A catechism, that is to say, a familiar introduction and training of the simple in the commandments of God, and the principles of our religion, much necessary to be taught and known to all good christian people, set forth in questions with direct answers to the same: & translated into English for the behoove and commodity not only of children, but also of all such de●●●●● lerners as are 〈◊〉 in the Latin tongue.  Suffer the little children to come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of God. Marc. x.  

¶ Unto the faithful christian flock and congregation of jesus Christ, Edmonde allen wisheth, grace, peace, and mercy from God our heavenly father, through our saviour jesus Christ.  
THe almighty and merciful God our heavenly, gracious, & most dear father, monisheth and warneth us (ye dearly beloved in our saviour Christ) both by word and also by diverse examples, that we all should take earnest care & ●●row for our youth, that it be we instruct and brought up in the true fear of God, & after such a godly sort that it might live in all virtue, godliness & honesty. And it is a thing whereunto not only the examples of the heathen, but also our own natural reason, daily experience, & the love of the common wealth ought lawfully to move and enforce us. For asmuch as we daily feel and perceive right evidently, what inconvenience doth ensue, where youth is neglect & not regarded. And again what a treasure, comfort & commodity it is unto an whole common wealth, where youth is well brought up in godly learning & example, and exercised in virtue & holiness. This I say, might be sufficient to stir up and to kindle our hearts toward the right institution & bringing up of youth, although we were but very heathen. But forasmuch as we are christian men and women, and through out saviour Christ become the children of God, therefore the most holy word of God & the example of our saviour Christ, ought most specially to allure & provoke us unto this most holy and necessary office. For first it is evident enough by the evangelists what an high charge our saviour Christ giveth us over youth. Math. xviii. & xix and Mark. x. Where, by his herty and loving embracing of them, he declareth manifestly, that no service can be more acceptable unto him, than that which is spent about them, to bring and induce them unto him. Likewise how earnestly doth S. Paul command all parents to bring up their children in nurture and exhortation? Ephe. vi. and Collo. iii. For the which cause, all children have a special commandment of God to be obedience unto their fathers & mothers, because they ought to be unto them, as the very deputies and officers of God, in continually exercising them to the glory and honour of God. And how highly almighty God regardeth the right institution of youth, we may learn out of the old testament sufficiently, and specially out of the xviii cha. of Genesis. Whereas God, opening unto the faithful Abraham his mind and purpose against Sodoma & Gomorra sayeth these words. I know, sayeth the Lord, that his children shall keep the ways of the Lord, and do that thing which is right and just, that the Lord may suffer that thing to come to pass unto Abraham, which he hath promised him. etc. This holy sentence of God ought to be alone sufficient unto a christian man (which is by faith a child of Abraham) to move him to apply all endeavour and study to the christian education of youth. For here we have a singular comfort & a sure promise, that if we be found true & faithful toward these gifts of God our children, than will God daily increase & augment his grace toward us, and induce us into further knowledge of his godly will, to the glory of his name, & wealth of our souls. And beside this, God giveth straight commandment by express words in diverse places that we should in no wise neglect our youth. As in the vi and xi of Deu. where God commanded Moses that all men should teach their children and children's children, his laws & commandments. Likewise, through the prophet David, God speaketh these words in the lxxviii Psalm. The lord hath made a covenant with jacob, and hath given Israel a law, which their posterity and heirs should know, and tell it unto their children, that they might also put and fix their hope and confidence upon God, and keep his commandments and not for get his works. etc.  
By this we must needs confess and knowledge that it is an high thing, by god our heavenly father, and the most requisite & special point in a christian congregation, that the children be well taught and instruct in the ways of the Lord, and in the covenant which God hath made with their fathers and their posterity for ever in our saviour Christ. For by this means only they must learn to know God, to be fully persuaded of his mercy and goodness toward them, to put all their trust and confidence in him only and to love and fear him. And this foundation once laid, they shall afterward frame and build their whole life upon the same, and learn all humbleness, obedience, modesty, virtue and godliness, in word and deed, and daily be more inclined and bent to the true religion and knowledge of God, and evermore increase & go forward in the same. And thus the whole common wealth shall receive comfort and joy by them: And they in process of time, shall learn to instruct their children in the Lord, in like manner. And thus there shall never wax any nettles, thistles or weeds in this tillage of the Lord, nor they shall not perish through our negligence.  
For God suffereth us to remain in this world, (& taketh us not away immediately after we have attained to the knowledge of him) for no nother cause, but that we should help & further other unto the same, that the glory & perfit religion of God might also be planted & wax in our children & posterity. And surely the negligence of men in this behalf hath hitherto been the chief cause of so many and divers heavy plagues of God. As Christ doth manifestly declare where he saith: Woe unto him that offendeth (or hindereth) youth. etc. It were better for him that he were cast into the sea with a millstone about his neck and drowned.  
Wherefore all they that will avoid this woe, let them apply all that study and care with most earnest zeal and endeavour, that their youth be well instruct and brought up.  
For this can no man deny, that the very occasion and ground of all the mischief and wicked dissoluteness that reigneth in the world at this day, is, that the bringing up of youth is no better nor diligenter regarded. Where subjects are not so obedient unto their heads and rulers as they ought to be, it is most specially in such places where the institution of youth hath been neglect. Likewise where parents are unreverently entreated of their children, it is through the sufferance of God for a punishment unto them for so evil and negligently bringing of them up in their youth. And what hath been the cause of the heavy blindness and ignorance in the world, in the true religion and service of God, of the manifold idolatry & superstition, other than the lack of the right & true institution of youth? Wherefore if we will avoid the wrath and indignation of God, & all man●er of inconvenience, let us apply more study & diligence that our youth may be better brought up in the knowledge and fear of God, that in their young and tender age they may learn the principles of Christ's religion and of our christian faith. Which shallbe a mean to a void all the inconvenience above rehearsed. And if we do not this, let us look for no nother but that their blood, perisshing through our negligence, shall be straightly required of our hands. And not only of parents, but also of all such as have any cure and charge of youth, as Schoolmasters in their schools, pastors and ministers in their cures. These should be the special instructors of youth. These should beat into children's heads the chief points and articles of the Christian doctrine. As are, the ten Commandments, the articles of the faith, the lords prayer, the institution of the holy Sacraments of Babtysme, and of the holy Supper of the Lord, and last of all, the institution of the Ecclesiastical or church discipline and exercise of brotherly correction, etc.  
These points being first taught unto children by their parent's word for word, (which is the office and duty of all christian parents to do,) a plain and simple understanding of them, might afterward be taught them either in the school by the schoolmasters, or else in the church by the pastors and ministers, giving them every Sunday one short article or question to learn, repeating it distinctly twice or thrice, and requiring it of them again the next Sunday, and than to give and repeat unto them in like manner another, until the whole Catechism, be learned out, and than beginning again.  
If but one hour were thus spent every Sunday of every pastor and minister in examining the youth in the church before the face of the whole parish, or of every schoolmaster but once a week, (their parents earnestly warning and driving them to learn and remember what is taught them) we should feel within one year, what infinite profit should come thereof, and within few years we should have a florysshing common wealth: This doth God most straightly require of us, and we had never such occasion unto it as we now have, considering how earnestly our most christian rulers, the Kings most excellent Majesty, his right worthy & noble counsellor, governor of his grace's person, the lord Protectors grace, with other of his graces most christian council, do intend and mind the true planting and setting forth of Christ's pure religion in this realm. Whose fervent and most christian zeal, if we should not withal promptness and thankfulness receive, we should show and prove ourselves no true natural subjects. Let every one therefore, most faithful christians, apply his faithful study and endeavour to further and help forward their gracious princes most godly travail and procedings in the kingdom of god. So shall it in short space flourish among us. And we shall feel God to be our merciful, father indewing us with the more plentiful grace against the assaults of all our enemies: And that men might have some form & trade to instruct the youth thereby, I have gathered out of divers learned & christian writers of catechisms, this brief instruction, in such questions as seemed unto me most necessary for children to learn. Whereof they may learn every week one (being so repeated as is above written) without any difficulty at all. This I submit unto the judgement of the faithful what soever they be, desiring all men to interpret my faithful endeavour therein to the best, and to use it so far as they may have comfort and edification thereby. almighty God give all men generally grace to seek earnestly the furtherance of his kingdom in the youth. And specially God give all parents and pastors which have special charge and cure of youth, grace to instruct and bring them up in his fear, as may be most to the glory & honour of his name. God give also all children and youth his holy spirit, that they may receive all godly & virtuous doctrine & ensample, that they may become the very servants and children of God, & after this life with their angels, may enjoy the perfit sight and fruition of their heavenly father. Amen.   

A christian introduction for youth co●●●●ing the principles of our faith & religion. The master asketh the question according as he hath taught all things to the scholar afore. The scholar answereth as he hath afore learned and received it of the master.  The Master. 
Speak my loving child, what art thou?  The scholar. 
Sir, according unto my first birth I am a creature of God endued with understanding & reason, but yet borne in sin, and therefore of no value.  M. 
How and to what end hath God created thee?  S. 
When I was nothing, he of his exceeding grace and mere goodness created me, that I might perfitly learn to know him, to love him, to fear him, to laud and to praise him, and finally to be partaker of all his inestimable riches & benefits.  M. 
How hath God created thee?  S. 
First he hath made me a body out of the earth, and furnished the same withal necessary limbs & members. Than hath he endued the same body with a precious, lively, and an immortal soul, even after his own image, by reason whereof I am, as it were, a lively image of God.  M. 
But how can the image of God be resembled in man?  S. 
For south thus: as God is everlasting and immortal, even so is the soul of man also. And again, like as God is the lord of all creatures, so hath he ordained man to be lord over all bodily creatures, & hath made them all to be subject unto him and to serve him.  M. 
Is not the image of God righteousness, holiness, truth, everlasting joy and salvation?  S. 
Yes for south.  M. 
How canst thou than be a sinner and of no value?  S. 
I have inherited sin of Adam the first man that was created.  M. 
Was Adam than a sinner?  S. 
God created him after his own image, righteous, good and holy, and gave him a commandment, not to eat of the fruit of knowledge of good and evil, which commandment if he had observed and kept, he & all his posterity should have remained holy and blessed for ever. But he transgressed that commandment, persuaded by decipteful instruction and provocation of the devil, and so he became a sinner.  M. 
But what maketh that against thee? Art thou a sinner because Adam was a sinner? or through Adam's trasgression?  S. 
Forasmuch as he displeased God, therefore did God punish him withal his posterity, so that ever since that fall of Adam both he and we all are deprived & spoiled of the image of God, and so are borne into the world even from our mother's womb, sinners, unrighteous, and children of wrath.  M. 
Than canst thou not be saved.  S. 
After my first birth, I cannot be saved, but through my second birth in Christ I have an undoubted hope and assured trust to be saved.  M. 
What art thou than after thy second birth?  S. 
I am a christian.  M. 
What is a Christian?  S. 
A Christian is one that acknowledgeth himself a sinner, and believeth steadfastly that God our heavenvly father is merciful unto him, through the glorious passion and blood shedding of our saviour jesus Christ.  M. 
Whereby knowest thou, that thou art a Christian?  S. 
Because I do faithfully believe the same, and upon this belief am baptized or chrystened in the name of the father, of the son, and of the holy ghost.  M. 
What believest thou of the father, of the son, and the holy ghost?  S. 
I believe that the father is God, the son is God, the holy ghost is God, and yet as these are three destincte persons equal in substance, glory and majesty, so is he but only one God eternal without beginning, everlasting without end, almyghtifull and altogether bounteous, good, merciful, loving, tender & beneficial unto man.  M. 
What doest thou ferther believe of the same God the father, the son, and the holy ghost?  S. 
I do firmly and steadfastly believe whatsoever is written of God in the holy scriptures, and all that ever is contained in the special points and articles of the christian religion, which the lord himself taught us, and commanded his disciples to teach the same.  M. 
What are the special points of the christian religion and how many are they?  S. 
They are two.  M. 
which six be they?  S. 
The first is the ten commandments.  
two. The articles of the holy christian faith.  
iii. The holy prayer of the Lord.  
iiii. The words and institution of the holy baptism.  
v. The words of the holy supper of the Lord.  
vi. The words of the Ecclesiastical discipline and brotherly correction.  M. 
Now rehearse me the words of all the six principal points and articles one after an other as I have out of the places of God's holy scripture taught it unto thee before this time.  S. 
The ten commandments are written in the xx. chapter of Exodus in these words.  
i. I the lord am thy God which have brought the out of Egypt out of the land of bondage, thou shalt have none other Gods beside me, or in my sight.  
two. Thou shalt make to thyself no graven image, nor similitude of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth, thou shalt neither bow thee down before them, nor show any service or reverence unto them. For I am the lord thy God, a strong and jealous God, for I avenge the unrighteousness of the fathers upon the children even unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate and despise me, and I show mercy even unto the thousandest generation of them that love me & keep my commandments.  
iii. Thou shalt not take the name of thy lord god in vain.  
For the Lord will not suffer him unpunished that taketh his name in vain.  
iiii. Remember that thou keep the Sabbath day holy. Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy business, but the seventh day is an holy Sabbath day unto the lord thy god. Upon that day shalt thou do no work at all, neither thou thyself, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, neither thy manseruaunte, nor thy maid servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy jest which keepeth or lodgeth in thy house. For in six days made the lord heaven and earth, and the sea, withal that is therein, but upon the seventh day did he rest from all manner of labour: therefore the lord hath honoured and hallowed the Sabbath day.  
v. Honour thy father and mother, that thy days may be prolonged in the land that the Lord thy God will give thee.  
vi. Thou shalt not murder.  
seven. Thou shalt not commit adultery.  
viii. Thou shalt not steal.  
ix. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.  
x. Thou shalt nor covet, nor lust after thy neighbours house, thou shalt not lust after thy neighbours wife, nor his servant nor his maid, nor his ox nor his Ass, nor after any thing that is thy neighbours.   

