A plaine and easie catechisme: wherein the grounds and principles of Christian religion are briefly taught; and likewise proved by scripture. Published for the benefit of all, / by R. A. R. A. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription B08241 of text R175349 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing A27AA). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 19 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 9 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 B08241 Wing A27AA ESTC R175349 64550733 ocm 64550733 184282 2240865870

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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. B08241) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 184282) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English Books, 1641-1700 ; 2857:3) A plaine and easie catechisme: wherein the grounds and principles of Christian religion are briefly taught; and likewise proved by scripture. Published for the benefit of all, / by R. A. R. A. [18] p. Printed for William Franckling and are to be sold at his Shop Near the Signe of the George in Norwich, London : 1649. Reproduction of original in: British Library. Bound and filmed with Wing A27B and Wing C5316A: The saints duty discoursed from 2 Pet 3, 18 and the saints dignity handled from Eph chap I, v. 7 with directions to both delivered from a chatecheticall dialogue ... / by him that was and is ... London : Printed for William Franckling and are to be sold at his Shop Near the Signe of the George in Norwhich, 1649 -- Faith & experience, or, A short narration of the holy life and death of Mary Simpson, late of Gregories Parish in the city of Norvvich : who dyed, anno 1647 in or about the thirtieth yeare of her age after 3 years sicknesse and upwards containing a confession of her faith and relation of her experience taken from her owne mouth to which is added a sermon preached at her funerall, upon Rom. 14. 6,7 / by John Collings. London : Printed for Richard Tomlins and are to be sold at his House at the Signe of the Sun and Bible in Pye-Corner, 1649. eng Church of England -- Catechisms -- Early works to 1800. Catechisms, English -- Early works to 1800. eebo A plaine and easie catechisme: wherein the grounds and principles of Christian religion are briefly taught; and likewise proved by scripture. Publishe R. A., 1649 18 3253 2 0 0 0 0 0 6.15 B The rate of 6.15 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 2010-07 Assigned for keying and markup 2010-07 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2010-09 Sampled and proofread 2010-09 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2011-06 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

A PLAINE AND EASIE CATECHISME : Wherein the Grounds and Principles of Christian Religion are briefly taught ; And likewise proved by SCRIPTURE .

Published for the benefit of all , By R : A.

LONDON , Printed for William Franckling , and are to be sold at his Shop near the Signe of the George in Norwich . 1649.

A Plaine and easie CATECHISME .

WHat Religion dost thou professe ?

The Christian Religion .

What is the Christian RELIGION ?

The worshipping the true God as prescribed , Mat. 4.

How know you this the true Religion ?

First , this Religion forbids all evill , and commands all good , Isa. 1.16 , 17.

Secondly , this commands the heart as life , Deut. 26.16 .

Thirdly , it is a spirituall reall worship , Iohn . 4.24 .

How come you to understand this Religion ?

By catechizing : by preaching .

What is catechizing ?

A plain familiar teaching of the principles of Religion : by which I am made able to answer thereto , questioned therein , Heb. 6.1 , 2. 1 Pet. 3.15 .

What doe you understand by preaching ?

A sound opening of Scripture by Scripture , with a suitable application to the benefit of the hearer , Luk. 4.18 , 19.

Who are to catechize ?

Pastors in their flocks , Ioh. 21.15 . Parents in their families , Eph. 6.4 .

Who are to be catechized ?

Children in yeares , Pro. 22.6 . Children in understanding , Rom. 2.18 .

In what consist the principles of Religion ?

First in the right knowledge of god .

Secondly in the right knowledge of man .

In what consists the right knowledge of God ?

In a true understanding of him as he is revealed in his will , Ioh. 5.39 .

In what consists a right knowledge of man ?

In a clear understanding of his condition as it was , is , shal be .

How is the knowledge of God revealed in his word ?

First in his being .

Secondly in his working .

How is God in his being made manifest ?

First , in regard of his nature , or essentially .

Secondly , in respect of his subsistence , or personally .

Thirdly , in reference to his Attributes , or nominally .

