The catechism or manner how to instruct and teach children and others in the Christian faith. ¶ Appointed to be read in all the lands and dominions of the late right and mighty Prince, Frederick Count Palatine by the Rhine, one of the Electors of the holy Empire, and Duke in 〈◊〉 Newly translated out of Latin and Dutch into English. AT LONDON. Printed by Henry Middleton, 〈…〉. A note to the Reader. The first number of the notes in the margin signifieth the Chapter: The second number betokeneth the verse: as they are usually marked in the Bibles. A catechism for Children. Question. WHich is the only comfort, both in life and in death? Answer. That both concerning my soul and my body, a 1. Cor. 6 19 1 Thess. 5.10 whether I live or I die, b Rom. 14.8 I am not mine own, but belong only unto my most faithful Lord and Saviour jesus Christ, c 1. Cor. 3.23. who with his precious blood most fully making amends for all my, sins, d 1. Pet. 1.18. 1 john. 1.7. &. 2.2. hath delivered me from the power of the Devil, e 1. john. 3.8 Hebr. 2.14. and keepeth me so, f john 6.39. that without the will of my heavenly father, there can not so much as an hair fall from my head. g Matth. 10.30. Luke. 21.18. Yea, and further, that all things must serve for my salvation, h Rom. 8, 22. wherefore he hath made me sure of everlasting life, by his holy spirit, i. 2. Cor. 1.22. & 5.5. Eph. 2 14. Rom. 8. and maketh me prompt and ready from henceforth to live according to his william. k Rom. 8.14. Question. How many things are needful for thee to know, that thou mayst come by, and enjoy this comfort, that thou mayst both live and die blessedly? Answer. Three: l. Luk. 24.47. 1. Cor. b. 11. Tit. 3.3.4.5. etc. first, how great my sin and wretchedness is. m. john 9.41 Rom. 3. The second, by what means I may be delivered from my sin. n. john. 17.3. The third is, what thanks I own unto my Lord God for my deliverance. o. Ephe. 5.10. 1. Pet 2.9.10 11.12. Rom. 6.11.12.13. Math. 5.16. 2. Tim. 2.15. The first part of man's wretchedness or miserable state. Question. BY what means shalt thou come by the knowledge of thy wretchedness? Answer. By the law of God. a. Rom. 3.20. Question. What doth the law of God require of us? Answer. That doth Christ in a short sum teach us. Matthew xxij. & Luke x. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy thought, & with all thy strength. b. Luk. 10.27 This is the first, and greatest commandment. And the second is like unto this. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thine own self. And the whole law and Prophets hung upon these two commandments. Question. Canst thou keep all these things perfectly? Answer. Not, c. Rom. 3.10. 23 1. john. 1.8 for I am ready & disposed of nature, to hate God & my neighbour. d. Rom. 8.7. Ephe. 2▪ 3. Question. Did God then make man so untoward, crooked, and so froward? Answer. Not, e. Tit. 3 Gen. 1.31. for he made him good, and unto the likeness of his own self, f. Goe 1.36.27 that is, endued with true righteousness and holiness, that he should rightly know God his maker, and heartily love him, and live for ever with him, to that end that he might love & praise him. g. 2. Co. 3.18 Col. 3.10. Ephe. 4.24. Question. Then, from whence sprang up this crooked frowardness of man's nature? Answer. Of the fall and disobedience of our first father and mother, Adam & Eve, a Gen. 3.5. Rom. 5.12.18 19 by whom our nature is made so crooked & naughty, that we be all conceived and borne in sin. b. Psal. 51.7. Gen. 5.3. Question. Are we then all so wounded, that we be utterly unsufficient to do any good thing, and disposed and ready to all vice and wickedness? Answer. Yes surely c john. 3.6 Gen. 6.5 except that we be borne again by the holy Ghost. d joh. 3.5. Question. Doth not God then do wrong to man, whiles he requireth of him by the law to do those things which he is not able to do, perform, and fulfil? Answer. No, e Ephe. 4.24. for God made Adam so, that he might fulfil those things, but he at the enticement of the devil, f Luk. 10.30. etc. & by his own stubbornness, both spoiled himself and his after comers of those godly gifts. Question. Doth God let go unpunished such stubbornness, and departing from him? Answer. Nay, he is by horrible means angry, g Rom. 5.12. Heb. 9.27. both with our sins that are grafted in us by nature, & also with them that we afterwards work and do, and the same he punisheth by his most righteous judgement, with present and everlasting punishments, as he doth pronounce. Cursed is every man that abideth not in all things that are written in the book of the Law, to do them. a Deut. 27.26 Gal. 3.10. Question. Then is not God also merciful? Answer. He is in deed merciful, b Exod. 34.6. but so that he is also righteous, c Exo. 20.5. Psal. 5.5. 2 Cor. 6.14. wherefore his righteousness requireth, the that which is done against the most high majesty of God, should be punished with the greatest punishments both of soul and body. The second part of the deliverance of man. A. iiij. Question. THen, when as by the right judgement of God, we are in danger both of everlasting pains, and of such that lasteth here but for a time: is there yet any way or means whereby we may be delivered from these pains, and be brought into favour again with God? Answer. God will that we shall make amendss or satisfaction unto his righteousness, d. Exod. 25. & 23.7. wherefore we must needs either by ourselves, or by some other, content him e. Rom. 8.3.4. Question. Can we by ourselves make amendss or satisfaction unto him? Answer. By no means at all, but rather from day to day, to increase our debt. f. job. 9.2.3. & 15.15. Matth. 6.12. Question. Can any creature in heaven or in earth, which is only a creature, make satisfaction, recompense, or amends for us and our sins? Answer. None at all: For to begin withal, God will not punish that in any other creature which is due to be paid by man, a. Heb. 2.14. and moreover it can not (because it is nothing but a creature) abide the wrath of god against sin, and deliver other from the same. b. Psal. 130. Question. What manner of man is to be sought out, to be our mediator and deliverer? Answer. He which is in deed, a very right man, and perfectly righteous, and yet more mighty than all creatures, that is he which also is even very true god c. 1. Cor. 15.21. jer. 23.6. Isai. 53.11. 2. Cor. 5.25 Heb. 7.16. Ies. 7.14. Rom. 8.3. jer. 33.16. Question. Why is it needful that he should be a very man, & perfectly righteous? Answer. Because the righteousness of God requireth, that the same nature which hath sinned, should pay and make amends for sin. d. Rom. 5.1.15. But he that is a sinner, can not pay and make amends for other sinners. e. 1. Pet. 18. Question. Why must he also be very GOD withal? Answer. A.u. That by his godly power he may abide the burden of god's wrath in his flesh, f. Isay. 5.8. Act. 2.14. 1 Pet. 3.18. & may get again and restore unto us, the righteousness and life which we have lost. g 1. Io. 1.2. & 49.10. Act. 20.28. joh. 3 16. Question. Who is that mediator which is both very God and very man, and perfectly righteous withal? Answer. Our Lord jesus Christ, a Math. 1.23. 1 Tim. 3.16. Luk. 2.11. which is made unto us the wisdom of GOD, righteousness, hallower & deliverer. b. 1. Cor. 1.30 Question. How knowest thou this? Answer. By the Gospel which God did open in Paradise, c Gen. 3.15. and afterward hath farther set it abroad by the patriarchs and Prophets d Gen. 22.18. & 49.10.11. Rom. 1.2. Heb. 1.1. Act. 3.22.23 24. & 10.11. Rom. 1.2. Heb. 1.1. Heb. 10.7. & did darkly declare it as it were in a shadow, by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law (e) and last of all fulfilled it by his only begotten son. f Rom. 10.4. Gal. 4.4. Question. Then is salvation given by Christ to all men that perished in Adam? Answer. Not to all: but only to them that by a true faith are graffed into him, & receive or be partakers of his benefits or good deeds. g. joh. 1.12 & 3.36. Ies. 53.11. Psal. 2.12 Rom. 11.17.19. Heb. 4.2. & 10.39. Question. What is faith? Answer. It is not only a knowledge, whereby I do surely assent to all things h Heb. 11.1.3 jac. 2.19, Gal. 2.20. which God hath opened to us in his word: but also a sure trust i Rom. 4.16. etc. jac. 1.8. Rom. 5.1. kindled in my heart by the holy Ghost k. Matt. 16.17 joh. 3.5. Ga. 5 2. Phil. 1.1.9. through the gospel, l. Rom. 1.16. Rom. 10.17. whereby I am at peace with god, surely reckoning with myself and judging, that forgiveness of sins, everlasting life, and righteousness, was given not only to others but also to me a. Heb. 10.38. Heb. 2.4. Mat 9.2. Eph. 2.7.8.9. Rom. 5.1 & that freely by the mercy of God, for the deserving of Christ alone. b. Rom. 3.24 25. Gal. 2.16. Question. What are those things that a Christian man must needs believe? Answer. All things that are promised in the Gospel, c. joh. 20.31. Mat 28.20. the sum whereof is contained in the creed, or articles of our faith, wherein is shortly contained, as in a certain short sum, the chief points of the Catholic and undoubted faith of all Christians. Question. What is the creed ye speak off? Answer. I Believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in jesus Christ his only begotten son our Lord. Which was conceived by the holy Ghost, borne of the virgin Mary. Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified dead and buried, went down into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. And went up into heaven, and sitteth there at the right hand of God the father Almighty. Fron thence shall he come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the holy Ghost. That there is a catholic church. A communion of Saints. Forgiveness of sins. The rising again of the flesh. And the life everlasting. Amen. Question. Into how many parts is this creed divided? Answer. Into three parts: the first is of the everlasting father, and of our creation. The second is of the son, and our redemption or deliverance. The third is of the holy Ghost, and making of us holy, and saving us from sin. Question. When as there is but one only substance of God: a Deut. 6.4. Ephe. 4.5.6. Why namest thou three: the father, the son, & the holy ghost? Answer. Because God hath so opened himself in his word, b Ies. 16.1. Luk. 4.18. psa 110.1. Math. 3.16.17. & 28.19. 1. joh. 5.7. that these three sundry persons are that one, true, and everlasting God. Of the Father. Question. WHat dost thou believe, when thou sayst, I believe in god the father almighty, maker of heaven & earth? Answer. I do believe that the everlasting father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which hath made of nothing heaven & earth, and all things that are therein: c Gen. 1.6. Psal. 33.6. and with his everlasting counsel and provision, upholdeth and governeth all the same d Psal. 104. & 115.3. Matth 10.29. Heb. 1 3. Rom. 11.36 for Christ's sake, is my god & my father: e john. 1.12. Rom. 8.15. Gal. 4.5.6▪ 7. Ephe. 15. and therefore so trust and rest in him, the I do not doubt but he will provide for me all things needful both for my soul and f Psal. 55.23. Matth 6.25. 26. Luk. 12.22. body, and that he will also turn unto my salvation, all the evils and troubles that he layeth upon me a Rome 8.28. in this troublesome life, both because he can do it, as an almighty God, b Rom. 10.12 and will do it, as a gentle Father. c Matth. 6.26 & 7.9.10.11. Question. What is the provision, or providence of God? Answer. The almighty power of God d Matth. 17.25. etc. present in every place, whereby it holdeth up as it were with a hand e Heb. 8.2.3. and governeth heaven and earth and all creatures, in so much that those things that grow upon the earth, as rain, also fair weather, and dryness, plenteousness in bearing, and barreunesse, meat and drink, f jer. 5.24. Act. 14.17. health and sickness, g joh. 9.5. riches and poverty: h Proverb. 22.2. to conclude, all things fall and come unto us, not without advise or by chance, but by his fatherly advised counsel, will, and purpose. Question. What profit have we by this knowledge of the creation, and providence of God? Answer. That in adversity we may be patiented, i Rom. 5, 3. jac. 1▪ 3. job. 1.21. and in prosperity thankful, k Deut. 8.10. 1, Thess. 5.18 and in time to come, we may have a very good hope in God our most faithful Father, l Ro. 5.4.5.6. knowing that there is nothing that can draw us away from his love, m Rome▪ ●, 38.39. for all creatures are so in his power that without his will they can not only do nothing, but even not so much as to stir or move. n job. 1.12. & 2.6. Pro. 21. 1 Act. 17.25.28. Of the Son. Question. WHy is the Son of God called jesus, that is, the saviour. Answer. Because he saveth us from all our sins, a. Matth. 1.21 Heb. 7.25. and as no salvation aught to be craved of any other, 〈◊〉 there none be found in other, but in h●●●●dne. b. Act. 4.12. Question. Then whether do they believe in the only saviour jesus, which seek happiness and salvation of saints, or of themselves, or of any other thing? Answer. Not, for although they boast themselves, and reidice in him as th● saviour in their words, yet for all that, in very deed they deny the only saviour jesus, c. 1. Cor. 1.13. & 31. Ga. 5.4 for either must jesus not be a perfect saviour, or else all they the receive him with a true faith for a saviour, have in their possession in him, all things necessary unto salvation. d. Heb. 12.2. Ies. 96. Col 1 19.20. &. 2.10. john. 1.16 Question. Why is he called Christus; that is, anointed? Answer. Because he was ordained of the Father, & was anointed of the holy ghost; e. Psal. 45.8. Heb. 1.9. the highest prophet and doctor, f. Deutr. 18.15 Act. 3.22. which opened unto us the secret counsel, g joh. 1.18. & 15.15. and all the will of his father concerning our redemption & deliverance. And the high Priest, who with one sacrifice or offering of his body and no more: hath bought us again, and continually maketh intercession to his Father for us. a. Rom. 8.34. & 5.9.10. And a King which governeth us with his word and his spirit, and defendeth and keepeth the salvation which we have gotten by him. b. Psal. 2.6. Luk. 1.33. Matth. 28.18. joh. 10.28. Question. But why art thou called a christian? Answer. Because through faith I am a member of jesus Christ, c. Act. 11.26. 1. Cor. 6.15. and am partaker of his anointing, d joh. 2.27. Ies. 59▪ 21. Act. 2.17. joel. 2.28. so that I confess his name, e Marinell 8.38. and give myself up unto him, to be a living offering of thankfulness, f Rom. 12.1. Apoc. 5.8.10. 1 Pet. 2.9 2. Tim 2.12 Rome 6.12 13. Apoc 1.6 in this life to fight against sin and Satan with a free and good conscience, the afterward I may hold and enjoy the everlasting kingdom with Christ over all creatures. g 1 Ti. 1. 1● 19 Question. For what cause is Christ called the only begotten son of God, when we are also the sons of God? Answer. Because Christ is only the everlasting and natural son of the Father everlasting, h joh. 1.14.18. Heb. 1.2 and we are but sons chosen and taken up of the Father only of favour for Christ's sake. i Rom. 8.15. Ephe. 1.6 Question. Why callest thou him our Lord? Answer. Because he buying again our bodies and souls from sin, not with gold nor silver, but with his precious blood, and delivering them from all power of the devil: hath claimed us for his own proper servants, belonging to none other Lord or Master. k 1. Pet. 1.18 19 & 2.9. 1. Cor. 6.20. & 7.23. Question. What believest thou, when thou sayest: he was conceived by the holy Ghost, and borne of the virgin Mary? Answer. That the son of God, which is, a joh. 1.1. & 17.5. Rom. 1.4. & abideth true and everlasting God, b Rom. 9.5. hath taken the very true nature of man, of the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, c joh. 1.14. Gal. 4.4. by the working of the holy ghost, d Math. 1.18 20. Luk. 1.35 that he might be also with all the true seed of David e Psal. 132.12 Rom. 1.3. like unto his brethren in all things, f Phil. 2.7 saving only in sin. g Heb. 4.15.7.26. Question. What profit takest thou of the holy conception and birth of Christ? Answer. That he is our mean or mediator, h Herald 2 16.17 and with his innocentnes and perfect holiness covereth my sins in the which I am conceived, to come into the sight of God. i Psal. 32.1 1. Cor. 1.30 Question. What believest thou, when thou sayest he suffered? Answer. That he, all the time of his life while he was here upon earth, but specially at his last time, did suffer the wrath of GOD against the sin of all mankind, k 1. Pet 2 24 &. 