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Foundation of Christian Religion
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Genre
Catechism
Date
1591
Full Title
The Foundation of Christian Religion, gathered into sixe Principles. And it is to bee learned of ignorant people, that they may be fit to hear Sermons with profit, and to receiue the Lords Supper with comfort. Psal. 119.30. The entra~ce into thy words sheweth light, and giueth vnderstanding to the simple.
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The foundation of Christian Religion, gathered into sixe Principles.
Question.
WHat doest thou beleeue concerning
God.
WHat doest thou beleeue concerning
God.
I. There is one God creator
and gouernour of all things, distinguished
into the Father, the
Sonne, and the holy Ghost.
and gouernour of all things, distinguished
into the Father, the
Sonne, and the holy Ghost.
Q. What doest thou beleeue concerning
man: and concerning thine
owne selfe.
man: and concerning thine
owne selfe.
II. All men are wholly corrupted
with sinne through Adams
fal: & so are become slaues
of Sathan, and guilty of eternall
damnation.
with sinne through Adams
fal: & so are become slaues
of Sathan, and guilty of eternall
damnation.
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Q. What meanes is there for thee
to escape this damnable estate?
to escape this damnable estate?
III. Iesus Christ the eternall
sonne of God, being made man,
by his death vpon the Crosse,
and by his righteousnes, hath
perfectly alone by himselfe, accomplished
all things that are
needefull for the saluation of
mankinde.
sonne of God, being made man,
by his death vpon the Crosse,
and by his righteousnes, hath
perfectly alone by himselfe, accomplished
all things that are
needefull for the saluation of
mankinde.
Q. But how mayest thou be made
partaker of Christ & his benefites.
partaker of Christ & his benefites.
IIII. A man of a contrite and
humble spirit by faith alone, apprehending
and applying Christ
with all his merits vnto himself,
is iustified before God and sanctified.
humble spirit by faith alone, apprehending
and applying Christ
with all his merits vnto himself,
is iustified before God and sanctified.
Q. What are the ordinary meanes
for the obtaining of faith.
for the obtaining of faith.
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V. Faith commeth onelie by
the preaching of the word, and
increaseth daylie by it, as also by
the administration of the Sacraments,
and praier.
the preaching of the word, and
increaseth daylie by it, as also by
the administration of the Sacraments,
and praier.
Q. What is the estate of all men
after death?
after death?
VI. All men shall rise againe
with their own bodies to the last
iudgement, which being ended
the godly shal possesse the kingdome
of Heauen: but vnbeleeuers
and reprobates shal be in hel
tormented with the diuel and his
Angels, for euer.
with their own bodies to the last
iudgement, which being ended
the godly shal possesse the kingdome
of Heauen: but vnbeleeuers
and reprobates shal be in hel
tormented with the diuel and his
Angels, for euer.
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The Exposition of the Principles.
I.
Question.
WHat is God?
WHat is God?
A. GOD is a
spirit, or a spirituall
substa~ce, most wise,
most holie, eternall,
infinite.
spirit, or a spirituall
substa~ce, most wise,
most holie, eternall,
infinite.
Q. How doo you perswade your self
that there is such a God.
that there is such a God.
A. Besides the testimonie of the
Scriptures, plaine reason will shew
it.
Scriptures, plaine reason will shew
it.
Q. What is one reason?
A. When I consider the wonderfull
frame of the world, me thinks the
silly creatures yt be in it could neuer
make it: neither could it make itselfe;
and therefore besides all these, the maker
as when a man comes into a strange
Countrey, and sees faire and sumptuous
buildings, and yet findes no liuing
creatures there beside birds and
Beaste, hee will not imagine that either
Birds or Beasts reared by those
buildings, but he presently conceiues
that some men either were or haue
been there.
frame of the world, me thinks the
silly creatures yt be in it could neuer
make it: neither could it make itselfe;
and therefore besides all these, the maker
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of it must needes bee God. Euenas when a man comes into a strange
Countrey, and sees faire and sumptuous
buildings, and yet findes no liuing
creatures there beside birds and
Beaste, hee will not imagine that either
Birds or Beasts reared by those
buildings, but he presently conceiues
that some men either were or haue
been there.
Q. What other reason haue you?
A. A man that commits any sinne,
as murder, fornication, adultery, blasphemie,
&c. albeit he dooth so conceale
the matter, that no man liuing know
of it, yet oftentimes he hath a griping
in his conscience, and feeles the verie
flashings of hel fire: which is a strong
reason, to shew that there is a God,
before whose iudgement seate he must
answere for his fact.
as murder, fornication, adultery, blasphemie,
&c. albeit he dooth so conceale
the matter, that no man liuing know
of it, yet oftentimes he hath a griping
in his conscience, and feeles the verie
flashings of hel fire: which is a strong
reason, to shew that there is a God,
before whose iudgement seate he must
answere for his fact.
Q. How many Gods are there?
A. No more but one.
Q. How doo you conceiue this one
God in your minde?
God in your minde?
A. Not by framing any image of
him in my minde as ignorant folkes
sitting in heauen but I conceaue him
by his properties and works.
him in my minde as ignorant folkes
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doo, that thinke him to be an olde mansitting in heauen but I conceaue him
by his properties and works.
