MILK FOR BABES. THE ENGLISH CATECHISM, SET DOWN IN THE Common-Prayer Book, briefly explained for the private use of the Younger and more unlearned sort of his Parishioners of Apleton, in the County of Berks. By W. D. 1. PET. 2.2. As new borne Babes desire the sincere Milk of the word that ye may grow thereby. Ad Ecclesiae filios instruendos addendum est nostri sermonis obsequium. Non enim timens nè spiritales & eruditi nota fastidiant ad quorum fructum pertinet alijs insinuare quod ipsi cum magnâ sui utilitate didicerunt. Leo Papa. AT OXFORD, Printed by JOHN LICHFIELD, Printer to the famous University Anno. Dom. 1628. Errata. Page 3. line 27. read substance and life Page 5. line. 16. read truly and visible. Page 11. line. 29. read properly His Page 12. line 10. read not to our knowledge TO HIS PARISHIONERS GRACE, MERCY, PEACE AND LOVE, BE MVLTIPLIed through our Lord jesus Christ. THE Title and frontispiece of this book, shows for whom it is provided: such as have need of milk and not of strong meat, Heb. 5. and are unskilful in the word of righteousness. And to these I do present and offer it as the fittest dish for their use; wherein the milk of the Catechism is as it were chewed, and softened in the mouth, that their understandings may the more easily receive, and digest it into nourishment, and strength. It was my error I confess, to make an open and public offer of this meat unto you, not considering how some had rather ever want then seem at any time to be in need, and to perish rather than acknowledge their infirmity: But I am at length reformed and become the man you would perchance have me to be, an house-chaplain, or private Minister to Catechise, instruct, and teach you, and your Children, and your servants at home in the rudiments and beginnings of your Christian profession. Whosoever you be take heed how you slight, and contemn the learning of these small & Childish things; for they are the first principles of the Oracles of God as the Apostle calls them, Heb. 5. and the foundation whereon the spiritual building of Grace and everlasting blessedness standeth; Neither do ye, that are yet unlearned and ignorant, content yourselves with a bare memory, and Mother-beleefe of words, without some knowledge and understanding of what you speak, and profess and to believe, or do. For of good & evil the more known the easier the one is to be avoided, and the other done: And in matters of faith persuasion takes most hold, and application is made with most comfort and assurance where understanding leads the way. The like is to be observed in Prayer, and other Religious works, understanding and knowledge must go along with them. 1. Cor 14.15 For I will pray with the spirit saith (the Apostle) and I will pray with understanding also. And I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the understanding also. In your several trades and callings it is easy to observe that you have them not by roate only; but are therein skilful and understanding, and able to give an account and a reason of your work: And my desire and purpose is to make you as learned in the word of Righteousness, skilful to discern both good & evil, Heb. 5. 1. Pet. 3. & able to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you. And for this cause I have taken this form with which the Printer hath pleased to Cloth me, and wherein I may without any trouble continually be present among you, and upon all occasions ready to do you service in the work of the Ministry. No time willbe unseasonable for me to be your Teacher as long as you shall find any need, or will in yourselves to be instructed. Fix and fasten me to some convenient place in your Houses (otherwise I shall be in some danger to be swept out of doors) and let me be unto you for a Fringe that you may look upon it, and remember all the Commandments of the Lord and do them; And that you seek not after your own heart & your own eyes after which you use to go a whoring. Numb. 15. That you may remember and do all the Commandments and be holy unto your God. I shallbe well pleased to stand a side while your daily, and necessary employments are in your hands (for there is no good kindred & agreement betwixt us) but at your times of rest and leisure, or in the Evenings, or while you are absent from the Church, I could wish myself your Compainon to pass a way the time with all. Here together with your Children, and the rest of your Family ye may continually exercise yourselves, by conferring, admonishing examining & edifying one another & searching the Scriptures whether the things be so as you find them reported to be. By this means you may cause the word of Christ to dwell in you richly, Colos. 