¶ The first part sheweth our miserie , and how by sinne we haue deserued Gods curse , and eternall damnation .

Q TO whom doest thou professe thy selfe to belong ?

A To the liuing God a a Gen. 1.1 . Act. 14.15 . maker of heauen & earth : whose b b Ephe. 2.10 . workmanship I am , for that hee hath made and created me .

Q. Wherefore hath God created thee ?

A. That I might serue to a a Ephe. 1.4.5 . his glorie , by doing his will in b b Ephe. 4.24 . righteousnesse and holinesse all my life .

Q. Did God then create man that he could doe his will ?

A. Yea verily , for he created man a a Gen. 1.27 . to the likenesse of his owne image , in true b b Col. 3.10 . Ephes. 4.24 . holinesse and righteousnesse .

Q. Canst thou then of thy selfe doe his will , and keepe his lawe ?

A. Nothing lesse , for in a a Rom. 5.18 . Adam we are all fallen from the state of innocencie , and b b Ephes. 2.3 . are by nature the children of wrath , c c Rom. 3.23 . and voyde of all grace , d d Rom. 6.20 . & seruants of sinne .

Q. What is sinne ?

A. It is the breach a a 1. Iohn . 3.4 . or transgression of Gods lawe .

Q. What is the reward of sinne ?

A. Eternal a a Rom. 6.23 . Mat. 25.41.46 . death and damnation both of body and soule .

Q. How commest thou to the knowledge of sinne ?

A. By a a Rom. 3.20 . & Rom. 7.7 . the lawe of God whiche I finde my selfe not able to performe , & therefore am guiltie of death .

Q. What is the lawe of God ?

A. It is a rule of perfect obedience , b b 1. The. 4.1.3 teaching vs howe to walke & please God , conteyned in the ten commaundements .

Q. Rehearse them .

Exod. 22. A. God spake and said : I am the Lord thy God , &c.

Q. What meaneth this Preface : I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the lande of Egipt , out of the house of bondage .

A. I note first , that God setteth down his authoritie before his law saying : I am the Lord , mouing vs to feare him alone : secondly , adding thy God , hee geueth foorth most louing promises of his mercies concerning this life , and the life to come , to moue vs to loue him alone , and trust onely in him : thirdly , repeating his benefites , he addeth matter of faith and thankfulnesse .

Q. How is this lawe deuided ?

A. Int● a a Mat. 22.37 39. Luke 1.75 1. Table . two principall heades , 2. Tables . or tables .

Q. What is conteyned in the first table ?

A. a a Luke 1.75 . Mat. 22.37 . Ephe. 4.24 . Holinesse , or the true woorship of God , commonly called our duetie to God , conteyned in the first foure commaundements .

Q. What teacheth the first commaundement : Thou shalt haue none other Gods before me .

A. It teacheth vs to honour a a Deut. 6.4 . God alone , that is to worship him with b b Deut. 10.12 20. feare , to beleeue in him , and call vppon him through faith , and testifie our c c Deut. 6.5 . Marc. 11.30 . loue toward him with thankesgiuing , hauing our d d Luke 10.27 . soule , hearte , minde , and thoughtes , consecrate vnto God , and forbiddeth vs to e e Deut. 18.9.10.11 . heare false teachers , or to regard sorcerers , witches , or anie such .

Q. What teacheth the 2. commandement , Thou shalte not make to thy , &c.

A. It teacheth vs that wee shoulde not liken God to a a Leuit. 26.1 . any creature whatsoeuer , nor woorship him in any similitude , neither after our o●●e phantazie , or by good intentes , not grounded on his worde , but onely b b Iohn 4.23 . in spirite and trueth , after the true c c Deut. 12.32 . rule of his worde .

Q. What teacheth the third commaundement , Thou shalt not take the name , & c ?

A. It forbiddeth vs to a a Ier. 5.7 . sweare be any creature whatsoeuer , or by Gods name b b Leuit. 19.12 falsely or c c Eccle. 19.1 . rashly , but in d d Iere. 4.2 . truth , iudgement , and iustice , with all e e Deu. 4.8.58 reuerence of his name , and chargeth vs with the care f f 1. Cor. 10.31 . Col. 3.17 . of gods glorie in hearing , speaking & thinking of his worde & works , and in all our doings .

Q. What teacheth the fourth commaundement : Remember thou keepe holy the Sabboth , & c ?

A. We are taught to a a Act. 20.7 . assemble to heare Gods worde , and vse his sacramentes with b b Rom. 4.11 . faith and c c Mat. 3.2.6 repentaunce , and to pray to him also to d d Esay 56.2 & 58.13 . rest from sinne , and our owne wayes , to profite in true mortification and sanctification e e Exod. 31.13 whiche God worketh in his Saintes .