Q. What be his chiefe properties?
A. First, he is most wise, vnderstanding
all things aright, and knowing
the reason of them. Secondly
hee is most holy, which appeareth in
that hee is most iust and mercifull
vnto his creatures. Thirdly, hee is
eternall, without either beginning
or ende of dayes. Lastly, hee is infinite,
both because hee is present in
all places, and because hee is of power
sufficient to doo whatsoeuer hee
will.
all things aright, and knowing
the reason of them. Secondly
hee is most holy, which appeareth in
that hee is most iust and mercifull
vnto his creatures. Thirdly, hee is
eternall, without either beginning
or ende of dayes. Lastly, hee is infinite,
both because hee is present in
all places, and because hee is of power
sufficient to doo whatsoeuer hee
will.
Q. What be the workes of God?
A. The creation of the world, and
of euery thing therein, and the preseruation
of them beeing created by his
speciall prouidence.
of euery thing therein, and the preseruation
of them beeing created by his
speciall prouidence.
Q. How knowe you that God gouerneth
euery particular thing in the
world by his speciall prouidence.
euery particular thing in the
world by his speciall prouidence.
A. To omit the Scriptures, I
see it by experience: Meate, Drinke,
and cloathing being void of life, could
there were a speciall prouidence of
God to giue vertue vnto them.
see it by experience: Meate, Drinke,
and cloathing being void of life, could
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not preserue the life of man, vnlessethere were a speciall prouidence of
God to giue vertue vnto them.
Q. How is this one God distinguished?
A. Into the Father which begetteth
the Sonne: into the Sonne who
is begotten of the Father: into the
holie Ghost, who proceedeth from
the Father and the Sonne.
the Sonne: into the Sonne who
is begotten of the Father: into the
holie Ghost, who proceedeth from
the Father and the Sonne.
II.
Q. Let vs now come to our selues,
and first tel me what is the natural estate
of man?
and first tel me what is the natural estate
of man?
A. Euerie man is by nature dead
in sinne as a loathsome carrion, or as
a dead corps lieth rotting and stincking
in the graue.
in sinne as a loathsome carrion, or as
a dead corps lieth rotting and stincking
in the graue.
Q. What is Sinne?
A. Any breach of the Lawe of
GOD, if it bee no more but the least
want of that which the Lawe requireth.
GOD, if it bee no more but the least
want of that which the Lawe requireth.
Q. How many sortes of sinne are
there?
there?
A. Sinne is either the corruption
of it as fruites thereof.
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of nature, or any euil actions that proceedeof it as fruites thereof.
Q. In whome is this corruption of
nature?
nature?
A. In all men, none excepted.
Q. In what part of man is it?
A. In euerie part both of bodie
and soule, like as a Leprosie that runneth
from the crowne of the head, to
the sole of the foote.
and soule, like as a Leprosie that runneth
from the crowne of the head, to
the sole of the foote.
Q. Shew mee how euerie parte of
man is corrupted with sinne?
man is corrupted with sinne?
A. First, in the mind there is nothing
but ignorance and blindnesse
concerning heauenlie matters. Secondly,
the co~science is defiled, being
alwaies either benummed with sin,
or els turmoyled with inward accusations
and terrours. Thirdly, the wil
of man only willeth and lusteth after
euill. Fourthly, the affections of the
heart, as loue, ioy, hope, desire, &c.
are moued & stirred to that which is
euil to embrace it, and they are neuer
stirred vnto that which is good, vnlesse
it be to eschewe it. Lastly, the members
of the bodie are the instruments
of sinne.
but ignorance and blindnesse
concerning heauenlie matters. Secondly,
the co~science is defiled, being
alwaies either benummed with sin,
or els turmoyled with inward accusations
and terrours. Thirdly, the wil
of man only willeth and lusteth after
euill. Fourthly, the affections of the
heart, as loue, ioy, hope, desire, &c.
are moued & stirred to that which is
euil to embrace it, and they are neuer
stirred vnto that which is good, vnlesse
it be to eschewe it. Lastly, the members
of the bodie are the instruments
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and tooles of the minde for the executionof sinne.
Q. What be those euil actions that
are the fruites of this corruption?
are the fruites of this corruption?
A. Euill thoughts in the minde,
which come either by a mans owne
conceiuing, or by the suggestion of
the Diuell: euill motions and lusts
sturring in the heart, and from these
arise euill words and deedes, when any
occasion is giuen.
which come either by a mans owne
conceiuing, or by the suggestion of
the Diuell: euill motions and lusts
sturring in the heart, and from these
arise euill words and deedes, when any
occasion is giuen.
Q. How commeth it to passe that al
men are thus defiled with sinne?
men are thus defiled with sinne?
A. By Adams infidelitie & disobedience,
in eating the forbidden fruite
euen as wee see great personages by
treason doo not only hurt themselues
but also staine their bloud, & disgrace
their posteritie.
in eating the forbidden fruite
euen as wee see great personages by
treason doo not only hurt themselues
but also staine their bloud, & disgrace
their posteritie.
Q. What hurt comes to man by his
sinne?
sinne?
A. He is continually subiect to the
curse of God in his life time, in the
end of his life, and after this life.
curse of God in his life time, in the
end of his life, and after this life.
Q. What is the cursse of GOD in
this life?
this life?
A. In the body diseases, aches
of heart, horrour of conscience:
in goods, hinderances and losses: in
name, ignominie and reproach: lastly
in the whole man, bondage vnder sathan
the Prince of darkenesse.
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paines: in the soule, blindnesse, hardnesseof heart, horrour of conscience:
in goods, hinderances and losses: in
name, ignominie and reproach: lastly
in the whole man, bondage vnder sathan
the Prince of darkenesse.
