MAYOR'S CATECHISM ABRIDGED. OR, The A.B.C. enlarged. With many necessary Questions fitted unto it, for the benefit of all that desire to teach or learn it effectually. A duty to which all we of the Church of England are bound, it being generally appointed by Authority. The second Edition made more complete and perfect by the Author. LONDON, Printed by A. M. for I. M. and are to be sold by john Grismand, at his shop in Paul's Alley, at the Sign of the Gun. 1623. The Epistle to the Reader. COurteous Reader, lo here I offer unto thee the second time, the Brief of my larger Tract. Thou hast been once abused by the temereity and indiscretion of the Stationer, offering thee the English Teacher; a title none of mine, and an imperfect confused Chaos of Questions and Answers, whereof I was much ashamed. To amend this fault, and to satisfy the longing desire of many, I have done that which here thou seest. And I do now assure thee of a perfect Catechism, containing the substance both of Text and Comment complete, wherein is both milk for Babes, and stronger meat for such as have attained more growth in knowledge. The milk is in a greater Character, which if you please, may be first learned thorough: the stronger meat is in a character somewhat lesser. Read, consider, and use all according to thy discretion, but be sure to use it, or some like unto it for the common good of Uniformity and Order; and the God of Order grant, that we may so lay the foundation of the light of truth here, as that we may attain the light of glory hereafter. A Prayer to be used before the reading of Books of Piety, or Instruction. O God that art the Father of Lights, enlighten my darkened understanding, that I may see into the wonders contained in the Law. Dispel in me the misty clouds of ignorance, expel the love of darkness, and repel the rebellious Law of sin. Sanctify my wit, that I may be able to retain, and rectify my will, that I may obediently submit myself to thy good will in all things. Thou which art the Master-builder of thine own house, settle me as one of thy living stones upon the right foundation, jesus Christ; in whom I may daily grow up, till that all the building, coupled together, groweth to an holy Temple in the Lord. And this I crave in the name of thy dear Son, my most blessed Saviour and Redeemer. Amen. MAYOR'S CATECHISM ABRIDGED, OR The A. B. C. Enlarged. Question. WHat is your name? Answer. F. or E. Q. Why doth the Catechism begin with this question touching your name? A. Because the name doth serve to put us in mind of our Christian profession, to which we betake ourselves in Baptism. Q. Who gave you this name? A. My godfathers, and my godmothers in my Baptism, wherein I was made a member of Christ a child of God, and an inheritor of the Kingdom of Heaven. Q. Is Baptism of that virtue, that by the outward washing thereof, everyone is made a member of Christ, the child of God and inheritor of the Kingdom of Heaven? A. joh. 3.5. No, for unless a man be borne again of water, and the holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Q. Why then sayest thou, that by Baptism thou art made a member of Christ? A. Because baptism is the Sacrament of regeneration, and therefore we may rightly say, that we are thereby Sacramentally made the members of Christ, and the children of God, and in the judgement of Charity hold the same touching all others, that are baptised Q. What did your godfathers and godmothers then for you? A. They did promise and vow, three things in my name. First, that I should forsake the Devil, and all his works, and pomps, the vanities of this wicked world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh. Secondly, that I should believe all the articles of the Christian faith: And thirdly, that I should keep gods holy Will and Commandments, and walk in the same all the days of my life. Q. What need is there, that any should stand thus to promise for children in their Baptism? A. There is great need for the more assurance of the Church, into which the child is by baptism admitted. Q. How is the Church the more assured thus? A. Because he is not only bound in duty now, but also by vow solemnly made before all the congregation. Q. Dost thou think then, that thou art bound to do, as thy godfathers and godmothers promised for thee? A. Yes verily: and by Gods help so I will. And I hearty thank our heavenly Father, that he hath called me to this state of salvation, through jesus Christ our Saviour. And I pray God to give me his grace, that I may continue in the same unto my life's end. Q. Thou saidst that thou were bound by vow in baptism to believe all the Articles of the Christian faith, let me therefore hear thee rehearse these Articles? A. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, which was conceived by the holy Ghost, borne of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Ponce Pilate: was crucified, dead, and buried: he descended into hell: The third day he rose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty: From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the holy Ghost: The holy Catholic Church: The communion of Saints: the forgiveness of sins: The resurrection of the body: And the life everlasting, Amen. Q. What dost thou chief learn in these Articles of thy belief? A. First, I learn to believe in God the Father, who hath made me and all the world. Secondly, in God the Son who hath redeemed me and all mankind. Thirdly, in God the holy Ghost, who sanctifieth me, and all the elect people of God. Q. How knowest thou that there is a God? A. Many ways: Rom. 2.15. 1. Cor. 2.11. but chief by mine own conscience, accusing me for secret sins. Q. How doth this prove that there is a God? A. It proveth an infinite wisdom, that knows the most secret thoughts of the heart, such as is neither man, devil, nor Angel, but God alone. Q. How many Gods be there? 1. Cor. 8.6. Deut. 4.39. A. But one only true God, the rest are Idols set up by man. Q. What is God? A. God is a Spirit, Exod. 3.14. joh. 2.24. jer. 2.24. Psal. 139.8. infinite, most holy, only wise, most merciful, just, and Almighty, of whose days there is no beginning nor end. Q. Into how many Persons is the Godhead destinguished? A. Into three, the Father, Son, and holy Ghost. Q. If in the Godhead there been three persons, and every one be God, how say you then that there is but one God? A. 1. joh. 5.7. There is but one only Essence, one Infinite power and one Eternity. Q. In which words learn you to believe in God the Father? A. In these words; I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. Q. Declare more fully the faith comprehended in this Article. A. jam. 1.18. 1. joh. 3.9. Gen. 17.1. Reu. 1.8. Psal. 104. job 39 c. 40 I learn to believe, that God is my Father, able to do all things; the Creator of the whole world, and the Lord and Governor of the same. Q. Thou saidst that thou didst learn to believe in God the Son, which redeemed thee & all mankind, what did God the Son for the redemption of mankind? A. Two things: first, he was humbled: secondly, he was exalted. Q. wherein standeth his humiliation? A. In three degrees. Q. Which is the first degree? A. First, he was made man, Math. 1. Luke 1.2. Esa. 7.14. for he was conceived by the holy Ghost, and borne of the Virgin Mary. Q. How can this be, that God should be made man? A. Not by turning the Godhead into the nature of man, but by taking man's nature unto the Godhead, that so one person might be both God and Man. Q. Which is the second degree? A. He suffered the death of the Cross for my sins: for he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. Q. What need was there, that the Son of God should thus abase himself for us? A. Great need on our part, who could not be delivered by Angels, 1 john 1.7. 