¶ The articles of the holy Christian faith and belief, are these, and they contain iii, principal articles.  
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 out of the virgin Mary, suffered under Ponce pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. Descended unto the hells, and upon the third day he rose again from the dead, ascended unto the heavens and syttteth at the right-hand of God the father almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.  
iii. I believe in the holy ghost, an holy Chatholyque Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the flesh, and the life everlasting. Amen.   

¶ The lords prayer written in the vi of Matthew and the xi of Luke is this.  
Our father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done upon 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 in to temptation. But deliver us from the evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever. Amen.   

¶ The words and institution of the holy baptism contained in the new testament are these.  Math. xxviii. ANd jesus came & spoke unto his disciples, saying: All power is given unto me in heaven, & in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the son, & of the holy ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And lo I am with you always even until the end of the world. Mark xvi And he said unto them: Go ye into all the world, & preach the Gospel to all creatures: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. But he that believeth not shall be damned. Roma, vi. Know ye not that all we which are baptized in jesus Christ, are baptized to die with him? We are buried then with him by baptism, for to die, that likewise as Christ was raised up from death by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in a new life. Gala iii. 
For all ye that are baptized have put on Christ. There is no jew, neither gentile, there is neither bond, neither free: there is neither man nor woman. For ye are all one in Christ jesus. If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, & heirs according to the promise  
The places of holy scripture, and the words making for the institution of the lords supper are these here following.  Math. xxvi. When they were eating, jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said: take, eat, this is my body. And he took the cup, and thanked, and gave it them, saying: drink ye all of this. For this is my blood, which is of the new testament that is shed for many for the remission of sins. Mark. xiiii. And as they were eating, jesus took bread: and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them & said: take, eat, this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he took it to them and they all drank of it, and he said unto them: this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. Luke. xxii. And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave unto them, saying: this is my body, which is given for you. This do ye in the remembrance of me: likewise also, when he had supped, he took the cup, saying: this cup is the new Testament in my blood, which is shed for you. 1. Corin. xi. 
That which I have delivered unto you, I received of the lord. For the lord jesus the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread: and when he had given thanks, he broke it, & said: take ye & eat, this is my body, which is broken for you This do ye in the remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup when supper was done, saying: this cup is the new Testament in my blood. This do as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye shall eat this bread, and drink of this cup, ye shall show the lords death till he come.  
Wherefore whosoever shall eat of this bread, or drink of this cup of the lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.  
For he that eateth & drinketh unworthily, eateth & drinketh his own damnation, because he maketh no difference of the lords body.   

¶ The words of the ecclesiastical discipline or brotherly correction, are these.  Math. xviii. THe Lord jesus saith. If thy brother sinneth against thee, go thy ways and rebuke him betwixt the & him alone: If he hear thee, than hast thou won thy brother. If he will not hear thee, then take one or two unto thee, that every thing may be at a stay by the mouth of two or three witnesses. If he will not yet hear thee, then tell it unto the congregation. If he will not hear the congregation, then take him as a heathen and as an unchristian. Verily I say unto you: Whatsoever ye shall bind upon earth, shall also be bound in heaven. And whatsoever ye shall leuse upon earth shall be also leused in heaven. M. 
Well, now declare me the same points every one after other as I have taught the here tofore: & first tell me: why did God give the ten commandments unto man?  S. 
forsooth to th'intent we might learn his will out of them, 
Psal. xi.  & know what he willeth us to do, and what to leave undone. 
Esai. viii.  For the law of the ten commandments is a perfit rule whereby the will of god is known, 
Luke. xvi.  both how to behave ourselves towards him, our almighty everlasting god and maker, & also toward our neighbour and even christian.  M. 
What meaneth the Lord where he sayeth, I am the lord thy God. etc.  S. 
He willeth that we should believe & knowledge, that he of his free mercy through our saviour jesus Christ, 
Collo. i. Gala. iiii.  hath redeemed us from the power of the devil, & from the bondage of the world and of sin, and hath received us to be his own peculiar, heirs into the freedom & fellowship of everlasting life, like as he received the jews unto him, 
Exo. xiiii.  when he redeemed them out of the tyranny of the egyptians.  M. 
And what is the understanding of these words? Thou shalt have none other Gods: etc.  S. 
He willeth by those words that we should withal diligence eschew and be ware of all manner of Idolatry, and false service of God invented by man, though it seem or be, never so high and glorious.  M. 
What is idolatry?  S. 
idolatry is to have besides the only right god our heavenly father, 
Esa. xlv.  some other to seek help at. Or idolatry is to make some other mediator or advocate between God and us than alonely our saviour jesus Christ. 
i Tim. two.   M. 
May we not than use the help and intercession of the holy Angels & saints, that they may make intercession for us unto God?  S. 
We ought to seek nor use none other means to obtain the favour of God, and reconciliation of jesus Christ, than alonely such as the lord himself hath appointed in his holy word: but to put all our trust and confidence in God, and in our lord jesus only, and in no creature at all  M. 
When is this commandment rightly fulfilled and kept as it ought to be?  S. 
first when I believe and doubt nothing at all, that almighty God through our lord jesus Christ, will be my God and helper, & that he will deliver me from all evil, and endue me with all felicity both here and everlasting. Secondarily when I put all my trust and confidence in god our heavenly father, thorough the lord jesus Christ only, trusting & seeking for all help & comfort, of him alone, and of none other creature. And that thorough such means only as he hath appointed, forsaking all inventions and dreams of man. 
Math xv  Thus doing I give him his Godly honour which is due unto him.  M. 
What is mente by the second commandment: Thou shalt make the no graven Image. 
The second commandment.  etc. how is that to be understanded?  S. 
We ought so to print the majesty of god, which is a spirit, 
john. v Exo. xx.  in our hearts, that we neither make nor set up no manner of image whereunto any manner of honour or worship due unto God only may be given either outwardly by any gesture, 
Deut. v. Esa. xliiii.  or inwardly in the heart.  M. 
When is this commandment transgressed?  S. 
As oft as we ascribe any divine power unto any image or seek any help at them, or give any manner of reverence unto them, as when we pray before them, when we kneel or fall down before them, or make courtesy unto them, setting up any candles before them, or censing them, or showing any like point of reverence: Likewise when any man doth institute or imagine of his own head without any authority of the word of god, any manner of false service, under the pretence of devotion or holiness, as diriges, commendations, pardons, private satisfactory masses for the quick & the dead, with such like superstitious god's service (though it hath never so high and glorious a shine) yet they offend against this commandment.  M. 
Why, do not all things please God, which are done of a good mind, intent, zeal and devotion, 
Math. xv  and in the honour of God?  S. 
No forsooth: 
Deut. xii  for god abhorth as most detestable idolatry, all manner of service which himself hath not instituted nor commanded in his word: And willeth us to flee & avoid with all our hearts all such manner of strange and new devised service of our 
Esa. two.  own inventing, 
jerem. seven.  as most pestilent and corrupt poison.  M. 
Why hath God forbidden any reverence to be given unto images? 
Deut. v   S. 
Because that God being of his own substance everlasting, immortal, incomprehensible and invisible, willeth that we should wholly cleave unto his word, 
Esa. xliiii jere. xxiii  and record the same continually, both night and day bearing it about with us in our hearts, lest thorough any image we might peradventure forget him, 
Osee. iiii  or be hindered in his true service.  M. 
What can images hindre any man in the true service of God? 
Heb. two.   S. 
There is nothing that so much withdraweth us from the true & perfect knowledge & service of God, as these superstitious, idolatries, images. 
Psal. xiv jer. xxi  For the only sight of them draweth us from the knowledge of God. For the which cause holy scripture calleth them devils, & traps or snares of souls, 
Sap. xiiii  & the worshipping of them it nameth idolatry, & a work of the flesh. 
Gal. v   M. 
May not images be as lay men's books to put them in remembrance of God or of the saints lives?  S. 
Whosoever setteth up any image for any such purpose, declareth evidently that he hath denied in his heart the very living god, & is in his heart a very worshipper of idols. For the book which only can bring & lead all men both lay & other to the knowledge of God, is only the word of God contained in holy scripture, in the bible. That aught to be the book of every lay man. 
two. Tim. iii. two. Pet. i  For therein is sufficiently contained all things necessary for the salvation of man: and it needeth the help of none other book, for it is sufficient of itself.  M. 
Is there no manner of image whereby we may be put in remembrance of god?  S. 

