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Catechisme Contayning Princples of religion
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Genre
Catechism
Date
1630
Full Title
A short Catechisme. Contayning the Princples of religion. Verie profitable for all sorts of people.
Source
STC 1313.3
Sampling
Sample 1
The original format is octavo.
The original contains first paragraphas are introduced by decorated initial,contains footnotes,contains elements such as italics,text contains multiple bible references,
A Short Catechisme.
Q. WHat ought to be the Chiefe
and continuall care of euerie
man in this life?
and continuall care of euerie
man in this life?
A. To glorifie God,
and saue his soule.
and saue his soule.
Q. Whence must wee take direction
to attaine hereunto?
to attaine hereunto?
A. Out of the word of God alone.
Q. What call you the word of God?
A. The holy Scripture immediately
inspired, which is contained in the
Bookes of the Old and New Testament.
inspired, which is contained in the
Bookes of the Old and New Testament.
Q. What are the Bookes of the Old
Testament?
Testament?
A. Moses, and the Prophets.
Q. Which are the Bookes of the new Testament?
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A. Matthew, Marke, Luke, and the
rest, as they follow in our Bibles.
rest, as they follow in our Bibles.
Q. How may it bee proued that those
Bookes are the word of God, immediately inspired
by the Holy Ghost to the Prophets
and Apostles?
Bookes are the word of God, immediately inspired
by the Holy Ghost to the Prophets
and Apostles?
A. By the testimonie of the Church,
constancie of the Saints, miracles
wrought to confirme the truth, and the
Antiquitie thereof.
constancie of the Saints, miracles
wrought to confirme the truth, and the
Antiquitie thereof.
Q. How else?
A. By the stile, efficacie, sweete
consent, admirable doctrine, excellent
end, and the witnesse of the Scripture
it selfe
consent, admirable doctrine, excellent
end, and the witnesse of the Scripture
it selfe
Q. These reasons may conuince any, be he
neuer so obstinate; but are they sufficient to
neuer so obstinate; but are they sufficient to
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perswade the heart thereof?
A. No: the testimonie of the Spirit
is necessary; and onely all-sufficient
for this purpose.
is necessary; and onely all-sufficient
for this purpose.
Q. What are the properties of the Scripture?
A. It is of Diuine authoritie, the rule
of faith and Manners, necessarie,
pure, perfect, and plaine.
of faith and Manners, necessarie,
pure, perfect, and plaine.
Q. For what end was the Scripture
written?
written?
A. To teach, instruct, conuince, correct,
and comfort. 2. Tim .3. 16.17 Rom
.15.4.
and comfort. 2. Tim .3. 16.17 Rom
.15.4.
Q Doth the knowledge of the Scriptures
belong vnto all men?
belong vnto all men?
A. Yes, all men are not only allowed,
but exhorted, and commanded to read,
heare, and vnderstand the Scriptures.
but exhorted, and commanded to read,
heare, and vnderstand the Scriptures.
Q. The Scriptures were written in
Hebrew and Greeke, how then shall all
men read, and vnderstand them?
Hebrew and Greeke, how then shall all
men read, and vnderstand them?
A. They ought to be translated into
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knowne tongues, and interperted.
Q. What doth the Scripture especially
teach vs?
teach vs?
A. The sauing knowledge of God,
and Iesus Christ.
and Iesus Christ.
Q. How may it bee prooued that there
is a God.
is a God.
A. By the workes, and wonders
which are seene, the testimonie of conscience,
the powers of the soule, and the
practises of Satan.
which are seene, the testimonie of conscience,
the powers of the soule, and the
practises of Satan.
Q. How else?
A. By the consent of Nations, defence
of the Church, support, and comfort
of the godly, but principally by the
Scriptures,
of the Church, support, and comfort
of the godly, but principally by the
Scriptures,
Q. What is God?
A. He is a Spirit, hauing his being
of himselfe,
of himselfe,
Q. How many Gods be there?
A. Onely one God, and three persons,
the Father, Sonne, and holy Ghost.
the Father, Sonne, and holy Ghost.
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Q. What is the propertie of the Father?
A. To bee of himselfe, and to beget
his Sonne.
his Sonne.
Q. What is the propertie of the Sonne?
A. To bee begotten of the Father.
Q. What is the propertie of the Holy
Ghost?
Ghost?
A. To proceed from the Father, and
the Sonne.
the Sonne.
Q. The nature of God is infinite and
incomprehensible, how then may we conceiue
of him?
incomprehensible, how then may we conceiue
of him?
A. By his properties, and by his
workes.
workes.
Q. What are his properties?
A. He is most wise, strong, good,
gracious, iust, mercifull, perfect,
blessed, and glorius.
gracious, iust, mercifull, perfect,
blessed, and glorius.
Q. What are his workes?
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A. They are three, Decree, Creation,
and Prouidence.
and Prouidence.
Q. What is the Decree?
A. That whereby God hath from
eternitie set downe with himselfe
whatsoeuer shall come to passe.
eternitie set downe with himselfe
whatsoeuer shall come to passe.
Q. What is Creation?
A. That wherby God made all things
of nothing, in six dayes.
of nothing, in six dayes.
Q. In what forme or manner were all
things created?
things created?
A. In an execellent order, and exceeding
good.
good.
Q. For what end did God make all
things?
things?
A. For the praise of this power, goodnesse,
wisdome, perfection, and freedome.
wisdome, perfection, and freedome.
Q. What is prouidence?
A. That whereby God doth preserue
and gouerne all things with all
their actions.
and gouerne all things with all
their actions.
Q. What are the speciall creatures made,
preserued, and gouerned by the Lord?
preserued, and gouerned by the Lord?
A. Angels, and men.
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Q. What was the state of a man by creation
A. Marueilous, holy, and happy
Q. Why say you that man was holy?
A. Because he was created after the
image of God, in knowledge, righteousnesse,
and true holinesse.
image of God, in knowledge, righteousnesse,
and true holinesse.
Q. Wherein did mans happines consist?
A. In the inioying of sweete peace
and communion with God.
and communion with God.
Q. What further priuiledges did Man
enioy in this state of innocencie?
enioy in this state of innocencie?
A. He was placed in Paradise, had liberty
to eate of euery tree of the garden,
except the tree of knowledge of good
and euill, and was made ruler of al earthly
Creatures.
to eate of euery tree of the garden,
except the tree of knowledge of good
and euill, and was made ruler of al earthly
Creatures.