Q. It seemeth then that these foure preceptes teache the true seruice due to God , now tell me what is taught in the second table ? The 2. Table .

A. The second table teacheth vs a a Luke 1.75 Mat. 22.39 Ephe. 4.24 righteousnesse , or our duetie to men in the Lorde , conteyning the sixe last commaundements .

Q. What learne we in the first commandement : Honour thy Father , & c ?

A. We learne to feare , loue , a a Leuit. 19.3 and obey our Parentes , b b Exod. 22.28 Princes , c c Rom. 13.1.2 Gouernours , teachers , d d 1. Thes. 5.12 Pastours , Maisters and e e Leui. 19.32 Elders , and all our betters . Finally , it teacheth all superiors to be as fathers to their inferiours , & the inferiours to obey in the Lord .

Q. What teacheth the sixt commandement , Thou shalt doe no murther , & c ?

A. It teacheth vs to shun al occasion of discord , in thought , deed , and worde , all quarrelling , fighting , a a Leuit. 19.17 18. 1. Iohn 3.15 hatred , or desire of reuengement , and teacheth to do b b Mat , 5.43.44 . good to all men , euen to our enemies .

Q. What teacheth the seuenth commaundement : Thou shalt not commit adultry ?

A. It forbiddeth all a a Ephe. 5.3 . fornication , b b Leuit. 18.12 vnorderly , and wanton lusts , c c Ephe. 5.4 . talkes & songs , proud d d Deut. 11.12 apparrell , lechery , drunkennesse , excesse and e e Ezec. 16.49 idlenesse . Finally , all occasions leading to vncleannes , & requireth all sobernesse , chastity , and temperancie .

Q. What teacheth the eight : Thou shalt not steale , & c ?

A. It forbiddeth all a a Exod. 25.14 17. deceite , b b Ier. 8.10.15 couetousnesse & c c 1. Thes. 4.6 . iniury in any dealing , & in all callinges , and commaundeth all true & d d Leui. 19.13 . iust dealing in iudgement , measure , & weight , & teacheth euerye man to bee content with his estate e e Ephes. 4.28 . and to helpe others .

Q. What teacheth the nienth commaundement : Thou shalte not beare false & c ?

A. It forbiddeth all a a Exod. 23.1 . Psal. 15.3 . hearing , and b b Leui. 19.16 . speaking of slaunders and vntruthes against our neighbours , all flattering , lying , vpbrayding , and dissembling , and chargeth vs with the care of the good name of our neighbour , and charitablie to witnesse the truth to the establishing of loue .

Q. What teacheth the tenth commaundement : Thou shalte not couet thy , & c ?

A. It teacheth that not only a consent to the desires of euill , is sinne , but the motion of sinne it selfe is against Gods a a Rom. 8.7 . & 7.7 . Gal. 5.17 . lawe , and bewrayeth our concupiscence , and conuinceth vs of the breach of the lawe .

Q. Sith then that wee cannot obserue the law , to what vse serueth it ?

A. To shewe a a Gal. 3.19 man his weakenesse , to b b Rom. 3.20 & 7.7 . accuse and condemne man , and maketh the faithfull to c c Gal. 3.24 flee to Christ , and acknowledge the free grace of God to bee the onely cause of their health , it increaseth the knowledge of Gods wil in them , d d Gal. 2.16.19 humbleth the flesh , and stirreth vp the spirite to e e Heb. 8.10.11 obedience by Gods spirite , whiche maketh the lawe f f Psal. 19.17 profitable & sweete to the faithfull .

The second part teaching how we are freed from the curse , and the law satisfied .

Q. BY what meanes then is the law satisfied , and this curse answered for vs ?

A. God of his infinite a a Ioh. 3.16 loue , in the b b Gal. 4.4.6 fulnesse of time , sent his sonne made of a woman , and subiect to the law , and redeemed vs from the slauerye of it , c c 2. Cor. 5.19 reconciling vs to God by not imputing our sinnes vnto vs , and so was d d Rom. 8.3.4 2. Cor. 5.21 made sinne for vs , that we in him might be righteous before GOD , and so e e Gal. 3.13 freed from this curse , and the law satisfied .

Q. It seemeth then that we obtayne not righteousnesse by the law .

A. No verily , but a a Gal. 2.16 . & 3.11.12 . by fayth in Iesus Christ , b b Gen. 15.6 Rom. 4.13.16 in whom our faith is counted for righteousnesse .