3.18. Ies. 53.12 that with his passion as one sacrifice once for all, l 1. joh. 2.2. & 4.10. Rom. 3.25 he should purchase mercy, & should deliver both our bodies and our souls from everlasting damnation, & get us the grace of god, and righteousness, and everlasting life. Question. For what cause did he suffer under judge Pilate? Answer. That he being innocent, and yet condemned a Luk. 25.14. joh. 19.8. before a civil judge, might deliver us from the strait judgement of God which we had deserved, & should have suffered if Christ had not suffered this sharp judgement for us. b psal. 65.2.5 Ies. 53.2. Cor 5.21. Gal. 3.13. Question. Is there any other cause beside, why that he should rather suffer on the cross, then die any other death? Answer. Yes, there is one in deed: for by this thing I am assured that he took upon himself the curse which was due unto me. For the death of the cross was cursed of God. c Deut. 21.23 Gal. 3.13. Question. Why must Christ humble himself even unto the death? Answer. Because that the justice and truth of God d Gen. 2.17. could not be contented and suaged for our sins by any other means but by the death of the son of god. e Heb. 2.9.14 15. Phil. 2.8. Question. Why was he also buried? Answer. That thereby we should have sure witness that he was truly dead, and not feignedly. f Act. 13.29. Mat. 27.60. Luk. 23.35. joh. 19.38. Question. But when as Christ died for us, why must we also die? Answer. Our death is not a making of amendss for our sins: but a dying from Sin, and a going into everlasting life. g joh. 5.24. Phil. 1.23. Rom. 7.24. Question. What profit do we further receive by the sacrifice and death of Christ? Answer. That by the virtue of his death our old man is crucified a Rom. 6.6.7 8.11.12. killed and buried with him, that the evil desires and lusts of the flesh should not afterward reign in us, b Rom. 6.12. but that we should offer ourselves unto him an offering of thanksgiving. c Rom. 12.1. Question. Why is it further said: he went down into hell? Answer. That in my grievous temptations & assaults, I might stay & make sure myself by this comfort, that my Lord jesus Christ by unspeakable verations and griefs, painful troubles and fears of mind, into the which both before and most of all when he hanged on the cross, he was cast into hath delivered me from the sorrowful grief and pains of Hell d Ies. 53.10. Mat. 27.46. Question. What profit have we by the rising again of Christ? Answer. First that by his rising again he overcame death, that he might make us partakers of his righteousness, which he had purchased unto us by his death. e 1. Cor. 15.17 45.55. Rom. 4.25. 1. Pet. 1.3 21. Moreover, we are also stirred up by his power, unto a new life. f Rom. 6 4. Col. 3.1.5 Eph. 2.21 And the third profit is, that the resurrection of our head Christ, is a pledge and a perfect assurance unto us that we shall rise again in glory. g 1. Co. 15.12 Rom. 8.11 Question. How understandest thou this, that he is gone up into heaven? Answer. That Christ (the Apostles looking on) was taken up from the earth into heaven, a Act. 1.9 Mat. 28. Mar. 16. Luk. 24. and yet still is there for our sakes, b Heb. 4.24. & 7.25.9.11 Rom. 8.34. Ephe. 4.10 Col 3.1. & will be until he shall come again to judge the quick and the dead. c Act. 1 Question. Shall Christ not then be with us until the end of the world as he hath promised? d Mat. 28.20. Mat. 24.30. Answer. Christ is true God and true man, and so according unto his man's nature, he is not now upon the earth, e Mat. 26 11. joh. 16.28. & 17.11. Act. 3.21. but after his Godly nature, majesty, grace, and spirit, he is never away from us. f joh. 14.17. etc. & 16.28. & 16.13. Ephe. 4.8 Augustinus Tract. in Ioann. 50. Question. But whether by this means are the two natures of Christ pulled in sunder or not, if Christ's manhood be not wheresoever his godhead is? Answer. Nay, for when as the godhead of Christ cannot be enclosed nor holden within any certain compass, and is present in every place, g Act. 7.49. & 17.28. jer. 23.24. it must needs be a good argument that his Godhead is without the nature of his manhood which he hath taken upon him, & reacheth farther, and yet for all that it is fast in the same, and abideth personally joined thereunto. h Col. 2.9. joh. 3.13. & 11 15. Math. 28.6. Question. What fruit have we by the going up of Christ into heaven? Answer. First that he maketh intercession for us in heaven, unto the father. a 1. joh. 2.1.2 Rom. 8.34. Then that we have our flesh in heaven, that thereby we may be surely assured, as by a sure pledge, that hereafter he will take us that are his members, unto him which is our head. b joh. 14.2. & 20.17. Eph. 2.6. Thirdly, that he sendeth to us his spirit in the stead of a pledge c joh. 14.16. & 20.7. Act. 2.2. Cor. 1.22.2. Cor. 5.5. between him & us, by whose strong working, we seek not earthly things, but the things that are above, where he is sitting at the right hand of god. d Col. 3.1. Phi. 3. Question. Why is it further said, that he is sitting at the right hand of God? Answer. Because Christ therefore is gone up into heaven, to show that he is the head e Ephes. 1.20.21.22.23. & 5 23. Coll. 1.18. of the Church by whom the father governeth all things. f Matth. 28.18. joh. 5.22. Question. What profit is this glory of our head Christ unto us? Answer. First that through his holy spirit, he poureth into us, (his members) heavenly gifts, g Ephe. 4 10. the next is, that he shieldeth and defendeth us by his might against all our enemies. h Psal. 2.9. & 110.12. joh. 10 28. Ephe. 4.8 Question. What comfort hast thou by the coming again of Christ, to judge the quick and the dead? Answer. That in all my persecutions & troubles I do look up to heaven, holding my head cheerfully up for the self same judge i Luk. 21.28. Rom. 8.23.33 Phil. 3.20. Titus. 2.13. which purposedly before did deliver himself to the judgement of God for me, and hath taken away all curse from me, which shall cast all his and my enemies into everlasting pain, a 2. Thess. 6.7 1. Thes. 4.16 Matth. 25.41 Matth. 25.34 & shall bring me with all other chosen persons, into the heavenly joys and everlasting glory. b Mat. 25.34. Of the holy ghost. Question. WHat dost thou believe, of the holy Ghost? Answer. First, that he is a true and everlasting God, with the everlasting father and the son c Gen. 1.2. Ies 48.16.1. Cor. 3.16.1. Cor. 6.19. Act. 5 3.4 Secondly that he is given unto me, d Matth. 28 19.2. Cor. 1 21.22. that by true faith he maketh me partaker of Christ, and all his good deeds. e Gal. 3.14. 1. Pet. 1.2. 1. Cor. 6.17 And thirdly, comforteth me, and abideth with me for ever. f Act 9.31. joh. 14 16. 1. Pet. 4.14. Question. What is thy belief concerning the holy and Catholic Church of Christ? Answer. I believe that the son of God doth g joh. 10.11. gather from the beginning of the world unto the end) h Psal. 71.18 1. Cor. 11.26. out of whole mankind i Gen. 26.4. a chosen k Rom. 8.29.30. Eph. 1.10.11.12.13. 1. Pet 1.20. company by the spirit & the word, l Ies. 59.21. Rom. 1.16. & 10.14.17. Eph. 5.26. agreeing together in a true m Act. 2.46. Eph. 4.3.4.5. faith, & that he defendeth and saveth the same, n Matth. 19 18. joh. 10.28. 2●. 30. and that I am one lively members of that company, o 1. joh. 3.21. 3. Cor. 13.5 and shall so abide for ever. p 1. joh. 1.19.1 1. Cor. 1 8.9. Rom. 8.35. Question. What meanest thou by the communion, and fellowship of saints? Answer. First, that all and every one that believeth, are in common partakers of Christ and of his good deeds, as his members and parts of his body, a 1. joh. 1.3 Rom. 8.32. 1 Cor. 12 13 21 1. Cor. 6.17. and then that every man aught willingly, readily, and carefully, to bestow the gifts which he hath received, to the common profit and health of all men. b Cor. 13.5 Phil. 2.4.5.6. Question. What believest thou of the forgiveness of sins? Answer. That GOD for the satisfaction or full recompense that Christ hath made c 1. joh. 2.2 Cor. 5.19.21. hath put out the remembrance of my sins, and also of that my crooked nature and wickedness wherewith I must fight all my life time, d jer. 31.34 Ps 103.3.10.12 Rom. 7.24.25 Rome 8 1.2.3. and that he will freely give unto me the righteousness of Christ, so the I shall not come at any time to judgement, to be condemned. e joh. 3.18. Question. What comfort hast thou by the rising again of the flesh. Answer. That not only my soul (after that it shall depart from the body) shall straight way be taken up unto Christ her head, f Luk. 23.43 Phil. 1.23. but also that this my flesh (raised up by this power of Christ) shall be joined again unto my soul, & shall be made like unto the glorious body of Christ. g 1. Cor. 15.53.54. job. 19 25.26. 