A catechisme, that is to saie, a familiar introduccion and trainyng of the simple in the commaundementes of God, and the principles of oure religion muche necessarie to be taught and knowen to all good christian people, sette foorth in questions with direct answers to the same: [et] translated into Englishe for the behoufe and commoditee not onely of childre[n], but also of al suche deuout lerners as are not seen in the Latine toungue.

A catechisme , that is to saie , a familiar introduccion and trainyng of the simple in the commaundementes of God , and the principles of oure religion , muche necessarie to be taught and knowen to all good christian people , sette foorth in questions with direct answers to the same : & translated into Englishe for the behoufe and commoditee not onely of children , but also of al suche de●●●●● lerners as are 〈◊〉 in the Latine toungue .

Suffre the litle children to come vnto me , for theirs is the kyngdome of God . Marc. x.

¶ Vnto the faythfull christian flocke and congregacion of Iesus Christe , Edmonde Alen wisheth , grace , peace , and mercye from God our heauenly father , through our sauior Iesus Christe .

THe almightye and mercyfull God our heauenlye , gracious , & moste deare father , monisheth and warneth vs ( ye dearely beloued in our sauior Christ ) both by worde and also by diuerse exaumples , that we all should take earneste care & ●●row for our youth , that it be we instructe and brought vp in the true feare of God , & after suche a godly sorte that it myght liue in all vertue , godlynes & honestie . And it is a thyng whereunto not onely the examples of the heathen , but also our owne naturall reason , dayly experience , & the loue of the comon wealth ought lawfully to moue and enforce vs . For asmuche as we dayly fele and perceiue right euidently , what inconuenience doth insue , where youth is neglecte & not regarded . And agayne what a treasure , comfort & commoditie it is vnto an whole comon wealth , where youth is well brought vp in godly learnyng & example , and exercised in vertue & holynesse . This I saye , myght be sufficient to styrre vp and to kindle our heartes toward the right institucion & bryngyng vp of youth , although we wer but very heathen . But forasmuch as we are christian men and women , and through out sauior Christ become the children of God , therfore the most holy worde of God & the example of our sauior Christ , ought moste specially to allure & prouoke vs vnto this moste holy and necessary office . For fyrst it is euident ynough by the euangelistes what an high charge our sauior Christe geueth vs ouer youth . Math. xviii . & .xix. and Marke . x. Where , by his hertye and louyng imbracyng of them , he declareth manifestly , that no seruice can bee more acceptable vnto him , than that whiche is spent about them , to bryng and induce them vnto him . Lykewyse howe earnestly doeth S. Paul commaund all parentes to bryng vppe theyr children in nurture and exhortacion ? Ephe. vi . and Collo. iii. For the whiche cause , all children haue a speciall commaundement of God to be obedience vnto theyr fathers & mothers , because they ought to be vnto them , as the very deputies and officers of God , in continually exercisyng them to the glorye and honor of God . And howe highly almyghtie God regardeth the ryght institucion of youth , we may learne out of the old testamente sufficiently , and specially out of the .xviii cha. of Genesis . Wheras God , openyng vnto the faythfull Abraham his mynde and purpose againste Sodoma & Gomorra sayeth these woordes . I knowe , sayeth the Lorde , that his children shall kepe the wayes of the Lorde , and do that thyng whiche is ryght and iust , that the Lorde may suffer that thyng to come to passe vnto Abraham , whiche he hath promised hym . &c. This holy sentence of God ought to be alone sufficient vnto a christen man ( whiche is by faythe a childe of Abraham ) to moue hym to apply all indeuour and studye to the christen educacion of youth . For here we haue a singulare comforte & a sure promyse , that if we be founde true & faythfull towarde these gyftes of God our children , than wyll God daily encrease & augmente hys grace towarde vs , and enduce vs into further knowledge of his godly wyll , to the glory of his name , & welth of our soules . And beside this , God geueth strayght commaundement by expresse woordes in diuerse places that we shoulde in no wyse neglecte our youth . As in the .vi. and .xi. of Deu. where God commaunded Moses that all menne shoulde teache theyr children and childrens children , his lawes & commaundementes . Lykewise , through the ꝓphete Dauid , God speaketh these wordes in the .lxxviii. Psalme . The lord hath made a couenaunt with Iacob , and hath geuen Israel a lawe , which their posteritie and heires should knowe , and tell it vnto their children , that they might also put and fixe their hope and confidence vpon God , and kepe his comaundementes and not for get his workes . &c.

By this we must nedes confesse and knowledge that it is an high thyng , by god our heauenly father , and the moste requisite & speciall poyncte in a christen congregacion , that the chyldren be well taught and instructe in the wayes of the Lorde , and in the couenaunte whiche God hath made with theyr fathers and theyr posteritie for euer in our Sauyour Christe . For by this meanes only they must learne to knowe God , to be fully persuaded of his mercy and goodnesse towarde them , to put all theyr truste and confidence in him only and to loue and feare hym . And this foundation once layed , they shall afterwarde frame and buylde theyr whole lyfe vpon the same , and learne all humblenes , obedience , modestie , vertue and godlynes , in worde and dede , and dayly be more inclyned and bente to the true religion and knowlege of God , and euermore increase & goe forwarde in the same . And thus the whole common welth shall receyue comforte and ioy by them : And they in processe of time , shall learne to instructe their chyldren in the Lorde , in lyke maner . And thus there shall neuer waxe any nettels , thistles or wedes in this tillage of the Lorde , nor they shall not perishe through our negligence .

For God suffereth vs to remaine in this worlde , ( & taketh vs not away immediatly after we haue atteyned to the knowlege of hym ) for no nother cause , but that we should helpe & further other vnto the same , that the glory & perfite religion of God myght also bee planted & waxe in our children & posterytie . And surely the negligence of men in this behalfe hath hytherto been the chefe cause of so many and dyuers heuy plagues of God . As Christe doeth manyfestlye declare where he sayth : Woo vnto hym that offendeth ( or hindreth ) youth . &c. It were better for him that he wer cast into the sea with a mylstone about his necke and drowned .

Wherfore all they that wyll auoyde this woe , let them apply all that study and care with most earnest zeale and indeuor , that their youth be wel instruct and brought vp .

For this can no man denye , that the very occasion and grounde of all the mischiefe and wycked dissolutenes that reigneth in the worlde at this daye , is , that the bringing vp of youth is no better nor diligenter regarded . Where subiectes are not so obedient vnto their heades and rulers as they ought to be , it is moste specially in suche places where the institucion of youth hath been neglecte . Likewise where parentes are vnreuerently intreated of their children , it is through the sufferaunce of God for a punishemente vnto them for so euill and negligently brynging of them vp in theyr youth . And what hath been the cause of the heuy blindnesse and ignoraunce in the worlde , in the trwe relygion and seruice of God , of the manifold ydolatry & supersticion , other than the lacke of the ryght & true institucion of youth ? Wherfore yf we will auoyde the wrath and indignacion of God , & all man●er of inconuenience , let vs apply more studie & diligence that our youth maye be better brought vp in the knowledge and feare of God , that in theyr younge and tender age they maye learne the prynciples of Christes religion and of our christen fayth . Which shal be a meane to a voyde all the inconuenience aboue rehersed . And if we do not this , let vs loke for no nother but that theyr bloude , perisshing through our negligence , shall be straitly required of our handes . And not onely of parentes , but also of all suche as haue any cure and charge of youth , as Scholemasters in theyr scholes , pastours and ministers in theyr cures . These should bee the speciall instructours of youth . These shoulde beate into childrens heades the chiefe poyntes and articles of the Christen doctryne . As are , the .x. Commaundementes , the Artycles of the fayth , the Lordes prayer , the institucion of the holy Sacramentes of Babtysme , and of the holy Supper of the Lorde , and laste of all , the institucion of the Ecclesiasticall or churche disciplyne and exercise of brotherly correccion , &c.

These poynctes beeyng fyrste taught vnto chyldren by theyr parentes woorde for woorde , ( whiche is the office and duty of all christen parentes to do , ) a playne and symple vnderstanding of them , might afterward bee taught them eyther in the schole by the scholemaisters , or els in the churche by the pastoures and ministers , geuyng them euery Sunday one shorte article or question to learne , repetyng it distinctlye twyse or thryse , and requiring it of them agayne the nexte Sunday , and than to gyue and repete vnto them in lyke maner another , vntyll the whole Catechisme , be learned out , and than begynnyng agayne .

If but one houre were thus spente euery Sonday of euery pastour and minister in examining the youthe in the churche before the face of the whole paryshe , or of euery scholemaister but once a weke , ( theyr parentes earnestly warning and dryuyng theim to learne and remembre what is taught them ) we shoulde fele within one yeare , what infinite profite shoulde come thereof , and within fewe yeares we shoulde haue a florysshing common welth : This doeth God moste straytely require of vs , and we had neuer suche occasion vnto it as we nowe haue , consideryng howe earnestly our moste christen rulers , the Kynges moste excellent Maiestie , his ryght woorthy & noble counsailour , gouernour of his graces person , the lorde Protectors grace , with other of his graces most christian councell , do intende and mynde the true plantyng and settyng foorth of Christes pure religion in this realme . Whose feruente and moste christian zeale , if we should not withall promptnes and thankefulnes receyue , we should shewe and proue ourselues no true naturall subiectes . Lette euery one therfore , moste faythfull christians , apply his faythfull studie and endeuor to further and helpe forwarde theyr gracious prynces moste godly trauaile and procedinges in the kingdome of god . So shall it in short space florish among vs . And we shall feele God to be our mercyfull , father indewyng vs with the more plentifull grace againste the assautes of all our enemies : And that men might haue some forme & trade to instructe the youth therby , I haue gathered out of diuers lerned & christian wryters of Cathechismes , this briefe instruccion , in suche questions as semed vnto me moste necessary for children to learne . Wherof they may learne euery weke one ( beyng so repeted as is aboue wryten ) without any difficultie at all . This I submit vnto the iudgement of the faythfull what soeuer they be , desiring all men to interprete my faythfull indeuor therein to the best , and to vse it so far as they may haue comforte and edification therby . Almyghtie God geue all men generally grace to seke ernestly the furtheraunce of his kyngdome in the youth . And specially God geue all parentes and pastours whiche haue speciall charge and cure of youth , grace to instructe and bryng them vp in his feare , as may be moste to the glory & honor of his name . God geue also all chyldren and youth his holy spirite , that they may receyue all godly & vertuous doctryne & ensample , that they maye become the very seruauntes and children of God , & after this lyfe with their angels , maye enioy the perfite sight and fruicion of their heauenly father . Amen .

A christian introduction for youth co●●●●ing the principles of our fayth & religion . The master axeth the question according as he hath taught all thynges to the scholer afore . The scholer aunswereth as he hath afore learned and receyued it of the maister . The Maister .

SPeake my louyng chylde , what art thou ?

The scholer .

Sir , accordyng vnto my firste birth I am a creature of God indued with vnderstandyng & reason , but yet borne in synne , and therfore of no value .

How and to what end hath God created the ?

Whan I was nothyng , he of his exceding grace and mere goodnesse created me , that I might perfitely lerne to knowe hym , to loue him , to feare hym , to laude and to prayse him , and finally to be partaker of all his inestimable riches & benefites .

How hath God created the ?

First he hath made me a body out of the yerth , and furnyshed the same withall necessary lymmes & members . Than hath he indued the same bodye with a precious , liuely , and an immortall soule , euen after his own image , by reason whereof I am , as it were , a liuely image of God .

But howe can the image of God be resembled in man ?

For south thus : as God is euerlastyng and immortall , euen so is the soule of man also . And againe , lyke as God is the lorde of all creatures , so hath he ordained man to be lorde ouer all bodily creatures , & hath made them all to be subiect vnto hym and to serue him .

Is not the image of God righteousnes , holynes , trueth , euerlastyng ioy and saluation ?

Yes for south .

Howe canst thou than be a synner and of no value ?

I haue inherited synne of Adam the first man that was created .

Was Adam than a synner ?

God created hym after his owne image , ryghteous , good and holy , and gaue hym a commaundement , not to eate of the fruite of knowlage of good and euill , whiche commaundemente yf he had obserued and kept , he & all his posteritie should haue remayned holy and blissed for euer . But he transgressed that commaundement , persuaded by decipteful instruccion and prouocacion of the deuill , and so he became a sinner .

But what maketh that agaynste the ? Art thou a synner because Adam was a synner ? or through Adams trasgression ?

Forasmuche as he displeased God , therfore dyd God punyshe hym withall his posteritie , so that euer synce that fall of Adam both he and we all are depriued & spoyled of the image of God , and so are borne into the worlde euen from our mothers wombe , sinners , vnrighteous , and children of wrathe .

Than canst thou not be saued .

After my fyrst byrth , I cannot be saued , but through my seconde byrth in Christe I haue an vndoubted hope and assured trust to be saued .

What art thou than after thy seconde byrth ?

I am a christian .

What is a Christian ?

A Christian is one that acknowlegeth himselfe a synner , and beleueth stedfastly that God our heauenvly father is mercyfull vnto hym , through the gloryous passion and bloud sheddyng of our sauiour Iesus Christe .

Whereby knowest thou , that thou art a Christian ?

Because I doe faythfully beleue the same , and vpon this belefe am baptysed or chrystened in the name of the father , of the sonne , and of the holye ghoste .

What belieuest thou of the father , of the sonne , and the holy ghoste ?

I beleue that the father is God , the sonne is God , the holy ghoste is God , and yet as these are three destincte persones eguall in substaunce , glorye and maiestie , so is he but onely one God eternall without begynnyng , euerlastyng without ende , almyghtifull and altogether bounteous , good , mercyfull , louyng , tendre & beneficiall vnto man .

What dooest thou ferther beleue of the same God the father , the sonne , and the holy ghoste ?

I dooe firmely and stedfastely beleue whatsoeuer is wrytten of God in the holy scriptures , and all that euer is conteyned in the speciall poyntes and artycles of the chrysten religion , whiche the lorde hym selfe taught vs , and commaunded his dysciples to teache the same .

What are the speciall pointes of the christen religion and howe many are they ?

They are syxe .

which syxe be they ?

The fyrst is the .x. commaundementes .

ii . The artycles of the holy christian fayth .

iii. The holy prayer of the Lorde .

iiii . The woordes and institucion of the holy baptisme .

v. The woordes of the holy supper of the Lorde .

vi . The woordes of the Ecclesiasticall discipline and brotherly correccion .

Now rehearse me the woordes of all the syxe pryncypall poyntes and articles one after an other as I haue out of the places of Goddes holy scripture taught it vnto thee before this tyme .