Q. What maner of bondage is this?
A. This bondage is when a
man is the slaue of the Diuell, and
hath him to raigne in his heart as his
God.
man is the slaue of the Diuell, and
hath him to raigne in his heart as his
God.
Q. How may a man knowe whether
sathan be his God or not?
sathan be his God or not?
A. He may know it by this, if hee
giue obedience to him in his heart,
and expresse it in his conuersation.
giue obedience to him in his heart,
and expresse it in his conuersation.
Q. And how shall a man perceiue
this obedience?
this obedience?
A. If he take delight in the euill
motions that Sathan puts into his
heart, and doo fulfill the lusts of the
Diuell.
motions that Sathan puts into his
heart, and doo fulfill the lusts of the
Diuell.
Q.What is the cursse due to man
in the end of his life?
in the end of his life?
A. Death, which is the seperation
of bodie and soule.
of bodie and soule.
Q. What is the cursse after this life?
A. Eternall damnation in hell
and is in as great danger of it, as the
Traitor apprehended is in danger
of hanging, drawing, and quartering.
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fire, whereof euerie man is guiltie,and is in as great danger of it, as the
Traitor apprehended is in danger
of hanging, drawing, and quartering.
III.
Q. If damnation be the reward of
sinne, then is a man of all creatures
most miserable. A Dog or a Toade
when they die, al their miserie is ended:
but when a man dieth, there is
the beginning of his woe.
sinne, then is a man of all creatures
most miserable. A Dog or a Toade
when they die, al their miserie is ended:
but when a man dieth, there is
the beginning of his woe.
A. It were so indeede, if there were
no meanes of deliuerance. but God
hath shewed his mercie in giuing a
Sauiour to mankinde.
no meanes of deliuerance. but God
hath shewed his mercie in giuing a
Sauiour to mankinde.
Q. How is this Sauiour called?
A. Iesus Christ
Q. What is Iesus Christ?
A. The eternall Sonne of God
made man in all things, euen in his
infirmities like other men, saue onelie
in sinne.
made man in all things, euen in his
infirmities like other men, saue onelie
in sinne.
Q. How was hee made man voide
of sinne?
of sinne?
A. He was conceiued in the womb
of a Virgin, and sanctified by the holy
Ghost, at his conception.
of a Virgin, and sanctified by the holy
Ghost, at his conception.
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Q. Why must our Sauiour bee
both God and man?
both God and man?
A. He must be a man: because man
hath sinned, and therefore a man must
die for sinne to appease Gods wrath:
hee must bee God to sustaine and vphold
the manhood, to ouercome and
vanquish death.
hath sinned, and therefore a man must
die for sinne to appease Gods wrath:
hee must bee God to sustaine and vphold
the manhood, to ouercome and
vanquish death.
Q. What be the offices of Christ to
make him an al-sufficient Sauiour?
make him an al-sufficient Sauiour?
A. He is a Priest, a Prophet, a King.
Q. Why is he a Priest?
A. To worke the meanes of saluation
in the behalfe of mankinde.
in the behalfe of mankinde.
Q. How doth he worke the meanes
of saluation?
of saluation?
A. First, by making satisfaction to
his Father for the sinne of man: secondly,
by making intercession.
his Father for the sinne of man: secondly,
by making intercession.
Q. How doth he make satisfaction?
A. By two meanes: and the first is
by offering a Sacrifice.
by offering a Sacrifice.
Q. What is this sacrifice?
A. Christ himselfe, as hee is man,
consisting of bodie and soule.
consisting of bodie and soule.
Q. What is the Aulter?
A. Christ as he is God, is the Aulter
on which he sacrificed himselfe.
on which he sacrificed himselfe.
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Q. Who was the Priest?
A. None but Christ, and that as
he is both God and man.
he is both God and man.
Q. How oft did he sacrifice himself?
A. Neuer but once.
Q. What death did hee suffer when
he sacrificed himselfe?
he sacrificed himselfe?
A. A death vpon the Crosse, peculiar
to him alone: for besides the seperation
of body and soule, hee felt also
the panges of hell, in that the whole
wrath of God due to the sinne of man,
was powred foorth vpon him.
to him alone: for besides the seperation
of body and soule, hee felt also
the panges of hell, in that the whole
wrath of God due to the sinne of man,
was powred foorth vpon him.
Q. What profit commeth by this
sacrifice?
sacrifice?
A. Gods wrath is appeased for sin.
Q. Could the suffering of Christ,
which was but for a short time, appease
Gods wrath?
which was but for a short time, appease
Gods wrath?
A. Yea, for seeing Christ suffered
GOD suffered: and that is more
than if all men in the world had suffered
for euer.
GOD suffered: and that is more
than if all men in the world had suffered
for euer.
Q. Now tell mee the other meanes
of satisfaction.
of satisfaction.
A. It is the perfect fulfilling of the
Lawe.
Lawe.
Q. How did he fulfill the Lawe?
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A. By his perfect righteousnes:
which consisteth of two partes, the
first, the integritie and purenesse of
his humaine nature; the other, his
obedience in performing all that the
lawe required.
which consisteth of two partes, the
first, the integritie and purenesse of
his humaine nature; the other, his
obedience in performing all that the
lawe required.
Q. You haue shewed how Christ
dooth make satisfaction, tell mee likewise
how he doth make intercession?
dooth make satisfaction, tell mee likewise
how he doth make intercession?
