THE CATECHISME IN THE BOOK OF Common-Prayer EXPLAINED.

The Third Edition Corrected, and Amended.

1 Pet. 3.15.

Sanctifie the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.

London, Printed by T. R. and N. T. for Richard Thrale, and are to be Sold under St. Martin Outwich, in Bishopsgate Street. 1672.

THE CATECHISME IN THE Book of Common-Prayer EXPLAINED.

  • Quest. Is set before many of the longest and hardest Questions, &c.
  • * Is a mark of Explanation.

Question. WHat is your name?

A. N. or M.

Q. How many names have you?

A. Two, a Christian, and a Sirname.

Q. What may they put you in mind of?

A. Of a twofold Parentage; Natural, and Spiritual.

Q. Who are your Natural Parents?

A. My Father and Mother.

Q. Who are your Spiritual Parents?

A. God and his Church.

Q. Which of these two names are de­manded of you?

A. My Christian name.

Q. Why so?

A. That by this name, I may be put in remembrance of my Baptism, wherein it was given me.

Q. Why was your name given you in Baptism?

A. That thereby I might be distinguish­ed from other men, and that I might be put in mind, as often as I hear my name, of the Covenant then ratified between God and me.

Q. VVho gave you this name?

A. My Godfathers and Godmothers in my Baptism, wherein I was made a member of Christ, the child of God, and an inheritor of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Q. What benefit did you then receive by Baptism.

A. Three; First, I was made a mem­ber of Christ: Secondly, the child of God: Thirdly, an inheritor of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Q. What hath a Member relation unto?

A. To a Body.

Q. How many bodies hath Christ?

A. Two, a Natural as we have, and a Mystical.

Q. of which are you a member?

A. Of his Mystical Body.

Q. What Body is that?

A. His Church. Col. 1.18.

Q. What is Christ to his Church?

A. He only is the Head thereof.

Q. What doth Christ the Head, for his Body the Church.

A. He giveth it Spiritual Life, motion and direction, as a head doth to the body.

Q. What must you feel in you, to be sure that you are a true member of Christ?

A. That I live by him to God, am mooved by his Spiri [...], and directed by his Word.

2. Q. How are you made the child of God?

A. By the Grace of Adoption.

Q. How knowest thou, that thou art the child of God by Grace?

A. Because he hath given the earnest of the Spirit into our hearts, crying Abba; Father, which Spirit witnesseth to our spirits, that we are the children of God. Rom. 8.15,16.

Q. Is Baptisme of that virtue, that by the only outward washing thereof, every one is made a member of Christ, the child of God, and an inheritor of the Kingdom of Heaven.

A. No, for unless a man be born again of water, and also of the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of Hea­ven. John 3.5.

Q. Why then saist thou, that by Bap­tism [Page 4] thou art made a member of Christ?

A. Because Baptisme is the laver of Regeneration by the power of the Spirit. * And therefore we may rightly say, that we are thereby made the Members of Christ, and the children of God; and be­lieve the same touching all others that are baptized.

Q. Why is it added, That we are In­heritors of the Kingdom of Heaven?

A. Because being sons by Adoption, we are heirs, and heirs of God, and heirs an­nexed with Christ. Rom. 8.17. 1 Pet. 1.3,4.

Q. What did your Godfathers and God­mothers then for you?

A. They did promise and vow thrée things in my name: First, That I should renounce the Devil and all his works, the pomps and vanities of the wicked world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh: Se­condly, That I should believe all the Arti­cles of the Christian Faith: And Thirdly, That I should keep Gods holy Will and Commandments, and walk in the same all the days of my life.

1. Q. How are you to renounce the Devil?

A. By refusing to hearken to any of his wicked suggestions.

Q. How are you to renounce the world?

A. By withdrawing mine affections from the honors, riches, pleasures and other contentments which the world affordeth, as they are a means to draw me from God. 1 John. 2.15.

Q. How are you to renounce the lusts of the flesh?

A. By denying satisfaction to my own natural desires and affections, so far as they are any way repugnant to the Word of God. Rom. 13.14.

Q. Dost thou think that thou art bound to do as they have promised for thee?

A. Yes verily, and by Gods help so I will; and I heartily thank our Heavenly Father, that he hath called me to this state of Salvation, through Iesus Christ our Saviour; And I pray God to give me his Grace that I may continue in the same unto my lives end.

Q. Art thou able to perform all these things?

A. Not of my self, but in some measure I am enabled thereunto by Gods Grace. Phil. 4.13.

Q. What dost thou chiefly learn out of the Articles of your belief?

A. First, I learn to believe in God the Father, who hath made me and all the world.

Secondly, in God the Son, who hath redéemed me and all mankind.

Thirdly, in God the Holy Ghost, who sanctifieth me and all the elect people of God.

1. Q. What is God?

A. God is a Spirit, invisible, incompre­ [...]ensible, infinite, eternal, and Almighty, one in nature and substance, but distin­guished into three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. John 4.24. John 1.18. Job 11.7. Isa. 40.12,13. Deut 6.4. Mat. 3.16,17. 1 John 5.7.

Q. For what end did God make all things?

A. For the praise of his great power, goodness, wisdom, perfection and glory. Rev. 4.11. Prov. 16.4.

Q. What was man especially made of?

A. Man consists of Body and Soul; the first mans body was made of the dust of the earth, but our Bodies come by ge­neration, and are with his mortal; and both his and all our Souls by inspiration, and are immortal.

Q. How can our Souls be sinful, that come not by propagation, but by inspira­tion?

A. 1. For that Adams Soul was deputy for all Souls of men naturally begotten.

2. Because man sinned, and man is not man, before body and soul be knit toge­ther which being conjoyned become toge­ther as man, partakers of mans fall, and corruption.

Q. In what state was man first created?

A. In the Image of God, that is to say, holy and righteous, enjoying the favour of God and all happiness. Gen. 1.27 Eph. 4.14

Q. How did man fall from this estate, that is, deface the Image of God, and lofe his favour?

A. By the transgression of our first Pa­rents, who eating of the forbidden fruit both themselves, and in them all mankind became first guilty of eternal death, and li­able both to temporal and spiritual mise­ries; Secondly deprived of original righ­teousness; Thirdly, corrupt in every part and faculty both of soul and body, which deprivation and corruption received in and from them is called Original sin. Gen. 2.17 Rom. 5.12. Psal. 51.5. Rom. 7.18. Eph. 2.3.

Q. Which are the temporal miseries?

A. Gods curse upon the creatures, on mans body senses, name, friends, whatsoe­ever he takes in hand, and death it self Rom. 8.20. Deut. 28.15,16, &c. Rom. 6.21.

Qu. VVhat are the spiritual miseries?

A Blindness of mind, the spirit of slum­ber and giddiness, horror of Conscience, hardness of heart, a reprobate sense, and strong delusions. Isa. 6.9. Rom. 11.8. Exod 7.2. Rom. 1.28. 2 Thes. 2.11.

