A short Catechism, wherein are briefly laid down the fundamental Principles of Christian RELIGION. Needful to be known of all such as come to the Lords Table. Whereunto is added Morning and Evening Prayer for a Family.  
The second Edition, corrected and enlarged.  HEB. 5. 12. When for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again that one teach you which be the first Principles of the Oracles of God. 
LONDON Printed by Io. Beale, 1616.   

❧ The Printer to the Reader.  
Good Reader,  
THou hast here again these short Principles of Religion published for thy good. I have the opinion of others, whose judgements I have just cause to reverence, concerning the soundness of them. And I doubt not but thou thyself, if thou shalt thoroughly observe and weigh them, wilt find abundance of matter couched in few words. The fewer and briefer that the Principles be, the sooner are they learned by heart, & the more firmly are they retained in memory. They way easily be by word of mouth enlarged and amplified by any that hath any competent measure of knowledge. The texts of Scripture whereunto the Reader was referred before only by quotations in the margin, are now expressly set down directly against the words, that thou mayest more readily see the proofs, and compare the Principles and proofs together. There are also added two Prayers, fit to be used morning and evening in a family, by such as cannot pray without some such helps. These forms of Prayer, were gathered out of such Prayers as the Author of these Principles hath at divers times used, by one that hath oft heard him All âre published for thy good▪ Farewell.   

A SHORT Catechism, containing the fundamental Principles of Christian Religion.  
¶ The places of Scripture for proof of every Answer.  

Question. 1  
WHat is everyone most bound to know?  
Ans. 
a jec. 31. 47.  Every one is bound to have knowledge of God and 
b job. 39 37 & 42. 5, 6  of himself.   

Question. 1  

a Jer. 31 34.  They shall all know me, from the least of them, to the greatest of them.  

b job 39 37, & 42 5. 6.  This was one thing which God chiefly aimed at, to make job know what man was compared unto God.   

Question. 2  
Q. Where is this knowledge to be had?  
A. 
c 2 Tim. 3. 15, 16, 17  In the holy Scriptures, contained in the old and new Testament.   

Question. 2  

c 2 Tim. 3. 15, 16, 17.  The Scriptures are able to make thee wise unto salvation, etc. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, etc. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.   

Question. 3  
Q. Who is the author of the Scripture?  
A. 
d 2 Pet. 1. 21  The holy spirit of God, who inspired holy men to write them.   

Question. 3  

d 2 Pe. 1. 21.  Holy men spoke as they were moved by the holy Ghost.—   

Question. 4  
Q. Why were they written?  
A. 
e Rom. 15. 4  For our learning.   

Question. 4  

e Ro. 15. 4.  Whatsoever things were written afore time, were written for our learning.   

Question. 5  
Q. What do they teach concerning God?  
A. That he is 
f joh. 4. 24  a Spirit, 
g Exo. 3. 14  of infinite perfection. 
Reu 1. 8 1 joh. 1. 5    

Question. 5  

f joh. 4. 24.  God is a Spirit.  
God's infinite perfection is implied in these and such like phrases;  

g Exo. 3. 14.  I am that I am.  

Reu. 1. 8  I am the beginning and the ending.  

1 joh. 1 5.  God is light, and in him is no darkness.   

Question. 6  
Q. How many Gods are there?  
A. 
h 1 Cor. 8. 4  Only one: but distinguished into three persons; 
i Mat. 28. 19  the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost.   

Question. 6  

h 1 Cor. 8. 4.  There is none other God but one.  

i Mat. 28. 19  Teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost.   

Question. 7  
Q. How is God further made known unto us.  
A. By his 
k Ex. 34. 6  properties, and by his 
l Psal. 19 1 Rom. 1. 20  works.   

Question. 7  
When God would make himself known unto Moses, he declared his properties unto him saying;  

k Ex. 34. 6.  The Lord strong, merciful, gracious, etc.  
l Psal. 19 1. Rom. 1. 20.  
The heavens declare the glory of God.  
The invisible things of God from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead.   