1 Pet. 1.8. or by earthly Treasures, but only by his blood. Q. Doth sin deserve so ill, that we could not by other means be delivered here from, but by the death of the Son of God? A. Yes, it deserves the infinite curse of the Law, Deu. 27.28 Rom. 6.23. that is, all judgements in this world, and everlasting damnation in the world to come. Q. If he must needs be made fit to bear the curse, why did he not take some other nature more excellent unto him? A. Man only had sinned, and it was most agreeable to the justice of God to receive the payment of the debt of sin in the same nature which committed it. Q. How came it to be thus with us men? were we made sinners? A. Gen. 1.27. Eccles. 7.31. Genes. 3. Rom. 5. No, God at the first made man righteous, but by yielding to the devil's temptation, he made himself a sinner. Q. Wherein did man yield to the temptation of the devil? A. In eating of the forbidden fruit, and not contenting himself with all other fruits, of which the Lord had allowed him to eat. Q. Was God so angry that he would curse man for eating an apple, or fig, or such like? A. That was not the matter of God's anger, but his unthankfulness, pride, disobedience, and crediting rather the devil, then God. Q. But though one man did thus, yet all did not, are we all then sinners, and under the curse? A. We were all in his loins, and so whatsoever he did, and what estate he fell into, it is Common to us all. Q. It seems then, that we are sinners so soon as we are borne, before that we have actually done either good or evil? A. Yes verily, the child that is but new borne, yea, but conceived, Psal. 51.5. Rom. 5.12. and living in his Mother's womb, is a sinner, and needeth God's grace. Q. But as we are all sinners, are we all again delivered without exception, because thou sayest, that he hath redeemed all mankind? A. He hath paid a price sufficient to redeem all, neither doth he exclude any from the benefit thereof, but only such as exclude themselves. Q. Who are they? A. All unbelievers, or such, as though they bear themselves upon their faith, live according to the flesh, and not according the Spirit. Q. Which is the third degree of his humiliation? A. Eph. 4.9. 1. Pet. 3.19. Psal. 16 30. He descended into hell that I might be delivered from hell, and everlasting death. Q. Is this all the humiliation of the Son of God for our redemption, did he no way else abase himself for us? A. Yes, he became obedient to the Law also, Gal. 4.4. 1. Cor. 1 30. Rom. 8.3. that by his obedience and righteousness we might stand perfectly righteous in the sight of God. Q. Wherein standeth his exaltation? Ans. In four degrees. Question Which is the first degree? A. First, the third day he rose again from the dead. Q. Which is the second? A. Secondly, he ascended up into heaven. Q. Which is the third? Ans. Thirdly, he sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty. Q. What is meant by this? A. That he hath all honour, power, and authority in heaven and in earth together with God the Father. Quest. Which is the fourth degree? Answ. Fourthly, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. Q. Thou saidst, that thou didst chief learn in the Articles of thy faith, to believe in God the Father, so that it seemeth there is somewhat more, yet to he learned by these Articles, what is that? A. I believe the holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sinner, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Q. What is this Church? A. The whole company of the faithful, called out from the rest of the world by the preaching of the Gospel. Q. Why is this Church called Holy? A. Rom. 1.7. 1. Pet. 3.9. Eph. 2.19. 1. joh. 3.3. Phil. 3.14, 15 Because it is sanctified, and washed by water and the holy Ghost; striveth against all sin, and to be holy, as God is holy. Q. Why is it called Catholic? A. Pro. 7. Acts 2.5. 1. Tim. 2.1. Because it consisteth of persons of all sorts, scattered all over the world and of all times and ages. Qu. How may a man certainly know, where this Church of God is? A. Acts 2.41.47. Esay 8.20. By these two special marks, holiness taught and professed, and antiquity, when they go together. Q. Is not the Church of Rome then the true Church of God, seeing it exceeds in holiness, and is most ancient? A. No: it was a true Church indeed in the Apostles times, and many years after; but now it is neither holy, for great uncleanness is there maintained; nor ancient, for the ancient Religion is defaced with gross errors, and superstitions. Q. Where then may we find the true Church? A. In England, and in all other places where these corruptions are done away, and Religion is restored to the first purity. Q. How can this be, seeing the Religion here professed is but as it were of yesterday, and never heard of before Luther and Caluin? A. This is a mere slander; for there was never any age since the Apostles, wherein there have not been some standing to the maintenance hereof, against Romish corruptions. Q. How happened it then, that the Church of Rome still prevailed, and was generally accounted for Christ's true Church, and those oppugners were never of any esteem? A. By the greatness and tyranny of the Roman Bishops, whose chief care it hath been almost, ever since Constantine's time, to magnify their own Church, and themselves, and to suppress their adversaries. Q. But is it possible, that the Roman Church being once a true Church should fall, seeing God hath promised his Spirit to his Church to be always present, leading it into all truth? A. The Lord tieth not his Spirit to any place, for then the famous Churches in Asia should still have been true Churches; but the Spirit is always present to the faithful in all places of the world. Q. Having found out the true Church, are we to believe in it, as in God. A. No, for than we should sometime believe errors, seeing the best men, which are the Church, may err. Q. What is it then to believe the Church? A. To believe the doctrine of the Church, wherein it followeth Christ, the Prophets, and Apostles, the only sure pillars and ground of truth. Q. What is that which followeth in these Articles, viz. The communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, etc. A. They be certain special benesits belonging to the Church, and to every member thereof. Q. What is the Communion of Saints? A. Ephes. 4. john 15. Gal. 3.28. Reuel. 6.11. Heb. 10.24. That holy and sweet followship which all the members of Christ's Church have one with another, in forrowing, rejoicing, praying, and praising God, for, and with one another. Q. What is the forgiveness of sins? A. That wonderful grace of God in jesus Christ, whereby he passeth over our transgressions, as if they had never been committed, and releaseth the punishment due to them. Q What is the Resurrection of the body? A. The raising of the body again at the last day by God's power, Math. 22.31. Dan. 12.2. job 19.25. 1 Cor. 15. that being joined to the soul, it may stand before God's judgement Seat, to give account of all that it hath done, whether good or evil, and be rewarded accordingly. Q. What manner of bodies shall we have in the Resurrection? A. The very same which now we have, only whereas they be now natural, 1 Cor. 15. & 35 43. job 19.25. they shall rise again spiritual, not subject to death any more, nor sustained by natural means, of meats and drinks, and sleep, and the like. Q. Among those that die, some are crooked through age, some tender infants, some blind, and some lame, shall their bodies at the resurrection then be the same? A. No, for all these are weaknesses, which shall be done away to the faithful; and strength, perfection, and comeliness shall be to every one of them Q. What is the Life everlasting? A. Psal. 16.11 Esay 6.1. Revel. 21. Esay 66.23. 