¶ Short questions and answers, containing the sum of Christian Religion. Deut. 6.6. 6 These words which I command thee this day, shallbe in thy heart: 7 And thou shalt rehearse them continually unto thy children, & shalt talk of them when thou tarriest in thy house, & as thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. ¶ Imprinted at the three Cranes in the Vinetree, by Thomas Dawson. 1579. ¶ To Christian parents, and Householders, grace, and mercy in Christ. THe blessings of God powered upon this Realm, in so great abundance, as the preaching of the Gospel, peace, prosperity and wealth, under the rule and government of our merciful Queen, causeth me in thanksgiving to joy. But the contempt and abuse of these blessings, mingleth my joy with grief and causeth God's children for sorrow to mourn and lament. And this grieving of God's Spirit in his children, shall fathers of children, and masters of households (though many other do grievously offend) especially answer for before GOD. The great blessings sent of God, the laws made by the Prince, the word preached by the Ministers, take small effect, and bring forth little fruit: because parents and masters show such examples of lose liberty in themselves, and throw the rains of licentiousness into the necks of others. They remember not the honourable calling which they have of the Lord, that he hath placed them as it were in his own room, and given them his own names, that they might govern, teach, and direct others, to honour and serve him, upon whom their pre-eminence doth wholly depend. But (alas) they do not their duty in governing, they apply not themselves in teaching them that are committed to their charge: and therefore youth not governed, nor taught, nor praying at home, can not pray, nor learn in the congregation. But as the devices of men are ready to found excuses, so seek they up fig leaves in this, to cover their shame. First they will say, We give them meat & money for their work, what should we do more? So do you bestow upon your beasts, in buying & feeding them: but your servants are more precious in the eye of the Lord, & you are charged in the fourth commandment, to see that they serve GOD. Some say, they send them to the Church on the Sabbaoth, and so answer that charge: But the Lord commandeth you yourselves also to rehearse his laws to your children and households. Deu. 6.7. If they pled ignorance, it will be but a weak answer to the Lord. Some say, they are ashamed to teach and pray with their households. I say, because it is good, they are ashamed, else every thing they are ready to perform with brazen brows in open places. Some say, it is hypocrisy to perform their duty: let such pray for new hearts: for if their own consciences condemn them of hypocrisy, God is greater than their consciences. Some say, it will let and hinder their servants from work, as Pharaoh objected to Moses. Exod. 5.4. But our Saviour answereth such, in his answer to Martha, Luke. 10.41. (This I speak, not to nurse any in idleness, for such should not eat, 2. Thess. 3.10.) Some say, they shallbe scorned by worldlings: If you seek to please men, you are not the servants of Christ, Galat. 1.10. Yet this was Christ's portion, and they are but faint soldiers that flee for a word, for we must buckle with the devil hand to hand, who will not leave us, till death, except by Apostasy we yield to him both bodies and souls. Some say, that they cannot bring the unlearned in letters to this knowledge: but they do not remember, that God giveth knowledge of his mysteries, even to the simple that fear him, Psalm. 25.14. And in four months space, I have seen these principles and answers learned by Gentlemen, Yeomen, horse-keepers, shepherds, Carters, Milkemaides, Kitchen-boyes, & all in that household (where these orders were observed) excepting three or four whose capacity was but mean & simple, & yet the simplest went not without some profit. Some say, youth are so stubborn, that they will abide no such orders: I say, better is the room of such than their company, for if admonitions appointed by the Lord, win them not, avoid them: and so shalt thou avoid the infecting of the rest of thy household by them, so shalt thou make others to fear, so shalt thou by making them ashamed of their sins, drive them to repentance, & principally thou shalt avoid God's judgement against thee and thy household. If thou knowest that thou keepest an ignorant & superstitious Papist, a blasphemous swearer, a disobedient subject, to God, Prince, & Ruler, a licentious and lose liver, which giveth his body to fight, whoring, and stealing, & his tongue to quarreling, filthy talking, and lying, & thou seek not to reform him by the order of God, dost thou not make thy house his stews, & thyself his bawd? Remove such, jest God remove thee. Is it written in vain, that the plague shall never go from the house where the swearer is? & that it shallbe full of plagues? Will not the Lord perform that which he hath spoken by his prophet Zacharie. 