Qu. Was God so angry, that he would curse man for eating an Apple, or such like?

A. That was not the matter of Gods anger, but his unthankfulness, pride, dis­obedience, and crediting rather the Devil then God.

2. Q. Who redeemed you, that is, deli­vered you from eternal death, and recon­ciled you unto God?

A. Iesus Christ the Son of God.

Q. By what means did Christ redeem you?

A. By suffering death upon the Cross for my sins, and the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2.2.

Q. How could he suffer death, seeing he was the Son of God?

A. He took upon him the nature of man, that is, an humane body and soul, and therein suffered death upon the Cross for our redemption. Heb. 2.16. Heb. 10.5. 1 Pet. 3.18.

3. Q. Who sanctified you?

A. The Holy Hhost. 1 Cor. 6.11.

A. A work of the Holy Ghost, by which such as are redeemed are made holy and become new creatures, and enabled to do good and holy works. 1 Th [...]s. 4.3. John 15.3.

Q. What be the parts of sanctificati­on?

A. Two, Mortification, and Vivificati­on. Rom. 6.11.

Q. What is Mortification?

A. The killing of our natural cor­ruption, and weakning of sin in us. Rom. 6.6.

Q. What is Vivification?

A. The quickning up of Grace and Ho­liness in our souls. Rom. 6.4.

Q. Wherefore did God create, redeem and sanctifie you?

A. To glorifie and serve him. Luke 1.74,75.

Q. In what manner must we serve God?

A. As he hath prescribed in his Word, and that must be done in spirit and truth * spiritually, that is with our hearts and souls, as well as our bodies; and truly that is sincerely and heartily without hypocri­sie. John 4.24.

Q. What is the word of God, which doth prescribe the manner of Gods wor­ship?

A. The word of God is contained in those Books which are called the Canoni­cal Scriptures.

Q. Why are they called Canonical?

A. Because they are the Canons, that is, the rules of Gods worship, according to the which, men must frame their faith and manners. Isa. 8.20. Psal. 119.9.

Q. How do you know that every part [Page 10] of the Scripture was delivered by Divine Inspiration, and so is indeed the Word of God?

A. By many firm arguments, but espe­cially six. 1. By the express testimony of the Scripture. 2 Pet. 1.19,20,21. 2 By the inward testimony of the Holy Ghost in my heart. 1 John 2.27. 1 Cor. 2.15. 3. By the wonderful majesty of the Scriptures deli­vered yet in great simplicity. 1 Cor. 2.14. 4. By the mighty power of it, in convert­ing souls. Psal 19.7. 2 Cor. 10.4. 5 By the matter which altogether savoureth of headenly wisdom. 6. By the continual consent of all the Scriptures being writ­ten by so many in time so different.

Q. To what purpose or use doth the Scripture or Word of God serve man?

A. To make him wise to salvation, and perfect to all good works four manner of ways. 1. By teaching the truth. 2 By confuteing falshood. 3. By correcting vice, 4. By instructing in righteousness. 2 Tim. 3.16.

The Second Part of the CATECHISME ex­pounding the CREED.

Qu. HOw many Articles are there of the Faith, and which are they?

A. Twelve, I believe in God the Fa­ther, &c.

Qu. What is Faith?

A. Faith is a belief of the Gospel, joyned with a resolute casting of ones self upon Christ alone for remission of sins and sal­vation. 1 Cor. 15.11. Acts 16.31. Rom. 4.5.

Q. What is the ground of Faith?

A. The frée promises of God made in Christ, concerning the forgiveness of sins, and eternal righteousness. Rom. 4.18. Heb. 11.1.

I. Arti. Q. why do you say, I believe, and not, we believe?

A. Because another mans prayer may help me, but it must be mine own, and not another mans Faith that must save me.

Q. What is the meaning of this, I be­lieve in God?

A. I believe him to be my God, and put my whole trust and confidence in him. Rom. 10.11.

Q. Why is God called the Father?

A. Because he is the Father of all by creation, and of Christ by nature and e­ternal generation; and in him my Father I being one of Christs members.

Q. What doth the Title Almighty im­port?

A. That he hath all sufficiency in him­self, and that he is able to do whatsoever he will. Gen. 17.1. Psal. 115.3.

Q. How know you that God is Al­mighty?

A. 1. By creating all things. 2. By upholding and governing all things crea­ted by his continual providence.

Q. Of how many sorts are the creatures that God made?

A. Of two sorts, visible and invisi­ble.

Q. Which are the invisible creatures?

A. Angels and Souls of men.

Q. Of how many sorts are the An­gels?

A. Of two sorts, as good and bad.

Q. What are the bad Angels called?

A. Devils.

Q. Did God make the Devils?

A. Yes, he made the Devils, but he did not make them Devils; he made them Angels of light, they made themselves Devils by sin. Jude 6.

Q. Whereof did God create the world?

A. Of nothing, to shew his might and power by his Word. Heb. 11.3.

Q. In what time made he the world?

A. In six days, that we might more par­ticularly consider of the creatures.

Q. When made he man?

A. Last of all, because he was made Lord of all, and might find all things rea­dy for him Gen. 1.26.

II. Art. Q. Why is Christ called Je­sus?

A Because he saveth his people from their sins, neither is there salvation in any other. Mat. 1.21. Acts 4.1.

Q. Why is the second person in the Trinity called Christ?

A. In regard of the offices whereunto he was ordained by God the Father, and anointed by the Holy Ghost. Acts 10.38.

Q Which are the offices of Christ?

A. Thrée. 1. His Prophetical office to teach us and instruct us in all things. Mat. 17.5. 2. His Priestly office, to reconcile us * by offering up even himself, a Sacri­fice upon the Cross for our sins. Heb 9.24,25,26. 3. His Kingly office, to reign over us by his Word and Spirit. Luke 1.33.

Q. VVhat benefits hast thou by the offices of Christ?

A. Both I and all the elect people of God, are made spiritual Kings, Priests, and Prophets. 1. Kings in bearing rule over our own hearts, and mastering our rebellious thoughts, wills, and affections, Rom. 6.12. 2. Priests in offering up to God our spiritual Sacrifices of Prayer, of Thanksgiving, of Almes, of a contrite heart, of our own souls and bodies, for the service of God. Psal. 141.2. Heb. 14.15,16. Phil. 4.18. Psal. 51.17. Rom. 6.13. & 12.1, 3. Prophets in applying that know­ledge we have, to the benefit and good of others. Luke 22.32.

Q. Why is Christ called the only Son of God, since we also are the Sons of God?

A. He is the Son of God by nature, and by eternal generation, we are the sons, of Gods by Grace, and by Adoption. John 1.14. Rom. 8.15. Gal. 4.5.

Q. What do you learn from hence that Jesus Christ is the Son of God by nature?

A. I learn to my comfort, that he is ve­ry God; and that therefore whatsoever was performed and suffered by him, is in­finitely meritorious for our salvation. John 1.14. Col. 2.19.