Question. 8  
Q. What are the properties of God?  
A. That he is 
m Psal 90. 2  eternal, 
n Gen. 17. 1  almighty, 
o jer. 23. 23  every where present, infinitely 
p 1 Tim. 1. 17  wise, 
q Deut. 32. 4  just, 
r Exo. 34. 6, 7  merciful, etc.   

Question. 8  

m Ps. 90. 2.  From everlasting to everlasting thou art God.  

n Gen. 17. 1.  I am the almighty God.  

o Jer. 23. 23.  Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him (saith the Lord) Do not I fill heaven & earth?  

p 1 Tim 1. 17.  The only wise God.  

q Deut. 32 4.  A God of truth, without iniquity, just and right is he.  

r ˣ Exo. 34 6, 7.  The Lord God merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness & truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, and transgression, and sin.   

Q. What are the works of God?  
A. His decree, and the execution thereof.   

Question. 10  
Q. What believe you touching his decree?  
A. 
r Eph. 1. 11  That he ordained all things before all times according to his will.   

Question. 10  

r Eph. 1. 11.  God worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.   

Question. 11  
Q. Wherein consisteth the execution of God's decree?  
A. 
s Col. 1. 16.  In the making, and 
t Dan. 4. 35.  governing of all things.   

Question. 11  

s Col. 1. 16.  By him were all things created.  

t Dan. 4. 35.  According to his will he worketh in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth.   

Question. 12  
Q. How did God make all things?  
A. By his 
u Psal. 148. 5.  word, 
x Gen. 1. 1.  of nothing, 
y Exod. 20. 11  in six days, 
z Gen. 1. 31  very good.   

Question. 12  

u Psal. 148. 5  He commanded, & they were made.  

x Gen. 1 1.  In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.  

y Exod. 20. 11.  In six days the Lord made heaven and earth.  

z Gen. 1 31.  God saw all that he had made, and behold it was very good.   

Question. 13  
Q. How doth God govern all things?  
A. By his wise providence 
a Heb. 1. 3  he preserveth all, and 
b Rom. 11. 36  disposeth them to his own glory, and 
c Rom. 8. 28  his children's good.   

Question. 13  

a Heb. 1. 3.  He upholdeth all things by the word of his power.  

b Rom. 11. 36.  Of him, and through him, and to him are all things: to whom be glory for ever.  

c Rom. 8 28  All things work together for good to them that love God.—   

Question. 14  
Q. How may we come to the knowledge of ourselves?  
A. By considering the several estates of man.   

Question. 15  
Q. Which are they?  
A. First, 
d Eccle. 7. 29.  that happy estate wherein man was made.  
Secondly, that 
e job. 14. 1 Rom. 7. 24  miserable estate whereinto he fell.  
Thirdly, that 
f 1 Pet. 1. 3  renewed estate whereunto by grace he is called.  
Fourthly, 
g 1 joh. 3. 2  that glorious estate which is in heaven preserved for him.   

Question. 15  

d Eccle. 7. 29.  God made man upright.—  

e Job. 14 1. Rom. 7. 24  Man that is borne of a woman is full of trouble.  
O wretched man that I am.  

f 1 Pet. 1. 3.  God hath begotten us again unto a lively hope, etc.  

g 1 joh. 3. 2.  We know that when Christ shall appear, we shall be like him.—   

Question. 16  
Q. Do all men pass thorough all these estates?  
A. 
h Rom. 11. 5  No: only the elect of God: 
i Rom. 2. 5  the rest as they fell into misery, so in misery they lie.   

Question. 16  

h Rom. 11. 5.  There is a remnant occording to the election of grace.  

i Rom. 2. 5.  Thou after thine hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath.   

Question. 17  
Q. Wherein especially did that happiness consist, in which man was made?  
A. In that he was made 
k Gen. 1. 27  after God's image.   

Question. 17  

k Gen. 1. 27.  God created man after his own image.—   

Question. 18  
Q. In what respect is he said to be made after God's image?  
A. In that he was endued with perfect 
l Col. 3 10  knowledge, and 
m Eph. 4. 24  true holiness and righteousness.   