1 Cor. 2.9. All that ever enduring happiness, & all those joys which the Lord imparteth to all his elect in the world to come, which are so great, as that the eye hath not seen, nor the ear heard, neither can the heart conceive throughly. Q. Thou saidst that thou wert bound by vow in thy Baptism to keep Gods holy will and Commandments: tell me therefore how many Commandments are there? A. Ten. God spoke these words, and said, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the ●and of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have none other Gods but me. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graved Image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not vow 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. 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. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day: Six days thou shalt labour, and do all that thou hast to do: but the seaventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou shalt do no manner of work, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, thy manservant, and thy maidsernant, thy cattles, & the stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seaventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the seaventh, day, and hallowed it. Honour thy Father and Mother, that thy days may be long in the land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Thou shalt do no murder. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witesse against thy neighbour. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbours' wife, nor his servant, nor ●●s maid, nor his ox, nor his ass, or any thing that is his. Q. What dost thou learn out 〈◊〉 these commandments? A. Two things, my duty towards God, and my duty towards ●y neighbour. Q. What is thy duty towards ●od? A. My duty towards God is, to believe in him, to fear him, and to ●●ue him with all my heart, with all ●y mind, with all my soul, and with 〈◊〉 my strength: to worship him: to ●●ue him thanks: to put my whole ●●ust in him: to call upon him: to ●●nour his holy name, and his word, ●●d to serve him truly all the day's 〈◊〉 my life. Q. What is thy duty towards thy neighbour? A. My duty towards my neighbour is, to love him as myself, an● to do to all men, as I would the should do to me: to love, honour, an● secure my father and mother: 〈◊〉 honour and obey the King and hi● Ministers: to submit myself to a●● my Governors, Teachers, spiritual Pastors, and Masters: to order myself lowly, and reverently to a●● my betters: To hurt no body b● word nor deed: to be true and just i● all my dealings: to bear no malic● nor hatred in my heart: to keep m● hands from picking and stealing, an● my tongue from evil speaking, l●●ing, and flaundering: to keep m● body in temperance, soberness, an● chastity: not to covet nor desire ●ther men's goods, but learn and labour truly to get mine own living and to do my duty in that state 〈◊〉 life, unto the which is shall plea●● God to call me. Q. How were these Commandments given? A. Written with Gods own hand in two Tables of stone. Q. In which Table do you learn ●our duty towards God? A. In the first, containing the four ●●rmer Commandments. Q. How many be the parts of ●●ery of these Commandments? A. Two, the Commandment it ●ife, and the reason of it. Q. Rehearse the first Commandment. A. I am the Lord thy God, etc. Q. In which words is the Commandment contained? A. The Commandment is, ●hou shalt have none other Gods ●ut me. Q. What are we here commanded? A. To have the Lord for our God, that is, to love him above all, Deut. 6.45. Mal. 1.6. Math. 10.26 Psal. 20.8. Psal. 125. 〈◊〉 fear him above all, to put our ●hole trust in him, and to make our ●ayees to him alone. Q. What is here forbidden? A. Four contrary most gross ●●nnes. Q. What is the first? A. Psal. 14.1 job 22.12. Atheism, which is the acknowledgement of no God. Q. What is the second? A. Zeph. 1.12 Luk. 12.48 Ignorance, which is a neglect of the knowledge of God, and of his word. Q. What is the third? A. Rom. 1.20. john 3.19. Profaneness, which is a regardlessness of God, and of his worship. Q. What is the fourth? A. Esay 3.9. Col 3.5. Phil. 3 18. Inward Idolatry, which is the giving of God's worship unto creatures, by praying unto them trusting in them, or by setting th● heart upon them. Q. What is the reason of this Commandment? A. I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the Lan● of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Q. How doth this reason concern us, who were never in Egypt? A. Our Egypt is the state o● corruption, and our bondage i● thraldom to Satan, from which th● Lord our God only hath delivered us. Q. Rehearse the second Commandment? A. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graved Image, or the likeness of any thing, that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not how 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 merey unto theusands in them that love me and keep my Commandments. Q. In which words is the Commandment? A. The Commandment is; Thoushalt not make to thyself any graved Image, nor the likeness of any thing, that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not how down to them, nor worship them. Q. What is here forbidden? A. All outward Idolatry. Q. What is outward Idolatry? A. Outward Idolatry is committed three ways. Q. Which is the first? A. First, Acts 17.29. Deut. 4.15. Es. 40.25. by making the Image of God, or of any creature, to been worshipped. Q. Which is the second? A Secondly, Exod. 32. judg. 8.27. by falling down before any Image. Q. Which is the third? A Thirdly, 2. Kin. 18.4. john 4.20. by serving God according to our own fantasies. Q. What are we here commanded? A. 1. Co. 11.20. Esay 1.12. Psal. 50.16. Mat. 6.9. To perform all outward duries of God's service according to his will, revealed in his Word. Q. What is the reason of this Commandment? A. 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 thonsands in them that love me and keep my Commandments. Q. Shall children be punished for their Parents sins? A. Yes, if they follow them in sinning, they shall bear both the punishment of their own, and of their Parents sins also. Q. Rehearse the third Commandment? A. 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. Q. In which words is the Commandment? A. The Commandment is, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. Q. What is here forbidden? A. All abusing of the name of God. Exod. 3. 2. King. 19 Q. How many ways is the name of God abused? A. Six manner of ways. Q. Which is the first? A. By blaspheming, Rom. 3.24. Mat. 5.33.34 or giving occasion to others to blaspheme. Q. Which is the second? A. By swearing falsely, deceitfully, rashly, commonly, or by creatures. Q. Which is the third? A. By cursing and banning. Q. Which is fourth? A. By vowing things impossible, or unlawful, or by neglecting o● our lawful vows. Q. Which is fifth? A. By lightly using the holy name of God, or his word. Q. Which is the sixth? A. By vain protestations and asseverations. Q. What are we here commanded▪ A. 1. Cor. 10.39 Ephel. 4.29. Phil. 2.10. 2. Cor. 8.19. Mat. 5.16. To glorify the name of God in all that we do, think, speak and desire, and to labour, that others may be won by our means to do the same. Q. What is the reason of this Commandment? A. The Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Q. If there be such danger in swearing, may a man lawfully swear in any case whatsoever? A. Without doubt a man may sometimes and in some cases lawfully swear. Q When, and in what case may a man swear lawfully? A. In three cases. Q. Which is the first? A. First, for the confirming of a ruth, which cannot otherwise be known, and yet necessary. Q. Which is the second? A. For the strengthening of onest leagues made betwixt men. Q. Which is the last? A. Lastly, being called to wear before a lawful Magistrate. Q. What else is required, that our wearing may be lawful? A. These four things. Q. Which is the first? A. First, we must swear only ●o such a truth as we know to be so. Q. Which is the second? A. Secondly, according to the ●owne intent of him, unto whom, or before whom we swear. Q. Which is the third? A. Thirdly, we must swear only things possible and lawful. Q. Which is the fourth? A. Fourthly, this being a part of God's worship, jer. 4.2, 3. we must do it with great reverence. Q. What if a man shall swear to an unlawful thing, is he not bound notwithstanding to perform his each? A. In no wise; for so he should add unto his sin of swearing unlawfully, Acts 23. a further sin of doing unlawfully. Q. Rehearse the fourth Commandment? A. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day: Six day shalt thou labour, and do all tha● thou hast to do: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord th● God. In it thou shalt do no ma●ner of work, thou, and thy Sonn● and thy daughter, thy Manseruan● and thy maidservant, thy Cattles and the Stranger that is within th● gates. For in six days the Lor● made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seaventh day. Wherefore the Lord blessed the seaventh day, and hallowed it. Q Which words is the Commandment? A. The Commandment is. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day, six days shalt thou labour and do all that thou hast to do, but the seaventh is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God, in it thou shalt do no manner of work. Q What is the duty here commanded? A. To keep holy the Sabbath day, and to be mindful of it. Q. How may this be done? A. By assembling together to pray unto God, and to praise him, to hear his holy Word, and receive the blessed Sacraments. Q. Is this all that is required to the right keeping of the Sabbath day? A. No, but we must prepare ourselves by prayer, and emptying our hearts of sin, and meditate upon God's Word, suffering it to work in us, so as that we may be furthred in all holiness of life. Q. Is there no duty to be done towards our neighbour for the hallowing of this day? A. Yes, it is a special time of exercising mercy by helping against sudden dangers, Mark. 3.4. Mat. 12.12. 1. Cor. 16.2. by collecting and distributing to the poor, by visiting the sick, and reconciling dissensions amongst neighbours. Q. Is there any set day under the new Testament thus to be kept holy? A. Yes, the day which is commonly called Sunday, but in the Scripture the Lord's day, Mat. 5.20. Acts 20 7. 1. Cor. 16.1. Reuel. 1.10. or the first day in the week, is thus to be kept without alteration to the end of the world. Q. When doth the Lord's day begin and end? A. It beginneth in the morning at the dawning of the day, and endeth next morning likewise. Q. Are we bound to do the holy duties of God's worship all this time without ceasing? A. No, for we may refresh ourselves with eating and drinking, Neh. 8, 9, 10 Hosh. 2.11. singing, and music, and with any honest delight whatsoever, whereby the mind is cheered up, and joy and gladness befitting the Lords holy day expressed. Q. What availeth it then, whether ●he Sabbath begin in the morning or evening? A. Yes, it availeth much to know the beginning of the Sabbath rightly that we be not entangled with any worldly business upon it. Q. Is this all that we are bound unto, to keep the Sabbath ourselves, ●n ceasing from labour, and doing the duties thereof? A. No, but who so hath son or laughter, manservant, or maid, Exo. 12.21. Iosh. 24.15. 1. Tim. 3.15. Ephes. 6.5. cat●ell or stranger within his gates, is ●like bound to provide as much as ●n him lieth, that they all observe ●his day in their kind, both man ●nd beast. Q. Doth the Lord only take care for he right spending of this day, & leave ●s to ourselves upon the six days? A. No doubtless, but it is his will and commandment also, Ephes. 3.28. 2. Thes. 3.10.12. that we should upon the six days abstain from idleness, and diligently labour in the works of our callings. Q Is it not lawful then to forbear working, to attend upon God and his worship, upon the six days? A. 1 Thes. 5.17 2 Tim. 1. Deut. 6 7. Dan. 6. Yes. It is not only lawful, but necessary for every one to do the duties of God's worship every day of the week, in private and in public, when just occasion is offered. Q. How can this stand with the command of working upon the six days? A. Yes, very well; because that howsoever God is to be served upon the six days, yet they are for the most part to be spent in the works of our callings. Q What more special rules are we to follow in our weekly devotion? A. These five? Q. Which is the first? A We must pray every day, morning and evening. Q. Which is the second? A. Before and after the use of God's creatures. Q Which is the third? A. The more our necessities urge us, pray the oftener, and more instantly. Q. Which is the fourth? A Let no day pass without some reading, and Divine meditation. Q. Which is the fift? A. jam. 5.13. Heb. 3.13. 1. Tim. 4.13 Amos 12. Neglect not the public preaching in the weekdays, where opportunity is offered to come unto it. Q. What is to be thought of whole days set apart to public duties in the week, as Saints days, and days of thanksgiving? A. Ester 9.21. Mal. 4.59. john 10.22.23. Levit. 23. All this may lawfully be done, and is commendable by God's word, and therefore we are reverently to conform ourselves to the ordinance of authority herein. Q. What is the sin by this Commandment forbidden? Answ, All profaning of the Sabbath day. Q. How is the Sabbath profaned? A. Three manner of ways. Q Which is the first? A. By doing worldly works, which are not of present necessity, by journeying about worldly, affairs, idle resting, or absenting ourselves from the public duties o● God's worship. Q. Which is the second? Ans. By forgetfulness of the Sabbath upon the six days, by which we often bring upon ourselves a necessity of prophaving the same. Q. Which is the third? A. When being Parents or Governors, we leave our Children, Pupils, or Servants to their own liberties upon this day. Q. What be the reasons of this Commandment? A. They are partly enfolded in the Commandment, and partly expressed in these words: For in six● days the Lord made heaven and earth, the, sea, and all that therein is, and rested the senenth day, wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day and hollowed it. Q. What, and how many are the reasons enfolded in this Commandment? A. Three. Q. Which is the first? A. Because the Law of the Sabbath is ancient, and was in force in Paradise, before man's fall. Q. Which is the second? A. Because it is most equal, the Lord allowing us six days for our worldly affairs, and requiring but one of seven for the work of his worship. Q. Which is the third? A. Because the seventh is the Lords peculiar day, so that without sacrilege we cannot any way profane it. Q. What are the reasons expressed? A. Two. Q Which is the first? A. From the Lords own example, who rested upon the seventh day from all his works of creation. Q. Which is the second? A. From his blessing inseparably linked to the hallowing of this day, so that he which keepeth it holy, shall find it to his comfort unto him a blessed day. Q. In which Table do you learn your duty toward your neighbour? A. In the second Table, containing the six latter commandments. Q. Rehearse the first of these, which is the fift Commandment. A. Honour thy father & mother, that thy days may be long in the land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Q. What are we here commanded? A. To honour father & mother? Q. Who are meant by father and mother? A. 2 Kings 5.13 Gen. 45.8. 1 Cor. 4.15 2 King 6.21 job 31.18. 