How is God in his working made knowne in his word ?

First , in respect of his creating all in time .

Secondly , in respect of his preserving all till time be .

How is God in his nature revealed ?

An everlasting being in himselfe from himselfe , Psal. 90.1 , 2. Exo. 3.14 .

How is God revealed in his Subsistence ?

Three persons in one divine nature .

What is a person in the divine nature ?

A divers manner of Subsisting , distinguished each from other by an incommunicable propriety , as the Father to beget the Son , and only to beget : the Son and onely the Son to be begotten : the Holy Ghost and onely the Holy Ghost to proceed .

Is each of these persons God ?

Yes , The Father is God , Eph. 6.23 .

The Son is God , 1 Ioh. 5.20 .

The Holy Ghost is God , Acts. 5.3.4 .

Are there not more Gods then one then ?

No : for these three are but one , 1 Ioh. 5.7 .

What doth your Religion teach you to beleeve concerning these three Persons ?

Concerning the Father , that he is the Creator and preserver of all things in earth and heaven , Psal. 33.6 .

Did not the Son and Holy Ghost create also ?

Yes equally ; but appropriated to the Father , as the Fountaine from whence all , as to distinguish the Son and Holy Ghost , Col. 1.15 , 16 , 17. Gen. 1.2 .

What is Creation ?

A production of all things out of nothing , but by the omnipotent word of God , Heb. 11.3 .

What be these all things ?

Sun , Moon , Starrs , Angels , Man , with birds flying , fish swimming , beasts feeding , &c. Psal. 148.5 .

To what end were all created ?

First , for the manifestation of his glory , Prov. 16.4 .

Secondly , for the plentifull comfort of man , Rom 1.19 , 20.

What is the preserving that belongs to the Father ?

That mercifull goodnesse by which the creature is preserved and governed , Psal. 36.6 . Psa. 67.4 .

How doth it appeare God is the Preserver ?

By the Scriptures in Psal. 135.5 , 6 , 7. Acts 17.25 , 28.

What dost beleeve concerning the Son ?

That he is equal with the Father , Phil. 2.7 . from all eternity deputed , King over , Priest for , Prophet to his Church , Psal. 2.6 , Psal. 10.4 . Deut. 18.18 . Acts 3.23 .

What else beleeve you concerning Christ ?

That in due time he was borne , Gal. 4.4 . lived , dyed , rose againe , sits at Gods right hand till he come to judge the quick and dead , Rom. 5.4 , 25. Eph. 1.20 . Acts 3.21 .

u. What beleevest thou concerning the Holy Ghost ?

That he is God equall with the Father and Son , from whence we receive enlightning , strengthning , sanctification , comfort and power to mortifie sinne , quicken grace , 1 John 5.7 . Joh. 16.13 . Acts 1.8 . Rom. 15.16 . Joh. 14.16 . Rom. 8.13 .

How is God revealed by his Attributes ?

That he is a perfect , wise , powerfull , mercifull , faithfull , eternall , and most holy God , &c.

What dost understand by a perfect God ?

I understand that God is absolutely perfect in himselfe , and the cause of perfection in others , Gen. 17.1 . 1 John 1.5 .

What understandest thou by this , God is a wise God ?

That God is so infinite in his understanding , that he only knowes himselfe , all things that have been , are , shall , and never shall be , with every Circumstance , Psal. 147.5 . 1 Cor. 2.13 . Heb. 4.13 . Psal. 147.4 . Rom. 4.17 .

What understandest thou by Powerfull ?

That God is able to act what he will , and afford strength to the creature to doe what he list , Isa. 46.10 . Psal. 68.35 . Deu. 33.27 .

What understandest thou by Merciful ?

That God is ready to help Such as are or may be in misery , Dan. 9.9 . Psal. 145.14 . Psa. 103.4 .

What understandest thou by this Attribute Faithfull ?

That God is one , ever true and faithfull of his word , Deu. 7.9 . 2 Cor. 1.20 . Psa 89. from 1 to 9.

What understandest thou by this Attribute Eternall ?