Question. 18  

l Col. 3. 10.  The news man is renewed in knowledge, after the image of him which created him.  

m Eph. 4 24.  The new man is created after God in righteousness and holiness of truth.—   

Question. 19  
Q. Doth man still remain in that happy estate wherein he was made?  
A. No: 
n joh. 3. 6  he is become most miserable.   

Question. 19  

n joh. 3 6.  That which is borne of the flesh, is flesh: that is, Every one born of a woman is most filthy and wretched.   

Question. 20  
Q. How fell man into misery?  
A. 
o Rom. 5. 12  By sin.   

Question. 20  

o Rom. 5. 12.  Death entered into the world by sin.—   

Question. 21  
Q. What is sin?  
A. 
p 1 joh. 3. 4  A breach of God's commandment.   

Question. 21  

p 1 Joh. 3, 4.  Sin is a transgression of the Law.—   

Question. 22  
Q. What be the kinds of sin?  
A. Original, and Actual.   

Question. 23  
Q What is original sin?  
A. 
q Psal 51. 5  That corruption of nature, wherein all are conceived and borne.   

Question. 23  

q Psa. 51 5.  I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive.—   

Question. 24  
Q. How is the heinousness thereof discerned?  
A. By three things:  
First. 
r Gal. 5. 19, 20, 21  that it is the seed of all sin.  

s Gen. 6. 5.  Secondly, that it hath defiled the whole man.  

t Rom. 7. 21  Thirdly, that it never ceaseth to provoke man to sin, so long as he liveth.   

Question. 24  

r Gal. 5. 19, 20, 21.  The works of the flesh are adultery, fornication, etc.  
The Apostle having reckoned up many particulars, addeth these words (and such like;) whereby he implieth that all particular sins are fruits of the flesh.  

s Gen. 6. 5.  Every imagination of the thoughts of man's heart are only evil continually.  

t Rom. 7 21  When I would do good, evil is present with me.   

Question. 25  
Q. What is actual sin?  
A. The fruit of original sin, in evil 
u Eph. 2. 3.  thoughts, 
x Rom. 3. 13.  words, and 
y Gal. 5. 19  deeds.   

Question. 25  

u Eph. 2. 3  We all had our conversation in times past, in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh, and of the mind.  

x Rom. 3. 13  Their throat is an open sepulchre, with their tongues they have used deceit, the poison of asps is under their lips, whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.  

y Gal. 5. 19  The works of the flesh are manifest.—   

Question. 26  
Q. How many ways is sin committed?  
A. Three ways:  
1. 
a Mat. 25. 42  By omitting the good we should do.  
2. 
b Rom. 1. 31  By committing the evil we should not do.  
3. 
c Esay. 66. 3.  By an evil performance of good.   

Question. 26  

a Math. 25. 42  I was hungered, and ye gave me no meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink, etc.  

b Rom. 1, 31  They which commit such things are worthy of death.  

c Esay. 66. 31.  He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man: he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut of a dog's neck, etc.   

Question. 27  
Q. What is the punishment due to sin?  
A. 
d Deut. 27. 26  The curse of God, 
e Deut. 28. 16, 17, etc.  which causeth all miseries in this life, 
f Rom. 5. 12  in the end death, and 
g Mat 25. 46  after it eternal torment in hell.   

Question. 27  

d Deut. 27. 26  Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this Law to do them.  

e Deut. 28. 16, 17, etc.  Cursed shalt thou be in the City, and cursed in the field: Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store, etc. Read the other curses following in this place.  

f Rom. 5. 12  Death entered into the world by sin.  

g Mat. 25. 46  These shall go away into everlasting punishment.   

Question. 28  
Q. Is any man able to free himself out of this misery?  
A. No: for by nature we are 
h Eph. 2. 1  dead in sin, and so no more able to help ourselves then dead men.   

Question. 28  

h Eph. 2. 1  You were dead in trespasses and sins.—   

Question. 29  
Q. Is there no means to deliver us?  
A. Yes: 
i joh. 3. 16  God himself hath given unto us a Saviour.   

Question. 29  

i john. 3. 16  God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, etc.   

