outward signes to the vses here described : but either haue no outward signes , as Penance : or els other significations and vses : As Matrimonie hath no signe ordained of God to this vse , but sometime is made an * * Hoseah . 2.19 . Eph. 5.23 . allegorie , or metaphor , and sometime is taught by comparison , from Christ and his Church . Orders haue imposition of hands , but not commanded by God for the grace of this couenant , or to bee badges of our profession , but for the * * 1. Tim. 4.14 . grace of the office of the Ministrie . So the annoynting of the sicke in the Gospell is not taught , as the Papists vse it : but only to bee an * * Iam. 5.14 . outward signe , in healing the bodie : but a Sacrament is for the comfort of the soule . The like may be sayd of the other .

11. 11 11 The second difference in themselues . The differences betweene these two Sacraments of the couenant in themselues , are these . 1. In the signe , Baptisme hath water and washing : the Lords Supper hath bread and wine , eating and drinking , &c. 2. In the manner of signifying ; because they apply the couenant to vs in diuers sorts . Baptisme applieth it , as our first entring into couenant , and there it signifieth our new birth and renewing , &c. and therefore all that are * * Act. 10.47 . with the places before quoted . first receiued into the Church are admitted by Baptisme ; and a man is but once baptized , because hee is but once to bee borne againe . The Lords Supper applieth the couenant , in regard of the euerlasting continuance of fauour betweene God and vs in Christ , therefore wee eate bread and drinke wine , as liuely signes of our growing & increasing in Christ , in faith and good life , and in all assurednes of eternall life : And therefore it is often vsed , that wee may continually bee strengthened and confirmed in his grace , from faith to faith .

12. 12 12 The third difference from others . In all this declaration , agreeing to holie Scripture , and so in all the Bible beside , you shall neuer finde that the Sacraments by the outward worke wrought , doe giue grace : or that the signe leeseth his nature to be turned into the thing signified : or that there is a reall , locall and corporall presence of the thing , in the outward signe : or that in Baptisme , exorcisme , creame , spettle , salt , or any other thing is to be mingled , or vsed , but onely water : or that in the Lords Supper there should bee an vnbloudie sacrifice , the bread adored , reserued or carried about , or the wine should bee kept from the common people . Therefore all these , and whatsoeuer other additaments and abuses of the holy Sacraments , are altogether to be reiected and condemned , by the rule Apostolicall , because they are not receiued of the Lord .

Here the master of the familie may applie the substance of the former Catechisme to his folke , by this place .

1. Cor. 12. vers. 13. By one spirit wee are all baptized into one bodie , whether we bee Iewes or Grecians , whether we bee bond or free , and haue been all made to drinke into one spirit .

1. One bodie , one spirit . Where one bodie and one spirit to Iew and Gentill , &c. shew the couenant in grace and communion of God with all nations and sorts of people thorow Christ , by his spirit in one bodie .

2. Both Sacraments teach , Baptised into . Drinke into . there is one holie communion betweene GOD and his Church .

3. Baptisme , our regeneration and incorporation into the same communion : the Lords Supper , our daily nourishment from our head Christ , growing together in the same couenant .

CAP. 10. The fourth order of Catechisme .

NOw for the masters further helpe , To the householder . I will commend vnto him these foure places : namely , Ephes. 2.8.9.10 . 2. Thess. 2.13.14 . Tit. 2.11.12.13.14 . Iam. 1.18 . whereof hee shall see euery one fit to bring into his remembrance the doctrines of the former Catechismes . And I hope both he and his familie , may easily gather the same of themselues , being made ripe thereunto by their former practise : reioycing in the plentifull and sweete consent of so many places of Gods word , and admiring the goodnes of God , that so abundantly and liberally bestoweth vpon vs his rich treasures of wisedom and vnderstanding . And if in them he finde something not easie , let the master repayre to his pastor , and seeke the lawe at his mouth : For a a Malac. 2.7 . his lippes should preserue knowledge , being the messenger of the Lorde of hostes : and b b 〈◊〉 4.1 . steward of the secrets of GOD . Howbeit , in so waightie and needfull prouision , I woulde haue this housholder to bee well stored , that hee maye feede his familie with more ioy and plentie , to make them strong & well liking in the house of our God , children , that boldly will answer the enemie in the gates , and sight valiantly the battels of the Lord . Therefore I will here adde two Catechismes more for his helpe : where the first will shew him in a notable order Iacobs Ladder : namely , by what steppes God bringeth all his children into the euerlasting kingdome of our Lord Iesus Christ , and the heauenly mansions of his diuine palace . And this is in one scripture most orderly compact together , by the heauenly spirit . The other is * * Therefore I make it a book by itselfe , and ●●uide it into chapters . a more perfect bodie of Christirn doctrine , of many and diuers places of scripture : as a shining light vnto the feete of all Gods children , in the dayes of their pilgrimage , till they shal come into the land of their celestiall inheritance .