A. Hee alone dooth continually appeare
before his Father in Heauen,
making the faithful & all their praiers
acceptable vnto him, through the merits
of his owne perfect satisfaction.
before his Father in Heauen,
making the faithful & all their praiers
acceptable vnto him, through the merits
of his owne perfect satisfaction.
Q. Why is Christ a Prophet?
A. To reueale vnto his Church
the way and meanes of saluation, and
this hee dooth outwardly by the Ministerie
of his word, and inwardlie by
the teaching of his holy Spirit.
the way and meanes of saluation, and
this hee dooth outwardly by the Ministerie
of his word, and inwardlie by
the teaching of his holy Spirit.
Q. Why is he also a King?
A. That hee might bountifullie
bestow vpon vs, and conuey vnto vs
all the foresaid meanes of saluation.
bestow vpon vs, and conuey vnto vs
all the foresaid meanes of saluation.
Q. How dooth hee shew himselfe to
be a King?
be a King?
A. In that, being dead and buried,
he rose from the graue, quickned
and now sitteth at the right hand of
his Father, with full power and glorie
in heauen.
he rose from the graue, quickned
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his dead body, ascended into heauen,and now sitteth at the right hand of
his Father, with full power and glorie
in heauen.
Q. How else?
A. In that he doth continually inspire
and direct his seruants by the diuine
power of his holy spirit, according
to his holy word.
and direct his seruants by the diuine
power of his holy spirit, according
to his holy word.
Q. But to whome will this blessed
King communicate all meanes of saluation?
King communicate all meanes of saluation?
A. Hee offereth them to all mankinde,
and they are sufficient to saue
all mankinde: but all shall not bee saued
thereby, because by faith they will
not receiue them.
and they are sufficient to saue
all mankinde: but all shall not bee saued
thereby, because by faith they will
not receiue them.
IIII.
Q. What is Faith?
A. Faith, is a wonderfull grace
of God, by which a man doth apprehend
and applie Christ, and al his benefits
vnto himselfe.
of God, by which a man doth apprehend
and applie Christ, and al his benefits
vnto himselfe.
Q. How dooth a man apply Christ
vnto himselfe, seeing we are on earth,
and Christ in heauen?
vnto himselfe, seeing we are on earth,
and Christ in heauen?
A. This applying is done by assurance,
by the holy spirit, of Gods fauour
towards himselfe particularly, &
of the forgiuenesse of his owne sinnes.
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when a man is verily perswadedby the holy spirit, of Gods fauour
towards himselfe particularly, &
of the forgiuenesse of his owne sinnes.
Q. How dooth God bring men trulie
to beleeue in Christ?
to beleeue in Christ?
A. First he prepareth their hearts,
that they might bee capable of faith:
and then he worketh faith in them.
that they might bee capable of faith:
and then he worketh faith in them.
Q. How doth God prepare me~s harts?
A. By brusing them, as if one would
breake an hard stone to pouder: and
this is done by humbling them.
breake an hard stone to pouder: and
this is done by humbling them.
Q. How doth God humble a man?
A. By working in him a sight of his
sinnes, and a sorrow for them.
sinnes, and a sorrow for them.
Q. How is the sight of sin wrought?
A. By the Morall law: the summe
whereof is the ten commandements.
whereof is the ten commandements.
Q. What sinnes may I finde in my
selfe by them?
selfe by them?
A. Ten.
Q. What is the first?
A. To make some thing thy God
which is not God, by fearing it, louing
it, so trusting in it more than in
the true God.
which is not God, by fearing it, louing
it, so trusting in it more than in
the true God.
Q. What is the second?
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A. To worship false Gods or the
true God in a false manner.
true God in a false manner.
Q. What is the third.
A. To dishonour God in abusing
his titles words, and workes.
his titles words, and workes.
Q. What is the fourth?
A. To breake the Sabaoth in dooing
the works of their calling and of
the flesh: and in leauing vndone the
workes of the spirit.
the works of their calling and of
the flesh: and in leauing vndone the
workes of the spirit.
Q. What be the sixe latter?
A. To do any thing that may hinder
thy neighbours dignitie, life, chastity,
wealth, good name; though it
be but in the secret thoughts and motions
of thy heart, vnto which thou
giuest no liking nor consent.
thy neighbours dignitie, life, chastity,
wealth, good name; though it
be but in the secret thoughts and motions
of thy heart, vnto which thou
giuest no liking nor consent.
Q. What is sorrow for sinne?
A. It is when a mans conscience is
touched with a liuely feeling of Gods
displeasure for any of these sinnes: in
such wise, that hee is wholly out of heart with himselfe, acknowledging
that hee hath deserued shame, and confusion
eternally.
touched with a liuely feeling of Gods
displeasure for any of these sinnes: in
such wise, that hee is wholly out of heart with himselfe, acknowledging
that hee hath deserued shame, and confusion
eternally.
Q. How doth God work this sorrow?
A. By the terrible curse of the law.
Q. What is that?
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A. He which breakes but one of the
commandements of God, though it
be but once in all his life time; & that
onely in one thought, is in danger of
eternall damnation thereby.
commandements of God, though it
be but once in all his life time; & that
onely in one thought, is in danger of
eternall damnation thereby.
Q. When mens hearts are thus
prepared, how doth GOD ingraft
faith in them?
prepared, how doth GOD ingraft
faith in them?