Q. Why is Jesus Christ called our Lord?

A. Because having redéemed our souls from sin and Satan, he doth challenge us as his own to do him service. Rom. 14 8,9.

III. Art. Q. How was Christ conceived by the Holy Ghost?

A. In that his humane nature was su­pernaturally framed by the powerful working of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin. L [...]ke 1,35.

Q. Why was he conceived by the Holy Ghost?

A. To sanctifie the séed of the woman, and to unite two natures in one person, God and man in one Christ, Luke 1.35. Rom. 9.5. 1 Tim. 2.5.

Q. Why must our Saviour be both God and Man?

A. He must be a man, because man had sinned, and therefore a man must die for sin to appease Gods wrath; he must be God to sustain and uphold the Manhood, to overcome and vanquish death. 1 Tim. 2.5,6.

Q. What learn you out of these words, which was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary?

A. I learn: 1. By his birth that he was man, that so he might suffer for my sin.

2. By the manner of his conception by the Holy Ghosh, that he was without all manner of sin, and so the Sacrifice of him­self being most pure, it was precious for our redemption.

IV. Art. Q. VVhat was Pontius Pilat [...] that condemned Christ?

A. He was at that time the Governo [...] of Judea, under the Roman Emperor. Luk [...] 3.1.

Q. VVhat death did Christ suffer?

A. The death of the Cross,

Q. VVhy suffered Christ the death of the Cross, rather then any other kind of death?

A. 1. Because that kind of death was most shameful.

2. It was most painful,

3. Thereby he took upon him the curse, to free me from the curse of the Law. Gal. 3.13.

Q. Seeing Christ hath thus died for us, why yet must Gods Saints die?

A. Not as a satisfaction or penalty for sin, but for two special benefits: First, for that sin is thereby abolished in my na­ture, Rom. 6.7. Secondly, death is made an entrance for our souls into Life eternal. Phil. 1.23.

Q. Could the sufferings of Christ, which were but a short time, countervail ever­lasting damnation, and so appease Gods wrath?

A. Because Christ, who was God suffer­ed; though not in his Godhead; and that is more, then if all the men in the world [Page 17] had suffered for ever. Acts 20.28.

Q. VVhat followed upon his death?

A. His burial and descending into hell, that is, his subjection to the power and do­minion of death, and the grave for a time. Heb. 2.14. Acts 2.24.

Q. Why did he abide thus under the power of death and the grave?

A. That it might be certainly known that he was dead, and that the body of sin might be utterly destroyed and abolished in us for ever. Rom. 6.6.

V. Art. Q Was it needful that Christ being dead, should rise again?

A, Yes it was for his own glory and our good.

Q. How for his glory?

A. That being formerly abased as a ser­vant, and crucified as a sinner, he might thus be declared to be the Son of God, and exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour. Rom. 1.4. Acts 5.30,31.

Q. How for our good?

A. That having paid the price of our re­demption by his death, we might have good assurance of our Iustification by his Life. Rom. 4.25.

Q. Why did Christ rise again the third day?

A. Because it was prophesied of him, [Page 18] that he should see no corruption. Acts 2.27.

Q. Why did he not rise before the third day?

A. Lest rising so presently upon his death, his enemies might take occasion to cavil that he was not dead. Mat. 27.63.

Q. Why would he not put it off untill the fourth day?

A. Lest the Faith of his Disciples should have been weakened, and their hearts too much cast down and discouraged. Luke 24.21.

Q. What learn you out of the 5th. Article, the third day he rose again from the dead?

A. 1. That he is risen and hath over­come death and Hell for my Iustification. 1 Cor. 15.17.7.

2. I learn to rise from sin, and to delight in righteousness. Rom. 6.4.

3. By his rising I am assured that my body shall rise again. 1 Cor. 15.16.

VI Art. Q. Why did Christ ascend into Heaven?

A That he might triumph more glori­ously over his and our enemies, and make way for our ascention thither. Eph. 4.8. John 14.2.3.

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

A. 1. The honour that God hath given him. Heb. 1.3.

2. His exercising of the Sovereign power which he hath, as he is our Mediator over all the world. Eph. 1.20,21.

VII. Art. Q. What learn you out of the Seventh Article, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead?

A. 1. I learn to my comfort, that he that is my Saviour, shall be my Iudge. Job 19. verse 25.

2. To the terror of the wicked and un­godly, that he shall be their Iudge, whom they have refused and despised. 2 Thes. 1.8.

Q. Who are the quick and the dead that are to be judged by Christ?

A. All men that ever were from the be­ginning, are, or shall be to the end of the world, whether they shall be alive then, or dead before.

Q. Why doth Christ defer his coming?

A. He waiteth till the number of the elect be accomplished, till the measure of iniqui­ty be fulfilled, till his enemies be all sub­dued and abolished. Rev. 6.11. Mat. 13.30. Heb. 10.13.

Q. What need is there that the dead should be brought to Judgment, seeing particular judgment was given of them before, whether they be good or evil?

A. It is needful for two causes. 1. Be­cause the first judgment pertains only to [Page 20] the soul, but the latter to the whole man, both body and soul. 2 Cor. 5.10.

2. That that particular Iudgement may be made manifest before all men, and that there may be a more manifest declaration of Gods just judgment. Rom. 2.5.

VIII. Art. Q. What is the Holy Ghost▪

A. The third person in the Trinity, e­qual in majesty and glory to the Father and the Son, and joyn [...]ly proceeding from them both. Acts 5.3,4. John 15.26.

Q. Ghost is an old English word, and signifies Spirit, why is the third person called Spirit?

A. 1. Because God is a Spirit (that is) an immaterial and pure essence. John 4.24. 2. Because the Holy Ghost is the Spirit and breath of God, blowing freely where it listeth, and working spiritually for man­ner, means and matter where it pleaseth. John 3.8. Acts 2.2,3,4.

Q. Why is the third person called holy?

A. Not only because of his essential ho­liness as God, but because he is the author and worker of holiness in men. 1 Cor. 6.11.

IX. Art. Q. Why do you say, I believe the Church, not in the Church?

A. We do believe that there is a Church, but we do not believe in the Church, but in [Page 21] God; the Church here below at the best, is but a company of men called, justified, sanctified in part, and therefore may erre.

Q. What is it then to believe the Church?

A. 1. That there is and always shall be a Church. 2. That I am one of the Church. 3. To believe the doctrine of the Church, wherein it followeth Christ, the Prophets and Apostles, the onely sure pillars and ground of truth.

Q. How many sorts of Churches are there?

A. Two sorts, Triumphant and Mili­tant.

Q. What is the Church Triumphant?

A. The company of Gods children in Heaven. Heb. 12.23.

Q. VVhy is it so called?

A. Because they are all out of danger and so do triumph. Rev. 21.4.

Q. VVhat is the Church Militant?

A. The company of Gods Children here on Earth.

Q. Why are they thus called?

A. Because they fight the Lords battles against the world, the flesh, and the Devil. 2 Tim. 2.3. Eph. 6.12,

Q. What Church is here meant?

A. The Church Militant.

Q. What do you learn hence?

A. That God hath a Church, and will have to the end of the world.

Q. Is there but one Church?

A. No, there is but one true Church of Christ, though there may be many parti­cular visible Churches, which are parts thereof; yet there is but one Catholick and Vniversal Church, of which not one shall be lost, and out of which not one shall be saved. Eph. 5.23. John 17.12.