The .x. commaundementes are wrytten in the xx . chapiter of Exodus in these wordes .

i. I the lord am thy God which haue brought the out of Egipt out of the land of bondage , thou shalt haue none other Goddes besyde me , or in my syght .

ii . Thou shalt make to thyselfe no grauen ymage , nor symylitude of any thyng that is in heauen aboue , or in the earth beneth , or in the waters vnder the earth , thou shalt neyther bowe thee downe before them , nor shewe any seruice or reuerence vnto them . For I am the lorde thy God , a strong and gelous God , for I auenge the vnrighteousnesse of the fathers vpon the children euen vnto the thyrde and fourthe generacion of them that hate and despyse me , and I shewe mercye euen vnto the thousandest generacion of them that loue me & kepe my commaundementes .

iii. Thou shalt not take the name of thy lorde god in vayne .

For the Lorde wyll not suffer him vnpunished that taketh his name in vayne .

iiii . Remembre that thou kepe the Sabboth daye holy . Sixe dayes shalte thou laboure and doe all thy buisinesse , but the seuenth daye is an holy Sabboth day vnto the lord thy god . Vpon that daye shalt thou doe no woorke at all , neyther thou thy selfe , nor thy sonne , nor thy daughter , neyther thy manseruaunte , nor thy mayd seruaunt , nor thy cattell , nor thy geast whiche kepeth or lodgeth in thy house . For in syxe dayes made the lord heauen and earth , and the sea , withal that is therin , but vpon the seuenth daye dyd he rest from all maner of labour : therfore the lorde hath honoured and halowed the Sabboth daye .

v. Honour thy father and mother , that thy dayes maye bee prolonged in the lande that the Lorde thy God wyll gyue thee .

vi . Thou shalt not murther .

vii . Thou shalt not commit aduoutry .

viii . Thou shalt not steale .

ix . Thou shalt not beare false wytnesse against thy neighbor .

x. Thou shalt nor couet , nor lust after thy neyghboures house , thou shalt not luste after thy neybours wife , nor his seruaunt nor his mayde , nor his oxe nor his Asse , nor after any thyng that is thy neybours .

¶ The articles of the holy Christen feith and belefe , are these , and they conteyne .iii , pryncipall articles .

I Beleue in God the father almyghtie maker of heauen and yearth .

And in Iesus Christ his onely sonne our lord which was conceyued by the holy ghost , borne out of the virgin Mary , suffred vnder Ponce Pylate , was crucifyed , dyed , and was buried . Descended vnto the helles , and vpon the thyrd day he rose again from the dead , ascended vnto the heauens and syttteth at the ryghthande of God the father almyghtie , from thence he shall come to iudge the quicke and the dead .

iii. I beleue in the holy ghost , an holy Chatholyque Churche , the communion of sainctes , the forgeuenes of synnes , the resurreccion of the fleshe , and the lyfe euerlastyng . Amen .

¶ The Lordes prayer wrytten in the .vi. of Matthewe and the .xi. of Luke is this .

OVr father whiche arte in heauen , halowed bee thy name , thy kyngdome come , thy will be doen vpon earth as it is in heauen . Geue vs this daye our dayly bread . And forgeue vs our trespaces , as we forgeue them that trespace agaynst vs . And leade vs not in to temptacion . But deliuer vs from the euill . For thine is the kyngdome , and the power , and the glory for euer . Amen .

¶ The woordes and institucion of the holy baptisme conteyned in the newe testament are these . Math. xxviii . ANd Iesus came & spake vnto his dysciples , saying : All power is geuen vnto me in heauen , & in yearth . Goe ye therfore , and teache all nacions , baptisyng theim in the name of the father , and of the sonne , & of the holy ghoste : teaching them to obserue all thinges whatsoeuer I haue commaunded you . And loe I am with you alway euen vntyll the ende of the worlde . Marke .xvi. And he sayde vnto them : Goe ye into all the worlde , & preache the Gospell to all creatures : He that beleeueth and is baptysed shall be saued . But he that beleeueth not shall be damned . Roma , vi . Knowe ye not that all wee whiche are baptysed in Iesus Christ , are baptised to dye with him ? We are buryed then with him by baptisme , for to dye , that lykewyse as Christ was raised vp frome deathe by the glorye of the Father , euen so wee also shoulde walke in a new lyfe . Gala iii.

For all ye that are baptysed haue put on Christ . There is no Iewe , neyther gentile , there is neyther bonde , neyther free : there is neither manne nor woman . For ye are all one in Christ Iesus . If ye be Christes , then are ye Abrahams sede , & heires according to the promise

The places of holy scripture , and the woordes makyng for the institucion of the Lordes supper are these here folowing .

Math. xxvi . WHan they were eatyng , Iesus tooke breade , and whan he had geuen thankes , he brake it , and gaue it to the disciples , and sayed : take , eate , this is my body . And he tooke the cuppe , and thanked , and gaue it them , saying : drynke ye all of this . For this is my bloude , whiche is of the newe testament that is shed for many for the remission of synnes . Marke . xiiii . And as they were eatyng , Iesus toke bread : and whan he had geuen thankes , he brake it , and gaue to them & sayed : take , eate , this is my bodye . And he toke the cup , and whan he had geuen thankes , he toke it to them and they all dranke of it , and he sayed vnto them : this is my bloud of the newe testamente , whiche is shed for many . Luke . xxii . And he toke bread , and whan he had geuen thankes , he brake it , and gaue vnto them , saying : this is my body , whiche is geuen for you . This do ye in the remembraunce of me : lykewise also , whan he had supped , he tooke the cup , saying : this cup is the newe Testamente in my bloude , whiche is shed for you . 1. Corin. xi .

That whiche I haue deliuered vnto you , I receiued of the lord . For the lord Iesus the same night in whiche he was betraied , toke breade : and whan he had geuen thankes , he brake it , & said : take ye & eat , this is my body , which is broken for you This do ye in the remembraunce of me . After the same maner also he toke the cuppe whan supper was doen , saying : this cuppe is the newe Testament in my bloude . This do as ofte as ye drinke it , in remembraunce of me . For as often as ye shal eat this bread , and drinke of this cup , ye shall shew the lordes death till he come .

Wherfore whosoeuer shal eate of this bread , or drynke of this cuppe of the lorde vnworthily , shall bee giltie of the bodye and bloud of the Lorde . But lette a man examine hymselfe , and so lette him eate of the bread , and drynke of the cuppe .

For he that eateth & drynketh vnworthyly , eateth & drynketh his owne damnacion , because he maketh no difference of the lordes body .

¶ The woordes of the ecclesiasticall discipline or brotherlye correccion , are these . Math. xviii . THe Lorde Iesus sayth . If thy brother sinneth against thee , go thy wayes and rebuke hym betwixt the & hym alone : If he heare the , than hast thou wonne thy brother . If he wyll not heare the , then take one or two vnto the , that euery thyng may be at a stay by the mouthe of two or thre witnesses . If he wyll not yet heare the , then tell it vnto the congregacion . If he will not heare the congregacion , then take him as a heathen and as an vnchristian . Verely I say vnto you : Whatsoeuer ye shal bynde vpon earth , shal also be bound in heauen . And whatsoeuer ye shall leuse vpon earth shall be also leused in heauen . M.

Well , now declare me the same poyntes euerye one after other as I haue taught the here tofore : & fyrst tell me : why dyd God geue the .x. commaundementes vnto man ?

Forsouthe to th entent we might lerne his will out of them , Psal. xi . & know what he wylleth vs to do , and what to leaue vndone . Esai . viii . For the lawe of the .x. commaundementes is a perfite rule wherby the wyll of god is knowen , Luke . xvi . both how to behaue our selfes towardes him , our almightie euerlastyng god and maker , & also towarde our neighbour and euen christen .

What meaneth the Lorde where he sayeth , I am the lord thy God . &c.

He wylleth that we should beleue & knowlege , that he of his free mercye through our sauiour Iesus Christ , Collo . i. Gala. iiii . hath redemed vs from the power of the deuill , & from the bondage of the worlde and of synne , and hath receiued vs to be his owne peculiar , heires into the fredome & felowship of euerlastyng life , lyke as he receyued the Iewes vnto hym , Exo. xiiii . whan he redeemed them out of the tirannie of the Egypcians .

And what is the understanding of these wordes ? Thou shalt haue none other Gods : &c.

He wylleth by those woordes that we shoulde withall diligence eschewe and be ware of all maner of Idolatry , and false seruice of God inuented by man , though it seme or be , neuer so high and gloryous .

What is Idolatrye ?

Idolatrye is to haue besydes the onely ryght god our heuenlye father , Esa. xlv . some other to seeke helpe at . Or Idolatrye is to make some other mediatour or aduocate betwene God and vs than alonely our sauiour Iesus Christe . i. Tim. ii .

Maye we not than vse the help and intercession of the holy Angels & sainctes , that they may make intercession for vs vnto God ?

We ought to seeke nor vse none other meanes to obteyne the fauour of God , and reconciliacion of Iesus Christe , than alonely suche as the lorde hym selfe hath appointed in his holy worde : but to put all our trust and confidence in God , and in our lorde Iesus onely , and in no creature at all

Whan is this commaundement rightly fulfilled and kept as it ought to be ?

Firste whan I beleue and doubt nothyng at all , that almightie God thorough our lorde Iesus Christe , wil be my God and helper , & that he will delyuer me from all euyll , and endue me with all felicitie both here and euerlastyng . Secondarily whan I put all my trust and confidence in god our heuenly father , thorowe the lorde Iesus Christe onely , trusting & sekyng for all help & comforte , of hym alone , and of none other creature . And that thorow such meanes only as he hath appointed , forsakyng all inuencions and dreames of manne . Math xv Thus doyng I geue hym his Godly honor whiche is due vnto him .

What is mente by the second commaundement : Thou shalte make the no grauen Image . The seconde commaundement . &c. howe is that to be vnderstanded ?

We ought so to print the maiestie of god , which is a spirit , Iohn . v Exo. xx . in our hartes , that we neyther make nor sette vp no maner of ymage wherunto any maner of honor or wurship due vnto God onlye may be geuen either outwardly by any gesture , Deut. v. Esa. xliiii . or inwardlye in the herte .

Whan is this commaundement transgressed ?

As ofte as we ascribe any diuine power vnto any ymage or seke any helpe at theym , or geue any manner of reuerence vnto theym , as whan we praye before them , whan we knele or fall down before them , or make curtesie vnto them , settyng vp any candels before theym , or censing them , or shewyng anye like poynt of reuerence : Lykewise whan anye man doeth institute or imagine of his owne head without any authoritie of the word of god , any maner of false seruice , vnder the pretence of deuocion or holynes , as diriges , commendacions , pardons , priuate satisfactory masses for the quicke & the dead , with such lyke supersticious goddes seruice ( though it hath neuer so high and gloryous a shine ) yet they offende agaynst this commaundement .

Why , do not all thynges please God , whiche are doen of a good mynde , entent , zeale and deuocion , Math. xv and in the honor of God ?

No forsoth : Deut. xii for god abhorth as moste detestable idolatrie , all maner of seruice whiche himselfe hath not instituted nor commaunded in his worde : And willeth vs to flee & auoyd with al our hartes all suche maner of straunge and newe deuised seruice of our Esa. ii . owne inuentyng , Ierem. vii . as moste pestilent and corrupt poyson .

Why hath God forbidden any reuerence to be geuen vnto ymages ? Deut. v

Because that God beeyng of his owne substaunce euerlasting , immortall , incomprehensible and inuisible , willeth that we should wholly cleaue vnto his woorde , Esa. xliiii Iere. xxiii and record the same continually , both night and day bearing it about with vs in our hertes , lest thorowe any image we might peraduenture forget him , Osee . iiii or be hindered in his true seruice .

What can images hindre any manne in the true seruice of God ? Heb. ii .

There is nothyng that so muche withdraweth vs from the true & perfecte knowlege & seruice of God , as these supersticiouse , idolatries , images . Psal. xiv Ier. xxi For the only syght of them draweth vs from the knowlege of God . For the whiche cause holy scripture calleth theim deuyls , & traps or snares of soules , Sap. xiiii & the worshippyng of them it nameth idolatry , & a woorke of the flesh . Gal. v

May not images be as lay mennes bookes to put theim in remembraunce of God or of the sayntes lyues ?

Whosoeuer setteth vp any image for any such purpose , declareth euidently that he hath denied in his hert the very liuing god , & is in his hert a very worshipper of idols . For the boke whiche onely can bring & leade all men both laye & other to the knowlege of God , is onely the worde of God conteyned in holy scripture , in the byble . That ought to be the booke of euery laye man . ii . Tim. iii. ii . Pet. i For therin is sufficiently contained all thynges necessary for the saluacion of man : and it nedeth the helpe of none other booke , for it is sufficiente of it selfe .

Is there no maner of image wherby we maye be put in remembraunce of god ?

Gen. ii Yes mankynde is the lyuely Image of god , made of god hymselfe without the hande of man : Lykewise the heauen and yearth , the sonne and moone , with other lyke creatures of god : These may put vs dayly in remembraunce of the infinite power , goodnes , and wisedom of God . Psal. xix Rom. i

What is the vnderstandyng of the thirde commaundement : Thou shalt not take the name of the Lorde thy God in vayne . &c.

In this commaundement is forbidden all maner of periury , sweryng , Math. v blasphemyng of God and his holy name .

Wherby is the name of God moste specially blasphemed ? Leui. xix and .xxiiii

By false doctrine , supersticious inuocacion , or prayer , mumblyng of Matyns or Euensong ( in a straunge tounge ) without deuocion .

Whereby els ?

By false & customable swearyng , cursyng , charmyng , coniuryng or inchauntyng by the name of God : also by any maner of supersticious vsyng the name or woorde of God , or of our sauior Christe .

Is it a great sinne to sweare or to curse rashely by the name of God , & of our sauior Iesus Christ , by his membres , workes , woundes , and blissed passion ?

S ,

Yea , it is suche an horrible , & an haynous blasphemye , that God did commaunde in his lawe to bee punyshed with stonyng vnto death . Leui. xxiiii .

But maye a man in no case sweare lawfully without offence to God ? Exod. xxii .

Yes yf any man bee required of a magistrate , and other wyse also yf it maye serue to the glory of God , to the confirmacion of the trueth , Gene. xxi . or to the welth and ꝓfite of our neyghbour in the same . ii . Ch. i For by suche othes is the name of God sanctified and not blasphemed .

Whan kepest thou this commaundemente ? Psal. xlix Exod. xv .

Whansoeuer I confesse , prayse , extoll & magnifie his name , his wordes and workes in eche tyme and place as I ought to do , committyng my selfe wholly vnto my heauenly father through Iesus Christe our sauior , and callyng vpon his helpe and ayde in all maner of affliccion & necessitie , rendryng vnto hym continuall thankes for all his benefites , & auoyding all manier of thinges where through his worde , his workyng , or his glorye might in any wise be hindred , contemned or diminished .

How vnderstandest thou the fowerth commaundement . The .iiii. commaundemente . Remembre that thou sanctifie the sabboth daye . &c.