The eyght Catechisme for helpe of the housholder . The text .

Ephes. 1.3 . Blessed bee God , euen the father of our Lorde Iesus Christ : which hath blessed vs with all spirituall blessings , in heauenly things in Christ .

4. As hee hath chosen vs , in him , before the foundation of the world : that wee should bee holie and without blame before him in loue .

5. Who hath predestinated vs , to bee adopted thorow Iesus Christ , vnto himselfe : according to the good pleasure of his will .

6. To the praise of the glorie of his grace , wherewith hee hath made vs accepted in his beloued .

7. By whom we haue redemption through his blood : euen the forgiuenes of sinnes , according to his rich grace .

8. Whereby hee hath been aboundant toward vs , in all wisdome and vnderstanding .

9. And opened vnto vs the mysterie of his will , according to the good pleasure , which he had purposed in him .

10. That in the dispensation of the fulnes of times ; he might gather together in one , all thinges , both which are in heauen , and which are in earth .

In shewing the Catechisme out of this text , I will follow this order . In the middle , by interpretation I will poynte out the golden steppes of this heauenly * * Gen. 28.12 . ladder , by which the elect doe walke vp into heauen : and in the margin the particular poyntes of doctrine , as the goodly * * 1. King . 10.18 . Lions on both side of the steps of Salomons throne , which with little marking , thou maist perceiue to offer themselues , The poynts of doctrine . in the meaning of the words .

The interpretation or ladder .

Ver. 3. HEre is the top of Salomons throne : for hee sheweth in this verse , the state of all faithfull Christians in this life , after their effectuall calling : that they haue , as it were , liuery and sesin of that heauenly kingdome . Where the blessing is that of Abraham Gen. 22. communicated vnto them by the a a The trinitie . spirite : and it is described by the author a a The trinitie . God the b b Christ in his person , Gods sonne , in office Lord Iesus & Christ . i annoynted Sauiour , king , priest , and prophet . Father , of our a a The trinitie . Lorde Iesus Christ : and by the nature of it , which is heauenly , which may be translated , as chap. 2.6 . heauenly places . because the c c The state of beleeuers : to bee heires of heauen . blessing is to make vs heyres of heauen by hope , as is expounded verse 13.14 . and Titus . 3.7 . and it is set forth by the meanes which is a a Christ the meanes . Christ , namely , that being in Christ , we haue this blessing , Gal. 3.14 . and it is saide , all spirituall blessings , because b b The Spirit the worker . by the spirite all giftes necessarie to eternall life , are giuen vs , 1. Pet. 1.3 . and he teacheth them to prayse c c God the author . God as the author , saying . Blessed be God , &c.

Hauing shewed that the faithfull , are set by Christ , thorow the spirit , in the state of saluation , as it were translated from death to life : now in the rest hee sheweth the proceeding of the causes , as the steppes by which GOD bringeth vs vnto this , and so in the accomplishment of all the elect , vnto the perfection of ioye , in the life to come .

Verse 4. He sheweth the first steppe : d d The first cause of saluation , chosen before the world was . God doth chuse them : this is declared by the time , that is , before all time : and by the e e God in chosing looked not on worke or faith foreseene , but on his sonne . mouing cause in Christ , & by the f f Godly life an effect , not a cause of saluation . end , that we should be holy , &c.

Verse 5. He sheweth here a second cause or degree ; which is , g g The second cause of saluation , adoption thorow Christ Adoption , that is , God would take vs to bee his children , which is set forth , by the repetition of the first cause , h h They that are adopted , were first predestinated . predestination , which is generall to election and reprobation , namely , that out of it came adoption , that is , God set downe by decree , whom he would make his children thorow Christ , which is called the sure foundation of God , 2. Tim. 2.19 . and this illustrated by another i i The good pleasure of Gods will , the mouing cause of predestination to adoption . mouing cause , which is the good pleasure of his will .

Verse . 6. The former cause is here amplified by the last k k The glory of God the finall cause . final : the glorie of Gods grace . Which l l The grace of God a third cause . grace is made a third and speciall working cause , bringing forth a fourth , which is our m m Iustification a fourth cause . iustification , for hee saith that with n n If it bee of grace , it is not now of works . Rom. 11.6 . grace he maketh them accepted ; and to bee accepted , is alone with iustified , and his grace being the cause thereof , sheweth that wee are freely iustified by his grace , Rom. 3.24 . And lastly , that we may know this iustifying to be o o We are iustified by grace thorow faith in Christ . by faith in Christ , he addeth him , as the materiall cause in all these causes , terming him beloued , by excellencie , because for his sake God doth these things .