Gen. two  Yes mankind is the lively Image of god, made of god himself without the hand of man: Likewise the heaven and earth, the son and moon, with other like creatures of god: These may put us daily in remembrance of the infinite power, goodness, and wisdom of God. 
Psal. nineteen Rom. i   M. 
What is the understanding of the third commandment: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. etc.  S. 
In this commandment is forbidden all manner of perjury, swearing, 
Math. v  blaspheming of God and his holy name.  M. 
Whereby is the name of God most specially blasphemed? 
Levi. nineteen and xxiiii   S. 
By false doctrine, superstitious invocation, or prayer, mumbling of matins or Evensong (in a strange tongue) without devotion.  M. 
Whereby else?  S. 
By false & customable swearing, cursing, charming, conjuring or enchanting by the name of God: also by any manner of superstitious using the name or word of God, or of our saviour Christ.  M. 
Is it a great sin to swear or to curse rashly by the name of God, & of our saviour jesus Christ, by his membres, works, wounds, and blessed passion?  S, 
Yea, it is such an horrible, & an heinous blasphemy, that God did command in his law to be punished with stoning unto death. Levi. xxiiii.  M. 
But may a man in no case swear lawfully without offence to God? 
Exod. xxii.   S. 
Yes if any man be required of a magistrate, and other wise also if it may serve to the glory of God, to the confirmation of the truth, 
Gene. xxi.  or to the wealth and perfect of our neighbour in the same. 
two. Ch. i  For by such oaths is the name of God sanctified and not blasphemed.  M. 
When keepest thou this commandment? 
Psal. xlix Exod. xv.   S. 
whensoever I confess, praise, extol & magnify his name, his words and works in each time and place as I ought to do, committing myself wholly unto my heavenly father through jesus Christ our saviour, and calling upon his help and aid in all manner of affliction & necessity, rendering unto him continual thanks for all his benefits, & avoiding all manner of things where through his word, his working, or his glory might in any wise be hindered, contemned or diminished.  M. 
How understandest thou the fourth commandment. 
The four commandment.  Remember that thou sanctify the sabbath day. etc.  S. 
Like as there are two manner of sabbaths, a spiritual & an exterior sabbath: so likewise is the sabbath kept or broken two manner of ways.  M. 
What requireth the spiritual sabbath?  S. 
That we should continually mortify, tame, & crucify our flesh, with all the lusts and concupiscence thereof, and have our continual meditation upon the kingdom of God, & that we should praise and thank him, aswell in prosperity as in adversity, bearing all manner of affliction patiently: And whensoever we do the contrary, than break we this sabbath.  M. 
And when is the exterior or outward sabbath kept?  S. 
When every man applieth himself to come unto the church and congregation to hear the word of god where it is preached, & to be present at the common prayers, endeavouring himself to prey with the faithful congregation, to receive the holy sacraments with the same, according unto the institution and ordinances of Christ, and also to bring and give his alms in the congregation for the succour and relief of the poor. And so to confirm and strengthen his own faith, and to give a good example of virtue unto others. And that we might the more quietly perform thesame with out any let or hindrance, therefore he commandeth that neither our servants, cattles, nor nothing about us should do any labour upon that day.  M. 
Why so?  S. 
Not as though it were sin to do any honest labour (for labour is commanded of God) or as though it were unpleasing 
Gone three Ephe. iiii  to God that we help ourself or secure our neighbour in time of need, but that we might be more quiet to serve God, & that our children & household might have some time to here & learn the word of God, to remember & consider his benefits, to invocate and to call upon him, to laud and to thank him.  M. 
And ought a man to do no special labour upon that day?  S. 
No, not for any covetousness of worldly increase or advantage, or for any private pleasure or commodity, nor except it be either for a common wealth and for the behoove of our country, as to serve his prince. etc. or for some special case of necessity, whereby to do ourself or our neighbour such a good turn, as without peril may not be delayed (as in the harvest & such othertymes to save from perishing that god hath sent) & in such like cases. For than a man may labour without scrupule of conscience.  M. 
And when is this sabbath violated or broken?  S. 
whensoever the sincere preaching & diligent hearing of the word of God is neglected, the holy Sacraments not ministered or not received after the institution of Christ, but otherwise or contrary to the same, or when Idolatry is in the stead of the true service of god exercised, the true & faithful ministers contemned and not regarded, no provision made through the common alms for the poverty, but the day misspent in idleness pride, wantonness, voluptuousness, gluttony, drunkenness, riot, banqueting, gaming, dancing and dallying, and such like, and the godly exercises above rehearsed, in the mean time set a part.  M. 
And is it a great sin thus to violate the Sabbath? 
Esai. lviii.   S. 
Yea, it is a grievous offence. For it is as much as to break the covenant of God. Therefore God commandeth the breaking of this commandment to be punished with death. Exo. xxxi.  M. 
What are the works which we should do upon the other vi days.  S. 
Every man the works of his own vocation & condition of life whereunto God hath called him, to exercise the same diligently to the glory of God, for the maintenance of his household, and also that he may have wherewith to secure and aid his neighbour in his necessity.  M. 
Why did god rest upon the seventh day? 
Heb. two Esai. xlvi   S. 
To teach us what should be the end of all our labours & works, namely everlasting rest and quietness in him.  M. 
What is commanded in the fift commandment where he sayeth: 
The fifth commandment.  thou shalt honour thy father and mother. etc.  S. 
God willeth that every man should honour, esteem, love, and obey with all reverence & lowliness, their natural parents, as the lord himself, and that we should serve, help and secure them to the uttermost of our power in their age, sickness and in all their necessities, for as much as they did bear us and took much travail and sorrow, in the bringing up of us.  M. 
And are none other to be honoured, reverenced, & obeyed by this commandment but only our natural parents?  S. 
Yes, all such as perform the duty & office of true parents toward us, & all such as have any manner of cure or charge of us, as our kinsfolk, teachers, tutors, overseers. And specially our governors, rulers, and magistrates, with the ministers of the church also which have cure of our souls, our master also & mystres, & all such as do us any good through teaching, instructing, admonishing, exhorting defending or maintening of us, or thorough punishing & correcting us for our faults & evil doings, breaking & taming our natural frowardness, stubbornness, proud stomachs, & obstinatnes, intending nothing but to rule, govern, & bring us up to the glory of god, & the wealth & profit of our souls: All such are we bound to obey, & to submit ourselves heartily & willingly unto their instructions, admonitions, correction. etc. taking all such things as they do unto us in good worth, and withal thankfulness.  M. 
But what meaneth the promise of long life annexed to this commandment?  S. 
It signifieth that all such as endeavour & apply themselves from their very youth upward to humble & submit themselves obediently unto every man that seeketh their furtherance in all godliness, they are worthy to live long under good governance, and in quietness and peace. And all such as do the contrary, deserve worthily to have their life shortened, and for their unthankfulness are to be judged unworthy to live, except in misery & calamity. And in such state or case to live, is not a life but a death, or at leastwise a punishment worse and more grievous than death of the body is.  M. 
And what if our parents, rulers, or superiors would command us to do any thing contrary to the manifest word and commandment of God, ought we to obey them therein also?  S. 
Doubtless they have power and authority over body, possessions, goods, life, and what so ever pertaineth unto the state of this transitory world. All which we ought obediently to submit unto them, without any manner grudging, or murmuring But if they go beyond this and will take upon them to rule also over the soul and conscience of man, (which is the peculiar regiment and possession of God only) and to command us any thing that is expressly against god's word, than we ought to say with the Apostles: 
Act. v i. Pet. iii.  We must rather obey God than man.  M. 
Yet s. Peter sayeth that servants, or subjects should obey their masters or superiors though they be cruel, froward, and extreme unto them.  S. 
So they ought to do in deed, so far as such extremity extendeth unto the body or any thing in this mortal life, and no ferther. But if such extremity stretch unto the conscience & soul of man, there is no obedience commanded but only to god.  M. 
But how should a man do in such case, should he resist them with force & violence?  S. 
God forbidden: no in no wise. For it is an heinous & a grievous sin, violently to rebel against our heads & rulers, or to give any manner of occasion how light so ever it be, unto any sedition, tumult, or insurrection against the anointed of the lord. And the terrible vengeance of god shall doubtless fall upon all such, as it did upon Chore, Dathan & Abiron which the earth did swallow up quick for rebelling against their rulers: but it is the duty & vocation of true christians not to requite wrong for wrong, but to be patient & of the suffering side, & obediently to suffer all troubles, vexations, peines, wrongs, injuries, yea & even very death also (if it shall be the will of god) without any manner of resistance, and to refer their whole cause only unto the judgement of God. 
The vi commandment.   M. 
Well, now what is meant by the sixth commandment? Thou shalt not kill or murder.  S. 
Therein is commanded that we should be ready every one to love other, and not to bear any grudge, displeasure, hatred, or envy, in our heart toward any manner of person, for any private matter, or quarrel, nor to show any token or sign of malice to any man, but to be friendly, loving, mild, gentle, patient both in heart, word, and deed, to every body, what soever any man doth unto us.  M. 
But this commandment maketh mention only of murder.  S. 
Yea, but thorough that which is most detestable and horrible in this vice of murder, it would fear us also from the natural rote and head spring of this sin, which is wrath, hastiness, desire of revenging, and from all that which may by any means ensue & spring out of this evil root.  M. 
Is it lawful than for no man to revenge and punish open sin?  S. 
Yes, the high powers & magistrates, and their deputies, officers and lawful ministers under them have authority and commandment of god (whose ministers they are) to revenge with the sword all iniquity, 
Rom. xiii  violence, and contempt of god, and to correct and punish all such transgressions & offences to the glory of God, and for the quietness of the common wealth, so that it be done with all equity and justice, 
Sapi i. Deut. i. and xxiiii Levi. xviiii and xix Exo. xxiiii  without any carnal respect or partiality, & so it be after godly laws & ordinances, and not by any cruelness or tyranny.  M. 
Can not the higher powers or judges abuse their authority?  S. 
Yes, if they punish any man that is guiltless & innocent, unlawfully, of any malice, envy, hatred, being moved through covetousness, or some privy grudge, or if they procure any man's death that is innocent, or consent unto it, & do not resist all violence, and injury, or do not save all persons from all mutual harms or oppressions in every behalf to the uttermost of their powers, than they offend against this commandment.  M. 
What is mente by the seventh commandment which forbiddeth adultery?  S. 
Thereby is commanded unto every man to keep himself pure and clean from all manner of unchasteness, filthiness and voluptuousness, and from all manner of provocations, or examples, through word or gesture, that might entice any person either young or old to any unlawful, or inordinate lusts. Likewise from all manner of excess in eating, drinking, or apparel, from all manner of lascivious & wanton gestures, filthy or bawdy rhymes or communication, whereby any man may take occasion of offence or evil, for Gods will is that we should be pure and holy both in body, soul, & spirit.  M. 
Why so?  S. 
Because we are the temples of God, & redeemed, 
Levi. nineteen. i. Thes. v.  washed and sanctified with the most pure, dear and precious blood of jesus Christ.  M. 
But what thinkest thou of the lawful use of matrimony?  S. 
Forsooth the life & company of man and wife in matrimony after the ordinance of God, is esteemed of the holy ghost honourable, and he praiseth it as his ordinance, and the very right and only mean and remedy to live a perfit chaste life. And therefore it is commanded, unto all men of what state and condition soever they be, except they have a special gift, or that they be unapt of nature thereunto.  M. 
Now to the viii commandment. 
The viii commandment.  Thou shalt not steal: what is bidden or forbidden in this commandment?  S. 
Not only to forbear stealing, but also that I should not hindre or hurt any man in his riches or worldly goods, through any subtlety, guile, craft, deceit, pillage, oppression, extortion, privy or open, or through any manner of unrighteousness or wrongful means whatsoever it be.  M. 
When keepest thou this commandment?  S. 
When I submit and offer up myself utterly to God our heavenly father through our saviour jesus Christ, that he may mortify in me, all manner of care and sorrow after worldly goods: likewise all covetousness, seeking of private lucre, and idleness, and that he may teach me to put my trust in him, and to be helpful, beneficial and pitiful toward my neighbour, labouring truly and diligently in my vocation, that I may have also wherewith to help others. 
The ninth commandment.   M. 
What is meant by the ninth commandment? Thou shalt not bear any false witness. etc.  S. 
That every man should help to defend, maintain, and further his neighbours good name, fame, & honesty, as his own. And that no man should lie, dissemble, flatter toward his neighbour, or to bear or take any manner of false record or witness against him, or to give sentence and judgement upon any man falsely and unjustly. And here is also forbidden all manner of reviling, slandering or back biting of any man, all manner of false judgement, writhing, wresting, & concealing of the truth for any private affection of envy, malice, favour or lucre.  M. 
when keepest thou this commandment?  S. 
when I love and confess the truth in all my life, words and deeds without any falsehood or dissimulation, interpreting all words & reports of my neighbour, as charity requireth, to the best, covering and excusing as far as I can with honesty, all things that should hurt my neighbour, which might redound unto his slander, shame, confusion or dishonour. 
The tenth commandment.   M. 
What is commanded in the tenth & last commandment? Thou shalt not lust after thy neighbours house. etc.  S. 
That I should never have any unlawful lust, any wicked thought, desire or affection to any thing contrary to the will of God, but be as pure and wholly in heart, mind, wish and will, even as Adam was before his fall, and as heavenly as the celestial angels of God.  M. 
How came any man ever attain unto my very enemies, without any respect of persons at all. And all they whosoever have need of my help, whether they dwell nigh unto me or far from me. For all these am I bound to help and succour (so far as I can) by the commandment of god. And what I cannot perform for lack of ability, there may I wish in my heart, and bear a good mind and affection toward all men, & specially toward mine own household, kindred, and such as be of the household of faith.  M. 
What promises of reward or threatenings of punishment are given to the keepers or transgressers of these commandments?  S. 
Even those above rehearsed in the ii commandment: I am the lord thy God, a strong and jealous God. etc. by the which words he declareth unto us, his everlasting and immutable justice, and again he showeth us how highly he esteemeth this his commandment, that all mankind both small and great, might learn to love fear, and humbly to obey him.  M. 
How is god a jealous god?  S. 
For as much as he hath spoused and married our souls unto himself, 
Osee. two.  in everlasting love and in the highest truth and unfaynednes, therefore he neither can nor will suffer us to fix or hang our love upon any creature, 
john. iii.  but only to be married unto him, and to love him as our only spouse with our hole heart and affection.  M. 
When doth God punish the children for their parent's wickedness sake? 
Exo. xx Eze. xviii   S. 
When the children are like unto their parents in wickedness, and follow their parents wicked conditions.  M. 
And when doth God show mercy unto the children for their parent's sake?  S. 