Q. Were these things bestowed vpon
man that he might liue as he list?
man that he might liue as he list?
A. No: but that he might serue the
Lord his maker who therefore gaue man
a law, binding him alwayes to perfect
obedience, and a special commandement
to trie him.
Lord his maker who therefore gaue man
a law, binding him alwayes to perfect
obedience, and a special commandement
to trie him.
Q. What was that speciall co~mandement?
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A. Of the tree of knowledge of good
and euill, thou shalt not eate: for in the
day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt
die the death.
and euill, thou shalt not eate: for in the
day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt
die the death.
Q. Death wee heare was threatned if
he disobeyed, what promise was made to
encourage him to his dutie?
he disobeyed, what promise was made to
encourage him to his dutie?
A. The continuance both of himselfe,
and his posteritie in that good estate.
and his posteritie in that good estate.
Q. Did man continue in that good estate?
A. No: but he fell from God, through
the inticement of Satan.
the inticement of Satan.
Q. How did he fall?
A. By sinning wilfully against God,
transgressing his Law:
transgressing his Law:
Q. What was the sinne he did commit?
A. The eating of the forbidden fruit.
Q. Did all mankind sinne in Adam?
A. Yes for wee were all in his loynes.
Q. What is the state of all men by reason Adams fall?
A. They are dead in sin, and bondslaues
of Satan.
of Satan.
Q. How doth that appeare?
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A. In that they are altogether vnable
to good, and prone to euill continually.
to good, and prone to euill continually.
Q. What fruits doe proceed from this
originall corruption?
originall corruption?
A. Euill thoughts, words, & works.
Q. Are all the actions of naturall men
euill continually?
euill continually?
A. Yes, for they faile in many things,
and therefore as they come from them,
they are odious vnto God.
and therefore as they come from them,
they are odious vnto God.
Q. What punishments are due vnto man,
by reason of those sinnes?
by reason of those sinnes?
A. All woe, and miserie, temporall,
spiritual, and eternall,
spiritual, and eternall,
Q. What are the temporall miseries?
A. Gods curse vpon the creatures, on
mans body, senses, name, friends, whatsoeuer
hee takes in hand; and death it
selfe,
mans body, senses, name, friends, whatsoeuer
hee takes in hand; and death it
selfe,
Q. Which are the spirituall miseries?
A. Blindnes of minde, the spirt of
slumber, and giddinesse, horror of conscience,
hardnesse of heart, a reprobate,
slumber, and giddinesse, horror of conscience,
hardnesse of heart, a reprobate,
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sense, and strong delusions.
Q. What is the eternall miserie?
A. Euerlasting damnation.
Q. After a man doth know his miserie,
what is he to learne in the next place?
what is he to learne in the next place?
A. The true meanes how he may escape
the forsaid miserie, and be restored to
happinesse.
the forsaid miserie, and be restored to
happinesse.
Q. By what meanes may we escape this
miserie, and recouer happinesse?
miserie, and recouer happinesse?
A. Only by Iesus Christ.
Q. What is Iesus Christ?
A. The eternall Son of God, who in
time became man for his elect.
time became man for his elect.
Q. How many things are we to consider
in Christ?
in Christ?
A. His Person and his Office
Q. What is his Person?
A. It is God and man, vnited together
into one person
into one person
Q. Being God before all time how could
he be made man?
he be made man?
A. Hee was conceiued by the holy
Ghost, borne of the Virgin Marie, according
Ghost, borne of the Virgin Marie, according
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to the Prophets
Q. Why was Christ Conceiued by the
holy Ghost?
holy Ghost?
A. That hee might be pure without
sinne, wherewith all are stained, that are
conceiued after the ordinarie manner.
sinne, wherewith all are stained, that are
conceiued after the ordinarie manner.
Q. Why was he God?
A. That hee might beare the weight
of Gods wrath without sinking vnder it,
ouercome death, bee the Head of the
Church repaire his Image in vs, conquer
the enemies of our saluation, and defend
vs against them.
of Gods wrath without sinking vnder it,
ouercome death, bee the Head of the
Church repaire his Image in vs, conquer
the enemies of our saluation, and defend
vs against them.
Why was he man?
A. That he might suffer death for vs,
sanctifie our nature, and we might haue
accesse with boldnesse to the throne of
grace
sanctifie our nature, and we might haue
accesse with boldnesse to the throne of
grace
What is his Office?
A. To bee a Mediator, to reconcile
God and man
God and man
Q. How did he that?
A. By his fulfilling the law, and by
his sufferings.
his sufferings.
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Q. What vnderstand you by his suffering?
A. His voluntarie humiliation both
in soule and bodie, his crucifying
death, buriall, and abiding vnder the
dominion of death, for a time.
in soule and bodie, his crucifying
death, buriall, and abiding vnder the
dominion of death, for a time.
Q. Did Christ alwayes abide vnder
the power and dominion of death?
the power and dominion of death?
A. No: for the power of death being
subdued, the third day he rose againe
ascended into heauen, and sitteth at the
right hand of the Father.
subdued, the third day he rose againe
ascended into heauen, and sitteth at the
right hand of the Father.
Q. What are the speciall parts of Christ
Mediatorship?
Mediatorship?
A. Hee is Prophet, Priest, and
King.
King.
Q. Why was Christ a Prophet?
A. To reueale vnto vs the way to euerlasting
life.
life.
Q. Why was he a Priest?
A. To purchase for vs righteousnesse
and life eternall.
and life eternall.
Q. What are the functions of his
Priestly office?
Priestly office?
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A. Offering vp himselfe a sacrifice
once for all, and making request for vs.
once for all, and making request for vs.
Q. Why was Christ a King?
A. To bridle, and subdue all his enemies;
but to gather and gouerne his elect
and chosen.
but to gather and gouerne his elect
and chosen.
Q. What benefit doe we receiue by the death
and resurrection of Christ?
and resurrection of Christ?
A. Wee are redeemed from the guilt
punishment, and power of sin, and shall
bee raised vp at the last day,
punishment, and power of sin, and shall
bee raised vp at the last day,
Q. How are wee redeemed from the guilt
and punishment of sinne?
and punishment of sinne?