Verse 7. The a a Redemption by Christs bloud , a fift cause . fift cause of our saluation is redemption by Christs blood , & this is declared by the b b Forgiuenes of sinnes , part of redemption . His bloud sheweth Christ a naturall man . effect , forgiuenes of sinnes , which sheweth how Christ is the meanes of our iustification , namely in that hee payed the ransome for our sinnes : and so wee being forgiuen , are accounted iust for his sake , as is opened , 2. Cor. 5.17.20.21 . which is amplified by repetition of the working cause , his grace : c c Rich is the grace of God in forgiuenes of sinnes . which for the exceeding greatnes is called rich .

Verse 8.9 . Here he sheweth a d d The preaching of the Gospell , a sixt cause . sixt cause , euen the instrument , by which he applieth all these causes vnto vs : which is the preaching of the Gospell called here , e e The Gospell is the opening of the mistery of Gods will , in all wisdome and vnderstanding . The opening of the mystery of his will : So expounded , cap. 3.4 , 5 , 6. Coloss. 1.25.26 . Which thing is set forth , first , by the cause : whereby , that is his grace : secondly , by the order of it , that it was aboundant in all wisdome and vnderstanding : thirdly , the f f The preaching of the gospell , commeth of Gods grace and good pleasure . repetition of one mouing cause , The good pleasure of his will : and lastly , by the first cause , his g g Preaching of the gospell , ordained of Gods purpose . purpose : wherein he regarded nothing but Christ , wherefore hee saith in him : that is , as God purposed in his good pleasure to elect and adopt these happie soules in Christ : so did he in that purpose appoynt the meanes ; which is the preaching of the Gosspell .

Verse 10. The h h Our effectuall calling , the seuenth cause . last cause , which is the effectuall calling , named the i i All the faithfull gathered into one . gathering into one . The greeke word signifieth the gathering of dispersed things , into one entire or summe , namely , that where we be in all ages , as sheep going astray , we are called by the gospell , and gathered by fayth vnto Christ our shepheard ; into one felowship or bodie : which then shall be k k There is a certaine number of the elect , which shall be made full vp in Christ . perfected , when the whole number of the elect , being accomplished , we shall all meete with Christ , and hee made meruellous in all that beleeue , Ephes. 4.12 , 13. which calling is set forth by two argumentes . First , by the times , wherein there is a a a The faithfull called in all times & ages . dispensation of times , and a b b In the end of time all the elect shall be one with Christ . fulnes of times : which sheweth that God calleth and gathereth his elect , in many times , as before the law and vnder the law , and in the time of the Gospell , wherein the whole world shal be gathered And therefore is called by excellencie the fulnes of times : Gal. 4.4 . and when all shall be gathered , then the times shall be full , Rom. 11.25.26 . c c There is but one Christ to saue all of all times and nations . Secondly , by a distribution of the things to bee gathered , which are the elect : some in d d If out of heauen and earth , then there is no Limbus patrum , nor Purgatorie . heauen , some still founde on the earth , till the whole summe be called and gathered . Now e e The Catholike Church is the companie of beleeuers in Christ in heanenand ea●th . all these some at one time and some at another being gathered , shall bee vnited vnto Christ , and then being perfect , they shall all be partakers of his glorie , and he shall giue vp his kingdome to his father . 2. Thess. 2.14 . 1. Cor. 15.24 .

Now here the master may learne to set all these causes in their right order of place , out of Rom. 8.30 . Whom he predestinated , them also he called : and whom he called , them also he iustified : and whom he iustified , them also he glorified . Where vnder predestinated be contained , his purpose , the good pleasure of his will & election before the foundation of the world . All the rest is the performance of that predestination : As first the calling , by which is not meant the outward calling onely : but also the inward calling , which Christ sheweth in this posie : * * Matth. 22.14 Many are called , but few are chosen . For there is a generall calling by preaching to many , and an effectuall calling ( accompanying preaching ) by the spirit , in a few . Vnder this calling are contained , the sending of Christ , the preaching of Christs Gospel , the worke of the spirit , making vs to beleeue in him sent and preached , the new birth and renewing of the holy Ghost : For none are truly called , but they in whom all these meet . The second worke of performance , is in this word instified : vnder which is contained our redemption , forginenes of sinnes , and imputation of righteousnes , which is the accepting of vs in Christ ; the peace with God , adoption , the companion of iustification which is sanctification , and his daughters ioy in the holie Ghost , standing in grace , &c. Lastly , is glorified , by which is meant the finall gathering into one of all the elect vnto saluation , with Christ ; when it shall be no small part of happines , to bee holie and without blame before God : ( hauing no neede of earthly garments to couer our shame ) and to praise God for the glory of his grace , raigning with him in fulnes of ioy for euer & euer . 1. Thess. 3 13 Reuel. 22.1.2.3.4.7 . and 22.1.2 &c. and 20.6 . Euen so Lord Iesus come quickly . Amen .