1 Tim. 5.1. Our natural Parents, the Magistrates, who are the parents of our Country; the Ministers of God's Word, who are our Fathers in Christ; our Masters and Governors, the Ancient, and all our betters. Q. What is meant by this word, Honour? A. To honour, is to love, reverence, cherish and obey. Q. Are all Superiors then to be obeyed and reverenced? A. Ephes. 6.1. Col. 2.20. Rom. 13.1. 1 Per. 2.13. 1 Tim. 5.17 1 Thes. 5.12 They are all to be reverenced and obeyed in the Lord, whose image in a special manner they bear, Parents, Magistrates, Ministers, and Governors for their authority, the Ancient, and other Superiors for their wisdom, experience, and dignity. Q. Is it our duty also to cherish and maintain them? A. It is our duty to give maintenance to the Magistrate and Minister, Rom. 13.6 1 Cor. 9 Gal. 6.5. Math. 15.3 who spend their whole time in doing public Service, and to Parents, & aged persons being in want. Q. Is there no duty required of Superiors? A. Ephe. 6.4. Col. 4.1. It is the duty of Superiors to walk worthy the honour due unto them, and to use all gentleness towards their Inferiors. Q. What is here then forbidden? A. Exod. 21.17. Deut. 17.10. Ephe. 6.9. Col. 4.1. All irrenerence, disobedience, and neglect toward those that his in place and authority above us, and churlish behaviour in such toward those that be of a low degree. Q. Whence is the reason of this Commandment taken? A. From the promise of long life, if God please not to prevent us with the blessing of eternal life. Q. Rehearse the firth Commandment. A. Thou shalt do no murder. Q. What is here forbidden? A. 1 Sam. 31.4. Math. 27.5 All unlawful kill of ourselves, or of other men, and all the degrees hereof. Q. What are these degrees? A. The degrees of unlawful kill are six. Q. Which is the first? A. 1 Kin. 21 19 Acts 8.1. Deut. 21.7. The approbation of murder either by command, counsel, consent, or concealment. Q. Which is the second? A. Exod. 21.24. Esay 1.15. All injurious actions, tending to the prejudice of our neighbour's life Q. Which is the third? A. Math. 5.22. jam. 3.6. All railing and reviling speeches. Q. Which is the fourth? A. Math. ●. 22 All murderous desires and affections of the heart, as of anger, malice, hatred, and envy. Q. Which is the fifth? A. 1 john 3.15 All cruelty towards the creature, which showeth a murderous mind. Q. Which is the firth? A. All impatience, and discontent with our estate, Deut. 22.7. the very high way to most horrible murders. Q. What are we here commanded? A. Out of the love which we bear to our neighbour, job 31.19. 1 Kin. 1●. 13 Hebr. 10.25 Gal. 6.1. as much as in us lieth, to preserve his life and health, and specially the life of his soul, by good counsel, exhortation, and admonition. Q. Rehearse the seventh Commandment. A. Thou shalt not commit Adultery. Q. What is here forbidden? A. All ●●eshly uncleanness both in outward act, and inward conception of the mind, and all occasions thereof. Q. What are the uncleannesses in outward act? A. Gal. 5.17. 1 C●●. 1.6. Rom. 1. Ephe. 5.12 Adultery, Fornication, Buggery, Sodometry, etc. which are so sauce, that it is a shame to name them. Q. What is uncleanness in the inward conception of the mind? A. To look upon a woman to lust after her: for this is adultery in heart. Q. What are the occasions forbidden? Ephe. 4.29. Rom. 13.13. Deut. 22.5. Mark. 6.22. Gat. 5.19. Ezec. 16.19. Gen. 19 2 Sam. 11. A. Filthy songs and talk, chambering and wantonness, being present at filthy Stage plays, putting on apparel of another sex, mixed lascfuious dancing, surferting, drunkenness, idleness, etc. Q. What are we here commanded? A. To live in temperance, chastity, 2 Cor. 6.16. and soberness, and so to keep my body holy and pure, as a Temple of the Holy Ghost. Q. Rehearse the eight Commandment? A. Thou shalt not steal. Q. What is here forbidden? A. All theft and stealing, Deut. 22.29. Exod. 22.1. which is committed many ways. Q. Which is the first? A. By violence, 1 King. 21. or secret taking away any thing which is our neighbours. Q. Which is the second? A. Hos 5.10. Luk. 2.13. By oppression and tyranny of the rich towards the poor. Q. Which is the third? A. Leu. 25.14 By deceit in buying and selling. Q. Which is the fourth? A. By using any unlawful trade, Pro. 11.26. or way of gain, or gaming, fortunetelling, or selling drink unto drunkenness. Q. Which is the fifth? A. By prodigality, jam. 4. for thus do men rob their children and posterity. Q. What more is here forbidden? A. All covetousness and unmercifulness, Mat. 6.25. 1 Tim. 6.10 the robbing of God in things dedicate, Levit. 27.30. tithes and offerings. Q. What are we here commanded? A. Math. 7.12. To do to all men as I would they should do unto me, and by diligent pains taking to get mine own living in that estate of life, to which it shall please God to call me. Q. Rehearse the ninth Commandment. A. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Q. What is here forbidden? A. All false witness bearing, to the abuse and hurt of our neighbour, and all maintaining of such as go about with tales against him. Q. How many ways is this sin committed? A. Four. Q. Which is the first? A. Deut. 19.16. 1 Kings 22. By falsely accusing, and witnessing against our neighbour before a judge. Q. Which is the second? A. Leu. 19.16. By flaundering and backbiting. Q. Which is the third? A. Prou. 27.14. c. 26.22. By flattering or soothing any for advantage against the truth. Q. Which is the fourth? A. By lying, Psal. 12.2. john 8.45. or telling an untruth against our consciences. Q. What are we here commanded? A. As much as in us lieth, to preserve the good name of our neighbour, Prou. 10.22 Gal. 6.2. Psal. 15.3. Iosh. 7.19. and our own good name, stopping our ears against false reports, and suppressing them, and always what soever comes of it, speaking the truth. Q. Rehearse the tenth Commandment. A. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his servant, nor his maid, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is his. Q. What is here forbidden? A. Rom 7.7. 2 Cor. 12.7 Mark. 7.22. All first motions of the mind unto sin, though no consent be yielded unto it. Q. What are we commanded here? A. To keep our very hearts and minds free from evil thoughts against any of the Commandments of God. 1 Th. 5.23. Ephes. 4.2. Q. What is the breach of the Law, and the punishment of it? A. 1. joh. 3.4. Rom 7.7. Rom. 5.18. jam. 2.10. It is sin, which if it be but once committed only, and that but in thought, it makes a man subject to God's eternal curse. Q. Is it not iviustice to appoint so great a punishment for every sin? yea even for the least? A. It is very just and right for the Lord to adjudge the least sin to hell fire. Q. Why so? A. Because his mark which is perfect holiness set upon man in his creation, john 8.34. Rom 6.16. 1 john 3.8. is hereby removed, and a mark with the devil's brand, is made upon the soul of the sinner, for which it is just, that the devil, and not GOD, should now have such a wicked soul. Q. Is any man able to live without breaking these Commandments? A. No, not the best that ever was, except Christ only, and Adam in the state of innocency. Q. If no man can perfectly keep the Law, wherefore then serveth it? A. First, to humble us, Rom. 7.9.24 Ro. 7.12.22. Mat. 19.17. Rom. 13.8. in regard of our miserable estate hereby discovered: Secondly, to been a rule of good life unto us. Thirdly, to set us a work daily, to pray and cry to the Lord for mercy, and for strength, to live according to his Laws. Q. What is prayer? A. It is a lifting up of the heart to God, only in the name of jesus Christ according to his will, in full assurance to be heard and accepted at his gracious hands. Q. What need is there that the faithful prey, seeing God of his own goodness, and not for their prayers will do whatsoever is needful for them? A. There is great need, that all faithful people should pray unto God for three special reasons. Q. Which is the first? A. Because it is a duty that we own unto God. Q. Which is the second? A. To renew our assurance of the pardon of sin daily renewed through our great weakness, and to increase our love, patience and humility. Q. Which is the third? A. That we may be fit to receive the gifts and blessings of the Lord. Q. What times are specially to be spent in prayer? A. The special times of prayer are six. Q. Which is the first? A. The present time without deferring till sickness, or old age. Q. Which is the second? A. The time of public meeting to the worship of God. Q. Which is the third? A. Exod. 29.39 Every morning and evening. Q. Which is the fourth? A. 1. Tim. 4.5. 