3. your Faith may be increased, and confirmed, your understanding and knowledge in the things of God bettered, and enlarged, your affections and will refined, and rectified, & at length come unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That henceforth ye be no more Children ready to be tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the sleight of men, Ephes. 4. & cunning craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive: But being grounded & settled in your own professed Religion, ye may with boldness make resistance against the undermine of our Romish adversaries who closely steal into our houses, and surprise weak and unsettled minds, and wrest them unto a denial and hate of the Church and profession whereunto they were Baptised before they have learned either what our Church doth teach them to believe and know, or they themselves ought to profess, and practise for the salvation of their souls. Therefore my people are gone into Captivity saith the Lord, Isai. 5. because they have no knowledge. Without this a man is like a City without a wall or a trench; having not where with all to gainsay & resist an assault made, presently thinks on a composition, & for some fair promises willbe content to exchange, and deliver himself for ever a slave unto the Conqueror. Luk. 11. But God be thanked hitherto our houses, & goods are in peace as if we were all strong men armed the Enemy hath not broke in upon us spoiled our houses, or carried any of us away Captives. And in this estate, and Liberty of truth no doubt we shall continue firms and settled, if so be that we be not at any time wanting unto ourselves, and neglect the means of strength and knowledge whereby we may be enabled to resist in the day of temptation. For whosoever hath, to him shallbe given & he shall have in more abundance. Luk. 8. But whosoever hath not, from him shallbe taken even that he seemeth to have saith our Saviour Christ. I beseech you therefore beloved Parishioners and exhort you by the Lord jesus Christ that ye labour to put of all Childishness in understanding, and be strong in the word of God, and in the knowledge of his truth and of your Christian duty, go on from strength to strength, from knowledge to knowledge, from grace to grace, and give not over till you have clothed yourselves with the whole Armour of God. So shall you approve yourselves worthy of the vocation where with you are called in jesus Christ, and he will accept of your Godly endeavours, and zeal, and will add thereunto of his spirit in more abundance, and increase you with increase of God, until he shall have brought you to be perfect and complete in himself, who filleth all things, to whom be honour and praise & thanksgiving now and for ever. The grace of our Lord jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. MILK FOR BABES. Question. WHAT is your Name? Answer. N. or M. Question. Who gave you this Name? Answer. My a Examples show that Parents have anciently used, to give names to their own Children, (Gen. 21.3. 1 Sam. 1.20. Luk. 1.63. Mat. 1.21.) wherein at this day it is very reasonable that their desire and direction should not be altogether neglected by godfathers and godmothers; Godfathers & Godmothers in my Baptism, The Christian man. wherein I was made a b Not by the bare sprinkling or dipping into the water without the Spirit of God: (joh. 3.5. Rom. 8.9. 1 Cor. 12.12.13.) by whom we are properly quickened, and made lively members of Christ jesus. 2. Cor. 3.6. Gal. 4.6.7. Rom. 8. 11. Now faith and the works of a new life will show whether the Spirit of God, did assist and join with the work of the Minister or not. 1. Cor. 12.3. Gal. 5.16. 