Question. 30  
Q. Who is that?  
A. 
k Luk. 2. 11  jesus Christ, both God and man.   

Question. 30  

k Luk. 2. 11.  Unto you is borne a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.   

Question. 31  
Q. Was it necessary that our Saviour should be both God and man?  
A. Yea, 
l 1 Tim. 2. 5 2 Cor. 5. 18  because he was to make a reconciliation between God and man.   

Question. 31  

l 1 Tim. 2. 5 2 Cor. 5. 18  There is one mediator betwixt God & men, the man Christ jesus.  
God hath reconciled us unto himself by jesus Christ.   

Question. 32  
Q. How did Christ work this reconciliation?  
A. Both 
m Rome 5. 19  by fulfilling the righteousness of the Law, whereunto we were bound: and also 
n Gal. 3. 13  by bearing that punishment which we by sin had deserved.   

Question. 32  

m Rom. 5. 19  By the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.  

n Gal. 3. 13  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.—   

Question. 33  
Q. How can those things which Christ did in his own person be available for us?  
A. 
o Eph. 3. 17 Col. 2. 12  By the power and virtue of faith.   

Question. 33  

o Eph. 3. 17 Col. 2. 12  Christ dwelleth in our hearts by faith. You are risen with Christ thorough faith.   

Question. 34  
Q. What is faith?  
A. 
p Rom. 1. 16  A belief of the Gospel, whereby Christ jesus, 
q joh. 1. 12  and all his benefits offered therein, are received.   

Question. 34  

p Rom. 1 16  The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.  

q joh. 1 12.  As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.   

Question. 35  
Q. What are the principal benefits which by faith we receive from Christ?  
A. In this life 
r 1 Cor. 1. 30 & 6. 11  justification and sanctification, and in the life to come 
s joh. 3. 14, 15  eternal salvation.   

Question. 35  

r 1 Cor. 30 & 6. 11  Christ jesus is made unto us righteousness and sanctification.  
Ye are sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord jesus.  

s Ioh 3. 1 14, 15.  The son of man must be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.—   

Question. 36  
Q. Wherein consisteth our justification?  
A. 
t Rom. 4. 6, 7  In the full remission of all our sins, and 
u Rom. 5. 19  in the imputation of Christ his righteousness unto us.   

Question. 36  

t Rom. 4 6, 7  David describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, saying; Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, etc.  

u Rom. 5 19  By the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.—   

Question. 37  
Q. Wherein consisteth our sanctification?  
A. 
x Eph. 4. 23, 24  In inligtning our mind, and in reforming our other parts.   

Question. 37  

x Ephe. 4 23, 24.  Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on that new man which after God is created in righteousness and holiness.   

Question. 38  
Q. What is the illuminating of our mind?  
A. A saving knowledge of the mysteries of godliness. 
y Col. 1. 9    

Question. 38  

y Col. 1. 9  We cease not to pray that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will, etc.—   

Question. 39  
Q What is reformation?  
A. That which is commonly called 
z Mat. 33. 2, 8  Repentance, which is such 
* Mat. 12. 33, 35  a change of the heart as causeth a new life.   

Question. 39  

z Mat. 33 2. 8.  Repent. Bring forth fruit meet for repentance.  

* Mat. 12. 33. 35.  Make the tree good and his fruit good.  
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart, bringeth forth good things.—   

Question. 40  
Q. Whence ariseth repentance?  
A. 
a 2 Cor. 7. 10  From a godly sorrow for sin, and 
b Acts 15. 9 Luk. 3. 3  from faith in the forgiveness of sin.   

Question. 40  

a 2. Cor. 7. 10.  Godly sorrow worketh repentance.  

b Act. 15 9 Luk. 3. 3  God purify their hearts by faith.  
john preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.   

Question. 41  
Q. What are the parts of repentance?  
A. 1. 
c Rom. 6. 6  Mortification, which is a ceasting to sin.  
2. 
d Rom. 6. 13  Vivification, which is a living in true holiness and righteousness.   

Question. 41  

c Rom. 6 6.  Our old man is crucified with Christ, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  

d Rom. 6. 13.  Yield yourselves unto God as those that are alive from the dead and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.   