5.5. That there shall remain a plague in such houses, to consume them with the timber & stones thereof? I would they would consider what God said to Elie in the like case, Thou honourest thy children above me, therefore I will cut thee and them off. The comfort he had of his youths in the end, was this, the Ark (the witness of the lords pre●ence) was lost, thirty thousand of the people slain, his two sons killed, this lived he to hear, and so in sorrow fell backward, and broke his neck: then his daughter in law fell in travel, and in travel died: the remnant of his house were glad to crouch and beg for a small piece of silver, and a morsel of bread, If our Englishmen could behold these plagues, the removing of Religion to a people that shall bring forth fruit of it, the taking away of our Queen, the wailing of their wives, the murdering of their children, and the cutting of their own throats by strangers: they would look better about them. O Fathers of children and households, if you would before hand arraign yourselves before God's judgement seat, and there find yourselves indited ready to be condemned, for sending your posterity to beg at strangers doors, for spoiling your children of their lives, this realm of religion, Queen, and peace, and that you should see there your children, wives, country, Church of GOD, and Queen, accusing you for murderers, and traitors, what will you answer? what can you say? Turn your music to mourning, your feasting to fasting, your riotting to repenting: and say with David, and with Daniel. 2. Sam. 12.13. Dan. 9.5. We have sinned, and committed iniquity, done wickedly, & have rebelled against thee, O Lord: righteousness belongeth unto thee, and unto us open shame and confusion of faces. Say with the men, Acts. 2.37. and with Paul, Act. 9.6. say, Lord what shall we do? And you shall be taught to join amendment to repentance, you (I say) which were wont to ask how you should pass the long Winter evenings without gaming, shall learn to turn your playing at Cards, and Dice, and Dancing, to singing of Psalms, teaching your household, and praying with them. It is enough (as Paul sayeth. 1. Ephe. 4.3.) that you have spent the times passed after the fashion of the world: and how ill, mad, or strange, ●hey account of the matter, that you run not with them to the former excess of riot, say you and perform with. josua. 24.15. We and our households will serve the Lord. And you O Ladies, Mistresses, and Dames, say every one of you with Hester, I & my maids will do the like. Hest. 4.16. And howsoever the world condemn you, the Lord will reveal himself unto you, power his blessings of knowledge, of peace, of religion, of good rulers, and will continued the same unto the remnant of our children and posterity, which shall come after us, which he grant for his Christ's sake. Amen. ¶ These are the orders which I have seen observed in a Christian Gentleman's house, to the profit of his household, example of others, comfort of God's children, & honour of God. WHile they had a Minister, the whole household met at the Church twice every Sabbath, and once every week day: but since the restraint of their Minister, they meet every morning in the week day in the Parlour, where their Master kneeleth down with them, and prayeth, using these prayers following, The confession of sins, with morning prayer for private households, for men before their labour, for the Church, the Realm, the Queen and Magistrates, the lords prayer, and Confession of faith, all which prayers are in the book of Common prayer. If he be from home, or sick, then doth his Steward, or some such like of them say those prayers. After prayers, the household departeth, either whether necessity of their Offices call them, or whether delight in honest exercises for recreation doth carry them. Before prayer meditate of these places. Prou. 1.28. They shall call upon me, but I will not answer: they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me, 26. Because they hated knowledge, and did not chose the fear of the Lord. jam. 4.3. You ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you might consume it on your lusts. Rom. 8.26. The spirit helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what to pray as we aught: but the spirit itself maketh request for us, with sighs which cannot be expressed. 