A. God the Father, accepting the death
of Christ, as a ful ransome & satisfaction
to his iustice, doth freely discharge and
acquit vs from all our sins.
of Christ, as a ful ransome & satisfaction
to his iustice, doth freely discharge and
acquit vs from all our sins.
Q. How are wee redeemed from the power
and tyrannie of sinne.
and tyrannie of sinne.
A. Christ by his death killeth sinne in
vs, and by his resurrection doth quicken
vs to newnesse of life.
vs, and by his resurrection doth quicken
vs to newnesse of life.
B
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Q. What are the benefits of Christs ascension,
& sitting at the right hand of the Father
& sitting at the right hand of the Father
A. The leading of captiuitie captiue,
the giuing of gifts vnto men, the powring
of his spirit vpon his people, and
the preparing a place for them,
the giuing of gifts vnto men, the powring
of his spirit vpon his people, and
the preparing a place for them,
Q. What are the benefits of his intercession?
A. The persons of the faithfull doe alwaies
remaine iust, and their works acceptable
in the sight of God; hereby also
they are defended against the accusations
of all their enemies,
remaine iust, and their works acceptable
in the sight of God; hereby also
they are defended against the accusations
of all their enemies,
Q. How will the knowledge of these things
worke in the heart of him whom God will
saue?
worke in the heart of him whom God will
saue?
A. It brings him to a serious consideration
of his owne estate, to grieue for
sinne, and the feare of Gods displeasure,
whereby the heart is broken and humbled,
of his owne estate, to grieue for
sinne, and the feare of Gods displeasure,
whereby the heart is broken and humbled,
Q. What else will this knowledge worke?
A. It will bring a man to confesse his
sinne, highly to prize Christ, and hunger
after him, vntill hee obtaine his desire.
sinne, highly to prize Christ, and hunger
after him, vntill hee obtaine his desire.
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Q. How are we made partakers of Christ
with all his benefits?
with all his benefits?
A. By faith alone
Q. What is faith?
A. A resting vpon Christ alone for
saluation.
saluation.
Q. What is the ground of faith?
A. The free promises of God made
in Christ, concerning the forgiuenesse of
sinnes, and eternall righteousnes.
in Christ, concerning the forgiuenesse of
sinnes, and eternall righteousnes.
Q. How is faith wrought in vs?
A. Inwardly by the spirit, as the author,
& outwardly by the preaching of
the word and catechising, as the instrument
thereof.
& outwardly by the preaching of
the word and catechising, as the instrument
thereof.
Q. How doth the Word worke faith in vs?
A. By shewing vs our misery, and the
true meanes of our recouery, encouraging
vs being humbled, to receiue the
promises of the Gospel.
true meanes of our recouery, encouraging
vs being humbled, to receiue the
promises of the Gospel.
Q. How doth the spirit work by the Word?
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A. It doth teach vs wisedome, to apply
things generally spoken, particularly
to our selues, secretly vpholdeth against
despair, stirreth vp in vs good desires,
doth soften the heart, & draw vs
to rest vpon Christ for saluation, before
we haue the feeling of comfort.
things generally spoken, particularly
to our selues, secretly vpholdeth against
despair, stirreth vp in vs good desires,
doth soften the heart, & draw vs
to rest vpon Christ for saluation, before
we haue the feeling of comfort.
Q. By what meanes is faith increased?
A. By hearing the same word preached
and catechised, and likewise by earnest prayer.
and catechised, and likewise by earnest prayer.
Q. How must wee heare that wee may get
profit?
profit?
A. With reuerence, meeknes, ioy,
a longing desire to learne, and giuing
credit to the truth.
a longing desire to learne, and giuing
credit to the truth.
Q. How else?
A. Wee must meditate of that wee
heare, apply it to our selues, conferre of
it with others, and with diligence set about
the practice of what is required.
heare, apply it to our selues, conferre of
it with others, and with diligence set about
the practice of what is required.
Q. What is Prayer?
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A. It is a calling vpon God, in the name
of Christ, with the heart, and sometimes
with the voice, according to his will: for
our selues and others.
of Christ, with the heart, and sometimes
with the voice, according to his will: for
our selues and others.
Q. To whom must we pray?
A. To God alone, in the name of
Christ.
Christ.
Q. Ought we not in prayer to make particular
confession of our sinnes?
confession of our sinnes?
A. Yes: so farre as we can come to the
knowledge of them; and this we must do
with griefe, hatred and shame, freely
accusing and condemning our selues before
God, with broken and contrite
hearts.
knowledge of them; and this we must do
with griefe, hatred and shame, freely
accusing and condemning our selues before
God, with broken and contrite
hearts.
Q. What are the parts of prayer?
A. Petition and Thanksgiuing.
Q. What is Petition?
A. It is a Prayer, wherein wee desire
the preuenting or remouing of things
hurtfull, & the obtaining of things needfull
either for this life, or for that which
is to come.
the preuenting or remouing of things
hurtfull, & the obtaining of things needfull
either for this life, or for that which
is to come.
Q. How must wee make our requests that
we may be heard?
we may be heard?
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A. With vnderstanding feeling of our
wants, feruency, reuerence, hope to
speed, & loue,
wants, feruency, reuerence, hope to
speed, & loue,
Q. What is thankesgiuing?
A. It is prayer, wherein wee render
thankes to God, for his generall goodnesse,
and particular fauors.
thankes to God, for his generall goodnesse,
and particular fauors.
Q. What things are required in thankesgiuing?
A. Loue to God, and ioy in his mercy,
a desire to draw others to obey and
glorifie God, and an endeauour to proceed
in godlinesse our selues.
a desire to draw others to obey and
glorifie God, and an endeauour to proceed
in godlinesse our selues.
Q. What rule of direction is there according
to which we ought to frame our prayers?
to which we ought to frame our prayers?
A. The generall direction is the word
of God, the more speciall is the Lords
Prayer.
of God, the more speciall is the Lords
Prayer.
Q. How many things are to bee considered
in the Lords Prayer?
in the Lords Prayer?
A. Three, the Preface, the Prayer it
selfe, and the Conclusion.
selfe, and the Conclusion.
Q. Which is the Preface?
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A. Our Father which art in heauen.