Lyke as there are two maner of sabbothes , a spirituall & an exteriour sabboth : so likewyse is the sabboth kept or broken two maner of wayes .

What requireth the spirituall sabboth ?

That we should continually mortifie , tame , & crucifie our fleshe , with all the lustes and concupiscence therof , and haue our continuall meditacion vpon the kyngdom of God , & that we should praise and thanke hym , aswell in prosperitye as in aduersitye , bearing all manier of affliccion paciently : And whansoeuer we do the contrarye , than breake we this sabboth .

And whan is the exteriour or outwarde sabboth kept ?

Whan euery man applyeth himselfe to come vnto the churche and congregacion to heare the worde of god where it is preached , & to be present at the common prayers , endeuouryng hymselfe to pray with the faythfull congregacion , to receiue the holy sacramentes with the same , accordyng vnto the institucion and ordinaunces of Christe , and also to bryng and geue his almes in the congregacion for the succour and reliefe of the poore . And so to confirme and strengthen his owne faythe , and to geue a good example of vertue vnto others . And that we myght the more quietly perfourme yesame with out any let or hinderaunce , therfore he commaundeth that neither our seruauntes , catell , nor nothyng about vs should do any labor vpon that daye .

Why so ?

Not as though it were synne to doe any honest labour ( for labour is commaunded of God ) or as though it were vnpleasyng Gene iii. Ephe. iiii to God that we helpe our selfe or succour our neyghbour in tyme of nede , but that we myght bee more quiet to serue God , & that our children & householde myght haue some tyme to here & learne the worde of God , to remembre & considre his benefites , to inuocate and to call vpon hym , to laude and to thanke hym .

And ought a man to doe no speciall labour vpon that day ?

No , not for any couetousnes of worldely encreace or aduauntage , or for any pryuate pleasure or commoditie , nor excepte it be eyther for a common wealth and for the behoufe of our countreye , as to serue his prince . &c. or for some special case of necessitie , wherby to do our selfe or our neighbor suche a good turne , as without perill may not be delaied ( as in the haruest & suche othertymes to saue from perishing that god hath sente ) & in suche like cases . For than a manne maye labour without scrupull of conscience .

And whan is this sabboth violated or broken ?

Whansoeuer the sincere preachyng & diligent hearyng of the woorde of God is neglected , the holy Sacramentes not ministred or not receyued after the institucion of Christe , but otherwyse or contrary to the same , or whan Idolatry is in the stede of the true seruice of god exercised , the true & faythfull ministers contemned and not regarded , no prouysion made through the comon almes for the pouertie , but the daye mispent in idlenes pride , wantonnes , voluptuousnes , glottony , dronkennes , riot , bankettyng , gaming , daunsing and dalying , and suche lyke , and the godly exercises aboue rehearsed , in the meane tyme sette a parte .

And is it a great synne thus to violate the Sabboth ? Esai . lviii .

Yea , it is a greuous offence . For it is as much as to breake the couenaunte of God . Therfore God commaundeth the breakyng of this commaundemente to bee punyshed with death . Exo. xxxi .

What are the workes which we should do vpon the other .vi. dayes .

Euery man the workes of his owne vocacion & condicion of lyfe wherunto God hath called him , to exercise the same diligently to the glorye of God , for the maintenaunce of his householde , and also that he may haue wherewith to succour and ayde his neybour in his necessitie .

Why did god rest vpon the seuenth daye ? Heb. ii Esai . xlvi

To teache vs what shoulde be the ende of all our labours & workes , namely euerlastyng rest and quietnes in hym .

What is commaunded in the fift commaundement where he sayeth : The fifthe comaundement . thou shalt honor thy father and mother . &c.

God willeth that euery man should honour , esteme , loue , and obey with all reuerence & lowlinesse , theyr naturall parentes , as the lorde hymselfe , and that we should serue , helpe and succour them to the vttermoste of our power in their age , sicknes and in al their necessities , for as much as they did beare vs and tooke much trauail and sorow , in the bringing vp of vs .

And are none other to bee honored , reuerenced , & obeyed by this comaundement but only our natural parentes ?

Yes , all suche as perfourme the dutie & office of true parentes toward vs , & all suche as haue any manier of cure or charge of vs , as our kinsfolke , teachers , tutours , ouerseers . And specyally our gouerners , rulers , and magistrates , with the ministers of the churche also whiche haue cure of our soules , our maister also & mystres , & all such as do vs any good through teaching , instructing , admonishing , exhorting defendyng or maintenyng of vs , or thorowe punishyng & correcting vs for our fautes & euil doinges , breking & taming our naturall frowardnes , stubbernes , proud stomakes , & obstinatnes , intendyng nothyng but to rule , gouerne , & bring vs vp to the glory of god , & the welth & profite of our soules : All such are we bound to obey , & to submit our selfes hartily & willingly vnto theyr instruccions , admonicions , correccion . &c. taking all such thinges as they do vnto vs in good worthe , and withal thankfulnes .

But what meneth the promise of long life annexed to this commaundment ?

It signifieth that all such as endeuor & apply themselfes from their very youth vpwarde to humble & submit themselfes obediently vnto euery man that seketh theyr furtheraunce in all godlinesse , they are woorthy to lyue long vnder good gouernaunce , and in quietnes and peace . And all suche as doe the contrary , deserue woorthily to haue theyr lyfe shortened , and for their vnthankefulnes are to bee iudged vnwoorthy to liue , except in miserie & calamitie . And in suche state or case to lyue , is not a lyfe but a death , or at lestwyse a punishment wurse and more greuous then death of the bodye is .

And what yf our parentes , rulers , or superiors would commaunde vs to doe any thyng contrary to the manifest worde and commaundemente of God , ought we to obey them therin also ?

Doubtles they haue power and authoritie ouer body , possessions , goodes , lyfe , and what so euer pertayneth vnto the state of this transitory worlde . All whiche we ought obedientlye to submit vnto them , without any manier grutchyng , or murmouryng But yf they goe beyond this and will take vpon them to rule also ouer the soule and conscience of man , ( whiche is the peculier regimente and possession of God onely ) and to commaunde vs any thyng that is expresly against gods woorde , than we ought to saye with the Apostles : Act. v i. Pet. iii. We must rather obey God than man .

Yet s . Peter sayeth that seruauntes , or subiectes shoulde obey theyr maisters or superiors though they be cruell , frowarde , and extreme vnto them .

So they ought to doe in dede , so farre as suche extremitie extendeth vnto the bodye or any thing in this mortal lyfe , and no ferther . But if such extremitie stretche vnto the conscience & soule of man , there is no obedience commaunded but only to god .

But how should a man do in suche case , shoulde he resist them with force & violence ?

God forbid : no in no wyse . For it is an haynous & a greuous sin , violentlie to rebell against our heads & rulers , or to geue any maner of occasion how light so euer it be , vnto any sedicion , tumulte , or insurreccion agaynste the anoynted of the lord . And the terrible vengeaunce of god shall doubtles fall vpon all suche , as it did vpon Chore , Dathan & Abiron whiche the earth did swallow vp quicke for rebelling against theyr rulers : but it is the dutie & vocacion of true christians not to requite wrong for wrong , but to be pacient & of the suffring side , & obediently to suffer all troubles , vexacions , peines , wrongs , iniuries , yea & euen very death also ( if it shal be the will of god ) without any maner of resistence , and to refer theyr whole cause onlye vnto the Iudgemente of God . The .vi. commaundement .

Well , now what is ment by the sixt cōmaūdmente ? Thou shalte not kille or murther .

Therein is commaunded that we shoulde be readye euerye one to loue other , and not to beare any grutche , displeasure , hatred , or enuy , in our harte toward any maner of person , for any priuate matter , or quarell , nor to shewe any token or signe of malice to any man , but to be frendly , louyng , mylde , gentill , pacient both in harte , woorde , and dede , to euery bodye , what soeuer any man doth vnto vs .

But this commaundement maketh mencion onely of murder .

Yea , but thorowe that whiche is moste detestable and horrible in this vice of murder , it would feare vs also from the naturall rote and head spryng of this sinne , whiche is wrath , hastines , desier of reuengyng , and from all that whiche maye by any meanes ensue & spryng out of this euyll roote .

Is it lawefull than for no man to reuenge and punyshe open syn ?

Yes , the high powers & magistrates , and theyr deputies , officers and lawfull ministers vnder them haue authorite and commaundement of god ( whose minysters they are ) to reuenge with the sweorde all iniquitie , Rom. xiii violence , and contempte of god , and to correcte and punyshe all suche transgressions & offences to the glory of God , and for the quietnesse of the common welth , so that it bee done with all equitie and iustice , Sapi i. Deut. i. and .xxiiii Leui. xviiii and .xix Exo. xxiiii without any carnal respect or parcialitie , & so it bee after godly lawes & ordynaunces , and not by any cruelnesse or tyranny .

Can not the higher powers or iudges abuse their autoritie ?

Yes , if they punishe any man that is gyltlesse & innocent , vnlawefully , of any malice , enuye , hatred , beyng moued through couetousnesse , or some pryuie grudge , or yf they procure any mans death that is innocente , or consent vnto it , & do not resist all violence , and iniurye , or doe not saue all persones from all mutual harmes or oppressions in euery behalf to the vttermost of theyr powers , than they offende againste this commaundemente .

What is mente by the seuenth commaundemente whiche forbiddeth aduoutry ?

Therby is commaunded vnto euery man to kepe himself pure and clene from alll maner of vnchastnes , filthines and voluptuousnes , and from all maner of prouocacions , or examples , through worde or gesture , that myght intice any person eyther young or old to any vnlawfull , or inordinate lustes . Likewyse from all maner of excesse in eatyng , drinkyng , or apparell , from all maner of lasciuiouse & wanton gestures , filthy or baudye rimes or communicacion , wherby any man may take occasion of offence or euill , for Gods wyll is that we should be pure and holy both in body , soule , & spirit .

Why so ?

Because we are the temples of God , & redemed , Leui. xix . i. Thes. v. washed and sanctified with the moste pure , deare and precious bloud of Iesus Christe .

But what thynkest thou of the lawfull vse of matrimony ?

Forsouth the lyfe & company of man and wife in matrimony after the ordinaunce of God , is estemed of the holy ghoste honourable , and he prayseth it as his ordinaunce , and the veray ryght and onely meane and remedye to lyue a perfite chaste life . And therfore it is commaunded , vnto all men of what state and condicion soeuer they be , except they haue a speciall gift , or that they be vnapt of nature therunto .

Nowe to the .viii. commaundement . The .viii commaundement . Thou shalt not steale : what is bidden or forbidden in this commaundemente ?

Not onely to forbeare stealyng , but also that I should not hindre or hurte any man in his ryches or worldely goodes , through any subtiltie , guile , craft , deceipt , pillage , oppression , extorcion , priuye or open , or through any maner of vnrighteousnes or wrongfull meanes whatsoeuer it be .

Whan kepest thou this commaundemente ?

Whan I submit and offer vppe my selfe vtterly to God our heauenly father through our sauior Iesus Christ , that he may mortifie in me , all maner of care and sorow after worldly goodes : lykewyse all couetousnes , sekyng of priuate lucre , and idlenes , and that he may teache me to put my trust in hym , and to be helpfull , beneficiall and pitifull towarde my neighbor , labouryng truely and diligently in my vocacion , that I maye haue also wherwith to help others . The ninth commaundement .

What is ment by the nynth commaundement ? Thou shalt not beare any false witnes . &c.

That euery manne should help to defende , mainteine , and further his neyghbours good name , fame , & honestie , as his owne . And that no man shoulde lye , dissemble , flatter towarde his neighbor , or to bear or take any maner of false recorde or witnesse against him , or to geue sentence and iudgemente vpon any manne falsely and vniustly . And here is also forbidden all maner of reuilyng , slaunderyng or backe bityng of any man , all maner of false iudgement , wrythyng , wrestyng , & concealyng of the trueth for any pryuate affeccion of enuy , malice , fauor or lucre .

whan kepest thou this commaundement ?

whan I loue and confesse the trueth in all my lyfe , woordes and dedes without any falsehede or dissimulacion , interpreting all wordes & reportes of my neighbor , as charitie requireth , to the best , coueryng and excusing as ferre as I can with honestie , all thinges that should hurt my neyghbour , whiche myght redounde vnto his slaundre , shame , confusion or dishonor . The tenth commaundemente .

What is commaunded in the tenth & last commaundemente ? Thou shalt not lust after thy neyghbors house . &c.

That I should neuer haue any vnlawfull lust , any wicked thought , desyre or affeccion to any thyng contrary to the wil of God , but be as pure and wholly in heart , mynde , wishe and will , euen as Adam was before his fall , and as heauenly as the celestiall angels of God .

Howe came any manne euer attayne vnto my very enemies , without any respect of persones at all . And all they whosoeuer haue nede of my helpe , whether they dwell nygh vnto me or farre from me . For all these am I bounde to helpe and succour ( so farre as I can ) by the commaundement of god . And what I cannot perfourme for lacke of habilitie , there may I wishe in my harte , and beare a good minde and affeccion toward all men , & specially toward myne owne householde , kinred , and suche as be of the householde of fayth .

What promises of rewarde or thretnynges of punishmente are geuen to the kepers or transgressers of these commaundementes ?

Euen those aboue rehearsed in the .ii. commaundement : J am the lorde thy God , a strong and gelous God . &c. by the whiche woordes he declareth vnto vs , his euerlastyng and immutable iustice , and agayne he sheweth vs howe highly he estemeth this his commaundement , that all mankynde bothe small and great , myght learne to loue feare , and humbly to obey hym .

Howe is god a gelous god ?

For as muche as he hath spoused and maried our soules vnto hymselfe , Osee . ii . in euerlastyng loue and in the highest trueth and vnfaynednes , therfore he neyther can nor wyll suffre vs to fixe or hang our loue vpon any creature , Iohn . iii. but only to be maried vnto hym , and to loue hym as our onely spouse with our hole hart and affeccion .

Whan doeth God punyshe the children for their parentes wickednes sake ? Exo. xx Eze. xviii

Whan the children are lyke vnto theyr parentes in wickednesse , and folowe their parentes wicked condicions .

And whan doeth God shewe mercye vnto the children for their parentes sake ?

Eze. xviii xxxiii . Whan the chyldren are vertuous , and folowe theyr parentes properties in vertue , & in the feare of God .

Is man able to kepe and fulfill the law and .x. commaundements of god , and so to attayne vnto euerlastyng saluacion , of his owne naturall power and strength ?

No , for than should the sonne of God , haue descended from heauen in vayne , whiche came downe for none other purpose , but to fulfill that for vs , which no man els was able for weaknes and infirmitie , to accomplishe .

Why hath not man free libertie to kepe hymselfe from syn ?

In the first creacion of man before his fall , he was so created , & had suche libertie . But thorow the transgression of Adam , we were all depriued therof .