Question. 42  
Q. What means hath God ordained to breed and increase these graces in us?  
A. Three especially: First, 
e Eph. 1. 31  the ministry of the word.  
Secondly, 
f Acts 2. 38  the participation of the Sacraments.  
Thirdly, 
g Mat. 7. 7 Luk. 11. 3  Prayer.   

Question. 42  

e Ephe. 1 31.  In whom ye trusted after that ye heard the word of truth.  

f Act. 2. 38.  Repent, and be baptized every on of you in the name of jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the holy Ghost.  

g Mat. 7. 7. Luk. 11. 13.  Ask and ye shall have.  
Your heavenly father will give the holy spirit to them that ask him.   

Question. 43  
Q. How is the ministry of the Word made profitable unto us?  
A. 
h Heb. 4, 2  If it be mixed with faith in them that hear it.   

Question. 43  

h Heb. 4 2.  The word preached did not profit them, being not mixed with faith in them that heard it.—   

Question. 44  
Q. What is a Sacrament?  
A. An ordinance of God, wherein 
i Rom. 4. 11  by outward signs Gods promises in Christ are sealed up unto us, and 
k Acts 19 4  our faith and repentance is testified.   

Question. 44  

i Rom. 4 11.  Abraham received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of faith.  

k Act. 19 4.  john baptised with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on jesus Christ.—   

Question. 45  
Q. How many Sacraments are there?  
A. Two: 
l Mat. 28. 19  Baptism, and 
m 1 Cor. 11. 23, 24, etc.  the Lords supper.   

Question. 45  

l Mat. 28 19  baptize them.—  

m 1 Cor. 11. 23, 24, etc.  I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you, that the Lord jesus the same night in which he was betrayed, took bred etc.   

Question. 46  
Q. What is Baptism?  
A. A Sacrament 
n Tit. 3. 5  of Regeneration, wherein by the outward washing of our bodies with water, 
o Mat. 28. 19  in the name of the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost, the 
p Eph. 5. 26  inward cleansing of our souls by the blood of Christ is represented and sealed up unto us.   

Question. 46  

n Tit. 3. 5  He saved us by the washing of regeneration.  

o Matt. 28. 19  baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost.  

p Eph. 5. 26  Christ gave himself for his Church, that he might sanctify and cleanse it by the washing of water by the word.—   

Question. 47  
Q. Why are the children of Christians baptized?  
A. Because 
q 1 Cor. 7. 14  they are borne in the covenant, 
r Acts 1. 39 Gen. 17. 7  the promises of God belonging to faith full parents and their seed.   

Question. 47  

q 1 Cor. 7. 14  Your children are holy. This is spoken in regard of God's covenant, under which the children of faithful parents are borne: otherwise being borne in sin, they are impure.  

r Acts 2. 39 Gen. 17. 7.  The promise is unto you, and to your children.  
I will establish my covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.   

Question. 48  
Q. What is the Lords supper?  
A. A Sacrament of our spiritual nourishment, wherein 
s Mat. 26. 26, 27, 28  by receiving bread and wine according to Christ's institution, 
t 1. Cor. 10. 16  our communion with Christ, is represented and sealed up unto us.   

Question. 48  

s Mat. 26. 26, 27, 28  jesus took bread and blessed it, and broke it, and gave it to his Disciples, and said; Take, eat, this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it, etc.  

t 1 Cor. 10. 16  The cup of blessing which we bless is it, not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is not the communion of the body of Christ?   

Question. 49  
Q. What must we do to partake of this Supper aright?  
A. 
u 1 Cor. 11. 28  We must examine ourselves, and come with 
x Eccle. 5. 1  knowledge, 
y 2 Cor. 13. 5  faith, 
z 1 Cor. 11. 18 19, etc.  repentance, and * love.   