1. joh. 4.2. member of Christ, the Child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of Heaven. Q. What did your Godfathers and Godmothers then for you? A. They did promise and vow three things in my name. Note that all the good and benefit in the former answer mentioned, and which we are to expect from Christ in our Baptism sealed unto us, is with condition, namely if we shall perform the promise made in our behalves by our godfathers and godmothers. Math. 16.27. Q. What doth your Godfathers promise? A. First that I should forsake the Devil and all his works the pomps and vanities of the wicked world, His vow. and all the sinful lusts of the flesh. The reason hereof is because being by baptism entered, and enroled a servant of God, and received into his house and family, that is into his Church: you are therefore to renounce all love and obedience to these masters, to which by nature you are subject, and to put yourself in open defiance against his enemies which are the Devil, this world, and your own flesh. Math. 6.24. Rom. 6.12. etc. Eph. 6.11, etc. Secondly that I should believe all the Articles of the Christian faith: The reason hereof is, because Christ hath inseparably tied and annexed faith unto Baptism, without which Baptism profiteth nothing, and salvation is not to be had. Mar. 16.16. Act. 2.41.8.36.37.38. Thirdly that I should keep Gods holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of my life. The reason hereof is because the faith of belief here required of such as are Baptised must be a working, and a lively faith, openly showing forth in the sight of God and men their obedience and love, in performing the will and commandment of God, and of our Lord jesus Christ. Math. 5.16. Luk. 1.74.75. Tit. 1.16. jam. 2.17. 2. Pet. 1.4.5. 1. joh. 5.1.2. Q. Dost thou not think that thou art bound to believe and to do as they have promised for thee? A. Yes verily, and by Gods help so I will: 1. Cor. 15.10. jam. 4.15. and I do heartily thank our heavenly Father that he hath called me, to this state of salvation, through jesus Christ our Saviour. Ephe. 1.3. etc. 2. Tim. 1.9. and I pray god to give me his grace that I may continue in the same to my life's end. Math. 24.13. Luk. 22.32. Q. Rehearse. (Rom. 10.8.9. Math. 10.32.33. 1. His belief Pet. 3.15.) then the Articles, or several parts or points of thy belief, or of those things which thou art to believe for the salvation of thy soul A. 1. I Believe in God the father Almighty maker of heaven and earth. That is. I a Act. 8.37. myself do believe, that God (the first Person in the Godhead) is the b Math. 3.17. joh. 1.14.18. father of our Lord jesus Christ, &, through him, my c Math. 23.9. joh. 20.17. Ephe. 1.5. jam. 1.18. Father also, in whom I trust, & d Luk. 12.22. etc. rely on his providence & provision of all things necessary both for my body and soul: in as much as he is e Gen. 17.1 Luk. 1, 37. Rom. 9.19. able, & hath the might & power to do all things whatsoever he will, & that he f joh. 1.3. Coll. 1.16. Rev. 10. 6. created & made the heavens, & earth, & all things therein, & g Eph. 1.11.12. 2.10. me in particular to his own glory & service, & to the obtaining of that salvation which he hath promised to all that believe in his son jesus Christ. 2 And in jesus Christ his only son our lord That is I myself do believe that jesus Christ (the second Person in the Godhead) is the a Math. 3. 17. joh. 1.14.3.16. Colos. 1. 15.2.9. only natural, and proper son of God, begotten from everlasting of the Father (having and receiving from him the same nature, substance, and b joh. 5.26. as natural Children begotten do receive from there natural parents) and that he is c Math. 11.27. Luk. 2.11. Rom. 6.23. Lord as well as his Father having power and dominion to rule and dispose of all things according to his own will and pleasure, not only as he is our d joh. 1, 1.2.3. Heb. 1.10. creator & maker, but more especially do I acknowledge him our Lord, for as much as he hath e Luk. 1.74. 75. Gal. 4.4.5. Rom. 6. 22. redeemed, and set us free from the power of the Devil, sin and death & made us his servants to serve him in righteousness and holiness all the days of our life. 3 Which was conceived by the holy Ghost borne of the Virgin Mary. That is, I do believe that jesus Christ the son of God was also a john: 1.14. Heb. 2.16. made man, being b Gen. 3.15. Isa. 7. 14 Luk. 1.35. conceived of the seed of a woman the Virgin Mary by the holy Ghost after an unspeakable manner, and in due time was borne of her a perfect man, bone of her bone and flesh of her flesh in all things, ( d Rom. 8.3. 2. Cor. 5.21. Heb. 4.15. sin only excepted) like unto other Children & sons of men. c Isay. 9.6. Luk. 2. 