Eze. xviii xxxiii.  When the children are virtuous, and follow their parent's properties in virtue, & in the fear of God.  M. 
Is man able to keep and fulfil the law and ten commandments of god, and so to attain unto everlasting salvation, of his own natural power and strength?  S. 
No, for than should the son of God, have descended from heaven in vain, which came down for none other purpose, but to fulfil that for us, which no man else was able for weakness and infirmity, to accomplish.  M. 
Why hath not man free liberty to keep himself from sin?  S. 
In the first creation of man before his fall, he was so created, & had such liberty. But thorough the transgression of Adam, we were all deprived thereof.  M. 
And why did God than give us such commandments, knowing before that we were not able to fulfil and accomplish them?  S. 
There are two special causes why god gave the law of the ten commandments. first that we might thereby learn to know, both that perfection wherein man was first created, & also the feebleness, weakness, and corruption of our nature, being otherwise inclined and affect, than the law of god requireth. Secondarily that it might be our schoolmaster and guide unto the only saviour and mercy stole Christ, which is the end of the law. For seeing we perceive by the law that we are miserable sinners, and not able to perform that which the law requireth, we must needs flee unto Christ for help and comfort, staying ourselves upon him only thorough a true and a perfect faith.  M. 
Well, God give us all such a faith. Now what is the second special point or article of the christian religion?  S. 
The articles of the holy Christian faith.  M. 
Declare me those articles of the faith, & first what faith is.  S. 
Faith is a sure trust and a steadfast confidence in the very true, eternal, living god, wherthorowe our hearts are thoroughly persuaded that he will be merciful unto us, thorough the death and passion of his only begotten son our lord jesus Christ.  M. 
Whereunto serveth this faith?  S. 
It serveth & profiteth us for this purpose, to teach us what we must hope and look for to receive of God, whereby we may learn to know what god is: And it teacheth us also how we may perform all that God requireth of us in the ten commundementes.  M. 
What doth it teach us of God?  S. 
To believe all things that are written in holy scripture of him, the sum and effect whereof is contained in the articles of the common creed: I believe in God. etc.  M. 
How may those articles be briefly divided?  S. 
They may be divided into iii chief & principal articles: The first of god the father our creator: The second of god the son our redeemer: The third of god the holy ghost our sanctifier, which hath sanctified and brought us to the knowledge of the father and of the son.  M. 
Me think by this division thou makest iii gods: god the father, god the son, and god the holy ghost.  S. 
No, the whole scripture teacheth that there is but one god, as in the vi of Deut. The lord our god, is one only god. There is but one God and one father of all. etc. 
Ephe. iiii   
Item. i Timo. two. There is one God & one mediator. etc. But in the same one Godhead are three sundry persons of like substance according unto the three sundry works which are known of God, namely the creation, the redemption, & the sanctification.  
Whereof the first is ascribed unto the father, the second to the son, the third to the holy ghost. And for this cause we say and believe that there are three persons, and but one God.  M. 
Which are the words of the first chief & principal article.  S. 
I believe in god the father. etc.  M. 
What is it to believe in god?  S. 
It is to know god as he is.  M. 
What is God?  S. 
God is the everlasting and endless wellspring of all goodness, 
jac. i Roma. iii  by whom we may seek whatsoever we lack, to whom we may run and complain in what sorrow, vexation and need soever we be, and we shall be sure to find comfort, help, succour and defence at him.  M. 
Why doth the scripture call God a father?  S. 
To confirm and stablish our faith, & also to comfort the weak and feeble hearts of all faithful believers.  M. 
What comfort is it unto the to believe that God is an almighty father?  S. 
It is a singular comfort unto me to believe that the almighty God, the father of our Lord jesus Christ will also be my father, and take no less, but a thousand times more care, charge, and sorrow, for me a miserable worm, than any natural father can do for his child: and will repute and take me for a child and heir of his kingdom, & everlasting life.  M. 
Is God such a father unto all men without exception?  S. 
No, although he be the lord, creator, and susteiner of all, yet he is only the father of the faithful which know, fear and love, his only begotten son, and put their whole trust in him.  M. 
What comfort is it unto the to believe that God is almighty, and creator of heaven and earth?  S. 
Through believing of that I am assured that I may boldly and safely trust and commit myself unto him, whom no creature can hinder or let: which, as he of his fatherly goodness will help us, so can he through his almighty power, give to us his heritage, and aid us in every ease wherein and whensoever he will. Wherefore under his protection we may be of good comfort & without fear of any manner of creature. For all creatures must serve us for our wealth & profit.  M. 
If God be such an almighty father, why doth he suffer his children sometime to be so grievously, afflicted and vexed, & doth not help them?  S. 
He suffereth it, not as though he would not or could not help them, but because it is for the glory of his name. & for the sufferers soul health that it should so be.  
And although it seemeth contrary to the affection and desire of the flesh, yet the spirit of faith feeleth continually the present aid of god, in such affliction.  M. 
Is it sufficient for us thus to believe of God the father as is now rehearsed?  S. 
It is sufficient enough, so that we learn thereby to put all our hope and confidence of everlasting life and salvation in him only as the head & wellspring of all goodness, committing our selves unto his almighty power and fatherly loving goodness: Which declareth himself through his unspeakable wisdom in the creation of the world after such sort, that no man can be excused which doth not put his trust in him, & ever more adore, worship & glorify him.  M. 
well, what followeth next?  S. 
The second principal article of God the son our saviour Christ.  M. 
what are the words of this article?  S. 
I believe in Jesus Christ. etc.  M. 
What is all that to say?  S. 
It is thus much to say: I put all my trust & confidence of everlasting life & salvation in Christ jesus the son of God, which is not only a mighty & puissant lord over sin, death and hell, (all which he hath utterly deprived of all their power and might, that they can never overcome more) but also he is such a lord unto us as hath bought and redeemed us from the bondage of sin, and delivered us from Satan's jurisdiction, & hath taken such charge of us, that he will from henceforth continually defend and preserve us, as any lord will do his natural people that are sworn & subject unto him.  M. 
Why do we call him jesus?  S. 
Because he is an helper and saviour, which saveth and helpeth the children of god from sin and from all kind of evil. 
Math. i. and ix Luke. two   M. 
Why do we call him Christ?  S. 
Because he is the anointed king of God, which governeth the children of God unto everlasting life.  M. 
Wherein consisteth his governance?  S. 
In obtaining us remission of our sins, and in giving his spirit.  M. 
Why do we say, his only son?  S. 
For a difference between him and us. For he was borne very god, the very brightness of his beauty and glory, out of the very nature & godly substance of the father, without all sin. But we are the children of god through adoption and grace, which else by nature must have remained the children of wrath and of everlasting death.  M. 
Why sayest thou, 
Esai ix Math. xii. Collo i. i. Cor. vi.  our Lord?  S. 
Because he only hath broken the yoke of Satan, and delivered us from his tyranny, redeeming us with the precious price of his blood. Wherefore we are not our own but his, and we ought to serve him only, and to live after his will and not after our own.  M. 
What followeth?  S. 
Which was conceived by the holy ghost, borne out of the virgin Mary.  M. 
What believest thou by this?  S. 
That our saviour Christ for our wealth is become very man, but without all manner of sin.  M. 
Whereby gatherest thou that he is without all manner of sin?  S. 
By that that he was not conceived by any man, but by the holy ghost, and borne of the pure virgin Mary.  M. 
What profit or comfort hast thou by this belief?  S. 
This comfort have I thereby, that I believe that he thorough his holy and heavenly conception, hath sanctified our unclean and earthly conception, and that he will take away the uncleanness of my birth and nature, and will make me partaker of his blessed birth, and of the holiness of his nature.  M. 
Why, is thy nature unclean and unholy?  S. 
Yea, for as much as we all are conceived & borne in sin.  M. 
what other profit is it unto us that the son of god took man's nature upon him, and became man?  S. 
We are assured also thereby, that he is our brother, and that he and we are partakers of one flesh and blood. And for as much as he would overcome sathan in our flesh, we are sure that his victory is ours, and that we are admitted and received unto the everlasting participation of all his heavenly goods & richesses.  M. 
What hath the son of God jesus Christ done for our sake?  S. 
He suffered under Ponce Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried, & descended unto hell.  M. 
what believest thou in this?  S. 
Hereby I believe that Christ did suffer for us the most vilaynous and bitterest death, to reconcile us, thorough the oblation of his own body unto god the father, and to take away our sins, and so to deliver us from the devil, death, sin, and hell.  M. 
why was it the most villainous death?  S. 
Because he was condemned unto death, as a blasphemous, and a seditious person, and the wicked villain and murderer Barrabas, quit and delivered.  M. 
Why was it the most bitterest death?  S. 
Because he was mocked, scourged, crowned with pricking thorns, & nailed unto the cross.  M. 
Why sayest thou, Died, was buried, and descended to hell?  S. 
Because he died verily, and his body was laid in the grave, & his soul went unto the souls that were before departed.  M. 
What, went he in to the pains of the damned souls?  S. 
No, but unto the holy souls which did rest from the time of Adam and No, in the bosom of Abraham, waiting for Christ's joyful coming.  M. 
And why did he descend unto them.  S. 
In token that the fruit, virtue, & effect of his passion did not appertain only unto them that were than alive, but also unto them that were dead before.  M. 
what mayest thou learn by all this?  S. 
Forsooth four special lessons.  
first I may well consider thereby, the great heaviness of my sin, which the Lord did ransom with so painful smart and torment.  M. 
What is the second.  S. 
secondarily I find also a singular comfort herein, which is this, that the Lord hath satisfied and taken away all my sins, together with the pain which I had well deserved to have suffered for them, through his own death & bitter passion.  M. 
And what is the third?  S. 
Thirdly I may learn hereby patiently to suffer whatsoever it shall please the Lord to lay upon me, and to bear my cross meekly after him even unto death, seeing he thorough his Cross and passion hath sanctified all manner of afflictions, and made them sweet, pleasant and fruitful for us. And we may be assured that if we suffer with him, we shall also live and reign with him.  M. 
Now what is the fourth and last of all?  S. 
Forsooth that is this, that I may learn hereby, the high and inestimable love of God, toward mankind, which did not spare his only dear beloved son, but gave him unto such a cruel and villainous death for us unworthy, mysyrable, filthy and wretched sinners.  M. 
What believest thou more of our Lord jesus Christ?  S. 
That on the third day he arose up again from the dead, ascended into the heavens, setteth at the right-hand of God, the father almighty.  M. 
What is all this to say?  S. 
Thus much: I believe and confess that jesus Christ the son of God, being without spot or sin, could not be kept, or holden with the bands of death which came into the world, by reason of sin. And therefore through his godly power, he vanquished both death and hell, and upon the third day he arose again, appearing unto his disciples in a glorified and an immortal body.  M. 
What doth the resurrection of Christ profit us?  S. 
For sooth very much, for thereby are we assured that death, hell, and the devil are overcome, and that sin is taken away, and everlasting righteousness set in the place, and purchased of the father for us, if so be that we believe in him. Furthermore it is a sure pledge unto us, that our bodies shall also have free passage into the everlasting glory, without any interruption of devil, death or hell.  M. 
What meanest thou by this, where thou sayest that Christ sitteth at the right-hand of God?  S. 
It is a common manner of speaking used among men, whereby is signified that he hath received even after his man's nature, a power & honour above all Angels & creatures wherein he ruleth with the father in everlasting glory as they do about kings and princes which sit at their ryghthandes.  M. 
Whereunto exerciseth the lord this his high & godly power & dominion?  S. 
He exerciseth it in the governance of all things in heaven and upon earth, continually presence thereby unto all faithful here upon earth, to deliver, preserve and defend them from all evil, peril and danger, and to purchase them of the father all that is good and necessary for them praying for them continually as a true and a merciful priest, patron, and advocate, until such time as they be also exalted and taken up like unto him and with him in heaven unto everlasting honour and glory.  M. 
What doth it help or profit us to believe that Christ is ascended into heaven, and that he sitteth at the right hand of God?  S. 
first we are assured thereby that the way, door, and entrance into heaven, which was before locked unto all men by reason of our sin, is now opened. Secondarily, it is a singular comfort unto us to confirm us in patience in all manner of adversity, forasmuch as we are sure (by this faith) that we have a mighty and a loving protector, advocate and spechemanne, with the father in heaven. Thirdly this faith rejoiceth and lifteth up our hearts from all earthly, transitory, visible, and carnal things, unto heavenly, eternal, invisible, and spiritual things, & putteth us in remembrance to lift up our hearts from this earthly and sinful life, and to serve our God with heavenly & spiritual service, and not only with earthly and bodily ceremonies.  M. 
believest thou any thing else of our saviour jesus?  S. 
Yea forsooth, that he shall come from thence to judge the quick and the dead.  M. 
What confessest thou by this?  S. 
Forsooth, that my lord jesus Christ shall come again from heaven with his very body, & shall appear before all the world visibly in the glory of his father, and shall judge all men both such as shall then live and also those which were before dead, to the everlasting comfort and felicity of all faithful which have honoured him, and taken him for their brother, advocate, patron and defender: And again to the utter confusion and condemnation of all unfaithful, which would never believe his word, nor suffer him to rule nor to have dominion over them.  M. 
But when shall this judgement once come?  S. 
The day and hour is unknown unto all men, wherefore no man ought to busy or trouble himself much about it, but every one of us ought continually to look diligent about us, that we do & fulfil those things which pertain unto our vocation committed unto us of the lord, that that time and day come not upon us suddenly, unwares and out of season.  
For the ignorance of the day and time, aught to put us continually in remembrance that we never live securely & rechelesselye, 
Mat. xxiiii and xxv Luke. xii  but continually watching in the fear of God, standing always prepared with the loins of our mind ready girded up, 
i. Peter. i Ti. iii  and waiting for the Lord jesus Christ, showing ourselves good, willing, diligent, and ready unto all good works whereby we may help and further our neighbour by any means.  M. 
Do our works than merit any thing of God?  S. 
Our works merit nothing of God, for any worthiness in themselves, but yet God which of his mercy worketh them in and by us, will also of his mercy highly reward them in us.  M. 
Now what followeth next?  S. 
The third principal article of the holy ghost our sanctifier  M. 
What are the words of this article?  S. 
I believe in the holy ghost. etc.  M. 
What is that to say?  S. 
Forsooth, thus much: I believe that there is an holy ghost which proceedeth from the father and the son, with whom he is one very living God, the third person in the godhead, which worketh so in us that we shallbe partakers of the saluacition that is purchased by Christ. Through whose power & operation only, all holy men have spoken, and without him can no man speak or do any thing that is good and godly. For we have nothing in us but very darkness, ignorance and hypocrisy.  M. 
what is the proper office of the holy ghost?  S. 
It is to sanctify all those which are in the bond & covenant of God through Christ, unto the holy temples of the Lord, that they hereafter may contend and begin their voyage unto the everlasting life, in their mortal body: and also that they may even here in this life, have their God dwelling in them. And again it is his office to lighten their hearts with the knowledge of the father and the son, to lead them into all truth, to comfort them in all manner of temptation, necessity and adversity, to prepare us unto a new life, to strengthen us unto all goodness. And so to renew all christian men's hearts that they may be changed and made new men.  M. 
But seeing there are many and divers spirits, how may a man discern and know the holy spirit, from the worldly, devilish, evil and wicked spirits?  S. 
By the fruits & properties above rehearsed, but specially by the holy scripture.  
For seeing it is certain that scripture was inspired by the holy ghost, all manner of doctrine that is not consonant and agreeable unto it, is of an other and not of the holy spirit. For the holy spirit is never contrary to himself, nor never bringeth in any strange doctrine in religion.  M. 
What followeth?  S. 
I believe an holy christian church, the communion of saints.  M. 
what is that to say?  S. 
That is: I believe and confess one company and congregation of faithful christians upon earth from the time of Adam until this day, and until the end of the world: which is sanctified and incorporate into one body under one head, thorough the holy ghost. And they consent and agree together in our saviour Christ, as the very members of one body, in all things pertaining unto edifying in faith, and in all Godliness.  M. 
But how may this congregation be gathered, and such edifying in faith and all godliness performed?  S. 
Thorough the word of pure doctrine and exhortation. And thorough the right use of the holy sacraments: And thorough other ordinances of discipline in the church, whereby the christian congregation is kept in order, after the word of God, and sundered from all manner of of strange sects.  M. 
Why callest thou the church holy and christian?  S. 
For the causes above rehearsed: because the holy ghost hath peculiarly gathered and sanctified it in a godly and an holy exercise and life, 
i Tho. vi  in body and soul: and also because Christ hath sanctified it thorough his precious blood.  M. 
Why callest thou it, the communion of saints?  S. 
Because all they which do truly believe in Christ, and are so sanctified thorough his blood (which are the very right saints) wheresoever they be scattered in the whole world, 
i Tho. xii  they are one body, one temple, under one head jesus Christ, with whom and with the father, they have fellowship: 
i. john. i  and thorough the holy ghost they are joined and knit together in one God, one faith, 
i. cha. vi.  
Ephe. iiii  one baptism one love.  M. 
And have they no manner of fellowship with the wicked and unfaithful? 
two. cha. vi. i. cha. v   S. 
None at all, so near as they can know and discern them, lest they might seem to consent unto their ungodliness, or peradventure might be infect thorough their wicked example: 
two. thes. iii  For the holy ghost commandeth all such to be avoided, except they will suffer themselves to be admonished and exhorted, 
two. Ch. seven two. thes. iii.  and will earnestly repent, lament their sins, and amend.  M. 
Now what followeth next?  S. 
Remission of sins.  M. 
What believest thou herein? 
Esai. xxxiii jere. xxxi and xxxiii Mat. xviii   S. 
Here I confess and believe that in the holy christian church, and no where else, I and all faithful believers have daily forgiveness of all our sins (so that we hartylye repent and be sorry for them) and that the Lord will never enter into judgement with us, nor never reckon our sins unto us unto damnation, nor never punish us for them with such pain as they have deserved. 
i Cho. v   M. 
So hear I well that the christians have still sin.  
But how agreeth with this the former article, of the holy communion of saints?  S. 
They are both true. For the church of Christ thorough perfit faith in her bridegroom & head Christ, is pure and holy. 
Ephe. i. v  For as much as there can be no sin nor unpureness in Christ, but of herself, she is compassed with diverse infirmities and sins, which she daily feeleth, confesseth, and lamenteth with an heavy & sorrowful heart: And seeketh for help and grace at Christ, and so reneweth herself daily thorough the holy ghost, and laboureth continually in mortifying the residue of the old man that still remaineth.  M. 
But how may we obtain this daily remission of sins.  S. 