And why dyd God than geue vs suche commaundementes , knowing before that we wer not able to fulfill and accomplishe them ?

There are two special causes why god gaue the lawe of the .x. commaundementes . Fyrst that we myght therby learne to knowe , both that perfeccion wherein man was fyrst created , & also the feblenes , weaknes , and corrupcion of our nature , beeyng otherwyse inclined and affect , than the lawe of god requireth . Secondarily that it myght bee our scholemaister and guide vnto the onely sauior and mercy stole Christe , whiche is the ende of the lawe . For seyng we perceyue by the lawe that we are miserable synners , and not able to perfourme that whiche the lawe requireth , we must nedes flee vnto Christ for helpe and comforte , staying our selues vpon hym only thorowe a true and a perfecte fayth .

Well , God geue vs all suche a fayth . Nowe what is the seconde speciall poynte or article of the christen religion ?

The articles of the holy Christian faythe .

Declare me those articles of the fayth , & first what faythe is .

Faythe is a sure trust and a stedfaste confidence in the very true , eternall , liuing god , wherthorowe our hartes are thorowly perswaded that he wyll bee mercyfull vnto vs , thorowe the death and passion of his onely begotten sonne our lorde Iesus Christe .

Whervnto serueth this fayth ?

It serueth & profiteth vs for this pourpose , to teache vs what we must hope and loke for to receyue of God , whereby we may learne to knowe what god is : And it teacheth vs also how we may performe all that God requireth of vs in the .x. commundementes .

What dooeth it teache vs of God ?

To beleue all thinges that are writen in holy scripture of him , the summe and effecte whereof is conteyned in the articles of the common crede : J beleue in God . &c.

How may those articles be briefly deuided ?

They maye be deuided into .iii. chief & principall articles : The first of god the father our creator : The second of god the sonne our redemer : The thirde of god the holy gost our sanctifier , which hathe sanctified and brought vs to the knowlege of the father and of the sonne .

Me thinke by this diuision thou makeste .iii. gods : god the father , god the sonne , and god the holy gost .

No , the whole scripture teacheth that there is but one god , as in the .vi. of Deut. The lord our god , is one only god . There is but one God and one father of all . &c. Ephe. iiii

Item . i. Timo. ii . There is one God & one mediator . &c. But in the same one Godhead are three sondry persons of like substance accordyng vnto the three sondry workes whiche are knowen of God , namely the creacion , the redemcion , & the sanctificacion .

Wherof the fyrste is ascribed vnto the father , the seconde to the sonne , the thirde to the holye gost . And for this cause we saie and beleue that there are three persons , and but one God .

Whiche are the woordes of the first chiefe & principal article .

I beleue in god the father . &c.

What is it to beleue in god ?

It is to knowe god as he is .

What is God ?

God is the euerlastyng and endelesse welspryng of all goodnesse , Iac. i. Roma . iii by whome we may seke whatsoeuer we lacke , to whome we may runne and complayne in what sorow , vexacion and nede soeuer we be , and we shall be sure to finde comforte , helpe , succour and defence at him .

Why doeth the scripture call God a father ?

To confyrme and stablishe our fayth , & also to comfort the weake and feble heartes of all faythfull beleuers .

What comfort is it vnto the to beleue that God is an almyghtye father ?

It is a singular confort vnto me to beleue that the almightie God , the father of our Lorde Iesus Christe wyll also be my father , and take no lesse , but a thousande tymes more care , charge , and sorow , for me a miserable worme , than anye naturall father can do for his child : and wyll repute and take me for a chyld and heyre of his kyngdome , & euerlastyng lyfe .

Is God suche a father vnto all men without excepcion ?

No , althoughe he be the lorde , creator , and susteiner of all , yet he is onely the father of the faithful which know , feare and loue , his onelye begotten sonne , and put their whole trust in him .

What comforte is it vnto the to beleue that God is almightie , and creator of heauen and yearth ?

Throughe beleuyng of that I am assured that I maye boldly and safelye trust and committe my selfe vnto him , whom no creature can hinder or let : whiche , as he of his fatherly goodnes wyll help vs , so can he through his almyghtie power , geue to vs his heritage , and ayde vs in euery ease wherin and whansoeuer he will . Wherfore vnder his proteccion we may be of good comforte & without feare of any maner of creature . For all creatures must serue vs for our wealth & profite .

If God be suche an almightie father , why doeth he suffre his chyldren sometime to be so grieuously , afflicted and vexed , & doeth not helpe them ?

He suffereth it , not as though he would not or coulde not helpe them , but because it is for the glorye of his name . & for the sufferers soule helth that it should so be .

And although it semeth contrary to the affeccion and desyre of the fleshe , yet the spirite of fayth feleth continually the present ayde of god , in suche affliccion .

Is it sufficiente for vs thus to beleue of God the father as is nowe rehersed ?

It is sufficiente ynoughe , so that we learne thereby to putte all our hope and confidence of euerlasting lyfe and saluacion in hym only as the head & welspring of all goodnes , committyng our selues vnto his almyghtie power and fatherly louyng goodnesse : Which declareth hymselfe through his vnspeakable wysedome in the creacion of the world after suche sorte , that no manne can bee excused whiche dooeth not put his trust in hym , & euer more adore , worship & glorifie him .

well , what foloweth next ?

The second principall article of God the sonne oure sauior Christe .

what are the wordes of this article ?

J beleue in Jesus Christ . &c.

What is al that to saye ?

It is thus muche to saye : I put al my trust & confidence of euerlastyng lyfe & saluacion in Christe Iesus the sonne of God , whiche is not onelye a mightie & puissaunt lorde ouer synne , death and hel , ( all which he hath vtterly depriued of all theyr power and mighte , that they can neuer ouercome more ) but also he is suche a lorde vnto vs as hath boughte and redemed vs from the bondage of synne , and deliuered vs from Sathans iurisdiccion , & hath taken suche charge of vs , that he wyll from hencefoorth continually defende and preserue vs , as any lorde will do his naturall people that are sworne & subiecte vnto him .

Why do we call him Iesus ?

Because he is an healper and sauiour , whiche saueth and helpeth the children of god from synne and from all kynde of euill . Math. i. and ix Luke . ii

Why do we call hym Christe ?

Because he is the annoynted king of God , which gouerneth the children of God vnto euerlastyng lyfe .

Wherin consisteth his gouernaunce ?

In obteynyng vs remission of our synnes , and in geuyng his spirite .

Why do we say , his onely sonne ?

For a difference betwene him and vs . For he was borne very god , the very brightnes of his beautie and glory , out of the very nature & godly substaunce of the father , without all synne . But we are the children of god through adopcion and grace , whiche els by nature muste haue remayned the children of wrathe and of euerlastyng death .

Why sayest thou , Esai ix Math. xii . Collo i. i. Cor. vi . our Lorde ?

Because he onely hath broken the yoke of Sathan , and delyuered vs from his tyranny , redemyng vs with the precious price of his bloud . Wherfore we are not our owne but his , and we ought to serue him onely , and to lyue after his wyll and not after our owne .

What foloweth ?

Whiche was conceyued by the holy gost , borne out of the virgin Mary .

What beleuest thou by this ?

That our sauiour Christe for our wealth is become very manne , but without all maner of sin .

Whereby gatherest thou that he is without all maner of sin ?

By that that he was not conceiued by any manne , but by the holy ghost , and borne of the pure virgin Mary .

What profit or conforte hast thou by this belefe ?

This comfort haue I therby , that I beleue that he thorowe his holy and heuenly concepcion , hath sanctified our vnclene and earthly concepcion , and that he wyll take awaye the vncleanesse of my byrth and nature , and wyll make me partaker of his blissed byrth , and of the holynesse of his nature .

Why , is thy nature vncleane and vnholy ?

Yea , for as muche as we all are conceyued & borne in sinne .

what other profite is it vnto vs that the sonne of god toke mannes nature vpon hym , and became man ?

We are assured also thereby , that he is our brother , and that he and we are partakers of one fleshe and bloud . And for as muche as he would ouercome sathan in our fleshe , we are sure that his victorie is ours , and that we are admitted and receiued vnto the euerlastyng participacion of all his heauenly goodes & richesse .

What hath the sonne of God Iesus Christ doen for our sake ?

He suffred vnder Ponce Pilate , was crucifyed , dyed , and was buried , & descended vnto hel .

what beleuest thou in this ?

Hereby I beleue that Christ dyd suffre for vs the moste vilaynous and bytterest death , to reconcile vs , thorow the oblacion of his owne bodye vnto god the father , and to take away our synnes , and so to delyuer vs from the deuill , death , sinne , and hell .

why was it the moste vyllaynous death ?

Because he was condemned vnto death , as a blasphemouse , and a sedicious person , and the wycked vyllayne and murtherer Barrabas , quit and deliuered .

Why was it the moste bytterest death ?

Because he was mocked , scourged , crowned with pryckyng thornes , & nailed vnto the crosse .

Why sayest thou , Died , was buried , and descended to hell ?

Because he dyed verely , and his body was layed in the graue , & his soule wente vnto the soules that wer before departed .

What , went he in to the paynes of the damned soules ?

No , but vnto the holy soules whiche did rest from the time of Adam and Noe , in the bosome of Abraham , waytyng for Christes ioyfull cummyng .

And why did he descende vnto them .

In token that the frute , vertue , & effecte of his passion dyd not apperteyne only vnto them that were than alyue , but also vnto them that were dead before .

what mayest thou learne by all this ?

Forsoth .iiii. speciall lessons .

Fyrste I maye well consyder therby , the great heauynes of my sinne , whiche the Lorde dyd raunsome with so paynfull smart and tormente .

What is the seconde .

Secondarilye I fynde also a singuler comforte herein , whiche is this , that the Lorde hath satisfied and taken awaye all my synnes , together with the payne whiche I had well deserued to haue suffered for them , thorough his owne death & bitter passion .

And what is the thirde ?

Thirdly I maye learne hereby pacientlye to suffer whatsoeuer it shall please the Lorde to lay vpon me , and to beare my crosse mekelye after hym euen vnto death , seyng he thorowe his Crosse and passion hath sanctifyed all manner of affliccions , and made them swete , pleasaunt and fruitefull for vs . And we maye be assured that if we suffer with hym , we shall also lyue and reygne with him .

Now what is the fowerth and laste of all ?

Forsothe that is this , that I may learne hereby , the hyghe and inestimable loue of God , towarde mankynde , whiche dydde not spare his onelye dere beloued soonne , but gaue hym vnto suche a cruell and villaynous deathe for vs vnwoorthy , mysyrable , fylthye and wretched sinners .

What beleueste thou more of our Lorde Iesus Christe ?

That on the thirde daye he arose vp agayne from the dead , ascended into the heauens , setteth at the ryghthande of God , the father almyghtye .

What is all this to saye ?

Thus muche : I beleue and confesse that Iesus Christe the sonne of God , beeyng without spotte or synne , coulde not bee kept , or holden with the bandes of death whiche came into the worlde , by reason of sinne . And therfore thorough his godlye power , he vanquysshed bothe deathe and helle , and vpon the thyrde daye he arose agayn , appearyng vnto his disciples in a gloryfyed and an immortall bodye .

What doeth the resureccion of Christe profite vs ?

For sothe verye muche , for thereby are we assured that death , hell , and the deuil are ouercome , and that sinne is taken awaye , and euerlastyng righteousnesse sette in the place , and purchased of the father for vs , yf so be that we beleue in hym . Furthermore it is a sure pledge vnto vs , that our bodies shall also haue free passage into the euerlastyng glorye , without any interupcion of deuil , death or hell .

What meanest thou by this , where thou sayest that Christe sitteth at the righthand of God ?

It is a comon maner of speakyng vsed among men , whereby is sygnifyed that he hathe receyued euen after his mans nature , a power & honor aboue all Angels & creatures wherin he ruleth with the father in euerlastyng glorye as they do aboute kynges and prynces which sit at theyr ryghthandes .

Wherunto exerciseth the lord this his high & godly power & dominion ?

He exerciseth it in the gouernaunce of all thynges in heauen and vpon yearth , continually presence therby vnto all faythfull here vpon yerth , to deliuer , preserue and defende them from all euyll , perill and daunger , and to purchase them of the father al that is good and necessarye for them praying for them continually as a true and a mercifull prieste , patrone , and aduocate , vntyll suche tyme as they bee also exalted and taken vppe lyke vnto hym and with him in heauen vnto euerlastyng honor and glory .

What doeth it helpe or profite vs to beleue that Christe is ascended into heauen , and that he sitteth at the ryght hande of God ?

Fyrste we are assured therby that the waye , dore , and entreaunce into heauen , which was before locked vnto all men by reason of our synne , is nowe opened . Secondarily , it is a syngular comforte vnto vs to confirme vs in pacience in all maner of aduersitie , forasmuch as we are sure ( by this faythe ) that we haue a myghtie and a louyng protector , aduocate and spechemanne , with the father in heauen . Thyrdly this faythe reioyseth and lifteth vppe our heartes from all yearthly , transitorie , visible , and carnall thynges , vnto heauenly , eternall , inuisible , and spirituall thynges , & putteth vs in remembraunce to lift vppe our heartes from this yearthly and synfull lyfe , and to serue our God with heauenly & spirituall seruice , and not onely with yearthly and bodilye ceremonies .

Beleuest thou any thyng els of our sauior Iesus ?

Yea forsouth , that he shall come from thence to iudge the quicke and the dead .

What confessest thou by this ?

Forsouth , that my lorde Iesus Christ shall come againe from heauen with his verye bodye , & shall appeare before all the world visiblye in the glorye of his father , and shall iudge all menne both such as shall than liue and also those whiche were before dead , to the euerlastyng comforte and felicitie of all faythfull whiche haue honored hym , and taken him for theyr brother , aduocate , patrone and defender : And agayne to the vtter confusion and condemnacion of all vnfaythfull , whiche would neuer beleue his worde , nor suffer hym to rule nor to haue dominion ouer them .

But whan shall this iudgement once come ?

The daye and houre is vnknowen vnto all men , wherfore no man ought to busy or trouble hymselfe muche aboute it , but euery one of vs ought continually to loke diligent aboute vs , that we do & fulfyll those thynges whiche pertayne vnto our vocacion committed vnto vs of the lorde , that that tyme and daie come not vpon vs sodenly , vnwares and out of season .

For the ignorance of the daye and tyme , ought to put vs continually in remembraunce that we neuer lyue securely & rechelesselye , Mat. xxiiii and .xxv Luke . xii but continually watchyng in the feare of God , standyng alwayes prepared with the loynes of our mynde redye gyrded vp , i. Peter . i. Ti. iii and wayting for the Lorde Iesus Christe , shewing our selues good , willyng , diligente , and redye vnto all good workes wherby we maye helpe and further our neyghbor by any meanes .

Do our workes than meryte any thyng of God ?