11. Heb. 2.14. 4. He suffered under Pontius Pilate was Crucified, dead & buried. That is, I do believe, that jesus Christ (to a Is. 53.5. joh. 3. 14. Rom. 4.25. Gal. 3.13. deliver me body and soul from the curse of the law and everlasting Damnation, and to b Isay. 53.5. Rom. 5.10.6.23. 2. Cor. 5.18. Colos. 1.20. procure unto me peace with God and the gift of everlasting life) hath c Math. 2.13.4. 1. etc. 11.19. Luk. 9.58 joh. 7.44.8.48.9. 22.10.31. 11.53. suffered the wrath of God all his life time; but especially near his end, not in body only but in d Ps. 116.3. Mat. 26. 38.27.46 Luk. 22.42.43.44. Heb. 5.7. Isay. 53.6. Gal. 3.13. soul, he was humbled, and suffered the uttermost extremity of his justice, and of those unutterable sorrows and torments (due to the sins of the whole world) under e Math. 26.27. Mark. 14.15. Luk. 22.23. joh. 18.19. Pontius Pilate the governor of the country being adjudged by him to be nailed, and fastened to the accursed Cross, whereon he died, and was after taken down and laid into a grave and buried 5. He descended into Hell, the third day he rose again from the dead. That is, I do believe that jesus Christ went down and plainly appeared and presented himself in hell, a Psa. 86.12.13. Ephes. 4.9.10. Colos. 1.18. and on the b Math. 12.40. Mark. 8.31. joh. 19.42.20.1. etc. Act. 10.40. third day after he had been dead and buried, his soul and body came together again and he, the very same person revived from death by his own c joh. 2.19.10.18. power came forth a conqueour from Hell, rose, and came out of the Sepulchre or grave wherein he had been laid. Hereby showing d 1. Cor. 15.17.54.55.56. Rom. 4.25.14.9. that he had fully satisfied & overcome the Devil, Death, Hell and the grave, and all punishment due unto my sins, and hath from henceforth cleared a passage e Hosea: 6.2. 1. Cor. 15.20. etc. Thes. 4.14. Rom. 8.11. for me & all believers unto life eternal. 6. He ascended into Heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. That is, I do believe that the a joh. 3.13. same Christ jesus, after he had stayed b Act. 11.3. some days and conversed with his Disciples on Earth, was truly c Luk. 24.51. Act. 1.9. and justly translated, and moved from thence up into Heaven ( d joh. 14.2.3.17.24. there to prepare a place for me) where he hath all power, majesty and glory, all things being made subject unto him e Psa. 110.1. Colos. 3.1. Mark. 14.62. Luk. 22.69. Ephes. 1.20. etc. 2. Pet. 3.22. 7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick & the dead. That is, I do believe that Christ jesus will a Act. 1.11. come again from Heaven b Math. 24.30. visibly, and c joh. 5.22. Act. 10.42. 2. Tim. 4.1. judge and give sentence upon all men according to their d Math. 12.36.37.25.34. 2. Cor. 5.10. Reuel. 20.12. works, as well those that are then living, as those which have been dead unto that day. 8. I believe in the holy Ghost. That is, I do acknowledge the holy Ghost (the third person in the Godhead) to be a Math. 28.19. Acts. 5.3.4.28.25. job. 33.4. 1. Cor. 12.11. God, the b Math. 21.19. 28.19. Luk. 12.10. Heb. 9.8. 1. joh. 5.7. same and equal with God the Father, and his son jesus Christ, in whom also I do believe and trust upon as the especial worker of all grace, and holiness in me, by c Mar. 13.11. joh. 14.26.16.13. Act. 2.33. Rom. 8.15.16. 1. Cor: 2.12. teaching d Math: 1.20. Rom: 1.4. 1. Cor: 3.16.17.6.11. 1 Pet: 1.2. sanctifying, e Ioh: 14: 16.17, Acts: 5: 41.7.55. comforting, f Ioh: 14, 23. Rom: 8.11. 1. Cor: 12.13. 2. Cor: 1.22. Gal: 4.6. Ephe: 1, 13, 4. 1. Ioh: 3.24. and knitting or uniting me and all believers into Christ jesus, 9 The holy Catholic Church the communion of Saintes. That is I do believe, and acknowledge that God hath and will gather and call forth (through his spirit and the preaching of his word) a Church Catholic, or universal, that is a a Gen. 12.1.15.6.7. Mat. 16.18. Acts. 2.41.47. Rom. 1.7.10.12. etc. 1. Cor. 10.2. Rev. 2. Company of men of b Esay. 49. 5.6 Mar. 16.15. Act. 10.34.35 Ephe. 5.26. Gal. 26. etc. Revel 5.9. all sorts, times and places through out the whole world agreeing in the faith of jesus Christ, and through him made c Esay. 62.12. Acts. 9.13.26.10.18. 1. Cor. 14.33.16.11. Ephe: 5.27. 1. Pet. 2.9. Reuel. 