Esai. xlv.  Not thorough any works of our own, nor yet thorough the merits, 
Ti. iii  works or deserts of any saint that is dead, but only thorough the mere grace and mercy of God, 
Ephe. two.  undeserved of us, & thorough the free redemcion of our saviour jesus Christ, which hath purchased and bought us this pardon & forgiveness, with his precious blood. 
Esai. liii.  For his innocent death is the ransom of our transgressions and iniquities. As the gospel testifieth.  M. 
For as much as thou hast made mention of the gospel, tell me, what is that gospel? 
Luke. i.   S. 
To speak properly, it is a glad & joyful tidings and message of the grace and love of God toward us, thorough his son jesus Christ.  M. 
Unto whom is this gospel preached and published?  S. 
Unto all men universally, 
Mat. xvi  saving only such as wilfully and malyciouslye, contemn, mock and blaspheme it. But it showeth her virtue & power specially, in them that are poor in spirit, and are overladen with the burden of their sins, 
Mat. xi.  labouring to be rid quite and eased of them.  M. 
What followeth?  S. 
Resurrection of the flesh.  M. 
What believest thou herein.  S. 
By this I confess and believe that all men that are dead shall be raised up again at the latter day from death. 
Exo. iii Esai. xxvi. Eze. lvii. job. nineteen. john .v. two Cho. v. two Cho. xv.  So that every body that is dead and rotten in the earth, or consumed with water, fire, or by any other means, shall receive his own form and proportion again and shall be united and knit again with the soul, and shall rise up again from the dead, 
Mat. xxviii john twenty Exo. vi.  immortal and incorruptible: Like as Christ our head is risen up with his very true body.  M. 
But how can that be possible?  S 
By God which is the worker of it, 
Act. xxvi. two. cha. v. Phil. three Gene. two  is nothing unpossible, no more than it was impossible for him to make and create mankind of nought.  M. 
What, is the resurrection of the body necessary? Were it not enough that the soul alone should reign either in glory and honour, or else in shame and confusion?  S. 
It pleased not God that man being made unto hope, and created unto salvation of two parts, (body, & soul) should only remain with the one part, and enjoy everlasting life with the one alone: but that the body also should receive reward with the soul: and remain for ever, holy, immortal, 
two. Ch. v  without any manner of temptation or infirmity, decked with power and honour even as the Angels of God, yea even after the example of Christ himself as he was transformed before his disciples upon the mount Tabor.  M. 
He that could believe this perfitly, how could he be afraid of death?  S. 

Luke. xxii  The fear of death is of very nature, as we may perceive in Christ. And forasmuch as death is the punishment of sin, 
Gene. iii  therefore mankind dreadeth death by reason of his sin the more. Which fear and dread yet the faithful believers do overcome, 
Philip. i  forasmuch as they know that it is the readiest way unto everlasting felicity, to die. And for this cause the faithful are not so unmeasurably heavy & sorrowful for the death of their faithful friends, 
Apoca. xiiii i. thes. iiii.  as the heathen and unfaithful are, which have no belief in the resurrection.  
Like as the husband man taketh no thought nor sorrow for the seed that is cast into the earth, because he hath a sure trust & hope that it shall come again with a plentiful and an exceeding recompense.  M. 
Now what is the last article of our christian faith?  S. 
And the everlasting life.  M. 
What is thy belief in this? 
Soph. iii.   S. 
Hereby I confess and believe, 
john. v i. Cho. v i. Peter. i  that I with body & soul united & knit together again after the resurrection, shall enjoy the kingdom of God, and live everlastingly in the joy & felicity of heaven with our saviour Christ the son of God, 
i. thes. iiii Mat. xxv.  
i. cha. xv.  as one of the members of his body.  M. 
what manner of joy shall this be?  S. 
That can no tongue express, 
Esai. lxiiii i. cha. two  nor no heart comprehend. But it shall consist specially herein, that the faithful shall know and behold everlastingly, 
jon. nineteen john. xvii  even with their corporal eyes, the everlasting light and the highest joy. And being incorporate with God for ever, shall have perpetual participation of all heavenly treasures with him. 
Apoca. xxi Luke. xxii Psal. xvii i. Ch. xv  For as than God shallbe all in all.  M. 
But tell me more plainly what manner of persons shall enjoy this everlasting life?  S. 
All they that believe in Christ. john. three v.vi.  M. 
But how must a man believe in Christ?  S. 
forsooth that he is the son of the living god, 
john. vi  which was sent from god and came into this world and took man's nature upon him, 
Math. xvi  and took upon him to die for our sins, 
i. john. iiii  and was crucified upon the cross, and through the power of his godhead, rose up again from death for our justification. 
Roma. iii  This must every man believe in his heart, and also openly confess with his mouth. Roma. x.  M. 
But here thou makest no mention of the unfaithful: What shallbe done with them?  S. 
They, 
Dani. xii. Ihon. v Luke. xvi Esd. thirty Math ix  like as they shall rise unto everlasting shame, condemnation, and confusion, even so shall they be clear destitute of the blessedness, joy and felicity of the faithful. And their part, shall be in the everlasting fire, and in the exterior darkness, where everlasting woo, wailing, and gnashing of teeth shall be.  M. 
And is this article of everlasting life, of necessity to be believed?  S. 
Yea, most necessary. For if this article be not believed, than are the other also either not believed at all, or else they are believed in vain.  M. 
why so?  S. 
Because much profit ensueth of the belief of this article (if it be truly believed.) As peace and quietness of conscience, rejoicing in God and in his working, and upon that, patience and constancy in trouble and adversity, and also tontempt of all transitory things, whether it be goods, honour, or life. For the scope and end of all that is prescribed and promised in the scripture, is everlasting life unto the glory of God.  M. 
But who will give us such a faith?  S. 
Forsooth, that will God our heavenly father do, if we call upon him therefore thorough instant & earnest prayer.  M. 
Now God the father, son, and holy ghost, give us and all men this faith, and preserve and strengthen us therein unto the end. Amen.  
What is the third chief point or article of the christian doctrine and religion?  S. 
The lords prayer.  M. 
Declare me the same, and first what is prayer?  S. 
Prayer is an hearty invocation and calling upon God our heavenly father, 
Math. v. vi Mark. x john xvi jaco. i  desiring of him in the name of Christ, all our necessities, with a sure trust and confidence that he will hear us.  M. 
Forasmuch as thou sayest that prayer is an invocation and calling upon God, is than the invocation of saints which are in heaven no right prayer?  S. 

Math. vi  Our saviour Christ speaking of that prayer which he promiseth to hear, sayeth that we should invocate and pray unto the father only.  
Wherefore he that prayeth otherwise: first he maketh such a prayer, whereof he hath no promise of God to be heard.  