Our workes merite nothyng of God , for any worthynes in themselues , but yet God whiche of his mercy worketh them in and by vs , wyll also of his mercy highly rewarde them in vs .

Now what foloweth next ?

The thirde principall article of the holy ghost our sanctifier

What are the woordes of this article ?

J beleue in the holy gost . &c.

What is that to say ?

Forsouth , thus muche : I beleue that there is an holy ghoste whiche procedeth from the father and the sonne , with whom he is one very liuyng God , the thirde persone in the godhead , which worketh so in vs that we shal be partakers of the saluaciciō that is purchased by Christ . Through whose power & operacion onely , all holy men haue spoken , and without hym canne no man speake or doe any thyng that is good and godly . For we haue nothyng in vs but very darkenesse , ignoraunce and hypocrisie .

what is the proper office of the holy ghoste ?

It is to sanctifie all those whiche are in the bonde & couenante of God through Christe , vnto the holye temples of the Lorde , that they hereafter may contende and begynne their viage vnto the euerlastyng lyfe , in theyr mortall body : and also that they may euen here in this lyfe , haue theyr God dwellyng in them . And agayne it is his office to lyghten theyr heartes with the knowlege of the father and the sonne , to leade theim into all trueth , to comfort them in al maner of temtacion , necessitie and aduersitie , to prepare vs vnto a newe life , to strengthen vs vnto all goodnesse . And so to renewe all christen mennes heartes that they may be changed and made newe men .

But seyng there are many and diuers spirites , how may a man discerne and knowe the holy spirite , from the worldly , deuelishe , euil and wicked spirites ?

By the fruites & properties aboue rehersed , but specially by the holy scripture .

For seyng it is certayne that scripture was inspired by the holy gooste , all maner of doctrine that is not consonaunte and agreable vnto it , is of an other and not of the holye spirite . For the holy spirite is neuer contrarye to hym selfe , nor neuer bryngeth in any straunge doctrine in religion .

What followeth ?

I beleue an holy christen churche , the communion of saintes .

what is that to saye ?

That is : I beleue and confesse one company and congregacion of faithfull christians vpon erth from the tyme of Adam vntyll thys daye , and vntyll the ende of the worlde : whiche is sanctifyed and incorporate into one body vnder one head , thorowe the holy goste . And they consent and agree together in oure sauiour Christe , as the verye membres of one bodye , in all thynges pertayning vnto edyfying in faythe , and in all Godlynes .

But howe may this congregacion be gathered , and suche edifying in faythe and all godlynesse perfourmed ?

Thorowe the worde of pure doctryne and exhortacion . And thorowe the ryghte vse of the holy sacramentes : And thorow other ordynaunces of discipline in the church , wherby the christian congregacyon is kepte in order , after the worde of God , and sundered from all maner of of strange sectes .

Why callest thou the churche holy and christen ?

For the causes aboue rehersed : because the holy ghoste hathe peculiarlye gathered and sanctified it in a godlye and an holye exercise and lyfe , i. Tho. vi in body and sowle : and also because Christe hathe sanctified it thorowe his precious bloud .

Why callest thou it , the communion of sainctes ?

Because all they which do truly beleue in Christ , and are so sanctified thorow his bloud ( which are the very right sainctes ) whersoeuer they bee scattered in the whole worlde , i. Tho. xii they are one bodye , one temple , vnder one head Iesus Christe , with whome and with the father , they haue felowshippe : i. Iohn . i and thorowe the holye ghoste they are ioyned and knitte together in one God , one fayth , i. cha. vi . Ephe. iiii one baptisme one loue .

And haue they no maner of felowshyp with the wicked and vnfaythfull ? ii . cha. vi . i. cha. v

None at all , so nere as they canne knowe and discerne them , leste they myght seme to consente vnto theyr vngodlynesse , or peraduenture myght bee infecte thorowe theyr wicked exaumple : ii . thes. iii For the holy ghoste commaundeth all suche to bee auoyded , except they will suffer themselues to bee admonyshed and exhorted , ii . Ch. vii ii . thes. iii. and wyll earnestlye repente , lamente theyr synnes , and amende .

Nowe what followeth nexte ?

Remission of sinnes .

What beleuest thou herein ? Esai . xxxiii Iere. xxxi and .xxxiii Mat. xviii

Here I confesse and beleue that in the holy christen churche , and no where els , I and all faythfull beleuers haue daylye forgeuenesse of all our synnes ( so that we hartylye repente and be sory for them ) and that the Lorde wyll neuer enter into Iudgemente with vs , nor neuer recken oure synnes vnto vs vnto dampnacion , nor neuer punishe vs for them with suche payne as they haue deserued . i. Cho. v

So heare I well that the christians haue still synne .

But howe agreeth with this the former article , of the holy communion of sainctes ?

They are both trewe . For the churche of Christe thorow perfyte fayth in hir brydegrome & head Christe , is pure and holy . Ephe. i. v For as muche as there canne be no synne nor vnpurenesse in Christ , but of hir selfe , she is compased with diuerse infirmities and synnes , whiche she daylye feleth , confesseth , and lamenteth with an heuy & sorowfull hart : And seketh for helpe and grace at Christe , and so reneweth hir selfe dayly thorow the holy gost , and laboreth contynually in mortifying the residewe of the olde man that styll remayneth .

But howe may we obteyne this dayly remission of synnes .

Esai . xlv . Not thorow any workes of our owne , nor yet thorowe the merites , Ti. iii workes or desertes of any saincte that is dead , but only thorowe the mere grace and mercy of God , Ephe. ii . vndeserued of vs , & thorowe the free redemcion of our sauior Iesus Christe , whiche hathe purchased and bought vs this pardone & forgeuenesse , with his precious bloud . Esai . liii . For his innocent death is the ransom of our transgressions and iniquities . As the gospell testifieth .

For as muche as thou hast made mencion of the ghospell , tell me , what is that ghospel ? Luke . i.

To speake properly , it is a glad & ioyfull tidynges and message of the grace and loue of God towarde vs , thorowe his sonne Iesus Christe .

Vnto whome is this ghospell preached and publyshed ?

Vnto all menne vniuersally , Mat. xvi sauyng onely suche as wilfully and malyciouslye , contemne , mocke and blaspheme it . But it sheweth hir vertue & power specially , in them that are poore in spirite , and are ouerladen with the burthen of their sinnes , Mat. xi . laboryng to bee rydde quite and eased of them .

What foloweth ?

Resurreccion of the fleshe .

What beleuest thou herein .

By this I confesse and beleue that all menne that are dead shall be raised vp agayne at the latter daye from death . Exo. iii Esai . xxvi . Eze. lvii . Iob. xix . Iohn .v. ii Cho. v. ii Cho. xv . So that euerye bodye that is dead and rotten in the yearth , or consumed with water , fyer , or by any other meanes , shall receyue his owne forme and proporcion agayne and shall bee vnited and knytte again with the soule , and shall ryse vppe agayne from the dead , Mat. xxviii Iohn .xx. Exo. vi . immortall and incorruptible : Lyke as Christe our head is risen vppe with his very true body .

But howe can that be possible ?

By God whiche is the woorker of it , Act. xxvi . ii . cha. v. Phil. iii. Gene. ii is nothyng vnpossible , no more than it was impossible for him to make and create mankynde of nought .

What , is the resurreccion of the bodye necessarye ? Were it not enough that the soule alone should reigne eyther in glorye and honor , or els in shame and confusion ?

It pleased not God that man beyng made vnto hope , and created vnto saluacion of two partes , ( body , & soule ) should only remaine with the one parte , and enioy euerlasting lyfe with the one alone : but that the body also should receyue rewarde with the soule : and remayn for euer , holy , immortall , ii . Ch. v without any maner of temptacion or infirmitie , decked with power and honor euen as the Angels of God , yea euen after the example of Christ himselfe as he was transformed before his disciples vpon the mounte Tabor .

He that coulde beleue this perfitely , howe coulde he be afrayed of death ?

Luke . xxii The feare of death is of very nature , as we may perceyue in Christe . And forasmuche as death is the punyshemente of sinne , Gene. iii therfore mankynd dredeth death by reason of his synne the more . Whiche feare and drede yet the faythfull beleuers do ouercome , Philip. i forasmuche as they knowe that it is the rediest waye vnto euerlastyng felicitie , to die . And for this cause the faithfull are not so vnmeasurablye heuy & sorowfull for the death of their faythfull frendes , Apoca. xiiii i. thes. iiii . as the hethen and vnfaithfull are , which haue no beliefe in the resurreccion .

Lyke as the housebande manne taketh no thought nor sorowe for the sede that is caste into the yearth , because he hath a sure trust & hope that it shall come againe with a plentifull and an excedyng recompence .

Now what is the laste article of our christen faith ?

And the euerlasting life .

What is thy belief in this ? Soph. iii.

Hereby I confesse and beleue , Iohn . v i. Cho. v i. Peter . i that I with bodye & soule vnited & knitte together againe after the resurreccion , shall enioye the kyngdome of God , and liue euerlastynglye in the ioye & felicitie of heauen with oure sauior Christe the soonne of God , i. thes. iiii Mat. xxv . i. cha. xv . as one of the membres of his body .

what maner of ioye shall this be ?

That can no toungue expresse , Esai . lxiiii i. cha. ii nor no hearte comprehende . But it shall consiste speciallye herein , that the faythful shall know and behold euerlastynglye , Ion. xix Iohn . xvii euen with their corporall iyes , the euerlastyng light and the highest ioye . And beyng incorporate with God for euer , shall haue perpetuall participacion of all heauenlye treasures with him . Apoca. xxi Luke . xxii Psal. xvii i. Ch. xv For as than God shal be all in all .

But tell me more plainlye what maner of persons shall enioye this euerlastyng life ?

All they that beleue in Christe . Iohn . iii. v.vi .

But how muste a man beleue in Christ ?

Forsouthe that he is the sonne of the liuing god , Iohn . vi whiche was sent from god and came into this worlde and toke mannes nature vpon him , Math. xvi and tooke vpon hym to dye for our synnes , i. Iohn . iiii and was crucifyed vpon the crosse , and throughe the power of his godhead , rose vp agayn from death for our iustificacion . Roma . iii This must euery man beleue in his heart , and also openly confesse with his mouth . Roma . x.

But here thou makeste no mencion of the vnfaythfull : What shal be doen with them ?

They , Dani. xii . Ihon. v Luke . xvi Esd. xxx Math ix like as they shall rise vnto euerlastyng shame , condemnacion , and confusion , euen so shall they be clere destitute of the blessednesse , ioye and felicitie of the faythfull . And their part , shall be in the euerlastyng fyre , and in the exterior darkenesse , where euerlastyng wooe , waylyng , and gnashing of teeth shal be .

And is this article of euerlastyng lyfe , of necessitie to be beleued ?

Yea , moost necessarye . For yf this article be not beleued , than are the other also eyther not beleued at all , or els they are beleued in vayne .

why so ?

Because muche profite ensueth of the belefe of this article ( yf it bee truly beleued . ) As peace and quyetnesse of conscience , reioysyng in God and in his workyng , and vpon that , pacience and constancye in trouble and aduersitie , and also tontempt of all transitory thynges , whether it be goodes , honor , or lyfe . For the scope and ende of al that is prescribed and promysed in the scripture , is euerlastyng lyfe vnto the glory of God .

But who will geue vs suche a fayth ?

Forsouth , that wyll God our heuenly father doe , yf we call vpon hym therfore thorowe instante & earnest prayer .

Nowe God the father , sonne , and holy ghoste , geue vs and all men this fayth , and preserue and strengthen vs therin vnto the ende . Amen .

What is the thirde chiefe pointe or article of the christen doctryne and religon ?

The lordes prayer .

Declare me the same , and fyrst what is praier ?

Praier is an heartie inuocacion and callyng vpon God our heauenly father , Math. v. vi Marke . x Iohn .xvi. Iaco. i desiryng of him in the name of Christe , all our necessities , with a sure trust and confidence that he wyll heare vs .

Forasmuche as thou sayest that prayer is an inuocacion and callyng vpon God , is than the inuocacion of sainctes whiche are in heauen no ryght prayer ?

Math. vi Our sauior Christ speaking of that prayer whiche he promiseth to heare , sayeth that we should inuocate and praye vnto the father onely .

Wherfore he that prayeth otherwyse : Fyrst he maketh such a praier , wherof he hath no promise of God to be heard .

Esai xlv . Secondarily , he committeth also idolatry , forasmuche as he ascribeth that thyng vnto dead sainctes and creatures , whiche is due vnto God onely . As to be our God and father , to bee almyghtie , to serche & to knowe the inward secretes of the hearte , i. Pa. xxviii Iere. xvii . to be the fountayne of whom al that is good procedeth , and of whom all succour , help , & comforte in any maner of necessitie is onely to be hoped and loked for . &c. All these are due vnto God onely . He is onely to be adored or inuocate . Esa. lxiii Abraham knoweth vs not . &c. He is onely to be wurshipped & serued : wherfore to ascribe or attribute any of these thynges vnto any other , than to hym only , Mat. iiii is manifest Idolatry .

But nowe tell me , what is it to praye in the name of Christe ?

It is as muche as to praye for suche thynges as becummeth vs to axe , and hym to geue : namely for suche thynges as are holesome and necessarye for vs . Or els it is as muche as to praye after the commaundemente of Christe , and for his sake . i. Timo. ii For the father geueth vs all thynges whatsoeuer he geueth vs for Christes sake . Heb. ii For the whiche cause they onely can praye in the name of Christe , that beleue in Christe , & are very ryght christians , which will neuer desire or praye for any thyng that is or maye be , agaynste the glory and honor of Christe .

Doeth not God knowe wherof we haue nede , before we pray ?

Yes , he doeth . Math. vi

And what nede we than to open our necessities vnto hym thorow praier ?

For gods be halfe we nede not at all . But for our owne behalfe it is necessary and good , that we maye knowledge and confesse that we haue nothyng of our selues but all of God : whiche thyng maketh vs meke & humble .

well , howe and after what maner ought we to pray ?

Euen as our sauiour Christe taught his disciples and no nother wyse in effecte .

Why no notherwyse ? Roma . viii Math. vi

Because all maner of prayers that are not consonante and agreable vnto that ( whiche contayneth all necessarye peticions both for bodye and soule ) they are not good nor auaylable . i. Iohn . v

What are the wordes of the prayer .

Our father whiche arte in heauen . &c.

Why sayest thou father ?

Because I learne thereby that I am a chylde of god , and therfore ought to take my leaue of the deuyll for euer and to lyue onely after the wyll and pleasure of God , and not after the desire and lust of myne owne fleshe .

why saiest thou our father ?