1. joh. 3.2. Phil. 3 21 Question. What comfort takest thou of the article of everlasting life? Answer. That for as much as I feel already, the beginning of everlasting life in my a 2. Co. 5.2.3 heart, it shall afterward come to pass, that after this life, I shall come to full and perfect blessedness, wherein I may praise God for ever, which blessedness neither eye hath seen, nor ear hath hard, neither the thought of man is able to reach unto. b 1. Cor. 2.9. Question. But when thou believest all these things, what profit hast thou thereby? Answer. That I am righteous in Christ before God, and an heir of everlasting life. c Heb. 2.4. Rom. 1.17. joh. 3.36. Question. How art thou righteous before God? Answer. Only by faith or belief in jesus Christ, d Rom. 2.3.21.22.24. Gal 2.16. Eph. 2.8 9 Phil. 3.8.9. in somuch that although my conscience did accuse me, that I have sinned grievously against all the commandments of God, and have kept perfectly never a one of them, e Rom. 3.9. etc. & am also ready and disposed yet still to all evil, f Rom. 7.23. yet for all that (so that I can receive all these good deeds of Christ by a true faith of my mind) the perfect satisfaction or amendss making, the righteousness and holiness of Christ, is counted and given unto me by the only mercy of God, g Rom. 3.22. joh. 3.18. Tit. 3.5. Deut. 9.10. Ezech. 36.22. Rom. 3.24 Ephe. 2.8.1. joh. 2.2.1. joh. 2.1. Rome 4.4.2. Cor. 5.19. even as though I had never do any sin, neither any spot should cleave unto me: and furthermore, as though I had fulfilled in mine own person, the obedience which Christ hath fulfilled and performed for me h. 2 Cor. 5.21 Question. Why dost thou hold that thou art made righteous by faith alone? Answer. Not because I do please God with the worthiness of my faith, but because the amends making or satisfaction, righteousness and holiness of Christ, are my righteousness before god, a. 1. Cor. 1.30. etc. & I cannot take hold thereof, and apply the same unto me by any other means, then by faith alone. b. 1. joh. 5.10. Question. Why are not our good works accounted righteousness: or at the lest some part of righteousness before God? Answer. because that righteousness that must stand fast before the judgement of God, must be in all points perfect and agreeing with the word of God, c. Gal. 3.10. Deut. ●7. 26 and all our good works (even the most holy & perfectest works that we do in this life) are unperfect and defiled with sin. d. Ies. 64.6. Question. How do our good works deserve nothing, when as God doth promise that he will give a reward for them, both in this life, and in the life to come? Answer. That reward is given not of deserving, but of favour. e Luk. 17.10 Question. Doth not this learning make men to be careless, Godless, and of a lose life? Answer. Not, for it is not possible but that they that are grafted into Christ through faith, shall bring forth good and thankful fruits. f. Matth. 7.18. joh. 15.5. Of the Sacramantes. Question. THen, seeing that only faith maketh us partakers of Christ & of his good deeds, from whence cometh this faith. Answer. From the holy Ghost, a Ephe. 2.8. & 6.23. joh. 3.5. Phil. 1.29. who kindleth it in our hearts through the preaching of the Gospel, and strengtheneth the same by the using of the Sacraments. b. Matth. 28. 1● 20. 1 Pet. 1.22.23. Question. What are the Sacraments? Answer. They are holy signs and seals set before our eyes, ordained of God for that cause, that by them he might open unto us, and settle or confirm more largely the promise of the Gospel: that is to wit, he giveth freely forgiveness of sins, and life everlasting, not only to the number of believers, but to every one that believeth, for the only sacrifice of Christ, which he made perfect upon the cross, c Gen. 17.11 Rom. 4.11. Deut. 30.6. Levi. 6.25. Heb 9.8.9.24. Ezech. 20.12. 1. Sam. 17 36. Ies 6.6.7. & 54.9. Question. Then whether do both the word and Sacraments tend to that end, that they may lead our faith unto the sacrifice of Christ fully ended on the cross, as unto the ground of salvation? Answer. It is so in deed, for the holy Ghost teacheth by the Gospel, and assureth us by the Sacraments, that all our salvation standeth in the only sacrifice of Christ, offered for us upon the cross. d. Rom. 6.3. Gal. 3.27. Question. How many Sacraments hath Christ ordained in the new testament? Answer. Two, Baptism, and the holy supper. Of Baptism. Question. How art thou warned and assured in Baptism that thou art partaker of that only sacrifice? Answer. Because Christ commanded the outward washing, a Matth. 28.19 Act. 2.38. putting to this promise: b. Marc. 16.16 Matth. 3.11. Rom. 6.3. that I am assuredly washed (by his blood & the holy Ghost) from all the uncleanness of my soul, that is, from all my sins, as I am outwardly washed with water, c. Mark. 1.4 Luk. 3 3. whereby all the filthiness of the body is scoured away. Question. What is it to be washed with the blood and spirit of Christ? Answer. It is to receive of God forgiveness of our sins freely for Christ's blood sake, which he shed for us in his sacrifice upon the cross, d. Heb. 12 24 1. Pe. 1.2. Apo 1.5. & 22.14 zach. 13.1. Ezech. 36.25. and also to be made new men by the holy Ghost, and by his making of us holy to be made members of Christ, that thereby we may die from sin more and more, and may live holily and unblamedly. e. job. 8.33. & 3.5. 1. Cor. 6.11.12.13. Ro 6.4. Col. 2.12 Question. Where promised Christ that he would so surely wash us with his blood and spirit, as we are washed outwardly with the outward water of Baptism? Answer. In the xuj. of saint Mark, where as he first ordained Baptism, whose words are these. Go and teach all nations, and baptize them in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy Ghost. a. Math. 28.19 And he that will believe and be baptized, shall be saved, but he that will not believe shallbe dampened. b. Mat. 16.16 and this promise is rehearsed again whereas the scripture nameth Baptism the bath of the new birth, c. Tit. 3.5. and washing away of sins. d. Act. 21.16. Question. Is not the outward baptizing with water, the washing away of our sins? Answer. It is not: e. Matth. 3.12 1. Pet. 3.21. Ephe. 5.26. for only the blood of Christ maketh us clean from all sin. f job. 17. 1. Cor. 9.11. Question. Then why doth the holy Ghost call baptism the bath of the new birth, and washing away of sin? Answer. God not without a great cause speaketh so: to wit, not only to teach us the as the filthiness of our bodies is scoured away with water, so likewise are our sins washed & scoured away with the blood and spirit of Christ: g. Apoc. 1.5. & 7.8. 1. Cor. 6.11. but also much more, that he might sicker & assure us by his goodly token & pledge, that we are as surely washed from our sins inwardly by the inward washing, as we are outwardly washed with the outward and seable water. h. Mark. 16. ●6. Gal. 3.17. Question. Aught all young speechless children in be baptized? Answer. Yea in any case, for when as they belong as well unto the covenant or promise, and to the Church of GOD, as they do that are fully grown and are perfect men and women, a Gen. 17.7. & when as forgiveness of sins b Mat. 16.14 and the holy Ghost the c. Luk. 1.14.15. Psal. 22.11. Esa. 44.1.2 Act. 2 36. worker of faith, is as well promised to them through the blood of Christ, as to them that are full grown men and women: they are to be grafted into the Church by baptism, and are to be known from the children of unbelievers or infidels, d Act. 10.47. as in the own Testament, the children of them, that believed were known from them that believed not, by circumcision. e. Gen. 17.14 In whose place and steed (it now being taken away) Baptism was appointed. f. Col. 2.12.13 Of the Supper of the Lord Question. How art thou in the Supper of the Lord warned, assured, and sickered, that thou art partaker of that only one sacrifice of Christ offered upon the cross, and of all his good deeds? Answer. Because Christ hath commanded me and all faithful men, to eat of this bread that is broken, and to drink of this cup that is reached unto me in the remembrance of him, with promise put thereto, a Matth. 