The second booke , containing the last order of instruction .

COncerning this last and largest Catechisme , An obsernation to the housholder . I am to admonish the master of the familie : First , that I set downe in seuerall places and chapters , seuerall and particular places of Scripture , for the teaching of the seuerall parts of doctrine . The text is alway set before the doctrine not in the words , as in the former Catechismes , but onely the name of the booke , chapter , verse , or verses , where the words are written : which he is to peruse and to compare with the parts of doctrine which I set downe ; and then to reade it to his familie , and out of it being read , to shew them so much as I set downe out of it . Secondly , hee shall finde in some poynts , that they are not so direct , or expressed in the text , but are gathered by circumstance or consequence . Such as Christ * * Matth. 22.31 vsed , to prooue the resurrection , if God call himselfe the God of Abraham , &c. and that he bee God of the liuing and not of the dead : then verily there is a resurrection appoynted for the dead . Againe , wee finde that God hath * * Ephes. 1.4.11 elected some vnto saluation before the foundation of the world , and that he doth thorowly bring to passe whatsoeuer he hath purposed . And againe we finde that * * Luke . 13.23 , 24 , 25. 26. some shall not bee saued : then it followeth , that God neuer purposed their saluation , and by consequent he purposed the contrarie : except wee will make God , as a a a Luke 14.28 . foolish builder , that doth not forecast what hee will doe with euery part of that hee buildeth : or els imagine some b b Eccles. 7.15.16 . other power to take order in his ouerslippes , or els c c Esay 40.12 , 13 , 14 , 15. giue him some counsellers or helpers ; which is as the foolish hath sayd in his heart , Psal. 14.1 . Now because he should not stumble at a thing that seemes so bare , I will adde in euery such place , some one or two plaine places of holy scripture , to proue the matter of such a collection agreeing to faith : and these shall be alwayes in the end , or behind euery such poynt . Also some one poynt by reason of the order of his place , may not bee contained in the text by any collection , and some may be directly in the text , but not so cleere and plaine . Here I will also helpe the master with some other place direct and plaine , and by some one word guide him to discerne when any thing is not in the text . Lastly , in teaching this Catechisme , hee may sometimes giue them some one chapter : sometimes two for their easines ; sometimes but a part of one , for length or hardnes ; and in all things to vse good discretion . Al which rules being obserued , hee shall finde I hope good vse of this Catechisme .

The last Catechisme , containing the summe of the doctrine of Christ : by many places of Scripture .
CAP. 1. Of the doctrine of Christ . What.

Titus . 1.1.2 . The doctrine of Christ is the knowledge of the trueth , according to godlines : vnder the hope of eternall life , teaching the nature and actions of God .

CAP. 2. Of the nature of God .

Ioh. 4.24 . Exod. 3.14 . Reuel. 1.8 . God is a spirit , being of himselfe , for euer .

Ioh. 15.26 . There are three persons in the Godhead , equall in substance . The Father of whom are the rest , in these words , sent from the father . The Sonne begotten of the Father from euerlasting . Ioh. 1.18 . and 17.5 . The holy Ghost proceedeth from them both , in these words , I will send , and proceedeth from the father . 2. The Father worketh of himselfe by the Sonne , and thorow the holy Ghost : the Sonne worketh from the Father thorow the holy Ghost : the holy Ghost worketh from the Father and the Sonne . Tit. 3.4.5.6 .

CAP. 3. Of the actions of God . Gods decree .

Eph. 1.11 . Here the actions of God are declared : which are of two sorts . 1. The decree , which is , that he foreappoynted all things , in these words ; purpose and counsell of his will , after which he worketh all things . 2. The execution of the decree , which is , that he performeth all things according to his purpose , in these words , worketh all things .

Here in regard of man this decree is called predestination , which is the foreordaining of some men to saluation , expressely : and some to damnation , by consequent . Iud vers. 4. Pro. 16.4 . 1. Pet. 2.8 . The performance of this predestination , is by election in Christ , expressely , & by reprobation from Christ , by consequent ; such as refuse Christ . Ioh. 8.42.43.47 .

CAP. 4. Of the execution of Gods decree .

Psalm. 33.6.7.8.9.10.11 . The execution of Gods decree is , that he performeth his eternal purpose , by creating all things , vers. 6.7.8 . By gouerning all things in their times & seasons . vers. 10.11 .

CAP. 5. Of the creation .