Question. 49  

u 1 Cor. 11. 28  Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.  

x Eccl. 5. 1  When thou goest to the house of God be more ready to hear, then to give the sacrifice of fools: for they know not what they do.  

y 2 Cor. 13. 5  Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith.  

z 1 Cor. 11. 18, 19, etc.  The Apostle reproveth the Corinthians for coming to the Lords Table in their sins, without repentance; and in divisions & contentions without love.—   

Question. 50  
Q. Who pray aright?  
A. They who pray to 
a Ioh 16. 23  God in Christ his name, 
b Psal 62. 8  from the heart 
c jam. 16  in faith, 
d 1 Tim 2, 8  holiness, and love.   

Question. 50  

a John 16. 23  Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.  

b Psal. 62. 8  power out your hearts before the Lord.  

c jam. 1. 6  Ask in faith, and waver not.  

d 1 Tim 2. 8  Lift up pure hauds without wrath.   

Question. 52  
Q What are the parts of prayer?  
A. 
e 1 Thes. 5. 17, 18  Petition, & thanksgiving.   

Question. 52  

e 1 Thes 5. 17, 18.  Pray without ceasing; In every thing give thanks.—   

Question. 53  
Q. What things are we to ask?  
A. 
f Mat. 6. 9, 10, etc.  Such things as tend to God's glory, & our own good, whether temporal, or spiritual.   

Question. 53  

f Mat. 6. 9, 10, etc.  The three first petititions of the Lords Prayer, declare the things which tend to God's glory; and the three last declare the things which tend to our good.   

Question. 54  
Q. For what things must we be thankful?  
A. 
g Eph. 5. 20  For all things, whether they be 
h Col. 13, 6  public, or 
i Esay 38. 19  private, concerning body, or 
k Psal. 103. 3, 4, 5.  soul, 
l 1 Tim. 1. 12  ourselves, or 
m 1 Tim. 2. 1.  others, either received or 
n Heb. 11. 13  promised.   

Question. 54  

g Ephes. 5. 20  Give thanks always for all things.  

h Col. 1. 3. 6.  St Paul gave thanks for the building up of God's Church in all the world.  

i Esay. 38. 19  Hezechiah gave thanks for the recovery of his health: a particular blessing, concerning his body.  

k Psal. 103. 3, 4, 5  David gave thanks for spiritual blessings concerning his soul.  

l 1 Tim. 1. 12  Saint Paul giveth thanks for God's mercy towards himself.  

m 1 Tim 2. 1  And he exhorteth to give thanks for others.  

n Heb. 11 13  The Patriarches received not the promises but saw them afar of, & believed the, & received them thankfully   

Question. 54  
Q. What is the estate of the faithful after death?  
A. 
o 1 Thes. 4. 4, 15  Their body's sleep expecting the resurrection to life, 
p Luk. 16, 22 Luke 23, 43  and their souls go immediately to heaven, 
q 1 Thess. 4. 16. 17.  where at the last judgement their bodies shall be joined with their souls, and both enjoy everlasting happiness.   

Question. 54  

o 1 Thes. 4. 14, 15  Them that sleep in jesus, will God bring with him, etc.  

p Luke 16. 22. Luk 23. 43.  The beggar died, & was carried by the Angels into Abraham's bosom.  
To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.  

q 1 Thes. 4. 16, 17.  The dead in Christ shall rise first: then shall we which live & remain, be caught up with them also in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: & then shall we be ever with the Lord.   

Question. 55  
Q. What is the estate of the wicked after death?  
A. 
r Psal. 49. 14  Their bodies are held with the chains of death against the great day of judgement, 
s Luke 16. 23  and their souls pass immediately into hell torment, and 
t john 5. 29.  at the general resurrection their bodies and souls shall be joined together again, 
Mat. 13▪ 41, 42  and both cast into that torment, which is easeless, and endless.   

Question. 55  

r Psal. 49. 14.  Like sheep they lie in the grave: death devoureth them.  

s Luke 16. 23.  The rich man died, and was buried: and in hell he lift up his eyes being in torment.  

t john 5. 29.  They that have done evil, shall come forth unto the resurrection of condemnation.  
In the end of the world the son of man shall send forth his Angels, 
Mat, 13. 41, 42.  and they shall gather out of his Kingdom all things that offend, & them which do iniquity, and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.   
FINIS.   