1. Sam. 9.13 Sitting down and rising up from our meat. Q. Which is the fift? A. Psal. 50.14. jam. 5.13. The time of trouble and adversity, when we aught more often and instantly to pray. Q. Which is the sixth? A. All the days of our Life, through which we must hold out in diligent prayer, according to that of the Apostle, Pray continually. 1 Thes. 5.17 Q. If we observe these times of prayer, shall we be saved from all our sins? A. Yes undoubtedly, Acts 2.21. for whosoever calleth upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved. Q. Is there nothing else required then unto salvation, but to pray? A. Yes, for we must be endued with these properties which the Lord requireth in those that pray, or else we shall pray in vain Q. How many are those properties? A. Three. Q. Which is the first? A. Obedience: for not every one that saith, Lord, Lord, Math. 7.21. shall enter into heaven, but he that doth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Q. Which is the second? A. Humility: jam. 4.6. for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Q. Which is the third? A. jam. 5 16. Fervency, for the prayer of the righteous prevay let much if it be fervent. Q. What more particular direction is there to be followed in praying? A. That most excellent prayer, which Christ himself framed for us, rightly therefore called the Lords Prayer. Q. Rehearse the Lords Prayer. A. Our Father 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 trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us: And lead us not into temptation: But deliver us from evil. Amen. Q. Is this the only Prayer which we are to use in calling upon God? A. No, but we must be guided by it, as by a rule, both for manner and matter in all our prayers. Q. May we not use it then as a Prayer? A. Yes doubtless, we may, and aught to use it most often, as the chief of all prayers, but with great deliberation, not placing confidence in the words, but in the sense understood, and affected in the saying thereof. Q. It seemeth then that a set prayer is lawful. A. It is not only lawful, Num. 10.36 Psal. 92 but most expedient, that there should be a set form of praying in the Congregation, and to help the devotion of the ignorant in private. Q. What is to be thought of conceived prayer? may any man use that? A. The Spirit of God is not tied to words and phrases, but doth at times suddenly minister matter to the servants of God, so that they can and do pray effectually without a set form, both publicly and privately. Q. In what manner ought we to pray, according to this rule of the Lords prayer? A. First, Math. 67. to pray in this manner is, briefly and pithily. Q. What secondly? A. Propounding God's glory, as the mark whereat we aim, in all our praying, Mat. 6.5. and not our own vain glory. Q. What thirdly? A. First, and chief seeking after heavenly things, Mat. 6.33. then after earthly. Q. What fourthly? A. In all things submitting our wills, Mat. 26.39. and desires to the will of God. Q. What be the parts of this prayer? A. Three: the Preface; Our Father which are in heaven: the Petitions; Hollowed be thy name, etc. and the Conclusion; For thine is the Kingdom, etc. Q. In the Preface, why call you God, Father? A. Luk. 11.11. Heb. 4.16. Gen. 3●. 26. Because he is ready as a loving Father to hear me, calling upon his name; wherefore I learn with boldness, and confidence to come unto him in prayer. Q. But may every man come before God, as his Father? A. No wicked man that goeth on impenitently in sin can call God Father, joh. 8.44. Rom. 6.16. because he is the devil's child, and not Gods. Q. Cannot a wicked man pray then? A. No, Prou. 15.8. Esa. 1.12. he cannot pray with any comfort, for the prayer of the wicked is abomination to the Lord. Q. Why do you say, Our Father, and not my Father? A. 1 Tim 2.2. Matth. 5.44. Because I ought to pray for all other the children of God, aswell as for myself. Q. Why add you in the preface, Which art in heaven? A. Not for that I believe God to be in heaven only, for he is every where. Q Why then? A. 1 Kin. 8.27, Psal. 19.1. Luke 18. Luke 1.53. Esay 66.2. Because to been in heaven is an Argument of great glory: therefore I learn with reverence to pray unto him, being my Father most glorious. Q. What dost thou ask of God in this prayer? A. I desire my Lord God our heavenly Father, who is the giver of all goodness, to send his grace unto me and to all people, that we may worship him, serve him, and obey him, as we ought to do. And I pray unto God, that he will send us all things that he needful both for our souls and bodies: and that he will be merciful unto us, and forgive us our sins: And that it will please him to save and defend us from all dangers, ghostly and bodily: and that he will keep us from all sin and wickedness, and from our ghostly enemy, and from everlasting death. And this I trust he will do of his mercy and goodness, through our Lord jesus Christ. And therefore I say, Amen. So be it. Q. Tell me more particularly, how many be the Petitions of this prayer? A. Six, whereof the three former concern God's glory, the three latter concern ourselves. Q. Which he those three concer-Gods glory? A. First, Hallowed by thy name: secondly, thy Kingdom come: thirdly, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Q. In the first of these what desire you? A. Prou. 16.1. 1. Cor. 10.31 Rom. 11.36 That the name of God may be glorified in the use of his titles, word, and all his works. Q. In the second petition, what desire you? A. Psal. 48.2 Psal. 93.1. Mat. 13. ●. Mat. 9.38. Eph. 6.19. That the number of true believers may be daily increased, that God's Kingdom of Grace being enlarged, his Kingdom of glory may be hastened. Q. What pray you for in the third petition? A. Ps. 119.34. 1. Thes. 4.3. Ephes. 4.24. Eph. 1.16, 17 That I and all the people of God upon earth may as readily obey God's will, as the Angels and Saints in heaven. Q. Which be the three petitions concerning ourselves? A. The first; Give us this day, our daily bread: secondly, forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; thirdly, Led us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Q What pray you for in the first of these Petitions? A. For all things necessary for this present life, Prou. 20.8. Gen. 28.20. Mat. 6.34. and therefore we ask but for bread, and but for this day. Q. What pray you for in the second of these Petitions? A. That God would forgive us all our sins, Mat 18.26. Luke 18.10 Psal. 39.8. Mat 5.23. as we do from our hearts forgive the offences of men against us. Q. What pray you for in the third of these Petitions? A. That the Lord would not suffer us to be carried away by the temptations of the world, flesh, or devil, 2. Cor. 12.8. Eph. 6.18. Mat. 26.21. to the committing of sin, but that he would deliver us from the evil of all temptation, both sin and damnation. Q. Wherefore serveth the conclusion, For thine is the Kingdom, etc. A. It is added as a reason of all the Petitions, to strengthen our faith. Q. What is this reason? A. Math 6.8. Mark. 9.23. Psal. 19.1 Ephes. 