19.8. holy, sanctified, and set a part for his own service and honour, and the attainment of everlasting life: And I do likewise believe, that these men thus sanctified, and made holy, are united as members of one and the same body, into jesus Christ, and are d Isay. 65.25. joh. 10.16.17.21. 1. Cor: 12.13.14. Ro: 8.32. Ephe. 2.19. etc. 4.5.16. fellows and partakers or intercommoners in all the promises of his Gospel, and in all those gifts and graces, which are requisite and needful either for his own glory, or the common good and salvation of his whole Church. 10. The forgiveness of sins. That is I do believe that God, (for that all sufficient satisfaction made unto his justice by jesus Christ through his blood, and death, and his fullfilling c Math. 3.15. of all righteousness,) will d Psal: 32.2. 2. Cor. 5.19. Rom. 4.6.7.8. pardon and forgive all my sins, accounting of them as if no sin had been committed, and that he will e Ro. 5.18.19. 1 Cor. 1.30. 2. Cor. 5.21. impute unto me his righteousness that so I may not at any time come into f Rom. 5.1.8.1. condemnation. a Exo. 34.7, Mar: 2.7. Ioh: 20.23. b 1. Ioh: 1.7. 2.2. Colos: 1.14.19.20. Gal: 3.13. 11. The resurrection of the body. That is I do believe that the a joh. 5.28. 1. Cor. 15. Reuel. 20.12.13. job. 19.26.27. bodies of all men shallbe raised to life again, and being united to their souls, they the same men in substance both b Math. 16.27, 2. Cor. 5, 10. 2. Thes. 1.7. etc. Revel. 22.12. good and bad shall stand before God's judgement seat, and be sentenced according to their works done in there life time 12. And the Life everlasting. That is I do believe, that both to a joh. 3.16.5.24.10.28. Rom. 6.23. 1. Cor. 2.9. 1. Thes. 4.16.17. 2. Tim. 4.8. me & all the elect & Saints of God the gift of everlasting life, that is an everlasting estate in perfect holiness and unutterable happiness, shallbe given by Christ jesus my Saviour; and together with him I shall live in his kingdom and enjoy the full measure of blessedness for ever and ever. Amen: That is. So verily are these things, and may they be as I have confessed and acknowledged them. Q. What dost thou chiefly Learn in these Articles of thy Belief. A. First I learn to believe in God the Father who hath made me and all the world As it doth appear out of the first Article. Secondly in God the son who hath redeemed me and all mankind As it doth appear both by the second, third, fourth, fift, sixth, seaventh Articles, which show what God did, or what means he used, and will use for the perfect redemption, of them that believe as much: and also by the Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Articles which show what, or wherein our redemption doth consist Thirdly in God the holy Ghost who Sanctifieth me and all the Elect people of God As we Learn out of the Eight, and Ninth Articles. Q. It seems by your answer that there are three gods, God the Father, God the Son. God the Holy Ghost. A. There is but one god (1. john. 5.7.) but three Persons as I am taught to believe in Athanasius his Creed commonly called by the name of Quicunque vult) which is not a Different or several Creed from the Apostles Creed or the Nicene Creed (which is usually read after the Gospel) but a commentary rather or large exposition thereof. Q. What do you mean by a Person? A. By this word Person I do understand a divers, and Incommunicable manner and order of being and working in God. And this is plainly set forth in Athanasius his Creed. Touching the diverse manner of being in the Godhead thus it is. The Father is made of none, neither created nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone not made nor created but begotten. The Holy Ghost is of the Father & of the Son neither made nor created nor begotten but proceeding and as it were Breathed from both. joh 15.26.16.15.20.22. Now the divers order of working in God is thus. The creation of all things is the proper & immediate work of the Father, the first Person of the three. The redemption of mankind is the proper and immediate work of the Son, the second Person of the three Sanctification is the proper and immediate work of the holy Ghost the third Person of the three. And thus God is One in substance Power, and Eternity. Three in Number of Persons, both according to the divers manner of being, in respect of one another and also of their Different order of working upon other things. Q. You said that your Godfathers