Q. What learne you out of this Preface?
A. That God is our Father by grace
and adoption, through Iesus Christ, glorious
in Maiestie and infinite in power,
that both can, and hath promised to
helpe vs.
and adoption, through Iesus Christ, glorious
in Maiestie and infinite in power,
that both can, and hath promised to
helpe vs.
Q. What are you to consider in the Prayer
it selfe?
it selfe?
A. Sixe petitions and a thanksgiuing.
Q. Which is the first petition?
A. Hallowed be thy name.
Q. What desire you of God in this petition?
A. That Gods infinite excellencie may
bee magnified by vs on earth, in heart,
word, and deede.
bee magnified by vs on earth, in heart,
word, and deede.
Q. Which is the second petition?
A. Thy kingdome come.
Q. What doe you desire of God in this petition?
A. That Christ would conuert such as
be vnder the power of Satan; rule in the
hearts of his chosen by his Spirit here,
and perfect their saluation in heauen
hereafter.
be vnder the power of Satan; rule in the
hearts of his chosen by his Spirit here,
and perfect their saluation in heauen
hereafter.
Q. Which is the third petition?
A. Thy will bee done in earth, as it is
in heauen.
in heauen.
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Q. What desire you of God in this petition?
A. That whatsoeuer God willeth in his
word might be obeyed chearefully, speedily,
faithfully, & constantly by men on
earth, as the Angels doe in heauen.
word might be obeyed chearefully, speedily,
faithfully, & constantly by men on
earth, as the Angels doe in heauen.
Q. Which is the fourth petition?
A. Giue vs this day our daily bread.
Q. What desire you of God in this petition?
A. That God would bestow on vs all
things necessarie for this life; as foode,
maintenance, &c.
things necessarie for this life; as foode,
maintenance, &c.
Q. Which is the fift petition?
A. And forgiue vs our trespasses, as we
forgiue them that trespasse against vs.
forgiue them that trespasse against vs.
Q. What desire you of God in this petition?
A. That God of his free mercy in Iesus
Christ, would fully pardon all our sinnes,
as we doe pardon the wrongs and iniuries
we receiue from others
Christ, would fully pardon all our sinnes,
as we doe pardon the wrongs and iniuries
we receiue from others
Q. Which is the sixt petition?
A. And lead vs not into temptation,
but deliuer vs from euill.
but deliuer vs from euill.
Q. What desire you of God in this petition?
A. To bee freed from trials so farre as
it may stand with the good pleasure of
God, and alwayes to bee deliuered from
the euill thereof, that we faint not vnder
them, or be foiled by them.
it may stand with the good pleasure of
God, and alwayes to bee deliuered from
the euill thereof, that we faint not vnder
them, or be foiled by them.
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Q. Which is the thanks-giuing in the Lords
prayer.
prayer.
A. For thine is the kingdom, the power,
and the glory, for euer and euer.
and the glory, for euer and euer.
Q. Doe not these words containe a reason
also, why wee beg the former blessings at the
hand of God?
also, why wee beg the former blessings at the
hand of God?
A. Yes: for seeing the kingdome, power,
and glory is the Lords, we should call
vpon him in all our necessities.
and glory is the Lords, we should call
vpon him in all our necessities.
Q. Which is the conclusion of the Lords
prayer?
prayer?
A. Amen, which is a witnessing of our
faith, and desire of the things prayed for.
faith, and desire of the things prayed for.
Q. What doth Amen signifie?
A. So it is, or, So be it.
Q. What must we doe after we haue prayed?
A. Obserue how wee speed, and what
answer we receiue.
answer we receiue.
Q. What benefit shall we gaine hereby?
A. It wil stirre vp the heart to thankfulnesse,
remoue dulnesse & negligence
in this dutie, strengthen our faith, and
inflame our hearts with zeale, ioy, & loue
remoue dulnesse & negligence
in this dutie, strengthen our faith, and
inflame our hearts with zeale, ioy, & loue
Q. What must we doe if God answer vs not
at the first or second time?
at the first or second time?
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A. Examine how we pray, and continue
feruent therin, waiting vpon the
Lord vntill we speed.
feruent therin, waiting vpon the
Lord vntill we speed.
Q. Who ought to pray?
A. Though God require it of all men
vpon earth, yet it more specially belongeth
to the members of the Church militant,
vpon earth, yet it more specially belongeth
to the members of the Church militant,
Q. Who can, and may pray with hope to
speede?
speede?
A. Onely they that depart from iniquitie,
Q. For whom must we pray?
A. For all sorts of men now liuing or
that shall liue hereafter, but not for the
dead.
that shall liue hereafter, but not for the
dead.
Q. May men content themselues to pray
in priuate onely, or onely in publike?
in priuate onely, or onely in publike?
A. No: but they must vse both publike
and priuate prayer,
and priuate prayer,
Q. What other meanes hath God appointed
to increase faith?
to increase faith?
A. The due administration and receiuing
of the Sacraments.
of the Sacraments.
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Q. Who ought to administer the Sacraments?
A. Onely they that are lawfully called
thereunto by the Church,
thereunto by the Church,
Q. What is a Sacrament?
A. A seale of the couenant of grace.
Q. In what words is this couenant expressed
in the Scripture?
in the Scripture?
A. I will be thy God, and thou shalt
be my people,
be my people,
Q. What are the parts of a Sacrament?
A. Two; An outward visible signe, sanctified,
to represent & seale another thing
to the minde, and heart; and an inward
grace, which is the thing signified.
to represent & seale another thing
to the minde, and heart; and an inward
grace, which is the thing signified.
Q. Who is author of the Sacrament?
A. The Lord onely, who made the
couenant,
couenant,
Q. How many Sacraments are there?
A. Two; Baptisme, and the Lords
Supper,
Supper,
Q. What is Baptisme?
A. A Sacrament of our ingrafting into
Christ, communion with him, and entrance
into the Church.
Christ, communion with him, and entrance
into the Church.
Q. What is the outward signe?
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A. Water, wherwith the party baptised
is washed, by dipping or sprinkling
in the name of the Father, Sonne, and
holy Ghost.
is washed, by dipping or sprinkling
in the name of the Father, Sonne, and
holy Ghost.
Q. What is the inward grace, or thing signified?
A. Forgiuenesse of sinnes, and sanctification.
Q. To what condition doth the party baptized
binde himselfe?
binde himselfe?
A. To beleeue in Christ, and forsake
his sinne.
his sinne.