Q. Why is it called Catholick or Uni­versal?

A. It is called Catholick or Vniversal, 1. In respect of time, because it hath been and shall be in all ages. Acts 2.39. 2. In respect of persons, it consists of all sorts of men, high and low, rich and poor. Acts 2.10,34. 3. In respect of place, it hath been gathered from all parts of the earth. Rev. 5.9. Rev. 7.9.

Q. Why is the Church called Holy?

A. Because it is made holy by justi­fication in Christ, and Sanctification of the Spirit. Rom. 3.24. Cant. 4.7.

Q. What is the Communion of Saints?

A. That holy and sweet fellowship, which all the members of Christs Church have one with another; as they make all but one body in Christ, so communicating of all good things unto one another, whether spiritual or temporal, as their mutual ne­cessities do require. 1 John 1.3. 2 Cor. 8.14.

Q. Why are all believers called Saints?

A. Because they are partakers of Christs holiness, daily growing and in­creasing in the same; And to let us know, that none shall be Saints in Heaven, but such as are first Saints on Earth. Heb. 12.10. 3 Cor. 7.1.

Q. What duty doth this communion of Saints require of us?

A. To renounce all fellowship with sin, and sinners, to edifie one another in Faith and Love, to delight in the society of the Saints, and to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

X. Art. Q. What is meant by the for­giveness of sins?

A. Forgiveness of sins is that great blessing of God, which Iesus Christ by his death and passion, procured for all that be­lieve in him; whereby God esteems of their sins as no sins, or as never committed by them.

Q. What duties are required of us, that find our sins pardoned?

A. To sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto us; to forgive others, as God hath forgiven us; to renew our assurance by prayer, repentance and new obedi­ence?

XI. Art. Q. What professest thou to believe in the eleventh Article, The re­surrection of the body?

A. That the bodies of the wicked shall be raised by the power of Christ, as he is Iudge, and joyned to their souls, so to con­tinue together without separation for e­vermore in the torments of Hell; but the bodies of the faithful, and so mine among others, shall be raised by virtue of Christs resurrection, to enjoy in body and soul to­gether life everlasting. 1 Cor. 15.20. 1 Thes. 4.14,16. John 5.28,29.

XII. Art. Q. What is life everlasting?

A. That glorious estate of absolute ho­liness and happiness in the Heavens, which all the elect shall for ever enjoy with Christ in the presence of God and his Angels. 1 Thes. 4.17.

Q. What assurance have we of this estate?

A. It is prepared by the Father, purcha­sed by the Son, confirmed by the Holy Ghost, entred upon here, and inherited hereafter. Mat. 25.34. Eph. 1.13,14. Col. 1.5. 1. Pet. 1.3,4,5.

Q. What profit dost thou get by believ­ing all these things?

A. 1. By this means I am justified be­fore God, even by faith alone in Christ. Acts 13.39. Phil. 3.9.

2. By faith I shall overcome the ene­mies of my Salvation. 1 John 5.4.

3. Being justified and overcomming, I shall inherit eternal life. Rom. 8.38. Tit. 3.7.

Q. What is justification?

A. It is Gods accepting and accounting of a sinner as guiltless, not for any righte­ousness of his own, but upon the frée re­mission of his sins and the imputation of Christs righteousness and obedience. Phil. 3.9. Rom. 3.24.

Q. How is faith wrought and confirm­ed in our hearts?

A. 1. Inwardly by the Spirit, the foun­tain of all Spiritual Graces. Acts 16.14. 1 Cor. 14.1,2.

2. Outwardly by the Word of God, which containeth the promises, the ground of Faith. Rom. 10.17.

3. By the Sacraments which are seals of those promises. Rom. 4.11.

4. By prayer, which addeth strength to Faith. Luke 17.5.

The Third Part of the CATECHISME, concerning the COMMANDEMENTS.

Qu. HOw many Commandements are there?

A. Ten.

Q. Into how many Tables are the com­mandements divided?

A. Into two * and no more, because all righteousness is reduced to two Heads, namely towards God, or towards man. Mat. 22.39,40.

Q. What doth the first Table concern?

A. Our duty to God, contained in the four first Commandments.

Q. What doth the second Table con­cern?

A. Our duty to our Neighbor, contai­ned in the six last Commandments.

Q. In this order of the Tables, that the Duty to God, is set before the duty to our neighbour, how many Lessons do you learn?

A. 1. I learn to serve him before all thing, and not to regard worldly things, no nor life it self in respect of his glory. Mat. 6.33.

2. If I render my duty truly to God, I must do my duty also to my Neighbour, for if I neglect it to my neighbour, whom I see daily, it is evident that I do so to God. 1 John. 3.17.

Q. How many Lessons learn you out of the Preface or Introduction to the com­mandements, God spake these words and said; I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the Land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage?

A. Four; 1. In that it is said, God spake these words, I learn that God is the Author of them.

2. In that it is said, I am the Lord, I learn that he hath authority to command and power to punish the breakers of his Law. Mat. 10.28.

3. It that it is said, Thy God, I learn that we must obey, in regard of the Cove­nant which we have made with him. Ezek. 11.20.

4. In that it is said, Which brought thée out of Egypt, & learn that we must obey in regard of his mercy and goodness to­wards us. Deut. 4.20. Luke 1.74.

I. Command. Q. What doth the first commandement require of us?

A. That we take the true God, only for our God.

Q. How is this done?

A. Two ways 1. By knowing and ac­knowledging him in our Iudgments to be God alone.

2. By entirely cleaving unto him in our affections.

Q. Which are those affections by which we are to cleave to God especially?

A. 1. Faith or affiance in him, as our only stay, out of which floweth prayer for what we want, and thankfulness for what we have received. Psal. 62.1, Psal. 51.14.

2. Love unto him as our chiefest good. Deut. 6.5.

3. Fear of him, as the greatest and most glorious object. Isa. 8.13.

Q. What is for bidden in the first Com­mandement?

A. Either the not knowing or acknow­ledging any God at all, which is Atheism, or not knowing the true God aright, which is gross ignorance, or acknowledging any other to be God besides him, that is not God by nature, which is Idolatry; Be­sides any failing to cleave unto the true God by Faith, Love and Fear which are due unto him, or leaning therein to any other.

II. Command. Q. What doth the second Commandement concern?

A. The rule or manner according to [Page 29] which God will be worshiped.

Q. What is forbidden in this Second Commandement?

A. All carnal worshipping of God by Images, either represented to the eye, or conceived in the mind, together with all inventions of men about the substance or manner of his worship.

