A catechisme or briefe instruction in the principles and grounds of the true Christian religion With a short treatise premised concerning the profity and necessitie of catechizing.

A CATECHISME OR BRIEFE INstruction in the Principles and Grounds of the true Christian Religion .

With a short Treatise premised concerning the profit and necessitie of Catechizing .

PSAL. 34. 11.

Come children , hearken vnto mee , I will teach you the feare of the Lord .

LONDON , Printed by EDWARD GRIFFIN for HENRY FETHERSTONE .

1617.

TO CHRISTIan Parents , House - holders , Schoole-masters , and such as haue charge of youth : E. B. wisheth the fruition and encrease of all-sauing Grace , and true blessednesse .

IT is one speciall dutie ( my good brethren ) which is required of Christians , to be performed by them : that they admonish and stirre vp one another , to matters which concerne Piety and godlinesse . Exhort one another ( saith the Apostle , 1. Thes. 5. 11. ) and edifie one another , euen as yee doe : and Hebr. 10. Let vs consider one another , to prouoke vnto loue , and to good workes . Let vs exhort one another , and that so much the more , because the day draweth neere .

Through this am● bold to impart an admonition to you , and this concerning a duety of most great and high importance-to wit , of Catechizing .

And I suppose there cannot bee a more needfull thing spoken of ; and concerning which admonition should be rather giuen , then this : partly by reason of the great benefit and profit which commeth by it ; and partly through the great contempt and neglect which is had of it ; and partly for that a great number of these , by whom this duty is to be performed , put it off from them as a busines impertinent , and with which they stand not chargeable . I meane this last of House and Schoole-gouernours .

I shall therefore labour breefly to informe you of three things : the first is , teaching the profit of it : secondly I shall endeuour to remoue the contempt of it : thirdly , I shall prooue that you ( my brethren aboue mentioned ) doe in some sort ( though not so fully as certaine other ) stand chargeable therein .

Touching the first , my reasoning shall be onely by allegation of the seuerall benefits which flow from it : now Catechizing is of exceeding aduantage , as in respect of the preaching : it is not vnknown how great the number is of these who enioy the preaching of the worde , and are nothing , or very slenderly bettered by it ; this is most certainely one mayne cause thereof , the want of Catechizing ; in that persons come vnskilled thereto in the principles of religion : and therefore this is a special course to be taken of him that would be a good proficient by preaching , that he be seen in the grounds before mentioned .

Secondly , concerning the Sacrament of Baptisme , wherein wee enter into solemne Couenant with Gods maiestie , how commeth it to passe that so many thousands who haue thus solemnely bound themselues , yet are so farre from keeping it , that they scarcelie thinke of such a matter ? Proceedeth not this of neglect of Catechizing ? And therefore as any one tendreth to receiue the comfort of his baptisme , it standeth him vpon to submit himselfe to this kind of instruction .

Thirdly , concerning the Sacrament of the holy Supper , is not this generally to be held of all Christians , that the same appertaineth not to all commers , but onely to prepared guests ? therefore the holy Ghost plainely affirmeth of the other sort , that they eate and drinke their owne iudgement : now can it bee denied that this is one special good helpe of preparation , to bee well lessoned in all the ground points of the christian doctrine ?

Fourthly , what a speciall matter is it to bee frequent in the reading of the sacred Scriptures , concerning which , the commandement of our heauenly master , is expresse for all , Iohn 5. Search the Scriptures , for in them ye thinke to haue eternall life ; and they are they which witnesse of me : hereby we are made wise vnto saluation , 2 Tim. 3. now certaine it is , that without Catechizing , the Scriptures will be as a sealed booke : and therefore as we haue in regard the reading of Gods booke , to receiue edification and comfort by it , it is needfull we be skilled in the principles before .

Fiftly , can there bee a more notable preseruatiue , to keepe vs safe from the multitude of seducers and impostors in the world , as Iesuites and Seminaries ? How many are peruerted by them ? for they compasse sea and land , to make of their profession , that they may make them the children of hell like themselues , I will not say two-fold worse ; for that I suppose cannot be : witnesse their many treacheries and conspiracies , and especially that gunne-powder businesse , which argue their attainment to perfection in this kind . If false Prophets may be knowne by their fruits , which is the rule of our master , Matth. 7. then it is no hard matter for these who will apply themselues to discerning of spirits ( the which we are counselled , 1. Iohn 4. 1. ) to finde out of what spirit they are : but concerning these that haue beene subuerted by them , hath there beene a more chiefe cause then neglect of instruction in the grounds of the true religion ?

Sixtly , what a rich treasure is the feare of God ? the want whereof Abraham perceiuing in a country where hee was soiourning , doubted of villanies to bee done him and his wife : Surely ( said hee ) the feare of God is not in this place , and they will slay me for my wiues sake , Gen. 20. This is it which keepeth the subiect from disloyaltie against his Prince and Soueraigne , 1. Sam. 26. 9. 10. 11. which is the ground of dutifulnesse in children towards their parents , Ephes. 6. 1. Children obey your parents in the Lord . This is the chaine that tieth seruants to due obedience to their masters , Ephes. 6. 5. 6. 7. 8. This is it that holdeth persons from breaking forth into lewdnesse of behauiour : How can I ( said Ioseph being tempted by his ill mistresse ) doe this great wickednesse , and so sin against God ? Gen. 39. 9.

Now is it possible that this treasure of Gods feare can be , except there be knowledge going before ? and is there againe a more direct way for this , then instruction in the principles of Christianitie ?

Seuenthly , what is catechizing in the very nature of it , but as it were a taking of any one by the hand , to lift him vp out of the dungeon of darknesse , and to bring him into the light and sight of Christ crucified , the which alone doth yeeld iustification , Esa. 53. 11. and life eternall , Ioh. 17. 3. So that catechizing is a most speciall pole to lift vp the brazen Serpent , the onely beholding of which perfectly cureth that deadly wound which that fiery Serpent of hell gaue vs , Iohn 3. If therefore the knowledge of Christ crucified be in price and account with vs , ( the which Paul esteemed of such excellencie , that all things of this world herewith compared , hee reckoned them to bee dung and filth , Phil. 3. ) then ought this exercise to be in request with vs , as being without all controuersie greatly requisite to the getting and procuring of that worthy science .

There may be added an eighth benefit : The doctrine of the Gospell is a mysterie , Ephes. 3. 9. yea a great mysterie , 1. Tim. 3. 16. and euery one by his birth is a person naturall , and the naturall man perceiueth not the things that are of God , 1. Cor. 2. This being so , it may easily appeare how necessary catechizing is , as being a familiar and plaine instruction in the grounds of doctrine .

A ninth consideration of the benefit of this is hereby euident : Christians are all of two sorts ; either they are babes , through being lately new borne , or they haue attained to some good growth , and they haue their wits exercised to discerne both good and euill . This distinction the holy Ghost setteth downe , Heb. 5. 13. 14. Now how many are there of the former ranke ? ( yea and it were well if they were come to this ) and as for these , they haue need of milke , and not strong meat , as the Apostle there speaketh , v. 12. And will you know what hee meaneth there by milke ? he expresseth himselfe a little before , calling it the first principles of the word of God : and could hee haue spoken more plainly ?