1.6. That God being both able and willing, doth certainly yield to those our requests, therefore we add a note of confidence, and say, Amen. Q. Hath the Lord made any certain promise to hear us, that we may with so great confidence expect a grant of our petitions? A. He hath both promised, Psal. 50.14. Math. 7.7, 9 and brgeth us to believe from the example of an earthly Father. Q. But God is in heaven, and invisible, neither can we see or hear him speaking unto us: what visible and sensible means therefore hath he given us, whereby we may be assured of his promise? A. john 20.31. Mar. 16.16 1 Cor. 10.16. He hath given us his written word, wherein his promises are set forth, and the holy Sacraments as seals for our further assurance. Q. What is the word of God? A. 2 Tim. 3.16 Gal. 1.8. All the Books of the Old and New Testament, and not any other books or Writings whatsoever. Q. How many, and which are these Books? A. The Books of the Old Testament are seven and twenty; Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, joshua, judges, Ruth, the first & second of Samuel, the first and second of Kings, the first and second of the Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Ester, job, Psalms, Proverbes, Ecclesiastes, Canticles, Esay, jeremiah, Ezechiel, Daniel, and the 12. small Prophets. The Books of the new Testament are seven and twenty; Matthew, Mark, Luke, john, the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistle to the Romans, first and second to the Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, two to the Thessalonians, and two to Timothy, to Titus, to Philemon, to the Hebrews, the Epistle of james, and two of Peter, three of john, of jude, and the Revelation of john. Q. Are not the Apocryphal Books part of the word of God? A. They are not, neither have been ever so accounted in the Church of God, but are annexed, as being full of good Instructions, and Histories declaring Gods wonderful providence over his people Israel. Q. How is it proved, that these Testaments are the word of God? A. It is proved by their Antiquity, some of them being before all other books, 2 Tim. 3.16. 2 Pet. 1.20. 1 Thes. 2.13. sundry times oppugned and sought to be burnt up by persecutors, and yet wonderfully preserved, and by miracle from heaven confirmed, which shows, that they came from heaven, and are not of man's invention. Q. Are the Books of the Old and New Testament sufficient to salvation without any other? A. Yes doubtless, and it is dangerous to add any other as necessary to be likewise received: Reu. 22.18 Deut. 4.2. for to do thus, is to incur the danger of God's curse. Q. Having this Word written, is it not sufficient for our salvation, without any help by preaching? A. It is not sufficient, 1 Cor. 1.18. but it must also be set forth by preaching, that the hard places may be rightly understood, Rom. 10.14 2 Tim. 4.2 Acts 8.31 we may be kept from errors, and have our dull hearts stirred up to embrace it. Q. How many be the Sacraments of the New Testament? A. Two only, as generally necessary to salvation: that is to say, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord. Q. What meanest thou by this word Sacrament? A. I mean an outward and visible sign, of an inward and spiritual grace given unto us, ordained by Christ himself as a means, whereby we receive the same, & as a pledge to assure us thereof. Q. How many parts be there in a Sacrament? A. Two: the outward visible sign, & the inward spiritual grace. Q. What is the outward visible sign, or form in Baptism? A. Water, wherein the person baptised is dipped, or sprinkled with it, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy ghost. Q. What is the inward and spiritual grace? A. A death unto sin, and a new birth unto righteousness: for, being by nature borne in sin, and the children of wrath, we are hereby made the children of Grace. Q. What is required of persons to be baptised? A. Repentance, whereby they forsake sin: and Faith, whereby they steadfastly believe the promises of God made to them in that Sacrament. Q. Why then are Infants baptised, when by reason of their tender age they cannot perform them. A. Yes: they do perform them by their sureties, who promise and vow them both in their names: which when they come to age, themselves are bound to perform. Q. Why was the Sacrament of the Lords Supper ordained? A. For the continual remembrance of the Sacrifice of the death of Christ, and the benefits which we receive thereby. Q. What is the outward part, or sign of the Lords Supper? A. Bread and Wine, which the Lord hath commanded to be received. Q. What is the inward part or thing signified? A. The Body & Blood of Christ, which are verily and indeed taken and received of the faithful in the Lord's Supper. Q. What are the benefits, whereof we are partakers thereby? A. The strengthening and refreshing of our souls by the Body and Blood of Christ, as our bodies are by the Bread and Wine. Q. What is required of them which come to the Lords Supper? A. To examine themselves whether they repent them truly of their former sins, steadfastly purposing to lead a new life, have a lively faith in God's mercy through Christ, with a thankful remembrance of his death, and be in charity with all men. Q. Wherein standeth true Repentance? A. In three things; First, in knowledge and acknowledgement of our sins past: Secondly, Prou. 28.19 jere. 3.25. Luke 13. Psal. 51.17 Math. 5.4. 2 Cor. 7.11. in godly sorrow and grief of heart for them: Thirdly, in a godly purpose to forsake all sin, and to lead a new life for all time to come. Q. What is faith? A. Hebr. 11.1. Rom. 8.30. john 6.47. Rom. 16.14 Acts 16.14. It is a certain persuasion of the heart, wrought by the spirit of God, grounded upon his promises, that all my sins are forgiven me in Christ jesus. Q. Wherein standeth true Christian love? A. In affection, when it is the same towards our neighbour, Math. 19.19 1 john 3 17. jam. 2.15, 16 that it is towards ourselves void of malice, hatred, and envy, and desirous of his good, as of our own. And in action, when we are ready to do good unto others, as unto ourselves, and to keep away hurt as from ourselves. Q. What shall he do, that after examination finds not these things in himself. A. He may not keep away from the Lords Supper, for this were a pronoking of God to wrath, neither can he come unto it, Mat. 22. without offending in a higher degree. Q. What may a man do then in this case? A. He must humbly sue unto God for the pardon of his sins, Mat. 5.24. to strike his hard heart, that he may melt into tears for them, and constantly cleave to his Commandments; and if there be any dissension, he must go and be reconciled to his brother. Q. What ought a man to do at the Lords Supper? A. 1 Cor. 11.23 He ought thankfully to remember the inward graces of God towards him, by seeing the outward signs. Q. What are these graces? A. They are three. Q. Which is the first? A. The Lords giving of his Son jesus Christ to death for us, set forth by the Ministers taking of the Bread and Wine, joh 3.16. breaking and pouring out, and offering them to us all. Q. Which is the second? A. Eph. 5.30. Our near union unto Christ, and how we have all our spiritual food from him, set forth by our taking, eating, and inward digesting the Bread and Wine that become nourishment unto us, and are united to the substance of our bodies. Q. Which is the third? A. The near union that God hath made by Christ betwixt all the faithful, set forth by the same Bread, Rom. 12.5. Gal. 3.28. being made of many grains of corn, and by the same Wine made of many grapes. Q. What is to be done after the receiving? A. We must meditate of the covenant of new obedience, renewed by this Sacrament, that we may more carefully perform it, and fly sin and vice all the days of our life. Godly Prayers. A Morning Prayer for a private Family. MOst merciful God, and heavenly Father, we give thee hearty thankes, for the sweet sleep and comfortable rest which thou hast given us this night past, and for that thou hast commanded by thy holy Word, that no man should be idle, but always occupied in godly and virtuous exercises, every man according to his calling; we most humbly beseech thee, that thine eyes may attend upon us, daily defend us, cherish, comfort, and govern us and all our counsels, studies, and labours in such wise, that we may spend and bestow this day, and the residue of our whole life according to thy most blessed will and pleasure, setting thee always before our eyes, living in thy fear, & working that that may be found acceptable in thy sight, hating wrong and loving justice. Also we beseech thee most merciful God, to strengthen and keep us in the faith of thy Catholic Church, & kindle in us the love and light of thy holy spirit, that we may walk godly and virtuously in this life, die in the truth of thy word, and live with thee in everlasting glory: grant this most merciful Father, for thy dear Son jesus Christ his sake, in whose name we further pray as he hath taught us, saying, Our Father which art, etc. An Evening prayer for a private Family. Almighty and everliving God, we give thee most humble and hearty thanks, that of thy free mercies thou hast preserved us this day from all hurts and dangers: vouchsafe also we most humbly beseech thee, to keep us this night and ever hereafter, to save us from all our enemies both bodily and ghostly: give our body's quietness and sleep, but let our minds and souls continually watch unto thee, think on thee and thy holy Law, that when the cheerful light of the day shall appear, we being whole in body and soul, may joyfully rise again, be thankful unto thee, and diligently walk in our vocations, to our comforts, & the glory of thy blessed name, through jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A Prayer before the receiving of the holy Communion. O Most merciful God, and heavenly Father, I miserable and wretched sinner, acknowledge and confess, that I am not worthy the least of all thy mercies, and most unworthy to receive thee under the roof of my soul, by participating of thy most blessed body & blood, for horrible and infinite are the sins wherewith I am defiled: therefore the very entrails of my heart are troubled, and my bones do shake, because I find my soul a most unworthy guest, for so heavenly a supper. But thou cam'st not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance: and I know, and do constantly believe, that notwithstanding my sins, thou canst make me clean and worthy, and forgive me my sins: and through thy power and mercy, I beseech thee, grant thy grace unto me a sinner, that I may worthily approach to this heavenly Sacrament. Give me grace, before I presume to come to the receiving hereof, I may examine my self, call my sins to mind, and by unfeigned and hearty repentance return unto thee my Lord: make me with heavy sobs to confess my sins, and pardon all my offences: accept me into thy favour, cleanse me from my wickedness, and forgive me all my sins. Also grant, that receiving this thy Sacrament, I may put off the old man, which is corruption, according to the lusts of error, and be renewed in the spirit of my mind; and put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness & holiness of truth: and though by nature I cannot live without spots of sin, yet so bless me, that I may never willingly offend thee, but altogether depend upon thy goodness: and as a true penitent sinner, repenting of my sins, I may approach to thy heavenly Supper. Grant (merciful Father) that I may always worthily receive this blessed Sacrament & memorial of thy death, according to thy holy ordinance, that it may increase in me all goodness. Be thou the buckler, and perpetual defence of my soul and body, that I may come unto thy kingdom, where I shall behold thee face to face; whither Lord for thy mercy's sake bring me. Amen. A Thanksgiving after the receiving of the holy Communion. ALmighty God, which hast vouchsafed spiritually to give me these holy mysteries of thy body and blood; mortify whatsoever is evil in me, and garnish me with thy graces and virtues: renew my spirit, my soul and my body with thy excellent grace: frame me after thy own hearts desire, and grant that I may think, speak, do, and desire all things that may please thee: purge my conscience from dead works, to serve thee the living God I thank thee with all reverence of mind for bidding me a miserable sinner, unto the participation of thy holy Supper, and the receiving of all celestial riches, whereby thou bestowest on me particularly all the merits and good things which by thy death thou hast purchased for me, that I may be a partaker and fellow heir of eternal blessedness. Raise up in me by this blessed Sacrament, a continual remembrance of thy bitter passion: make me retain it in my mind, as a sufficien ransom of my Redemption; let me never doubt of the forgiveness of my sins; and as often as Satan assaileth me with his deadly temptations, give me grace to run to this Sanctuary, as to a strong armour of defence; so that no tribulation, anguish, persecution, life nor death, separate me from Christ my Head, whereupon being made fast by thy holy Sacrament received, I (as a living member) depend: and let me know that I am fed and refreshed by thy body, and precious blood, that washed therewith, I give not myself hereafter to carnal pleasures, but live in all sincerity and truth, as it becometh those that eat of the immaculate Paschall Lamb. Give me grace, that laying aside all maliciousness and envy, I may forgive every one as thou hast forgiven me: give me grace, that participating of the bread of eternal life, I may be replenished with the fruition of thy blessed sight in thy celestial Paradise for ever: and at my resurrection from death, appoint me a place, O merciful Lord, at thy heavenly Table, where I may taste the new wine in the kingdom of thy Father, abiding with thine elect Angels, & blessed Saints for evermore. Amen. Grace before Meat. O Lord, bless unto our use thy Creatures, at this time provided for our sustenance, that being preserved hereby, and comforted, we may do thee more laudable service unto thy glory, who art the Author of all good unto us, through jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Grace after Meat. Continual praise be unto thee, O Lord, who dost continually provide so graciously for the feeding of our feeble bodies. Lead us hereby to a taste of our spiritual food; so that by the help of both we may grow up in thy service, both in body and soul, till at the last we attain thy heavenly kingdom, and be for ever glorified both in soul and body, through Christ our Lord Amen. Grace before Meat. O GOD, who hast justly cursed the earth, and all things therein for the sin of man, pardon our sins, turn away thy curse, & vouchsafe thy blessing upon these thy gifts, which we are now to receive, that we using them with temperance and thankfulness, may obtain by them refreshing and nourishment, through jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Grace after Meat. Merciful Father, who never ceasest to do good unto us, though we never cease offending thee, and now more especially hast renewed thy bounty, in feeding us with thy blessings. Let not the common fruition of thy benefits make us commonly, or lightly to esteem of them; neither when we are fed, let us wax wanton against thee, abusing our strength to the service of sin. But let thy perseverance in goodness, work in us perseverance in all dutiful obedience to our life's end, through jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. FINIS.