Gen. chap. 1. and chap. 2. These two chapters teach vs . 1. God made all things by his word of nothing . 2. In sixe daies . 3. Man in the sixt day . 4. God made man and woman , that is , male and female in one day , cap. 1.26.27 . 5. God made man of the dust of the earth , touching his body , and breathed in him his soule : so he had both body & soule . cap. 2.7 6. The woman was made of the man : God cast him in a deepe sleepe , took out one of his ribbes and closed vp the flesh , and of the ribbe made the woman : the mans name was Adam , the womans , Eue : chap. 2.21.22 . chap. 3.20 . 7. The excellencie of man aboue other earthly creatures , is in two thinges . 1. They were created after the image of God , which shineth principally in the soule , chap. 1.27 . which is in knowledge , Coloss. 3.10 . and practise of holines & righteousnes , Eph. 4.24 . 2. They were created in most perfect happines , where vnto the image of God these things were ioyned ; they had authoritie and Lordship ouer the creatures , chap. 1.28 . they were so beautifull , that being naked they were not ashamed . cap. 2.25 .

CAP. 6. Gouernment before the fall .

Gen. cap. 2. God placed man in a most pleasant place of the world , called the garden of Eden . vers. 15.

2. He gaue him commandement to keepe and to dresse the garden . vers. 15.

3. He gaue him the tree of life in the middest of the garden , as a Sacrament , that if hee continued in well doing , he should liue for euer . vers. 9. cap. 3.22 .

4. He gaue him this order : he might take of all the trees in the garden , except the tree of knowledge of good and euill , and in that day he should eate thereof he should dye the death . vers. 16.17 .

5. Hee instituted marriage , to bee of one man and one woman : that they two should be one flesh . vers. 24.

CAP. 7. The fall of man .

Gen. 3. In this chapter , the storie of the fall of man is set forth , in these poynts .

1. The diuell abusing the tongue of a serpent , entised the woman Eue , and she did eate of the forbidden fruite , and she gaue to her husband Adam , & he did eate : and so the commandement of God was broken . ver. 1.2.3 . &c.

2. By this disobedience , Adam and Eue , and all mankind were dead in finne , and vnder damnation of bodie and soule , that is , hee lost his excellencie , and became ashamed of himselfe , vers. 7.8.9.10 . expounded Eph. 2.1.2.3 . Rom. 5.12.13.14 .

3. To make man to see his owne miserie : God cursed the earth for his sake , that it shuld bring forth briers , thistles and thornes ; made the man to get his liuing with toile and paine , till hee dyed : the woman with sorrowe and griefe to bring forth and bring vp her children : and banished them both out of the garden of Eden , vers. 16.17 . &c.

CAP. 8. Gouernment after the fall : The restoring of man : The two couenants .

Iere. 31.31.32.33.34 . This place teacheth : 1. For the restoring of man , from the death of sinne and damnation : God made two couenants : the couenant of workes , and the couenant of mercie . 2. The couenant of works is , that God will be our God , if wee keepe all his commaundements , vers. 31.32 . 3. The couenant of mercie is , God will bee our God , by forgiuenes of sinnes thorow Christ , and write his lawes in our hearts , vers. 33.34 . Heb. 10.12.13.15.16 . 4. We are not saued by the couenant of workes , that is , by keeping of Gods commandements : for no man can do them , vers. 32. But wee are saued by the couenant of mercie , that is , by beleefe in Iesus Christ , by whom our sins are forgiuen , vers. 33.34 . Rom. 8.3 . Eph. 2.8.9 .

CAP. 9. Of the first couenant , which is of workes , and the true force and perpetuall vse of the law .

Rom. 3.10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21. The lawe bewrayeth sinfulnes ; pronounceth vs guiltie , maketh vs vnable to open our mouthes , to claime any things at Gods hand , for our owne righteousnes or well dooing : that we might run vnto Christ in the couenant of mercie , to be iustified , and saued by beleefe in him , Gal. 3.21.22 .

Ephes. 2.8 , 9 , 10. Although we cannot bee saued or iustified by our workes or well-dooing : yet God hath ordayned , the good workes commanded in his lawe , for those , who shall be saued by the couenant of mercie , to walke in : as a perpetuall rule of right liuing to all beleeuers , 1. Thess. 4.2.3.4 . with 1. Ioh. 3.6 , 7 , 8

Here the ten Commaundements are to be expounded .

CAP. 10. Of the couenant of mercie , and the mediator thereof .

2. Cor. 5.19 . This teacheth the order of the couenant of mercie : namely thus . God calleth vs by his Gospell vnto his mercie thorow Christ , and offereth to reconcile vs vnto himselfe , thorow him , by forgiuenes of sinnes : and we are in couenant with him , when he giueth vs faith in Christs blood , Rom. 3.25 . Gal. 4.4.5 . This place sheweth the mediator Christ ; by his person , and office . His person : that he is the sonne of God , made man : that is to say : perfect GOD and perfect man , in one person : man , to be like his bretheren , as Heb. 2.17 . God , to be holy , harmeles , &c. as Heb. 7.26 . His office , to be the mediator of the couenant of mercie , in that by his death , he redeemeth vs from vnder the lawe , to bee made the children of God .