Q. How oft ought a man to be baptized?
A. It is enough once to bee baptized;
for baptisme is a pledg of our new birth
for baptisme is a pledg of our new birth
Q. Who ought to be baptized?
A. Infidels conuerted to the faith,
and the infants of one or both Christian
parents.
and the infants of one or both Christian
parents.
Q. What is the Lords Supper?
A. A Sacrament of our continuance
and growth in Christ.
and growth in Christ.
Q. Who is the author of this Sacrament?
A. The Lord Iesus in the same night
that he was betrayed.
that he was betrayed.
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Q. What is the outward signe?
A. Bread and Wine, with the actions
pertaining to them, as breaking, giuing,
receiuing, eating, and drinking.
pertaining to them, as breaking, giuing,
receiuing, eating, and drinking.
Q. What is the inward grace?
A. Christ with all the benefits of his
death and passion.
death and passion.
Q. What is the duty of the Minister in the
administration of this Sacrament?
administration of this Sacrament?
A. To consecrate it by declaring the
institution thereof, and prayer ioyned
with thankesgiuing: As also to breake
the bread, and afterwards to deliuer the
bread and wine to the people,
institution thereof, and prayer ioyned
with thankesgiuing: As also to breake
the bread, and afterwards to deliuer 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 vpon the worthy receiuer.
Christ to all, and bestowing him
effectually vpon the worthy receiuer.
Q. What is the dutie of the receiuers?
A. To receiue the bread and wine deliuered,
and to eate and drinke thereof.
and to eate and drinke thereof.
Q. What is signified hereby?
A. Our receiuing, and feeding vpon
25
Christ by faith,
Q. Is it sufficient to receiue this Sacrament
once?
once?
A. No: but we must receiue it often,
Q. For what end and vse ought wee to receiue
this Sacrament?
this Sacrament?
A. To confirme our faith, communion
with Christ, & all sauing graces in vs,
to keepe in remembrance the Lords
death vntill he come againe, and to testifie
our loue one to another,
with Christ, & all sauing graces in vs,
to keepe in remembrance the Lords
death vntill he come againe, and to testifie
our loue one to another,
Q. What is the danger of vnworthy receiuing?
A. Vnworthy receiuers are guiltie of
the body and bloud of the Lord, and doe
eate and drink iudgement to themselues.
the body and bloud of the Lord, and doe
eate and drink iudgement to themselues.
Q. Who are to receiue this Sacrament?
A. Such as know their misery by sin,
the remedy thereof in Christ, and the
doctrine of the Sacrament, with all earnestly
longing to bee satisfied with the
bread of life,
the remedy thereof in Christ, and the
doctrine of the Sacrament, with all earnestly
longing to bee satisfied with the
bread of life,
Q. What else is required in them that
come to this Table?
come to this Table?
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A. A renewed hatred of all sinne, an
heartie endeauour to ouercome naturall
passions, and an vtter and wel-aduised
forsaking of grosser sins, willingnes to
be strengthened in faith, and a longing
desire for the good of our brethren.
heartie endeauour to ouercome naturall
passions, and an vtter and wel-aduised
forsaking of grosser sins, willingnes to
be strengthened in faith, and a longing
desire for the good of our brethren.
Q. What if a man find himselfe weake in
faith, and full of doubting?
faith, and full of doubting?
A. Hee must bewaile his vnbeleefe,
pray for faith; seeke to haue his doubts
resolued and so receiue, to bee further
strengthened.
pray for faith; seeke to haue his doubts
resolued and so receiue, to bee further
strengthened.
Q. How ought a mans heart to be affected
in receiuing the Sacrament?
in receiuing the Sacrament?
A. With reuerence, ioy and comfort,
meditating on the outward signes,
& what they signifie, the dainties prepared,
and loue of him that prepared them
our communion with Christ his graces,
& his faithfull people, wherby the heart,
is prepared to thanksgiuing.
meditating on the outward signes,
& what they signifie, the dainties prepared,
and loue of him that prepared them
our communion with Christ his graces,
& his faithfull people, wherby the heart,
is prepared to thanksgiuing.
Q. What must we do after we haue receiued?
27
A. Wee must endeauour to finde an increase
of faith, loue, and all sauing graces,
abounding more and more in weldoing.
of faith, loue, and all sauing graces,
abounding more and more in weldoing.
Q. What order hath the Lord left in his
Church, to keepe his ordinances from contempt?
Church, to keepe his ordinances from contempt?
A. The vnruly should be admonished,
the obstinate excommunicated, and the
penitent after their fal restored & comforted.
the obstinate excommunicated, and the
penitent after their fal restored & comforted.
Q. Besides the forenamed meanes, are
there not some other profitable for the increase
of faith?
there not some other profitable for the increase
of faith?
A. Yes: reading or hearing the Scriptures
read, in publique, and in priuate,
meditation, and conference.
read, in publique, and in priuate,
meditation, and conference.
Q. Hitherto of the ordinary meanes wherby
faith is increased: Be there not also some
extraordinary meanes.
faith is increased: Be there not also some
extraordinary meanes.
A. Yes: and those bee holy fasting,
holy feasting, and religious vowes.
holy feasting, and religious vowes.
Q. What is an holy Fast?
A. A religious abstinence from all the
of this life, so farre as comelines and necessitie
will permit, that we might bee
more seriously humbled before God,
and more feruent in prayer.
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labours of our calling, and comfortsof this life, so farre as comelines and necessitie
will permit, that we might bee
more seriously humbled before God,
and more feruent in prayer.
Q. When ought we to fast?
A. When we feele or feare some grieuous
calamitie vpon vs, or hanging ouer
our heads, want some speciall blessing, are
pressed with some speciall sinne, or goe about
some weighty matter.
calamitie vpon vs, or hanging ouer
our heads, want some speciall blessing, are
pressed with some speciall sinne, or goe about
some weighty matter.
Q. What is an holy Feast?
A. An extraordinary thanksgiuing
for some notable deliuerance out of some
desperate danger, testified with feasting
before God, with ioy and gladnesse, sending
presents to our friends, & portions
to the needy.
for some notable deliuerance out of some
desperate danger, testified with feasting
before God, with ioy and gladnesse, sending
presents to our friends, & portions
to the needy.