26.27.28. Mark. 14 22.23.24 Luk. 22.19.20 1 Cor. 1.16 17. & 11.23.24 25. & 12.13. that first his body was assuredly broken on the Cross and offered for me, and his blood as surely shed for me, as I see the bread of the Lord broken unto me, and the cup of the Lord reached unto me. Moore over that my soul is as well fed unto everlasting life with his body which was crucified for us, and with his blood which was shed for us, as I receive with the mouth of my body the bread & the wine (which are tokens of the body & blood of our Lord) at the hands of my shepherd or elder of the Church. Question. What is it to eat the body that was crucified, and to drink the blood that was shed? Answer. It is not only to embrace and receive the whole Passion and death of Christ with a sure trust of mind, and to get by it forgiveness of sins and life everlasting: b. joh. 6.35.40.47.48.50 51.53.54. but also to be so joined unto his holy body more and more through the holy ghost which dwelleth in Christ and in us, c. joh. 6.55.56 that although he be in heaven d. Act. 3.21 Act. 1.9.1. Cor 11.26. and we in earth, yet for all that we are flesh of his flesh, and bones of his bones, e. 1▪ Cor. 6.15 17.19.1. joh. 3.24. & 4.13. Eph. 3.17. and as all the members or limbs of a man's body are quickened or have life of one soul, so are we quickened & governed and have life with one spirit. f. joh. 14.23. joh. 6.56.57 58. joh. 15.1.2.3.4.5.6. Eph. 4 15.16 Question. In what place▪ promised Christ that he would as surely give his body and blood to be eaten and drunken to them that believe, as they do eat the bread that is broken and drink the wine out of the cup? Answer. In the place where he did first ordain his supper in these words. a. 1. Cor. 11.23. etc. Marh 26.26. etc. Mark. 14.22. etc. Luk. 21 19 etc. Our Lord jesus Christ in that night he was betrayed took the bread, and after he had given thanks he broke it and said: take eat, this is my body which is broken for you, do this in the remembrance of me. And so likewise after supper he took the cup, saying: this cup is the new testament in my blood, b. Exod. 24.8 Heb. 9.20. do this as often as ye shall drink, in my remembrance, c. Ex. 13.9. For as often as ye shall eat this bread and drink of this cup, ye shall show the death of the Lord till be come. i Cor. xi. This promise is rehearsed again by S. Paul. i Cor. x. where. he saith: The cup of thanksgiving wherewith we give thanks is it not the partaking of Christ's blood? is not the bread that we break, the partaking of the body of Christ? Because we being many are one bread & one body, d. 1. Cor. 10.16.17. for we are all partakers of one bread. Question. Are then bread and wine made the very body and blood of Christ? Answer. Not but as the water of baptism is turned into the blood of Christ, neither is the washing away of sin, but only a token and pledge of those things that are sealed unto us in baptism, even so is not the bread of the lords supper the very body of Christ. a. Math. 16.29. Mark. 14.24.1. Cor. 11 26.27. etc. 1. Cor. 10.16 17. Notwithstanding, after the manner of speaking of Sacraments, and the accustomed fashion of speaking of the holy ghost of these things: b. Gen. 17.10 14.19. Exod. 12.27.43 48 & 13.9. Act. 7.8. Ex. 24.8. & 29.36. Levit. 16 10. &. 7.11 11 Es. 6.6.7. Titus. 3.5. Act. 22.6. 1. Pet. 3 2. 1. Cor. 10.1.2 3.4. bread is called the body of Christ. Question. Why then doth Christ call bread his body, and the cup his blood, or the new Testament through his blood. And Paul calleth the bread and wine, the communion or partaking of his body & blood? Answer. Christ speaketh so, not without great consideration: to wit, that he may not only teach us, that even as bread & wine hold up and keep in the life of the body, so his crucified body and his blood that were shed, are the very true meat and drink of our soul, whereby it is nourished into everlasting life: c joh. 6.51.55 but all so much more he speaketh so, to assure & sicker us with this visible token and pledge, that we are as truly partakers of his body and blood by the working of the holy Ghost, as we have received these holy tokens in the remembrance of him, with the mouth of our body: d. 1. Cor. 10.16.17. and also that his passion or suffering, and his obedience or keeping of the whole law, are as surely ours, as though we had suffered our own selves for our sins, and had made amends to GOD for them. Question. What difference is there between the supper of the Lord, and the popish Mass? Answer. The supper of the Lord witnesseth, that all our sins are forgiven us through that only one sacrifice that he once made on the cross, a. Heb. 7.27. & 9.12.26.28 & 10.10 12.14. joh. 19 Mat. 26.28.19.20 and that we are all through the holy ghost grafted into Christ b. 1. Cor. 6.17 & 10.16. & 12.13. who after his man's nature is only in heaven at the right hand of the father, c Heb. 1.3. & 8.1. and will be worshipped there of us. d. joh. 4.21 22. etc. & 20.17. Luk. 24.52. Act. 7.55, 56. Col. 3.1. Phi. 3.20. 1. The. 1.10. But in the Mass it is denied that the quick and the dead have forgiveness of sins through the passion of Christ alone, except Christ be offered every day for them, by the sacrificing Mass priests. Moreover it is taught in the Mass, that Christ is bodily present under the likeness of bread & wine, and is therefore to be worshipped in them. e. In Can. Missae, item de consecratione distinct. 2 And so the foundation of the Mass, is nothing else but a denial of that only sacrifice and passion of jesus Christ and cursed Idolatry, maumetrie, and worshipping of by gods beside the living God. Question. Who aught to come to the supper of the Lord? Answer. Only they that repent, and are very sorry that they have angried God with their sins, and yet trust that they are forgiven them for Christ's sake, and that the rest of their weakness and unperfectness is covered with his death & passion, who also desire to go forward and grow more and more in holy life & conversation. But hypocrites false feigners of holiness, and they that repent not and will not amend their lives, eat and drink their own damnation. a 1 Cor. 10.21 & 11.28. etc. Question. Aught we also to allow them to this supper which show themselves to be faithless and ungodly, both in their own confession and naughty life? Answer. Not, for so is the covenant of God unhallowed, and the wrath of God is stirred against the whole Church. b. 1. Cor. 11.20.34. Esa. 1.11. &. 66.3. jere. 7.21. etc. Psal. 50.16. Wherefore the Church of God (according to the appointment of Christ and his Apostles) using the keys of the kingdom of heaven, aught to hold back such from the Lords supper, until they repent and amend their manners. Question. What are the keys of the kingdom of heaven? Answer. The preaching of the Gospel, and correction or discipline of the Church, whereby the kingdom of heaven is opened to them that believe, and is shut up against them that believe not. Question. How is the kingdom of heaven opened and shut by the preaching of the Gospel? Answer. Where at the commandment of Christ we openly declare and show, that all and every man's sins are forgiven them by God, for the only deserving of Christ, as often as they receive with a true faith and believe the promise of the Gospel. Of the contrary part, it showeth unto all them that believe not, and to all hypocrites, feigners of holiness that are wicked within, that the wrath a. joh. 20.21.22.13. Math. 16.19. of God, and everlasting damnation hangeth over their heads, according to which witness of the Gospel, God will judge as well in this life as in the life to come. Question. How is the kingdom of heaven shut to, or opened by the correction or discipline of the Church? Answer. When as according unto the commandment of Christ, they the are Christian men in name, but show themselves both in learning and life far from Christ, b. Rom. 12.8 1. Cor 12.21. 1. Tim. 5.17. 1. Cor. 5.4. 2 Cor. 2.6. after that they have been certain times brotherly warned to forsake their errors, and leave their evil deeds, and are presented or showed to the Church, or to them that are appointed of the Church unto that office, and will not obey their warning: they are shut out by the same, from the use of the sacraments, and from coming to the fellowship of Christ's Church, from God himself, and the kingdom of Christ. But again, if they promise' to amend their lives, and do so indeed, they are received into the Church again as members of Christ, and of the Church. c. Matth. 18.15 16.17.18. 1. Cor. 5. 2. Th. 3.14.15 2. joh. 10.11. 