Psal. 110.1 , 2 , 3 , 4. This text sheweth the parts of Christs office of mediatorship , namely , that hee should bee King , verse 1.2.3 . and Priest . verse 4.

CAP. 11. Of the Priesthoode of Christ .

1. Pet. 3.18.19 . This declareth that Christs Priesthoode is fulfilled in two points : 1. in his perfect obedience , as a iust and holy man vnto death , and all other priestly actions thereunto adioyned , verse 18. Secondly , in his propheticall function , verse 19.

Rom. 8.33.34 . This declareth the priestlie actions of Christ , to be of two sortes : 1. the sacrifice of his death , and his resurrection , to put away our sinnes , and to make vs righteous , Rom. 4.25 . 2. sitting at the right hand of God to make intercession for vs .

CAP. 12. Of the Kingdome of Christ , and namely before , and vntill the last iudgement .

Ephes. 4.11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16. Here is the kingly office of Christ described . 1. Hee is head of his church , who nourisheth it , and furnisheth it in all things , verse . 16.

2. This furniture is in the applying of the workes of his priesthood , both before , and vntill the last iudgement , and at the iudgement , verse 11.12.13 .

3. Before the iudgement , in two thinges : first , the outward pollicie and administration of his Church , vers. 11.12 . Secondly , the inward worke of his spirite , verse . 11.16 .

4. The outward pollicie is administred , by officers ; who are men furnished with giftes , to worke in the building of the Church , verse 11.12 . and these are of two sortes : first , such as teach knowledge , vnto which are most commonly ioyned the administration of publike prayers and Sacraments , as Act. 6.4 . Matth. 28.19 . And these I finde to be either extraordinary , as Apostles , the founders of the church , Ephe. 2.20 . and their assistants , prophets and Euangelists , Colos. 1.1.2 . Tim. 4.5 . or else ordinary , as pastors to teach by exhortation , and teachers , to vtter doctrine , Rom. 12.2.8 . Secondly , such as are for practise of life , namely , elders to bee gouernours , 1. Cor. 12.28 . and Deacons to looke to the poore , Act. 6.1 , 2 , 3. and for this cause he hath ordained the eldership , Matth. 18.17 . 1. Tim. 4.14 .

5. The inward worke of his spirit , is faith vnfayned , and knowledge , verse 13. and the fruites of faith , which bee our growing into Christ ; increasing by his grace ; loue to edifie each other , vers. 15.16 .

Rom. 5.1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5. Here we be taught further fruites of faith , wrought by the spirit : first , that wee bee iustified , to haue peace towards God , ver. 1. Secondly , adopted , to haue accesse to God , ver. 2. so opened , Rom. 8.14 . & of this commeth ioy vnspeakeable , vers. 2. with patience , vers. 3. and hope by the feeling of Gods loue , to make vs bold , verse 4 , 5.

CAP. 13. Of the seales of the couenant or Sacraments .

Ephes. 5.25 , 26 , 27. & 1. Cor. 10.17 . These two places teach the doctrine of the sacraments .

1. A sacrament is a signe to represent , and a seale to applie vnto all beleeuers , the couenant of mercy : out of both , and is expounded , Rom. 4.11 .

2. There be two , Baptisme and the Lords supper .

3. Baptisme is a signe and seale of our admission into the couenant , by the new birth and renewing of the holy ghost , this is in the first place , to which agreeth , Tit. 3.5 .

The Lordes supper , is a signe and seale for the continuall confirming of vs in the same couenant , this is in the latter place .

CAP. 14. Of the last iudgement .

Matth. 25.31 , 32. &c. This shadoweth out the second part of the administration of Christs kingdom , which is the last iudgement . Where we may learne two things .

1. The manner of Christes comming vnto iudgement , namely in glory with all his holy Angels , vers. 31.

2. The iudgement it selfe which is in two points : 1. The wonderfull meeting ; first of the iudge Christ sitting in the throne of his glory , vers. 31. Then of the persons to be iudged ; All nations , vers. 32. That is , all the dead raised in their bodies , and all the liuing chaunged , 1. Corm . 15.52 . 2. In the Sentence Iudiciall , which is generall or common , that euerly one shall bee rewarded according to his workes , vers. 35.42 . with 2. Cor 5.10 . and also speciall or peculiar , for some are pronounced , Blessed , to inherite euerlasting life ; ver. 34.46 . & some cursed , to goe into eternal paine , vers. 41.46 ,

1 Cor. 15.24.25.26.27.28 . This text teacheth , 1. Thereshall be an end when all rule , authoritie , and power is put downe , vers. 24.