and Godmothers did promise for you, that you should keep God's Commandments. His works Tell me how many there be A. Ten. Q. Which be they? A. The same which God spoke in the Twentieth Chapter of Exodus saying, I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out of the Land of Egypt out of the house of bondage. Q. What doth God command in these words? A. God commandeth nothing in these words, but rather shows us his authority and power in making Laws, and the reasons why we are to obey and do them. First, I am the Lord saith he: and therefore to him belongs the power of making laws. Secondly, I am thy God & brought thee out of Egypt saith he, and therefore thou art to obey and suffer thyself to be ruled by me. Q. Which then is the first commandment? A. 1. Thou shalt have none other Gods but me. Q. What doth God require of thee in this first commandment? A. This is to be noted and observed in general, of this & of all the Commandments following, that in those commandments which are negative, that is, forbidding somewhat to be done, there also is employed a Command, bidding us to do, those duti●● which are contrary to them which are expressly forbidde● 〈◊〉 so in those Commandments which are Affirmative, that is bidding somewhat to be done, there is also employed a command, forbidding us to do the contrary, to them which are expressly enjoined, for example, in this first commandment: as God forbids us to be Atheists, that is to have and acknowledge no God at all, (Psa. 13.1.) or to be Idolators, that is, to have a false god, or many gods: (Exo. 23.24.25. Deut. 32.12. josu. 24.14.) so doth he require us to have him to our god, & only him. Deut. 6.12.13.14. Ios. 23.7.8. Math. 4.10. Q. What is it to Have God or to have no other God? A. It is as much as if I should say. First that I must a Deut. 31.12.13. 1. Cron. 29.10. etc. Psal. 100.3. jerem. 9.24.7. Zephan. 1.5. joh. 17, 3. Colos. 3.10. know and acknowledge, him to be the true and only god: And b Psa. 10.4. Esay. 1.3. jerom. 2. 8. joh. 9.3. Rom. 1.21. Ephes. 4.17.18. 2. Pet. 3.5. not be negligently ignorant, contemn, or doubt of him, or those things which he hath revealed of himself Secondly that I must humble and a Deut. 10.12. 2. Sam. 10.12. Psal. 39.9. job. 1.20. Malac. 1.6. Acts. 4.19. 1. Pet. 5.6. jam. 4.7. submit myself in all things unto him my only Lord and Master: and b Exo. 4.10.15.2. Deut. 9.4. 1. Sam. 15.23.22.18. 2. Cron. 32.14. Act. 5.29.12.23. not advance myself against him or obey other men, or mine own will, or any way grudge at his doings, or slight his power and goodness Thirdly that I must put my whole a Deut. 10.20.30.20.2. Cron. 20.20. Psal. 27.1.32 10.37.4.104.34. Prou. 3.5. Acts. 11.23. Rom. 8.31.32. 1. Cor. 1.31. Phil. 4.4. 1. Pet. 57 belief, trust, confidence and delight in him always, and stick and cleave unto him in all occurrences whatsoever: and b Levit. 20.6. Deut. 18.10.11. Psal. 62.10. Isay. 2.22.29.13. jerem. 2.5. Math. 6, 21.13.10. Luk. 12.19. 1. Cor. 10.7. Phil: 3.19. 1. Thes. 4.13. 1. john. 5.10. not forsake him, or Distrust his word, and goodness, or delight, seek, or put my trust, and hope in any thing contrary to his will. Fourthly that I must a Deut: 6.13. Psal: 50.15, Daniel. 6.10. Math. 4.10.7.7. Luk. 11.2.18. 1. jam. 1.5.5.13.14. worship him only by prayer, and calling upon his name: and not b job. 21.15. Psal. 14.1.4. Isay. 63.16. Zephan: 1.5. Acts. 10.26. Rom. 10.14. Reuel. 19.10. neglect to do it, or do it to any other. Fiftly that I must give a Psal, 103.17.116. 2. job. 1.21. Isay. 12. Ephes. 5.20. Colos. 4.2. 1. Thes. 5.18. thanks unto him the only author of all good things and the Deliverer from all evil: and not neglect this duty, or yield it to any other b Psal. 106.13. Isay. 5.4. Habuck. 1.16. Hosea. 2.5.8. jerem: 2.27.16, 17. Luk 17.17. Rom. 1. 31. 1. Cor: 4.7. 1. Tim: 2.3. Q. Which is the second Commandment? A. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven Image nor the likeness of any thing that is in Heaven above, or in the Earth beneath or in the water under the Earth. Thou shalt not bow down to them, nor worship them. Q. What art thou taught in this commandment? A. I am taught after what manner god is pleased to be worshipped, namely, That I a Exod: 23.24.32.1.4.5.8. Deut: 4.15.16: 27.15 Psal. 50.21.97.7: Isay: 40.18. Acts: 17.23. 