2. Cor. 2.6.7.10.11. The third part is of thankfulness. Question. WHen as we are delivered from all our sins and wretchedness without any deserving of us, by the only mercy of God for Christ's ●●●e: why should we then do good works? Answer. Because that after Christ hath bought us again with his blood, and maketh us new men by his holy spirit, like unto the image of himself, that we having received so many good turns, should show ourselves all our life time thankful to God, a Rom. 6.13. &. 12.12. 1. Pet. 2.5.9 10. 1. Cor. 6.10. and that he may be honoured. b. Math. 5.19 1. Pet. 2.12. After that we every man, may be assured of his faith by his fruits. c. 1 Pet. 1.10. Math. 7.17. Gal. 5.6.22. last of all that we may win other, unto Christ by our honest and sober life, or good example of living. d. 1. Pet. 3.1.2 Rom. 14.19. Question. Can they then not be saved which d'ye unthanksfull, and abide still careless in sin, and are not turned to God from their wickedness? Answer. In no case, for the scripture beareth witness that no unchaste persons, neither worshipper of strange Gods, neither horemaister or advoulterers, neither covetous men, neither thieves, nor drunkards, neither scolding railers, neither robbers, shall enter into the kingdom of god. e. Cor. 6.9 10 Eph. 5.5.6 1. joh. 3.14. Question. In what part standeth the turning of a man to God? Answer. In the kill or putting down of the old man a. Ro. 6.4.5.6. Ephe. 4.22.23.24. Col. 35.6.8.9.10. 1. Cor. 5.7. 2. Cor. 7.11 and the quickening and raising up of the new man. Question. What is the kill of the old man? Answer. It is truly and with all thy heart to be sorry that thou hast angered GOD with thy sins, and every day more & more to hate them & to fly from them. b. Rom. 8.13. joel. 2.13. Ose. 6.1. Question. What is the quickening or raising up of the ●ewe man? Answer. True gladness or God through Christ, c. Rom. 5.1 & 14.17. Ies. 57.15 and an earnest and ready desire of a man to order his life according to the will of God, in doing of all manner of Good works. d. Rom. 10.11 Gal. 2.20 Question. What are good works? Answer. Only they the are done in faith, e. Rom. 14.23 according to the law of GOD f. 1 Sam. 15.22. Ephe. 2.10. & 6.17. and are wrought for that end that God may be honoured thereby, g 1. Co. 10.13 and not they that are devised by us, and in our opinion (without the word of God) seen to be good. h. Deut. 12.32 Ez. 20.18 19 Ies. 29.13. Math. 15.9. Question Which is the law of God? Answer. God hath spoken all these words. Exod. 20. Deut. 5. The ten commandements. I I am the Lord thy God which hath brought thee out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other Gods in my sight. II Thou shalt make to thee no graven image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, nor in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down to them nor worship them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, and visit the sins of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and show mercy unto thousands in them that love me and keep my commandments. The III Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. The FOUR Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath day. Six days shalt thou labour and do all that thou haste to do, but the seventh day is the Saboth of the Lord thy God, in it thou shalt do no manner of work, thou and thy son and thy daughter, thy man servant and thy maid servant, thy cattle, and the stranger that is within thy gate. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea & all that is in them, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day and hallowed it. The V Honour thy Father and thy Mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. The VI Thou shalt do no murder. The VII. Thou shalt not do adultery. The VIII. Thou shalt not steal. The IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. The X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, nor his wife, not his servant, nor his maid, nor his ox nor his Ass, nor one thing that is his. Question. How are these commandments divided? Answer. Into two tables; a. Exo. 34.28. Deut 4.13. & 10.3.4. of the which the former teacheth in it, four commandments, how that we shall behave ourselves toward God. The second table teacheth in it six commandments, what duty, good deeds, and gentleness, we own unto our neighbour. b. Math. 22.38 Question. What requireth God of us, in the first table? Answer. That even so dearly as I love the salvation of my soul, so earnestly should I shun and fly Idolatry, c. 1. Cor. 6.9.10. & 10.7.14 Maumetrie or worshipping of false gods, witchcraft, d. Levit. 18.13 Deut. 18.11. Sorcery, enchantments, superstition or worshipping of God, by other means than he hath taught in his word, calling for help of Saints or any other creatures e. Mat. 4.10. Apo. 19.10. & 22.8.9. But that I should rightly confess and acknowledge the only and true God, a. joh. 17.3. and only trust in him, b. jer. 17.5. and should with great lowliness c. 1. Pet. 5.5.6 submit myself unto him, d. Heb. 10.36. Col. 1.11. Rom. 5.3.4. 1. Cor. 10.10. Phi. 2.14. and look for all good things of him alone, e. Psa. 104.27.28.29.30. Esa. 45.7. and that with all my heart and withal the desires of the same I should love him f. Deut. 6.5. Math. 22.37. and with reverence worship & honour him so much, g. Deut. 6.2. Psal. 111.10. Pro. 1.7. Math. 10.18. Math. 4.10. Deut. 10.20. that I had leaver forsake all creatures, then to do any thing contrary to his william. h. Math. 5.29 30. & 10.37. Act. 5.29. Question. What is idolatry? Answer. It is in the stead of one God, or beside him that is the true God, who hath opened and showed himself plainly and clearly in his word, to feign, make or have any thing, wherein thou believest or puttest thy hope in. i. Eph. 5.5 1. Par. 16.26. Phil. 3.19. Gal. 4.8 Ephe. 2.12. 1. joh. 2.23. 2. joh. 9 Question. What requireth the second commandment? Answer. That we should not show, set out, or express god, by any Image or figure, k. Deut. 4.15. etc. Ies. 40.18 Rom. 1.23. Act. 17.29 neither should we worship him any other wise than he hath commanded in his word himself to be worshipped. l Sam. 15 23 Deut. 12.30 Math. 15.9. Question. Whether then aught any images or, likeness of things to be made? Answer. God neither aught, neither can by any means be counterfeited, showed, or declared, by any caster, Founder, carver, or Painter. And although they be suffered to express creatures, as herbs, trees, fishes, and birds, and such like: yet GOD forbiddeth their images to be made or had, that through them we should worship or honour God, or give to them any worship, or outward reverence. a. Exo. 33.24. & 34.13. Num. 33.52. Deut. 2.5. & 12.3. & 16.22 ●. reg. 18.4. Question. Whether aught images to be suffered to stand in Churches to be lay men's books or nor? Answer. Not no. For it is not seemly that we should be wiser than God, who willeth that his Church should be taught with the lively preaching of his word, b. 2. Timo. 3.16.17. 2. Pet. 1.19. and not with dumb images. c jer. 10.8 Hab. 2. 18.1● Question. What doth God ordain in the third commandment Answer. That we should not only, not use his name spitefully & unreverently in banning, cursing, forswearing, d. Levi. 24.11 etc. Lemot 19.12 and rashly without a just cause in any manner of swearing at all, e Mat. 5.37 jac. 5.12. neither should we he partakers of those horrible and wicked sins, either by holding of our peace, or in winking at them, but that we should use that holy name of God no otherwise, but with devotion, reverence, and worship f. Esay. 45.23 that he may be worshipped & honoured in all our words and deeds g. Rom. 2.24 1. Tim. 6.1 Col. 5.16. with a true & steadfast comessione h. Mat. 10.32 & invocation or i. 1. Tim. 2 8. calling upon his name. Question. Is it then so grievous a sin, to dishonour the name of God in swearing & in cursing, that God is also angry with them that will not as much as lieth in them) hinder, forbidden, and let it? Answer. Surely it is the most grievous sin, a. Leu. 5.1. neither is there any that angreth and displeaseth him more, than the spiteful misusing of his name. Wherefore it was his will the it should be punished with death. b. Leu. 24.15.16. Question. May not a man sometime godly and lawfully, swear by the name of God? Answer. He may. Either when the Magistrate God's officer requireth or commandeth a man to swear, or otherwise when need requireth, that by this mean a man may get credit, and the truth may be proved and established therewith, that thereby God may be glorified and praised, & men may be holpen thereby. For such a lawful oath is approved as holy by the word of God, c. Deu. 6.13. & 10.20. Esay, 48.1. Heb. 6.16. and therefore it was well used of the fathers both in the old and newt Testament. d. Gen. 21.24. &. 