A. By working certaine inwarde
motions in the heart, which are the
seeds of faith, out of which it breedeth.
motions in the heart, which are the
seeds of faith, out of which it breedeth.
Q. What is the first of them?
A. When a man humbled vnder the
burden of his sinnes, dooth acknowledge
and feele that he stands in great
neede of Christ.
burden of his sinnes, dooth acknowledge
and feele that he stands in great
neede of Christ.
Q. What is the second?
A. An hungring desire and a longing
to be made partakers of Christ
and all his merits.
to be made partakers of Christ
and all his merits.
Q. What is the third?
A. A flying to the throne of grace,
from the sentence of the law, pricking
the conscience.
from the sentence of the law, pricking
the conscience.
Q. How is this done?
A. By praying, with sending vp
lowde cries for Gods fauour in Christ
in the pardoning of sinne: and with
the desire of the heart be graunted.
lowde cries for Gods fauour in Christ
in the pardoning of sinne: and with
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feruent perseuerance herein, tillthe desire of the heart be graunted.
Q. What followeth after all this?
A. GOD then, according to his
merciful promise, lets the poore sinner
feele the assurance of his loue wherewith
hee loueth him in Christ, which
assurance is a liuely faith.
merciful promise, lets the poore sinner
feele the assurance of his loue wherewith
hee loueth him in Christ, which
assurance is a liuely faith.
Q. Are there diuers degrees and
measures of true faith?
measures of true faith?
A. Yea.
Q. What is the least measure of
true faith that any man can haue?
true faith that any man can haue?
A. When a man of an humble spirit
"by reason of the littlenes of his faith,
doth not yet feele the assurance of the
forgiuenes of his sinnes, and yet he is
perswaded that they are pardonable,
and therefore desireth that they should
be pardoned", & with his heart prayeth
to God to pardon them.
"by reason of the littlenes of his faith,
doth not yet feele the assurance of the
forgiuenes of his sinnes, and yet he is
perswaded that they are pardonable,
and therefore desireth that they should
be pardoned", & with his heart prayeth
to God to pardon them.
Q. How doo you know that such a
man hath faith?
man hath faith?
A. These desires and prayers are
testimonie of the spirit, whose propertie
it is to stirre vp a longing and a
lusting after heauenly things, with
sighes and groanes for Gods fauour
the spirit of Christ is, there is Christ
dwelling: and where Christ dwelleth,
there is true fayth how weake soeuer
it be.
testimonie of the spirit, whose propertie
it is to stirre vp a longing and a
lusting after heauenly things, with
sighes and groanes for Gods fauour
20
and mercie in Christ. Nowe wherethe spirit of Christ is, there is Christ
dwelling: and where Christ dwelleth,
there is true fayth how weake soeuer
it be.
Q. What is the greatest measure
of fayth?
of fayth?
A. When a man is fully perswaded
of GODS loue in Christ towardes
himselfe particularly, and of
the forgiuenes of his owne sinnes.
of GODS loue in Christ towardes
himselfe particularly, and of
the forgiuenes of his owne sinnes.
Q. When shall a Christian heart
come to this full assurance?
come to this full assurance?
A. Not at the first, but in some
continuance of time, when hee hath
been well practized in repentaunce,
and hath had diuers experiences of
Gods loue vnto him in Christ: then after
them will appeare in his heart the
fulnes of perswasion: which is the
ripenes and strength of faith.
continuance of time, when hee hath
been well practized in repentaunce,
and hath had diuers experiences of
Gods loue vnto him in Christ: then after
them will appeare in his heart the
fulnes of perswasion: which is the
ripenes and strength of faith.
Q. What benefites doth a man receiue
by his fayth in Christ?
by his fayth in Christ?
A. Hereby hee is iustified before
God and sanctified.
God and sanctified.
Q. What is this to bee iustified before
God?
God?
21
A. It comprehendeth two things:
the first, to be cleared from the guiltinesse
and punishment of sinne: the
second, to bee accepted as perfectly
righteous before God.
the first, to be cleared from the guiltinesse
and punishment of sinne: the
second, to bee accepted as perfectly
righteous before God.
Q. How is a man cleared from the
guiltines and punishment of his sinne.
guiltines and punishment of his sinne.
A. By Christs sufferings and death
vpon the Crosse.
vpon the Crosse.
Q. Howe is he accepted righteous
before God?
before God?
A. By the righteousnes of Christ
imputed to him.
imputed to him.
Q. What profit comes by being
thus iustified?
thus iustified?
A. Hereby and by no other means
in the world, the beleeuer shall bee accepted
before Gods iudgement seate,
as worthie of eternall life by the merits
of the same righteousnesse of
Christ.
in the world, the beleeuer shall bee accepted
before Gods iudgement seate,
as worthie of eternall life by the merits
of the same righteousnesse of
Christ.
Q. Doo not good works then make
vs worthie of eternall life?
vs worthie of eternall life?
A. No: for GOD who is perfect
righteousnesse it selfe, will finde in the
best workes wee doo, more matter of
damnation than of saluation: & therefore
wee must rather condemne our
to be iustified before God thereby.
righteousnesse it selfe, will finde in the
best workes wee doo, more matter of
damnation than of saluation: & therefore
wee must rather condemne our
22
selues for our good works, than looketo be iustified before God thereby.
Q. How may a man know, that hee
is iustified before God?
is iustified before God?