Q. What is a Religious vow?
A. A solemne promise vnto God,
made by a fit person, of some lawfull
thing which is in his choise, to testifie his
loue and thankfulnesse.
made by a fit person, of some lawfull
thing which is in his choise, to testifie his
loue and thankfulnesse.
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Q. Can faith being wrought and confirmed
in vs, be fruitlesse and vnprofitable?
in vs, be fruitlesse and vnprofitable?
A. No: for it worketh by loue,
Q. What is the principall worke of faith?
A. It purifieth the heart. Acts 15.9.
Q. What followeth thereupon?
A. A fighting and combating against
sinne and corruption. Gal. 5.17.
sinne and corruption. Gal. 5.17.
Q. What else?
A. Renouncing of all euill in affection,
and of grosse sinne in life and conuersation.
and of grosse sinne in life and conuersation.
Q. What is a third thing that followeth
hence?
hence?
A. Loue and delight in that which is
good, ioyned with a sincere desire, purpose,
& endeuour daily to amend what
soeuer is amisse, and to lead a life according
to the law of God.
good, ioyned with a sincere desire, purpose,
& endeuour daily to amend what
soeuer is amisse, and to lead a life according
to the law of God.
Q. Wherein is the summe of the law contained?
A. In the tenne Commaundements,
Deut. 10.4.
Deut. 10.4.
Q. How are they diuided?
A. Into two Tables, Deut. 5.22. and
10.1, 2.
10.1, 2.
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Q. Which are the Commandements of
the first Table?
the first Table?
A. The foure first, & they teach the duty
which we owe vnto God immediately.
which we owe vnto God immediately.
Q. Which are the Commandements of
the second Table?
the second Table?
A. The sixe last, which instruct vs in
our dutie towards our neighbour.
our dutie towards our neighbour.
Q. Which is the first Commandement?
A. I am the Lord thy God, &c. Thou
shalt haue, &c.
shalt haue, &c.
Q. Which is the generall dutie required
in this Commandement?
in this Commandement?
A. That in mind, will, affections, and
the effects of these, wee take the true
God, in Christ, to be our God.
the effects of these, wee take the true
God, in Christ, to be our God.
Q. What is the generall sin here forbidden?
A. All failing to giue God that foresaid
honour which is due vnto him: or else in
whole or in part giuing it to any other.
honour which is due vnto him: or else in
whole or in part giuing it to any other.
Q. What is the second Commandement?
A. Thou shalt not make to thy self, &c.
Q. What is the generall dutie which this
Commandement requireth?
Commandement requireth?
A. That we doe worship the true God
purely, according to his will.
purely, according to his will.
Q. What is the generall sinne forbidden?
A. All omission of Gods true worship
either inuented by others, or taken vp of
our owne heads.
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when it is required, and al false worship,either inuented by others, or taken vp of
our owne heads.
Q. Which is the third Commandement?
A. Thou shalt not take the name, &c.
Q. What is the generall dutie required in
this Commandement?
this Commandement?
A. That we should vse the titles, properties,
works & ordinance of the Lord,
with knowledge, faith, reuerence, ioy, &
sincerity, in thought, word & co~uersatio~
works & ordinance of the Lord,
with knowledge, faith, reuerence, ioy, &
sincerity, in thought, word & co~uersatio~
Q. What is the generall sinne forbidden?
A. Omitting the dutie here required,
vsing the Lords name when we ought
not, or otherwise then we should.
vsing the Lords name when we ought
not, or otherwise then we should.
Q. When is the name of God taken otherwise
then it should?
then it should?
A. When it is vsed ignorantly, superstitiously
without faith, rashly, not to a
right end, hypocritically, falsly, against
conscience, and when men name themselues
Christians, but liue scandalously.
without faith, rashly, not to a
right end, hypocritically, falsly, against
conscience, and when men name themselues
Christians, but liue scandalously.
Q. Which is the fourth Commandement?
A. Remember the Sabbath day, &c.
Q. What is the general dutie here required
A. That the whole Sabbath or Lords
day, be set apart from al common vses, as
holy to the Lord, both publikely & priuately
holinesse, and mercie.
day, be set apart from al common vses, as
holy to the Lord, both publikely & priuately
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in the practise of the duties of necessitie,holinesse, and mercie.
Q. What is the general sin here forbidden?
A. All neglecting of the duties of that
time, or prophaning of that day, by needlesse
workes, words, or thoughts, about
our callings, or recreation.
time, or prophaning of that day, by needlesse
workes, words, or thoughts, about
our callings, or recreation.
Q. Which day is to be set apart as holy
to the Lord?
to the Lord?
A. It is morrall, and perpetuall to keepe
one day in seuen, as holy: from the creation
to the resurrection of Christ, the seuenth
day was instituted, after Christ his
resurrection, the first day of the weeke
was ordained, and is to be kept for euer.
one day in seuen, as holy: from the creation
to the resurrection of Christ, the seuenth
day was instituted, after Christ his
resurrection, the first day of the weeke
was ordained, and is to be kept for euer.
Q. What is the fift Commandement?
A. Honour thy father and thy mother,
&c.
&c.
Q. Who are to bee vnderstood by father
and mother?
and mother?
A. Not onely naturall parents, but also
all superiours in office, age, and gifts.
all superiours in office, age, and gifts.
Q. What is it to honour?
A. To acknowledge the excellencie
that is in men by vertue of their place,
and to carrie our selues accordingly towards
them.
that is in men by vertue of their place,
and to carrie our selues accordingly towards
them.
Q. Are only the duties of Inferiors here
intended.
intended.
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A. No, but of Superiors, & equals also
Q. What then is the maine dutie of this
Commandement?
Commandement?
A. That we carefully obserue that order
which God hath apointed amongst men
and doe the duties which wee owe vnto
them in respect of their places & degrees.
which God hath apointed amongst men
and doe the duties which wee owe vnto
them in respect of their places & degrees.
Q. What is the dutie of Inferiors?
A. They must be subiect, reuerent, and
thankful to their superiors, bearing with
their wants, and couering them in loue.
thankful to their superiors, bearing with
their wants, and couering them in loue.
Q. What is the dutie of Superiours?
A. To carrie themselues grauely, meekly,
and after a seemely manner towards
their inferiours.
and after a seemely manner towards
their inferiours.