31.53. Ies. 9.15.19. 1. Sam. 24.23 2. Sam. 3.25. 1. Reg. 1.29. Rom. 1.9. Question. Is it lawful for a man to swear by saints or other creatures? Answer. No, for a lawful oath is the calling upon, or invocation of God, that he (as only the knower of the secrets of the heart) may give witness unto the truth and punish the swearer (if wittingly he swear falsely) e. 2. Cor. 1.13. but this honour is to be given unto no creature. f. Math. 5.34.35.36. jac. 5.12. Question. What hath God commanded in the fourth commandment? Answer. First that the serving in the office of preaching and ministering of the sacraments, and that the schools should be kept, maintained and provided for, a. Titus. 1.5. 1. Ti. 3.1. Cor 9.11.13.14. 2. Tim. 2.2. & 3.15. 1. Tim. 4.13. & 5.17. that I on the holiday and at other times when the Church is (for some necessary cause gathered together.) should join myself unto that holy fellowship, to hear the word of God diligently & heedfully c 1. Cor. 14.19 2●. 31. and to use the sacraments, d 1. Co. 11.31 b. Psal. 68.27 & 40.10.11. Act. 2.42.46. & wine my prayers with the common prayers, e. 1. Tim. 2.1.2 3.8.9. 1 Cor. 14.15. & give something according to my riches to the poor f. 1. Cor. 16.2 & afterward for all my life time, keep holiday and forbear from all ill deeds, giving place, and granting unto God that through his holy spirit, he may work his works in me: and so may begin the everlasting Sabbath or holy day in this life. g. Ies. 66.23. Question. What enjoineth God us to do in the fift commandment? Answer. That we should give due honour, and show faithfulness to our fathers and mothers, and to all that are governors over us, and should submit ourselves with all convenient obedience, unto their faithful commandments and chastening h Ephe. 6.2.5 etc. Col. 3.18.20.22.23.24 Ephe. 5.22. Pro. 1. ●. & 4.1. & 15.20 & 20.20. Exo. 21.17 Rom. 13 and that we should suffer & be are with their vices and manners i. Prou 23.22 Gen. 9.25. 1. Pet. 2.18 ever thinking this in our mind, the God will govern & guide us by their hand k. Ephe. 6.4.9 Col. 3.19 Rom. 13.21. Math. 22.21. Question. What doth God require in the sixth commandment Answer. That I should do no injury wrong or reproach to my neighbour neither with my words, gesture or outward behaviour, either by myself, or by any other man, hate him, hurt him, or kill him, a. Math. 5.21 22 Gen. 9.6. Matth. 26.52. but to leave and give over all the desire of revenging b. Eph 4.26. Rom. 12.19. Matth. 5.25 & 18.35. unto god: neither that I should hurt myself, nor cast myself wittingly into any jeopardy. c. Rom. 13.14 Co. 2.23. Sir ● 27. Mat. 4.7. Wherefore God hath armed the Magistrate his officer with the sword, that there should no murder be done. d. Gen. 9.6. Exod. 21.14. Matth. 26.52 Rom. 13.4 Question. Doth this commandment only forbidden manslaughter? Answer. Almighty God by forbidding of murder, teacheth that he hateth 〈◊〉 root and beginning of murder: anger, e. jac. 1.20. Gal. 5.20. envy, f Rom. 1.29. hatred, g. 1. Io 2.9.11. and desire of wreaking or revenging, and that he taketh all these things for murder. h. 1. joh. 3.15. Question. Is it enough for us to kill no man, by those means that are before rehear, sede. Answer. Is it not enough? For when as God forbiddeth anger, envy, and hatred: he requireth the we should love our neighbours as ourselves, i. Matth. 22 39 &. 7 12. should use toward them gentleness, k. Rom. 12.10 mildness, l. Eph. 4.2. Gal. 6.1.2. Matth. 5.5. Rom. 12.18. meekness, patience and mercy, m. Math. 5.7. Luk. 6.36. and to turn away or stop (as much as lieth in us) such things as may be hurtful unto them. n. Exo. 23.5. And finally that wes should be so minded toward them, that we should be good even unto our enemies. a. Matth. 1.44 45. Rom. 12.20.21. Question. What is the meaning of the seventh commandment? Answer. That God defieth all filthiness, b. Levit. 18.27.28. and therefore we aught also to hate it, & utterly to defy it, c. juda. 23. and that we should live contrary unto all uncleanness temperately, soberly and chastened d. 1. Thess. 4.34.5. both in holy wedlock and also in single life. e. Heb. 13.7. 1. Cor. 7. Question. Doth God forbid no more in this commandment, but advoultrie, fornication and such kinds of filthiness? Answer. When as our bodies and souls are the Churches or Temples of the Holy Ghost, the will of GOD is, that we should keep them both clean, and hallowed unto him, and therefore utterly forbiddeth all deeds, signs, tokens, gestures, and words, or f. Eph. 5.3.4. 1. Cor. 6.18.19.20. filthy desires g. Math. 5.28 and what soever enticeth a man thereto. h. Eph. 5 18. 1. Cor. 15.33. Question. What doth God forbidden in the eight commandment? Answer. Not only such thefts i. 1. Cor. 6.10. and robberies k. 1. Cor. 5.10 as the common officers do punish: l. Luk. 3 14 1. Thess. 4.6. but he understandeth under the name of theft, all crafty fetches, drifts, subtle means and ways, whereby we hawk & lie in wait, to take other men's goods from them, or labour to convey them unto us, either by might or violence or by any false pretence of right, as though we had a just title to them, & yet have none at al. Such means are false weights, a. Prou. 11.1. & 16.11. false yards, else, and false measures, b. Exech. 45. ● etc. counterfeit and unlawful ware, counterfeit and unlawful money, usury, c. Deut. 25. 1●. etc. Psal. 15.5 Luk. 6.35. and all unlawful means and ways that God hath forbidden to get man's living withal. Hereunto may be put & joined all covetousness d 1. Cor. 6.10 and unthrifty and prodigal pouring out, and spending and wasting of God's gifts, and evil using of the same. e Prou. 5.16. Question What are those things which God commandeth here? Answer. That as much as is possible, I should help and increase the goods and profit of my neighbour. And that I should do so unto him, as I would he should do unto me, f Matt. 7.7.12 and that I should do my work earnestly, truly and faithfully, that I may thereby he able to relieve & help them that have need. g Eph. 4.28. Question. What requireth the ninth commandment? Answer That I shall not bear false witness against any man, h Pro. 19.5.9. & 21.28. neither falsely turn the meaning of any man's words, i Psal. ●. 5.3. neither shall backbite any man, or spitefully rail against any man, k Rom. 1.18.30. neither shall rashly without the showing of a lawful cause, condemn any man. l Matth. 7.1. etc. Luk. 6.37 But with all the means that I can, I shall fly and eschew all kind of lies and deceipts, a Prou. 12.22 & 13.5.1. Cor 13.6. as the proper works of the devil, b joh. 8.44. except I be disposed to stir up against me, the grievous wrath of God. In judgements and other matters I shall follow it that is true, and steadfastly and freely tell and confess the matter as it is in deed, c Eph. 4.25. and moreover I shall (as much as I can) defend and increase the good name, fame, and credit of my neighbours. d 1. Pet. 4.8. Question. What forbiddeth the tenth commandment? Answer. That our hearts should not be moved or stirred up, with so much as with the lest thought or desire, against any of God's commandments, but that we shall hate and defy at all times all kind of sin, & shall delight ourselves in all righteousness. c Rom. 7.8. Question. Can they that are turned to GOD keep perfectly, and fully, these commandements? Answer. Not, for even the holiest amongst all men (as long as they live here) have but small beginnings of this obedience, f 1. joh. 1.8. Rom. 7.14.15 etc. Eccl. 7.21 But yet go so far, that they earnestly (with no feigned desire) begin to live not only according unto some of these commandments, but according to all the commandments of God. g Rom. 7.22. jac. 10. Question. Why will God then that his law should be so earnestly and sharply preached when there is no man in this life, that is able to keep it? Answer. First, that all the time of our life we shall confess and acknowledge a 1. joh. 1.9 Psal. 32.5. how greatly we are disposed of nature to sin, and so thereby that we more greedily, and with a greater desire, call for the forgiveness of our sins, b Rom. 7.24 25. and that we should always be occupied in this, that we always be hinking and recording with ourselves of Godliness, and call upon the Father for the grace of the holy Ghost, that we may be renewed and fashioned to the likeness of God every day more and more, until at the length, after that we be departed out of this life: we may with joy and gladness get the full perfectness, that is proposed, set forth, and required of us. c 1. Cor. 9 2.4 Phil. 3.11.12.13.14. Of prayer. Question. WHy is prayer necessary for a Christian man? Answer. Because it is the chief part of that thankfulness that God requireth of us. d Psal. 50.14 15. And also because God only giveth them his grace and holy spirit, who with true unfeigned growninges are of him things necessary, & give him thanks for such benefits as they have received. e Matth. 