2. Christ kingdome lasteth , till all enemies to him and his Church be destroyed , ver. 25.

3. The last enemie is death , which shall be swallowed vp of life , vers. 26.

4. At the end he shall giue vp his kingdom to God his father , and so ( touching his manhood ) he shall bee subiect himselfe , that God may be all in all , vers. 24.27.28 .

A short and plaine opening of the tenne Commandements .

THe tenne Commandements teach and command all dueties belonging to God and man , in two tables . The first table is of our duetie to God , in foure precepts , shewing what we must do to his person , and in his outward worship .

1. The first precept teacheth , that we owe vnto the person of God , to set him onely vp as the true God , first in our hearts , by true knowledge of his diuine nature , attributes , Trinitie , Gal. 4.8 . and by a sure confidence in him , to hope , loue , delight , reuerence and feare him aboue things , Phil. 3.19 . Eph. 5.5 . and secondly , by our outward profession , as Ion. 1.9 . and in all our workes . Pro. 3.6 . His outward worship is in two things : 1. The meanes . 2. The right applying of the meanes .

2. The second precept teacheth the meanes , which being negatiue and naming but one thing of mans deuise , forbiddeth all mans inuentions , in the outward worship of God : & commandeth onely that which God prescribeth , which is either ordinary meanes : as diuine adoration , Psal. 95.6 . The vse of his name either simply , Psal. 68.4 . or in an oth , Exod. 22 11. meditation on his creatures , Psalm . 145.1 . praier & thanksgiuing , Psal. 50.15 . the Sacraments , Mat. 28.19 . and his order in his church , Coloss. 2.5 . or extraordinary , as fasting , Ioel. 2. feasting , Ester 9. vowing , Gen. 28.20 . and in a lot , Prouer. 16.33 .

The right applying of the meanes of Gods worship , is either in the right vse euery day , or els in the vse of one day in seuen .

3. The third precept , commandeth vs euery day to vse reuerently the outward meanes of Gods worship , putting a part which is his name , for the whole being of the sam● kind , and by forbidding the euill commanding the good , which is to bee obserued before and in the action , and after the action with profite . Leuit. 24.11 . 1. Cor. 11.28.34 . Ezech. 33.30.31.32 .

4. The fourth precept teacheth the vse of one day in seuen , to bee put apart from all our owne workes , to be dedicated to the worship of God . In the congregation by the worke of the ministrie , and at home in applying the same to the familie . Act. 20.7 . Deut. 6.6 .

The second table is of our dutie to man , in sixe precepts , which either regard the outward action with consent of will in 5. or els of desire onely in the last .

The 5. are either speciall dueties , or els generall .

5. The fift precept teacheth speciall duties ; by a part for the whole , and by proportion , commanding all duties of superiours to inferiours and contrary , and of equals , where this any speciall bond or respect , requiring a speciall dutie . 2. Sam. 15. 1. Pet. 3.1.7.8 . Loue as brethren . Generall duties belong either to a mans person , or the things pertaining to him .

6. The sixt precept teacheth duties to our neighbours person : commanding by a negatiue of euill , to procure the safetie of our neighbours ●erson . Gen. 4.8 . Rom. 16.4 .

The things belonging to his person , are either in him , or without him .

7. The seuenth precept , teacheth our dutie to the things in our neighbour , as his body , 1. Cor. 6.18 . by a negatiue of ill commaunds the pure and vndefiled vsing of our neighbors bodie . 2. Sam. 11.2.3.4 . Gen. 39.8.9 . Without a man , are his goods and name .

8 The eight precept teacheth by a negatiue , that wee ought to preserue our neighbours goods . Exod. 23.4.5 .

9. The ninth precept teacheth by a negatiue , to tender our neighbours good name . Gen. 39.17 . Psal. 15.3 .

10. The tenth precept teacheth , that wee ought to doe al the former speciall and generall dueties , with all our thoughts and desires . 1. King . 21.12 . Iam. 4.1 . 1. Thess. 5.23 .

A briefe and easie opening of the sense of the Lords prayer , which pertaineth to the second Commandement , and is to be learned after the tenne Commandements .

THe Lords Prayer containeth sixe petitions , teaching vs to aske three requests pertaining to Gods glorie : and three for our owne necessities .

Concerning Gods glorie wee aske two things : that God be honored ; & the meanes .

1. The first petition teacheth vs to ●●ay that God may be honored in all things , Psa● 19.1 . 1. Cor. 10.31 .

The meanes of Gods honour are in regard of his kingdome and will .

2. The second petition teacheth vs to pray for the aduancement of Gods kingly regiment in all things , and specially in his Church . Psal. 93.1.2.3 . and Psal. 145.

3. The third petition teacheth vs to pray for the aduancement of Gods royall will in his decree in all thinges , and his word in his Church . Psal. 147.15.19 .