Q. What is the dutie of equals?
A. To regard the dignitie and worth
each of other, modestly to beare themselues
one toward the other, and in giuing
honour to goe one before another.
each of other, modestly to beare themselues
one toward the other, and in giuing
honour to goe one before another.
Q. Which is the sixt Commandement?
A. Thou shalt doe no Murther.
Q. What is the generall dutie of this
Commandement?
Commandement?
A. That by all meanes lawfull, we desire
and studie to preserue our owne person,
and the person of our neighbour.
and studie to preserue our owne person,
and the person of our neighbour.
Q. What is the general sin herein forbidden?
34
A. All neglect of our owne, or our neibours
preseruation, or desire of our own
or their hurt, conceiued in heart, or declared
in word, gesture or deed.
preseruation, or desire of our own
or their hurt, conceiued in heart, or declared
in word, gesture or deed.
Q. Which is the seuenth commandement?
A. Thou shalt not commit Adulterie.
Q. What is the generall dutie of this Commandement?
A. That wee should keepe our selues
pure in soule and body, both towards
our selues and others.
pure in soule and body, both towards
our selues and others.
Q. Which is the generall sin here forbidden?
A. All vncleanenesse of heart, speech,
gesture, or action, together with all the
causes, occasions, and signes thereof.
gesture, or action, together with all the
causes, occasions, and signes thereof.
Q. Which is the eight commandement?
A. Thou shalt not Steale.
Q. What is the generall duty of this commandement?
A. That by all good meanes wee further
the outward estate of ourselues, and
of our neighbours.
the outward estate of ourselues, and
of our neighbours.
Q. What is the general sinne forbidden?
A. All neglect to further our owne or
our neighbours wealth, all impeachment
or hinderance thereof, and all increase
thereof, by vniust and indirect dealing.
our neighbours wealth, all impeachment
or hinderance thereof, and all increase
thereof, by vniust and indirect dealing.
Q. Which is the ninth Commandement?
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A. Thou shalt not beare false witnesse
against thy neighbour.
against thy neighbour.
Q. What is the generall duty here required
A. That by al meanes we seek to maintaine
our owne and our neighbors good
name, according to truth & a good conscience.
our owne and our neighbors good
name, according to truth & a good conscience.
Q. What is the generall sinne forbidden?
A. All failing to procure, defend, and
further our own, and our neighbours credit,
all vniust defence, wrongfull suspition;
and accusation of our selues, or others.
further our own, and our neighbours credit,
all vniust defence, wrongfull suspition;
and accusation of our selues, or others.
Q. Which is the tenth Commandement?
A. Thou shalt not couet, &c.
Q. What is the generall duty commanded?
A. That we be truely contented with
our owne outward condition, and hartily
desire the good of our neighbour, in all
things belonging vnto him great & smal
our owne outward condition, and hartily
desire the good of our neighbour, in all
things belonging vnto him great & smal
Q. What is the generall sinne forbidden?
A. All thoughts of mind, wishes, and
desires of heart, and delightfull remembrances
of euill, against contentednesse.
desires of heart, and delightfull remembrances
of euill, against contentednesse.
Q. Is any man able to keepe this Law?
A. Not perfectly; for the godly often
fall, the most holy faile alwaies in their
best duties: But the child of God ought,
may & vsually doth walke according
fall, the most holy faile alwaies in their
best duties: But the child of God ought,
may & vsually doth walke according
36
to the law, sincerely.
Q. Should not a Christian omit doing
of good altogether, seeing he cannot doe it in
that measure that God requireth?
of good altogether, seeing he cannot doe it in
that measure that God requireth?
A. No: but with diligence, & singlenesse
of heart, striue against corruption,
looke for the assistance of Gods spirit, &
labour to grow in grace.
of heart, striue against corruption,
looke for the assistance of Gods spirit, &
labour to grow in grace.
Q. What meanes should a man vse to
grow in grace?
grow in grace?
A. Hee must throughly examine his
wayes, iudge himselfe, watch ouer his
heart at all times, in all places, occasions,
and conditions. redeeming the time, to
store his hart with good, & preserue his
faith.
wayes, iudge himselfe, watch ouer his
heart at all times, in all places, occasions,
and conditions. redeeming the time, to
store his hart with good, & preserue his
faith.
Q. What else?
A. He must take vnto him the whole
armour of God, and with care, vprightnesse
and constancie, vse the meanes of
grace before prescribed, in on estate, as
well as in another.
armour of God, and with care, vprightnesse
and constancie, vse the meanes of
grace before prescribed, in on estate, as
well as in another.
37
Q. What priuiledges doth God afford in
this life vnto his children, who labor according
to his will to increase in grace?
this life vnto his children, who labor according
to his will to increase in grace?
A. They may be assured of his fauour
& fatherly care ouer them, the direction
of his spirit, their groweth in grace,
& perseuerance to the end,
& fatherly care ouer them, the direction
of his spirit, their groweth in grace,
& perseuerance to the end,
Q. What other priuiledges doth God afford
vnto them?
vnto them?
A. They are kept from, comforted
in and deliuered out of many troubles,
taught to vse all estates aright, preserued
from foule offences, enabled to
rise againe if they fal, instructed to liue
godly, & haue possession of the word,
in and deliuered out of many troubles,
taught to vse all estates aright, preserued
from foule offences, enabled to
rise againe if they fal, instructed to liue
godly, & haue possession of the word,
Q. Doe all the godly, or any, at all times
enioy all these priuiledges?
enioy all these priuiledges?
A. No: some are ignorant of them, not
beleeuing, or at least very faintly, that
there be any such: Others are carelesse,
who prize, them not, and so take not
paines for these things as they ought.
beleeuing, or at least very faintly, that
there be any such: Others are carelesse,
who prize, them not, and so take not
paines for these things as they ought.
Q. What other hinderances doe depriue
38
Christians of the enioying of these priuiledges
A. Inordinate passions, as feare, anger,
selfe-loue, pride, loue of pleasures, cares
of the world, earthly incumbrances, and
inconstancie in good duties: temptations
also to distrust, doe keepe vnder many.
selfe-loue, pride, loue of pleasures, cares
of the world, earthly incumbrances, and
inconstancie in good duties: temptations
also to distrust, doe keepe vnder many.
Q. How should a man bridle and reforme
these vnruly passions?
these vnruly passions?