Esai xlv.  Secondarily, he committeth also idolatry, forasmuch as he ascribeth that thing unto dead saints and creatures, which is due unto God only. As to be our God and father, to be almighty, to search & to know the inward secrets of the heart, 
i Pa. xxviii jere. xvii.  to be the fountain of whom all that is good proceedeth, and of whom all succour, help, & comfort in any manner of necessity is only to be hoped and looked for. etc. All these are due unto God only. He is only to be adored or invocate. 
Esa. lxiii Abraham knoweth us not. etc.  He is only to be worshipped & served: wherefore to ascribe or attribute any of these things unto any other, than to him only, 
Mat. iiii  is manifest Idolatry.  M. 
But now tell me, what is it to pray in the name of Christ?  M. 
It is as much as to pray for such things as becometh us to axe, and him to give: namely for such things as are wholesome and necessary for us. Or else it is as much as to pray after the commandment of Christ, and for his sake. 
i Timo. two  For the father giveth us all things whatsoever he giveth us for Christ's sake. 
Heb. two  For the which cause they only can pray in the name of Christ, that believe in Christ, & are very right christians, which will never desire or pray for any thing that is or may be, against the glory and honour of Christ.  M. 
Doth not God know whereof we have need, before we pray?  S. 
Yes, he doth. Math. vi  M. 
And what need we than to open our necessities unto him thorough prayer?  S. 
For gods be half we need not at all. But for our own behalf it is necessary and good, that we may knowledge and confess that we have nothing of ourselves but all of God: which thing maketh us meek & humble.  M. 
well, how and after what manner ought we to pray?  S. 
Even as our saviour Christ taught his disciples and no nother wise in effect.  M. 
Why no notherwise? 
Roma. viii Math. vi   S. 
Because all manner of prayers that are not consonant and agreeable unto that (which containeth all necessary petitions both for body and soul) they are not good nor available. 
i. john. v   M. 
What are the words of the prayer.  S. 
Our father which art in heaven. etc.  M. 
Why sayest thou father?  S. 
Because I learn thereby that I am a child of god, and therefore aught to take my leave of the devil for ever and to live only after the will and pleasure of God, and not after the desire and lust of mine own flesh.  M. 
why sayest thou our father?  S. 
To put me in remembrance of the brotherly love that I own toward my neighbour: For seeing god hath received us all together and all a like, (thorough his son our saviour Christ) unto his children, and chosen us to be the heirs of all his goods and treasure, therefore we ought to take and to love one another, even as brethren, and as the children of one father, and truly to pray unto the father each one for other.  M. 
Why sayest thou? In heaven.  S. 
To remember thereby, his high power, and heavenly glory.  M. 
what comfort hast thou by that?  S. 
Even this, that I may (by reason of that) the more surely set all my trust and affiance in gods aid and help, having all my joy and delight in heaven.  M. 
what is the effect of all the petitions that follow?  S. 
The effect of all is this, that the lord will make us partakers of all things that may be good unto us, and deliver or preserve us from all that may be evil and noisome unto us.  M. 
And what order is kept in those petitions?  S. 
first we desire and pray therein for spiritual and heavenly things, and after, for worldly & transitory things.  M. 
For what spiritual things?  S. 
For faith, virtue and godliness, and for remission of our sins.  M. 
And for what worldly or transitory things?  S. 
For all bodily nourishment and sustentation, whereby we may be the more able to serve god with, in this life.  M. 
what is the first petition?  S. 
hallowed be thy name.  M. 
What prayest thou in this pecition?  S. 
That God our heavenly father may be perfectly known and glorified throw the whole world.  M 
How may that be done?  S. 
Thorough the pure doctrine of the holy gospel when it is sincerely preached and received with a true and constant faith in all obedience, humbleness, holiness, and godliness, to the confusion of all sin, of idolatry, of blasphemy, and of all ungodliness.  M. 
what is the second petition?  S. 
Thy kingdom come.  M. 
What prayest thou for, in this petition?  S. 
That God will overthrow and destroy in us the kingdom of Satan, of sin, and of the world. And that he will gather us together, thorough his word and spirit, into the kingdom of his son (namely the christian church, & congregation,) and govern and rule us in the same, that we may serve him and live after his will in one consent, and when the numbered of the faithful, thorough daily increase, is once full and perfect, than that we may together inherit and enjoy that everlasting kingdom.  M. 
what is the third petition?  S. 
Thy will be done upon earth. etc.  M. 
what prayest thou for in this petition?  S. 
That we may conceive such a lust and a desire unto his will in all things, as the holy Angels and saints in heaven have.  M. 
Why sayest thou in earth as it is in heaven?  S. 
Because that in heaven nothing resisteth the will of God, but in earth the will of God is much and often resisted.  
Therefore do we pray in this petition that God will hinder and let whatsoever is against his most holy will, give us grace to forsake our own fleshly will and desire, and withal humbleness to obey his most godly will, submitting and giving over ourselves willingly unto the same, whatsoever he shall lay upon us.  M. 
what is the fourth petition?  S. 
give us this day our daily bread.  M. 
What prayest thou for, in this petition?  S. 
That God will give us all manner of necessary sustenance for this life, as meat, drink, clothing, godly and virtuous magistrates and rulers, health, peace, and quietness, and all things whatsoever is necessary for us to live in this world, to the glory of his name and the profit of our neighbour.  M. 
Why sayest thou, this day and daily?  S. 
By those words I am put in remembrance that I should take no thought nor be careful for the time to come, but should daily labour (in my condition of life) and pray therewith, & than nothing doubt but that God will give me both that day, and all days as long as I live, whatsoever I shall need, & may be profitable and expedient for me.  M. 
What is the fift petition?  S. 
For give us our trespasses. etc.  M. 
What prayest thou for in this petition?  S. 
For remission and forgiveness of such sins wherewith I daily diplease my heavenly father, and that God will not enter into judgement with me, but be merciful unto me.  M. 
And why then keepest thou not thyself from sinning?  S. 
I ought so to do withal diligence and endeavour, but our natural ignorance, with the weakness & infirmity, wherein we were borne, is so great, that we oversee ourselves evermore, and therefore are we constrained to desire God of forgiveness.  M. 
Why addest thou further, as we forgive our trespassers?  S. 
For the lord will not remit or forgive us at all, if we forgive not them that have grieved, offended, or displeased us.  M. 
Why so?  S. 
Because our heavenly father willeth that we should well consider and acknowledge our own sins, and take all manner of displeasure of injury that our neighbour doth unto us, patiently and with thankfulness, even as a most worthy deserved punishment of God our heavenly father: and therefore (for our own part) to be well content with all such, through whom God doth chastise or punish us, whatsoever they be.  M. 
What is the sixth petition?  S. 
Lead us not into temptation.  M. 
What prayest thou for in this petition?  S. 
That God our heavenly father will mercifully assist me in all manner of temptations, and bring me through, whether it be in prosperity or adversity, & will keep and preserve me by the very right faith, even unto the end.  M. 
How doth god lead men into temptation?  S. 
Whensoever he permitteth the wicked ghostly enemy, to withdraw us through transitory fortune or misfortune, prosperity or adversity, and also through other ghostly assaults from faith, virtue & godliness.  M. 
What is the seventh petition?  S. 
But deliver us from evil.  M. 
What prayest thou in this petition?  S. 
That our heavenly father will redeem & deliver us from the snares, subtlety, tyranny, and power of our old wicked enemy.  M. 
Hath he than any power against thee?  S. 
Yea forsooth, by reason of my sins wherein I am borne, god giveth him power against me, from the which he himself alone through our Lord jesus Christ, must needs deliver me.  M. 
And what meaneth that clause and sentence whereas thou sayest? For thine is the kingdom, power and glory for ever.  S. 
That sentence putteth us in remembrance, that we ought to conclude and end all our prayers in lauding and praising of god, and to think thus in our hearts: O heavenly father I have desired of the to the glory of thy name, and to the wealth of all men (both in body & soul,) high and exceeding great things which are by men impossible to obtain or attain. But thou art a glorious and an almighty puissant king everlasting, which canst easily procure & provide all that is good for thy children, and canst also break and avoid all contrary power of our adversaries, wherefore help and deliver us from all the power of hell, and restore us unto everlasting life.  M. 
But now how concludest thou thy prayer?  S. 
With this word. Amen.  M. 
What is that to say?  S. 
Forsooth, thus much: O heavenly father, grant of thy mercy, that all these things may come to pass which we have desired of that in this prayer. And forasmuch as thou haste promised to hear all those that call upon the in true faith, in the name of thy beloved son, we hope and trust steadfastly that it shall so happen unto us.  
Notwithstanding if there be any lack of defaute in our faith by reason or our natural infirmity, than strengthen thou good lord, our faith, & grant us thy holy spirit, that we may pray this thine own prayer with a true and a perfit faith, and that we may speak from the bottom of our hearts unto the in all our prayers, Amen, Amen, Sobeit.  M. 
almighty God grant that thou and all other may always pray in such a faith?  S. 
Amen.   