27. But he that searcheth the hearts knoweth the meaning of the spirit, for he maketh request for the Saints, according to the will of God. At meals, the Master saith grace, both before and after. Prayer before meals. GOod Lord bless us, bless all thy creatures, sand down thy holy spirit into our hearts, so to direct us, that we may look for the spiritual food of our souls: and finally, everlasting peace, through thy son Jesus Christ. Amen. In meal time some one of the servants readeth a Chapter of the Bible distinctly and reverently, first praying thus. O Lord whose word is a two edged sword, to cut down all things that shall rise up against the same, the majesty whereof shaketh the heavens, and the earth also: grant that our proud and vain affections being cut down, we may with reverence read it, and humbly in obedience submit ourselves unto it, through Jesus Christ our Lord. So be it. Or this. O Lord, which hast provided these earthly creatures, for the feeding of our natural bodies, direct us carefully to seek, with delight to taste of thy most holy word, that we may by that immortal seed, be begotten to be thy children, and thereby be nourished and fed, until we become perfect men in thy son Christ Jesus. So be it. A sentence to be said after the Chapter. Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. After meals, be careful for thyself, as job was for his children. Cham 1.5. And in meditation of thy words, thy behaviour, and use of God's creatures, say: O Lord, if thou markest what is said, or done amiss, who shall be able to abide it? Forgive us our sins, & amend our imperfections, and grant us the grace of thy holy Spirit, as thou hast fed us plentifully, that we may serve thee faithfully. Preserve the Queen's Majesty, save thy Church universal, grant thy Gospel a free passage, confound Antichrist, and all heresies, finish soon these days of sin, and bring us to everlasting peace, through thy son Christ Jesus our Lord. So be it. The Servingmen likewise have grace before and after meals, and a Chapter read before they rise. AFter they have supped, and the Officers have done in their offices, they come together into the Parlour or Hall, and there spend one hour in singing Psalms, learning, and answering some few of these points of Religion, and praying: Remember to sing David's Psalms, with David's spirit. 1. Cor. 14.15. Sing with the spirit, and sing with understanding. A prayer used in the Evening, before catechizing. O Lord, prepare our hearts to prayer, for if we pray with our lips only, our prayers are abominable. Teach us by thy holy spirit to pray rightly, according to thy will, and give care to our calling, We hearty thank thee (O merciful father) for all thy blessings bestowed upon us from the beginning of the world, to this time, for our election, our creation, our redemption, our sanctification, and continual preservation: namely, for that thou hast kept us this day from all perils and dangers both of soul and body, and hast given unto us health, food, apparel, and many other blessings, which many of thy dear children do lack, being notwithstanding as preciously bought with the blood of thy dear son, as we are, and yet lie in misery and calamity, oppressed with woe & wretchedness, in imprisoment or banishment: in which case (dear Father) thou mightest have left us, save that in mercy thou hast dealt otherwise with us, than with them. We beseech thee to direct us (in considering thy mercies) to acknowledge and confess our sins, which should provoke thee rather to curse, than to bless us, to confounded us, rather than to preserve us. We have sinned against thee both in deed, word, and thought: grant us, that we seeing the horror of our sins, and fierceness of thy wrath, may without hypocrisy and dissimulation, be earnestly sorry, and hearty repentant for our former wickedness: grant us that in sorrow for sin we fall not with Cain