Morning Prayer for a Family.  
O Eternal God, we thy poor servants acknowledge that from thee we first received our being, and every good thing we enjoy▪ and that by thee the same is continued and preserved unto us, by thy good providence is this day renewed unto us, and we kept safe unto it: wherefore, desirous to perform our duty unto thee, and to receive a blessing from thee, (without which we cannot prosper in any thing that we take in hand) we do humble ourselves before the glorious throne of thy grace, to offer up unto thee our morning sacrifice of prayer. We know that our sins have made us odious in thy sight, unworthy of all thy blessings, and liable to all the judgements denounced in thy Word: they are for number innumerable, for we have committed more sins than we have lived moments; all our thoughts, words, and actions have been sinful, even the best things which we do are defiled with that sink of natural corruption which is in us, and by our careless manner of performing them. Every sin is in the nature of it infinitely heinous, because it is committed against thee, a God of infinite Majesty: but our sins are so much the more heinous, because they have been committed against our knowledge and conscience, yea and against those manifold means, which thou in mercy hast afforded to keep us from sin: we have long enjoyed the Ministry of thy Word, but have little profited thereby: thou hast accompanied the same with many sweet blessings, all which we have abused: like a careful Father thou hast tenderly corrected us; yet we have not been bettered thereby, but carried ourselves stubbornly against thee. We are very prone to yield to all the corrupt suggestions of our flesh, and to the evil temptations of the Devil: and we are too much delighted with the wicked customs and fashions of this world: but exceeding dull and untoward we are to all holy exercises, and to every good thing. When we enter into an examination of our spiritual estate, we can find in ourselves nothing but matter of horror, and of despair: we do therefore, as we have just cause, utterly deny ourselves, and renounce all confidence in ourselves, we fly to thy mercyseat for mercy and pardon, and that in the name of thy dear son Christ jesus, who came to save sinners, and who by the sacrifice of himself hath made a perfect satisfaction unto thine infinite justice for all our sins Enter not therefore into judgement with thy servants (O Lord) but accept of that all-sufficient sacrifice of Christ for us; and be pleased we most humbly beseech thee, to remove the guilt and punishment of all our sins, that they may never rise up in judgement against us, to deprive us of thy favour and blessing, or to provoke thy wrath and vengeance against us in this world or in the world to come. And we do also earnestly entreat thee for Christ's sake to subdue in us all our corruptions, that they may not bear such sway in us as they have done heretofore: make us wise and watchful over ourselves, that we may avoid as all sins, so all occasions and provocations, whereby we may be lead into evil: and make us conscionable in practising all good duties which we are bound to do, and in using all good means whereby we may be kept in compass of our duty. O Lord let thy good spirit always abide in us, to assure us of thy love to us, and to renew us daily more and more according to thine own most glorious image. We beseech thee to enlighten our dark understandings, to rectify our perverse wills, to mollify our hard hearts, to quicken our dull affections, and to reform all our outward parts, so as we may serve thee in true holiness and righteousness all the days of our life.  
Make us just, faithful, and true in all our actious and words: make us pitiful and merciful to such as stand in need of our help, and that according to their necessity & our ability: and grant that by our humble, modest, gentle carriage of ourselves towards all men, we may adorn out Christian profession.  
And now, heavenly Father, we commend ourselves, souls, and bodies to thy blessing. Bless us we beseech thee in our callings, direct thou the work of our hands, and prosper them unto us. Sanctify also all thy good creatures which thou affordest unto our use.  
We humbly beseeth thee to bless also thy whole Church: and particularly the whole Nation wherein we live: continue in it the light of thy Gospel, and give a free passage thereunto. Vouchsafe unto it all needful prosperity. We heartily pray thee to bless our royal Sovereign King james and his government: long preserve his life, & health, and reign. Bless all our Magistrates and Ministers of thy holy word. Secure all the afflicted members of Christ jesus. Do good to all our kindred, alliance, friends, acquaintance, neighbours. Link all of us together by the bond of thy holy spirit, who are knit by any outward bond; that thus we may have just cause to rejoice one in another, and to bless thee one for another. Let thy blessing remain on all Christian families which call upon thy name, and particularly upon this our family: grant that we may make our house to be thy Church by performing an holy worship unto thee, that so thy gracious presence may be ever among us: and because thy promises do belong to us, and our children, we pray thee to bless our issue with all needful blessings. Work in us a religious care well to train them up, and give thou a blessing to all the means that are used for their good education, that they being taught by us to fear thee, may teach their children also so to do, and thus thy fear be continued among our posterity from generation to generation. O Lord our God, we know that the good things we want, and the dangers whereunto we are subject, are many more than we can think of, yet are they all well known unto thee; we do therefore entreat thee to bestow upon us what good things soever thou seest to be needful unto us, and to preserve us from all those evils which thou seest us subject unto.  
According to our bounden duty we do also offer up our sacrifice of praise unto thy divine Majesty, in the mediation of Christ: blessing thee first of all, and above all, for those blessings which are proper to thine elect: as are our redemption by Christ, our reconciliation with thee, our adoption to be thy children, our justification & sanctification, and hope of eternal life, together with all the good graces which by thy good Spirit thou hast wrought in us. We thank thee also for all the means of our salvation, and for all the means of preserving our temporal life. In particular, we thank thee for the last nights quiet rest, and for bringing us safely to the beginning of this day. Neither are we unmindful of thy general blessings upon thy whole Church, upon this Land and Kingdom, upon our house and family, and upon all that any way belong unto us. We acknowledge thee (O Lord) to be the Author and giver of all things; & accordingly we give the praise of all unto thee.  
Accept (we beseech thee) this our bounden duty, pardon all the defects & imperfections thereof, for thy Son, and our Saviour jesus Christ's sake: in whose name we conclude our prayers with that perfect form of prayer which he hath taught us, saying▪ Our Father, etc.   