A declaration of the holy sacrament of Baptism.  M. 
Now what is the fourth principal article of the christian doctrine and religion?  S. 
Forsooth that is the institution of the holy sacrament of baptism.  M. 
first tell me, what are sacraments?  S. 
They are holy visible actions and exterior exercises instituted, ordained, and appointed of almighty God to be used in his church and congregation of his faithful to represent unto them after a most lively sort, his heavenly gracious benefits, that they may thereby be confirmed in their faith, and of purpose to excite the mutual love of one toward an other.  M. 
Why did Christ ordain such sacraments?  S. 
For iii special causes.  M. 
What is the first?  S. 
The first is, that they should be tokens and witnesses of the grace, mercy and promises of God toward us, and as the most sure seals, whereby our participation, fellowship and incorporation with Christ, is confirmed, consigned and sealed up.  
And also that our faith, which is otherwise very feeble and weak, might thorough the use of them be exercised and lift up from all earthly things, unto the consideration, estimation, and expectation, of celestial and heavenly things.  M. 
Is not that the peculiar operation and office of the holy ghost?  S. 
Yes it is the very proper operation of the holy ghost. For he gloryfieth Christ, & he is the eternal and effectuous worker and executor of all the doctrine and ordinances of Christ. But yet he performeth and executeth that work thorough the word and use of the sacraments, if they be truly ministered and received: And it is therefore ascribed unto them, because we should understand and know that the sacraments are not bare, vain, and unprofitable tokens.  M. 
What is the second cause?  S. 
The second is this: that they should admonish us continually of our office and duty as long as we live. For seeing we profess by receiving and using of the sacraments, that we are incorporate and made one body with Christ thorough participation of him, we ought to know also that it is our bound duty to express and represent the very image of Christ in our whole life and in all the exercises of the same. And if we do not so, than we contemn the sacraments and use them unworthily.  M. 
What is the third cause?  S. 
That they should be tokens of the people of god, whereby the whole company and congregation of god might be gathered together as it were into one body, and separated or divided & known by such several tokens and peculiar exercises (which no nother congregation doth use,) fro all other false sects. And they serve also for this purpose that the congregation of Christ may show and declare by them their service, reverence and obedience toward God, and so may provoke others also thorough their example unto the true religion and service of God.  M. 
What thinkest thou of them which use the sacraments unworthily and unreverently?  S. 
For as much as they break & violate the covenant of the Lord thereby, they are accursed and abominable in the sight of God. And therefore they shall be rejected and refused of the Lord for ever, as perjured rebellions, if they do not turn and amend.  M. 
Who useth the sacraments unreverently, and unworthily?  S. 
Forsooth he that doth not use them in true faith, love, and obedience towards God: & specially he that useth them not to provoke, stir up, and to nourish, the foresaid virtues. For thereunto ought the use of all external or outward sacraments to serve.  M. 
But are the sacraments necessary unto salvation?  S. 
Forasmuch as they are the ordinances of God, and commanded unto us to be used in perfect obedience toward God: therefore can we not forbear or neglect the use of them, without manifest peril and hindrance of salvation.  M. 
What persons are to be taken and reputed for contemners and despisers of the sacraments?  S. 
Such as use them not when they may have them ministered after the institution and ordinance of Christ.  
For whosoever believeth our saviour Christ, and is a true disciple of his, he can not chose but to use all things with high reverence and devotion, what soever our saviour Christ hath ordained to be used.  M. 
Well, now let us come unto baptism? what is Baptism?  S. 
It is an ordinance & commandment of our saviour jesus Christ, joining all such as shall enter into the company and congregation of Christ, to be baptized, that is, to be sprinkled or dipped with water in the name of the father, of the son, and of the holy ghost.  M. 
But in what text of scripture is such commandment grounded?  S. 
In the last of Matthew, and Mark, in these words: Unto me is given all power in heaven and earth, therefore go your way, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy ghost. etc.  M. 
What is to be noted & learned out of these words?  S. 
Forsooth iii things.  M. 
what is the first?  S. 
The first is this, that our saviour Christ unto whom the father hath given all power in heaven & earth, willeth that his holy gospel should be preached unto all men in the whole world, & that all people should be made his disciples.  M. 
what is the ii note?  S. 
The ii is this, that the holy sacrament of baptism is commanded of god the father, the son, and the holy ghost, to be azure testimony of the inestimable love & favour of God toward us, whereby the promises of the gospel, concerning the free remission of sins, the new birth, and everlasting life purchased by Christ, are sealed, confirmed and made sure unto us.  M. 
And what is the third note?  S. 
The third is this, that those that are baptized aught to remain in the covenant of God, and to apply themselves to learn and to keep all that the Lord hath commanded, to die unto sin, and to cast of the old Adam, with all his lusts and affections, & to put on the Lord jesus every day more than other in a new life, which will be present with us until the worlds end, and graciously aid and help us thereunto.  M. 
Unto what persons doth baptism appertain?  S. 
Unto all such as the covenant of God & the doctrine of the gospel preached by the Apostles pertaineth unto.  M. 
Must infants and young children also be baptized?  S. 
Yea forsooth if it may be done, forasmuch as the covenant of the lord pertaineth also unto them, & they are also of the flock of God, and partakers of grace. And therefore the sign and seal of the promise and covenant (which is baptism) must needs also pertain unto them. And again seeing they are in the favour of God, as his dearly beloved, and partakers of Christ & of his merits (as they must needs be if the kingdom of god be thence as Christ saith) than baptism which is the seal of all this, must also needs pertain unto them.  M. 
But how can they be baptized seeing they have no faith?  S. 
Forasmuch as they have the favour of God through Christ, whatsoever is required in them, that have they also sufficiently in and through Christ, which hath taken their weakness upon himself, & is become their satisfaction as he is to all others. And his faith and obedience is (of grace) imputed unto them, and through his spirit they are sanctified to be the temples of God, whose head and saviour is Christ, and they members of his body.  M. 
Than may they be baptized with a good conscience?  S. 
Yea no doubt. For seeing they are reputed as faithful in the sight and judgement of god thorough Christ, they ought as faithful to be baptized, that thorough the ministration of the church they may have a sure token & witness that they are the heirs of the blessing promised unto the sede of the faithful, the members of our saviour Christ, & clean purged and washed from all their sin in his blood.  M. 
From what sin needeth a child that is new born (which hath wrought neither good nor evil) to be purged or washed?  S. 
From original sin, which is the very root of all other sin.  M. 
What is original sin?  S. 
It is the poison, infection or corruption, of nature wherein we are conceived: Which always resisteth, rebelleth and lusteth against the will of God, and is ever inclined and ready unto all evil & wickedness, and hath a lust and delight therein. From the which we can none otherwise be delivered or purged, but alonely through the power of God in our saviour Christ.  M. 
But how are we purged from this sin through baptism?  S. 
In as much as in baptism we have a promise that it is forgiven us and not imputed to damnation unto us. And again that the holy ghost is also given us which shall daily mortify, kill and subdue this sin and wicked inclination in us, beginning and daily increasing in the stead thereof, a new affection and nature in us, obedient unto the will of God and delighting therein, which in the blessed resurrection shall be altogether perfit.  M. 
Now tell me what ought our baptism to work in us and to put us in remembrance of?  S. 
first we ought to be thankful unto God for it, and unto our parents also for furthering and healping us unto it, and to receive all doctrine and correction of them obediently and readily.  M. 
What more?  S. 
It ought also to put us in remembrance of the remission of our sins, of the grace and mercy of God, and of the blessed resurrection wherein we shall arise again unto everlasting life. By the remembrance whereof we may have a singular comfort against all sin, against the devil, death, hell, & damnation.  M. 
And what else?  S. 
Finally, it ought to work in us a perfit obedience unto the will of God, to lead our lives in continual repentance and amendment, praying earnestly that he will strengthen and make more perfit in us, through his holy word and spirit, the new birth which is already begun in us: and daily to mortify our flesh and to practise with all faithfulness and diligence to serve God and to keep his commandments.  M. 
Now, what is the .v. special article of the christian doctrine or religion?  S. 
The holy supper of the lord.  M. 
What is the supper of the Lord?  S. 
It is an holy ordinance and institution of our saviour Christ, whereby christian people are commanded to eat and drink the bread and cup of the Lord together, & thereby to remember his passion, and to be assured of their communion with him in his body and blood. For it is a pledge and an assurance that the Lord giveth them his body & blood to be the food and nourishment of their souls unto everlasting life.  M. 
Than is it not a bare sign and an unfruitful token?  S. 
No. For we receive in the supper a spiritual meat and drink, wherein by the lords own institution, the true communion and participation of the body and blood of Christ is most lively represented and confirmed unto us. And at the ministration thereof, being ministered after Christ's institution, it is certain that he is always present, and worketh effectuously therewith.  M. 
How ought this supper to be ministered?  S. 
In every point & condition as the Lord himself did ministre and ordain it.  M. 
Where is it written how the lord did ministre and ordain it?  S. 
In the holy Evangelists, 
Mat. xxvi. Marc. xiiii Luke. xxii  Matthew, Mark, Luke. And in the xi Chapter of the first Epistle to the Corinthians in these words. In the same night that the Lord Jesus was betrayed, he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it.  M. 
What learnest thou out of these words?  S. 
first I learn that this supper sealeth up, confirmeth, & assureth unto us, the very true communion of the true body and blood of Christ, with all the fruits and benefits, which he did ever purchase and merit thorough his body & blood.  M. 
How canst thou prove that?  S. 
By the very words of the institution. For whereas he commandeth us to eat his body and drink his blood, that is to say, to receive our nourishment unto everlasting life, thorough faith, of his body and blood, he addeth immediately: Which is given up for you, and shed for you. By the which words he signifieth, seeing we are partakers of his body and blood, and in faith flesh of his flesh, and bones of his bones, he our head and we his members, that we are also partakers of all that he did ever purchase or merit thorough his passion and blood shedding, that is, reconciliation with God the father, remission of our sins, righteousness and everlasting life.  M. 
What lernest thou more out of the foresaid words?  S. 
I learn also that the Lord giveth me thorough this supper, a sure hope and comfort that I am partaker of the new testament, and of the covenant of grace which he confirmed and sealed with his precious blood.  M. 
What is that new Testament or covenant of grace?  S. 
It is this, that almighty God, for the bitter passion and deaths sake of his dear beloved son, will freely pardon and forgive me all my sins, and take me for his child and heir, and at the latter day will raise me up again unto everlasting joy, requiring that I should believe all this steadfastly, and love and serve him obediently.  M. 
And is nothing else to be noted in the words of the institution?  S. 
Yes, this also is to be learned, that all they which minister or receive this holy sacrament must celebrate & keep the memorial or remembrance of our saviour Christ jesus.  M. 
Wherein consisteth this memorial or remembrance?  S. 
It consists specially herein, that we being assembled and gathered together in his name, consider and setfoorth with all diligence and reverence all the benefits of our Lord jesus, which he hath done and suffered for us, or will yet hereafter do for us: And again that we render most high laudes and thanks unto him for such excellent benefits, giving up and yielding ourselves wholly unto him.  M. 
What manner of people are to be admitted unto this supper?  S. 
All that are truly repentant and sorry for their sins, and yet believe steadfastly that god for Christ's sake will be merciful unto them, and that they are the true members of Christ, living in the fear and true obedience of the Lord, and in perfect love of their neighbour, as brethren of one kingdom, members of one body, and redeemed with one blood of jesus Christ, ready to confess the doctrine of the holy gospel, in the mids of all persecution and affliction, and to defend it even unto death.  M. 
what thinkest thou of them which will never receive this holy supper with the faithful congregation of Christ?  S. 
If they abstain from it wilfully of concempte and stubbornness, that is to say, if they may have it ministered unto them after the institution of the Lord, and yet regard it not and will not receive it, it is an evident token that they pertain nothing at all unto the body of Christ. For whosoever believeth in the Lord truly can not neglect or contemn any of his holly ordinances, but with all reverence use them, as oft he may.  M. 
Where as s. Paul sayeth: Let every man prove himself, and so eat of that bread: What is mente thereby, or when eat we this supper wurthyly.  S. 
Of ourselves we can never be worthy unto it: But God of his grace and mercy, reputeth us worthy of his heavenly mysteries and benefits, whensoever we refer the remission of our sins, and our salvation unto the death and resurrection of Christ, and seek it thereat only.  
Wherefore whensoever I receive the holy supper, with this faith and belief that Christ jesus gave his tender body unto death for me, and shed his precious blood for me, and so redeemed me from everlasting death: And that his flesh and blood are the food and sustenance of my soul whereby I am refreshed and nourished unto everlasting life, submitting myself, in this faith, heartily and fully both body & soul unto the will of god, and utterly detesting in word, deed, and example almaner of sin, and wickedness, and whatsoever may give any occasion thereunto. etc. then receive I this holly supper wurthyly. For this is the true communion and participation of Christ's body and blood, whereby we are sure that he dwelleth in us, and we in him. For else we could do none of this at all.  M. 
Me thinketh by thy answers, that the holy supper of the Lord sendeth and referreth us all together unto the death and passion of Christ, that we may so & by that means enjoy and have fruition of the same.  S. 
Yea forsooth, for when he suffered upon the cross than he was made the only & everlasting sacrifice, sufficient for our salvation: wherefore there is nothing remaining for us more, but that we may enjoy and have the fruition of him.  M. 
And was not the supper ordained of God to be a propitiatory sacrifice, wherein the body of Christ should be offered unto God of fresh or of new?  S. 
No forsooth. For that were injurious unto his death. And the words do sound thus, take and eat. etc.  
Where he commandeth us not to sacrifice or to offer his body, but only to eat. etc.  M. 
And why was it ordained to be received in two diverse kinds?  S. 
That was done for our infirmities sake, to teach us the more plainly that he is not only the meat wherewith our souls are nourished, but also the very drink wherewith they are refreshed, that we should seek no part of our spiritual life any where else, saving at him and in him alone.  M. 
And ought all men generally without exception to receive both kinds?  S. 
Yea for south, so do the words of Christ command, saying, drink ye all of this: from the which to derogate or minish any thing it were an heinous sin.  M. 
But now, how oughtest thou to behave thyself after thou haste thus received this holy supper?  S. 
I ought first to rejoice in the remission of my sins, in the life of Christ in me, and in the blessed resurrection, when as he shall live fully in me and in us, & be all in all. And thus to advance myself against sin, against the devil, death, and hell: And to give God eternal thanks for all these his exceeding benefits.  M. 
What oughtest thou else to do?  S. 
I ought also to subdue, to tame, and to crucify, mine own flesh and blood, with all manner of wicked lusts and affections, & to live, hereafter as a member of that body only, whose head is Christ, and not as a member of any other body. But utterly to yield and give over myself unto my lord God, to be one bread and one body with all faithful christians which do truly invocate and call upon the name of the Lord, to live with them in perfit love and charity and with this band of love to have my heart fixed and knit unto theirs, and thus evermore to remain & continued.  
And I ought also to confess and magnify my Lord jesus in his church and congregation with all my words and deeds, awaiting daily to have this life changed with a better and into a better life.  M. 
What if we receive the supper with such as be unworthy, do we make ourselves also unworthy by reason of that?  S. 
No we do not, if so be that we consent not unto their sins, but have in mind and will if we can know them and may come unto them, to exhort and admonish them faithfully ourselves, or else cause some other to do it. For it pertaineth unto no private person to exclude any man out of the church or congregation, but only unto the whole church, or unto them that are chosen & appointed of the same unto that office. And their duty it is to consider both in this matter and all other, what may be most profitable and expedient unto edification.  M. 
But now, why should men receive this sacrament oft, seeing they receive the sacrament of baptism but once?  S. 
Baptism is a sacrament of entrance into the religion of Christ, and betokeneth that men are now dead unto the old life, & will from thenceforth walk in a new life. Wherefore like as Christ died but once, & that for our sins, and shall from hence forth die no more, even so ought the sacrament of baptism, which representeth the same, to be received but once. But the holy supper is a sacrament of proceeding and going forward in the religion of Christ, and signifieth that the man which is once incorporate unto Christ, and fed or sustained continually through him, will evermore continue, proceed and go forward in a perfit christian life. And forasmuch as many impediments, lets and temptations, do chance unto such men by the way, which notwithstanding do still hungres and thirst after righteousness. And this supper is a comfortable pledge or seal of the true lively food of the soul, it is the heavenly bread, without which this hounger can not be satisfied nor assuaged. Therefore should they receive this sacrament oft, because they have oft need of such comfort.  M. 
Now which is the sixth special article of the christian doctrine?  S. 
The ecclesiastical or church discipline or brotherly correction.  M. 
Where is any commandment thereof in the scripture?  S. 
In the xviii cha. of Matthew in these words. If thy brother sin against thee, go thy way and correct him between the and him alone. etc.  M. 
What is to be noted out of these words?  S. 
Three special points. first, that every christian man ought to correct & admonish other of his fault privately and gently. And if he cannot do it himself, than to cause some other to do it for him.  M. 
What should be the cause that every man ought to admonish other? Shall not every man answer for himself?  S. 
Forsooth this is the cause: for asmuch as all faithful are incorporate unto our saviour Christ in baptism, as membres of one body, and are altogether children and heirs of God, and have like part and fellowship of one everlasting heritage, therefore ought each one to save and preserve the other from hell and from everlasting damnation, through godly correction and admonition, and so to further his brother unto heaven and unto everlasting life.  M. 
But how should this brotherly correction and warning, be put in ure and be exercised?  S. 
With all humbleness and frendlynesse, and also with such wisdom and soberness, that his good name be not hindered, but that he may perceive that none other thing is sought thereby saving alonely his wealth and emendemente.  M. 
How oft should he be thus admonished?  S. 
Even as oft as there is any hope of his amendment by such correction and warning.  M. 
why doth Christ command the to take one or ii unto thee, if thy brother will not amend at the warning and correction of thee alone?  S. 
That he should the more earnestly be convinced of his fault, and not able to deny it being correct or admonished thereof by ii or iii witnesses (as the lord teacheth,) only to win him thereby.  M. 
What is the second note out of the fore-rehearsed words?  S. 
The second is the correction of the church.  M. 
who should execute that correction?  S. 
Forsooth such as are chosen and appointed by the whole congregation to be assistente unto the minister in that behalf.  M. 
Toward what manner of parsons should such correction and admonition be exercised?  S. 
Toward such as either regard not the private and secret warning, or else as offend the church and congregation with some grievous and notable enormity, that is manifest and open.  M. 
Out of which words learnest thou that?  S. 
Out of these words where the lord saith, if he hear the not, (being admonished before ii or iii witnesses.) Than tell it unto the whose congregation. etc.  
And S. Paul writing unto Tymothe the minister of the church of Ephesus confirmeth the same, where he sayeth: such as have sinned, correct or rebuke them openly, that other may be afraid by their example.  M. 
And should all that offend be put unto open shame before the whole congregation?  S. 
No, not put to open shame, but earnestly driven and monished unto repentance. And such moderation must be observed therein, as may be thought best and most convenient to move and win the sinner unto perfect and true repentance.  M. 
Is it the duty of those that are chosen and appointed of the congregation to be assistente unto the ministers, only to correct and admonish such as have committed open and manifest crimes, and such as would not receive the private and brotherly correction, and none other?  S. 
No, not this only, but as true fathers and physicians, they ought to have an eye and a regard unto all men, and to warn and exhort every one, as they can think it most necessary for the edification and emendemente of every one.  M. 
Where hast thou any scripture for that?  S. 
Paul writing unto the Thessalonians confirmeth it by his own example in these words. You know, saith he, that we have exhorted and comforted every one of you, even as a father doth his children, and we have testified that ye should walk worthily as it becometh you before God which hath called you unto his kingdom & unto his glory.  M. 
Well, what is the third point that thou notest out of the fore-rehearsed words?  S. 
The third is the binding and the loocing.  M. 
What is it to bind?  S. 
It is as much as to exclude a man out of the fellowship or company of Christian people, whereby he may be earnestly forced unto a special and an unfeigned declaration of true repentance and amendment of his life.  M. 
What manner of people ought so to be bound?  S. 
All such as will not hear the Church & congregation reproving and admonishing them for their soul health, and all they also which have offended the church and congregation with any manifest, grievous, and notable crimes.  M. 
The lord maketh mention only of such as will not receive the warning and correction of the church.  S. 
But he hath taught us also thorough the holy Apostle. 
i Co. v.  s. Paul to exclude out of the fellowship & congregation of Christ, all such as are fallen into whoredom, and other notable vices, and to force or drive them unto some special penance to be unto them as a correction until they declare with manifest fruits of repentance, an earnest amendment, whereby they may edify & content the church & congregation again which they had before thorough their grievous sins offended.  M. 
Now what is it to loocen?  S. 
It is as much as to pronounce forgiveness of sins, unto such as have declared their repentance & amendment with a perfect earnestness, and to admit and receive the same persons again unto the fellowship and communion of the church or congregation, and also of the holy sacraments.  M. 
And must none be loosed from their sins but such as declare earnestly their repentance and sorrow for their sins with plain and evident amendment of their life?  S. 
No, none else: For the Lord commandeth remission and forgiveness of sins, to be pronounced and declared only unto such as repent and bewail their sins, and desire and purpose truly to emend themselves. For the ecclesiastical discipline ordained of God for the order and edifying of his church, aught to be executed and practised truly and earnestly, and not fayntlye or feynedlye for a shine and a colour only.  M. 
In which words is that commanded of the Lord?  S. 
In these words, where he sayeth: Verily I say unto you: whatsoever you shall bind upon earth, that same shallbe bound in heaven, & whatsoever you shall loose upon earth shall also be loosed in heaven.  M. 
Under whose name & authority must this power be exercised?  S. 
Under the name and authority of our saviour jesus Christ, also in the name of the whole congregation.  M. 
After what manner and form?  S. 
with all godly ferventness and earnest prayer unto God. For the which cause also it must be done in the open congregation being assembled together, & with their consent.  M. 
Prove me this by the word of God.  S. 
The Lord sayeth in the chapter before rehearsed: whensoever two or three among you do consent together, whatsoever they shall pray for, that shall be done unto them of my father in heaven. For wheresoever two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst among them.  M. 
Here the lord maketh mention of two or three only.  S. 
That he doth to confirm the greater numbered, by the smaller.  M. 
But show me some scripture that maketh express mention of the whole congregation.  S. 
The holy Paul writeth thus i Corin. v.  
I as one that am absent from you in body but yet present with you in spirit, have already (as present) determined and concluded (against him that hath committed that deed), in the name of our lord jesus Christ and in your congregation with my spirit, and with the power or authority of our lord Jesus Christ, to give him ever unto the devil, to the confusion and perishing of his flesh, that his spirit may be safe at the day or coming of the lord Jesus.  M. 
And what is the ministers or pastors duty to do in all this?  S. 
He ought in no wise to admit unto the communion of the sacraments such as be excluded by the church or by the appointed elders, until such time as they be reconciled thereunto again. And besides that, he ought to be as it were the mouth of the congregation to open and to declare unto the transgressors the heaviness of their sins, & to move them unto hearty repentance, that they may come out of the devils snares.  M. 
But now concerning these that be sick, how shall the minister order them?  S. 
If he perceive that they be sorry and repentant for their sins, and are desirous of the favour of God & of remission, than ought he to comfort them with some promise of grace, & to preach unto them free remission and absolution in the presence of such as are there by assistente, lest peradventure their conscience being vexed and their sickness increased, the wicked enemy prevent and ensnare them, and so seduce and convey them into desperation.  M. 
Where hast thou any example of scripture for that?  S. 
Our saviour Christ as soon as he saw the bedredde before him (doubtless in fear of his sins) he said unto him: My son be of good comfort thy sins are forgiven thee. And again to the woman that had sinned he said. Go thy way in peace, thy faith hath saved thee.  M. 
Hast thou no further commandment of the visitation & comfort of the sick to be done by the ministers of the church?  S. 
Yes, the holy Apostle S. james teacheth that the prayer of faith which the seniors or elders of the church do make for the sick, shall help them and the lord shall comfort them, & if they be in sin, it shall be forgiven them.  M. 
Now what fruit and profit ought all this to work in thee?  S. 
first I ought to learn hereby, to receive of any man thankfully all manner of christian and brotherly correction, warning, and information. And also by the very duty and bond of love truly and faithfully to admonish & reprove my neighbour (which is every christian man) if I shall see him offend.  M. 
why, what hast thou to do with thy neighbour:  S. 
Forsooth forasmuch as we are all the membres of one body. If I can find in my heart to see any to loiter and perish in his sin, & not so much as to admonish him thereof, than it may appear that there is no christian love in me.  M. 
Well, what other fruit may this doctrine work in thee?  S. 
This also, 
i Corin. v. two. Thes. two.  that I contemn not in any wise the discipline of binding & loocing of the church, but esteem & dread it reverently: eschewing and avoiding all fellowship and familiarity of such as will not conform themselves unto the same.  M. 
what scripture hast thou for that?  S 
Even the words of our saviour Christ where he saith: If he hear not the church or congregation, than take or repute him as an heathen and an unchristian, that is to say, as an infidel that is sundered and separate from all christian order and fellowship. But yet we ought not utterly to reject and to hate him in our hearts, but to pray heartily unto God for him that he may be converted from his wickedness again: and than with all joyfulness to receive him into all christian fellowship again.  M. 
Well, this is sufficient of this article also. Now tell me what is thy daily exercise in the service of God?  S. 
Morning and evening when I arise or go to bed, likewise before & after meat, I use these prayers following, or such like.  
first at my uprising I fall down on my knees and lifting up my hands and eyes unto heaven, I confess my sins unto God my heavenly father after this manner.   