The last benefit , which is the perfection of the whole : Catechizing is necessarie to the establishing of persons for a fixed and setled standing in grace . If yee continue in my word ( saith our heauenly Master ) then are yee my Disciples , Ioh. 8. 31. Now hereunto this kinde of exercise ( by the confession of all ) is singularly expedient . It is a common title giuen to the principles of religion , that they are called grounds , which is a very fit appellation , as being to notifie , that all such who are not skilled in these principles , are as a building which stands vpon no firme ground . Therefore euery one that mindeth in good earnest the profession of Christianitie , had need to looke to his ground , that it be sure enough . All that will liue godly ( saith the Apostle , 2. Tim. 3. ) must suffer persecution : and therefore without firme setling not any one may looke to hold out against such stormes and tempests .

Let this suffice to haue beene said concerning the benefits by catechizing , the which as diuers coards twisted together , may make as a great cable to draw and pull any vnto it .

Now in the second place , I am to labour about remoueall of the contempt , wherein this noble exercise is : and here , albeit the former consideration , touching the profits arising by it , may bee applied to this , yet whereas profit is one thing , and dignitie or excellencie is another , I will here alleage what concerneth this .

First , should catechizing seeme a base and vile matter in our eyes , which God in the depth of his wisdome hath inuented as an ordinance of his , to helpe his elect to the faith of Christ , or to confirme them therein ? This is an argument which Paul vsed in his plea for preaching , which otherwise was accounted foolishnesse , 1. Cor. 1. 21. Here then may I say this of catechizing : Bee it in the account of the greater number a foolish and weake thing , yet certainly it is Gods foolishnesse , which is wiser then men , and Gods weaknesse , which is stronger then men , 1. Cor. 1. 25.

Secondly , should that be contemptible with vs , the carefull and diligent practise of which , hath made certaine , though otherwise much accepted , yet to be the more honourable with God ? Abraham for example : It is true that his faith properly made his person pleasing vnto God , Heb. 11. 6. and 39. yet his diligentnesse about the instructing of his familie in the way of the Lord , did make him the more acceptable ; and therfore for this very act God maketh him of his priuie counsell : Shall I hide ( saith the Lord ) from Abraham the thing that I will doe ? For I know him , that he will command his sons & his houshold after him , that they keepe the way of the Lord , Ge. 18. 17. 19.

Thirdly , if antiquitie and ancientie may procure reuerence , ( as it ought to doe when it is not seuered from truth ) certainly catechizing is not destitute of this .

In the Ecclesiasticall storie there is mention made of diuers Catechists , Pantenus , Clemens , Origen , and other which were in the Primitiue Church , or very shortly vpon the same , that tooke great paines in this kinde . More then this , it is euident that in the Apostles times it was in practise , as is plaine both by the fift to the Hebrewes , vers. 12. 13. and especially the sixt , vers. 1. 2. young Timothie , as he was brought vp by his mother Eunice , and grandmother Loys , in the Scriptures from his childhood , 2. Tim. 3. 15. so doubtlesse he was in this kinde also . Further then this , in the times of the old Testament there is mention made of Salomon , how he was taught and instructed by his mother , Prou. the last : The words of King Lemuel , the prophecie that his mother taught him .

Beyond all this , it is plaine that in the times of the Patriarkes catechizing was practised . That Iacob vsed it , it is plaine by Gen. 35. Then said Iacob to his houshold , and to all that were with him , put away the strange gods that are among you , and cleanse your selues . Now it may not otherwise be thought , but that this holy Patriarke , as he tooke straight order for the remouing of the false gods , so his care was as great in the informing them in the knowledge of the true God , and in the right worship of him . And as for Abraham , that hee vsed it , it is euident by Gen. 18. the place formerly alleaged .

Yea it ascendeth to the supremest height of antiquitie , which is to Adam himselfe : for in that his two sonnes did so applie themselues to the worship and religious seruice of God , it is certaine ( howsoeuer it be not literally expressed ) that this came to passe by being catechized and instructed therein , by their Parents Adam and Eue.

Fourthly , this maketh not a little for the high reputation of catechizing , in that all the reformed Churches throughout Christendome doe vrge and require the practise of it : wherein what doe they otherwise then giue an honourable testimonie vnto it ?

Lastly ( which onely might suffice , if there were no more spoken for it ) Catechizing is of ordinance Apostolicall ; and so it is not of humane inuention , but it hath Iehoua himselfe to be the founder of it . This is plaine by Heb. 6. the Apostle hauing before spoken of the needfulnesse of it , whereas he saith , Ye haue need againe that wee teach you the first principles of the word of God , then doth hee afterward relate the Catechisme it selfe in the maine 2. principall points of it , which he tearmeth repentance from dead workes , and faith towards God : he mentioneth also the two sorts of persons of whom it was required , to wit , the Conuerts before they were baptized , which he meaneth by the doctrine of Baptismes , and the children of Beleeuers so soone as they came to discretion , which hee meaneth by the laying on of hands , because these little ones after such exercises performed by them , had the hands , to wit , of the Pastors , laid on them .

Thus wee haue seene of these two points , to wit , the great profits which come by catechizing , and also that there is no vilenesse in it , so as any one may despise it ; but contrariwise to bee had in great regard by any persons whatsoeuer .

There remaineth now this third to be showne , which is that you ( my brethren ) who are Parents , Masters , and Schoole-gouernours , haue an interest in this businesse , I meane that in some sort you stand chargeable for the practise of this dutie of catechizing .

Farre be it from mee to lay any yoke on your neckes , or burden on your backes , other then that which is Christs , to which euery one must submit himselfe , Matth. 11. 29. especially sithence his yoke is easie , and burden is light , Matth. 11. 30. He is that great , yea and only Law-giuer to the conscience , and therefore these that desire to bee in the number of his good subiects , must not denie him obedience , as in other , so in this dutie .

Now how shall this appeare ? Euen easily if wee acknowledge that all the whole Scripture is only his word , according as is said , Col. 3. Let the word of Christ dwell plenteously in you , meaning thereby the whole doctrine of the Scripture . But let vs goe to the matter . And first I reason thus : Euery Christian is by his calling a Prophet , Act. 2. 12. and certaine it is , that if we partake with Christ in his two greater offices , to wit , Priesthood and Kingdome , Ren 1. 6. we partake in the lesser also , which is of Prophecie . Now then if euery common Christian ought to bee a Teacher , how much more you , whose callings , though not publike , yet are more speciall then ordinary ?

Secondly , thus I argue : The husband oweth this dutie to teach the wife , as is plaine by 1. Cor. 14. 35. If they will learne any thing , let them aske their husbands at home : now she is a person of superioritie in a familie ; then much more is this dutie to be performed to those that are simply the inferiours .

Thirdly , the expresse commands of God are many and diuers for this dutie : Deut. 6. These words which I command thee this day , shall be in thine heart , and thou shalt rehearse them continually vnto thy children , and shalt talke of them when thou tarriest in thine house . Likewise vers. 20. If thy sonne shall aske thee in time to come , saying , What meane these testimonies and ordinances , &c. then thou shalt say vnto thy sonne , &c. And Psal. 78. God established a testimonie in Iacob , and ordained a Law in Israel , which he commanded our Fathers , that they should teach their children , that the posteritie might know it , and the children which should be borne , should stand vp and declare it to their children .

And in the new Testament , very pregnant is that which is Ephes. 6. Ye Fathers prouoke not your children to wrath , but bring them vp in instruction and information of the Lord .

Fourthly , I thus argue : You that are Parents and Schoole-gouernours , owe loue vnto your children and Pupils , for this is a common debt which we owe vnto all , Rom. 13. 8. much more vnto them . Now this loue must be in deed , 1. Ioh. 3. 18. and can there bee a more speciall worke of loue , then to helpe them to that science , which yeeldeth for its benefit life eternall , Ioh. 17. 3.

Fiftly , those that professe the Christian faith , are by their calling Abrahams children , Gal. 3. 7. Now they that will be Abrahams children , must necessarily ( as Truth it selfe hath affirmed ) doe the workes of Abraham , Ioh. 8. 39. Now this was one of his workes , as may bee seene Gen. 18. 19. of which also God did take especiall notice .

Sixtly , it is your desire , that at the appointed times , especially at Easter , they should come to the Sacrament , and partake thereof : now in comming vnprepared , what other doe they then eat and drinke vnto themselues iudgement ? 1. Cor. 11. and should not you take pitty on them in this respect , and apply your best endeuours , that they may not turne vnto their bane , which by Gods ordinance is appointed the food to life eternall ?

Seuenthly , you that are Parents and Masters , desire greatly to haue your children dutifull and obedient , also your seruants faithfull and diligent ; and can there be a more notable means then catechizing , for the effecting of this , whereby their hearts may bee seasoned with grace , and consequently fit fruits will be following ?

Lastly , what is a Christian familie but a little Church ? so is it tearmed in diuers places , as Rom. 16. 5. and Philem. verse 2. To the Church which is in thy house : therefore such a speciall holy exercise as is Catechizing , should not be as a stranger therein .

I omit further allegations ( beloued brethren ) concerning this catechizing dutie to be performed by you : it is God only that hath the perswasiue power , Gen. 9. 27.

I will onely satisfie a demand or two , and so I will end . One is , wherefore I am silent concerning the Ministers , for the executing of this catechizing businesse : I answer , for that generally it is held for a dutie whereto they are bounden , whereas concerning other it is not . And hence it is strange to mee , that all those who make conscience of preaching , doe not also of catechizing , which is equally commanded , and rather more then lesse profitable . Secondly , That if the Ministers doe their duties , there may be no more required then their care to present them to the Minister : I answer , that except they doe something in priuate , the profit by the publike may bee endangered : but if this be neglected in the publike , then it standeth you the more vpon , that your selues be labourers in the worke .

If here it be said , the matter is too difficult to be done by you , I answer , if you only command your companies to learne these principles , and to vtter the same to you , this is a small matter ; and then there are so many helpes by those who haue written vpon the grounds of Religion , that at the least some of those being procured , there may bee something with great facilitie performed .

I shall briefly specifie something concerning this Treatise which here is put forth , and so I will end . I haue for the method altogether followed the Palatine Catechisme : for the matter , I haue vsed libertie therein , as other haue done before me in the selfe-same booke .

The points here set downe , I hope haue euery one of them good warrant .

There are some persons , for whom I haue done it , who I know will make vse of it ; and indeed for them I tooke this businesse , such as it is , in hand .

Yet I haue beene bold to hang out a garland , because this kinde of mine , howsoeuer good , is in small request , I meane of catechizing in generall .

Now I desire you ( good brethren ) to take my former admonitions and exhortations in good part , and to accept these my poore endeuours in the forwarding of this so needfull an exercise .

And so I commend you to Gods gratious inclining and directing you for all his good ordinances : and I heartily beseech him to vouchsafe to all vs his elect and called ones of his purpose , through a grace that was giuen vs through Christ before the world was , that wee may bee made perfect in all good workes , to doe his will , working in vs that which is pleasant in his ●ight ▪ through Iesus Christ , to whom be praise for euer and euer .

Amen .

A CATECHISME or briefe instruction by way of Question and Answer , in the principles and grounds of the true Christian Religion .

Question . WHat is thine onely comfort in life and death ?

Answer . Mine onely comfort in life & death is this , that both in soule and body whether I liue or die , I am not mine owne , but Iesus Christs my most faithfull Lord and Sauiour a a Rom. 14. 8. 9 , who hath both liued , and died , and risen againe for my iustification b b Rom. 4. 25. , and maketh me partaker of his spirit c c Matth. 3. 11. , whereby I may liue the life of God and godlinesse d d 2. Pet 1. 3. , by which also hée ascertaineth mée of a raising vp to eternall glory e e Eph 4. 30. .

Q. How many things are necessary to be knowne of thee , that thou maist enioy this comfort , and consequently maist both liue and die blessedly ?

A. Thrée things : first , what is the greatnesse of my sinne and miserie f f Mat. 9. 12. 13 : secondly , by what meanes I may haue deliuerance from that sinne and miserie g g Iohn 8. 21. : thirdly , what the thankfulnesse is which I owe vnto God for the same h h Rom. 12. 1. .

The first part of the Catechisme , which is of mans sinne and miserie .

Q. How doest thou know thy miserie ?

A. By the Law of God i i 〈◊〉 . 3. 20. .

Q. What doth the Law of God require of vs ?

A. This is briefly taught by our Lord in the 22. of Matthew : Thou shalt loue the Lord thy God with all thine heart , with all thy soule , and with all thy minde ; and thou shalt loue thy neighbour as thy selfe k k Matth. 22. 37. 38. 39. .

Q. Art thou able perfectly to keepe this ?

A. Nothing lesse : for by nature I am prone to the hatred of God and of my neighbour l l Tit. 3. 3. .

Q. What ? Did God create man thus peruerse and corrupt in the beginning ?

A. Not so : yea contrariwise , God made man good , and after his owne image , that is , endued him with knowledge and true holinesse m m Gen. 1. 27. .

Q. How then came this corruption into mans nature ?

A. This corruption of our nature came by the fall and disobedience of our first Parents Adam and Eue in Paradise n n Gen. 3. 7. .

Q. What ? is our corruption such , that wee are altogether vnmeet to doe what is good , and onely prone to that which is euill ?

A. Yea certainly , except we be new borne by the Holy Ghost o o 1. Cor. 2. 14. .

Q. Doth not God then iniurie vnto man , in requiring of him in the Law , what he is not able to performe ?

A. No truly : for God created man able to performe it ; but man through abuse of his frée will , and the Deuils instigation , did depriue himselfe and all his progenie of these diuine gifts p p Gen. 3. 6. 7. .

Q. Is it so then that God will leaue vnpunished this disobedience and sinne in man ?

A. Nothing so ; but contrariwise , God is most angry , both for the sinne wherein we were conceiued and borne , and also for these which wée actually commit q q Iob 15. 16. .

Q. But is not God also mercifull ?

A. God indéed is mercifull , yet is he also iust r r Exod. 34 7. : wherefore his iustice requireth , that as his infinite Maiestie is offended by sinne , so the punishment of it be according .

The second part of the Catechisme , which is of mans freedome and deliuerance .

Q. Sithence then through the iust iudgement of God , wee are liable vnder temporall and eternall punishment , is there any meanes whereby wee may bee deliuered from it , and get reconcilement with God ?

A. God will haue his iustice satisfied s s Gen. 2. 17. , and therefore it must néeds be , that either by our selues , or by some other , this satisfaction be made .

Q. Are wee able to satisfie Gods iustice by our selues ?

A. In no respect t t Esa. 59. 16. : yea rather wée increase the debt day by day .

Q. Can any of the creatures in heauen , or in earth , which is only a creature , make satisfaction for vs ?

A. Not any at all u u Heb. 12. 29. : for first , God will not punish mans offence in any other creature : secondly , not any thing being but a creature , is able to sustaine Gods wrath against sinne , and frée other from the same .

Q. What kinde of Mediator and Redeemer is then to be sought for vs ?

A. Such a one who is indéed very man x x Gen. 3. 15. , but perfectly iust y y Exod 12. 5. , and withall more mighty then all creatures , that is also very God z z Esay 9. 7. .

Q. Why is it necessary that this Mediator must be very man , and that also perfectly iust ?

A. Because Gods iustice doth require , that as in mans nature the sinne was committed , so in the same the punishment should be suffered a a 1. Cor. 15. 21 : now hée who is himselfe a sinner , cannot vndergoe the same for other .

Q. Why is it necessary that he be also very God ?

A. Because hée might thereby sustaine in his flesh the burden of Gods wrath , and also recouer vnto vs the righteousnesse and life which wée had lost b b 1. Pet. 3. 18. .

Q. But who is that Mediator , who is both very God , and very man , and withall perfectly iust ?

A. That onely , is Iesus Christ c c 1. Tim. 2. 5. , who is made vnto vs of God wisdome , righteousnesse , sanctification , and redemption d d 1. Cor. 1. 30. .

Q. How doest thou know this ?

A. I know this by the Gospell e e Col. 3. 16. , which God did first preach in Paradise f f Gen. 3. 15. , and afterward by the Patriarkes g g Gen 18. 18. , and Prophets h h Esay 53. Iohn 6. 35. , and last of all by his only begotten Sonne .

Q. Is it so then , that saluation by Christ is granted vnto all that haue perished in Adam ?

A. Not so , but vnto those only , who are ingraffed into Christ by true faith , and doe beléeue in him . Iohn 3. 16. and 18.

Q. What is this true faith ?

A. True faith is a perswasion in my heart i i Iob 19. 25. , grounded on the word of God k k Eph. 2. 2. , & wrought by the holy Ghost l l Gal. 5. 22. , through the preaching of that word m m Rom. 10. 14 , whereby I beléeue , that Iesus Christ is not only a Sauiour for other , but euen my Sauiour also n n Gal. 2. 20. , and thereupon doe put all my trust in him .

Q. What is that which euery one must necessarily beleeue , that would bee accounted to haue true faith in him ?

A. True faith , although it be a firme assenting to all things reuealed in Gods word o o Act. 26. 27. , yet properly it resteth on the promises of the Gospell p p Rom. 4. 16. , the summe whereof is the Apostles Créed .

Q. What is that Creed ?

A. I beléeue in God the Father Almighty , maker of heauen and earth , and in Iesus Christ his onely Sonne our Lord , who was conceiued by the holy Ghost , borne of the Virgin Mary , who suffered vnder Pontius Pilate , was crucified , dead , and buried : he descended into hell : the third day hée arose againe from the dead : he ascended into heauen , and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty : from thence shall he come to iudge the quicke and the dead : I beléeue in the holy Ghost , the holy Catholique Church , the Communion of Saints , the forgiuenesse of sinnes , the resurrection of the body , and the life euerlasting .

Q. Into how many parts is this Creed diuided ?

A. Into foure : The first is , of God the Father , and our Creation : The second is , of God the Sonne , and our Redemption : The third is , of God the holy Ghost , and our Sanctification : The fourth is , of the Catholique Church , and its benefits of eternall Saluation .

Of the Father .

Q. What beleeuest thou when thou sayest , I beleeue in God the Father Almighty , maker of heauen and earth ?

A. I beléeue , that God the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ , who hath made of nothing heauen and earth , with all therein q q Gen. 1. 1. , who likewise vpholdeth , and by his prouidence gouerneth the same , to be my God , and my Father r r Ioh. 20. 17. , and therefore I doe put my whole trust and confidence in him .

Q. What is the prouidence of God ?

A. The almighty power of God , whereby he maintaineth and gouerneth all things , so that nothing commeth to passe by fortune , but only according to the counsell of his good will s s Matt. 10. 29. 30. .

Q. What doth the knowledge of Gods creation and prouidence profit vs ?

A. That in aduersitie we be patient , and in prosperitie thankfull to our God , and that in him we haue most firme hope for the time to come t t Iob 1. 21. .

Of the Sonne .

Q Why is the Sonne of God called Iesus ?

A. Because he is the only Sauiour , that can saue vs from all our sinnes u u Matt. 1. 21. , neither can saluation in any other whatsoeuer be found x x Act. 4. 12. .

Q. Why is he called Christ ?

A. The meaning thereof is Anointed : and this is to signifie , that hée is ordained by the Father , to be vnto vs a Prophet y y Matth. 17. 5 , Priest z z Heb 5. 5. , and King a a Psal. 2. 6. .

Q. What is meant by these his offices , of being Prophet , Priest , and King ?

A. A Prophet hée is , in that hée teacheth vs by his word and spirit whatsoeuer is néedfull to eternall saluation b b Heb. 1. 2. .

A Priest , because hée offered vp that expiatorie sacrifice of himselfe , and doth make continuall intercession for vs c c Heb. 9. 28. .

Q. And what is meant by his office of Kingdome ?

A. A King hée is , in that hée gathereth vnto himselfe a Church by his word and spirit , doth also gouerne and defend it , that the gates of hell cannot preuaile against it d d Mat. 16. 18. .

Q. How art thou called a Christian ?

A. Because through faith I am a member of Christ , and partaker of the ointment of his spirit e e Iohn 1. 16 : , also of his offices , Prophecie f f Act 2. 18. , Priesthood , and Kingdome g g Reuel. 1. 6. .

Q. How art thou a Prophet , Priest , and King ?

A. A Prophet I am , that I may confesse Gods name i i Matt. 10. 32. .

A Priest , that I may present my selfe vnto him a liuely sacrifice and thanke offering k k Rom. 12. 1. .

A King , that here I may fight against sinne and Sathan , and afterward may raigne with Christ in eternall glory l l Rom. 8. 17. .

Q. Wherefore is Christ called the only begotten Sonne , when as wee also are the sonnes of God ?

A. Because he is the onely naturall Sonne of the Father , begotten from all eternitie m m Ioh. 1. 18. , and wée are sonnes only by adoption and grace n n Gal. 4. 5. .

Q. Why callest thou him our Lord ?

A. Because hée hath redéemed our soules and bodies from sinne by his precious bloud o o 1. Pet. 1. 19. , and deliuering vs out of the Deuils power , hath set vs frée to serue him p p Tit. 2. 14. .

Q. What beleeuest thou when thou sayest , Hee was conceiued by the holy Ghost , and borne of the Virgin Mary ?

A. That the Sonne of God , who is euermore very God q q 1. Tim. 3. 16 , tooke mans nature of the substance of the Virgin Mary r r Luke 1. 35. , by the working of the holy Ghost s s Heb. 5 17. , and so is become like to his brethren t t Heb 4 15. in all things , sinne except .

Q. What profit reapest thou by Christs holy conception and birth ?

A. That hée is our Mediator u u 1. Tim. 2. 5. , and doth couer with his perfect holinesse my sinne , in which I was conceiued , that it may not come into the sight of God x x Iohn 17. 19. .

Q. What beleeuest thou when thou sayest he suffered ?

A. That all the time of his life , but especially at the end thereof , he sustained y y Esa. 53 8. for our sinnes the wrath of God , both in his body and soule , that hée might deliuer vs from euerlasting death z z Matt. 26. 38 , and purchase to vs the fauour of God , and life eternall a a Iohn 3. 16. .

Q. Why was he to suffer vnder Pilate as his Iudge ?

A. That being innocent , and yet condemned by a ciuill Iudge , he might deliuer vs from the seuere iudgement of God b b Rom. 8. 1. .

Q. But is there any more in it that he was fastned to the Crosse , then if hee had suffered any other kinde of death ?

A. Yea : for by this I am assured that hée tooke on himselfe c c Gal. 3. 13. the curse which lay on mée , because the death of the Crosse was accursed of God d d Deut. 21. 23 .

Q. Why was it necessary that Christ should humble himselfe vnto the death ?

A. Because the iustice and truth of God might not otherwise haue béene satisfied for our sinnes e e Heb. 5. 8. 9. .

Q. To what end was he also buried ?

A. To manifest thereby the truth of his death f f Matt. 27. 64. 65. .

Q. Since Christ hath died for vs , why must wee also die ?

A. Our death is not a satisfaction for our sinnes , but an abolishing of sinne g g Rom ▪ 6. 7. , and passage into life eternall h h Ioh. 11. 25. .

Q. What is meant by this , Hee descended into hell ?

A. That he suffred the lowest abasement , to wit , the ignominious captiuitie vnder death , so that he was for a time deaths prisoner in the graue i i Act. 2. 24. , whereby euen I might neuer despaire , how low soeuer I be brought .

Q. What doth the resurrection of Christ profit vs ?

A. First , it serueth for our iustification k k Rom. 4. 25. : secondly , as by his obedience to death , he is our Sauiour in merit , so by this hée is our Sauiour in efficacie l l 1. Cor. 15. 45 . Thirdly , it is a pledge of our owne resurrection to glory m m 1. Cor. 15. 20. 21. .

Q. How vnderstand you this , Hee ascended into heauen ?

A. That Christ in the sight of his Disciples was taken vp into heauen n n Act. 1. 9. , and yet is there for our sakes , and will be vntill his comming againe to iudgement o o Act. 3. 21. .

Q. What fruit doth Christs ascension into heauen bring vs ?

A. First , he doth there make intercession for vs p p Heb: 9. 24. .

Secondlie , he sendeth from thence the holie ghost on vs q q Ephes. 4 10. .

Thirdlie , his ascension is a pledge of our ascension in our very bodies r r Ioh: 14 : 2 : 3. .

Q. What is meant by Christs sitting at the right hand of God ?

A. That hee hath all power giuen him , by the Father , and all things s s Phil: 2. 9. , and doth gloriouslie execute the office of Priest and King for vs t t Math: 28. 10. .

Q. What speciall benefits haue wee by this glorious estate of our Lord in heauen , and by his office of Mediatorship there performed for vs ?

A. First we haue hereby a bringing out of vnbeliefe wherein by nature we were shut u u Rom: 11 : 32. , vnto true sauing faith x x ● Pet: 2. 9. .

Secondlie , a continuall pardon of our sinnes y y 1 Ioh: 2 : 12. .

Thirdlie , the sending downe of the holie ghost on vs , with all needefull graces z z Ephes: 4 : 8. .

Fourthlie , defence against all our enemies whatsoeuer a a Ephes: 1 : 12. 13. .

Q. What comfort hast thou by Christs comming againe to iudge , the quicke and the dead ?

A. I am hereby frée from all feare of condemnation , sithence he shall bee my Iudge , who suffred himselfe to be condemned for me a a Rom: 8. 34. .

Also , I am certaine that his comming shall be to lift mee vp to the fruition of eternall glory with him b b 1 Thes: 4. 16. 17. .

Of the holy Ghost .

Q. What beleeuest thou concerning the holy Ghost ?

A. First , that hee is very God , coeternall with the Father , and the Son c c Act: 5. 3. 4. .

Secondly , that hee is giuen mee to make mee through faith , partaker of Christ and all his benefits d d Rom. 1 : 9. . Also , to comfort me , and to abide with mee for euer e e Ioh: 14. 16. .

Of the Holy Catholique Church .

Q. What beleeuest thou concerning the Holy Catholique Church ?

A. I beléeue , that the Son of God , doth in all ages f f 1 King . 19. 18. by his Word and Spirit , gather , gouerne , and defend a company chosen to eternall life g g 2 Tim: 2. 19. , and that I am a very member of the same , and so shall remaine for euer .

Q. What meaneth the communion of Saints ?

A. First , that all true beléeuers , are partakers in common of Christ , and all his benefits h h Gal: 3. 27. 28. .

Also , that euery one might cheerefully bestow their gifts , to the mutuall good of each other i i Act: 4. 32. .

Q. What beleeuest thou concerning forgiuenesse of sinnes ?

A. That God for the satisfaction of Christ , hath put out of his remembrance , all my sinnes , originall and actuall k k Ephes: 4. 32. .

Also , that hee counteth me fully iust in the righteousnesse of his Son imputed to me l l Rom: 4. 5. .

Q. What comfort hast thou by the resurrection of the body ?

A. That not only my soule , presently on the departure out m m Luk: 23 : 45. of my body , shall be taken vp into Paradise , but that this my body , shall by the power of Christ , be reunited to my soule , and made like the glorious body of Christ n n 2 Cor: 15. 42. 43. .

Q. What comfort hast thou by the article of life euerlasting ?

A. That whereas at this present I beginne the enioying of life eternall o o Ioh: 6. 47. , I shall at length haue the same perfected , with all fulnesse of felicitie p p 1 Cor: 2 9. .

Q. What benefit hast thou by thy beliefe of the Gospell ?

A. I am thereby righteous before God q q Rom: 8 : 1. , and heire of life eternall r r Heb: 11. 7. .

Q. How art thou righteous before God ?

A. Only by faith in Christ s s Phil: 3 : 9. , whereby his perfect satisfaction , righteousnesse , and holinesse are made mine : as if I had performed the same in mine owne person t t Rom: 8. 3 : 4. .

Q. How saist thou that thou art righteous by faith onely ?

A. Not , that I please God , through the worthinesse of my faith u u Mark : 9 : 24. , but because the only satisfaction , righteousnesse , and holinesse of Christ , is my righteousnes before God x x Cant: 2 : 16. .

And for that I cannot take hold of it , and applie it to my selfe , any other way then by faith alone y y Rom: 4 : 16. .

Q Why cannot our good workes go for righteousnesse , or some part of it , before God ?

A. Because that righteousnesse , which must stand before the iudgement of God , must be perfect and in all points agreeable with the law of God z z Gal: 3. 15. : now our workes euen the best of them , are imperfect and defiled with sinne a a Es: 64 : 6. .

Q. How doe our workes merit nothing , sithence God promiseth a reward for them , both in this life , and that to come ?

A. That reward is giuen , not out of merit , but of grace and frée fauour b b Coloss: 3 : 24. .

Q. Doth not this doctrine make men secure , and prophane ?

A. No : because those who are incorporate into Christ by faith , cannot but yéelde forth the fruits of thankefulnesse c c 2 Cor: 5 : 14. .

Of the Sacraments .

Q. Sithence then , that Faith onely maketh vs partakers of Christ , and his benefits , from whence doth this faith proceede ?

A. From the Holy Ghost d d Gal: 5. 22. , who begetteth it in vs , by the preaching of the gospell e e Rom: 10. 14. , and confirmeth it by the same f f 1 Thes: 3. 2. , and by vse of the Sacraments g g Act: 2. 42. .

Q. What are Sacraments ?

A. They are visible signes , and seales from God h h Rom: 4 : 11. , to declare and seale vnto vs , the promise of his gospell i i Math: 28. 19. , that not onlie to beléeuers in generall , but to euerie such one in particular k k Rom: 4. 11. , hée giueth free remission of sinnes , and life eternall , for that onely sacrifice of Christ , which he offered on the crosse l l Luke : 22. 19. .

Q. Doth not then both the word and the Sacraments tend to this end to lead our faith vnto the sacrifice of Christ finished on the crosse , as to the onely ground of our saluation ?

A. Yea : for the holy ghost teacheth vs by the gospell m m 1 Cor: 2. 1. , and assureth vs by the Sacraments , that all saluation is grounded on the only sacrifice of Christ offered for vs on the crosse n n 1 Cor: 11. 24. 25. 26. .

Q. How many Sacraments hath Christ ordained in the new Testament ?

A. Two : Baptisme o o Math: 1. 18. 19. , and the holie Supper p p Luk: 22. 19. .

Of Baptisme .

Q. How art thou admonished and assured by baptisme , that thou art partaker of Christ and his righteousnes ?

A. Because , Christ hath commanded the outward washing with water q q Math: 28. 19. , with this promise , that I am so certainly washed by his bloud and spirit , from all vncleanenesse of sinne r r 1 Cor: 12. 13 , as I am outwardly washed with water , by which the filthinesse bodily is clensed .

Q. What is it to be washed with the blood and spirit of Christ ?

A. To be washed with Christs bloud , is to receiue of God forgiuenes of sinnes , fréely for the blood of Christ , shed for vs s s Ephes: 1 : 7. .

To be washed with his Spirit , is to be sanctified by the holy ghost , whereby I am made a member of Christ , and receiued vnto holines .

Q. Where doth Chrrist promise that hee will wash vs , as certainely with his bloud , and spirit , as wee are washed with the water of baptisme ?

A. In the institution of it , Math. 28. 19. and in Marke 16. hee that shall beléeue and be baptized , shall be saued : also where the Scripture calleth Baptisme , the washing away of sins t t Act: 2 : 38. , and the washing of the new birth u u Tit: 3 : 5. .

Q. Is then the outward Baptisme of water , the very washing away of sins ?

A. It is not : for the bloud of Christ alone , cleanseth vs from all sinne x x Ioh: 2. 7. .

Q. Why then doth the holy Ghost call Baptisme , the washing away of sins , and the washing of the new-birth ?

A. God speaketh this not onely to teach vs , that as the filth bodily is cleansed by water , so our soules are by the bloud and Spirit of Christ , but also to assure vs , by this diuine pledge , that we are as verilie washed , from our sins inwardlie , as wee are outwardly by water y y 1 Pet: 3 : 21. .

Q. Are infants also to be baptised ?

A. Yea : for fithence they belong to the couenant of grace z z Gen. 17. 7. , and church of God a a Phil: 2. ; and sith remission of sinnes is promised also to them b b Gen: 17 : 7. , they are to haue the seale thereof c c Rom: 4 : 11. , and to be distinguished from the children of Infidels d d 1 Cor: 7. 14. , as in the old Testament was done by circumcision e e Col: 2 : 11 : 12 , to which Baptisme hath succéeded f f Col: 2. 11. 12 .

Of the holy Supper .

Q. How art thou in the holy Supper admonished and warranted , that thou art partaker of Christ crucified with all his benefits ?

A. Because Christ hath commaunded me to eate of this bread broken , and to drinke of this cupp g g Luk: 22 : 19. , with promise , that so certainely as I behold this with my eies , so was his body broken , and bloud shed for me h h 1 Cor: 11. 24. 25. .

Also , that I am fréed by the same to life eternall , so surelie , as I receiue into me these signes thereof i i 1 Cor: 12. 13. .

Q. What is it , to eate the body of Christ crucified , and to drinke his bloud that was shed ?

A. It is not onlie to embrace with sure confidence , the whole passion of k Gal : 3. 27. Christ , but also by the holie ghost , who l 1 Cor: 6. 17. dwelleth both in Christ and vs , to bee more and more vnited to him , that wee be quickned and guided , by one and the same Spirit .

Q. Where hath Christ promised , that he will as certainely giue his body and bloud to be eaten and drunke , as we eate this bread broken , and drinke this cuppe ?

A. In the institution where it is said , Christ tooke bread and brake it , and gaue to them saying , this is my bodie which is giuen for you , likewise he tooke the cuppe , saying , this cuppe is the new Testament in my bloud which is shed for you m m Math: 26. 26 : 27. 28. .

Q. Are then the bread & wine made the very body and bloud of Christ ?

A. No verilie : but as the water of Baptisme , is not turned into the bloud 1 Cor: 11. 26. 27. 28. of Christ , so the bread and wine of the holy Supper , are not the naturall substance of Christs bodie and bloud , but the signes and pledges onlie k k Rom: 4. 11. .

Q. Why doth Christ then call the bread his body and the cuppe his bloud , and Paul calleth the bread and wine the Communion of the body and bloud of Christ ?

A. Christ speaketh this to assure vs , that through the holie ghost , wee do as verilie pertake his bodie and bloud , as we bodiliwise receiue into vs , the signes thereof l l 1 Cor: 10 : 3. 4. : And that his obedience and passion , are so certainly our owne , as if that had béene done in our owne persons m m Rom. 5 : 19. .

Q. Who are to come to the Lords Table ?

A. Those onely , who doe truely sorrow for their sinnes n n Math: 11. 38 , yet trust in Christs satisfaction o o Ioh: 6. 35. ; who also desire encrease in faith , and holinesse p p Heb: 12 : 14 : .

But the other sort eate and drink to themselues iudgement a a 1 Cor: 11. 19 .

Q. Are they to bee admitted to this Supper , who in confession , and life declare themselues to be Infidells and vngodly ?

A. No b b Math: 7. 6. : for Gods couenant is thereby prophaned c c Psal: 50. 16. , and his wrath kindled against the whole congregation d d 1 Cor. 11. 30 ? wherefore the Church vsing the keyes of the kingdome of heauen receiued from Christ , ought to kéep such from this Supper , till they repent e e Math. 18. 18. .

Q. What are the keyes of the kingdome of heauen ?

A. The preaching of the gospell f f Math: 16. 19. , and Ecclesiasticall discipline g g Math: 18. 19 , by which heauen is opened to beléeuers , and penitent ones h h Math: 16 : 19. , and shut to the contrarie i i Math. 18. 18. .

Q. How is the kingdome of heauen opened , and shall be by the preaching of the Gospell ?

A. When in Christs name , it is publiquely taught , that all their sinnes are pardoned , who truely beléeue the gospell k k Ioh: 20. 23. : and vnto the vnbeléeuers , and impenitent there is denounced condemnation ; the which testimonie is ratified in heauen .

Q. How is the kingdome of heauen opened and shut by Ecclesiasticall Discipline ?

A. When according to the rule of Christ , they that shew themselues aliens from him in doctrine l l Tit: 3. 10. , or life m m 1 Cor: 5. 4. 5. , are by the Church after refusall of admonition , suspended from the Sacrament , or barred from the holy assemblies . Also when vpon due profession of amendment they are receiued in againe n n 2 Cor: 2. 7. .

The third part of the Catechisme , which is of gratitude or thankfulnesse .

Q Sithence we are deliuered from all our sinnes and miseries by the only mercie of God , for Christs sake , why are wee to doe good workes ?

A. There is a thréefold cause , why being thus deliuered , wée should doe good workes : One is , that wée may declare our thankfulnesse to God a a Matt: 3. 16. : a second , that we may haue assurance of the trunesse of our faith b b Gal: 5. 6. : a third is , that by our good conuersation wée may winne other vnto Christ c c 1. Pet: 3. 1. 2 .

Q Cannot they then be saued who are vnthankfull , and remaine still in their sinnes and iniquities ?

A. By no meanes : for as the Scripture witnesseth , neither fornicators , nor Idolaters , nor extortioners , nor theeues nor drunkards , shall inherit the kingdome of God d d 1 Cor: 6. 9. 10. .

Q. Wherein consisteth the conuersion of man vnto God ? and whence also floweth it ?

A. It doth arise of a godly sorrow , through our foolishnesse in offending God e e 2 Cor: 7. 10. , and hath with it an after wisedome , in leauing our former follie , and turning vnto God f f Psal: 2. 10. 11. 12. .

Q. What are the kindes of this conuersion ?

A. Two : one is in séeking vnto God for pardon of our sinnes ; this may be tearmed the conuersion of humiliation g g Esay 5. 6. 7. : the other is vpon the obtaining of that pardon ; this may be tearmed the conuersion of thankfulnesse h h Rom: 12. 1. 2 .

Q. Sithence this latter appertaineth to this place , we shal more specially consider of it : shew mee therefore wherein this conuersion , which is of thankfulnesse , doth consist .

A. It consisteth in the mortifying of the old man , and liuing according to the new i i Rom: 6. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. .

Q. What is the mortifying of the old man ?

A. This is , when acknowledging our sinnes , whereby we haue offended Gods Maiestie , we are heartily sorry for them , and daily more and more doe hate and eschew them k k 1 Pet: 3. 11. .

Q. What is the liuing according to the new man ?

A. This is , when vpon the knowledge of Gods mercy , which is promised to all that sorrow for their sinnes , and beléeue in Christ l l Ioh: 6. 47. , we haue in vs an earnest desire of liuing after Gods will m m 1 Pet: 4. 1. ● , with a serious endeuour of doing good workes n n Tit: 2. 14. .

Q. What are good workes ?

A. Only these , which through true faith o o Rom: 14 23 , are done according to the word and Law of God p p Ps: 117. 105. , and are referred to the glory of him alone q q 1 Cor: 10. 31. .

Q. What is the Law of God ?

A God spake all these words , saying : Exod: 20. I am the Lord thy God , who brought thée out of the land of Egypt , out of the house of bondage .

I. Thou shalt haue none other Gods before mee .

II. Thou shalt make thee no grauen Image , neither any similitude of things that are in heauen aboue , neither that are in the earth beneath , nor that are in the waters vnder the earth : Thou shalt not bow downe to them , nor serue them ; for I am the Lord thy God , a iealous God , visiting the iniquitie of the Fathers vpon the children vnto the third generation , and vnto the fourth of them that hate mee ; and shewing mercy vnto thousands , to them that loue mee , and keepe my Commandements .

III. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vaine , for the Lord will not hold him guiltlesse that taketh his name in vaine .

IV. Remember the Sabboth day , to keepe it holy : six dayes shalt thou labour and doe all thy worke , but the seuenth day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God ; in it thou shalt not doe any worke , thou , nor thy sonne , nor thy daughter , thy man-seruant , nor thy maid-seruant , nor thy beast ▪ nor thy stranger , that is within thy gates : for in six dayes the Lord made the heauen , and the earth , the sea , and all that in them is , and rested the seuenth day , therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day , and hallowed it .

V. Honour thy father and thy mother , that thy dayes may be prolonged vpon the Land which the Lord thy God giueth thee .

VI. Thou shalt not kill .

VII . Thou shalt not commit adulterie .

VIII . Thou shalt not steale .

IX . Thou shalt not beare false witnesse against thy neighbour .

X. Thou shalt not couet thy neighbours house , neither shalt thou couet thy neighbours wife , nor his man-seruant , nor his maid , nor his oxe , nor his asse , neither any thing that is thy neighbours .

Q. How are the Commandements diuided ?

A. Into two Tables r r Exod: 32. 15 16 : the former whereof deliuereth in foure Commandements , how we ought to behaue our selues towards God : the latter in six , what duties wée owe to our neighbour s s Matt: 32. 37. 38. 39. .

Q. What doth God require in the first Commandement ?

A. That I abandon all idolatrie t t 1 Cor: 6. 9. 10. , inchantments u u Deut: 18. 11 , sorcerie x x Ierem : 17. 7 , and the like : and that acknowledging the true God , as he hath reuealed himselfe in his word , I doe onely trust in him , pray vnto him y y Psal: 50. 15. , and worship him z z Matt: 4. 10. : also that I loue and feare him aboue all a a Matt: 10. 28. , and in euery thing submit my selfe vnto him with all humilitie b b Iames 4. 7. .

Q. What doth the second Commandement require ?

A. That wée should not represent God by any image c c Ioh: 4. 24. , much lesse that we worship any image , or God thereby d d Deut: 4. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. , but only that we hold our selues to that forme of worship , which himselfe hath prescribed in his word e e Esay 18. 20. .

Q But may not Images be tolerated in Churches , to serue for the peoples vse ?

A. No : for it is not séemely that we should be wiser then God , who will haue his Church to be taught by the Act: 10. 28. Habac : 2. 18. 19. liuely preaching of his word , and not by dumbe Images .

Q. What doth God require in the third Commandement ?

A. That not onely we abondon the abusing of Gods glorious name , by cursing f f Leuit: 24 11. 12. 13 ●4 . , or forswearing g g Leuit: 19. 12 , but also by rash swearing h h Ier: 4. 2. , though the matter be true : neither should by silence , or conniuence , partake with other therein i i Ephes: 5. 12. . Also that euermore his sacred name be vsed by vs with all due reuerence k k Matt: 6 9. .

Q. Is it lawfull to sweare by Saints , or other creatures ?

A. No l l Deut: 6. 13. : for a lawfull oath is an inuocating of God , as the only searcher of the heart m m Ier: 17. 10. , to witnesse the truth , and punish the swearer if wittingly hée sweare falsly : now this honour agréeth to no creature n n Iam: 5. 12. .

Q. What doth God require in the fourth Commandement ?

A. That I carefully on the Sabbaths frequent the solemne assemblies o o Matt: 18 19. , and there diligently heare his word read p p Act 15 21. , and preached q q Rom: 10 ▪ 14 15 , vse the Sacraments with due preparation r r 1 Cor: 11. 28 , assist to the praiers , and contribute after mine abilitie to the collections s s 1 Cor: 16. 1. 2. : also that then especially I be diligent in priuate exercises tending to edification in faith and pietie t t Esay 58. 15. .

Q. What doth God require in the fift Commandement ?

A. That we yéeld due honour to our parents u u Eph: 6. 1. 2. 3 , and to all who haue authoritie ouer vs x x Eph: 6. 5. , that we duly submit our selues to them , and reuerence all our superiours as is méet y y 1 Pet: 5. 5. .

Also that superiours behaue themselues as worthy of the same z z Eph: 6. 5. 9. .

Q. What doth God require in the sixt Commandement ?

A. Not onely I am here forbidden the actuall killing of my brother a a Gen: 9. 6. , and the doing him any bodily harme b b Gen: 5. 39. , but also all enuie c c Gal. 5. 21. , hatred d d Gal: 5 20. , and desire of reuenge e e Rom 12. 9. . Further I am commanded to shew him kindnesse , though mine enemie , and as néed requires to tender his life and safetie f f Rom: 12. 20 .

Q. What is the meaning of the seuenth Commandement ?

A. That not only I flie all bodily vncleannesse , but whatsoeuer may draw thereto , as filthy songs g g 1 Cor: 15. 33. , ribald talke h h Ephes: 5. 4. , drunkennesse i i Gen: 19. 32. , and the like . Also , that whether in wedlocke , or single life , my behauiour be in all purenesse and chastitie k k 1 Thess: 4. 3. 4. 5. .

Q. What doth God require in the eighth Commandement ?

A. That not onely I abandon all thefts and robberies , commonly so called , but also all crafts and deuices , whereby the goods of other are vnlawfully procured l l 1 Thess: 4. 6. , as false weights and measures m m Leu: 19. 35. , deceitfull wares , vsurie n n Ezec : 18. 13 , and the like .

Also that I labour faithfully in some honest calling , to get mine owne maintenance o o 1 Tim: 5. , and to bée helpfull vnto other p p Ephes: 4. 28. .

Q. What is required in the ninth Commandement ?

A. That I beare not false witnesse against any , neither empaire any ones name , by broching forth , or receiuing slanders q q Psal. 15 3. .

That I abandon lying r r Ephes: 4 25. , and follow the truth in all things s s Ephes: 4. 15. , and what lieth in me , defend the good name of other t t Matt. 7. 12. .

Q. What doth the tenth Commandement require of vs ?

A. That our hearts be not moued by the least thought or desire u u Rom. 7. 7 against any Commandement of God , but that continually from our heart we detest all sinne , and delight in all righteousnesse x x Iam: 2. 10 .

Q Can they that are conuerted vnto God , perfectly keepe all these Commandements ?

A. No : but euen the holiest , so long as they liue , haue onely small beginnings of this obedience y y Iam ▪ 3. 2 ; yet so that there is in them an vnfained desire to liue euen according to all the Commandements of God z z Ps: 119. 5 6 .

Q. Why will God haue his Law to be so exactly preached , sithence no man in this life is able to keepe it ?

A. First , that wée acknowledging our sinne , and great pronenesse thereto , might the more earnestly hunger after Christs righteousnesse a a Mat: ● . 3. 4. 5 .

Secondly , that our praying might be the more feruent for the holy Ghost , whereby Gods image may be more and more renued in vs b b Luk: 11. 11. ●● . 13 .

Of Praier .

Q. Why is praier necessary for Christians ?

A. Because it is a chiefe part of that thankfulnesse which is required of vs c c Ps: 50. 14. 15 . Also , God maketh promise of his spirit and diuine graces , vpon condition of earnest praying & hearty thanksgiuing for the same d d Luke 11. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13 .

Q. What is required vnto that praier which may please God , and be heard of him ?

A. That our praiers be made onely to God e e Psal: 50. 15 , and that for such things as his word doth warrant f f Luk: 11. 2 : also of an inward féeling of our néeds g g Iam: 5. 16. , being ascertained , that though vnworthy of our selues , yet for his promise sake , and the merits of Christ h h Ioh: 16. 23. 24. , we shall be heard .

Q. What are these things which God commandeth vs to aske of him ?

A. All things necessary both for Ioh: 14 13. 14. soule and body , which are comprised in that praier which our Lord hath taught vs .

Q. What praier is that ?

A. Our Father which art in heaen , Matth: 6. Luke 11. 2. hallowed be thy name , thy kingdome come , thy will be done in earth as it is in heauen , giue vs this day our daily bread , and forgiue vs our debts , as we forgiue them that are debters vnto vs ; and leade vs not into temptation , but deliuer vs from euill ; for thine is the kingdome , the power and the glory , for euer and euer . Amen .

Q. Why doth Christ teach vs to call God our Father ?

A. That in the very entrance of our praier he might stirre vp in vs confidence in God , that sithence earthly Fathers doe not denie earthly things , much lesse will our heauenly Father denie vs what in true faith we craue of him i i Luke 11. 11. 12. 13. .

Q. Why is it added , which art in heauen ?

A. That we conceiue not basely of Gods heauenly Maiestie k k Ier. 23. 24. : also that we expect from his omnipotencie whatsoeuer is necessary for our soule and body l l Psal: 115. 3. .

Q. What is the first petition ?

A. Hallowed be thy name : that is , Grant vs to know thée aright m m Exod. 33. 13. 18. , and to magnifie thy vertues shining in thy workes n n 1 Pet: 2. 9. : also so to direct our life , that thy name may receiue honour and renowne by vs o o Matt: 5. 16. .

Q. What is the second petition ?

A Let thy kingdome come : that is , rule vs so by thy word and spirit p p Cant. 1. 3. , that more and more we may submit our selues to thée : preserue thy Church q q Psal: 122. 6 ▪ 7 , destroy the works of the deuill , and all aduerse power r r Rom. 16. 20. , till at length thou raigne fully being all in all .

Q. What is the third petition ?

A. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heauen : that is , Grant that we renouncing our owne wils , may in all readinesse obey thy will s s Psal: 119. 5. , and that with such cheerefulnesse we may performe the duties of our callings , as the Angels doe in heauen t t Psal: 103. 20 21. 22. .

Q. What is the fourth petition ?

A. Giue vs this day our daily bread : that is , Since thou art the only fountaine of all true good u u Iam: 1. 17. , grant vs whatsoeuer is néedfull for this life x x Gen: 28. ● ; and hereunto vouchsafe thy blessing in our labors , which otherwise will proue most vaine y y Psal: 1●● .

Q. What is the fift petition ?

A. Forgiue vs our trespasses , as we forgiue them that trespasse against vs : that is , Grant vs for the merits of thy deare Sonne , a gratious pardon of all our sinnes z z Eph. 1. 7. , and giue thereof such assurance in our hearts , as we are there certaine , that through thy grace euen our selues doe forgiue all those that haue offended vs a a Mat. 6. 14. 15 .

Q. What is the sixt petition ?

A. Leade vs not into temptation , but deliuer vs from euill : that is , Because our spirituall enemies doe continually assaile vs b b 1 Pet: 5. 8. , and we of our selues cannot hold out against them euen one moment c c Iohn 15. 5. , vouchsafe to strengthen vs by the power of thy spirit d d Esay 11. 2. , that wée may both withstand them , and also at length get full victorie against them e e Iohn 5. 4. 5. .

Q. How concludest thou thy praier ?

A. For thine is the kingdome , the Psal. 84. 11. power and the glory , for euer and euer : that is , We craue all these things of thée , because thou being our King , and Almighty , art both willing and able to giue them to vs , and our end in asking them is , that not vnto vs , but vnto thy name all glory may redound f f Psal. 115. 1. .

Q. What meaneth this particle , Amen ?

A. That the thing is sure and out of 2 Cor: 1. 20. doubt , for my praier is more certainly heard of God , then I féele in my heart an vnfained desire of it g g Luk: 11. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. .

Q. Tell mee now briefly , what is the summe and substance of thy knowledge in the heauenly doctrine , whereon all thy comfort dependeth ?

A. First I know thereby , that by nature I am most miserable , as being vnder the guilt of sinne h h Rom: 3. 9. , and the bondage thereof : secondly , I know and beléeue , that God hath giuen mée his Sonne , by whom I haue righteousnesse i i 2 Tim: 2. 26. , and sanctification k k 1 Cor: 1. 30. : thirdly , I know that God requireth of me thankfulnesse l l Rom: 12. 1. 2. 1. Cor. 13. 9. Iam. 1. 19. 1 Cor 11. 25. 1 Thess: 5. 1 Thess: 4. 1. , and therefore I must diligently obey his reuealed will : and sith my imperfections are great , I ought carefully attend the holy ordinances , as the ministerie of the word and Sacraments , praier , and the like , whereby I may grow in godlinesse , which hath promise of blessednesse in this life , and that to come m m 1 Tim: 4. 8 . .

FINIS .