That God hath a being without begining and end , Psal. 90.1 . 2. Deut. 24.27 .

What understandest thou by Holy ?

That God is infinitely pure and righteous in himselfe , and the author of all holynesse in the creature , Isa. 6.3 . Ezek 37.28 . Isa. 63.18 .

What doth your Religion teach you concerning the right understanding of man ?

It teacheth me concerning his estate of Creation . Corruption . Grace . Glory .

What are you taught concerning mans Creation ?

That he was made of the dust of the earth in regard of his body , and of the breath of God in regard of his soule , Gen. 2.7 .

In what estate was he created ?

In a good , wise , holy condition , after the image of God himselfe , Gen. 1.27 . Eccl. 7.29 . Ephe. 4.23 , 24.

Doth not man keep that condition still ?

No : he fell by disobeying the command in eating the forbidden fruit , Gen. 2.17.3.6 .

What did man lose by this fall ?

First the favour of God which he enjoyed , Gen. 38.9 .

Secondly , the image of God which he posessed . Psa. 51.6 .

Was this all he Suffered ?

No : First he and his become mortall , Gen. 2.17.3.22 .

Secondly , his posterity sinfull , Rom. 5.12 .

Thirdly , subject to wrath and judgment , Rom. 5.16 .

Fourthly the Creature cursed , Gen. 3.17 .

How should wee sin or suffer , when we were not ?

Adam was a publick person , and we in his loynes , so wee sin and suffer , Rom. 5.12 . 1 Cor. 15.12 .

Cannot man recover himselfe from this condition ?

No : being in sin born , and unable to thinke one good thought , or satisfie divine justice , Psal. 5.5 . 2 Cor. 3.5 .

How shall poore man escape the misery he is brought into by Adams fall ?

By Jesus Christ the promised seed , Gen. 3.15 . Gal. 3.16 .

What is Jesus Christ ?

Perfect God , and perfect man ; who in time came and laid downe his life for his , Gal. 4.4 , 5. Rom. 5.19 .

Why was Christ God ?

To satisfie divine justice , Psal. 40.6 , 7.

Why was he man ?

For he was to suffer , Heb. 2.14 .

Why God and man ?

To reconcile God to man , 2. Cor. 5.19 .

Where is Christ ?

At the right hand of God , Col. 3.1 .

How shall we partake of Christs benefits ?

By faith in Jesus Christ , Ephe. 3.17 .

What is faith in Jesus Christ ?

A particular receiving & applying Christ to my soul as he is revealed in the word , 1 Ioh. 12.

What benefit will Christ procure by faith applyed ?

First , A regaining of Gods favour , Eph. 2.5 , 6.

Secondly , A renewing of Gods jmage , 1 Cor. 1.30 . Eph. 4.26 .

Thirdly , with assurance of eternall glory , Rom. 8.17 .

What danger escape we by applying Christ ?

First , the sting of death , 1 Cor. 15.55 .

Secondly , The slavery of sin , Rom. 7.25 .

Thirdly , The wrath of God , Rom. 5.9 .

Fourthly , The curse of creatures , Col. 1.15 .

In what consists the estate of Glory ?

First , in the freedome from all sin , Rev. 22.3 , 15. misery , Rev. 21.4 .

Secondly , in the enjoyment of all good , Rev. 21.23 , 25.

What doth Christ expect from man for these his unspeakable mercies ?

Christian observance to his Commands enjoyned . Prayer prescribed . Sacraments appointed .

Which be the Commandements enjoyned ?

Those written in 20 of Exodus , 3 , &c.

What is the first Commandement ?

Thou shalt have no other God before me .

What is the meaning hereof ?

That t is my duty to love , feare and trust in God alone .

What is the meaning of the second ?

That no Idolatry , nor Idolatrous worship , be committed by me ; but outwardly and inwardly God is to be served as he will of me .

What is the meaning of the third Commandement ?

That I nor blaspheme , curse , sweare , or lightly use the name of God .

What is the meaning of the fourth Commandement ?

That I prepare to sanctifie God in , and meditate on the duties of a sabbath day .