Evening Prayer for a Family.  
Merciful Father, Lord of heaven & earth, by thy good providence have we been safely kept this day, and all the days of our life heretofore. Many are the blessings which throughout the whole course of our life we have received from thee. It hath pleased thee to afford us sufficient means for the preservation of our life, health, and estate in this world, and also to bring us to eternal life: we praise thy holy name for them all: And now being about to go to our rest for this night, we commend ourselves, souls, bodies, goods, and all that belong to us, to thy safe keeping. O Lord accept us in thy beloved son, and be reconciled unto us, pardon we beseech thee all the sins which this day, or at any time heretofore we have committed against thee: grant that we may put off the old man with all the corrupt lusts thereof, and that the nearer we approach unto our dissolution, and the glorious appearing of Christ unto judgement, the better we may be prepared thereunto. For this end (we most humbly and earnestly pray thee) our knowledge of thy holy will, strengthen our faith in thy gracious promises, establish our hope of eternal life, work in our hearts such a sweet sense of thy love to us, as thereby we may be provoked to love thee again; and in and for thee to love our brethren, yea even our enemies. Give us grace daily to renew our repentance, and to bring forth fruits meet for repentance. Continue in us a true fear of thy great name, which may keep us from sinning against thee; and an holy zeal of thy glory, which may stir us up to honour thee. Season all other graces with honesty, and sincerity of heart, wherewith thou (O Lord, the searcher of hearts) art much delighted. So frame the disposition of our minds and hearts, as we may wholly resign ourselves to thy guiding providence, and remain contented in our several places, patient under all crosses, thankful for all blessings, and constant in our Christian course, till we come to receive the Crown of glory, promised by thy divine Majesty to all that overcome. In particular, we beseech thee to bless us this night, and to take us into thy safe protection. O our God, who neither slumberest, nor sleepest, watch over us whether we wake or sleep. Keep us, and all that belong unto us safe from all dangers: especially keep our persons safe from all the assaults of Satan, that he get no advantage against us. Give us, we pray thee, such quiet and moderate rest, as our bodies may be refreshed thereby, and we the better enabled to do that work which thou appointest unto us in our several places. O Lord hear and grant unto us all needful good things for Christ jesus sake. In whose name and words we further call upon thee, saying, Our Father which art in heaven, etc.  
FINIS.