A. Let him highly esteeme a Christian
life, pray earnestly, set himselfe most against
the infirmities that be strongest in
him, shun the occasions of sinne, hide the
commandment in his hart, and apply
the death of Christ, for the killing of
corruption.
life, pray earnestly, set himselfe most against
the infirmities that be strongest in
him, shun the occasions of sinne, hide the
commandment in his hart, and apply
the death of Christ, for the killing of
corruption.
Q. How may a man ouercome his temptations
to distrust?
to distrust?
A. He must not giue credit to Satans
suggestions against Gods truth but consider
of Gods power, goodnesse, vnchangeablenesse,
former mercies, & free
grace in giuing vs his Son: so that weaknes,
vnworthinesse, want of feeling comfort
should not dismay him.
suggestions against Gods truth but consider
of Gods power, goodnesse, vnchangeablenesse,
former mercies, & free
grace in giuing vs his Son: so that weaknes,
vnworthinesse, want of feeling comfort
should not dismay him.
Q. What else must we doe?
39
A. Hee must consider what promises
the Lord hath made to keepe & vphold
him, what encouragement he hath giuen
him to beleeue, and how acceptable
a thing it is that he should so do.
the Lord hath made to keepe & vphold
him, what encouragement he hath giuen
him to beleeue, and how acceptable
a thing it is that he should so do.
Q. What other thing is to bee learned for
the ouercomming of these temptations?
the ouercomming of these temptations?
A. Wee must iudge of our selues not
by our owne present feeling, or by our
owne discerning the fruites of Grace,
but by that we haue felt, & the fruits
of grace which appeare to others.
by our owne present feeling, or by our
owne discerning the fruites of Grace,
but by that we haue felt, & the fruits
of grace which appeare to others.
Q. What may be a further helpe?
A. It is good to examine our hearts,
& vse the aduice of others; but we must
know withall, the groaning after, and
labouring to rest our wearied soule vpon
the promises of grace, being neuer satisfied
vntil our doubtfulnesse be remooued,
will bring a good end.
& vse the aduice of others; but we must
know withall, the groaning after, and
labouring to rest our wearied soule vpon
the promises of grace, being neuer satisfied
vntil our doubtfulnesse be remooued,
will bring a good end.
Q. Doe the fruites of the spirit alwayes
appeare in the faithfull.
appeare in the faithfull.
A. No: they are obscured in our first
when we leaue our first loue, in the time
of temptation, or of some relapse into
sinne.
40
conuersion, in the dayes of securitie,when we leaue our first loue, in the time
of temptation, or of some relapse into
sinne.
Q. How should a man recouer out of a relapse
A. By a speedy consideration of what
hee hath done, renewing his repentance,
with sorrow and shame, bewailing his
sinne before God, reforming his life, and
laying hold vpon the promise of mercy.
hee hath done, renewing his repentance,
with sorrow and shame, bewailing his
sinne before God, reforming his life, and
laying hold vpon the promise of mercy.
Q. What priuiledges doe the godly enioy
as soone as this life is ended?
as soone as this life is ended?
A. Their glory then begins: for their
bodies remaine in the graue as in a bed
of spices, & their soules being perfectly
freed from sinne, are receiued into heauen,
beholding God and Christ immediately.
bodies remaine in the graue as in a bed
of spices, & their soules being perfectly
freed from sinne, are receiued into heauen,
beholding God and Christ immediately.
Q. If this bee the state of the godly, what
shall become of the vngodly?
shall become of the vngodly?
A. Their bodies shall rot in the graue,
& their soules bee iudged to euerlasting
woe.
& their soules bee iudged to euerlasting
woe.
Q. When shall the happinesse of the elect
be consummate?
be consummate?
41
A. At the dreadfull day of iudgment,
& the generall resurrection,
& the generall resurrection,
Q. Who shall be the iudge at that day?
A. Christ the Lord and King of the
Church, who shal come in a most glorious
& visible maner descending fro~ heauen
with a shout, and with the voice of the
Archangel, and with the trumpet of God
most royally attended with innumerable
multitudes of mighty angels,
Church, who shal come in a most glorious
& visible maner descending fro~ heauen
with a shout, and with the voice of the
Archangel, and with the trumpet of God
most royally attended with innumerable
multitudes of mighty angels,
Q. When shall he come?
A. He will most surely come, but the
time is vnknowne, that we might euer
watch, and prepare for his comming.
time is vnknowne, that we might euer
watch, and prepare for his comming.
Q. Whom shall he iudge?
A. His elect and chosen, and all their
enemies both euill angels, and wicked
men.
enemies both euill angels, and wicked
men.
Q. Seeing many of Gods elect people, and
wicked men are rotted in the earth, how can
they be iudged?
wicked men are rotted in the earth, how can
they be iudged?
A. The very same bodies in substance
that at any time died, shall by the power
of God be raised vp, and the soules be vnited
vnto them, inseparably to abide together
for euermore.
that at any time died, shall by the power
of God be raised vp, and the soules be vnited
vnto them, inseparably to abide together
for euermore.
42
Q. What are wee to beleeue concerning
those who shal be found aliue at the comming
of Christ?
those who shal be found aliue at the comming
of Christ?
A. They shall bee changed in the
twinckling of an eye, and so presented
before the iudgement seate of Christ.
twinckling of an eye, and so presented
before the iudgement seate of Christ.
Q. In what manner shall he iudge?
A. Most strictly, both in respect of the
persons iudged, & the things for which;
but yet hee shall iudge most righteous
iudgement.
persons iudged, & the things for which;
but yet hee shall iudge most righteous
iudgement.
Q. What shall be the issue of this iudgement
to the wicked?
to the wicked?
A. Euerlasting perdition from the
presence of the Lord, to all those who ignorantly
or wilfully, did contemn the
Gospell
presence of the Lord, to all those who ignorantly
or wilfully, did contemn the
Gospell
Q. What shall bee the issue thereof to the
godly?
godly?
A. The cleare vision of God & Christ,
endlesse communion with them, and
euerlasting peace & glory both in soule
and body, in fuller measure then the
heart of man can now comprehend, or any
of the Saints enioyed before.
FINIS
endlesse communion with them, and
euerlasting peace & glory both in soule
and body, in fuller measure then the
heart of man can now comprehend, or any
of the Saints enioyed before.
FINIS