To put me in remembraunce of the brotherly loue that I owe towarde my neibour : For seeyng god hath receyued vs all together and all a lyke , ( thorowe his soonne oure sauiour Christe ) vnto his chyldren , and chosen vs to be the heyres of all his goodes and treasure , therfore we oughte to take and to loue one another , euen as brethren , and as the chyldren of one father , and truly to praye vnto the father eche one for other .

Why sayest thou ? In heauen .

To remembre thereby , his highe power , and heauenlye glory .

what comfort hast thou by that ?

Euen this , that I maye ( by reason of that ) the more suerly set all my truste and affiaunce in gods ayde and helpe , hauyng all my ioye and delight in heauen .

what is the effecte of all the peticions that folowe ?

The effecte of all is this , that the lorde will make vs partakers of al thinges that maye be good vnto vs , and delyuer or preserue vs from all that maye be euill and noysome vnto vs .

And what order is kept in those peticions ?

Fyrste we desyre and praye therein for spirituall and heauenlye thynges , and after , for worldely & transitory thynges .

For what spirituall thynges ?

For faythe , vertue and godlynes , and for remission of oure sinnes .

And for what worldly or transitory thynges ?

For all bodely nourishment and sustentacion , whereby we maye be the more able to serue god with , in this life .

what is the fyrste peticion ?

Halowed be thy name .

What prayest thou in this pecicion ?

That God our heauenly father maye be perfectly knowen and glorifyed throwe the whole worlde .

How maye that be done ?

Thorowe the pure doctrine of the holy ghospell whan it is syncerelye preached and receyued with a trewe and constante faith in all obedience , humblenes , holynes , and godlynes , to the confusion of all sinne , of ydolatrye , of blasphemie , and of all vngodlinesse .

what is the seconde peticion ?

Thy kingdome come .

What prayest thou for , in this peticion ?

That God will ouerthrowe and destroye in vs the kyngdome of Sathan , of sin , and of the worlde . And that he wyll gather vs to gether , thorowe his worde and spirite , into the kyngdome of his sonne ( namely the christen churche , & congregacion , ) and gouerne and rule vs in the same , that we may serue him and liue after his will in one consente , and whan the numbre of the faithfull , thorowe dayly encrease , is once full and perfecte , than that we may together inherite and enioy that euerlastyng kyndome .

what is the thirde peticion ?

Thy will be doen vpon erth . &c.

what praiest thou for in this peticion ?

That we may conceiue such a lust and a desire vnto his will in all thynges , as the holy Angels and saintes in heauen haue .

Why sayest thou in earth as it is in heauen ?

Because that in heauen nothing resisteth the wyll of God , but in yearth the wyll of God is muche and often resisted .

Therfore doe we praye in this peticion that God wyll hyndre and let whatsoeuer is agaynste his moste holye wyll , geue vs grace to forsake our owne fleshly wyll and desyre , and withall humblenesse to obey his moste godly wyll , submittyng and geuyng ouer our selues willyngly vnto the same , whatsoeuer he shall laye vpon vs .

what is the fowerth peticion ?

Geue vs this day our daily bread .

What prayest thou for , in this peticion ?

That God wyll geue vs all maner of necessary sustinaunce for this lyfe , as meate , drynke , clothyng , godly and vertuous magistrates and rulers , helth , peace , and quietnes , and all thynges whatsoeuer is necessary for vs to liue in thys worlde , to the glorye of hys name and the profite of our neighbor .

Why sayest thou , this day and dayly ?

By those wordes I am put in remembraunce that I should take no thought nor be carefull for the time to come , but should dayly labor ( in my condicion of lyfe ) and praye therwith , & than nothyng doubte but that God wil geue me both that day , and all dayes as long as I lyue , whatsoeuer I shall nede , & may be profitable and expedient for me .

What is the fifte peticion ?

For geue vs our trespaces . &c.

What prayest thou for in this peticion ?

For remission and forgeuenes of suche synnes wherwith I dayly diplease my heauenly father , and that God wyll not entre into iudgemente with me , but be mercyfull vnto me .

And why than kepest thou not thy selfe from sinning ?

I ought so to doe withall diligence and indeuor , but our naturall ignoraunce , with the weakenes & infirmitie , wherein we were borne , is so great , that we ouersee oure selues euermore , and therfore are we constrayned to desyre God of forgeuenes .

Why addest thou further , as we forgeue our trespacers ?

For the lorde wyll not remit or forgeue vs at all , yf we forgeue not them that haue greued , offended , or displeased vs .

Why so ?

Because our heauenly father wylleth that we shoulde well consider and acknowelege our owne synnes , and take all maner of displeasure of iniury that our neighbor doeth vnto vs , pacientlye and with thankefulnes , euen as a moste worthy deserued punishment of God our heauenly father : and therfore ( for our owne part ) to be well content with al such , through whom God doth chastice or punishe vs , whatsoeuer they be .

What is the sixt peticion ?

Leade vs not into temptacion .

What praiest thou for in this peticion ?

That God our heauenly father wyll mercyfully assist me in all maner of temptacions , and bryng me through , whether it bee in prosperitie or aduersitie , & wyll kepe and preserue me by the verye ryght fayth , euen vnto the ende .

Howe doeth god leade men into temptacion ?

Whensoeuer he permitteth the wicked ghostely enemy , to withdrawe vs through transitory fortune or misfortune , prosperitie or aduersitie , and also through other gostly assaultes from fayth , vertue & godlines .

What is the seuenth peticion ?

But deliuer vs from euill .

What prayest thou in this peticion ?

That our heauenly father will redeme & deliuer vs from the snares , subtiltie , tyranny , and power of our olde wicked enemy .

Hath he than any power agaynst thee ?

Yea forsouth , by reason of my synnes wherin I am borne , god geueth him power against me , from the which he himselfe alone through our Lord Iesus Christe , must nedes deliuer me .

And what meaneth that clause and sentence wheras thou sayest ? For thine is the kyngdome , power and glory for euer .

That sentence putteth vs in remembraunce , that we ought to conclude and ende all our prayers in lauding and praysyng of god , and to thynke thus in our heartes : O heauenly father I haue desyred of the to the glorye of thy name , and to the wealth of all men ( both in body & soule , ) high and excedyng great thynges whiche are by menne impossible to obteyne or atteyne . But thou arte a gloryous and an almyghtie puissaunte kyng euerlastyng , whiche canste easily procure & prouyde all that is good for thy chyldren , and canste also breake and auoyde all contrarye power of our aduersaries , wherfore helpe and deliuer vs from all the power of hel , and restore vs vnto euerlastyng lyfe .

But nowe howe concludest thou thy prayer ?

With this woorde . Amen .

What is that to saye ?

Forsouth , thus muche : O heauenly father , graunte of thy mercye , that all these thynges maye come to passe whiche we haue desired of that in this prayer . And forasmuche as thou haste promised to heare all those that call vpon the in true faith , in the name of thy beloued sonne , we hope and trust stedfastly that it shall so happen vnto vs .

Notwithstanding if there be any lacke of defaute in our fayth by reason or our naturall infirmitie , than strengthen thou good lord , our fayth , & graunte vs thy holy spirite , that we may praye this thyne owne prayer with a true and a perfite fayth , and that we maye speake from the botome of our heartes vnto the in all our prayers , Amen , Amen , Sobeit .

Almyghtie God graunte that thou and all other maye alwayes praye in suche a fayth ?

Amen .

A declaracion of the holy sacrament of Baptisme . M.

Nowe what is the fowerth principall article of the christen doctrine and religion ?

Forsouth that is the institucion of the holy sacramente of baptisme .

Fyrst tel me , what are sacramentes ?

They are holy visible accions and exterior exercises instituted , ordeyned , and appoynted of almighty God to bee vsed in hys churche and congregacyon of hys faythful to represent vnto theim after a mooste lyuely sorte , his heauenly gracious benefites , that they may therby be confirmed in theyr fayth , and of purpose to excite the mutual loue of one towarde an other .

Why did Christe ordayne suche sacramentes ?

For .iii. speciall causes .

What is the firste ?

The fyrste is , that they shoulde be tokens and witnesses of the grace , mercy and promises of God towarde vs , and as the moste sure seales , wherby our participacion , felowshyp and incorporacion with Christ , is confyrmed , consigned and sealed vp .

And also that our faythe , which is otherwyse veraye feble and weake , myght thorowe the vse of them be exercised and lifte vp from all earthly thinges , vnto the consideracion , estimacyon , and expectacion , of celestiall and heauenly thinges .

Is not that the peculiar operacion and office of the holy gooste ?

Yes it is the very proper operacion of the holy gost . For he gloryfieth Christe , & he is the eternall and effectuous worker and executour of all the doctryne and ordinaunces of Christe . But yet he perfourmeth and executeth that worke thorowe the worde and vse of the sacramentes , yf they be truely ministred and receyued : And it is therfore ascribed vnto them , because we should vnderstande and knowe that the sacramentes are not bare , vayne , and vnprofitable tokens .

What is the seconde cause ?

The seconde is this : that they shoulde admonishe vs continuallye of our office and duetie as long as we lyue . For seyng we professe by receyuyng and vsyng of the sacramentes , that we are incorporate and made one bodye with Christe thorowe participacion of hym , we ought to knowe also that it is our bounde dutye to expresse and represent the very image of Christe in our whole lyfe and in all the exercises of the same . And yf we doe not so , than we contemne the sacramentes and vse them vnworthely .

What is the thyrd cause ?

That they shoulde be tokens of the people of god , wherby the whole company and congregacion of god myght bee gathered together as it were into one bodye , and separated or diuided & knowen by suche seuerall tokens and peculiar exercises ( whiche no nother congregacion doeth vse , ) fro all other false sectes . And they serue also for this purpose that the congregacion of Christ may shewe and declare by them theyr seruice , reuerence and obedience towarde God , and so maye prouoke others also thorowe their example vnto the trew religion and seruice of God .

What thinkest thou of them whiche vse the sacramentes vnwoorthely and vnreuerently ?

For as muche as they breke & violate the couenaunte of the Lord therby , they are accursed and abominable in the syght of God . And therfore they shall bee reiected and refused of the Lorde for euer , as periured rebellions , yf they do not turne and amend .

Who vseth the sacramentes vnreuerently , and vnworthily ?

Forsoth he that doth not vse them in true fayth , loue , and obedience towardes God : & specially he that vseth them not to prouoke , styrre vp , and to nourish , the forsaied vertues . For therunto ought the vse of all externall or outwarde sacramentes to serue .

But are the sacramentes necessarye vnto saluacion ?

Forasmuch as they are the ordinaunces of God , and commaunded vnto vs to be vsed in perfecte obedience towarde God : therfore can we not forbeare or neglecte the vse of them , without manifest perill and hinderaunce of saluacion .

What persons are to bee taken and reputed for contemners and dispisers of the sacramentes ?

Suche as vse them not whan they maye haue them ministred after the institucion and ordinaunce of Christ .

For whosoeuer beleueth our sauiour Christe , and is a true disciple of his , he can not chose but to vse all thinges with high reuerence and deuocion , what soeuer our sauior Christe hathe ordayned to bee vsed .

Well , nowe lette vs come vnto baptisme ? what is Baptisme ?

It is an ordinaunce & commaundemente of oure sauiour Iesus Christe , ioyning all suche as shall enter into the cumpany and congregacion of Christe , to be baptised , that is , to bee sprincled or dipped with water in the name of the father , of the sonne , and of the holy gost .

But in what texte of scripture is suche commaundemente grounded ?

In the last of Matthew , and Marke , in these wordes : Vnto me is geuen all power in heauen and earth , therfore go your waye , and teache all nacions , baptisyng them in the name of the father , and of the sonne , and of the holy ghoste . &c.

What is to be noted & learned out of these wordes ?

Forsoth .iii. thinges .

what is the fyrste ?

The fyrste is this , that our sauior Christe vnto whome the father hath geuen all power in heauen & earth , wylleth that his holy gospell should be preached vnto all men in the whole worlde , & that all people should be made his disciples .

what is the .ii. note ?

The .ii is this , that the holy sacramente of baptisme is commaunded of god the father , the sonne , and the holy ghost , to be asure testimonie of the inestimable loue & fauour of God toward vs , wherby the promises of the ghospell , concernyng the free remyssion of synnes , the newe byrth , and euerlastyng lyfe purchased by Christe , are sealed , confyrmed and made sure vnto vs .

And what is the thyrde note ?

The thirde is this , that those that are baptised ought to remayne in the couenaunte of God , and to applye themselues to learne and to kepe all that the Lorde hath commaunded , to dye vnto synne , and to caste of the olde Adam , with all his lustes and affeccions , & to put on the Lord Iesus euery daye more than other in a newe lyfe , whiche will be presente with vs vntill the worldes ende , and graciouslye ayde and helpe vs therunto .

Vnto what persons doeth baptisme appertayne ?

Vnto all suche as the couenaunte of God & the doctryne of the ghospell preached by the Apostles pertayneth vnto .

Muste infantes and young children also be baptised ?

Yea forsouth yf it maye be done , forasmuche as the couenaunt of the lorde perteyneth also vnto them , & they are also of the flocke of God , and partakers of grace . And therfore the signe and seale of the promise and couenaunte ( whiche is baptisme ) muste nedes also perteyne vnto them . And agayne seeyng they are in the fauor of God , as his dearely beloued , and partakers of Christe & of his merites ( as they must nedes be yf the kyngdom of god be thence as Christe sayth ) than baptisme whiche is the seale of all this , muste also nedes perteyne vnto them .

But howe can they be baptised seyng thei haue no faythe ?

Forasmuche as they haue the fauor of God through Christe , whatsoeuer is required in them , that haue thei also sufficientlye in and through Christe , whiche hath taken theyr weakenes vpon himselfe , & is become their satisfaccion as he is to all others . And his fayth and obedience is ( of grace ) imputed vnto them , and throughe his spirite they are sanctified to bee the temples of God , whose heade and sauior is Christe , and they membres of his body .

Than may they be baptised with a good conscience ?

Yea no doubt . For seyng they are reputed as faythfull in the syghte and iudgement of god thorowe Christe , they ought as faythfull to bee baptised , that thorowe the ministracion of the churche they may haue a sure token & witnes that they are the heyres of the blessyng promised vnto the sede of the faythfull , the membres of our sauior Christe , & cleane purged and washed from all theyr synne in his bloude .

From what synne nedeth a chylde that is newe borne ( whiche hath wrought neither good nor euil ) to be purged or washed ?

From original sinne , whiche is the verye roote of all other synne .

What is originall sinne ?

It is the poison , infeccion or corrupcion , of nature wherein we are conceyued : Whiche alwayes resisteth , rebelleth and lusteth againste the wyll of God , and is euer inclined and redye vnto all euill & wickednes , and hath a luste and delite therin . From the whiche we can none otherwyse be deliuered or pourged , but alonlye throughe the power of God in our sauior Christ .

But how are we pourged from this sinne through baptisme ?

In as muche as in baptisme we haue a promise that it is forgeuen vs and not imputed to damnacion vnto vs . And againe that the holy ghost is also geuen vs whiche shall dayly mortifie , kyll and subdue this synne and wicked inclinacion in vs , begynnyng and daylye increasyng in the stede therof , a newe affeccion and nature in vs , obediente vnto the wyll of God and deliting therin , whiche in the blessed resurreccion shall bee altogether perfite .

Nowe tell me what ought our baptisme to worke in vs and to put vs in remembraunce of ?

Firste we ought to bee thankefull vnto God for it , and vnto our parentes also for furtheryng and healpyng vs vnto it , and to receyue all doctrine and correccion of them obediently and redily .

What more ?

It ought also to put vs in remembraunce of the remission of our synnes , of the grace and mercye of God , and of the blessed resurreccion wherin we shall aryse agayne vnto euerlastyng lyfe . By the remembraunce wherof we maye haue a singular comforte agaynst all synne , agaynst the deuyll , death , hell , & damnacion .

And what els ?

Finally , it ought to worke in vs a perfite obedience vnto the wyll of God , to leade our liues in continuall repentaunce and amendemente , praying ernestly that he wyll strengthen and make more perfite in vs , through his holy woorde and spirite , the newe byrth whiche is already begonne in vs : and dayly to mortifie our fleshe and to practise with all faythfulnes and diligence to serue God and to kepe his commaundementes .

Nowe , what is the .v. speciall article of the christen doctrine or religion ?

The holy supper of the lorde .

What is the supper of the Lorde ?

It is an holy ordinance and institucion of our sauior Christe , wherby christen people are commaunded to eate and drynke the bread and cuppe of the Lorde together , & therby to remembre his passion , and to be assured of theyr communion with hym in his body and bloud . For it is a pledge and an assuraunce that the Lorde geueth them his bodye & bloud to be the foode and nourishement of theyr soules vnto euerlastyng lyfe .

Than is it not a bare signe and an vnfruitfull token ?

No. For we receyue in the supper a spirituall meate and drinke , wherin by the lordes owne institucion , the true communion and participacion of the bodye and bloud of Christe is most liuely represented and confirmed vnto vs . And at the ministracion therof , beeyng ministred after Christes institucion , it is certayne that he is alwaies presente , and worketh effectuously therwith .

How ought this supper to be ministred ?

In euery poynte & condicion as the Lorde himselfe dyd ministre and ordeyne it .

Where is it written how the lorde did ministre and ordeyne it ?

In the holy Euangelistes , Mat. xxvi . Marc. xiiii Luke . xxii Matthew , Marke , Luke . And in the .xi. Chapiter of the fyrst Epistle to the Corinthians in these woordes . In the same night that the Lorde Jesus was betrayed , he tooke bread , and whan he had geuen thankes , he brake it .

What learnest thou out of these wordes ?

Fyrst I lerne that this supper sealeth vp , confirmeth , & assureth vnto vs , the verye true communion of the true body and bloud of Christ , with all the frutes and benefites , whiche he dyd euer pourchase and merite thorowe his body & bloud .

Howe canste thou proue that ?

By the verye woordes of the institucion . For whereas he commaundeth vs to eate his body and drynke his bloud , that is to saye , to receyue our nouryshement vnto euerlastyng lyfe , thorowe fayth , of his bodye and bloud , he addeth immediatlye : Whiche is geuen vp for you , and shed for you . By the whiche woordes he signyfieth , seeyng we are partakers of his bodye and bloud , and in faythe fleshe of his fleshe , and bones of his bones , he our head and we his members , that we are also partakers of all that he did euer purchasse or merite thorow his passion and bloud shedyng , that is , reconciliacion with God the father , remission of our synnes , righteousnes and euerlasting lyfe .

What lernest thou more out of the forsayed woordes ?

I learne also that the Lorde geueth me thorowe this supper , a sure hope and comforte that I am partaker of the new testament , and of the couenaunt of grace whiche he confirmed and sealed with his precious bloud .

What is that newe Testamente or couenaunte of grace ?

It is this , that almyghtye God , for the bitter passion and deathes sake of his deare beloued sonne , wyll freely pardon and forgeue me all my synnes , and take me for his childe and heyre , and at the latter daye will rayse me vp agayne vnto euerlastyng ioye , requiryng that I should beleue all this stedfastly , and loue and serue him obediently .

And is nothyng els to bee noted in the woordes of the institucion ?

Yes , this also is to be learned , that al they which minister or receyue this holy sacramente muste celebrate & kepe the memoriall or remembraunce of our sauiour Christe Iesus .

Wherin consisteth this memoriall or remembraunce ?

It consisteth specially herein , that we beeyng assembled and gathered together in his name , considre and setfoorth with all diligence and reuerence all the benefites of our Lorde Iesus , whiche he hathe doen and suffered for vs , or will yet hereafter do for vs : And agayne that we render moste highe laudes and thankes vnto him for suche excellente benefites , geuyng vp and yeldyng our selues wholly vnto hym .

What maner of people are to bee admytted vnto this supper ?

All that are truly repentaunte and sorye for their sinnes , and yet beleue stedfastlie that god for Christes sake wyll be mercyfull vnto them , and that they are the true membres of Christe , liuing in the feare and true obedience of the Lord , and in perfect loue of theyr neighbour , as brethren of one kyngdome , membres of one bodye , and redemed with one bloud of Iesus Christ , redye to confesse the doctrine of the holy gospell , in the middes of all persecucion and affliccion , and to defende it euen vnto death .

what thinkest thou of them whiche will neuer receiue this holy supper with the faithfull congregacion of Christe ?

If they abstaine from it wilfullye of concempte and stubbernes , that is to saye , yf they maye haue it ministred vnto them after the institucion of the Lorde , and yet regarde it not and will not receyue it , it is an euidente token that they pertayne nothing at all vnto the body of Christe . For whosoeuer beleueth in the Lorde truly can not neglecte or contemne any of his hollye ordinaunces , but with all reuerence vse them , as ofte he maye .

Where as s . Paul sayeth : Lette euery manne proue hymselfe , and so eate of that bread : What is mente therby , or whan eate we this supper wurthyly .

Of our selues we can neuer be woorthy vnto it : But God of his grace and mercye , reputeth vs woorthy of his heauenlye misteries and benefites , whansoeuer we referre the remission of oure sinnes , and oure saluacion vnto the death and resurreccion of Christe , and seke it therat onely .

Wherfore whansoeuer I receyue the holy supper , with this faythe and belefe that Christe Iesus gaue his tender bodye vnto death for me , and shedde his precious bloud for me , and so redemed me from euerlastyng deathe : And that his fleshe and bloude are the foode and sustenaunce of my soule whereby I am refresshed and nourisshed vnto euerlastynge lyfe , submitting my selfe , in this faythe , hartilye and fullye both bodye & soule vnto the will of god , and vtterly detesting in word , dede , and example almaner of sinne , and wickednes , and whatsoeuer maye geue any occasion therunto . &c. then receyue I this hollye supper wurthyly . For this is the true communion and participacion of Christes bodye and bloud , wherby we are sure that he dwelleth in vs , and we in hym . For els we coulde doe none of this at all .

Me thynketh by thy answers , that the holy supper of the Lorde sendeth and referreth vs all together vnto the deathe and passion of Christe , that we maye so & by that meanes enioye and haue fruicion of the same .

Yea forsouth , for whan he suffred vpon the crosse then he was made the onely & euerlastyng sacrifice , sufficiente for our saluacion : wherefore there is nothyng remaynyng for vs more , but that we maye enioy and haue the fruicion of hym .

And was not the supper ordeyned of God to bee a propiciatory sacrifice , wherin the body of Christe should be offered vnto God of freshe or of newe ?

No forsouth . For that were iniurious vnto his death . And the woordes doe sounde thus , take and eate . &c.

Where he commaundeth vs not to sacrifice or to offer his body , but onely to eate . &c.

And why was it ordeyned to bee receiued in two diuerse kyndes ?

That was done for our infirmities sake , to teache vs the more plainly that he is not only the meate wherwith our soules are norished , but also the verye drynke wherwith they are refreshed , that we shoulde seke no parte of our spirituall lyfe any where els , sauyng at hym and in hym alone .

And ought all men generally without excepcion to receyue both kyndes ?

Yea for south , so do the woordes of Christe commaund , saying , drinke ye all of this : from the whiche to derogate or mynishe any thyng it were an heynous synne .

But now , how oughteste thou to behaue thyselfe after thou haste thus receiued this holy supper ?

I oughte fyrste to reioyce in the remission of my synnes , in the lyfe of Christe in me , and in the blissed resurreccion , whan as he shall lyue fully in me and in vs , & be all in all . And thus to auaunce my selfe agaynste synne , agaynst the deuyll , death , and hel : And to geue God eternall thankes for all these his excedyng benefites .

What oughtest thou els to doe ?

I ought also to subdue , to tame , and to crucify , mine owne fleshe and bloud , with al maner of wicked lustes and affeccions , & to liue , hereafter as a membre of that body onely , whose head is Christe , and not as a membre of any other body . But vtterly to yelde and geue ouer myselfe vnto my lorde God , to bee one breade and one bodye with all faythfull christians whyche doe truely inuocate and call vpon the name of the Lorde , to lyue with them in perfite loue and charitie and wyth this bande of loue to haue my heart fixed and knitte vnto theirs , and thus euermore to remayne & continue .

And I ought also to confesse and magnifie my Lorde Iesus in his churche and congregacion with all my woordes and dedes , awaytyng dayly to haue this lyfe changed with a better and into a better lyfe .

What yf we receyue the supper with suche as be vnwoorthy , doe we make our selues also vnworthy by reason of that ?

No we doe not , if so be that we consente not vnto theyr synnes , but haue in mynde and will yf we can know them and may come vnto them , to exhorte and admonishe them faythfully our selues , or els cause some other to doe it . For it pertayneth vnto no priuate person to exclude any man out of the churche or congregacion , but onely vnto the whole churche , or vnto them that are chosen & appointed of the same vnto that office . And theyr duetie it is to considre bothe in this matter and all other , what may be most profitable and expediente vnto edificacion .

But nowe , why should men receyue this sacramente ofte , seing they receyue the sacramente of baptisme but once ?

Baptisme is a sacramente of enteraunce into the religion of Christ , and betokeneth that menne are nowe dead vnto the olde lyfe , & wyll from thencefoorth walke in a newe lyfe . Wherfore lyke as Christe died but once , & that for our synnes , and shall from hence foorth dye no more , euen so ought the sacrament of baptisme , whiche representeth the same , to bee receyued but once . But the holye supper is a sacramente of procedyng and goyng forward in the religion of Christ , and signifieth that the manne whiche is once incorporate vnto Christe , and fed or susteyned continually through hym , wyll euermore continue , procede and goe forwarde in a perfite christian life . And forasmuche as many impedimentes , lets and temptacions , doe chaunce vnto suche menne by the waye , which notwithstandyng doe styll hungre and thurst after ryghteousnesse . And this supper is a comfortable pledge or seale of the true lyuely foode of the soule , it is the heauenly bread , without whiche this hounger canne not bee satisfyed nor assuaged . Therfore shoulde they receyue this sacrament oft , because they haue oft nede of suche comforte .

Nowe which is the sixt speciall article of the christen doctryne ?

The ecclesiasticall or churche discipline or brotherly correccion .

Where is any commaundement therof in the scripture ?

In the .xviii. cha. of Matthew in these wordes . If thy brother sinne against the , goe thy way and correct hym betwene the and hym alone . &c.

What is to be noted out of these woordes ?

Thre speciall poyntes . Fyrste , that euery christen man ought to correcte & admonyshe other of hys faute pryuately and gently . And yf he cannot doe it hymselfe , than to cause some other to doe it for hym .

What shoulde bee the cause that euery man ought to admonishe other ? Shall not euery man answere for himselfe ?

Forsouth this is the cause : for asmuche as all faythfull are incorporate vnto our sauiour Christe in baptisme , as membres of one body , and are altogether chyldren and heyres of God , and haue like parte and felowshippe of one euerlastyng heritage , therfore ought eche one to saue and preserue the other from hel and from euerlastyng damnacion , through godly correccion and admonicion , and so to further his brother vnto heauen and vnto euerlastyng lyfe .

But howe shoulde this brotherly correccion and warnyng , be putte in vre and be exercised ?

With all humblenesse and frendlynesse , and also with such wysedome and sobrenesse , that his good name bee not hyndered , but that he maye perceyue that none other thing is sought thereby sauyng alonely hys welth and emendemente .

How ofte should he be thus admonyshed ?

Euen as ofte as there is any hope of his amendemente by such correccion and warnyng .

why doeth Christ commaund the to take one or .ii. vnto the , yf thy brother will not amende at the warning and correccion of thee alone ?

That he shoulde the more earnestlye bee conuinced of his faulte , and not hable to denye it beyng correct or admonyshed therof by .ii. or .iii. wytnesses ( as the lorde teacheth , ) onely to wynne hym therby .

What is the seconde note out of the fore rehersed wordes ?

The seconde is the correccion of the churche .

who should execute that correccion ?

Forsouth suche as are chosen and apoynted by the whole congregacion to be assistente vnto the minister in that behalfe .

Towarde what maner of parsons should suche correccion and admonicion be exercysed ?

Towarde suche as either regard not the priuate and secrete warnyng , or els as offende the churche and congregacion with some greuous and notable enormytie , that is manyfest and open .

Out of whiche woordes learnest thou that ?

Out of these woordes where the lorde saieth , yf he heare the not , ( beyng admonished before .ii. or .iii. witnesses . ) Than tell it vnto the whose congregacion . &c.

And S. Paul wrytyng vnto Tymothe the ministre of the church of Ephesus confirmeth the same , where he sayeth : suche as haue sined , correct or rebuke them openly , that other may be afrayed by theyr exaumple .

And should all that offende bee put vnto open shame before the whole congregacion ?

No , not put to open shame , but earnestlye driuen and monyshed vnto repentaunce . And such moderacion must be obserued therin , as maye be thought best and moste conueniente to moue and wynne the synner vnto perfecte and trewe repentaunce .

Is it the dutye of those that are chosen and appointed of the congregacion to bee assistente vnto the ministers , onely to correcte and admonyshe suche as haue committed open and manyfest crymes , and such as would not receyue the pryuate and brotherly correccion , and none other ?

No , not this onely , but as trewe fathers and phisicions , they ought to haue an iye and a regarde vnto all menne , and to warne and exhorte euery one , as they canne thinke it moste necessarye for the edificacion and emendemente of euery one .

Where hast thou any scripture for that ?

Paul wrytyng vnto the Thessalonians confirmeth it by his owne example in these woordes . You knowe , sayth he , that we haue exhorted and comforted euery one of you , euen as a father doeth his children , and we haue testified that ye should walke worthely as it becometh you before God whiche hathe called you vnto his kyngdom & vnto his glory .

Well , what is the thyrde pointe that thou notest out of the fore rehersed woordes ?

The thirde is the byndyng and the loocyng .

What is it to bynde ?

It is as muche as to exclude a manne out of the felowship or company of Christen people , whereby he maye be ernestlye forced vnto a specyall and an vnfeyned declaracion of true repentaunce and amendement of his lyfe .

What maner of people ought so to bee bound ?

All such as wyll not heare the Churche & congregacion reprouyng and admonyshyng them for their soule helth , and all they also which haue offended the churche and congregacion with any manifest , greuous , and notable crimes .

The lorde maketh mencion onely of suche as wyll not receyue the warnyng and correccion of the churche .

But he hathe taught vs also thorowe the holy Apostle . i. Co. v. s . Paul to exclude out of the felowship & congregacion of Christe , all suche as are fallen into whoredome , and other notable vices , and to force or drieue them vnto some speciall penaunce to be vnto them as a correccion vntil thei declare with manifest frutes of repentaunce , an ernest amendment , wherby they may edifie & content the churche & congregacion againe which they had before thorowe theyr greuouse sinnes offended .

Nowe what is it to loocen ?

It is as much as to pronounce forgeuenes of sinnes , vnto such as haue declared their repentaunce & amendment with a perfect ernestnes , and to admit and receyue the same persons agayn vnto the felowshyp and communion of the churche or congregacion , and also of the holy sacramentes .

And must none be looced from theyr sinnes but suche as declare earnestelye theyr repentaunce and sorowe for their sinnes with plaine and euidente amendemente of theyr lyfe ?

No , none els : For the Lorde commaundeth remission and forgeuenesse of sinnes , to be pronounced and declared onely vnto suche as repente and bewayle theyr synnes , and desyre and purpose truely to emende themselues . For the ecclesiasticall disciplyne ordeyned of God for the order and edifiyng of his churche , ought to bee executed and practised trulye and earnestly , and not fayntlye or feynedlye for a shyne and a colour onely .

In whiche wordes is that commaunded of the Lorde ?

In these woordes , where he sayeth : Verely I saye vnto you : whatsoeuer you shall bynde vpon yearth , that same shal be bound in heauen , & whatsoeuer you shal looce vpon yearth shall also be looced in heauen .

Vnder whose name & authoritie muste this power be exercised ?

Vnder the name and authoritie of our sauior Iesus Christ , also in the name of the whole congregacion .

After what maner and fourme ?

with all godlye feruentnes and earnest praier vnto God . For the which cause also it must be done in the open congregacion beeyng assembled together , & with theyr consente .

Proue me this by the woorde of God .

The Lorde sayeth in the chapiter before rehersed : whansoeuer two or thre among you do consente together , whatsoeuer they shall praye for , that shall be doen vnto them of my father in heauen . For whersoeuer two or thre are gathered together in my name there am I in the middest among them .

Here the lorde maketh mencion of two or three onely .

That he doeth to confirme the greater numbre , by the smaller .

But shewe me some scripture that maketh expresse mencion of the whole congregacion .

The holye Paul wryteth thus .i. Corin. v.

J as one that am absent from you in bodye but yet present with you in spirite , haue already ( as presente ) determined and concluded ( against him that hath committed that dede ) , in the name of our lorde Iesus Christe and in your congregacion with my spirite , and with the power or authoritie of our lorde Jesus Christe , to geue him euer vnto the deuill , to the confusion and perishyng of his fleshe , that his spirite may be safe at the daye or cummyng of the lorde Jesus .

And what is the ministers or pastors duetie to doe in all this ?

He ought in no wise to admit vnto the communion of the sacramentes suche as bee excluded by the churche or by the appoynted elders , vntill suche time as they be reconciled therunto agayne . And besides that , he ought to bee as it were the mouth of the congregacion to open and to declare vnto the transgressours the heauinesse of theyr synnes , & to moue them vnto heartie repentaunce , that they maye come out of the deuils snares .

But nowe concerning these that be sicke , howe shall the minister ordre them ?

If he perceyue that they be sorye and repentaunte for theyr sinnes , and are desirous of the fauoure of God & of remission , than ought he to comfort them with some promyse of grace , & to preache vnto them free remission and absolucion in the presence of suche as are there by assistente , leste peraduenture their conscience being vexed and their sickenes increased , the wicked enemie preuent and ensnare them , and so seduce and conueigh them into desperacion .

Where hast thou any example of scripture for that ?

Our sauiour Christe as soone as he sawe the bedredde before hym ( doubtlesse in feare of hys synnes ) he sayed vnto him : My sonne bee of good comforte thy synnes are forgeuen thee . And agayne to the woman that had synned he sayed . Goe thy way in peace , thy fayth hath saued thee .

Hast thou no further commaundemente of the visitacion & comfort of the sick to be doen by the ministers of the churche ?

Yes , the holye Apostle S. Iames teacheth that the praier of faythe whiche the seniors or elders of the churche doe make for the sicke , shall help them and the lorde shall comforte them , & yf they be in synne , it shall be forgeuen them .

Nowe what fruite and profite ought all this to worke in thee ?

Fyrste I ought to learne hereby , to receyue of any manne thankefully all maner of christian and brotherly correccion , warning , and informacion . And also by the verye duetie and bonde of loue truely and faythfully to admonishe & reproue my neyghboure ( whiche is euery christian man ) if I shal see him offende .

why , what hast thou to do with thy neighbour :

Forsouth forasmuche as we are all the membres of one body . If I can finde in my heart to see any to loyter and perishe in his synne , & not so much as to admonish him therof , than it may appere that there is no christian loue in me .

Well , what other fruit may thys doctryne worke in thee ?

This also , i. Corin. v. ii . Thes. ii . that I contemne not in any wyse the disciplyne of binding & loocyng of the churche , but esteme & drede it reuerently : eschewyng and auoydynge all felowshippe and familiaritie of suche as wyll not conforme themselues vnto the same .

what scripture haste thou for that ?

Euen the woordes of oure sauiour Christ wher he saieth : Jf he heare not the church or congregacion , than take or repute hym as an heathen and an vnchristian , that is to say , as an infidele that is sundered and seperate from al christian ordre and felowship . But yet we ought not vtterly to reiecte and to hate him in our heartes , but to praye hartily vnto God for hym that he may be conuerted from his wickednes againe : and than with all ioyfulnes to receyue hym into all christen felowship agayne .

Well , this is sufficient of this article also . Now tell me what is thy dayly exercise in the seruice of God ?

Morning and euening whan I arise or goe to bed , lykewise before & after meate , I vse these prayers folowing , or suche like .

Fyrste at my vprisyng I falle doune on my knees and lyftyng vp my handes and iyes vnto heauen , I confesse my synnes vnto God my heauenly father after this maner .

A generall confession of synnes to be sayed euery morning .

O Almyghtie God our heauenlye father , I confesse & knowlege that I am a miserable & a wretched synner , & haue manifolde wayes moste greuouslye transgressed thy moste godly commaundementes thorow wicked thoughtes , vngodlye lustes , sinfull woordes & dedes , and in my whole lyfe . In synne am I borne and conceyued , and there is no goodnesse in me , in asmuche as yf thou shouldest entre into thy narowe iudgemente with me , iudgyng me accordyng vnto the same , I were neuer hable to suffer or abyde it , but must nedes peryshe and be damned for euer . So lyttle help , comfort or succour is there either in me , or in any other creature . Onely this is my comfort ( o heauenly father ) that thou diddest not spare thy only dere-beloued sonne , but diddest geue him vp vnto the moste bittur & moste vile & slaunderous death of the crosse for me , that he myght so pay the raunsom for my sinnes , satisfie thy iudgement , still and pacifie thy wrathe , reconcyle me agayne vnto the , and pourchace me thy grace and fauour and euerlastyng lyfe . Wherefore thorowe the merite of hys moste bitter death and passion , and thorow his innocent bloud sheadyng , I beseche thee , o heauenvly father , that thou wylt vouchsafe to bee gracious and mercyfull vnto me , to forgeue , and to pardon me all my synnes , to lyghten my harte with thy holy spirite , to renewe , confirme and strengthen me , with a right and a perfite fayth , and to inflame me in loue towarde thee , & my neybour , that I may henceforth with a willing , and a glad harte walk as it becummeth me , in thy moste godly commaundementes , and so glorifie & prayse thee euerlastingly . And also that I maye with a free conscience and a quiet harte in all maner of temptacions , affliccions , or necessyties , and euen in the very panges of deth , cry boldely and merily vnto the and saye : I beleue in God the father allmyghtie , maker of heauen and earthe . And in his onely sonne Iesus Christe our lorde . &c.

But o Lorde God heauenly father , to comforte my selfe in affliccion and temptacion wyth these articles of the christen faith It is not in my power . For fayth is thy gyft : and for as muche as thou wylt be prayed vnto , and called vpon for it , I cumme vnto thee , to praye and beseche the , bothe for that and for all my other necessities , euen as thy deare beloued sonne our sauiour Christe Iesus hath hymselfe taught vs .

And from the very botome of my harte , I crye and saye : O our father whiche arte in heauen . &c.

This doen , I adde this prayer for the mornyng .

O Mercifull lorde God heauenly father , I render most high laudes , prayse , and thankes vnto the , that thou hast preserued me both this nyght and all the tyme and dayes of my lyfe hitherto vnder thy proteccion , and hast suffred me to lyue vntyll this presente houre .

And I beseche the hartily , thou wylt vouchesafe to receyue me this daye and the residue of my whole lyfe from hencefurthe into thy tuicion , rulyng and gouernyng me with thy holy spirite , that all maner of darkenesse of misbelefe , infidelitie , and of carnall lustes and affeccions , maye be vtterlye chaced and driuen out of my harte , and that I maye be iustified & saued both body and soule thorow a right and a perfect fayth , and so walke in the lighte of thy mooste godlye truthe to thy glory and prayse , and to the profit and furtheraunce of my neybour , thorowe Iesus Christe our Lorde and sauioure . Amen .

Or thus more brieflye .

O Mercyfull lorde God , heuenly father , I laude and prayse the that thou haste preserued me this nyghte , from all perill , daunger and euyll . And I beseche the of thy mercye to kepe & preserue me from hencefoorth likewise . And driue all maner of darkenesse oute of my hart , that the light of thy truthe may shyne before me & gyde me in all my wayes : And thou wil vouchesalue also to kepe & preserue our most noble kyng with all our rulers magistrates , teachers , parentes , and all our frendes , thorow Iesus Christe our Lorde and sauiour . Amen .

A prayer to be sayed at nyght goyng to bedde .

O Mercifull Lord God heauenly father , whether we slepe or wake , lyue or dye , we are alwayes thyne . Wherefore I beseche the hartilye that thou wilte vouchsalue to take care and charge of me , and not to suffre me to peryshe in the workes of darkenesse , but to kindle the lyght of thy countetenaunce in my harte , that thy godlye knowlege maye daylye increase in me thorowe a ryght and a pure faith , and that I may alwayes be founde to walke & lyue after thy wyll & pleasure thorow Iesus Christ our lorde and sauiour . Amen .

Or thus more briefly .

O Mercifull lorde God our heauenly father , I laude & thanke the moste hartily for that thou hast so graciously kepte & preserued me this daye , besechyng the to forgeue me all my synnes whiche I haue committed againste the , & I beseche the to preserue me and all men this night , from all snares and wyles of the wicked fiende . And graunte that although our corporal iyes shal slepe , yet that our hertes & myndes may continually watche & wake in the , thorowe Iesus Christe our Lorde and sauiour . Amen .

A prayer to be sayed before meat .

O Mercifull father , thou fedest and nourishest all maner of creatures , vouchesalue to nouryshe and to refreshe vs nowe with thy gyftes , so that we do not misuse them , but that we beyng strengthned thorowe them , maye bee more hable to serue thee in our callyng and condicion of lyfe , and to walke and lyue before the in all vertue and honestie : through Iesus Christ our Lorde and sauiour . Amen .

After meate .

O Mercifull Lord God , our heauenly father , we laude , prayse and thanke thee for thy moste holy and excellent giftes , wherwith thou hast so graciouslye nouryshed and refreshed vs : And we beseche the heartily , graunt that we may neuer forget thy mercyfull goodnes toward vs , but that we may cast al our care and sorowe vpon the only , and may alway seke & receyue , with a perfite trust and confidence , all maner of sustenaunce both of bodye and soule , at thy handes which art the fountaine and welspryng of all goodnes , through Iesus Christe our Lorde and sauior . Amen .

Certaine godly lessons for al faythfull people , young and olde .

HArken Israel , the Lorde our God is one God . Thou shalt loue the Lorde thy God feruently with all thy heart , with all thy soule , and with all thy strength . All these woordes whiche I commaunde the this daye , shall remayne continually in thy hearte . Thou shalt beate them diligentlye into thy chyldren , and thrust them sharplye into theyr heartes . And lette all thy communicacion & talkyng bee of them , whether thou beest in thy house or goest abrode , whether thou goest to bedde or rysest vppe . Thou shalt bynde them for a token vpon thy hand : And let them euermore glister before thy iyes . Thou shalt wryte them vpon thy doores and vpon thy gates .

Micheas . vi . I will tell the , O man , what is good , and what God requireth of the. Namely nothyng els but that thou kepest iudgement , and doest ryghteousnes , and that thou applye thy selfe vnto all godlynesse and walke humbly before thy Lord God . Iaco. i. This is the pure and vndefiled religion before God our father , to visite and coumforte the wedowes & the fatherlesse , in theyr sorowe , affliccion and misery and for a manne to kepe hymselfe without spotte before the worlde . i. Timo. i. The ende and fulfyllyng of all the lawe is this , namely loue , out of a pure hearte , a good conscience , and a perfite vnfayned fayth . Iohn . xiii . By this shall all men knowe , that ye are my scholars , yf ye loue one an other , lyke as I haue loued you . i. Iohn . iii.iiii.v . God is loue , and he that remayneth in loue , remayneth in God , and God in hym . He that hath loue is borne of God and knoweth God . He that loueth not , he knoweth not God , for God is loue . If we loue one another , than remayneth God within vs , & his loue is perfite in vs . And hereby doe we know that we are the children of God , and that we haue loue , yf we loue God and kepe his commaundementes . And this is his commaundemente , namely that we beleue in the name of his sonne Iesus Christe , and loue one an other . M.

The God of all grace and mercye , strengthen thee and all menne in the knowlege of his sonne our sauior Iesus , and in the power of his heauenlye and godly spirite . To hym be all laude , prayse , thankes , glory , power , rule , & honor world without ende . Amen .

Imprinted at London in Flete-strete at the signe of the Sunne ouer against the conduyte , by Edwarde Whitchurche . The .xix. daye of October the yere of our Lorde . M. D.XLVIII .

Cum priuilegio ad imprimendum solum .