What is the meaning of the fifth Commandement ?

That I reverence , obey , love my parents , that is Magistrates , Ministers , Governours , and all my Superiours .

What is the meaning of the sixth Commandement ?

That nor in tongue , desire , action , or approbation , I harm my selfe or other .

What is the meaning of the Seventh Commandement ?

That I shun all occasions , contemplations , actions , speeches , tending to Adultery , Fornication , or any uncleannesse whatsoever .

What is the meaning of the eighth Commandement ?

That I nor violently nor frandulently , rob , oppresse , deceive mine or my neighbour .

What is the meaning of the ninth Commandement ?

That I nor accuse , backbite , lye , flatter , willingly or unjustly .

What is the meaning of the tenth Comdement ?

That I labour for purity of heart , and cleannesse of thought in all my conversation .

What is Prayer ?

A powring out of the soule to God , believing we shall be heard for Christs sake , Psal. 62.8 . Heb. 11.6 . Joh. 16.23 .

What is that prayer prescribed for us by Christ ?

That call'd the Lords Prayer , Mat. 6.9 .

Of what parts doth this prayer consist ?

It consists of 1 Preface . 2 Petition . 3 Conclusion .

What is the preface ?

Our father which art in heaven .

What is the Petition .

Hallowed be thy name , &c.

What is the conclusion ?

Thine is the Kingdome , &c.

What is the meaning of the first Petition ?

That God in himselfe , words , workes , be honoured by us , and the contrary rooted out of us .

What is the meaning of the second petition ?

That by the power of Gods word and Spirit there may be dayly added such as shal be saved , being delivered from the power of darknesse and translated , 1. Col. 13.

What is the meaning of the third Petition ?

That God would frame our will in all things to obey him as the angels in heaven .

What is the meaning of the 〈…〉

That God would send such things and persons as are convenient for us and necessary to us in this life .

What is the meaning of the fifth Petition ?

That our sins past be pardoned to us , and for the time to come subdued in us , expressed by a full forgivenesse of all our trespassours against us .

What is the meaning of the sixth Petition ?

That nor by world , flesh , Satan , we be carried into sin , misery , temptation , damnation .

What are the Sacraments Christ hath ordained ?

Baptisme and the Lords Supper ?

What is a Sacrament ?

An outward sacred signe of an inward sealed grace ?

What is Baptisme ?

A Sacrament of our admitting into the Church , and of our engrafting into Christ .

What is the sacred signe ?

Water by word and prayer sanctified ; with which the person is dipped and sprinkled .

What is the sealed grace ?

Remission and Sanctification .

What is required of such as are baptised ?

Repentance to confesse sin , faith to beleeve grace sealed .

Why should children be baptised ?

F●●st , they are in the covenant , Gen. 17.7 .

Secondly , the promise to them , Acts. 2.39 .

Thirdly to them the Holy Ghost , Luk. 1.15 .

Fourthly , the Command is vniversall , Mat. 28.19 .

Fifthly , the practise of antiquity .

What is the Lords Supper ?

A Sacrament confirming and sealing the graces of Christ to the soule of every worthy Receiver .

What is the outward sacred signe ?

Bread and Wine .

What is the inward sealed grace ?

An. The Body & Bloud of Jesus Christ , with all his Promises . Graces .

Why was it instituted ?

For a Remembrance of Christ in our hearts .

What is required of those that partake of this Sacrament of the Lords Supper ?

First , knowledge to discerne the Lords body , 1. Cor. 11.27 , 29.

Secondly , faith to beleeve the mystery of the Sacrament .

Thirdly , selfe examination , 1 Cor. 11.28 .

Fourthly , thankfulnesse for this strengthening Sacrament .

What if man hath not these graces ? what should he doe ?

Let him mourn , pray , endeavour after them , that he be not guilty of Christs condemning and crucifying

How shall I obtaine these gifts and graces ?

From the fountaine of all good , God the Father , by the merit of God the Son , through the influence of God the holy Ghost ; three in one , one in three , to whom bee glory , praise , and power , now and ever . Amen .

FINIS .