The catechisers holy encouragement to the profitable exercise of catechising in the Church of England

THE CATECHISERS HOLY INCOVRAGEMENTS TO THE PROFITABLE EXERCISE OF CATECHISING IN THE CHVRCH OF ENGLAND .

Question .

WHat way might a Minister winne the wills , and sharpen the wits of Christians to be Catechised .

Answere .

By encouraging them vnto the same out of Gods holy word , as Solomon by his parables giues to the simple sharpnesse of wit . Pro. 1.4 .

Quest. How many motiues be there to this godly worke of Catechising ?

Ans. Many , but for memory sake they generally be deuided into three : 1. the Matter of Catechising . 2. the Manner of Catechisme . 3. the Meanes we haue of Catechising .

Quest. For the Matter , first tell me what the word Catechisme is in signification ?

Ans. Catechisme is a word that is drawne from the greeke word 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Catecho , which signifieth to eccho , or sound out , and so it is true , Instructions and answers are sounds from heauen , and ecchoes from earth , 1. Cor. 14.19 therefore Saint Paul vseth the word to teach the rudiments of Religion saying , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . I had rather speake fiue ( that is a few ) wordes with mine vnderstanding that I might ( Catechise others ) in the Church , then ten thousand wordes in a strange tongue ?

Quest. Who be those ( others ) the holy Apostle speakes of .

Ans. Whosoeuer are capeable but yet are voide of the elements of the Christian faith .

Quest. But is it not presumption at least if not folly , for small children to meddle with great matters of Religion . 1. Cor. 13.11 Paul confesseth , When he was a child , he spake as a childe , he vnderstood as a childe , he thought as a childe , and before he became a man , he put not away childish things : how then should smattering children be fit for profound and holy matters ?

Ans. It is meete for vs that are Children for all that , to read , to study , to meditate , and to conferre touching grounds of Religion .

Quest. What reason can be showne for that ?

Ans. A double reason : First from our owne profit . Secondly from Gods law .

Quest. What profit will it be to you ?

Ans. That appeares from the knowledge of God , without which vaine is euery child of man , but knowledge of God bringeth righteousnes in this world , and in the world to come eternall life , as Iesus saith , Iohn . 17.3 . This is life eternall to know thee to be the onely very God , and whom thou hast sent Iesus Christ . But as a candle through a window , so a glimpse of the Godhead may be discerned through the Cranies of our childhood .

Quest. Profitable though it be , yet what warrant haue you to tell me for it ?

Ans. Dauid the holy father may be a patterne to all our parents , and he tells vs and them in the 19. Psal. 7. Psal. 19.7 . The Law of the Lord giueth wisedom to the simple , therefore we ought to receiue it when it is offered , and Salomon his wise sonne , that may be a teacher of all the children of men , Pro. 1.4 . To giue to the simple sharpnes of wit , and to the child knowledge and discretion , he wrote his parables , so that we are Salomons table bookes as well as others .

Quest. But is not that to be vnderstood of little ones of soule , rather then of body and age , of children in grace rather then in growth ?

Ans. Not rather , but indifferently to both , for the Lord of heauen requireth , Psal. 148.12 That young men and maidens , old men and children should praise the name of the Lord on earth . But they cannot doe that till this , not acknowledge his praise till they know his person and properitie .

Quest. But what then ? grant it that children are docible , are their poore soules ere the safer for some knowledge without practise ? What good would the light of the sunne doe a man and take away the heate . Wherefore holy Dauid saith that a good vnderstanding haue all they that do thereafter , Psal. 111.10 . and Saint Iames bids vs not be hearers of the word onely deceiuing our selues , Iam. 1.21.22 but doers also : &c. But tender children doe rather minde childish folly and play , then regard to practise that they heare , Pro. 22.15 . heare Salomon , Foolishnes is bound in the heart of a childe ?

Ans. We must confesse our selues guilty of all but yet not without somthing to say for our selues , and something that wise Solomon himselfe will say for vs , and so we hope though one should breake , the other will hold , we haue a double answere .

Quest. Which is the first ?

Ans. First for profit , if we learne something , and practise nothing , or but little .

Quest. What profit would that be ?

Ans. There is a double commodity , first a profit pertaining to the way vnto the end , secondly , a commodity in the end of the way .

Quest. What commodity haue you in the way ?

Ans. Information of our slender vnderstandings , touching things to be knowne in the way to our future life , and not to be knowne to be beleeued , and not to be beleeued , to be done or to be shunned , to be feared , or to be hoped .

Quest. What is your commodity in the end of the way ?

Ans. The end of instruction is incomparable not onely grace in this short life but glory in life eternall .

Quest. Why attaine this great incouragement ?

Ans. Not learners , but liuers , not hearers , but fearers , yet we that are poore children , if we haue not this rich profit presently , we learne the right way by Gods word to it , and this is a great part of profit , for as learning without liuing is vnprofitable , so liuing without learning is vnpossible .

Quest. But you say that wise Solomon hath something more to say for you , tell me what it is ?

Ans. He giueth vs not only sharpe but sweete , he calles vs fooles in the bondes of childhood , Pro. 22.15 . but yet be makes vs amends ( though we fooles doe not thinke so ) the rod of corection chaseth it away .

Quest. But may not you attaine this without knowledge , as well as many simple and illiturat men doe . Wisdome saith Apply thy heart vnto me , Wisd. 1. and thinke of God with humility . ( Not speake mistically of him ) but thinke and seeke him in simplicity of thine heart , but a childe may doe this as well as many lay men doe .

Ans. Our answere to this is from euery fingers end to the contrary , from the right hand to the left : 5. to 5.

The fiue fingers : 1. Necessity of knowledge . 2. Tradition of Teachers . 3. Text of Scriptures taught . 4. Tuition of the Truth . 5. Incouragement to all .

Quest. What necessity is there ?

Ans. It is necessity that we should haue this knowledge of eternall life , either by our owne studies or by others , either implicity or explicity , ether by report or knowledge , and this is necessary for lay men as little children .

Quest. What is that second finger of Tradition ?

Ans. It is no doubt better to haue the documents , and lessons of Religion by our owne labour then by tradition , yet first we must haue them by Traditions of our teachers .

Quest. What was the third answere ?

Ans. Thirdly we answere to the text alledged by Text of Scripture . Though God will accept of none without simplicity of heart , yet the Lord requireth more , as the Apostle saith , With the heart man beleeueth vnto righteousnes , but with the mouth confession is made vnto saluation . Iam. 1. So Saint Iames , that faith without workes is dead . They deceiue themselues therefore that trust to simple harts , without vnderstanding in matters of Religion .

Quest. What is the fourth answere ?

Ans. Reason not to regard our owne profit alone , but the tuition of the Gospell , and the defence of the truth , the depth whereof was neuer more digged at , nor the profession thereof euer more pusht at , now is the time both for old and young couragiously to sanctifie The Lord in their hearts , 1. Pet. 3.15 . being ready to satifie euery one that shall aske a reason of their faith and hope that is in them .

Quest. What is the fift Incouragement ?

Ans. Comfort and ioy to all from the royall King that sits on his throne to the lowest subiect , to prince pastor and people , as Salomon saith it did him . Pro. 27.11 . My sonne be wise and reioyce my heart , that I may answere him that reproacheth me : And surely if euer there was cause , now there is , for all , for Kings to commaund , and Ministers to obey in instructing their hearers , and for both to make glad the heart of their dread Soueraignes , by witnessing of wisdome , and answering the spitefull reproches of all hereiques .

Which if euery man would but labour for a while , hope we ere long , that if our aduersaries will but stand at our Church doores , they shall heare those resounding ecchocs from the mouthes of babes , that shall reioyce their nurcing father and leige king , the spirituall and naturall parents , and confound all false heresies , which graunt O Lord Iesus Amen .

Quest. The profit of a thing doth not consist in the bare matter , so much as in the fruitfull manner , and therefore since you haue spent so much paines on the matter of Catechising , doe no lesse on the manner , will you be tractable to be encouraged to know the same how it is to be performed ?

Ans. Yes withall our hearts and studies : for the manner God respects as well as the matter , and for defects in the manner doth reiect the matter , as in Caine , Gen. 4.5 . because he had not respect to the manner of his sacrifice to doe it well , God had no regard of him nor his oblation , he had no profit nor commendation .

Quest. What then in a word is required in the comely manner of this goaly businesse generally ?

Ans. As in receiuing the holy Sacraments , deuout prayer vnto almighty God , Ex. 19.7.10 . hearing his holy word , there is a time of premeditation , so in Catechising youth in the heads of Religion , there must be preperation .

Quest. What duties are required in this preperation ?

Ans. The duties herein required are sundry , but for memories sake againe they shal be reduced to three .

Quest. Which be those three ?

Ans. First , duties that doe concerne your selfe and those that are in place to teach vs . Secondly , duties that doe concerne our selues that are to be taught . Thirdly , duties that doe concerne our parents and gouernours , that are both to teach vs , and to be taught by you .

Quest. What be the duties concerning my selfe that am to Catechise ?

Ans. They are diuerse , as well as ours or our parents , but may fitly be drawne to three sorts .

Quest. Which be those three ?

Ans. First , duties before Catechising .

Secondly , duties at Catechising .

Thirdly , duties after Catechising .

Quest. You haue answered plainly , so doe still , and tell me what parts in me before we come to Catechising , will set your hearts on worke with courage to it ?

Ans. Two : Faculty , and Freewill .

Quest. What is that Falculty ?

Ans. It is that ability and power to open the dores of entrance into the temple of Religion , faith and godlinesse , both to old and young , rich and poore , for no man can enter himselfe that cannot open the doore , so no man can teach that he doth not know , and as a Charriot man must haue skill to rule the charge committed to him , else he can neither do well nor it , so neither can they be without danger whose Charriot of their soules is desperately left to an ignorant pastor , and Saint Paul tells Timothy , that a Bishop must be apt to teach , 1. Tim. 2.5 . that is , one that can prudently moderate his labours to the stirring vp and encouraging of his followers to the loue of labours .

Quest. What meane you by free will , which you say will freely incourage you to be Catechised by me ?

Ans. A willingnes whereby you are godly well affected with all readinesse to further our proceedings and proficiency , desirous to be loued of your answerers and auditors , applying your selfe to our greene age , poore powers , and slender capacitie , as our shepheard compassionate , first feeding vs the tender Lambes of Christs flocke , Ioh. 21.15 . before the flocke of his sheepe , not for any lucre and benefit of * * Much was proffered in my Church before the King sent forth his charge to do it freely . hundred poundes , but for loue and bowells of Christ the chiefe sheepheard of our soules , our future happinesse , and your owne account of vs at the day of iudgement , neither for any disreputation , some scorners shamefacedly forsakeiug vs bashfull babes , but in an affable maner childishing with vs in the handleing of these things and holy exercises , counting all your grating toile ours , and your owne felicity in the middest of the furnace of your function , Dan. 3.25 . as the Sonne of God and his Angell in the midest of the three faithfull Children walking and talking with vs .

Quest. Set forward so still , and tell me my duty at my Catechising to encourage you ?

Ans. Your office now is threefold , 1. Matter . 2. Measure . 3. Method .

Quest. What is the first ?

Ans. Matter . First to communicate and deliuer wholesome doctrines and lessons , to the true end that we may attaine precious wisedome , and cheerefully profit something in this open schoole of Christ Iesus , Our Church therefore doth confine vs to the Decalogue the Lords Prayer , and the Creede . Titus 1.9 . and then we all hope stedfastly in God ( though through our weaknesse we wot not how ) that the learning and nurture of the Lord ( as an army that is mighty and subtile ) will insinuate it selfe , and slip into our hearts and heads , and creep into our soules , and hold there as Paul to Titus , Hold fast that faithfull word according to doctrine , that thou maiest be able to exhort with wholesom , ( not with eloquence or nouelty ) but with wholesome doctrine . This first will encourage vs .

Quest. What is my second duty , that being done will encourage you to do your duties at Catechising ?

Ans. Measure . If you instill these wholesome things by little and little ( as we hope you will , and you ought to doe ) and not burthen our childish witts with too much plenty ( which will neither be profitable to vs , nor pleasant to you ) this will make vs take good courage and strengthen vs to come vnto you merily , as the prouerb is Festinalente , hasten slowly , for to say truly , hast makes wast , and vessells that haue narrow mouthes , receiue not the liquour hastely powred ouer , yet if it be by little and little dropped in , they may in time be filled , as Iob saith that Water with small drops will breake stones , so may your instructions by degrees and soft steps get into our hearts more kindly then breake in by oppression , this measure is the second incouragement .

Quest. What third encouragement desire you at the exercise of Catechising ?

Ans. It will harten vs to waite vpon your words , Methods . if they haue not only full weight , but you set them in faire order , as the Apostle proscribes , 2. Cor. 14. that all things should be done in order , for words without methode giue sound without vnderstanding , Oratio dat siue mente sonum . Esa. 5.17 . and the prophet holy and eloquent , saith that the Lambes shall feed , but it must be by good order & maner , for this is the mother of all learning in all schooles , and this will lastly encourage vs at Catechising in Christs schoole .

Quest. You haue answerea me , you haue truly told me what you ought to desire at my bands in the time of this exercise , but what haue I nothing to doe afterward to encourage you ?

Ans. Two things if it please you : the one is the eye office , the other the eare , as those two are commonly the greatest encouragement , or discouragement , especially in our teachers .

Quest. Which way may I encourage you with mine eies ?

Ans. By lookeing after vs , and watching ouer vs , driuing farre from vs any euill thing , that may hinder vs from the blessing and benefit of your labours , as corrupt company , which would poyson vs with corrupt learning and life , like bleared eyes that will make our eyes as blinde and as sore as themselues ; and by seeing that our consorts may make vs more and more apt , better mannered , better learned , and this is the first and aptest maner to moue and encourage vs to learning after Catechising .

Quest. Which way may I encourage you by my eares ?

Ans. By listning to our language whether it be of Canaan or no , to our wordes whether they be of one sweet fountaine or no , I am . 3. not wordes full of sauor in the Church alone , Eph. 5. gracious administring good content to our parents and all good people , with your selfe in the Church , but such abroad as the eares of God himselfe , doth like and long for of these encouragements , we shal be glad both before , at , and after Catechising .

Quest. As you haue told me soberly , that like Saint Peters cocke , Mat. 27. I must first clap and beate mine owne side before I sing to you , now like little chickens let me heare you lift vp your voices to tell me your owne , and what is to be done on your side , what rules were good for you to haue before your eies to encourage your hearts ?

Ans. We are to haue in minde the same orderly with your selfe , before , at , and after Catechising .

Quest. What are the rules before Catechising ?

Ans. Two , first , good mindes must be to it , secondly , the best meanes must be vsed .

Quest. What spirit must you be of , and how must you be minded ?

Ans. We must girt vp our mindes fit for labour , and one time after another reuiue our spirits when they are let downe , for as it is lost labour for a waterbearer to powre it out of his tanckard into a cisterne that is deftled , or that will not hold , so is it for a Minister to put the Law of God into the minde of them that are or will not be docible , neither the father nor the sonne can well reioyce , Luk. 11. if when the father shall offer him bread , he will not so much as reach out his hand , he deserues to starue , that will not open his head , so those that will not be ready , but make light of the bread of their soules , and the bread of the Sabbath , if they should want a peece of bread it were no pitty , what good will your masters do you , oh you excusefull seruants about your masters businesse , when the Lord of your masters shall require these things at the day of your soules account ? the wheele we hope shal be turned , and you like spokes in the same shall beare some part of the burthen , to encourage vs poore children .

Quest. What is the second braunch of encouragement before the tree of knowledge of God ?

Ans. Meanes that we can vse in writing , that which you haue written and deliuered , both for vs and our friends , and their families this maketh vs to heare and hand your directions , and shun no labour to learne ; Our reioycing therefore aforehand to stoop like children weakely to the grounds of Religion , is that we are able to write them with our fingers for our learning , though inperfectly .

Quest. What morsells or draughts are those that will comfort you at Catechising ?

Ans. Two : Heb. 2.2 . The first to eate sauourly the counsell , and receiue attentiuely your commaundements reuerently , with all paines that we are fit for markeing the places that you presse to vs , & knead vpon vs in this holy place , that we may deliuer and draw againe that we receiue from you : that you may as the conduit , and we as the pipes , runne into our parents , as the vessels and tanckards , these waters that must be diuided amongst vs at home .

Queste What is the second comfortable morsell at the time of Catechising ?

Ans. The second encouragement it is , that this Catechising is but a little breake fast in the morning of childhood and youth , and we hope for a feast and dinner to strengthen and settle vs in the age of Manhood , and to be satisfied with our Master Iesus Christ at Supper : for why should not the light of the Gospell , that in this exercise dawneth vpon vs , make vs to looke vp to higher purposes , and expect fairer points , and to trust that after these groues and purleyes of low shrubbes without the pales , we meane these questions of primerlie beginners , we shall come to walke among and to clime vpon the Cedars of Lebanon the mountaine , one day being able to aske questions , as well as now to answere .

Quest. What branches of encouragement grow behind this tree of the knowledge of God ?

Ans. Two branches spring out after Catechising .

Quest. Which is the first ?

Ans. The first branch after our Catechifing that comforts vs is grafted in our memory , for this hartens vs , that our heades through delight in this holy exercise , Heb. 2. do not let slip that you haue taught vs , for this remembrance is the mother of the muses in our schooles , and more in the house of God , nothing breedeth knowledge more in religion , then heed taking , that those things that we haue heard as out of cract vessels run not out , yea further , though the morning of our childhood lets many a drop of this heauenly dew to sweat and bleed through , yea we hope that as the Sunne in his Tabernacle , that riseth and runneth ouer vs , and sets downe vpon vs , doth tan our tender skins , so continuance of sitting in this Sunne of Gods holy Tabernacle , will leaue a Christian colour of godlines vpon vs , this is the first comfort after Catechising .

Quest. What is the second comfortable branch after Catechesing ?

Ans. Then the gift of God to take pleasure in that we remember in this and the like exercises of godlines , to thinke willingly our selues most happy to haue our wits exercised , and seasoned with this heauenly liquour , and filled with this ripe treasure , so to shunne pleasures that are noysome , and therefore to delight in reading , hearing , medetating , and conferring of the same , which for instruction will make vs the apter , but for swearing , lying , or idlenesse , to eschew them as serpents , which will make our thoughts to fal foolishly from these things , as if they were toylesome .

Quest. As you haue shewed me what milke out of my brests will encourage , and battle you in the first place , secondly , as your mouthes haue satisfied my soule with the good things that concerne your selues ; so the next thing is to know what blessings your fathers , and mothers haue in keeping for you , if you do this duty manfully , if you be the sonnes of wise parents , they will further you in proceeding on the wisedome of God very much ; for looke how much ioy they hope to reape in the haruest of their fulnesse of daies , from you there young seed , so much seed of grace and godlines must they set in the beds of your childhood , as you haue told me your duty to them , so what will you aske or chuse of them ?

Ans. Not to leaue vs riches , if they may , not to lend vs righteousnes , if they could , not to get vs for honour , or honour for vs , when neither we , nor that shall long abide , not to make vs their deerlings in worldly pleasures , 1. King . 2.9 . but as Salomon gardens full of the flowers of wisdome , and grace of God to regard vs .

Quest. What blessings then do you namely desire of them ?

Ans. As in you and our selues the same order did comfort vs , so in them both before , at , and after Catechising .

Quest. What duties will comfort you from your parents , like Gardeners and you the gardens ?

Ans. Three , first , to see vs sowne with good seed , when we haue beene dressed like a garden . Secondly , to blow vpon vs , as the South wind vpon the Rose bud , and water vs like wells , when we are in sowing and dressing . Thirdly , to locke vs vp well from the browsing and brusing of beasts , and picking of birds , afterwards we meane to looke to vs carefully after Catechising .

Quest. But are they obliged to graunt and to stand to these duties ?

Ans. Both of them are bound to stand to them by a double law . First , of nature . Secondly , of God : Nature binds them , whenc comforts descend to vs from the god of nature , hauing made such a well of natureall affection in the garden of nature , that waters all the plants , and children therein to be beloued intirely ; a liuing and running streame to prouide for vs carefully , an inbred care to cherish vs from our conception tenderly , till we be made able to shift for our selūes by God our father almighty .

Quest. But how doth the Law of God bind them ?

Ans. Our bended knees shall doe their humble duty to them , and our preuaileing tongues shall cheerfully aske of them , whether they can find in their indulgent hearts to doe otherwise or vndoe vs , Esay . 49. the Prophet therefore as a spirituall parent makes it a strang question , saying , Can a woman ( if she be not worse then a very beast ) can she forget her child , or a mother ( except she be worse then a very Tygre ) can she not haue compassion on the sonne of her wombe ? Luk. 11.9 . So the bowells of all compassion , our Sauiour , his heart earnes towards vs , when he tells vs what our parts are in three tearmes past : that a sonne must aske , First , before such food as this be set him . Secondly , he must seeke at Catechising . Thirdly , he must knocke after at the doores of his fathers eares and heart : Secondy , he specifieth our parents duties in answerable points , demaunding for answere to the first , whether any father will not giue his sonne bread , & not a stone , before this : Secondly , if at this feast he aske a fish , will he giue him a serpent : Thirdly , if the sonne knocke againe , whether the father insteede of an egge , will giue him not a shell , but a scorpion ? as if he should say , no father that hath but the bowells of nature in him , but he will put good meate into the mouth of his child , so now no godly father but will put wholesome things into the heart of his son . This therefore doth encourage vs that we hope , looke how many fathers we haue , so many Iacobs we haue , that will tenderly loue vs , being so many obedient Iosephs , Gen. 37.34 . and little Beniamins , and looke how many mothers , true ones to vs , so many louing , affected grieuously , that their eyes should be open to see their poore childrens soules cut a sunder , 1. Kin. 4. but as much reioycing to keepe them safe from the murtherous sword , that is in the mouth of the harlot , and the false mother .

Quest. Now you haue summed out their affections , let vs cast ouer the perticular effects of those affections , and first before Catechising ?

Ans. They are not so few as that a child can tell them ; yet more then there be good fathers and mothers , but as the parents are two , so shall their parts be both before , at , and after Catechising .

Quest. What is the first before Catechising ?

Ans. First we answere , that as before we could either aske of them , or answere what they asked , before we knew these hands one from another , they performed Christian parts in suffering vs little infants , Mat. 19.14 . not able to come , no : but in bringing vs to Christ , so that as the kingdome of God belongs to vs , so we to it , by being deliuered into the armes of Christs mercy at the Baptistery , so now as they promised before at Baptisme and vowed they would , they will looke that we can say vnderstandingly in our mother tongue , the ten Commaundements , the Lords prayer , and the holy Apostles Creede , so as from them we may be taught whatsoeuer is necessary for a Christian to know to his saluation . But this ( we hartely thanke them ) they haue done , and this is the first incouragement .

Quest. What is the second thing that the louing parents haue done to you before hand , to giue you courage to this holy exercise ?

Ans. It is the first encouragement that Baptisme of water , wherin they put vpon vs the white & pure garment of Christ to couer vs , but it doth secondly encourage vs , that as we grow in yeares and stature , they prouid the warm garments of education , and not onely fit our bodies with clothes that are long and large enough for vs , but their desire is to fill our soules with fit meate for vs , and therefore we haue beene led and carried to godly schooles before we could goe our selues , and sent to such houses where we haue learned to reade and write , and so they haue spent their mony , and we the monthes of our youth , in tasting the principles of Religion , Heb. 5.12 . that now when they haue sent vs to Church , we are able to drinke vp the precepts of piety : 1. Tim. 4.5 . so that our parents being like Timothies Grandmother Lois , and his mother Eunice , 2. Tim. 3.15 . instructing vs before hand , we are encouraged ( we thanke them ) to this holy exercise .

Quest. Whereas you haue shewed me what seedes of encouragement you haue receiued already from your parents , so now tell me when Christ is come downe into you , as into his garden bedds , what things do encourage you now ?

Ans. As in a garden , water and wind will make seeds and nuts to grow and flourish , Cant. 6. if they be seasonable and soft , and Southernly , so in our hearts , so will the prayers and prayses of our parents , Can. 4. louingly blowing vpon vs , will make vs spring and spread beautifully ; and therefore we pray them now to sanctifie vs vnto God at this holy exercise , and as euer they desired to be deliuered of vs out of the vault of the darke wombe , so desire now that we be conceiued from aboue , Ioh. 3.5 . and borne againe of water and the holy Ghost , that we may be deliuered in our hearts , from that which they naturally , and the diuell maliciously hath put into vs in the first garden : Ioel. 2.16 . so the Prophet did sanctifie the children , as well as the Congregation , and so did Hannah consecrate her son to the Lord , 1. Sam. 2. esteeming him better as the child of God , then her owne , his prepared for life , hers for death .

Quest. What is the second thing that doth encourage you at the time of this worke from your parents ?

Ans. The second is the South winde , of sounding still secret prayses to almighty God , blowing on the buds of goodnesse and grace , that they see shoot from vs , as signes of the summer of ripe and good fruite hereafter , not hauing stincking breath , from corrupt lungs and rotten teeth , as the old pharises , murmuring , and grateing their teeth against the Lord and his disciples , Luk. 19.39 . saying , Master , rebuke thy disciples , when they deserue to be reioyced at , nor as the surley and the sawcy Scribes , Mat. 21.15 . when they saw his marueilous workes , and heard his gratious wordes , such as neuer man spake , Ioh. 7. yet they send officers to apprehend him , and for the children that cryed in the Temple , Hosanna to the son of Dauid , disdaine at it , as if it were but boyes play : so did they , and what is this that many amongst vs doe ? cauil and carpe in euery company , they come in , contemne the Congregation , censure the Catechising , and charging the Catechiser either of tediousnes , or of hardnes , or of confusednes , or else odiously presuming to compare what one doth , with what another Minister doth , if they cannot deny but it is good , yet mince , it is not so good as such a ones , and in my mind such a course were more commodious , when none will content them that are so combustuous , but these are sleights of the deuill to discourage the Ministers , to discomfort the Congregation , to chill the new kindled courage of the children , to dishonour the ordinance of God , whiles the deuill doth leade them out by the elbowes , from likeing any thing that is good , but we hope our parents , while we are setting forth the prayses of Iesus Christ with our mouthes , will not haue stony heart , but spread the boughes in the way , and cast the garments of gratitude and honour in the pathes of his ordinance for the same .

Quest. What is the locke of this garden , Can. 4. to keepe you and that is implouted in you , in this exercise , and what blessings do you desire of your parents after Catechising ?

Ans. We haue two priuate domesticall petitions , to put into their hands at home , yet as children haue a priuiledge , we may tell the truth in publike ; let not our parents be angry if we speake to them here for our encouragement to be domesticall schoolmasters , at home examining vs ouer and ouer what we haue learned at Church , and as they haue faculty more plentifully , as our heauenly Father commaunds that they should whet them continually vpon their children , Deut. 6.6.7.8.9.10.11.12 and bind them as frontlets ( or signes of remembrance ) and write them vpon the postes of their doores , and if they shall set them vp vpon the dry and dead postes of their houses , or else one post will cry out to another for iudgement for neglect of Gods commaundement , how then shall we their suruiuing posterity perishing , how loud shall our bloud cry for iudgement against our parents ? 1. Kin. 20.31 and therefore if the seruants of Benhadad can slay the Kings of Israel are mercifull , if the aduersaries can , we may much more , that our gratious King of England is mercifull to the little people in his kingdome , and we doubt not but that the Lord tooke of that spirit which was vpon King Dauid , Num. 11.25.29 . and put it on our King , when he in Psal. 34.11 . Calls and sayes , Come little children hearken vnto me , I will teach you the feare ( that is the true Religion ) of the Lord , the Lord take of the same spirit and giue it to the threescore and ten Elders , we meane the Ministers of his word , and the Masters of the families of this populous kingdome , that as we are ( as Salomon saith of himselfe ) the sonnes of our fathers ( their derlings ) and tenderly beloued of our mothers , Pro. 4.4 . so the fruite may be seene by being instructed by them , and locking our hearts to hold fast Gods word , and to keepe our Kings commaundements , that so we may liue , liue here religiously , liue with the King of Kings hereafter eternally .

Quest. What is your second petition , wherein you do conclude all you are able to craue at their hands ?

Ans. The last is this , that though we be not all one mens sonnes , nor all of one degree and birth , nor of letter and shape , nor all of one stature of body , nor of one nature , disposition , and faculty of soule , yet from the honourablest to the meanest that is a child , from the beautifullest to the homeliest that hath a father , from the strongest to the weakest that is borne of a mother , that they would ( God to helpe ) consecrate vs to the best seruice and worship of God in this life that we are fit for , not regarding bloud , beauty , or bignes , to our hinderance in the holiest things , for if the seminaries of heresie doe giue such encouragement , and their blinded kings do as Nebuchadnezar did , Dan. 1.3 . first speake to their Eunuches to pricke & chuse of the children of Israel of the kings seed , and of the Princes .

Secondly , children in whom was no blemish but well fauoured . Thirdly , ripe witted , instruct in all wisedome and well seene in knowledge . Fourthly , strong and without in firmitly in body , or without impediment in speech , able to vtter knowledge , and such as were able to stand in the kings palace , if they that are the princes & Eunuches of Babell be so laborious , so liberall to prouide euery day such children for their king , and such portions of the kings meate , for the children they corrept and corrupt , to the end they may stand , and instruct their kings to cary them to hell and destruction , then how much more should our spirituall and naturall parents of Ierusalem , of what degree or dignity soeuer enourage vs in the true way to God and saluation ? and when they haue seene at our Catechising any hope of profit , or veine of godlinesse and virtue in our faces , they would thereafter let their hearts and hands goe as Gods doe , Pro. 20.11 . for as Salomon saith , A child is knowne by his studies , Syra . 33. whether his workes be pure or right , hopefull or noe , fit for our calling if not for another , though not as Samuell did , yet growing a little in fauour and credit both with God and men , with these on earth , Transition . and him in heauen . So be it . Amen .

Quest. Turne your hearts now from the matter of encouragement in Catechising it selfe , and from the manner of it either in the Minister or your selues , or your parents , turne your hearts from these two , and tell me the third meanes of hartning you from the meanes we all haue by Gods blessing ?

Ans. 2. Cor. 6. The meanes to make our hearts large with comfort to vs all , is very large , and the waies many , but that we may goe downe from the Temple with the same comfortable stepps numberly that we came vp , the meanes we finde is threefold , Before , At , and After .

Quest. What are the meanes ?

Ans. 1. Temples our harts are . 2. Temples our bodies are in . 3. Temples that they shal be in hereafter .

Qu. Before we come , what are the temples of courage .

Ans. Three , First , Iesus Christ our head is a Temple of comfort to vs , the holiest of holiest to our hearts , Eph. 2.20.21 . Iesus Christ himselfe being the head corner stone , in whom all the building being coupled together , groweth vnto an holy Temple to the Lord . For if it were a comfort to good Ioseph , Luk. 2.16 . and the blessed Virgin Mary , to find him in the Temple after three daies seeking him , when he was but twelue yeares old , and when the Temple of his body was to be destroyed , Ioel. 2. behold a thousand times more encouragement it is to vs , to seeke him in the Temple of glory that neuer perisheth , whether we are taught he is raised and ascended , and where are we to learne to worship God through him .

Que. Which is the 2. part of this spirituall Temple ?

Ans. The Foundation of this holy Temple of comfort to vs is twofold , 1. Principall . 2. Subordinate .

Que. What is the principall Foundation of courage ?

Ans. The Foundation principall is the Scripture , the holy Prophets and Apostles , as Saint Paul to the Ephesians 2.20 . Ye are built vp on the foundation of the Apostes and Prophets , and this no small comfort that we haue so sure a foundation that cannot be shaken .

Quest. What is the subordinate foundation of this Temple of courage to this exercise ?

Ans. Though we haue not so many Prophets as the Church of Israel had , nor so many holy Apostles as the Primitiue Church had to comfort vs , yet our Fathers are the Fathers of more propheticall sonnes and apostolates then they were , and our Church the Mother of more reuerend Doctors , Luk. 2. then the Church of Ierusalem , to teach vs the way vnto life eternall ; and this though subordinate is no small encouragement .

Quest. What is the third Temple of encouragement that we are to our owne hearts ?

Ans. Not onely Christ our corner stone doth comfort vs , but the Church , though in a lesse measure , and not onely our flourishing Church , but euen euery Christian in the Church , which is fuller of Temples of the holy Ghost , then flourishing Corinth , for we hope our Preachers may speake to more then S. Paul then could there , Know you not that your bodies are the Temples of God , 1. Cor. 16.17 & not only Temples but holy ; For the Temple of God is holy , which ye are . Hauing therefore a head or corner stone of so fine gold as Christ , a foundation of such pure siluer that hath beene seuen and seuen times tried in the fire , we receiue the golden cordialls of courage from them both to this holy exercise , that euer we were borne to be Temples built of the same Temples .

Quest. What is the second generall meanes of encouragement at Catechising ?

Ans. The Temple we are in , which is either for the matter of it , or the manner , either the outward , or the inward parts of it comfortable

Que. What comfort is there for this from the Temple ?

Ans. The sacred Churches wherein we meete together in due sort ( let God haue his due prayse for it ) to heare and learne the grounds of Religion , if they were but few & straight and poore bouses , yet might they be some courage to vs , but they are many , large and beautified , the many Cathedrall Churches ordained to spread religion , and the goodly Colledges annexed to both , both for enlarging of learning in Church & Common-wealth , what largenesse of comfort doe these bestow vpon vs ? besides the vulgar schooles where many poore boies and girles poore orphanes doe learne these foundations of religion , these do spurre vs forward to this learning of Catechising , lest the Churches that we are in , at the last day should condemne vs , when they shal be consumed with fire for our negligence in the same .

Secondly , for the manners in the Church , such consociation and concord of Ministers of the Church in the exercise of godlines ; such rules and Lawes both for Pastor and people in , and , of the Church , such variety of exercises in the Church after the necessitie of sorts and degrees , whom would they not moue either to gouerne , or to be gouerned to Catechise or to be Catechised ? away therefore withall those spirits that either if they be able will destroy the matter or the maner of this Temple we are in , such as depopulate Townes , and disfigure Churches , or any waies steeple the beauty of the Temple we are in , or the rule & gouernment of the Church we are of , that as soone as they be loose , flie vpon the throate of the Church , it is a shame , it is a shame , that any such should be suffered to the great discouragement of the weake , but because this is not a thing that is vpholden in our charges , let it passe , and let vs take courage from our Temples , as Adam did in Paradise in innocency , more then the Israelites in the Tabernacle , or the Iewes in their Temple , and this must be by keepeing them religiously , & vseing them reuerently , & receiueing instructions attentiuely .

Qu. What is the Temple that we shal be of , which vs Temples in the Temples we are in , doth so encourage ?

Ans. This is as far beyond and aboue all other Temples of encouragement , as heauen is aboue the earth , the Celestcall Temple this is , a Tempole so high , so great , so holy , so pretious , so cleane , so walled , so dored , so gated , so windowed , so scituated , so founded , so squared , so long , so broad , so garnished , so allyed , so full of all these , that Iohns eyes could not see it , Reu. 21.11 . for the Lord God Almighty , and the Lambe are the Temple , this is our last , our best comfort that we hope our poore desires of our hearts , our ecchoes of our mouthes shall not like lead and earth descend downwards , but shall be heard in that Temple , whether we hope for our encouragement , the exorable clemency of God will bring vs his poore Temples , that when our dead bodies shall descend into our graues in these materiall Temples , our soules shall before ascend into that Temple so glorious , that it cannot be called a Temple , whether the head of both Temples , Iesus Christ bring both our bodies and soules at the day , when he shall iudge vs , to whom be all honour , and glory , both in the Temples of heauen and earth , for euer . Amen .

FINIS .