Saul, and Judas, to despair: but that in bitterness of our grief with David and Peter, we may have comfort by faith, in thy son Christ, that our offences are forgiven. And as thou hast brought us hither together at this time (for which we heartily thank thee) so we beseech thee to direct us, that we may have joy and comfort in the presence and company one of another. and that our words and hearts may so be ordered at this time, that we may truly utter, and reverently receive the principles of thy holy religion, to the strengthening of our faith, to the comfort of our consciences, to the amendment of our sinful and lewd lives, and to the glory of thy most holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Question. WHo made you? Answer. God. Gen. 1.17. job. 31.15. Q Who redeemed you? A. Jesus Christ. john. 1.29. Q. Who sanctifieth and preserveth you? A. The holy Ghost. Gen. 1.2. Rom. 8.9.10. Q. What is the Father? A. God. Deut 4.35. Q. What is the Son? A. God. Mat. 1.23. john. 1.1. Q. What is the holy Ghost? A. God. Math. 28.19. Q. How many persons are there? A. Three persons, and one God. 1 john. 5.7. Q. Wherefore hath God made, sanctified, and preserved you? A. To seek his glory. Rom. 11.36. Q. In seeking to set forth God's glory, how many things aught you principally to be careful for? A. 2. First how to escape God's judgement. Matth. 16.26. Secondly, how to serve him. Luke. 1.74. Q. How will God be served? A. After his will revealed in his word. De. 12.32. Q. How many things doth the word teach us principally? A. 4. Obedience to the commandments. Faith in Christ. Heb. 6.12. Sacraments. Prayer. Q. Into how many tables are the commandments divided? A. Into two. Exod. 31.18.34.1. Q. What doth the first table concern? A. Our duty to God contained in the four first commandments. Matth. 22.37. Q. What doth the second table concern? A. Our duty to our neighbours, contained in the six last commandments. Matth. 22.39. Q. In this order of the tables, that the duty to God, is set before our duty to our neighbour, how many lessons do you learn? A. 2. First, I learn to serve him before all things, and not to regard substance, not nor life itself, in respect of his glory. Matth. 6.33. Exod. 32.32. Secondly, if I tender my duty to God, I must do my duty to my neighbour, for if I neglect it to my neighbour, whom I see daily, it is evident, that I do so to God. 1. john. 3.14. and. 4.20. Q. How many commandments are there? A. Ten. God spoke these words, and said, etc. Q. Is this a commandment? A. Not, it is but a preface or introduction to the commandments. Q. How many lessons learn you out of it? A. 3. First, in that is said, God spoke these words, and said, I learn that God is the author of them. Secondly, in that he saith, I am the Lord, I learn that he is of might, majesty, and power to punish the offenders. Thirdly, in that is said, Thy God which brought thee out of Egypt and bondage, I learn his mercy to them, that love and seek his william. Q. What is the first commandment and sum of it? A. Thou shalt have none other Gods but me. wherein I learn to worship God, and him alone. Q. In how many points standeth this worship? A. 4. First, in loving God above al. Mar. 10.37 Secondly, in fearing God above all. Mal. 1.6. Thirdly, in praying to God, and to none but him. Matth. 6.9. Fourthly, in acknowledging God to be the guider of all things, and therefore to trust in him. Act. 17.25.26. ●. How many things do you learn in the second commandment? Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image, & c? A. First, that we make no image of God. john. 1.18. Secondly, that we make no image of any other thing, either to worship the image, or any other thing by it. Exo. 34.13. jere. 2.27.10.8 Thirdly, that we worship not God after our fancy, but as he commandeth. john. 4.24. Matth. 15.9. Q. What is the third commandment and the sum thereof? A. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, etc. which summarily teacheth me to use the name of God with most high reverence, both in tongue and thought. Q. How many lessons learn you in this commandment? A. 3. First, it is sin and blasphemy to apply the name of God, to enchantment, sorcery, cursing, or perjury. Deut. 18 10. Secondly, to swear by creatures is a setting of his name at nought, Psal. 16. jere. 5.7. Thirdly, in our ordinary communication we must never swear. Matth. 5.34. jam. 5.12. Q. Tell me by whom we must swear? A. By God: for it is a part of his glory, which he will give to none other. Deut. 6.13. Psal. 63.11. Q. In what causes, and where, is it lawful to swear? A. Where the glory of God is sought. Or the salvation of our brethren. jere. 4.2. Or before a Magistrate. Heb. 6.16. Q. Which is the fourth commandment, and the sum thereof: A. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day, etc. Wherein the Lord appointeth, that his creatures should have a time to rest and serve him in. Q. What must we do upon the Sabbath day? A. Holy things. Q. What are those holy things? A. Hearing and learning the word of GOD preached, praying, receiving the Sacraments, and meditating upon his creatures, Q. What things must we not do? A. Those things that necessity doth not compel, nor holiness command. Isa. 58.13. Matth. 12.3.5.11. Q. Who must keep holy the Sabbath? A. Thou, thy Son, thy Daughter, thy man, thy maid, thy cattle, and the stranger. Q. In the fift commandment, Honour thy father and thy mother, etc. What is meant by this word Honour? A. To honour, is to love, fear, obey, & relieve. Matth. 15.4. 1. Tim. 5.17. Q. What is meant by father and mother? A. Our natural parents, the fathers of our country, or of our houses, the aged, and our fathers in Christ. Q. How is the blessing of long life given, when the disobedient live long, and the obedient and good for the most part die speedily? A. The wicked live to their further vengeance, & the godly enjoy it so far as it shall be well for them. Deu. 5.16. Isa. 57.1. Q. How many lessons learn you out of this commandment? Thou shalt not kill. A. 4. First I learn to tie my hands, tongue, and countenance to peace, from fight, quarreling, and mocking. Matth. 5.22. Secondly, it condemneth all anger in heart. Levi. 19.17. Thirdly, he commandeth to preserve life. Matth. 25, 35. Fourthly, he commandeth to love one another, even our enemies. Matth. 5.44. Q. Which is the seventh commandment, and the sum it? A. Thou shalt not commit adultery: wherein he taketh order that his institution of Matrimony might be maintained. Q. How many lessons learn you out of it? A. 4. First, God forbiddeth all adultery and uncleanness in our bodies. Levit. 18.24, Secondly, all unpure thoughts and lusts of the heart. Matth. 5.28. Thirdly, all unchaste behaviour, talk, songs, apparel, and pastime, that might entice us to such uncleanness. Ephe. 4.29. Ephe. 5.3. 1. Thessa. 5.22. Fourthly, he commandeth us to keep our bodies chaste, as the temples of the holy Ghost. 1. Cor. 6.15. Q. How many things are forbidden in the. 8. commandment? Thou shalt not steal. A. 3. First, all stealing & robbing. Levi. 19.11. Secondly, all desire of any man's goods wrongfully. Ephe. 5.5. thirdly, all unlawful getting. 1. Thessa. 46. Q. How many things are we commanded? A. 3. First, to be content with that portion which the Lord hath lent us. 1. Tim. 6.6. Secondly, that we labour for our living, 2. Thessa. 3.10. Thirdly, to be helpful to them that need. 1. Tim. 6.18. Q. How many lessons learn you out of the. 9 commandment? Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. A. 4. First, we are forbidden to speak falsely in witness bearing. Prou. 19.5. Secondly, to lie, flatter, or dissemble. Ephe. 4.25, Thirdly, that we never backbite any man Psal. 15.3. Fourthly, in private offences to say nothing of our brother, if by private admonition he may be won. Matth. 18.15. Q. Which is the tenth commandment, and what learn you out of it? A. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house, Thou shalt not covet, etc. Whereby I learn that the motions of our heart separate from the love of God, or our neighbour, though we never yield consent to it, is sin. Rom. 7.7 Q. Is any man able to keep the commandments? A. No. Rom. 3.10. job. 4.18. &. 15.15. Q. What is the breach of the law? A. sin.. Rom. 7.7. Q. What is the reward of sin? A. Eternal death. Rom. 6.23. Deut. 27.26. Gala. 3.10. Q. Shall I escape this death by the works of the law? A. No. Luke. 17.10. For the law is the minister of death. Q. Sith the law doth not justify but condemn what profit hath a Christian by it? A. First, it is a way for God's children to walk in. Psal. 1.2. Secondly, it teacheth man not to trust to his own innocency. Rom. 3.4. Thirdly, it pulleth down the pride of man, and humbleth him before God. Rom. 3.19. Fourthly, it is a schoolmaster to Christ. Gal. 3.24. Q. As you have showed me the profit of the law, so tell me why we should do good works, sith they do not save? A. First, to show our love to God our Father, in walking as becometh his children. john. 14.15. Secondly, to show our love to ourselves, making thereby our election certain to our selves. 2. Pet. 1.10. Thirdly, to win our brethren to Christ by our godly life and conversation. Matth. 5.16. 1. Pet. 3.1. Q. How many things are principally to be considered in good works? A. First, that they be ruled by the line of God's word. Ephe. 2.10. Secondly, that they proceed from a heart purged by faith. Rome 14.23. Q. By what means shall I escape death? A. By faith in Christ. Rom. 3.28. Q. What is faith? A. A full persuasion and steadfast assurance. Rom. 8.38.39. Q. Where is it planted? A. In the heart. Rom. 10.9. Q. Upon what is it grounded? A. Upon the promises of God. Rom. 4.3.12. Q. By whom is faith wrought in man? A. By the holy Ghost. Ephe. 3.16.17, Q. Upon whom must faith be settled & stayed? A. Upon Christ Jesus. Gal. 3.26. Q. What profit have we by this? A. I am assured that all the benefits of Christ's passion, and his righteousness, is as surely mine, as if I had wrought them myself. 2. Cor. 5.21. Q. How many articles are there of the faith, and which are they? A. Twelve. I believe in God the Father. etc. Q. How many things do the articles set down? A. First, concerning God the Father, in the first article. Secondly, concerning God the Son, in the six articles. Thirdly, concerning God the holy Ghost in the eight article. Fourthly, concerning God's people called the Church, in the four last. Q. How many things do you learn in the first article? I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. A. First, that God is my Father, and I am his child. john. 1.12. Gal. 3.26. Secondly, he being almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and I his child, shall lack nothing. Rom. 8.27. Q. What learn you out of the second and third articles? 2. And in jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, 3. Which was conceived by the holy Ghost, Born of the virgin Marie A. First, in these words, His only Son our Lord, which was conceived by the holy Ghost, I learn that he is God, able to bear whatsoever is due for our sins. Luke. 1.35. joh. 3.16. Secondly, in that he was Born of the virgin Marie, I learn that he was ready to suffer whatsoever was due. Rom. 1.3. Heb. 2.14. Q. What learn you out of the fourth article? He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified dead, buried. He descended into Hell. A. First, the passion that he suffered in body for the redemption of my body, namely that under Pontius Pilate, he was nailed to a cross, died, and was buried. Matth. 27. Gal. 3, 14. Secondly, the passion that he suffered in soul, for the deliverance of my soul, namely that he descended or humbled himself unto the torments of hell for our salvation. Isa. 53.10.11.12. Luke. 22.44. Matth. 27.46. Q. What learn you out of the fift article, The third day be rose again from the dead. A. First, that he is risen, and hath overcome death and hell for my justification. 1. Cor. 15.57. Rom. 4.25. Secondly, I learn to rise from sin, & to delight in righteousness. Rom. 6.4. Col. 3.1. Thirdly, by his rising, I am assured that my body shall rise again. 1. Cor. 15.16. Q. What learnest thou by the sixth article? He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father. A. First his ascension is a pledge to me, that I likewise shall ascend after him. john. 14.3. Secondly, he being ascended, maketh prayer for me. Rom. 8.34. Thirdly, by his sitting at the right hand: (which signifieth the power of God) I believe that all power is given him, Matth. 18 18. Ephe. 1.20. Q. What learnest thou out of the seventh article? From thence, etc. A. First I learn to my comfort, that he that is my Saviour, shallbe my Judge. job. 19.25. Matth. 19.28. Secondly, to the terror of the godless, that he shallbe their Judge, whom they have refused & despised. Matth. 25.41. 2. Thes. 1.8. Leu. 1.7. Q. What learn you out of the third part, being the eight article? I believe in the holy Ghost. A. First, I believe the holy Ghost to be God, who doth assure me, that I am God's child, and that all Christ's benefits are mine. Rom. 8.16. Secondly, he maketh sin to die in me, and stirreth me up to holiness of life. Ephe. 4.23. Q. What learn you out of the. 9 article, the first of the fourth part? The holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saintes. A. First, that God hath an universal Church in all places of the world, and at all times. Matth. 28.19. Act. 10.34. 1 King. 19.18. Secondly, that in the same there is a fellowship of Saints, of true faithful people, all which the Lord knoweth, of which number I believe myself to be one. Ephe. 5.26. Q. What learn you out of the tenth article? The forgiveness of sins. A. First, I believe that Christ hath suffered whatsoever was due for my sins. 1. joh. 22 Secondly, my sins being freely forgiven, shall never be laid to my charge again. jere. 31.34. Luke. 5.18. Q. What learn you out of the. 11. and. 12. articles? The Resurrection of, etc. A. First, that my body shall rise from the earth 1. Thessa. 4.14. Secondly, it shall rise a glorious body. 1. Cor. 15.42. Phi. 3.21. Thirdly, my body being risen a glorious body, shall live with Christ for ever in his kingdom. 1. Thessa. 4.17. Q. By what means or ways do we attain this faith? A. First, by an ordinary and plain way, the hearing of the word preached. Rom. 14.17. Gal. 3.2. Secondly, by the wonderful and secret infusion of God's spirit. Q. By what means is this faith maintained and strengthened in us? A. 4. First by the word preached. Secondly, by the Sacraments. Thirdly, by discipline. Fourthly, by Prayer. Q. What is a Sacrament? A. A sign that may be seen, of grace that can not be seen. Q. How many sacraments are there? A. Two, Baptism, and the lords Supper. Q. In Baptism, which is the sign that may be seen? A. Water. john. 1.26. Q. Which is the grace that cannot be seen? A. The washing away of sins by the blood of Christ. 1. john. 17. Q. In the lords Supper, which is the sign that may be seen? A. Bread and wine. Matth. 26.26.27. Q. Which is the grace, that cannot be seen? A. The body and blood of Christ. 1. Cor. 10.16 Q. To the strengthening of our faith, how many things do you principally learn by Baptism? A. First, as water washeth away the filthiness of the flesh: so the blood of Christ doth wash away sin from my soul. Mark. 1.4. Secondly, I am taught to rise to newness of life. Rom. 6.4. Q. For the strengthening of your faith, how many things do you principally learn in the lords Supper? A. First, as by the hand and mouth, my body receiveth bread and wine, so by faith my soul feedeth of the body and blood of Christ. john. 6.35. Secondly, all the benefits of Christ's passion, and his righteousness, are as surely sealed by it to be mine, as if myself had wrought them. Rom. 4.25. Q. Is the bread and wine turned into the body and blood of Christ? A. No. For if you turn or take away the sign that may be seen, it is no Sacrament. Q. Going to the Supper of the Lord, what aught a man to do principally? A. Examine himself. 1. Cor. 11.28. Q. Why aught a man to examine himself? A. First, because the unworthy receiver is guilty of the body and blood of Christ. 1. Cor. 12.25. Secondly, because he provoketh the Lord to wrath, and so eateth and drinketh his own damnation. 1. Cor. 11.29. Q. Whether may fools, mad men, or children be admitted to the Supper of the Lord? A. No. For they cannot examine themselves 1. Cor. 11.28. Q In how many things aught a man principally to examine himself? A. First, whether he hath faith or no. Secondly, whether he be sorry for his sins, & doth detest and abhor them. Thirdly, whether he hath sought reconciliation with them to whom he hath given offence. Q God knoweth before we ask what we need, so that he need not to be put in mind, he is not slothful that he need to be stirred up, he hath appointed in his providence what he will bestow, how, and when, therefore why should we pray? A. First, to stir up ourselves to seek him. Secondly, to exercise ourselves in meditating upon his promises. Thirdly, that we may discharge and vnloa●e our cares into the bosom of God. Fourthly, that we may testify ourselves, and others, that we hope and ask for all good from God alone. Q. How many things aught we to be careful of in prayer? A. 5. First that we pray to God through Christ. john. 16.23. Secondly, that we be inwardly touched with that we pray for. Rom. 8.26. Thirdly, that they be grounded upon God's promises. 1. john. 5.14. Fourthly, that we be not weary of prayer, Luke. 18.1. ●●ftly, that we pray according to that rule, which God himself giveth. Matth. 