Q. What is faith then ?

A : It is a certaine a a Ephe. 4.13 . 1. Ioh. 5.23 knowledge & sure b b Mar. 11.22 perswasion of the free good will of God towardes vs in Christ , c c Heb. 8.10 sealed in our hearts by his spirite .

Q. How come we by faith ?

A. By a a Ioh. 17.8.20 Rom. 10.17 hearing the worde of God preached .

Q. Haue we faith then by bare hearing of the word ?

A. No , but it is the a a Ioh. 6.44 Ephe. 6.23 . & 2.8 . Phil. 2.13 woorke of Gods spirite in vs .

Q. Is faith then needfull ?

A. Yea , a a Mar. 16.16 Iohn . 8.24 for without faith we cannot be saued .

Q. What profit then haue wee by faith ?

A. Wee are a a Rom. 3.23 . & 5.1 . iustified thereby & b b Iohn 1.12 . Gal. 3.26 . made the sonnes of God .

Q. Rehearse the summe of this thy faith ?

A. I beleeue in God the Father almightie . & c ?

Q. What is the briefe summe of all this ?

A. I learne foure thinges : first that God a a Gen. 1.1 Ephe. 4.6 Deut. 32.58 Mat. 2.10 . the father is creatour and preseruer of al things in heauen & earth . Secondly , that God the sonne b b Ioh. 3.16.17 Gal. 4.5 . 1. Ioh. 2.12 is redeemer of the world . Thirdly , that God c c 2. Thes. 2.13 1. Pet. 1.2 . the holy Ghost is the sanctifier of his people . Fourthly , that by this meanes GOD hath d d Ephe. 5.26 purchased to himselfe a Churche , and made it holy to serue his glory in life

Q. Are there three Gods that thou namest , God the father , God the sonne , and God the holy Ghost ?

A. No verily , but a a Ephe. 4.6 one onely eternall God , in one essence and being , yet b b Mat. 4.16.17 . & 28.19 1. Iohn 5.7 distinguished in three persons , because of their seuerall operations , effects and properties .

1. part . Q. Why is the first person in trinitie called father ?

A. Because hee hath a a Gen. 1.1 . created all things , and b b Ioh. 20.17 . 1. Iohn 3.1 . adopted the faithfull to be his children in Christ .

Q. Why is he sayde to be almightie ?

A. Because his power is ouer all thinges , and ruleth them all by a a Ier. 10.13 . He. 1.3 . & 11.3 2. Pet. 3.5.6 his word .

Q. Why is he called maker of heauen and earth ?

A. Not onely because he made heauen and earth , and all thinges in them , but also because hee a a Esay . 40.26 . Ier. 10.12.13 ordereth , and b b Esay 42.5 . preserueth them all by his prouidence .

Q. What followeth in the second article , 2. part . and in Iesus Christ his onely sonne our Lord ?

A. Here beginneth the history of our redemption , wrought by the second person in trinity , God the sonne .

Q. What signifieth this worde Iesus ?

A. It signifieth a a Mat. 1.21 a Sauiour .

Q. Why is Christ called a Sauiour ?

A. Because hee Mat. 1.21 saueth his people from all their sinnes .

Q. What doeth this worde Christ signifie ?

A. It signifieth annoynted , and is so called because hee was annoynted with a a Psal. 45.7 Ioh. 3.34 . the holy Ghost , to bee the b b Luke . 1.32 king , c c Psal. 110.4 Heb. 4.14 . priest and d d Luke 24.10 Heb. 1.2 prophet to GOD his father .

Q. What is his kingdom ?

A. It is spirituall and a a Iohn 18.36 heauenly , wherby he gouerneth his church by his word and spirite , and b b Col. 1.13 Heb. 2.14 triumpheth ouer Satans kingdom in c c Col. 1.22 Heb. 1.3 1 Pet. 2.24 his owne person for vs .

Q. What profite haue we by his kingdome ?

A. We haue a a Luke 1.71.74 . Rom. 8.2.15 libertie of conscience , regeneration , b b Ephe. 6.16 Apoc. 12.11 strength and victorie against Satan , death , hell and sin , and finally , are made c c Ephe. 4.7.8 . partakers of Christ his graces and spirituall treasures .

Q. Why is he called a priest ?

A. Because he was the a a Heb. 2.17 & 9.11.12 true high priest , to offer his own bodie a sacrifice for our sinnes .

Q. What doth his priesthoode profite vs ?

A. It assureth vs that he is our a a Rom. 8.24 Heb. 7.25 mediatour , to reconcile vs to God , and satisfie for our sins , & to b b Rom. 5.2 Ephe. 2.18 make an entry for vs , to come c c Rom. 8.15 before our God with boldnes , to pray to him , & d d Heb 13.15 1. Pet 2.5 offer spirituall sacrifices .

Q. Why is he called a Prophet ? Esay 55.4 Heb. 1.1 .

A. Because he is the full interpreter of his Fathers will vnto vs .

Q. What profiteth it vs to beleeue this ?

A. Much verily : for hereby our faith is stayed on the a a Iohn 3.33.34 Heb. 1.2 . & 2 3 doctrine of Christ , so that we looke for no other doctrine or reuelations then his gospell though b b Gal. 1.8 . reuealed from heauen by an Angell .

Q. Sith thou callest Christ the only sonne of GOD , howe is it that the faithfull are also the sonnes of God ?

A. Christ is onely the sonne a a Iohn 1.18 . & 3.16 . of God by nature , b b Gal. 4.5.6 . Ephe. 1.5 the faithfull by grace & adoption in Christ .

Q. Why is he called our Lord ?

A. Because he is the a a Ephe. 1.22 . & 4.15 . Col. 1.18 onely head of his Church , and b b Apoc. 17.14 . ruler of men and Angels , and we are assured of his defence .

Q. What teacheth the 3. Article : whiche was conceiued by the holye Ghost , borne of the Virgin Mary ?

A. It teacheth that as Christ was a a Rom. 9.5 Col. 2.9 . perfect God , so hee was also perfect b b Mat. 5.25 . man c c Gal. 4.4 . borne of a woman , yet by a holye seede , that hee may d d Heb. 2.11 . sanctifye others .

Q. Was it needfull that he must be both God and man ?

A. Yea , or els he could not be a Sauiour for man , for the a a Gal. 2.9 . godhead dwelt in him bodily , that so in b b Heb. 2.14 . our nature , he might by death destroy the power of Sathan and sinne , and c c Gal. 3.13 . beare our curse .

Q. What profite haue we by his manhood ?

A. Christ therein discharged vs a a He. 2.14.17 of his fathers anger , and in taking our nature , b b Iohn 1.16 . Ephe. 2.5.6 . parteth to vs his graces .

Q. What learnest thou in the fourth article : He suffered vnder Pontius Pilate , was crucifyed , dead , and buried : hee descended into hell .

A. We learne what anguish of death Christ the a a 1. Pet. 3.18 . iust suffered on the crosse for vs that are vniust , that we might be healed b b 1. Pet. 2.24 . by his stripes .

Q. Wherefore did Christ thus suffer and die ?

A. For our a a Rom. 4.2.6 sinnes .

Q. What profite haue wee by his death ?

A. The a a Ephe. 1.7 forgiuenesse of our sins , the b b Rom. 6.5 mortification of our flesh , and c c Col. 1.20 the appeasing of Gods wrath .

Q. What meaneth his descending into hell ?

A. Euen this , that for a time a a Esay 53.3.5 he felt his fathers wrath , and the b b Act. 2.24 dolours of eternall death in his c c Mat. 26.38 42 Luke 22.43 . Heb. 5.7 soule and conscience here on earth , that hee might bee a redeemer as well of the soule as of the bodie .

Q. What teacheth the fifte Article : the third day he rose againe from the dead ?

A. It teacheth that Christ a a Col. 2.15 Heb. 2.14 1. Cor. 15.57 ouercame death , and brake the kingdome of Sathan for vs .

Q. What vse haue we of his resurrection ?

A. Wee haue a a Rom. 9.25 iustification , a b b 1. Cor. 15.20.22 gage of our immortality , and c c Rom. 6.4 newnes of life .

Q. How art thou assured that thou art in Christ , and hast part in his death and resurrection indeede ?

A. By this , that a a Rom. 8.9 2. Cor. 5.5 1. Iohn 4.13 God hath geuen me of his spirit , which b b Ro. 8.10.11 subdueth sinne in me , and so c c Rom. 8.13 . & 6.6 mortifieth my fleshe , bringing mee in hatred with sinne and Sathan , and for that I feele d d Rom. 6.4 sanctification , and a new life to be begunne in me by his resurrection , which certifieth my conscience , that I am in Christ , and so of God .

Q. It should seeme then , whosoeuer tast not at all of true a a 1. Ioh. 3.3.6 mortification , and newnesse of life , howsoeuer otherwise boasting of the mercies of God , of Christes death , and forgiuenesse of sinnes by him , yet hath hee no part in the redemption of Christ ?

A. It is very true , for as a a Rom. 4.25 Christ dyed for our sinnes , and rose againe for our righteousnes , so he restoreth strength to the faithfull b b Rom. 6.6.18 ● . Pet. 2.24 . to subdue sinne in some measure , and to walke in a new life and righteousnes here on earth .

Q. Nowe tell me what followeth in the sixt article : Hee ascended into heauen , and sitteth on the right hande of God & c ?

A. We learne that Christ hauing accomplished , all that was needefull for our saluation , went into a a Mar. 16.19 Act. 1.9 heauen with his body , and b b Heb. 10.12 stayeth there til he come to iudgement .

Q. Hath Christ then cleane forsaken his Church ?

A. No , but is present with his a a Mat. 28.20 Iohn 14.16.17 in spirite , to the ende of the world .

Q. What meaneth the sitting at the right hand ?

A. The right hand is taken for the power of God , noting that Christ hath all a a Mat. 28.18 Iohn 17.2 Phil. 2.9 Heb 1.3.5 power of his father , both of things in heauen and earth .

Q. What profite commeth to vs by his ascension ?

A. Heauen is a a Ephe. 2.6 open to the faithful , which our sinnes had shut vp , and we are assured that b b Rom. 8.34 he is our mediatour , and by this meanes c c Iohn 7.39 . & 16.7 the holy Ghost is giuen to the faithfull ,

Q. What teacheth the seuenth article : From thence hee shall come to iudge both the quicke and the dead ?

A. Wee learne that a a 2. Cor. 15 10. Apoc. 20.12 all men , both good and bad shal appeare before the tribunal seate of Christ .

Q. Haue we any comfort or profite by this ?

A. Yea , for it is happy that he which hath saued vs , shall iudge vs , for he shall come to acquite & a a Col. 3.4 glorifie the faithful , but to iudge and condemne the b b 2. The. 1.8 10 vnbeleeuers and disobedient .

3. part . Q. What teacheth the 8. article : I beleeue in the holy Ghost ?

A. This article teacheth that the thirde person in Trinitye , GOD a a Iohn 6.63 & 14.26 . & 16 13 the holy Ghost maketh all this profitable to the faithfull , and b b 1. Pet. 1.2 2. Thes. 2.13 sanctifieth and c c Iohn 3.6.8 regenerateth them to bee newe creatures , and a holy Church vnto God .

4. part . Q. What followeth in the 9. article : the holy Catholike Churche , the communion of Saints ?

A. This concerneth the fourth poynt of our faith , assuring vs that a a Psal. 125.1 GOD hath his Church on earth alwayes .

Q. What signifieth this woorde Catholike ?

A. It signifieth vniuersall , noting that Christs Church a a Mat. 8.11 Iohn 10.16 is dispersed in all places , & yet but b b Col. 1.18.24 Ephe. 4.15.16 one body of one head which is Christ .

Q. Why is added the communion of Saintes ?

A. To shew the a a 1. Iohn 1.3 felowship which the faithfull haue with Christ , and with themselues in the b b Ephes. 4.3 13 vnitie of faith , and one mind , teaching vs c c Act. 4.32 to communicate our graces one to another .

Q. What are the true markes of the visible Church ?

A. The sincere a a Rom. 10.14 15 preaching of the worde , the true ministring b b Act. 20.7 of the Sacraments , c c Gen. 12.8 Psal. 65.1 Psal. 18.4.4 prayer , & discipline , according to the word .

Q. Can there be no Church where any of those doe want ?

A. Yes indeede : although blemished , for the woorde preached , and Sacramentes truelye ministred , shewe that there is a Churche , for they are a token of Gods face and a a Act. 10.33 Heb. 4.12.13 presence , and the printes of the b b Ezek. 43.7 soles of his feete .

Q. It shoulde seeme then that the Romish Church is not the true Church , hauing neither the word sincerely preached , nor the Sacramentes perfect , neither in substance nor forme , and their discipline cleane besides the word .

A. It is very true , neither can the familie of loue be the true Church , refusing the vocall worde , vocall prayer , banishing the Sacraments , and true discipline .

Q. Shewe mee the meaning of the tenth article : the remission of sinnes ?

A. It assureth vs of the a a Psal. 32.1.2 Ephe. 1.7 free forgiuenesse of all the sinnes of the beleeuers , both of the fault and punishment .

Q. Doe we not merite forgiuenesse of any one sinne by workes ?

A. No certainely : but Christ a a Act. 13.38.39 alone is the full satisfaction b b Tit. 2.14 1. Iohn 1.7 for all our sinnes .

Q. Are not works then needful , sith they doe not merite ?

A. Yes , nothing more , first , to testifie our a a Col. 3.17 thankfulnesse and b b 1. Iohn 5.2 loue to God , & to c c Tit. 3.8 Iam. 2.18 proue our faith : secondly , to d d 1 Pet. 2.12 giue good example to men : thirdly , to e e Mat. 5.18 1. Cor. 10.31 glorifie God . Fourthly , to assure our conscience that we are the sonnes of God .

Q. What teacheth the eleuenth article : the resurrection of the bodie ?

A. We are assured that the a a Iob. 19.25 bodies of the faithfull shall rise to behold God , and b b Phil. 3.21 shall be made like to the glorious bodie of Christ , and their soules immediately after this life c c Eccle. 12.7 2. Cor. 5.6.7 returne to God .

Q. Doe noe the wicked rise also ?

A. Yes verily , both the a a Act. 24.15 iust and vniust , the iust to life , and the wicked to death and iudgement . b b Iohn 5.29

Q. What vnderstandest thou in the eleuenth article : the life euerlasting ?

A. I vnderstand , that after this resurrection there is no more change , but the faithfull a a Iohn 3 36 shall liue with Christ for euer in ioy , the wicked shall be without Christ b b Mat. 25.46 . in eternall payne .

Q. Then all this teacheth vs that the obedience of the law is onely performed by Christ , in whom we are freelye iustified through faith , wrought by Gods spirite , whiche geueth vs the true knowledge of GOD and his mercies in Christ , in whome onely wee please God , and our obedience is acceptable .

A. It is euen so .

¶ The thirde parte teacheth vs what dueties and thankefulnes , we owe to the Lord for this benefite of our redemption .

Q. By what meanes is this faith & obedience nourished or increased in vs ?

A. By a a Rom. 10.17 Gal. 3.2 hearing of the word of God , by the true b b Rom. 4.11 vse of the Sacraments , & c c Rom. 8.15 & 10.14 by prayer , by which meanes also wee testifie our faith and obedience , & glorify GOD .

Q. Doe these of themselues nourishe our faith ?

A. No , but onely a a Rom. 8.6 ● Cor. 3.18 Gods spirit maketh them effectuall vnto vs .

Q. Howe is our faith nourished by the woorde ?

A. By diligent a a Rom. 10.17 hearing , reading , meditation , conference , b b Act. 20 32 He. 10.24.25 exhortation , & application of the worde , assuring vs of the truth therof , and of Gods promises , c c Iam. 1.21 submitting our selues wholly to the same , that it may be d d Rom. 1.16 a worde of power vnto saluation in vs .

Q. What is a Sacrament ?

A. It is an outward a a Gen. 17.11 Rom. 4.11 seale ioyned vnto the word which visibly representeth vnto vs spiritual things , & assureth our faith of Gods promises declared in his worde .

Q. How many Sacramentes are there ?

A. Two : Baptisme , and the supper of the Lorde .

Q. How doth Baptisme profite or nourish our fayth ?

A. First , by assuring vs that wee are a a Rom. 6.3 1. Cor. 12.13 Gal. 3.27 . one with Christ . Secondly , that we are b b Iohn 3.3.5 begotten againe c c Col. 2.11 from sinne , into a new life . Thirdly , by being a pledg d d Tit. 3.5 of the forgiuenesse of our sinnes , for as the water cleanseth the body , so our soules by the e e 1. Pet. 3.21 . blood of Christ are purged from sinne .

Q. What profite hath our faith by the Lords supper ?

A. Euen this , that as outwardely we a a 1. Cor. 10.16 & 12.26 receiue the bread and wine to nourish our bodies , so inwardly we receiue Christ by faith , euen as our own , whose b b Col. 1.14.22 body and blood cleanseth vs from sin and nourisheth vs to eternall life .

Q. Doe we receiue the very bodye and blood of Christ reallye in the bread ?

A. Nothing lesse , but onely a a Iohn 6.63 spiritually by faith .

Q. Howe shall wee receiue this Sacrament woorthily or profitably ?

A. When wee come with faith & repentaunce .

Q. How shall we knowe that wee come with faith ?

A. First , if we acknowledging our owne pouertie and wants , confesse the mercies of God a a 1. Cor. 11.24 with thankesgiuing : secondly , when we assure our selues of the b b Mat. 26.28 forgiuenesse of our sinnes by the death and sacrifice of Christ onely .

Q. How shal we know that we come with repentance ?

A. First , if we a a 1. Cor. 11.28 examine our harts , and are truely b b Psal. 32.5.6 grieued for our sinnes , c c Mat. 3.6 confessing them before God : secondly , when we d d Mat. 3.8 walke in a new life , that is , in holines to God , and true loue to our neighbour , e e Mat. 5.23 24 reconciling our selues one to another , and f f Mat. 6.14 15 Col. 3.13 forgiuing , that we may be forgiuen .

Q. What differeth Baptisme from the Lordes supper , sith they both betoken the remission of sinnes ?

A. Baptisme grafteth vs into Christ by regeneration in hope of remission of sinnes , the supper nourisheth vs , 1. Cor. 12.13 . beyng grafted to feele the power of the death and resurrection of Christ dayly strengthening our faith into a new life .

Q. What is prayer , whiche is the third meanes to increase our faith ?

A. It is to aske all good thinges of God by faith , and to giue him thanks for all things receiued .

Q. How doth prayer nourish faith , when it is rather an effect or exercise of faith ?

A. It nourisheth it when wee hauing asked , doe also obtayne , and so our faith is strengthened and comforted , but it is an effect of faith , because where faith is , Rom. 10.14 there followeth prayer & thankesgiuing .

Q. What is required in true prayer ?

A. a a Eccles. 5.1 1. Tim. 2.8 A pure affection to GOD and his worde , a b b Gen. 32.10 Luke . 18.13 true feeling of our owne vnworthines , wants & sins , asure c c Iam 1.6 Mat. 7.7 . faith in the fauour and promises of God , and to aske all things d d Rom. 8.28 according to his will .

Q. Are we thus prepared to prayer of our selues ?

A. No , but Gods a a Rom. 8.15 26 Gal. 4.6 spirite onelie teacheth vs to pray faithfully , & b b Heb. 11.6 without faith prayer , is not acceptable .

Q. Rehearse the Lords prayer ?

A. Our father which art in heauen . &c.

Mat. 6. Q. What meaneth these words : Our father which art in heauen ?

A. Herein God assureth vs , first of his fatherly loue to bolden vs to prayer : secondly , adding ( in heauen ) hee assureth vs of his great power , and lifteth our heartes to seeke him in heauen .

Q. What require we in the first petition : Halowed be thy name ?

A. We pray for grace , that wee may glorifie God in his word and workes , & in all our doinges , and that his name may appeare glorious euen as it is , all vngodlines being defaced .

Q. What aske we in the 2. petition : Thy kingdome come ?

A. We pray that God would by his word & a a Ephe. 3 . 1● spirite , gouerne & increase the number of his elect , & that b b 1. Cor. 15.24.25 Satans kingdom may be vtterly confounded .

Q. What aske we in the 3. peticion : Thy wil be done in earth as it is in heauen ?

A. We pray that we may obediently resigne our willes to Gods will , that he would a a Psal. 51.10 11 create newe heartes and affections in vs by his spirite , and wee pray for the grace of b b 1. Thes. 4.3 sanctification , that as the c c Psal. 103.20 Angels in heauen doe willingly please God in all motions , so we may study to d d 1. Thes. 4. ● please him on earth .

Q. What aske we in the 4. peticion : Geue vs this day our daily bread ?

A. We pray that God will a a Prou. 10.22 Deut. 28.10 12 blesse all thinges that he hath lent vs on earth , and to teach vs to b b Psal 145.15 16 Mat. 4.4 wayte on his prouidence in all estates of life , that he wil cause all things to serue our necessities , and the furthering of vs in our callings c c Leuit. 26.20 26.34 Ezech. 4.16 . & 5.16 without whose blessing they al perish and want their vses and effects .

Q. What aske we in the 5. peticion : Forgiue vs our trespasses , as wee forgiue them that trespasse against vs ?

A. We heere call on God for the quiet estate of our owne conscience , and for a a Ier. 31.33 1. King . 8.33.36 the forgiuenesse of our sinnes , to be confirmed in vs by this , that we b b Mat. 6.15 Luke 11.4 are willing to forgiue others , and we pray also that we may haue pacience to c c Mat. 5.23 Col. 3.13 forbeare and forgiue others offending vs .

Q. What aske wee in the 6. pet. Leade vs not into temptation , but deliuer vs from euill ?

A. We pray that God woulde geue vs his spirite to increase our faith , that we may a a 1. Cor. 10.13 ouercome the motions and temptations of sinne in vs , that sinne b b Rom. 6.12 may not reigne with vs vnto death , but that we may be freed from it more and more , c c Rom. 6.18 and set at libertie to serue righteousnesse .

Q. Doth God lead into temptation , that we pray he would not leade vs into temptation ?

A. God doth a a Iam. 1.13 not tempt to sinne , but he is saide to leade into temptation , when he b b Esay 63.17 withholdeth his graces from men , or giueth them ouer c c Rom. 1.24 26.28 to a reprobate sense , or d d Exo. 9.16 Rom. 9.18 hardeneth their heart , e e Psal. 81.12 Esay 29.10 by leauing them to themselues , but God f f Psal. 125.5 Heb. 3.13 stayeth his children from this extremitie , whiche else are ready to runne to all sinne , and therefore needfull to pray that God would not leade vs into temptation .

Q. What meaneth this which followeth , For thine is the kingdome , the power and glorie , for euer and euer ?

A. It is a confirming of our faith in the power of God , to teach vs that all come of God his goodnes , and not of our selues , and therefore that all should redound to a a 1. Cor. 10 31. his glorie by our b b Psal. 50.14 & 102.18 thankesgiuing , which is the c c Heb. 13.15.16 onely seruice that pleaseth God .

Q. Now tel me briefly the summe of al this which thou hast sayd ?

A. First , we learned by the law , that we al haue cast off the image of God , whervnto we were created , & are become by nature sinners , children of wrath , deseruing Gods curse , & damnation through our transgressions .

Secondly , we learne that the meanes which answered this curse , and tooke away damnation from the faithfull , was the onely death and sacrifice of Christ , who by his spirite daylie restoreth the image of God in the faithfull , and worketh faith , and obedience in them .

Thirdly , we learned that by the practise of faith & obedience we should glorifie God in his word , Sacramentes , & by prayer , by making all our life a thankesgiuing and prayse vnto God for all his benefits in Christ . Which grace God for his Christes sake graunt to me and all his people . Amen .

B. A.

A briefe and short prayer conteyning the summe and effect of this Catechisme .

O Eternall God and most mercifull father , we thy poore seruaunts doe humbly acknowledge before thy presence our manifold & grieuous sinnes , whereby we haue broken thy most holy lawe , and haue iustly deserued thy curse , and eternall death and damnation : yea , and these our sinnes haue growen vp with vs from our cradle , we being conceiued and borne in sinne and iniquitie , and we dayly haue procured thy wrath against vs by neglecting thy wil , and following our owne corrupt wayes . So that we can finde no cause in our selues to procure thy sauour , but are forced to flee out of our selues , & to betake our selues wholly vnto thy fatherly clemencie . Wherefor● ( most gracious father ) sith in thy heauenly wisedome , and eternall councel , thou shall fore appoynted thy sonn Iesus Christ to be our only mediator , in whom we may boldly come before thee , & by whose death & cleansing sacrifice , it hath pleased thee to satisfie thine owne iustice in pardoning the sinnes of thy children , & turning away thy displeasure from them , wee most humbly beseeche thee in the tender bowels of Iesus Christ , to forgiue vs all our sinnes , and burie them in the death and obedience of thy deare sonne Iesus Christ , & we most h●rtily thanke thee ( most louing father ) for our election , creation , preser●ation , especially for our redemption wrought by the death and bloodshedding of Iesus Christ & for all thy aboundant mercies and graces , so plentifully bestowed vppon vs in him and for him . Also we beseech thee ( deare father ) to giue vs thy good spirit to worke a liuely faith in vs , whereby the benefite of the death & resurrection of Christ , may bee applyed vnto vs , and become effectuall in vs , that we may haue a true sight and feeling of our sinnes , and such a godly sorowe for them , as may bring foorth 〈◊〉 repentaunce vnto saluation not to be repented of : so that we may mortifie our sins , especially , our seuerall sinnes , that haue most preuayled against vs . 〈◊〉 that we may liue in all holy obedience , and a new life before thee on earth , that so we may haue comforte to our consciences both that we are thy children , and also that we shall rise to eternall life in the resurrection of the iust .

Furthermore , ( O heauenvly father , sith thou hast giuen vs thy word to teach vs all thinges needfull to saluation , & to instruct vs in thy wayes , we humbly pray thee incline our harts to imbrace & practise the same , make vs truely thankfull , for such gracious & soueraigne meanes of our saluation , as thou hast offered vs , & giue vs grace to vse thy worde , Sacraments & prayer , reuerently , & with faith & repentance , as true exercises & testimonies of our faith , & obedience : so that we may increase in all godlinesse & righteousnes before thee al the daies of our life , graunt these & al other thy graces needfull for vs & for thy whole church , we beseech thee for Iesus Christ his sake , in whose name we pray together with thy whole church , & for thy church as he hath taught vs saying . O our Father &c.

O Lord increase our faith . Amen