7 Luk. 11.13 Math. 13.12. Psal. 50.15. Question. What things are required in that prayer which shall please God, and be heard of him? Answer. That we should ask of the only true God which hath opened himself in his word a joh. 4.22 all those things which he hath commanded to be axed, with a true desire of the heart, b Rom. 8.26. 1. joh. 5.14 joh. 4.23.24. Psal. 145.18 1.2. Par. 20.12 and an inward feeling of our geggerly need and wretchedness, (c) and cast ourselves down humbly and lowly in the sight of God's majesty, d Psa. 2.11. & 34.19. Ies. 66.2. & lean to this sure foundation, e Rom. 10.14 & 8.15. jac. 1.6 that although we be unworthy, yet we shall surely be heard for Christ's sake f joh. 14.13.14.15. &. 15.16 & 16.23. Dan. 9.17.18 as he hath promised us in his word. g Matth. 7.8. Psal. 143.1. Question. What are those things that he commandeth to be axed of him? Answer. All things that are necessary both for body and soul, h jac. 1.17. Matth. 6.33. which our Lord jesus Christ containeth in his prayer that he hath taught us. Question. What is that prayer? Answer. Our Father i Mat. 6.9. etc. Luk. 11.2. etc. which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtor. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Question. Why doth Christ command that we should call God our father? Answer. That he might stir up in us even in the very beginning of our prayer, such reverence as is meet for the sons of God, and a bold trust toward GOD, which is, to be the ground of our prayer, to wit, that God through Christ is made our father, and will much less deny unto us those things that we ask of him with a true faith: then our earthly father will deny unto us earthly things a Matth. 7.9.10.11. Kuk. 11.11.12.13 Question. Why is it said further, which art in heaven? Answer. That we should not think to vilely, basely, or earthly, of his heavenly majesty, b. jer. 22.23.24. Act. 17.24.25.27 and that we should look for, and wait of his almightiness, for all things whatsoever are necessary for our souls and bodies. c. Rom. 10.12 Question. What is the first petition or ask? Answer. hallowed be thy name, that is to say: at the beginning grant us that we may rightly know thee, d. joh. 17.3 jer. 9 23.24 & 31.33.34. Math. 16.17. jac. 1.5. Psal. 105.119. & worship, praise, and honour thy almightiness, thy wisdom, righteousness and gentleness, thy mercy and thy truth e. Psa. 119.137 Luk. 1.49. etc. 68 etc. Psal. 145.8.9.17. Exod. 34.67. Psal. 143.1 2 10.11.12. jer 31.3. &. 32.1. 19.40.41. & 33.11.20. Mat. 19.17. Rom. 3.3.4. &. 11.22.33.1. Tim 2 19 and afterward purpose and drive all our life, our thoughts words and deeds unto this end, the thy most holy name be not blasphemed or evil spoken of for us, but rather be highly honoured and praised. a. Psal. 115.1. & 71.8. Question. Which is the second petition? Answer. Thy kingdom come. That is, govern us so with thy word and spirit that we may humble and submit ourselves more and more unto thee, b. Math. 6.33 Psal. 119.5.142.10. keep & increase thy church, c. Psal. 51.20. & 122.6. destroy she works of the devil, and all power that litteth itself against thy majesty: disappoint and make void and of none effect, all the counsels that are taken against thy word, d. 5. joh. 3.8. Rom. 16.20. until thou mayst (at the length) reign and rule full and perfectly e. Apo. 22.17 20. Rom. 8.22 23. when thou shalt be all in al. f. 2. Cor. 15.28 Question. Which is the thiroe petition? Answer. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. That is, grant that we and all men renouncing and forsaking our own wills g. Mat. 26.24. Tit. 2.12. may be obedient, readily bend, and without any grudge unto the keeping of thy will which is only holy, h. Luk. 22.42. and that so every one of us, may fulfil and do the office that is appointed unto us, faithfully and cheerfully, i. 1. Cor. 7.2 as the Angels do in Heaven. k. Psal. 103.20 ●1. Question. Which is the fourth petition? Answer. Give us this day our daily bread. That is, give unto us all things which are needful and necessary for this life, l Psal. 145.25. & 140.2. etc. Mat. 6.25. etc. that through them we may acknowledge and confess that thou art only the well out of the which all goodness doth spring, a. Act 17.27. Deut. 8.3. &. 14.17. and that all our care & labour, & also thy own gifts are unlucky & noisome unto us, except thou do bless them and give them increase. b. 1. Cor. 15. Deut. 8.3. Psal. 27.16.37. Wherefore grant us to turn away our trust from all creatures, and to put it only in thee. c. Psal. 6.11. &. 55.23. Question. Which is the fift petition? Answer. Forgive us our debttes, as we forgive our debtor. That is, for Christebloude sake, lay not to our charge that are wretched sinners, all our sin, and that crooked frowardness which cleaveth in us still d. Psal. 51▪ 1. etc. 143.2. 1. joh. 2.1.2. even as we do feel this witness of thy grace in our hearts, that we intend and purpose steadfastly to forgive unfeignedly with our mind all them that have hurt or grieved us, or have done us any wrong. e. Ma. 6.14.15 Question. Which is the sixth petition? Answer. Lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. That is, because we are so feeble and weak of nature, that we cannot, one minute of an hour with out help stand steadfastly and not be overthrown, and our most grievous enemies, the devil, g. 1. Pet. 5.8. Eph. 6.12 the world, h. joh. 15.19 and our own slesho i. Rom. 7.23. Gal. 5. 1●. unseassably do fight against us. Thou O our almighty Father hold up and stay us, and strengthen us by the might of the holy Ghost, that we fall not down and be overcomed in this spiritual fight, a. Math. 26.41 Mark. 13.33. but so long we may stoutly withstand them, until that we may get at length, the whole victory b. 1. Thess. 3 13. & 5.23 Question. How maketh he an end of this prayer? Answer. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory for ever. Amen. That is to say, we ask all these things of thee, because thou art both our king, and art almighty, and both will, and can give all these things unto us, c. Rom. 10.11 12.2. Pet. 2 9 and these things do we therefore crave of thee, that by them, all honour, glory, and worship, should come unto thy holy name & not to us. d. joh. 14.13 Psal. 11.5.1. jer. 33.8.9. Question. What meaneth this word amen? Answer. That the matter is sure and out of all doubt, & that my prayer is much more surely hard of God, than I do feel in my heart, that I desire it to be granted. e. 2. Cor. 1.20 2. Tim. 2.13. FINIS. ¶ A Table of the contents of this catechism. OF the only comfort, both in this life and at our departure. Of the wretchedness of man. That we have no free-will or choice of ourselves. Of the wrath of God for our sins. Of the mercy of God. Of the righteousness, or straight punishment of God. Of the deliverance of man. Of satisfaction or making amendss for sin. Who is our mean or mediator. What faith is. What things are necessary to believe. Of the creed, or articles of our faith. Of the providence of God. Of the going down of Christ to hell. That only faith justifieth. Of the Sacraments. Of Baptism. The lords supper. That Christ is not really, bodily, or fleshly, in the supper. Of the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Wherefore we must do good works. Of the mortification or kill of the old man and of our fleshly lusts and desires. The x. commandments. What is idolatry. Of invocation, or calling upon saints. for help. Against the use of Images. That the commandments cannot be kept fully or perfectly. Of prayer. The exposition of the Lords prayer. FINIS.