Concerning our selues , we aske things for the bodie and for the soule .

4. The fourth petition vnder the name bread , teacheth vs to aske whatsoeuer is necessary for this bodily life , as health , wealth , libertie , &c. Esay . 〈…〉 . For the soule wee neede forgiuenes of ●innes , and protection against Sathan . 〈…〉 of a●● 5. The fifth petition te●●earne of them to 〈…〉 the letter ●innes then in eight dayes they haue all the ●●●ings but it must bee in this order 〈…〉 , to know them wheresoeuer 〈…〉 be , in the booke , which therall our ghostly ein a quarter 〈◊〉 26.41 . Eph. 6.18 .

The conclusion of the last order .

AFter you haue passed thorow all these Catershismes , then is to be continued the daily rea●ing of holy ●cripture in order : beginning at the first chapter of Genesis and of Matthew : one chapter euery day of the olde Testament , and another of the new . In reading whereof marke two things . First , what words are for the confirmation of any poynt of doctrine before learned . And secondly , if any thing bee hard to vnderstand , dispute not about it , but aske your pastors helpe , or els some other godly minister of graue iudgement and grounded knowledge : so shall you increase with great ease and ioy , and auoyde the * * 2. Pet. 3.16 . rocke , of peruerting the Scriptures , to your owne destruction . And as leisure will serue , direct them to reade some other Catechismes and godly bookes . But aboue all things you must 〈…〉 familie to goe to the publike preaching : for that hath the 〈◊〉 the 〈…〉 * * 〈…〉 promise and blessing . And as oft as a 〈…〉 euery daye till three ●●meth into 〈◊〉 familie , if 〈…〉 thorow ; and last of al the is to 〈…〉 sixe , or eyght lines at 〈…〉 g●ea keepe the 〈…〉

Now last of 〈…〉 quest to all gouernours of 〈…〉 holders of all sorts , poore and rich , that they would cause al their houshold , men , women & children , to be able to reade the English tung . For this is a worthie meanes to 〈◊〉 much good in this so waightie a cause , & G●d hath giuen a marueilous blessing of printing to further his Gospell : and wee are very foolish , if wee let slip any blessing or comfort , which is giuen vs of our louing and gracious father . First therfore such as be able I would entreat , that they would also helpe their seruants in this knowledge , and rich men shall make it a laudable and holy vsurie , An holy vsury . to lay out some hundreth part of their superfluities towardes the helping of poore seruants , and poore mens children to learne to reade , and God will pay them againe a double and treble * * Pro 28.27 . An order for poore men & seruants to learne to reade without losse of time , paine or cost . interest . But to such as haue no other helpe or meanes , I thought good to teach an order , how they might learne with ease , because I would not willingly leaue out any thing that might further this holy purpose . If they can finde either 〈…〉 be , in the booke . which 〈◊〉 shall easily doe in a quarter of an houre , & I would not haue them 〈◊〉 any more . Then after they know the letters , ●●t them bestow the like time , in like order to learne three seuerall wordes , to spell th●● distinctly , to reade them , and to poynt to euery sillable , and to know them in any other place , being shewed by the teacher , now one and then another , and this to continue at the least three weekes , or a moneth : and herein not to couet any more but three seuerall and new words at one time , and that in this manner : if his first lesson be , In the name , and the next words be of the father , he must count the word , the , to be learned in his first lesson , therefore the second lesson must be , of father and : & where the next words are , of the holy Ghost , Amen , he must account , he hath learned the two first words , of the , in his former lessons , therefore his third lesson must be , holy Ghost , Amen . so keeping in minde what he hath learned , and learning new , hee should quickely learne to reade . Now after three weekes or a moneth , let him learne , in 〈…〉 and to keepe the points , 〈…〉 and by this time he 〈…〉 teacher , onely let him 〈…〉 make himselfe perfect , by 〈…〉 when he meeteth with a 〈…〉 out of himselfe by spelli●● 〈…〉 and aske some one th●● 〈…〉 cher . And whosoeuer 〈…〉ently follow , and cons●a●●● 〈…〉 himselfe to this order , 〈…〉 time attaine to reade●● 〈…〉nes , or any toyle to 〈…〉 or other , 〈◊〉 any great cost . Then hath he ●iewell , which once in his life may bee move comfort to him , then all hee hath , or all hee trauaileth for beside . And so I commend you to the Lorde our God , whome I beseech to make this my labour profitable and acceptable to his church for Iesus Christs sake : and that we may be fulfilled with knowledge of his will , in all wisdome and spirituall vnderstanding ; that we may walke worthie of the Lord , and please him in all things , and increasing in the knowledge of God . To whom bee all honor , praise and glorie for euer and euer , Amen ,

FINIS .