6.9. Q. What needs the rich man daily to pray for daily bredad, who hath enough in store for many years? A. First, he is to pray for the poor as for himself. Secondly, his substance and dainties shall do him no good without God's blessing. Q. How many things do you pray for in this petition? forgive us our, etc. A. First, that God would forgive us our trespasses. Secondly, that we may be directed by him to forgive one another. Q. How many lessons learn you out of it? A. First, that all men are sinners. 2. Man must seek for forgiveness, for he cannot satisfy. 3. None can forgive sins but God. 4. To the envious man there is no forgiveness, Q. In this sixth petition, Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, What is meant by Led into temptation? A. To be delivered body and soul to Satan. Q. What is meant by evil? A. The devil and sin. Q. What pray you for in this petition? A. We pray that we be no further tempted than ● God giveth us power to bear. Q. What learn you in this A. First, that all Christians are in wars, 〈◊〉 have need to watch. Secondly, we are all weak, and have need of help. Thirdly, that Satan can do nothing, unless God give leave. Fourthly, the Lord is our deliverer from all temptations. Q. How many things learn you out of the conclusion? Thy is the kingdom, the power, and glory, for ever and ever. A. First, these words do kindle our hearts, to desire the glory of God. Secondly, to ground upon none but God. Thirdly, that his kingdom is mighty and everlasting. Q. What meaneth this word Amen? A. It signifieth, So be it, or, So it shallbe: first showing a fervent desire to have that I ask. Secondly, it is an assurance to my conscience, that I shall have that I ask. Q. Where find you the like examination of the people after they have been taught. A. I find that our Saviour Christ, after he had taught, did again examine them, how they had profited, and in examination did teach them further, in Matt. 13.51. and the .16.13 14.15.17. and the .17.25. john. 6.5. FINIS A Prayer used after Catechizing in the Evening. WE hearty thank thee, O merciful father, for that thou hast bestowed the inestimable treasure of thy holy word upon us most vile and sinful wretches. And sith it is not in him that planteth, nor in him that watereth, but in thy merciful hand to mortify our sinful lusts, and to created new hearts in us, we beseech thee so to order and direct us, that we prove not like the green fig tree flourishing without fruit, nor be of the number of those hypocrites, which with tongue can say Lord Lord, in thy name can prophesy, cast out devils, and do many great works, and yet are condemned for wicked because their hearts are not right: nor like to them, which are swept and garnished, but empty, whereunto the unclean spirit returns with seven worse than himself, and so our end be worse than our beginning. But govern us with thy spirit, that in heart we may love & seek thee, and in body and soul obey and serve thee in righteousness and holiness all the days of our life. And here we offer up unto thee ourselves, our souls, our bodies, our lives, and all that we have, in assurance, that that cannot perish which is committed to thee. Take us into thy hand, and keep us this night, that our bodies may sleep, & our souls may watch for the coming of thy son Christ, that so both our bodies and souls may be the more apt and the better able to serve thee, in that estate and calling, wherein it shall please thee to place us. As we pray for ourselves, so we beseech thee to look with favour upon thy whole Church, increase the number of thy children, grant thy Gospel a free passage, comfort the comfortless, raise up them that are fallen, and strengthen them that stand, that they fall not: have mercy upon this Realm, long continued thy blessings of peace and quietness towards us, and remove far from us all lets and hindrances of the same. Govern the hearts and the sword of all Magistrates, that they may not lift up themselves in vain glory to please themselves, but that they may apply the authority which thou hast given them, to the advancement of thy glory, for the comfort of thy Children, and the terror of thine enemies. And sith the continuance of our peace (in these our days) next under thee, consisteth in the preservation of our Queen, bless us with her, and bless her with all gifts fit for so high a calling, and whosoever shall attemp, devise, or conspire aught against her majesties person, crown, dignity, and royal estate, we beseech thee in mercy to