A general confession of sins to be said every morning.  
O almighty God our heavenly father, I confess & knowledge that I am a miserable & a wretched sinner, & have manifold ways most grievously transgressed thy most godly commandments thorough wicked thoughts, ungodly lusts, sinful words & deeds, and in my whole life. In sin am I borne and conceived, and there is no goodness in me, in asmuch as if thou shouldest entre into thy narrow judgement with me, judging me according unto the same, I were never able to suffer or abide it, but must needs perish and be damned for ever. So little help, comfort or succour is there either in me, or in any other creature. Only this is my comfort (o heavenly father) that thou didst not spare thy only derebeloved son, but didst give him up unto the most bittur & most vile & slanderous death of the cross for me, that he might so pay the ransom for my sins, satisfy thy judgement, still and pacify thy wrath, reconcile me again unto thee, and purchase me thy grace and favour and everlasting life. Wherefore thorough the merit of his most bitter death and passion, and thorough his innocent blood shedding, I beseech thee, o heavenvly father, that thou wilt vouchsafe to be gracious and merciful unto me, to forgive, and to pardon me all my sins, to lighten my heart with thy holy spirit, to renew, confirm and strengthen me, with a right and a perfit faith, and to inflame me in love toward thee, & my neighbour, that I may henceforth with a willing, and a glad heart walk as it becometh me, in thy most godly commandments, and so glorify & praise thee everlastingly. And also that I may with a free conscience and a quiet heart in all manner of temptations, afflictions, or necessities, and even in the very pangs of death, cry boldly and merrily unto the and say: I believe in God the father allmyghtie, maker of heaven and earth. And in his only son jesus Christ our lord. etc.  
But o Lord God heavenly father, to comfort myself in affliction and temptation with these articles of the christian faith It is not in my power. For faith is thy gift: and for as much as thou wilt be prayed unto, and called upon for it, I cumme unto thee, to pray and beseech thee, both for that and for all my other necessities, even as thy dear beloved son our saviour Christ jesus hath himself taught us.  
And from the very bottom of my heart, I cry and say: O our father which art in heaven. etc.   

This done, I add this prayer for the morning.  
O Merciful lord God heavenly father, I tender most high laudes, praise, and thanks unto thee, that thou hast preserved me both this night and all the time and days of my life hitherto under thy protection, and hast suffered me to live until this present hour.  
And I beseech the heartily, thou wilt vouchsafe to receive me this day and the residue of my whole life from hencefurthe into thy tuition, ruling and governing me with thy holy spirit, that all manner of darkness of misbelief, infidelity, and of carnal lusts and affections, may be utterly chased and driven out of my heart, and that I may be justified & saved both body and soul thorough a right and a perfect faith, and so walk in the light of thy most godly truth to thy glory and praise, and to the profit and furtherance of my neighbour, thorough jesus Christ our Lord and saviour. Amen.   

Or thus more briefly.  
O Merciful lord God, heavenly father, I laud and praise the that thou haste preserved me this night, from all peril, danger and evil. And I beseech the of thy mercy to keep & preserve me from henceforth likewise. And drive all manner of darkness out of my heart, that the light of thy truth may shine before me & guide me in all my ways: And thou will vouchsafe also to keep & preserve our most noble king with all our ruler's magistrates, teachers, parents, and all our friends, thorough jesus Christ our Lord and saviour. Amen.   

A prayer to be said at night going to bed.  
O Merciful Lord God heavenly father, whether we sleep or wake, live or die, we are always thine. Wherefore I beseech the heartily that thou wilt vouchsalue to take care and charge of me, and not to suffer me to perish in the works of darkness, but to kindle the light of thy countetenaunce in my heart, that thy godly knowledge may daily increase in me thorough a right and a pure faith, and that I may always be found to walk & live after thy will & pleasure thorough jesus Christ our lord and saviour. Amen.   

Or thus more briefly.  
O Merciful lord God our heavenly father, I laud & thank the most heartily for that thou hast so graciously kept & preserved me this day, beseeching the to forgive me all my sins which I have committed against thee, & I beseech the to preserve me and all men this night, from all snares and wiles of the wicked fiend. And grant that although our corporal eyes shall sleep, yet that our hearts & minds may continually watch & wake in thee, thorough jesus Christ our Lord and saviour. Amen.   

A prayer to be said before meat.  
O Merciful father, thou feedest and nourishest all manner of creatures, vouchsafe to nourish and to refresh us now with thy gifts, so that we do not misuse them, but that we being strengthened thorough them, may be more able to serve thee in our calling and condition of life, and to walk and live before the in all virtue and honesty: through jesus Christ our Lord and saviour. Amen.   

After meat.  
O Merciful Lord God, our heavenly father, we laud, praise and thank thee for thy most holy and excellent gifts, wherewith thou hast so graciously nourished and refreshed us: And we beseech the hearty, grant that we may never forget thy merciful goodness toward us, but that we may cast all our care and sorrow upon the only, and may always seek & receive, with a perfit trust and confidence, all manner of sustenance both of body and soul, at thy hands which art the fountain and wellspring of all goodness, through jesus Christ our Lord and saviour. Amen.   

Certain godly lessons for all faithful people, young and old.  
hearken Israel, the Lord our God is one God. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God fervently with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy strength. All these words which I command the this day, shall remain continually in thy heart. Thou shalt beat them diligently into thy children, and thrust them sharply into their hearts. And let all thy communication & talking be of them, whether thou be'st in thy house or goest abroad, whether thou goest to bed or risest up. Thou shalt bind them for a token upon thy hand: And let them evermore glister before thy eyes. Thou shalt write them upon thy doors and upon thy gates.  Micheas. vi. I will tell thee, O man, what is good, and what God requireth of the. Namely nothing else but that thou keepest judgement, and dost righteousness, and that thou apply thyself unto all godliness and walk humbly before thy Lord God. jaco. i. This is the pure and undefiled religion before God our father, to visit and comfort the widows & the fatherless, in their sorrow, affliction and misery and for a man to keep himself without spot before the world. i Timo. i. The end and fulfilling of all the law is this, namely love, out of a pure heart, a good conscience, and a perfit unfeigned faith. john. xiii. By this shall all men know, that ye are my scholars, if ye love one an other, like as I have loved you. i. john. iii.iiii.v. God is love, and he that remaineth in love, remaineth in God, and God in him. He that hath love is borne of God and knoweth God. He that loveth not, he knoweth not God, for God is love. If we love one another, than remaineth God within us, & his love is perfit in us. And hereby do we know that we are the children of God, and that we have love, if we love God and keep his commandments. And this is his commandment, namely that we believe in the name of his son jesus Christ, and love one an other. M. 
The God of all grace and mercy, strengthen thee and all men in the knowledge of his son our saviour jesus, and in the power of his heavenly and godly spirit. To him be all laud, praise, thanks, glory, power, rule, & honour world without end. Amen.   

Imprinted at London in Fleetstreet at the sign of the Sun over against the conduit, by Edward whitchurch. The xix day of October the year of our Lord. M. D.XLVIII.  
Cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum.