Winter-Evenings COMMUNICATION with Young Novices in RELIGION. OR Questions and Answers about certain chief Grounds of Christian RELIGION; wherein every Answer, rightly understood, hath the force of an Oracle of GOD.  
By JOHN CARTER, Preacher of God's Word.  JOHN 5. 39 Search the Scriptures. 
Printed by the Printers to the University of Cambridge, And are to be sold at London by R. DANIEL at the Angel in Lumbard-Street. 1628.   

Winter-Evenings COMMUNICATION with Young Novices in RELIGION.  

Of the true Fear of God.  
QUESTION. OF what Religion are you?  
Answer. I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who hath made the sea, and the dry land, jonah 1. 9  
Quest. Many profess as much as you do, but who fear God in deed, and in truth?  
Ans. He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord, Prov. 14. 2.  
Q. What is it to walk in uprightness?  
A. To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God, Mich. 6. 8.  
Q. And who do not fear the Lord, but despise him?  
A. He that is lewd in his ways, despiseth him, Prov. 14. 2.  
Q. Who is lewd in his ways?  
A. Whosoever hateth to be reform, and casteth the words of God behind him, Psal. 50. 17.  
Q. What reasons have you to move you to the effectual study and practise of the true fear of God?  
A. God hath made all things for himself, Prov 16. 4.  
Q. What other?  
A. In his hand is my breath, and all my ways, Dan. 5. 23.  
Q. What other?  
A. God is of purer eyes then to behold iniquity, Habac. 1. 13.  
Q. What other reasons have you?  
A. God will bring every work to judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good or evil, Eccles. 12. 14.   

The Nature and Properties of GOD.  
Question. OF what nature or substance is the Lord?  
Ans. He is a Spirit, and must be worshipped in spirit and in truth, joh. 4. 24.  
Q. What manner of spirit is God?  
A. He is from everlasting, to everlasting; be filleth heaven and earth, Psal. 90. 2. jer. 23. 24.  
Q. What properties or virtues in God, are chief to be considered of us?  
A. That power belongeth unto God, and to thee O Lord mercy, that thou rewardest every man according to his works, Psal. 62. 11. 12. Exod. 34. 67.  
Q. God is indeed most mighty, merciful and just; What use is to be made thereof?  
A. Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after have no more that they can do, Luk. 12. 4.  
Q. Whom then shall we fear?  
A. Fear him which after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell, Luk. 12. 5.  
Q. What other use is to be made?  
A. To trust in him at all times, to pour out our hearts before him, Psal. 62. 8.   

Creation.  
Question. HOw did God make all things at the beginning?  
A. Exceeding good, Gen. 1. 31.  
Q. Whereof were all things made?  
A. The worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen, were not made of things which do appear, Heb. 11. 3.  
Q. How made he man?  
A. In his own Image, Gen. 1. 26.  
Q. Wherein stood that Image?  
A. In knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness, Col. 1. 10. Ephes. 4. 24.  
Q. Whereof was the body of man framed?  
A. Of the dust of the ground, Gen. 2. 7.  
Q. What instruction ariseth from thence?  
A. Why is earth and ashes proud? Ecclesiastic. 10. 9 Gen. 18. 25.   

The Providence of GOD.  
Question. What have you learned concerning the divine Providence?  
A. God worketh all things after the counsel of his own will, Ephes. 1. 11.  
Q Worketh he so in the Church only, and not in the rest of the world?  
A. The Lord looketh down from heaven, and beholdeth all the sons of men, Psal. 33. 13.  
Q. What manner of beholding is there spoken of?  
A. He fashioneth their hearts every one, and considereth all their works, Psal. 33. 15.  
Q. God is in all men's bosoms, and maketh their wretched inclinations and devises to serve his most holy ends: But doth this providence reach no further than the children of God, and the children of men?  
A Yes; one Sparrow, whereof two are sold for a farthing, shall not fall on the ground without your Father, Mat. 10. 29.  
Q. And what saith the Lord yet further of those sparrows?  
A. Not one of them is forgotten before God, Luk. 12. 6.  
Q. What use is to be made hereof?  
A. Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered: Fear not, ye are of more value than many Sparrows, Luk. 12. 7.  
Q. Fear not any want of provision or protection. But in a prosperous and wealthy estate, what use is to be made of it?  
A. Beware lest thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, saying, My power, and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth, Deut. 8. 11. 14. 17.  
Q. What is then to be remembered of us?  
A. Thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, Vers. 18.  
Q. But when we are under many and grievous temptations, and are much exercised with losses and crosses, what use are we then to make hereof?  
A. I was dumb and opened not my mouth because thou didst it, Psal. 39 10.  
Q. What further use?  
A. Let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit the keeping of their souls to him, in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator, 1. Pet. 4. 19   

Of Sin, and the bitter fruits of it.  
Question. HAve our first parents Adam and Eve, with their posterity, continued in their innocence?  
A. No; all have sinned, and are deprived of the glory of God, Rom. 3. 23.  
Q. What is sin?  
A. The transgression of God's Law, 1. joh. 3. 4.  
Q. What was the first transgression?  
A. The eating of the tree whereof God commanded them that they should not eat, Gen. 3. 11.  
Q. How were they brought to that?  
A. The Serpent beguiled Eve by his subtlety, 2. Cor. 11. 3.  
Q. Who put that into the Serpent?  
A. The old Serpent the Devil, who was a murderer from the beginning, Revel. 12. 9 joh. 8. 44.  
Q. Was not he also made after God's image at the first?  
A. Yes; but he abode not in the truth, joh. 8. 44.  
Q. What effect followed that fearful fall of our first parents Adam and Eve?  
A. By sin death entered into the world, and passed upon all men, Rom. 5. 12.  
Q. What death?  
A. They are dead in trespasses and sins, Ephes. 2. 1, 2, 3.  
Q. This is called spiritual death, depriving men of the favour, image, and life of God. Did not corporal death also follow?  
A. Yes; Dust thou art, saith the Lord, and to dust shalt thou return, Gen. 3. 19  
Q. Is there not yet another death?  
A. Yes; eternal death, to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched, Mark. 9 45.  
Q. Doth not a natural man, by living in sin, make his state yet more grievous and intolerable?  
A. He treasureth up to himself wrath against the day of wrath, Rom. 2. 5.  
Q. And is there no way or means left to man, whereby he may work himself out of this woeful plight, and recover his lost dignity?  
A. No; What can a man give in exchange of his soul? Matth. 16. 26▪   

Of the holy Gospel, and of CHRIST JESUS.  
Question. SHall we then utterly despair?  
A. God forbidden; We have glad tidings from heaven, of great joy to all people, Luke 2. 10.  
Q. What tidings are those?  
A. That unto us is borne a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord, Luk. 2. 11.  
Q. You have been taught, that by the Gospel is meant glad tidings, and here we have the sum of it. But who is this great Saviour? and how was he anointed to be the Christ, or Messiah, which words, as we know, signify Anointed?  
A. God anointed jesus of Nazareth with the holy Ghost, and with power, Act. 10. 38.  
Q. Why was he called jesus?  
A. Because he saveth his people from their sins, as spoke the Angel, Matth. 1. 21.  
Q. Of whom was he borne?  
A. Of the Virgin Mary, espoused to joseph the son of David, Matth. 1. 18, 20.  
Q. Why is David mentioned?  
A. Because he was to be made of his seed according to the flesh, Rom. 1. 3. Matth. 1. 1.  
Q. But how could a virgin conceive and bear a son?  
A. The Holy Ghost came upon her, and the power of the highest did overshadow her, Luk. 1. 35.  
Q. What came of that?  
A. Therefore also that holy thing which was borne of her, was called the Son of God, Luk. 1. 35.  
Q. What other name was to be given him?  
A. They shall call his name Emmanuel, Matth. 1. 23. Esa. 7. 14.  
Q. What is that being interpreted?  
A. God with us, Matth. 1. 23.  
Q. What reason is there of that name?  
A. He is God manifested in the flesh, 1. Tim. 3. 16.  
Q. What other reason is there of that name?  
A. God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing their sins unto them, 2. Cor. 5. 19   

Redemption.  
Question. HOw did God reconcile the world to himself by Christ?  
A. He made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, 2. Cor. 5. 21.  
Q. How did Christ become sin for us?  
A. He gave himself for us an offering, and a sacrifice of a sweet smelling savour to God, Eph. 5. 2  
Q. When did he that?  
A. When he bore our sins in his body on the tree, 1. Pet. 2. 24.  
Q. Was the Son of God, the Lord of glory, hanged on the tree?  
A. Yes; he humbled himself, and became obedient to the death, even the death of the cross, Phil. 2. 8.  
Q. To what end did he undergo all this hardship?  
A. That we being delivered from sin, should live in righteousness, 1. Pet. 2 24.  
Q. Why suffered he that kind of death, rather than any other?  
A. To declare that he was made a curse for us, Gal. 3. 13.  
Q. How doth that appear?  
A. It is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on tree, Gal. 3. 13.  
Q. Why was he made a curse for us?  
A. To redeem us from the curse of the Law, Gal. 3. 13.  
Q. What is that curse of the Law?  
A. Cursed be he that continueth not in all the words of this Law to do them, Deut. 27. 26. Gal. 3. 10.   

justification.  
Question. Who are they then that stand justified, or acquitted of all things from which they cannot be justified by the law of Moses?  
A. By jesus Christ every one that believeth is justified, Act. 13. 39  
Q. What is it to believe in Christ jesus?  
A. To believe and know (with Peter) that he is the Christ, the Son of the living God, john 6. 69.  
Q. What more?  
A. And that he hath loved me, and given himself for me, Gal. 2. 20.  
Q. Wherein appeareth the excellency and necessity of this faith?  
A. He that hath received his testimony, hath put to his seal, that God is true, john 3. 33.  
Q. And what the unbeliever?  
A. He maketh God a liar, 1. joh. 5. 10.  
Q. Why so?  
A. Because he believeth not the record that God witnesseth of his Son, 1. john 5. 11.  
Q. What is that record?  
A. That God hath given unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son, 1. joh. 5. 11.  
Q. Have works of righteousness no place in our justification before God?  
A. No, for even Abraham our father believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness, Rom. 4. 3.  
Q. Why are works excluded?  
A. That no flesh should glory in God's presence, 1. Cor. 1. 29.  
Q. Upon what condition shall our faith be imputed to us for righteousness, as abraham's was to him?  
A. If we believe in him that raised up jesus our Lord from the dead, Rom. 4. 24.  
Q. Was Christ his raising from the dead a matter of so great moment?  
A. Yes; he was delivered for our offences, and raised again for our justification, Rom. 4. 25.  
Q. Since he satisfied for our offences by his death, why is justification ascribed to his resurrection?  
A. God raised him from the dead, and gave him glory, that our faith and hope might be in God, 1. Pet. 1. 21.  
Q. Can there be no faith nor hope in God, without Christ his raising up from the dead?  
A. No; if Christ be not raised up, our faith is vain, we are yet in our sins, 1. Cor. 15. 17.  
Q. What obtain we then at God's hand by Christ his raising up from the dead?  
A. The sure mercies of David, Esa. 55. 3. Act. 13. 34.  
Q. What are those sure mercies of David?  
A. God maketh an everlasting covenant with us, Esa. 55. 3. as he did with David.  
Q. What cometh to us by virtue of this everlasting Covenant?  
A. We receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken or moved, Heb. 12. 28.  
Q. As David by promise received from God an everlasting kingdom, 2. Sam. 7. 13. etc. which promise was made good in and by the resurrection of Christ; so we: But where is this promise of the kingdom, since they who most believe in him that raised up jesus our Lord from the dead, seem many times of all other most miserable, and that even to their very dying day?  
A. God, according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of jesus Christ from the dead, 1. Pet. 1. 3.  
Q. What hope is that?  
A. To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for us, 1. Pet. 1. 4.  
Q. That is indeed reserved for us: But how are we (so frail by nature, and so beset on every side with many sore temptations) reserved for it?  
A. We are kept (as in a fort) by the power of God, through faith unto salvation, 1. Pet. 1. 5.  
Q. This salvation is to be revealed in the last time, as it is there said: But how shall we possess our souls in the mean season?  
A. By our patience, Luk. 21. 19  
Q. Is there so great need of patience?  
A. Ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise, Heb. 10. 36.  
Q. It is true indeed. For we must needs drink of the cup which God reacheth unto us: neither can any be a true Christian which doth not patiently offer himself in sacrifice to God.   

Regeneration.  
HOw do men attain to that high dignity of being believers in Christ jesus?  
A. They are borne of God, joh. 1. 13.  
Q. Must there then be a new birth?  
A. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, 2 Cor. 5. 17.  
Q. By what means are they borne of God?  
A. By the incorruptible seed of his word, 1. Pet. 1. 23.  
Q. What word of God is that?  
A. The word which by the Gospel is preached unto them, 1. Pet. 1. 25.  
Q. What things are requisite and necessary to the effectual hearing of the Gospel preached?  
A. To have our hearts opened by God, to attend to it as Lydia, Act. 16. 14.  
Q. What else?  
A. To be taught and drawn of God, joh. 6. 44. 45.  
Q. What else?  
A. Believing to be sealed with the holy Spirit of promise, Eph. 1. 13.   

Sanctification. Mortification.  
Question. WE heard before how Christ bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we being delivered from sin, should live in righteousness: What is it to live in righteousness?  
A. To live henceforth not after the lusts of men, but after the will of God, 1. Pet. 4. 2.  
Q. What is the will of God?  
A. This is the will of God, even your Sanctification, 1. Thes. 4. 3.  
Q. When is our sanctification according to the will of God?  
A. When, as he that calleth us is holy, so we be holy in all manner of conversation, 1. Pet. 1. 15.  
Q. What reason is given why it should be so?  
A. Because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy, Vers. 16.  
Q. So we are commanded to be perfect, as our Father which is in heaven is perfect; not for the degree, for in that we come infinitely short of God's holiness, or perfection; but for truth and universality of obedience to his laws. This leaveth no liberty to men to live after the flesh in any thing?  
A. No: For if you live after the flesh, you shall die▪ Rom. 8. 13.  
Q. What course then is to be taken to save our lives?  
A. If through the Spirit we do mortify the deeds of the body, we shall live, Rom 8. 13.  
Q. By this it plainly appeareth, that a necessity lieth upon us, of striving to enter in at the straight gate?  
A Yes: Because, Straight is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it, Mat. 7. 14.   

Of the holy Scriptures.  
Question. Whence is the will of God to be learned?  
A. Out of the holy Scriptures, all given by inspiration of God, 2 Tim. 3. 16.  
Q. This is their excellency above all other writings, to be all given by inspiration of God. Wherein else do they excel all other writings?  
A. They are able to make us wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ jesus, 2. Tim. 3 15.  
Q How are we to be affected towards them, in regard of these excellencies?  
A. Not to let them departed out of our mouth, but to meditate therein day and night, Iosh. 1. 8.  
Q. To what end?  
A. That we may observe and do according to all that is written therein, ibid.  
Q What good will come of that?  
A. Then shall we make our way prosperous, and then shall we have good success, josh 1. 8.  
Q. Do not diverse very studious of the holy Scriptures meet with many losses and crosses?  
A. Yes; but mark the upright man, and behold the just, for the end of that man is peace, Psal. 37. 37.  
Q. How cometh that to pass?  
A. Many are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of them all, Psal. 34. 19   

Recovery and reconciliation after Offence.  
Question. THe righteous are delivered at God's appointed time, though no▪ always corporally, yet most graciously and happily; their heavenly Father making all things to work for their good, and sending them, as he did his own Son, and the holy Martyrs, by the chariot of the cross, into their heavenly country. But, when we fall into sin (as who liveth and sinneth not?) what is then our refuge?  
A. We have an Advocate with the Father, jesus Christ the righteous, and he is the propitiation for all our sins, 1. joh. 2. 1.  
Q. Who maketh benefit hereof?  
A. He that confesseth and forsaketh his sin, shall have mercy, Prov. 28. 13. 1. joh. 1. 9 Psal. 32. 6.  
Q. What is to be done then of every good man, when he hath offended God?  
A. For this shall every one that is godly make his prayer unto God in a time when he may be found, Psal. 32. 7.  
Q. What special fruit cometh of that?  
A. Surely in the flood of great waters, they shall not come nigh unto him, Psal. 32. 7.  
Q. God will keep them from being swallowed up in the deepest gulfs of dangers, and even of death itself: Doth not this embolden men to sin, seeing their pardon is so ready and certain?  
A. He that is borne of God keepeth himself, that the wicked one toucheth him not, 1. joh. 5. 18.  
Q. Satan toucheth him not with a mortal wound, but what course is to be taken in offences between man and man?  
A. If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him, Luk 17. 3.  
Q. How fare must this readiness to forgive extend?  
A. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent, thou shalt forgive him, Luk. 17. 4.  
Q. And what is more to be done herein?  
A. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another that you may be healed, jam. 5. 16.   

Good Works.  
Question. SInce we are saved by grace through faith, Ephes. 2. 8. what such need is there of good works?  
A. They that have believed in God, must maintain good works for necessary uses, Tit. 3. 8. 14.  
Q. What are those necessary uses?  
A. That men seeing our good works, may glorify our heavenly Father, Matth. 5. 16. 1. Pet. 2. 12.  
Q. What other?  
A. That we may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, Tit. 2. 10.  
Q. What other?  
A. Hereby the bowels of the Saints are refreshed, Philem. 7.  
Q. What other?  
A. That we may make our calling and election sure, 2. Pet. 1. 10.  
Q. The foundation of God standeth sure, having the seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his; but the meaning is, to make it sure to our own souls and consciences: What other necessary use is there of good works?  
A. Our work shall have a reward, 2. Chr. 15 7. Luk. 14. 14. Rev. 14. 13.  
Q. Even to a cup of cold water given to a disciple in the name of a disciple; but of grace, not of merit: What other necessary use is there?  
A. That if any obey not the word, they may without the word be won by our conversation, 1. Pet. 3. 1. 2.  
Q. Be won to the love and admiration of the word, and so be prepared to their conversion. Is there any other use?  
A. So is the will of God, that by well-doing we may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, 1. Pet. 2. 15.  
Q. What special motive is there to stir us up unto forwardness and fervency in the practice of good works?  
A. Christ gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, Tit. 2. 14.  
Q. And what more?  
A. And purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works, ibid.  
Q. What is the danger of not being zealous of good works?  
A. If we be lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, the Lord will spew us out of his mouth, Rev. 3. 16.   

Of the Law, or ten Commandments.  
Question. IN the performance of good works, what guide are we to follow? Will not the light of reason, the precepts and examples of men accounted wise, civil, and honest, serve the turn?  
A. What is written in the Law, saith Christ, how readest thou? Luk. 10. 26.  
Q. So indeed he answered a Lawyer, who would needs know of him what he should do. And again, Mat. 19 17. to a young man enquiring of him, what good thing he should do, his answer was, Keep the Commandments. Teaching us plainly, that a good work, is some good thing, done in obedience to the Law, or Commandments: Which are those Commandments?  
A. The ten Commandments which the Lord spoke in the mount, out of the mids of the fire, Deut. 10. 4.  
Q. Why out of the mids of the fire, and with thunders and lightnings, etc.  
A. That his fear may be before us that we sinne not, Exod. 20. 20.  
Q. How came they to be written?  
A. The Lord delivered them to Moses in two tables of stone, written with his own finger, Deut. 9 10.  
Q. They were written by the immediate power of God: What is the sum of the first Table, or four first Commandments?  
A. The Lord our God is one Lord; and, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength, Mar. 12. 29. 30.  
Q. What is the sum of the second Table, or six last Commandments?  
A. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, Mark. 1●. 31.  
Q. Give me in like manner the short sum of every several Commandment; What is it of the first, Thou shalt have none other Gods before me?  
A. Know God, serve him with a perfect heart and willing mind, cleave to him, 1. Chron. 28. 9 Deut. 10. 20.  
Q. And they that know thy Name will trust in thee, saith David, Psal. 9 10. What of the second, Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image?  
A. In Divine worship, observe to do whatsoever God commandeth, add nothing thereto, nor diminish aught therefrom, Deut. 12. 30. 31. 32.  
Q. What of the third, Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord? etc.  
A. Thou shalt swear the Lord liveth in truth, in judgement, and in righteousness, and (every way else) knowing God, glorify him as God, jer. 4. 2. Rom. 1. 21.  
Q. What of the fourth, Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy?  
A. Consecrate the Sabbath as glorious to the Lord, and honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor seeking thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words, Esa. 58. 13.  
Q. What of the fifth, Honour thy father and thy mother?  
A. Render to all their dues, giving honour to every one, as the Lord hath distributed to them, as the Lord hath called, Rom. 13. 7. 1. Cor. 7. 17.  
Q. Render to all their dues; both to superiors, as parents, magistrates, ministers, aged, etc. and to inferiors, according to their rank, and the trust and charge committed to us. What of the sixth Commandment, Thou shalt not kill.  
A. Put on the bowels of mercy, kindness humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering, forbearing and forgiving one another, Col. 3. 12.  
Q. What of the seventh Commandment, Thou shalt not commit adultery?  
A. Possess thy vessel in holiness and honour, and not in lusts of concupiscence, 1. Thes. 4. 4.  
Q. What of the eighth, Thou shalt not steal?  
A. Let no man go beyond, or defraud his brother in any matter, for God is an avenger of all such, 1. Thess. 4. 6.  
Q. What of the ninth, Thou shalt not bear false witness?  
A. Speak the truth in or from the heart, Psal. 15. 2.  
Q What of the tenth, Thou shalt not covet?  
A. In whatsoever state thou art, therewith be thou content, Phil. 4. 11.  
Q. Can you fulfil all these commandments?  
A. No; In many things we offend all, jam. 3. 2.  
Q. Why can you not fulfil them?  
A. Because the Law is spiritual, and I am carnal, sold under sin, Rom. 7. 14.  
Q. What use is there then of the Law?  
A. By the Law is the knowledge of sin, Rom. 3. 20.  
Q. To what end?  
A. That it might be our Schoolmaster, to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith, Gal. 3. 24.  
Q. When the Law hath humbled us, and brought us to Christ, what use hath it then?  
A. To be a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our paths. Psal. 119. 105.   

Of Prayer.  
Question. BEsides the continual exercise of the holy Scriptures, and practise of good works, what special means have we to uphold our weak faith, and to inflame our cold hearts unto more fervent charity and zeal?  
A. Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you, Mat. 7. 7.  
Q. What encouragement have we thereunto?  
A For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh, etc. Vers. 8.  
Q. Not only the Apostles and the Saints that excel in virtue, but every penitent petitioner, none excepted: What other encouragement have we?  
A. Parents that are evil give good gifts unto their children, how much more shall our heavenly Father give good gifts, yea, even the holy Ghost, to us that desire him? Mat. 7. 11. Luk. 11. 13.  
Q. How is prayer limited?  
A. If we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us, 1. joh. 5. 14.  
Q. In whose name or mediation are we to ask?  
A. Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my Name, saith Christ, he will give it you, joh. 16. 23.  
Q. What things are absolutely necessary in prayer to make it avaleable?  
A. To abide in Christ, and to have his words abiding in us, joh. 15. 7.  
Q. What else?  
A. To ask in faith and waver not, jam. 1. 6.  
Q. What else?  
A. To forgive if any offence be, or else our heavenly Father will not forgive us, Mark. 11. 25. 26.  
Q. What else?  
A. To be most humble with the poor Publican, lest we take the repulse with the proud Pharisee, Luk. 18. 9  
Q. What else?  
A. To be fervent in prayer, and not faint, jam. 5. 16. Luk. 18. 1.  
Q. What say you of thanksgiving to God?  
A. Pray continually: In all things give thankes, 1. Thess. 5. 17, 18.  
Q. In all things small or great, prosperous, or adverse: But what reason is there for that?  
A. This is the will of God in Christ jesus towards you, 1. Thess. 5. 18.  
Q. What other reason is there?  
A. He that offereth praise shall glorify me, saith the Lord, Psal. 50. 23.  
Q. What set form of prayer hath Christ left unto us, to pray, and to frame our prayers by?  
A. After this manner pray ye; or when you pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, etc. Matth. 6. 9 Luk. 11. 2.  
Q. Of this most holy prayer I have briefly set down my mind else where?   

Sacraments.  
ARe not Baptism and the Lords Supper worthy means also to uphold our weak faith, and to further our zeal towards God, and charity one towards another?  
A. Yes; For these Sacraments are seals of the righteousness of faith, Rom. 4. 11.  
Q. They are indeed seals for confirmation of our most holy faith, which even our father Abraham himself had need of: But are they not in like manner seals for confirmation of Christian unity and amity?  
A. Yes; By one Spirit we are all baptised into one body, and have been all made to drink into one spirit, 1. Cor. 12. 13.  
Q. This is a marvellous mystery, by one spirit to be all incorporate in our Baptism, into me mystical body of Christ, which is his holy Catholic Church; and to be all made to drink in the Lord's Supper into one Spirit, by partaking the mystical Cup, or quickening blood of Christ jesus, truly exhibited to all the faithful therein. What doth this blessed Union and Communion with our Head Christ, and with his holy Body the Church, necessarily bind us unto?  
A. To an endeavour of keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, Ephes. 4. 3.  
Q. When is that bond of peace kept undefiled?  
A. When there be no dissensions among us, but we be knit together in one mind, and in one judgement, 1. Cor. 1. 10.  
Q. What is Baptism?  
A. The washing of the new birth, Tit. 3. 5.  
Q. Wherein consisteth this washing of the new birth?  
A. Not in putting away the filth of the flesh; but in the renewing of the holy Ghost 1. Pet. 3. 21. Tit. 3. 5.  
Q. What is the manner and means of this renewing of us, who are so wholly polluted and unclean by nature?  
A. We are washed, we are sanctified, we are justified, in the Name of our Lord jesus Christ, and by the Spirit of God, 1. Cor. 6. 11.  
Q. We are washed in Baptism, in token that we are sanctified and justified by the merit of Christ, in whose Name we are baptised, and by the efficacy of God's Spirit given unto us therein: But why are we baptised in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost?  
A. In token of the Covenant betwixt God the Father, Son, and holy Ghost, and us, Gen. 17. 11.  
Q. As Circumcision was, so Baptism is a sign of the Covenant between God and his people: What is that Covenant on God's part?  
A. That he will be our God, and the God of our seed, Gen. 17. 11.  
Q. What on our part?  
A. We pass into the Covenant of God, to be his people, and so to observe all things, whatsoever Christ hath commanded us; Deut. 29. 12. Mat. 28. 20.  
Q. Is not this to make three Gods?  
A. No; These three, the Father, the Word, and the holy Ghost are one, 1. joh. 5. 7.  
Q. They are one in substance and consent, yet three Persons, or distinct manners of being in the Godhead: What is proper to the person of the Father?  
A. To be called one God, and the only true God, of whom are all things, 1. Cor. 8. 6. joh. 17. 3.  
Q. The Godhead is commonly ascribed to the Father, because in him is the beginning of it: who hath not only his essence as God, but his personal being as Father of himself: he is also called the only true God, not to exclude the Son, and the holy Ghost (who are of the same substance and glory with him) but all idols and creatures only: What is proper to the person of the Son?  
A. He is the only begotten of the Father, the power of God, and the wisdom of God, by whom are all things, joh. 1. 14. 1. Cor. 1. 24. and 8. 6.  
Q. What is proper to the person of the holy Ghost?  
A. He proceedeth and is sent of the Father, and the Son, from whom he worketh all, in all things, joh. 14. 26. and 15. 26. 1. Cor. 12. 11.  
Q. Set down some few texts of holy Scriptures, proving this most high and incomprehensible mystery, the Trinity in Unity, and the Unity in Trinity.  
A. Matth. 3. 16. 17. and 28. 19 1. Cor. 13. 13. Ephes. 2. 18. 1. joh. 5. 7. Revel. 1. 4. 5. Let him that readeth understand, etc.  
Q. What is the Lords Supper?  
A. The Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ, 1. Cor. 10. 16.  
Q. What is the bread which is solemnly blessed and broken?  
A. The body of Christ broken for us, 1. Cor. 11. 24.  
Q. And what is the Cup of blessing which we bless?  
A. The blood of Christ, or the New Testament in his blood, Matth. 26. 28. 1. Cor. 11. 25.  
Q. Doth not this make for Popish transubstantiation?  
A. Nothing at all: It is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteh nothing, joh. 6. 63.  
Q. It is most true, that the spirit, or spiritual receiving of the flesh and blood of Christ crucified for us, by faith in him, giveth life to the receiver: the flesh, or bodily receiving without that, profiteth nothing: But why are we to eat this Bread, and drink this Cup?  
A. Do this in remembrance of me, saith our blessed Saviour twice over, 1. Cor. 11. 24. 25.  
Q. To what end are we so solemnly to be put in remembrance of him in this holy action?  
A. That so often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we may show the Lords death till he come, 1. Cor. 11. 26.  
Q. His most bitter and meritorious death, with the sweet fruits of it, are upon this occasion to be declared at all hands, both publicly, and privately, with the greatest alacrity, joy, thankfulness, and zeal, that possibly can be: But how are we to prepare and address ourselves to this holy banquet?  
A. Let every man examine himself, and so let him eat of this bread, and drink of this cup, 1. Cor 11. 28.  
Q. What is the danger of the neglect hereof?  
A. To be guilty of the body and blood of Christ, 1. Cor. 11. 27.  
Q. No marvel, since abuse offered to the Sacrament, which is an holy instrument, seal, and image of the King of Kings, even by divine institution, must needs redound to the Lord himself: They must needs therefore eat and drink their own damnation, that do so requite the Lord for this inestimable mercy: But whereof must we chief examine ourselves?  
A. Whether we 〈◊〉 in the faith; whether Christ be in us or ●●. 2. Cor. 13. ●.  
Q Whereby will it appear that we be of sound religion, and have saving faith?  
A. Saving faith purifieth the heart, Act. 15. 9  
Q. How else?  
A. It worketh also by charity, Gal. 5. 6.  
Q. How else?  
A. It maketh us as new borne babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that we may grow thereby, 1. Pet. 2. 2.  
Q. Whereby shall we know that Christ is in us?  
A. Hereby we know that Christ abideth in us, even by the Spirit that he hath given unto us, 1. joh. 3. 24  
Q. And how may the Spirit of God be discerned in us?  
A. By his fruits; Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Gal. 5. 22, 23.  
Q. How may we be assured, that the fruits of the Spirit are in us in truth?  
A. If we live in the Spirit, let us walk in the Spirit, Gal. 5. 25.  
Q When, by living and walking in the Spirit, that is, by the habit or customary practice of his fruits, with a holy delight therein, we have found that Christ abideth in us: What remaineth further to be examined?  
A. How we grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour jesus Christ, 2. Pet. ●. 18.  
Q. A very necessary point to be examined of us all; ●o●,: Christ 〈◊〉 not to grow, is to go down the 〈…〉: But when is this our solemn and serious examination of ourselves throughly performed?  
A. When having considered our ways, we turn our feet unto God's testimonies, Psal. 119. 59   

Question. What is constantly to be done of him that desireth a quiet life, and to see good days in this world?  
A. Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile: Depart from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it, Psal. 34. 13. 14.  
Q. And what is to be done to escape the most desperate dangers that can befall men here, or hereafter?  
A. Watch you, saith Christ, and pray continually, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things, that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man, Luk. 21. 36.  ACTS 24. 
15. I have hope towards God, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just, and unjust.  
16. And herein I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence, toward God, and toward men.   
FINIS.