Q. What is commanded in it?

A. A Spiritual worshiping of God, and a careful following of his Word and Su­craments in the use of his worship. John 4.24. 1 C [...]r. 11.23. &c.

III. Command. Q. What is required of us in the third Commandement?

A. 1. We are forbidden to abuse the glorious Name of God any manner of way, as in conjuring, cursing, perjury, in idle and vain swearing. Deut. 18.11. Rom. 12.14. Lev. 19.12. Mat. 5.34. 2 We are commanded to use the Holy Name of God with reverence and honor, as in giving honor and praise unto it, and in religious swearing by it. Deut. 28.58. Psal. 118.28,29. Isa. 45.23.

Q. Tell me by whom we must swear?

A. By God, for it is a part of his glory, which he will give to none other. Deu 6.13

Q. In what causes, and where is it law­ful to swear?

A. Where the glory of God is sought, [Page 30] or the preservation of our brethren, or be­fore a Magistrate, 2 Cor. 1.23. Jer. 4.2. Heb. 9.16.

IV. Command. Q. What is commanded in the fourth Commandement.

A. That the whole Sabbath or Lords Day be set apart from all common use as holy to the Lord, both publickly and pri­vately in the practice of the duties of Pie­ty, and works of Mercy and Necessity,

Q. What are the duties of Piety and Holiness?

A. Hearing the Word of God read and preached, praying, receiving of the Sa­craments, conferring and meditating of the Word and Works of God. Acts 13.14,15. Acts 15.21. Acts 16.13. Acts 20.7. Psal. 92.4,5.

Q. What are the works of mercy which we are to perform on that day?

A. Visiting the sick, comforting the af­flicted, collections for the poor, and such like. Mark 3.4. 1 Cor. 16.2.

Q. What be the works of necessity?

A. Such as end necessarily to the pre­servation of life, health or goods, which otherwise would perish or be in danger, Mat. 12.1,7,11. Mat. 12.5. Or to the performance of Gods service, which other­wise must be omitted.

Q. What is forbidden in this fourth Commandement?

A. All neglecting of the duties of the Sabba [...]h, prophaning of that day, in whole or in part, by needless works, words or thoughts, about our callings or recreati­ons: Mat. 26.6. Acts 20.9. Isa. 58.13. Neh. 13.15,16,17. &c. Exod. 34.21.

Q. What reasons doth God use to dis­swade men from the works of the world on the Sabbath Day?

A. Four in number. 1. Because he doth allow them six days in every wéek to do their own business in. 2. Because the seventh day is the Lords day, and not theirs. 2. Because he himself rested the seventh day, and did not work therein, as he had done in the six days before. 4. Be­cause he hath sanctified the seventh day, and appointed the same for a blessing unto men.

V. Command. Q. What is meant by Honour?

A. It imports especially thrée things. 1. to reverence their persons. 2. To obey their lawful commands. 3. When néed requireth, to relieve them.

Q. What is meant by Father and Mo­ther?

A. My Father and Mother, who are my natural parents; the Magistrates, who are the Fathers of our Countrey; the Mi­nisters of Gods Word, who are our Fa­thers [Page 32] in Christ; our Masters and Gover­nors; the aged and all our betters.

Q. What is the Duty that Superiors are to return back again to their Infectors?

A. To carry themselves gravely, méekly, and in a séemly manner towards them. Titus 2.2. Col. 3.21. Col. 4.1.

Q. What is the duty of equals to each other?

A. To carry themselves modestly and lovingly towards one another, with due respect to the worth and dignity of each other. Eph. 5.21. Rom. 12.10.

Q. Have all the children of God length of life?

A. They have two manner of ways.

1. They have the blessing of long life in this world, like as they have the blessing of health even in sickness; and the blessing of wealth even in poverty, so far forth, as all estates and conditions work for their good. Prov. 3.16. Eccles. 8.12. Rom. 8.28. Psal. 91.16.

2. The sooner they dye here, the sooner they enter upon life in the Kingdom of Heaven, so that the shorter it is here, the longer it is there.

Q. But have not the wicked long life sometimes?

A. Yes, in this world, but it is a cursed not a blessed life unto them, which the [Page 33] Scripture accounteth death rather then life. Isa. 65.20.

VI. Command. Q. What is forbidden in the sixth Commandement, Thou shalt not kill?

A. All neglect of our own or our neigh­bors preservation, or desire of our own or their hurt conceived in heart, or declared by word, gesture or déed.

Q. What is commanded in it?

A. That by all means lawful we desire and study to preserve our own person, and the person of our neighbor,

VII. Command. Q. What is forbidden in the Seventh Commandement▪ Thou shalt not commit Adultery.

A. All uncleanness of heart, spéech, ge­sture or action; together with all the cau­ses, occasions, and signs thereof.

Q. What is commanded in it?

A. That we should kéep our selves pure in soul and body, both towards our selves and others.

VIII. Command. Q. How many things are forbidden in the either Commande­ment, Thou shalt not steal?

A. Thrée 1. All desire of any mans goods wrongfully. Eph. 5.5.2 All steal­ing, [Page 34] robbing, and unlawful getting. Lev. 19.11. 1 Thes. 4.6. 3. Vpholding of theft in others, by letting them escape unpu­nished, féeding and maintaining of théeves and idle persons. Isa. 1.23. 2 Thes. 3.10.

Q. How many things are we command­ed in it?

A. Thrée. 1. To be content with that portion which the Lord hath sent us. 1. Tim. 6.6. 2. That we labour for our li­ving in a lawful calling. 2. Thes. 3.12. 3. To be helpful to them that need, especi­ally to the poor Saints, both by hospitality and alms-déeds. Gal. 6.10. Heb. 13.2,16.

IX. Command. Q. What things are forbidden in the Ninth Commandement, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour?

A. 1. We are forbidden to speak falsely in witness bearing. Prov. 19 5,2. 2. To backbite or [...]lander any. Psal. 15.3. 3. To lye, flatter, or dissemble. Eph. 4.25.

Q. What are we commanded herein?

A. We are commanded in all things to speak and maintain truth; as 1. in bear­ing witness 2. In plain reproving our brethren. Lev. 19 12. 3. In defending his good name. Phil. 10.11, &c.

X, Command. Q. What is required of [Page 35] you in the Tenth C [...]mmandement?

A. That I be truly contented with my own outward condition, resting always thankful to God for my present estate, and that I may not once have an unlawful lust or motion in my self, or an inordinate de­sire to any thing that is my neighbours; but for ever think good towards him, re­joycing in anothers good as in our own. Heb. 13.5. Phil. 4.11. 1 Thes. 5.18. 1 Kings 21.2. Acts 26.29. Rom. 12.15.

Q. Is any man able to keep the Com­mandements?

A. No; 1. Because we sin the best of us in many things. 2. Our best works do sa­vour of the flesh, and are defective.

Q. To what end serve they then?

A. 1. To humble us, in regard of our miserable estate hereby discovered. 2. To be a rule of good life into us. 3. To set us awork daily to pray and cry to the Lord for mercy, and for strength to live accord [...] to his laws.

Q. As you have shewed me the profit of the Law, so tell me, why we should do good works, since they cannot save us?

A. 1. To shew our love to God our Fa­ther, in walking as becometh his children. John 14.15. 2. To shew our love to our selves, making thereby our election cer­tain to our selves. 2 Pet. 1.10. 3 To win our brethren to Christ by our godly life and [Page 36] conversation. Mat. 5.6. 1 Pet. 3.1. 4 To stop the mouths of all blasphemous ad­versaries. 1. Pet. 2.15. 1 Pet. 3.16.

Q. How [...]ay things are principally to be considered in good works?

A. Thrée; 1. that they be commanded in the Law of God. Eph. 2.10. 2 That they procéed from a heart purged by faith, Heb. 11.6. Rom. 14.23. 3 That they be done to Gods glory. 1 Pet. 4.11.

The Fourth Part of the CATECHISME, concerning the LORDS PRAYER.

Qu. WHat is Prayer?

A. A calling upon God in name of Christ, whereby we séek unto him to give the good things we stand in need of, and to remove the evil things which our sins deserved, and to give him thanks for blessings and mercies received.

Q. How many principal parts be there of the Lords Prayer?

A. Thrée, 1 A Preface and Introduction to prayer in these words, Our Father, which art in Heaven,

1. The matter of prayer contained in the six petitions.

3. An assurance of that we pray for con­tained in the conclusion, For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory for ever Amen.

Q. What learn you out of the Preface, Our Father which art in Heaven?

A. Thrée things. 1. He to whom we must pray is a father, and no tyrant to be fled from:

2. He is our Father, and therefore loveth us.

3. Heaven is his Throne, and therefore he is able to [...]elp,

Q. Why do you say, Our Father, and not my Father?

A 1. Because God is the Father of us all.

2. To teach us to pray for others, as well as for our selves.

Q. Why is God said to be in Henven?

A. Not that he is contained or included there, for he fills Heaven and Earth, but because his glory is most manifold as in Heaven, so from Heaven: * For from hea­ven especially the glory of his power, pro­vidence and justice, mercy and other attri­butes is declared.

I. Peti. Q How is Gods Name said to to be Hallowed?

A. By acknowledging the holiness thereof, and honouring it accordingly.

Q. What doth this word Name sig­nifie?

A. Those things whereby God is made known unto us, which are six especially, his nature, the distinction of the persons in the holy Trinity, his Titles, his Attri­butes, his Word, and his Works.

II. Peti. Q What is meant by Gods Kingdo [...]?

A. The peculiar Sovereignty, which God hath over his Elect, begun here in grace, hereafter to be perfected in glory.

Q. How many things do you pray for in this petition. Thy Kingdom come?

A. Four; 1. That he may reign in as our hearts by the Sceptre of his Word. 2 Cor. 10.5.

2. That by his holy spirit he will go­vern us. Rom. 14.17.

3. That Satan and all our lusts may be overthrown. Rom. 16.20. 1 John 3.8.

4. That he would finish these days of sin, and receive us into his kingdom of glory. Rev. 22.20.

III. Peti. Q. What do you pray for in the third Petition, Thy will be done, &c?

A. That as the will of God is done in Heaven, readily, chéerfully and faithfully, so we may fai [...]hfully believe, obediently perform, and patiently bear the known and revealed will of God here on earth; and that in truth and sincerity of affection, as it is in Heaven, though we cannot in like measure and degree of persection. Psal. 103.20. Deut. 29.29. Heb. 10.36. 2 Cor. 8.12.

Q. Why must we pray to do Gods will as the Angels do it?

A Because one day, we shall be like un­to [Page 40] them in glory, therefore we have cause to desire to be like unto them here in holi­ness.

IV. Peti. Q. What is meant by this word Bread?

A. All manner of temporal blessings, néedful for the sustentation and preserva­tion of this life, as meat, drink, cloth, health, peace, and liberty, &c.

Q. How is Bread said to be ours?

A. In regard of a just and true right we have thereunto, which right is two­fold.

1. Spiritual, proper to the Saints that believe in Christ. 1 Cor. 3.22,23.

2. Civil, which is agréeable to Iustice and equity and that in the Courts of men.

Q. What is meant by this word daily?

A. Ordinary and usual bread, whereof we do every day stand in néed, being fit­test for our nature to preserve soul and body together, and to nourish and cherish us here in this life. Prov. 30.8.

Q. Why do you add this day?

A. To shew the moderation of our de­sire of these earthly things, and of our care for them, and our dependance on Gods providence from day to day.

Quest. But is it not lawful to provide for the time to come?

A. Yes, so it be with due moderation, without distracting or distrustful thoughts or fears, having our man dependance still upon God and his blessing. Mat. 6.25. Prov. 16.3.

Q. What needs the rich man daily to pray for daily bread, who hath enough in store for many years?

A. 1. He is to pray for the poor as for himself.

2. His substance and dainties can do him no good without Gods blessing.

Q. How many benefits be there of Gods blessing?

A. Thrée. 1. By the blessing of God, it shall satisfie our natures. Hag. 1.6.

2. By the blessing of God, it shall con­tent our minds. Prov. 13.25.

3. Having eaten and béen refreshed by the blessing of God, we shall use our health and strength to the service of God, and not to the service of the world, the flesh and the Devil. Deut. 32.15. Ezek. 16.19.

V. Pet. Q. Why are our sins called debts and trespasses?

A. 1. Trespasses, because by them God is offended.

II. Debts 1. Because we deny hi [...] by sin the obedience we ow [...] him.

2. Because we are boun [...] over by sin to satisfaction o [...] punishment,

Q. What pray you for in this fifth Pe­tition?

A. 1. That God would forgive us ou [...] trespasses.

2. That we may be directed by him t [...] forgive one another.

Q. How many Lessons learn you ou [...] of it?

A. Four; 1. That all men are sinners.

2. Man must seek for forgiveness, for he cannot satisfie. Job 1.3.

3. None can forgive sins but God. Luke 5.21.

4. To the envious man there is no for­giveness. Mat. 6.15.

IV. Peti. Q. What kind of temptation is here meant?

A. Any provocation or inducement to sin, whether it arise from Satan, our selves op other men, or from any ourward acci­dent or thing whatsoever.

Q Is temptation to sin simply e­vil.

A. No, not in the party tempted, if he yield not thereto, but resist it, for Christ, [Page 43] who was frée from all sin, was tempted unto sin. Mat. 4.9.

Q. How is God said to lead men into temptation?

A. When he bringeth them into the lists with Satan, but especially when he leaveth them to themselves, to try it out by their own strength.

Q. What is comprised under this word Evil?

A. 1. Satan the principal Author of evil.

A. 2. All other kind of evil.

Q. How may one be delivered from evil?

A. Divers ways. 1. By kéeping away that evil which is ready to fall upon him. Exod. 14.13. 2. By assisting him on whout the evil is fallen, so as he is not overwhel­med and overcome therewith. Psal. 69.14.15. 3. By altering the nature of the evil, and turning it to a mans good. Gen. 50.20. 4. By taking away the force of the evil. Dan. 3.27. Mat. 16.18. 5 By removing the evil clean away. 2 Sam. 24.25. 6. By taking one away from the evil to come. 1 Kings 14.13. 2 Kings 22.20. Isa. 57.1.

Q. What doth the conclusion (For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever, Amen) contain in it.

A. Arguments of assurance to the con­science of him that prayeth, that he shall obtain that which is best for him; for, if [Page 44] the Kingdom be the Lords, then he will protect us and do us good as subjects: If the power be his, then he can do it: If the glory be his, then for his great names sake he will never forsake us; but will always do us good, unto the end, and in the end, especially séeing his Kingdom, power and glory are established, and do continue for all eternity, Even so be it, yea, and so it shall be.

Q. Doth he not sometimes delay us, when yet he purposed to answer us?

A. Yea, he doth. 1. Because he loves to hear the voice of his own spirit in us, Rom. 8.26,17. 2. Because the suit may be good, and yet the season not so meet for us. Acts 1.7, Luke 18.1. 3 He takes pleasure in our constancy, being a fruit of faith and fervency. Mat. 15.27,28. 4. Because such blessings as are won by long and strong prayer, are al­ways estéemed very highly, received in humility, enjoyed in sobriety, and employ­ed faithfully for mans good, and Gods glory. 1 Sam. 2.20,22. 1 Chron. 29.14,15.

Q What things are requisite in Pray­er?

A. Divers. 1 That we pray to God through Christ. John 16.23. 2 With assurance through faith to be heard, James 1.6. 3. That our prayers do [Page 45] flow from the heart and be fervent, 1 Cor. 14.15. James 5.16. 4. That we be in charity, when we pray. 1 Tim. 2.8. 5. That we leave sin, and en­deavour to live according to Gods will. Psal. 66.18.

The Fifth Part of the CATECHISME touching the SACRAMENTS.

Qu. HOw many Sacraments hath Christ ordained in his Church▪

A. Two only as generally necessary to salvation, that is to say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord.

Q. What difference is there between Baptisme and the Supper of the Lord?

A. Besides the difference in the signs and Sacramental rites; there is this dif­ference betwéen them: Baptism is a Sa­crament of our new birth, of entrance into covenant with God, of Incorporation and engrafting into Christ, and of Admission into the Church of God; and therefore we are once only baptized. Tit. 3.5. Gen. 17.11. Rom. 6.3. But the Supper of the Lord is a Sacrament of confirmation of faith, of renewing Gods covenant with us, and of ours with God, and of further nourishing of our Souls to eternal life, and therefore we are often partakers of it. 1 Cor. 10.2,3,4. 1 Cor. 11,24,25,26.

Q. What necess [...] [...] there of being partakers of the Sacrament of Baptisme?

A. Not an absolute, but a respective ne­cessity: For the Infants of believing pa­rents dying unbaptized are not deprived of Salvation through Gods promise and mercy; yet it is required.

1. As a requisite means and instrument, the contempt whereof is fearful and dam­nable in such as refuse or neglect it, where according to Gods ordinance it may law­fully be had

2. In regard of our weakness, who have néed of all helps to strengthen our faith.

Q. Are Infants to be baptized?

A. Yes; 1 Because Children in the Law were circumcised. Gen. 17.12.

2. They have interest to the thing sig­nified, the Kingdom of Heaven, much more to the sign. Mark 10.14.

3. All nations are bidden to be bapti­zed, whereof Infants are a part. Mat. 28.19.

Q. What meanest thou by this word Sacrament?

A. I mean an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual Grace, given unto us, ordained by Christ himself, as a means whereby we receive the same, and a pledge to assure us thereof.

Q. Why is Christ the only Author of these Sacraments?

A. 1. Because he is God, and the Author of salvation, and therefore he only may appoint the means as the Word and Sa­craments.

2. Because Christ only can make the Sacraments effectual by his Spirit.

3. Because his heavenly wisdom knew best, how and whereof to institute the Sa­cramental signs or elements.

5. Because Christ is the only Lord, to whose Laws alone the Church is, and may be tyed.

Q. How many parts be there in a Sa­crament?

A. Two, the outward visible sign, and the inward spiritual grace.

Q. What is the outward visible sign in Baptism?

A. Water, wherein the person baptized is dipped or sprinkled with it. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Q. What is the inward and spiritual grace?

A. A death unto sin, and a new birth unto righteousness, for being by nature born in sin, and the children of wrath, we are thereby made the children of grace.

Q. Why hath Christ ordained Bap­tism?

A. That being out of Christ by nature, we might by the Sacrament of our new birth be engrafted into his Mystical body again. Tit. 3.5, John 3.5.

Q. What instruction doth the Sacra­ment of Baptism teach us?

A. As by water the filthiness of the flesh is washed and done away, so by the vertue of Christs blood, the filthiness of the soul should be washed away. * For the blood of Christ that is the force of his death, and the Spirit of Christ, serve to cleanse the soul of a right receiver of Bap­tism, from the filthiness of sin. 1 John 1.7. Ezek. 36.25.

Q. What is required of persons to be Baptized?

A. Repentance, whereby they forsake sin: and faith, whereby they stedfastly be­lieve the promises of God, made to them in that Sacrament.

Q. Why then are Infants baptized, when by reason of their tender age they cannot perform them?

A. Yes, they do perform them by their sureties, who promise and vow them both in their names, which when they come to age, themselves are bound to perform.

Q. What other reason can you shew, why Infants are baptized, seeing they do not yet actually believe?

A. Because the covenant and pro­mises of God do belong unto them. Gen. 17.7. Acts 2.38. Mat. 19.14. Rom. 11.16.

Q. Seeing we are baptized only in In­fancy, how hath Baptism [...]ffect to wash away sins afterwards comm [...]ted?

A. Baptism hath this effect during our whole life, and is a perpetual fountain e­ver washing us, while we with a lively faith do look unto the shedding of Christs blood. Zach. 13.1. Heb. 10.10,14.

Q. Why was the Sacrament of the Lords Supper ordained?

A. For the continual remembrance of the Sacrifice of the death of Christ, and the benefits we receive thereby.

Q. Why is it called the Lords Supper?

A. Because Christ ordained it at his last Supper.

Q. What is the outward part or sign of the Lords Supper?

A. Bread and Wine, which the Lord hath commanded to be received.

Q. Why be there two representing signs in the Sacrament of the Lords Sup­per?

A. 1. That we might know that in Christ we have whole and perfect spiritu­al nourishment, and whatsoever is requi­site to Salvation.

2. For a more lively representation of his death and passion, wherein his body and blood were separated.

Q. What is the duty of the Minister in the administration of the Sacrament?

A. To consecrate it, by declaring the institution thereof; and prayer joyned with thanksgiving, as also to break the Bread, and afterwards to deliver the Bread and Wine to the people.

Q. What is hereby signified?

A. The action of God the Father, offer­ing Christ to all, and bestowing him effe­ctually upon the worthy receiver. 1 Cor. 10.16.

Q. What is the duty of the receiver?

A. To receive the Bread and Wine delivered, and to eat and drink thereof. Mat. 26.26,27. 1 Cor. 11.23,24.

Q. What is signified hereby?

A. Our receiving and féeding upon Christ by faith.

Q. What is the inward part or thing signified.

A. The Body and Blood of Christ, which are verily and indéed taken and received of the faithful in the Lords Sup­per.

Q. By what means do we eat Christs Body, and drink his Blood in the Sacra­ment?

A. Spiritually by faith, while in those outward signs, we do behold Christ cruci­fied for us. John 6.35,47. [...] Christ is truly and spiritually present in the Sacrament, exhibited to the faith of every worthy re­ceiver, but not corporally united to the bread and wine in respect of place. Acts 3.21. compared with Mat. 28.6. John 16.18.

Q. Is the bread and wine turned into the Body and Blood of Christ?

A. No, for so, 1. the unbelievers should eat Christs Body, and drink his Blood.

2. We should destroy the nature of the Sacrament, by taking away the outward sign.

3. We should destroy the truth of his natural body, by depriving it of the true properties thereof. Heb. 2.17.

Q. What difference is there between our common bread and wine, which we receive for our bodily sustenance, and the bread and wine in the Sacrament?

A. There is no difference in their na­ture and substance, but only in the use and end; * for that, elements before common, are now consecrated to the signs of things spiritual and holy; And therefore they are called holy Mysteries, because they lively set forth and seal unto us, the Mystery of our redemption purchased by Iesus Christ.

Q. What are the benefits, whereof we are partakers thereby?

A. The strengthening and refreshing of our souls by the body and blood of Christ, as our bodies are by the bread and wine.

Q. In respect of this benefit? What is the Lord Supper?

A. It is a Sacrament, whereby our continuance, nourishment and growth in Christ is sealed unto us.

Q. What special benefits shall we have by receiving the holy Communion?

A. 1. We have hereby communion and fellowship with Christ (and through him with the Father) set forth by our ta­king, eating, and inward digesting the bread and wine, that become nourishment unto us, and are united to the substance of our bodies.

2. Communion with one another and with all the faithful in all ages, set forth by the same bread, being made of many grains of Corn, and by the same wine made of many grapes.

3. Strength of faith for the death of Christ received and applyed by faith in the Sacrament, doth strengthen our faith, and comfort our consciences in the pardon of our sins.

4. All other graces and blessings are thereby conveyed unto us; And all the marits of Christs passion. and whatsoever is in him, is verily become ours. Rom. 8.38.

Q. What is required of them that come to the Lords Supper?

A. To examine themselves whether they repent them truly of their, former sins, stedfastly purposing to lead a new life▪ have a lively faith in Gods mercy through Christ, with a thankful remembrance of his death, and be in charity with all men.

Q. That a man may know how to ex­amine himself, what is he to know touch­ing the Lords Supper?

A. He must be able to discern the Lords Body.

Q. How is the Lords body discerned?

A. Two ways: 1. In our understan­ding, when we know what this Sacra­ment is, the Author, the end and use there­of.

2. In our practice.

Q In how many things ought every one principally to examine himself?

A. In thrée things. 1 Faith. 2 Repen­tance. 3. Charity.

Quest. What faith is here required of you?

A. A special and peculiar faith, that ap­plyeth to my soul and conscience, the body and blood of Iesus Christ, crucified and shed for me, as truly as my mouth recei­veth the bread that is broken, and the wine that is poured out.

Quest. Why is faith required?

A. Because well we may eat the bread, and drink the wine without faith, but we cannot eat Christs body, and drink his blood without faith.

Q. What if a man find himself weak in faith, and full of doubting.

A. He must bewail his unbelief, pray for faith, séek to have his doubts resolved, and so receive to be further strengthened in believing, because the Sacraments are given us of God for the confirmation and strengthening of our faith. Mark 9.24. Judg. 6.37.

A. Chiefly thrée things. 1. Confessi­on that we acknowledge our selves sin­ners.

2. Contrition, that we be heartily and sincerely sorry for our sins.

3. Purpose of amendment, that we fully resolve and purpose with our selves, never to commit them, nor the like again, but to lead the rest of our lives according to Gods holy Will and Commandments.

Q Why is repentance so necessary?

A. Because this Sacrament is the seal of the remission of sins in Christs blood, which cannot be had without repentance.

Q. How many offices be there of love?

A. Thrée. 1 To do our neighbour no wrong. 2 To do him good if we can. 3 If he doth us wrong, to forgive him.

Q. Why is charity so necessary?

A. Because this Sacrament is a seal, as of our union with Christ, so of our Com­munion and fellowship with our brethren the members of Christ.

Q. Why ought every one to examine himself?

A. 1. Because the unworthy receiver is guilty of the body and blood of Christ. 1 Cor. 11.27.

2. He provoketh the Lord to wrath, and so eateth and drinketh his own damnati­on. 1 Cor. 11.29.

Q. How ought a mans heart to be af­fected in receiving the Sacrament?

A With reverence, Ioy and comfort, meditating on the outward, signs, and what they signifie: of the wonderful love of God, and of Christ herein, of our Communion with Christ, his graces and faithful people. Lastly, we ought to stir up our hearts to be excéeding thankful for so precious benefits. Exod. 3.5. Gen. 28.17. 1 Kings 8.66.

Q. How ought every Christian to be­have himself after the receiving of the Sa­crament?

A. He must endeavour to find an en­crease of faith in Christ, and of his love to all Gods children, a greater measure of dying to sin, and a greater care to live in newness of life, abounding more and more in well doing. Prov. 4.18. Ezek. 47.12.

FINIS.

Books Printed; and are to b [...] Sold by Richard Thrale under St. Martin Outwich Church, in Bishops-Gate Street, near the Post-house.

  • COntemplation of Death and Immortality.
  • A short Narrative of the late dreadful Fire in London. together with certain considerations, re­markable therein.
  • The Mirror which flatters not, concerning the contempt of the world, or Meditation of the Death of Philip King of Macedon.
  • Soladine the Magnificent, Conqueror of Asia, and Monarch of the whole East. Adrian the Emperor of Rome. Alexander the Great, that conquered the world.
  • A true Notion of the worship of God, on a vindi­cation of the service of the Church of England.
  • Posie of godly prayers, by [...]ich. Themilthorp.
  • Carminum Proverbialium.

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Text Creation Partnership. Searching, reading, printing, or downloading EEBO-TCP texts is reserved for the authorized users of these project partner institutions. Permission must be granted for subsequent distribution, in print or electronically, of this EEBO-TCP Phase II text, in whole or in part.