A. He neede not ascend into heauen
to search the secret counsell of God:
but rather descend into his own hart
to search whether he be sanctified or
not.
to search the secret counsell of God:
but rather descend into his own hart
to search whether he be sanctified or
not.
Q. What is it to be sanctified?
A. It comprehendeth two things:
the first to be purged from the corruption
of his owne nature: the second
to be indued with inward righteousnes.
the first to be purged from the corruption
of his owne nature: the second
to be indued with inward righteousnes.
Q. Howe is the corruption of sinne
purged?
purged?
A. By the merites and power of
Christs death, which being by faith
applyed, is as a corasiue to abate, co~sume,
& weaken the power of all sinne.
Christs death, which being by faith
applyed, is as a corasiue to abate, co~sume,
& weaken the power of all sinne.
Q. Howe is a man indued with inherent
righteousnes?
righteousnes?
A. Through the vertue of Christs
resurrection, which being applied by
fayth, is as a restoratiue to reuiue
a man that is dead in sin to newnes of
life.
resurrection, which being applied by
fayth, is as a restoratiue to reuiue
a man that is dead in sin to newnes of
life.
23
Q. In what part of man is sanctification
wrought?
wrought?
A. In euery part of body & soule.
Q. In what time is it wrought?
A. It is begun in this life, in which
the faythfull receiue onely the first
fruits of the spirit, and it is not finished
before the end of this life.
the faythfull receiue onely the first
fruits of the spirit, and it is not finished
before the end of this life.
Q. What graces of the spirit do vsually
shewe themselues in the heart
of a man sanctified?
shewe themselues in the heart
of a man sanctified?
A. The hatred of sinne, and the
loue of righteousnes.
loue of righteousnes.
Q. What proceedes of them?
A. Repentance, which is a settled
purpose in the heart, with a careful indeuour
to leaue all his sinnes, and to
liue a Christian life.
purpose in the heart, with a careful indeuour
to leaue all his sinnes, and to
liue a Christian life.
Q. What goeth with repentance?
A. A continual fighting and strugling
against the assaults of a mans
owne flesh, against the motions of the
Diuell, and the enticements of the
world.
against the assaults of a mans
owne flesh, against the motions of the
Diuell, and the enticements of the
world.
Q. What followeth after a man
hath gotten the victory in any temptation
or affliction?
hath gotten the victory in any temptation
or affliction?
A. Experience of Gods loue in
and ioy in the holy Ghost.
24
Christ and so increase of peace of conscienceand ioy in the holy Ghost.
Q. What followes, if in any temptation
he bee ouercome, and through
infirmitie fall?
he bee ouercome, and through
infirmitie fall?
A. After a while there wil arise a
godly sorrow, which is, whe~ a man is
grieued for no other cause in ye worlde
but for this onely, yt by his sin he hath
displeased GOD, who hath bin vnto
him a most merciful & louing Father.
godly sorrow, which is, whe~ a man is
grieued for no other cause in ye worlde
but for this onely, yt by his sin he hath
displeased GOD, who hath bin vnto
him a most merciful & louing Father.
Q. What signe is there of this sorowe?
A. The true signe of it is this, when
a man can be grieued for the very disobedience
to God in his euill worde
or deede, though hee should neuer bee
punished, and though there were neither
heauen nor hell.
a man can be grieued for the very disobedience
to God in his euill worde
or deede, though hee should neuer bee
punished, and though there were neither
heauen nor hell.
Q. What followes after this sorowe?
A. Repentance renewed a fresh.
Q. By what signes will this repentance
appeare?
appeare?
A. By seauen. 1. A care to leaue
the sinne into which hee is fallen. 2.
An vtter condemning of himselfe for
it, with a crauing of pardon. 3. A
carelesnesse. 4. A feare least hee should
fall into the same sinne againe. 5. A
desire euer after to please God. 6. A
zeale of the same. 7. Reuenge vpon
himselfe for his former offence.
the sinne into which hee is fallen. 2.
An vtter condemning of himselfe for
it, with a crauing of pardon. 3. A
25
great anger against himselfe for hiscarelesnesse. 4. A feare least hee should
fall into the same sinne againe. 5. A
desire euer after to please God. 6. A
zeale of the same. 7. Reuenge vpon
himselfe for his former offence.
V.
Q. What outward meanes must
wee vse to obtaine faith and all blessings
of God which come by faith.
wee vse to obtaine faith and all blessings
of God which come by faith.
A. The preaching of Gods word
and the administration of the Sacraments, and prayer.
and the administration of the Sacraments, and prayer.
Q. Where is the word of God to
be found?
be found?
A. The whole word of God needefull
to saluation is set down in the holy
Scriptures.
to saluation is set down in the holy
Scriptures.
Q. How know you that the Scriptures
are the word of GOD and not
mens pollicies?
are the word of GOD and not
mens pollicies?
A. I am assured of it. First, because
the holy Ghost perswadeth my
conscience that it is so. Secondly, I
see it by experience: for the preaching
of the Scriptures haue the power
of GOD in them to humble a man
him downe to hell: and afterward to
restore and raise him vp againe.
the holy Ghost perswadeth my
conscience that it is so. Secondly, I
see it by experience: for the preaching
of the Scriptures haue the power
of GOD in them to humble a man
26
when they are preached, and to casthim downe to hell: and afterward to
restore and raise him vp againe.
Q. What is the vse of the word of
God preached?
God preached?
A. First it breedeth and then it increaseth
faith in them which are chose~
to saluatio~: but vnto them that perish
it is by reason of their corruption an
occasion of their further damnation.
faith in them which are chose~
to saluatio~: but vnto them that perish
it is by reason of their corruption an
occasion of their further damnation.
Q. How must we heare Gods word,
yt it may be effectuall to our saluation?
yt it may be effectuall to our saluation?
A. Wee must come vnto it with
hunger-bitten hearts, hauing an appetite
to the worde; we must mark it
with attention, receiue it by faith, submit
our selues vnto it with feare and
trembling, euen then when our faults
are reproued: lastly, wee must hide it
in the corners of our hearts, that wee
may frame our liues and conuersations
by it.
hunger-bitten hearts, hauing an appetite
to the worde; we must mark it
with attention, receiue it by faith, submit
our selues vnto it with feare and
trembling, euen then when our faults
are reproued: lastly, wee must hide it
in the corners of our hearts, that wee
may frame our liues and conuersations
by it.
Q. What is a Sacrament?
A. A signe to represent, a seale to
confirme, an instrument to conuey
Christ and all his benefites to them
that doo beleeue in him.
confirme, an instrument to conuey
Christ and all his benefites to them
that doo beleeue in him.
Q. Why must a Sacrame~t represent
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27
the mercies of God before our eyes?
A. Because we are dull to conceiue
and to remember them.
and to remember them.
Q. Why doth the Sacrament seale
vnto vs the mercies of God?
vnto vs the mercies of God?
A. Because we are full of vnbeleefe
and doubting of them.
and doubting of them.
Q. Why is the Sacrament the instrument
of the spirite to conuey the
mercies of God into our hearts?
of the spirite to conuey the
mercies of God into our hearts?
A. Because we are like Thomas,
we will not beleeue till wee feele them
in some measure in our hearts.
we will not beleeue till wee feele them
in some measure in our hearts.
Q. How many Sacrame~ts are there?
A. Two and no more. Baptisme,
by which wee haue our admission into
the true Church of God: and the
Lords supper, by which wee are nourished
and preserued in the Church
after our admission.
by which wee haue our admission into
the true Church of God: and the
Lords supper, by which wee are nourished
and preserued in the Church
after our admission.
Q. What is done in Baptisme?
A. Solemnly in the assembly of the
church a couenant is made betweene
the Lord and the party baptized.
church a couenant is made betweene
the Lord and the party baptized.
Q. In ye making of this couena~t what
doth God promise to ye party baptized?
doth God promise to ye party baptized?
A. Christ with all blessings that
come by him.
come by him.
28
Q. To what condition is the party
baptized, bound?
baptized, bound?
A. To receiue Christ, and to repent
of his sinne.
of his sinne.
Q. What meaneth the sprinkling
or dipping in water.
or dipping in water.
A. The couenant being solemnly
made, is therby sealed and confirmed.
made, is therby sealed and confirmed.
Q. How commeth it to passe that
many after their baptisme for a long
time feele not the effect and fruit of it,
and some neuer?
many after their baptisme for a long
time feele not the effect and fruit of it,
and some neuer?
A. The fault is not in GOD, who
keepes his couenants; but the fault is
in themselues, in that they doo not
keepe the condition of the couenant to
receiue Christ by faith, and to repent
of all their sinnes.
keepes his couenants; but the fault is
in themselues, in that they doo not
keepe the condition of the couenant to
receiue Christ by faith, and to repent
of all their sinnes.
Q. When shall a man then see the
effect of his Baptisme?
effect of his Baptisme?
A. At what time soeuer he doth
receiue Christ by faith, though it bee
an hundred yeares after, hee shall then
feele the power of GOD to regenerate
him, & to work al things in him,
which he offered in Baptisme.
receiue Christ by faith, though it bee
an hundred yeares after, hee shall then
feele the power of GOD to regenerate
him, & to work al things in him,
which he offered in Baptisme.
Q. Howe if a man neuer keepe the
condition, to which he bound himselfe
condition, to which he bound himselfe
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29
in Baptisme?
A. His damnation shal be the greater,
because hee breaketh his vowe
made to God.
because hee breaketh his vowe
made to God.
Q. What is done in the L. supper?
A. The former couenant made in
Baptisme, is renued in the Lords
supper, betweene the Lord himselfe &
the receiuer.
Baptisme, is renued in the Lords
supper, betweene the Lord himselfe &
the receiuer.
Q. What is the receiuer?
A. Euery one that hath been baptized,
and after his baptisme hath truly
beleeued in Christ: and repented of
his sinne from his heart.
and after his baptisme hath truly
beleeued in Christ: and repented of
his sinne from his heart.
Q. What meaneth the bread & wine,
the eating of the bread, & drinking of
the wine?
the eating of the bread, & drinking of
the wine?
A. These outward actions are a
second seale, set by the Lordes owne
hand vnto his couenant. And they doo
giue euery receiuer to vndersta~d, that
as God doth blesse the bread & wine,
to preserue & strengthen the bodie of
the receiuer: so christ receiued by faith,
shall nourish him, and preserue both
bodie and soule vnto eternall life.
second seale, set by the Lordes owne
hand vnto his couenant. And they doo
giue euery receiuer to vndersta~d, that
as God doth blesse the bread & wine,
to preserue & strengthen the bodie of
the receiuer: so christ receiued by faith,
shall nourish him, and preserue both
bodie and soule vnto eternall life.
Q. What shall a true receiuer feele
in himselfe after the receiuing of the
in himselfe after the receiuing of the
30
Sacrament?
A. The increase of his faith in
Christ, the increase of sanctification, a
greater measure of dying to sinne, a
greater care to liue in newnes of life.
Christ, the increase of sanctification, a
greater measure of dying to sinne, a
greater care to liue in newnes of life.
Q. What if a man after the receiuing
of the Sacrament, neuer finde
any such thing in himselfe?
of the Sacrament, neuer finde
any such thing in himselfe?
A. Hee may well suspect himselfe,
whether he did euer repent or not.
whether he did euer repent or not.
Q. What is another meanes of increasing
faith?
faith?
A. Praier.
Q. What is praier?
A. A familiar speach with God: in
which either we craue things needful,
or giue thanks for things receiued.
which either we craue things needful,
or giue thanks for things receiued.
Q. In asking things needfull, what
is required?
is required?
A. Two things, an earnest desire,
and faith.
and faith.
Q. What things must a Christian
mans heart desire?
mans heart desire?
A. Sixe things especially.
Q. What are they?
A. 1. That he may glorifie God: 2.
That God may raigne in his heart &
not sinne: 3. That he may do Gods
That he may rely himselfe on Gods
prouidence for all the meanes of this
temporall life: 5. That he may be iustified,
and be at peace with God: 6.
That by the power of God hee may
be strengthened against all te~ptatio~s.
That God may raigne in his heart &
not sinne: 3. That he may do Gods
C3
31
will, and not the lusts of his flesh: 4.That he may rely himselfe on Gods
prouidence for all the meanes of this
temporall life: 5. That he may be iustified,
and be at peace with God: 6.
That by the power of God hee may
be strengthened against all te~ptatio~s.
Q. What is faith?
A. A perswasion, that these things
which we truly desire, God will grant
them for Christs sake.
which we truly desire, God will grant
them for Christs sake.
VI.
Q. After that a man hath led a short
life in this world, what followeth the~?
life in this world, what followeth the~?
A. Death, which is the parting asunder
of body and soule.
of body and soule.
Q. Why doo wicked men and vnbeleeuers
die?
die?
A. That their bodies may goe to
the earth, and their soules may be cast
into hell fier.
the earth, and their soules may be cast
into hell fier.
Q. Why doo the godly die?
A. That their bodies may rest for a
while in the earth. & their soules may
enter into heauen immediatlie.
while in the earth. & their soules may
enter into heauen immediatlie.
Q. What followeth after death?
A. The day of iudgement.
32
Q. What signe is there to knowe
this day from other dayes?
this day from other dayes?
A. Heauen and earth shall bee consumed
with fier immediatlie before the
comming of the Iudge.
with fier immediatlie before the
comming of the Iudge.
Q. Who shall be the Iudge?
A. Iesus Christ the sonne of God.
Q. What shall bee the comming to
iudgement?
iudgement?
A. He shall come in the clouds in
great Maiestie and glorie with infinit
companie of Angels.
great Maiestie and glorie with infinit
companie of Angels.
Q. How shall all men bee cited to
iudgement?
iudgement?
A. At the sound of a trumpet, the
liuing shall be changed in the twinckling
of an eye, and the dead shal rise againe
euerie one with his owne bodie,
and all shall be gathered together
before Christ: and after this, the good
shall bee seuered from the bad, these
standing on the left hand of Christ,
the other on the right.
liuing shall be changed in the twinckling
of an eye, and the dead shal rise againe
euerie one with his owne bodie,
and all shall be gathered together
before Christ: and after this, the good
shall bee seuered from the bad, these
standing on the left hand of Christ,
the other on the right.
Q. How will Christ trie and examine
euery mans cause?
euery mans cause?
A. The bookes of all mens dooings
shall bee laide open, and euerie
man shal be tried by the workes which
open and manifest signes of faith or
vnbeliefe.
shall bee laide open, and euerie
man shal be tried by the workes which
33
he did in his life time, because they areopen and manifest signes of faith or
vnbeliefe.
Q. What sentence will he giue?
A. He wil giue sentence of saluation
to the elect and godly, but he will pronounce
sentence of damnation against
vnbeleeuers and reprobates.
to the elect and godly, but he will pronounce
sentence of damnation against
vnbeleeuers and reprobates.
Q. What state shall the godly be in
after the day of iudgement?
after the day of iudgement?
A. They shal continue for euer in the
highest heauen in the presence of God,
hauing ful fellowship with Christ Iesus,
and raigning with him for euer.
highest heauen in the presence of God,
hauing ful fellowship with Christ Iesus,
and raigning with him for euer.
Q. What state shall the wicked bee
in after the day of Iudgement?
in after the day of Iudgement?
A. In eternall perdition and destruction
in hell fire.
in hell fire.
Q. What is that?
A. It stands in three things especially,
1. a perpetuall seperation from
Gods co~fortable presence, 2. fellowship
with the diuel and his angels, 3.
an horrible pang and torment both of
bodie and soule, arising of the feeling
of the whole wrath of God, powred
foorth on the wicked, for euer, worlde
without end.
FINIS.
1. a perpetuall seperation from
Gods co~fortable presence, 2. fellowship
with the diuel and his angels, 3.
an horrible pang and torment both of
bodie and soule, arising of the feeling
of the whole wrath of God, powred
foorth on the wicked, for euer, worlde
without end.
FINIS.