Three formes of catechismes conteyning the most principall pointes of religion. R.H.

Question .

WHo created you , and all thinges which are created ?

Answere .

GOD .

Quest . What is GOD ?

An. He is a spirit almightie , eternall , and so incomprehensible , that wee are not able to attaine vnto what he is , but as he hath in his worde expressed his owne name and nature .

Quest . What is that his name expressed in his word ?

An. The Lorde the Lorde strong , mercifull and gracious , slowe to anger , and aboundaunt in goodnes and trueth , reseruing mercie for thousands , forgiuing iniquitie , and transgression and sinne , and not making the wicked innocent , visiting the iniquitie of the fathers vpon the children vnto the thirde and fourth generation .

Quest . And what is your duetie , and the duetie of all creatures towardes God our creatour ?

An. To sett forth his glory . For the Lord made all thinges for his glories sake .

Quest . And how is Gods glorie set forth by his creatures ?

An. In respect of the Lord , it is sett forth , in that the glorie of his wonderfull wisedome and power appeareth , wyll we nyl we , in our creation : In respect of his creatures , his glorie is set forth by their obedience to his will and commaundement .

Quest . How is Gods glorie declared by obeying his commaundement ?

An. Because the Lord to all things which he made appoynted a lawe , as a token and marke of his soueraignetie and Lordshippe ouer them . In keeping the which lawe , they witnesse that God is he whom they serue , and of dueie ought to obeye , and so giue him the glorie of a Lord and God : and in breaking which lawe , they doo as much as proclayme that they owe him no seruice nor obedience , and so denie him his due glorie , of beyng Lorde and God , maker and gouernour of all .

Quest . Declare some examples as concerning what lawes the Lorde haue giuen to his creatures in the beginning , wherby they myght testifie their obedience , vnto his glorie .

An. To the Sunne the Lord gaue a lawe , that it should rule the daye : to the Moone and Starres , that they shoulde rule the nyght : To the Waters , that they should be gathered into their boundes , and not couer the drie lande as they did before : to the Earth , that it shoulde bring forth the hearbe that seedeth seede , & the fruitfull tree . &c. And to Man God gaue a commaundement , to abstayne from eating of the fruit of the tree in the middest of the garden of Paradyse , called the tree of Knowledge of good and euill .

Quest . Howe doo the dumme creatures obeye Gods commaundement ?

An. In that they continue in the state , wherein the Lord placed them , & stand to the order and course , wherevnto he assigned them at the first .

Quest . Haue not man also obeyed Gods commaundement from the beginning ?

An. No. For our first parents Adam and Eue presentlie after the commaundement giuen , turned quicklie out of the waye . For they hearkning vnto the serpents lying temptation , turned also the trueth of God into a lye . For they beleued not that which the Lord had spoken , but did eate of the forbidden fruit , and therby as it were proclaymed , that they ought vnto the Lord no seruice nor obedience , and so denyed him the glorie of their Lorde and Gouernour , and seperated them selues quite from him .

Quest . What befelle of this fall of Adam ?

An. Most wofull ruine to him selfe , and to all his posteritie . For the Lorde creating him of this nature , to begett seede , and to increase on the earth , after a maner wee were all created in him , seyng wee haue all spronge out of his loines . Therefore as he receyued most happie blessings and guiftes of the Lord , both for him selfe , and for his seede , and wee all in him receyued them : so by this his denying the Lorde , he lost all both to him selfe and to his seede , and wee all in him haue lost them . He made himself a seruant to sinne , wherevnto he had obeyed , and a slaue vnto Satan whom he had serued . Which miserie is come vpon all his posteritie , as it is written : By the offence of one , sinne came on all men to condemnation . And againe , in Adam wee are all dead . So that he hath left vs none other inheritaunce , but the cursed and bitter root of sinne , which inwardly springeth in the grounde of our soules , euen from our birth . And this is called Originall sinne , and for the playner vnderstanding , we may call it sinne which we haue by nature or kind .

Quest . What do this naturall corruption bring forth in vs ?

Aun . It bringeth foorth in vs continuall disobedience against the Lord , in breaking his lawes . And it is a verye stronge infecting plague , which infectethe and poysoneth all our thoughtes wordes and deedes , in such sort , as that they be all transgressions against Gods commaundements .

Quest . What commandements be they ?

An. The Ten Preceptes ingrauen by the Lord in two tables , for the more plaine expressing to vs of his reuealed wyll , which was also his reuealed wyll from the beginning .

Quest . Let vs heare how you giue the vnderstanding of these commandements . And first of these words : I am the Lord thy God , which brought thee out of Egypt , &c.

An. The Lorde vseth meanes hereby to drawe them to reuerence in hearkning , in proclaiming his Lordshippe and rule ouer thē in these wordes : I am the Lord , and to procure them to free , willing , and louing obedience , in testifiyng his free Couenaunt of loue and meere Grace , entred with thē , in these words : Thy God , And his benefites which for his Couenaunts sake he bestoweth on them , in these wordes : Which brought thee out of Egypt , &c.

Quest . The first commandement , Thou shalt haue none other Gods but me , vnto what duetie doth it appoint vs ?

An. Euen to giue to God that whiche to him belongeth : As his due Worshippe or Homage , and honorable Reuerence : Feare and Obedience : Loue and Confidence : Calling vpon his name and Thankfulnes . But if we transferre any of these from him to any other , eyther God or man , wee committ idolatrie .

Quest . Shewe by example . For is it not lawfull to honour , loue , feare and obey men ? Also to make petitions to them , and to thanke them , and so forth ?

An. Who so prostrateth him selfe to the maiestie of any man , yeelding honour and homage , in respect as he is man only , and not in respect , eyther of some authority or magistracie giuen of the Lord to some , to rule and gouerne as in his steade , or in respect of some grace or gift of God , wherein his glorie appeareth , so that alway the honour may redowne to the Lorde : such an one committeth idolatrie .

And they which receyue that homage & honour , and yeelde it not againe into the Lords hands , whose seruaunts they be in their offices & callings , commit idolatrie .

And who so feare and obey man , saue in the Lorde , as to doo that which God haue forbidden , because of the commandement , & for feare of the strength thereof , committe idolatrie .

And they which loue any thing , as wife , children , house , lande , mony , foode , rayment and such lyke , otherwise then vnder the Lord , that is , as helpes to their life for a time , and as meanes to sette their minde on the giuer , and not to drawe thē from him , to cause them to desire to liue still on the earth , committe idolatrie .

And they which make any sute or petition vnto man , and do not make sute vnto God first and chefely , and vse that man as a means to serue to gods prouidence , do committe idolatrie .

They whiche trust for helpe in man in tyme of neede , as in multitude of souldiours , skill of the Phisicion , or such like , and truste not only in the Lorde , and vse such meanes as he offer : committe idolatrie , sinning against this commaundement : so likewise of the rest .

Quest . Goe to the seconde commaundement : Thou shalt not make to thy selfe any grauen image , &c.

An. Wee are forbidden herein to worshippe God ( though the true God , as we may wee pretende ) vnder any outwarde lykenes , or in any other maner of fashion , then he haue appointed .

Therefor they whiche will make an outwarde shape to putte them in remembraunce of God , are vaine . For it can not putt them in remembraunce of that it is not lyke , but only it cause thē to remember that fantastical toy , which they haue deuised in their owne brayn , and sett vp for God .

They whiche conceyue or imagine of God , according to the reach of any outwarde sense , as if they thinke him to be like the lyght , or any such thing : sinne against this commaundement .

The inuisible thinges of God , that is his eternal power and Godheade , are to be seene in his word and workes : but spiritually to be beholden .

They which in the worshippe of God bringe in any representations or ceremonies , to signifie any thing , the Lord in his word not beyng authour of them : as whitnes in a garment to signifie innocencie , or suche like : sinne against this commandement .

They which in the worshippe of God , whiche is free to all , make them selues bond , and worshippe after the precepts of men , by limitation and course , and not by quicknes of the spirit , whiche stirre vp our minds vnto God according to our present necessitie : sinne against this commandement .

They which submitte them selues in the worshipp of God in his Church , to any such , as to whom he by his worde haue not giuen charge ouer his househoulde to guyde and teache them , and therfore can not guyde nor teach them : sinne against this commaundement .

All these and many more committing other thinges , doo imagine of God otherwyse then he is , & do sett vp a false image and representation of him .

Quest . Proceede to the thirde commandement : Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vaine , &c.

An. Wee are commaunded here to vse the name of God with reuerence and sobrenes , whither wee haue occasion to meditate or speake of him , or his word wherin he haue declared his name most manifestly , or his workes wherein he haue also ingrauen his name : for as much as the glorie of his wisdome and power , whereby he is and maye be knowne , doth shine in them .

Therefore they which name him when they minde him not , as in any sodaine chaunce of mirth , or at any thing happening somewhat straungely : as if one shoulde saye in such a case ( Lord God is that true ) or such like : they offende against this commandement .

They whiche vse the name of God in cursings , also in inchauntings : sinne against this commaundement .

They whiche sweare by any thinge sauing God alone , as thoughe any thing in the world were a searcher of the hart besides God : sinne against this commandement , & make that thing an idoll .

They which sweare by the name of God , without high reuerence and homage yeeldinge , in a solemne and necessarie cause , eyther when the trueth can not otherwise be manifestlie founde out , in respect of the time past : or when wee make a solemne vowe or promise to do anie thing , for the time to come : when the parties to whom wee promise , can not otherwise be assured of our certain care to performe the thing . They which sweare otherwise , sinne against this commaundement .

They which turne ouer a trifling matter to lott , calling God from heauen to determine that , which otherwise most easilie might be determined , sinn against this commaundement . For chaunce there is none , though peraduenture the worde may be vsed not vnlawfully , to note those things whiche come to passe to vs vnlooked for . But in respect of the Lorde , there is no chaunce , but by his prouidence euerie Sparrowe lighteth on the ground : much more by the same prouidence the issue of euery Lotte is directed .

They whiche hearing the worde of God , haue their minds otherwise occupied : sinne against this commaundement .

And they also whiche in their readinge do not meditate duely .

They whiche presente them selues at a seruice of God , which they vnderstand not : or if they vnderstand it , it agreth not at all to their state , and they are not edified , and yet they stil frequent the same : sinne against this commaundement .

They whiche singe Psalmes or Himnes of the scripture to passe the time in the middest of their vaine mirth , & eyther vnderstande them not , or applie them not to their owne affections , neither meditate soberly on them : sinne against this commaundement .

They whiche idlelye doo beholde Gods workes , and passe ouer them as things of course , not espying nor meditating Gods glorie which shineth in them : as it is written : The heauens declare the glorie of God , and the firmament sheweth the workes of his handes . &c : they sinne against this commaundement , and so likewise of the rest .

Quest . Declare the summe of the fourth : Remember that thou keepe holye the Saboth day .

An. The seuenth day is commaunded to be kept holy vnto the Lorde , in spiritual exercises , and meditating of the workes of God , which he made excellent & wonderful , and rested the seuenth day , which hee hath commaunded to be kept apart , to celebrate the remembrance of his rest , as also to put vs in minde , that we are to rest from our owne workes whiche are euill , that we may do the workes which God will and commaunde . And vnto the Iewes a verie streight obseruing of the day was giuen in charge , because it was to them a shadowing of the heauenlie rest . Vnto vs Christ Iesus hath sett an ende to all shadowes , in whom we beholde our rest and blessednes . Howbeit the seuenth day being sanctifyed and put apart of the Lorde from the beginning , to other vse then the rest , we are to holde a seuenth day , to cease from our outward labours , which should hinder vs from hauing both our soules and bodies free vnto the whole attendance vpon the diuine worshippe of God .

Quest . The fifth commandement what doeth it appoint vnto vs ?

An. All dueties which we owe vnto anie of those , whome God haue placed vnder him to gouerne vs , whither they be Parentes , Magistrates , Church guydes , or whosoeuer . And the Lorde haue comprehended them vnder one kinde , wherevnto the verie bonde of naturall affection , if anie sparke be in vs , binde vs vnto .

Therfore we must giue honour to whom honor belongeth : Feare , to whom feare apperteyneth : Tribute , to whom tribute is due , and all in the Lorde , and for him . As it is written concerning submission to Magistrates : Lette euerie soule bee subiect to the higher powers . &c. Concerninge Church guydes it is written : Obeye them that haue the ouersight of you , and submitte your selues : for they watche for your soules . Concerning parentes it is written : Children obey your Parentes in the Lord , for it is right . &c. Concerning Maisters , Seruauntes be subiect to your Maisters with all feare .

Therefore they sinne against this commandement , whiche are stubburne against such , and are aunsweres againe , or goe powting and lowring about their message , doing eye seruice , or constreyned .

Also , they which by anie meanes increase their priuate wealth and gayne with the hinderance of the common wealth , though they can by some shift stoppe the mouth of a good lawe : yet they sinne against this commaundement in the ciuile Magistrates behalfe , who is appointed for the mayntenaunce of that common wealth .

Also , they whiche being admonished of a sinne , by anie brother in the churche , or anie Church guide , eyther wil not heare him , or if they seeme to heare , yet they nourishe still their sinne within them more secretlie , sinne against this commaundement , and so likewise of others . For verie many particulers might be gathered in euerie commaundement . But I mention a fewe of the plainest to auoide tediousnes .

Quest . Declare the meaning of the sixt commaundement : Thou shalt not kill .

An. Wee are forbidden all violence , and all harme conceyuing or doyng , against the safetie of the life of any man .

Therfore they which hate any man though he be their enemie : sinne against this commaundement . For it is written : Loue your enemies . Doo good to them that hate you . But wee whom we hate , wee woulde haue made out of the waye . Therfore hatred is the cole whiche kindleth the fire of slaughter . Where it is saide : Do I not hate them with a perfect hatred , which hate thee ? &c : In deede we may hate the Lords enemies as sinners , and be angrie against them with ielousy ouer Gods glorie : but as liuing men , we maye not hate them , nor doo any thinge which shoulde tende to the shortning of their liues : but committe that to God , & to those to whom he haue committed the sword .

They which giue checke for check , & taunt for taunte : sinne against this commaundement .

They which are angrie vnaduisedly , much more they which brust out into any reprochful words : sinne against this commaundement .

They which for want of loue , withdrawe their helping hande from the safetie of the life of an other , when as they may stande in stead to do good therein : sinne against this commaundement .

Quest . Proceede to declare the seuenth : Thou shalt not committe adulterie .

An. Wee are forbidden whoredom , and all filthines of lust , vnclennes and vnchastnes , which tendeth therevnto .

Therefor they which look on any with the eye of concupiscence , whom they ought not so to looke vpon : sinne against this commandement , & in hart haue committed adulterie , as Christ haue spoken .

They which vse vnchaste words : also they whiche decke them selues delicatelie , or gesture with the body pleasantlie , thereby stirring vp the lust of others , declaring their vnchast , & vnmortified minds : sinne against this commaundement .

Also they which pamper their bodies deliciously , which thing increaseth lust : sinne against this commaundement .

Also they , whiche though they vse no straunge fleshe , but conteyne themselues within the boundes of matrimonie , and yet bridle not their insaciable lust , but vse that thing for a prouocation to sinne , and a meane of inflaming thereof , which was giuen of God for a remedie against sinne , and a meane of quenshing thereof : sinne against this commandement . And so likewise of others .

Quest . Proceede vnto the eyght commaundement : Thou shalt not steale .

An. Herein we be for bidden to hinder the goods of our neyghbour , but are commaunded to be carefull , that euerie man haue his owne iustlie and truelie , as farr as in vs lie .

Therefore besides the common theeues & robbers , they also whiche byte with the sharpe teeth of Vsurie & extorsion , sinne more grieuouslie against this commandement .

They which seeke altogither to gather to them selues , and are loth that other poorer and yonger then they , should haue anie dealings to thriue by them : sinne against this commaundement .

They whiche keepe backe the hyrelinges wages , yeares , monethes or dayes , yea but one night , when he needeth it : sinne against this commaundement .

They which take a mans cause in hande , & delaye the same one day longer then by necessitie : sinne against this commaundement .

They which haue inough to liue vpon , and great ouerplus , and playe not the good stewards to dispose where need is : sinne against this commaundement .

They whiche abuse the necessitie of the Buyer , to inhaunce the price of any thing : sinne against this commaundement .

Also , they which abuse the necessitie of the seller , to bring the price vnder foote , and cause the poore to sell their goods , especiallie those which they sell before hand , euen halfe for nought : sinne grieuouslie against this commaundement . And this is a gulfe which swaloweth vp manie a man in a yeare with his poore wife and children .

They which are idle & labor in no calling , eating the bread which is due to thē only that labor ; sin against this commandement

They which do eye seruice , & behinde the backes of thē whom they serue , diminish of their work through slouthfulnes , & yet receiue their wages : sinne against this commaundement , & so likewise of the rest .

Que . Go forwarde to expresse the meaning of the ninth commandement : Thou shalt not bee a false witnes against thy neighbour .

An. Wee be forbidden by any meanes to hinder our neighbours good name , as by lying , slaundering , backebyting , surmising , or anie such way . But we are commaunded to defende , mainteyne , and further the same , as farre as we are able in trueth and right .

Therefore they which haue pleasure to sitt descanting of other mens faultes , when they ought to be otherwise occupied , without care to moue them selues or any they talke with , to auoyde the like :

Also they which disclose those faultes whiche are to bee couered , or to be touched first by due priuate admonition :

Also they which make the fault seeme greater then it is , eyther for euill will , or because they thinke that another mans disprayse is partlie their prayse , or else doo carpe at other mens gifts to lessen their estimation , thinking that so much is added to their owne : these & such like sinne against this commaundement .

Question . The tenth commaundement what doeth it enioyne to vs ?

Aun . To absteyne from all wandring desires , wherby we long after , & fausie those things which God haue allotted vnto others , and not to vs , though we haue no purpose nor consent of minde , vnlawfully to come by the same , as in the other commaundements . And wee are commanded louinglie to couet and desire our neyghbours profite and welfare euen as our owne .

Therefore they which seeyng an house or peece of grounde , or such like thinge , of their neyghbours next adioyninge to theirs , and their mouthe water thereat , and they think it were excellentlie commodious , if they hadde it , although they would not haue it without payinge the price , yet offende they against this commandement . For the Lord haue appointed it to their neighbour , to whom oftentimes it serueth for necessitie in his calling , when it shoulde not serue the other but vnto superfluitie . And so likewise of others coueting any thing after this maner .

And this is the Lawe of God , the perfect rule of his righteousnes , teaching vs to leade an vpright lyfe , and requireth that we be spirituallie endued with entiere loue towardes God , & our neighbour , which is the accomplishment of the law .

Que . Is it possible that this Law should of vs be fulfilled ?

An. No. For the Lawe is spirituall , but we are carnal , solde vnder sinne , & therefore too weake to attayne to this perfection .

Que . Why then haue the Lord giuen vs a Law , and taketh punishment for the breache therof , which we are not able to fulfill ?

An. Because the Lorde being perfectlie righteous , could not giue a lawe of anie other nature or kinde . Which lawe in it selfe is possible to be fulfilled , for Christ in the nature of man , haue fulfilled it .

But we are so infected with sinne , that as sicke stomaches cann not sauour the moste sauourie meate , and the bleared eyes can not beholde the Sunne : so can not wee brooke the Lawe of GOD , the stomaches of our Soules being alwayes sore sicke of this disease of sinne , and the eyes of our soules being dazeled therewith .

Quest . Is there not then life to bee had by the Lawe ?

An. Yes , lyfe is promised to the performers thereof , as it is written : Do this , and thou shalt liue . But because of this mine infirmitie : that commaundement which was ordeyned vnto lyfe , is founde to be vnto me vnto death .

Quest . What profite then chieflie doo we reape by the Lawe ?

Auns . This , that we being too blinde in seeing our owne sinnes , and too fauourable in iudging them , shoulde haue this lawe , as a glasse therein to espye the multitude , grossenesse , and owghlines of them : And as a right squire whiche shoulde sette more plainelie before oure eyes , the crookednes of our pathes , to the ende wee should bee driuen to shame and confusion in our owne selues : and also that we shoulde haue this law ( beside a streight examiner and searcher of our wayes ) a sharpe condemner also for our so manifolde and euident transgressions therof , therby to driue vs to shame and feare of woe : that thus wee beinge bounde with the chaynes of miserie , might of force be driuen more carefullie to seeke to the fountayne & welspring of mercie .

Quest . If there be nothing to bee looked for of vs at the hands of the Law but death and condemnation : howe is it that such things are spoken of the Lawe : as that it is perfect , conuertinge the soule , and reioysing the heart , giuing light to the eyes . &c. Also , Thy Lawe is my delight , Giue mee vnderstandinge , and I will keepe it with my whole hearte . Also , Blessed is the man , that hath not walked in the counsayl of the wicked , nor stand . &c. But his delight is in the Lawe of the Lorde , and in that Lawe hee doeth meditate day and night .

An. In those places of Scripture , these wordes , Law , Testimonie , Word , Statute , and such like , are taken for the whole reuealed will of God , concerning his couenaunt with his Saintes : And so not onelie for the commaundement , whiche bindeth and bringeth wrath : but therewith for the attonement also by grace & mercie in the Lords annoynted , whiche was a Lambe slaine from the beginning .

Of which welspring of grace & life , our Fathers haue drunck , thogh by shadowing sacrifices ledde therevnto . But wee here speake onely of the lawe of the bare commaundements , which setteth our misdeedes in order before vs.

Quest . Are we then all transgressours of the Lawe of God ?

An. Yea all : As it is written , All haue sinned , & are depriued of the glorie of god . Also , There is none righteous , no not one , There is none that vnderstandeth : there is none that seeketh God . Also , all the imaginations and thoughtes of mans heart are only euill continuallie . Yea and this our transgression is more increased by the giuing of the Lawe , as it is written : The Lawe entred therevppon , that sinne might abound . For although there haue bin all one and the same Law from Adam to Moses , which haue ben since : yet nowe the preceptes being engrauen before our eyes , euen as lines drawne out for a writer to direct his writing by , we are the more in sinne , and the more manifestlie conuict therof , for not drawing as it were , the writing of our life & conuersation by those streight lines of Gods lawe .

Quest . Who accuse vs of this sinne and transgression before the tribunal seate of God ?

An. Euen this lawe , which draweth out the handwriting of our enditement against vs.

Quest . Who is the witnes for the confirming the same ?

An. Euen our owne conscience is a thousande witnesses , when the Lorde call it to accompts .

Quest . Who is iudge ?

An. The Lorde God a ieleous God , into whose hands it is feareful to fall . Whose Iustice as his Shreife fettreth vs with deadly chaines , and is readie to hale vs vnto execution .

Quest . Vnto the execution of what iudgement ?

An. Euen of death euerlasting , which is the reward of sinne , and the effect of Gods curse , which is vttred against the breakers of the law , as it is written : Cursed is euery one whiche abideth not in all these commaundements .

Quest . This is great woo and miserie . Shall we thus die without remedie . ?

An. This is the state of the worlde , and thus are the innumerable multitude slaine by Gods auenging iustice .

Que . Is no pardon offred them by Gods good grace and mercie ?

An. Yes : If they would fall downe , humbling their hartes , and turninge to the Lord , abhorring those sinnes which haue procured his wrath .

Quest . Why doo they not so , especiallie in this distresse ?

An. They adde sinne to sinne , treasuring vp wrath so long that by gods iust iudgement , their hartes are still harde and can not repent . Also they are absent from the Lords barre , and are sleping in the middest of their pleasures , when their iudgement sleepeth not , but proceedeth thus against them . And they may be sayde to be absent , because hauing no touche nor remorse of conscience , they can not bee sayde to heare eyther accusation of the Lawe , or sentence of the iudge . And when the shrieffe Gods iustice calleth to vengeance , they thinke he dallie , and are brought in minde as Adam & Eue were by the Tempter , that they shoulde not die . Such vaine hope haue they , vntyl the sworde of death giue them an euerlasting wounde .

Quest . Who are they then , which escape this deadlie dinte of dreadful iudgement ?

An. A remnant saued by the Election of grace , of them selues no more worthie then the rest : but by the Lorde called of purpose , and redemed from out of the worlde , and the abominations of other sinners .

Quest . And how doo they escape ?

An. They beinge present before Gods iudgement barre , heare and see the proceeding of all thinges , by the inwarde feeling of conscience , which is giuen thē by Gods Spirit , as the first steppe and entraunce vnto good . Nowe they beholding nothing , but euen the vndergoing of this terrible iudgement : they fall downe flatt before the maiestie of the iudge . They confesse their sinnes , & hide thē not . They are ashamed of thē wherein they hadd pleasure before , & are ashamed of them selues . They hate & abhorre them , for that they haue brought thē vnto this woo . They are angrie with them selues for angring their God , whose frowning countenance they can not now beholde . They thinke themselues most vile & detestable , yea the miserablest of all creatures vnder heauen . Death is before their eyes , & they are holden with the bands thereof . They are plunged in the pitt , & gaspe for breath . They burne in the fire of Gods indignation , hauing hell in their conscience , and darcknes on euerie side . Thus they sorowe with intire purpose , if they may escape , to leade a newe life . This is the paterne of trew repentance , and this is dying vnto sinne .

Quest . What release then vpon this ?

An. Christ Iesus sendeth to thē his Spirit the comforter , to cheare their soules with these glad tydings : Come to mee ye that labour and are loden , and I will refreshe you . I haue appeased my Fathers wrath . I haue borne the burthen of your sinnes . I haue nayled your inditement to my crosse . Beholde I haue sent your pardon . Then dreadfull iustice giueth place , and tender mercie take them by the hande , to plucke them out of the pitt . Thus the dayspring from an highe doo visite them , giuing light to them sitting in darkenesse , & in the shadowe of death . Then are the poore penitent sinners raised from death to life , from hell to heauen , hearing the spirite founding in their eares of their soules , and readinge their pardon thus : Blessed are they whose vnrightuousnes is forgiuen , and whose sinne is couered . Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth no sinne . This rising from death and quickening by fayth in Christ vnto a newe lyfe , after wee were dead through sinnes , is the second birth .

Quest . By what meanes hath Christe appeased his Fathers wrath , and raunsomed vs ?

An. By suffering death , euen the death of the crosse , & the torment of hell in soule and conscience . So he bare the burthen for vs , which should haue rested vpon vs , and woulde haue pressed vs downe for euer . His blood was a purging sacrifice of a sweet smelling sauour to God , wherin he smelled the sauour of peace .

Quest . We being thus ransomed and redemed from the power of hell and Satans bands : in what name or title can wee looke for the ioyes of the heauenly life , seing we can yet bring no desert vnto God ?

An. Christ hath also fulfilled the Law , and wrought perfect righteousnes , which he imputeth to vs , wherewith he clothing vs being naked in our selues , he presenteth vs to his father , and maketh vs partakers & felloheires of glorie with him selfe in heauenly places . He also hauing receyued abundaunce of the spirit without measure , powreth vpon vs also of the same spirit , as it is written : Of his fulnes wee haue all receyued , and grace for grace , whereby he Santifieth vs to the leading of a nue and holie life , whiche may be conformed to the image of his life .

Quest . What natures be in Christ ?

An. The perfect nature of God , and the perfect nature of Man .

Quest . Why was it necessarie that our Redemer shoulde be God ?

An. That he myght haue full power to sustaine his Manhoode to the ouercomming of death , that he myght not be holden with the bands thereof : which thing passeth mans strength .

Qu . Why was it necessarie that he sholde be perfect man ?

An. Because Man had trespassed , Man also was to answere the trespasse , as the iustice of God required .

Qu . How coulde it stand with the Iustice of God to pardon our sinnes , whereof he spake : The day that thou doest so , thou shalt die the death ?

An. The Iustice of God remaineth vndimimished , in that our sinnes were punished by death and bloodshedding in him , which bare our iniquitie . His mercie also taketh place , and reioyseth againste iudgement , in that they are pardoned to vs , and the debt paied by a faithful suertie .

Quest . How do we receyue Christ Iesus , & applie him vnto vs with his merites , and in him all promises and Amen ?

An. By Faith .

Quest . What is Faith ?

An. It is an especial gift of God giuen by inspiration , but not without other means . And may well be called the hande of our soule , which we reache foorth to lay hold of all good thinges , which the Lorde doo offer to vs in his worde .

Quest . Howe then and by what meanes is it wrought in vs , or inspired into vs ?

An. God giueth it , or worketh it in oure hartes by his spirit , at the outward hearing of the worde taught by any to whom he haue giuen anie lawfull charge or calling to teache vs the same : though in some case it be done but by a priuate brother , onelie by the charge of charitie , instructing them whom hee finde to haue neede and to be worthie , as did the scattered Disciples of the Churche in Ierusalem , and prospered in begetting faith .

Quest . By what meanes doeth the Lord assure our faith of his gracious promises ?

An. By the same meanes , euen his word , wherein they are conteyned , and from whence they flowe vnto vs , and his spirit quickening vs by the same , & sealing it vnto vs by giuing liuely feeling of the power thereof .

Quest . Hath not the Lorde of bountie yet added further assurance by outward meane , sfor the help of our weak faith ?

An. Yes : He hath also left vs two Sacramentes , as seales vnto his promises .

Quest . Which be they ?

An. The Sacrament of Baptisme , and of the Lords supper .

Quest . What is a Sacrament ?

An. It is an outwarde visible signe by the confirmation of the worde applied therto , representinge spirituall graces vnto vs , for the testifying of Gods goodnes towardes vs , and confirming our faith .

Quest . What is Baptisme ?

An. The Sacrament of regeneration or newe birth , and seale of our receyuinge into Gods house , the kingdom of Christ , to be one of the number of his , and to be brought vp among them .

Quest . What inwarde grace do the wasshing with water represent vnto vs ?

An. It represent two things especiallie : One is , the washing away of our filthines by the bloud of Christ , as it is written : That he might sanctifie his church , and cleanse it by the washinge of water through the worde . Otherwise also it representeth a drowning & ouerwhelming : for euen as one that is ouerwhelmed with water , seemeth to be dead and drowned : but if he peere vp againe , he seemeth to haue escaped death : Euen so all that are baptised , doo vndergoe a certaine representation of death , not therby to die , but by escaping that death , to liue in farre better state , and a more excellent lyfe : so it is said , that our Fathers were baptised in the sea , because that going thorough it as through the valley of death , by that passage they escaped death . So was Christe saide to bee baptised by his death , and we are said to be baptised into the image of his death , when we being wounded in conscience for sinne , doe dye vnto the same , and forsake it , that wee may liue a better life , euen to rightuousnes , and escape the second death . Thus Baptisme representeth dying , and liuing againe as a newe creature . So is it called the Sacrament of regeneration .

Quest . What doo the Sacrament of the Lords Supper signifie vnto vs ?

An. Euen as by Baptisme wee are receyued into Gods house , to be nourished as his deare children : so the Lords Supper which we are often to receyue , represent vnto vs the foode wherewith our soules are nourished . Namelie the breade signie the bodie of Christ the liuing Manna , which giueth neuer to hunger more : And the wine doo signifie the bloude of Christ the water of life , whiche giueth neuer to thirst more . And as in our bodies we doo taste these elementes , so in our soules by faith wee doo feede on our Sauiour Christ .

Qu . What certaine marke & token haue we to examine our selues , whither wee haue the true faith or no , and whither we be in Christ , & he in vs : or that wee haue but a bare opinion of these things , and deceiue our selues as the most part of them do , which notwithstanding cal them selues Christians ?

Anus . Our certaine marke and seale is the Spirite of adoption , whiche testifieth vnto our spirites , that we be his children : and by the which we crie bouldly , Abba Father . But if any man haue not the spirit of Christ , the same is not his .

Quest Howe may wee examine whither wee haue this spirit or no ?

An. By the forcible working of the same in vs. Not onely as feeling some motions of goodnes , which are by the spirite illuminating , and afterwarde by returning to our olde nature , wee quenshe the spirit , and drowne those motions , so that our goodnes proue but as the morninge mist , and our light be but as a flashe of lightning to leade vs for a stepp or two . But the grace of the adopting spirit , giueth light to see , and strength to runne on the race with courage : yea with violence to drawe the kingdome of God vnto vs. It is called fire , because it ministreth heate , and taketh away coldnes of zeale and loue , and it will brust foorth in manifest appearance . And being the anoynting oyle wherwith we are anointed , the smell therof will be sauoured of those whom we drawe neere . The fruites thereof be loue , ioye , peace , long sufferinge , gentlenes , goodnes , fayth , meekenes , temperancie .

Finallie , if our nature be so withered , and grace so florishing , that wee hate sinne which wee loued before , and delight in the testimonies of the Lord which were ircksome to vs before : this is a token of the quickning spirit . Also if we obey the Lorde , not in the deadnes of the letter , but in the freenes of the spirit : not by compulsion or constreint of the lawe , or feare of hell : but for thankfulnes to the Lorde for his mercie , and deliuerance , for verie loue of righteousnes , thoughe there were no Deuil nor hel at al. These and such like graces , witnes vnto vs the the possession of the incorruptible seede of Gods spirit . And if we examine our selues duely , wee can not deceiue our selues .

Quest . Are then these workes of him that is regenerate righteous & good ?

An. Their workes can not weigh in the balance of the Lordes examination , but shall be founde to light . If he shall mark what is done amisse , the most righteous can not stande . For the remnant of sinne whiche is not vtterlie slaine in vs tyll death , staineth our best workes with one euill affection or other . But whome the Lorde receyueth to grace , he accepteth their obedience , & couereth their sinnes with the robe of righteousnes of his deare sonne .

Quest . Are not all the graces , and euerie good gift proceeding from God , freelie bestoweth vpon his people ?

An. Yes , euen of free grace , without any thing of our part mouing thereto .

Quest . Wherevnto then tendeth Prayer which is a chiefe exercise of a Christian fayth ? And it is saide : Knocke , and it shall be opened vnto you : aske , and ye shall receyue .

An. It is our bounde duetie to call vppon the Lorde instantlie , for it is a chiefe part of his worshippe , howbeit he knoweth before we aske what wee haue neede of . He both giueth the thinge , and frameth the hart to call for the same , yea & ministreth gracious words and zeale to our prayers . For his spirit helpeth our infirmities , and prayeth for vs with inward sighthings . He semeth some time to delaye vs : but it is to stirre vp our feruency . For he is purposed before to giue in due time . So our praier of it selfe procure nothing at Gods hande : but he giueth vs the grace to praye , thereby making vs more fitt to receyue at his hande those things , which he do freely giue .

Quest . Reherse the praier , which our Sauiour Christ taught his disciples .

An. Our Father which art in heauen , &c.

Qu . What learne you by these words ?

An. That wee in confidence of the spirit call God Father , hauing faith to be his children in Christ Iesus by adoption , whereas wee were straungers from him before .

Qu . Why is God saide to be in heauen , whom the heauen of heauens can not conteine ?

An. Because wee thinke of no place so honorablie as of heauen . And there most glorie appeareth , that our dulle minde might the highlier conceiue of him , whom no place doeth holde , but the seat af his power is in all places .

Qu . What aske wee of God in this first petition : Sanctified be thy name ?

An. Wee desire that the name of God , which is his power , and goodnes , wisedom , mercie and trueth , and whatsouer he is known by , should haue dew honour and reuerence by vs & others , and that all profaning of his name by vngodlines , may be farre away .

Quest . What aske wee in the second : Let thy Kingdome come ?

An. We craue that the Lord would speedelie increase the number of true beleeuers , & faithful worshippers , which may be receiued into the fellowship of Gods House , which is his Church and Kingdom , so beyng graft into the bodie of his Sonne : & that he would minister plenty of giftes and graces , and giue his worde plenteously for the welfare of his church , and spreading out the curtaines , and inlarging the bounds thereof .

Quest . What craue wee of God in the third : Lett thy will be done in earthe , as it is in heauen ?

An. That as he is Lord and King to rule ouer all : so we and others may submitte our selues vnto his will , with renowncing our owne , being readie also to execute his will and pleasure , with like readines , as his Angels in heauen doo accorde and are prest to fulfil the same .

Qu . In the fourth petition what require we : Giue vs this day our dailie bread ?

An. We require at the hands of the Lord whatsoeuer is needful to the vse of our bodies . And so we require it , as acknowledging that we are fedde and sustained daylie by his gift , howsoeuer wee come by our sustenaunce . And wee are taught so to require it , as they which knowe they are to liue from hande to mouthe , of the Lords prouision , blessing them in their calling , without greedie coueting of superfluitie , or taking care what wee shall eate , or what wee shall drincke , or what clothes wee shall put on hereafter .

Quest . What aske wee of God in the fift petition : And forgiue vs our trespasses as wee forgiue them that trespasse against vs ?

An. In this and in the next wee aske all grace needefull for our soules , namelie , Forgiuenes of sinne in this : and in the next , Grace and strength to perseuere , and to stande immoueable of temptation . For in the forgiuenes of our sinnes , consist our blessednes , which is made manifest when we perseuere vnto the ende . When we adde As we forgiue thē that trespasse agaisnt vs , it is a note to trie vs , whither wee be fitt to craue forgiuenes at gods hande , & if we be single harted without hatred or desire of reuenge , but are mercifull , as our heauenlie Father is mercifull and good , causing the raine to fall and the sunne to shine on the iust and vniust .

Quest . What require we of God in that which foloweth : And leade vs not into temptation : but deliuer vs from euill : For thine is the kingdom , & c ?

An. We desire that the Lord would not punish our sinne with giuing vs ouer to sin more & more , but would deliuer vs from sinne and Satan , which are conteined vnder the name of Euil here spoken of . And wee require these things vnder the name of asscribing vnto him all rule , power and glorie , whereby wee confirme our selues that he is able to do all things and will graunt all that is for his glorie .

Question . Where do the Lorde nourishe and bring vp his people , vntill they be made a perfect people to be receyued to further glorie ?

An. In the place which the Lorde doeth chuse to putt his name there : euen his Churche , his Sion where he voutsafeth to dwell , the Kingdome of his Sonne , whiche he do gouerne by the Scepter of his Worde a scepter of righteousnes .

Which Churche houldeth one Law and order vnder her Kinge , and therefore is called Catholike . And the members of the same , holde a happie fellowshippe as the members of one bodie , seruinge one to another by their giftes & graces , and sustaininge one an others neede in mutuall charitie . And this is called the Communion of Sainctes . Vppon this Sion the Lorde makethe to fall the first raine and the later , euen the blessings of his good will . For there the Lorde appointed blessing , and Life for euermore , which , those members of the Bodie of Christ instantly seruing God daie and night , waite to come vnto : hopinge also for the Resurrection of the Bodie , which is sowne in corruption , that both the Soules and bodies of the Lords Elect may partake glorie with Christ Iesus for euermore , after that he hath subdued all thinges , and deliuered vp the Ringdome into his Fathers hande , vnto whome God almightie , withe the Sonne and the holie Ghost , be all Glorie & Praise for euermore .

AMEN .