1. Ioh: 5.21, am not to conceive a false, and an unworthy opinion of God, as that he is like unto man, or any other thing whatsoever, or to express him, in any such visible resemblance, Image, or Picture, & to worship it as God or God in it: but rather am b Deut: 12.30. &c, josu: 4.23.24. Mat: 15.9, Acts: 10 33, Luk: 1.75. Numb: 16.1. 1, Sam: 15.19, 1. Cor: 11.20. Isai: 1.10. &c, I so to think of God, as he hath revealed himself, and only to worship him, as he doth by his word, direct me. Q, What is the meaning of these words, For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God and visit the sins of the Fathers upon the Children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and show mercy unto thousands in them that love me and keep my Commandments. A. In these words nothing is commanded, but they are annexed to the second Commandment, to persuade me to obedience, and to a just performance, of the aforesaid Command: Threatening God's vengeance to all, both Parents & Childerens that offend against it: and on the other side promising mercy and love to many posterities of those that observe to do it. Q. Repeat the third commandment, 3. A. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. Q. What doth God require of thee in this Commandment. A. That in my outward actions, dealings, and commerce with others I do not at any time abuse, profane, or mention the holy name of God, or any thing that is properly, unbeseeming his great honour, and majesty: but by all the means I may set forth his glory, and with all possible devotion and reverence in word and deed use his name to his honour. Q. How is God's name taken in vain or abused. A. Divers ways. First to swear by any thing besides God, either, supposed Gods, or parts of God, or other creatures. Exod. 23.13. jerem: 5.7. Zepha. 15. Mat. 23.6. etc. Secondly by using his name, or swearing in our ordinary talk, & upon every sleight occasion, in some passion, or otherwise. Lev: 5.4.5. 1. Sam. 14.39.44. Mat. 5.34.37. jam. 5.12. Thirdly to think and speak despitefully, irreverently, and reproachfully of God, Exod: 5.2. Lev: 24.15.16. 2. King. 18.22.32. etc. Psal. 10.11.14.1.50.11.78.19. Rom: 1, 23, 9: 20. Fourthly to abuse his name in vowing and swearing that which is either absolutely false and unlawful, or at least not to acknowledge true and lawful, or with a purpose to deceive the believer, or not to stand to that which is sworn, or 〈◊〉 vowed, Lev: 19: 12: Ios: 9: 15: 16, 18. 1. Sa. 21.1.25.22.32.28.10. 1. King. 21.13. Ps. 15. 4.24.4 Mar. 14.57.58. Act 5.1. Fiftly by rash & sudden imprecations, & cursings, wishing evil to come on our neighbours, ourselves, or other creatures from gods hands, Num. 23.8. Rom. 3.14.18.12.14. jud. 9 Sixtly by an open evil, & carriage & demeanour, contrary to our profession, 2. Sa. 12.14. Ro: 2.23.24. Col: 4.5.6. Tit. 1.3.4.5.16. Seventhly by neglecting, suppressing, with holding, opposing Gods will, word, or any means of his glory. Levit: 19.17.22. 31.32. Numb. 13.31. Prov. 30.9. Amo: 2.7 Mal: 1.11.12. Math. 12.36.25.25. Luk. 8.13.17. 17.18. Ioh: 9.21.22.12. 42.43. Acts: 26. 11. Q. You have told how many ways God's name may be abused, or taken in vain, now tell me how God's name may be used well, or Glorified, and Sanctified, which is a Duty implied, and required of thee in this Commandment: Psal. 29.1.2. Mat. 6.9. 1. Cor. 10.31. A. God's name is glorified: First by swearing, and confirming all truth (not other ways to be manifested) in his name only, or with some invocation, and attestation referred unto him, though not plainly named. Exod. 22.11. Deut: 6.13. 1. King. 8.31.32. Isay: 45.23.65.16. jerem. 4. 2. Heb. 6.16.17. Secondly by performing the works of piety: as Blessing and Making Vows in his name only, and praising, thanksgiving, and praying unto him only. 1. Sam. 1.11. Psa. 50.14.15.23.66, 13.14.160.4.105. 1. Mat: 5.44. Rom. 12.14. 2. Cor: 11.31. Ephes. 6.18. Philip: 4.6. Colos. 3.17. 1. Thes. 5.17.18. Thirdly by an holy and godly conversation of life answerable to our profession. joh. 15.8. 2. Cor. 8.19. Ephes. 4.1.5.3.4. 2. Tim. 2.19. Tit: 2.10. Isay. 1.13. etc. 66.3. Philip. 2.11. Fourthly by teaching, and causing others to glorify God's name, and by increasing and spreading abroad his honour by all the means we may, Deut: 4.9.6.7 etc. Psal 22.22.69.30.31. Mat: 5.15, 16.25.19.20. Luk. 22.32. Ephes. 4.29 .. Colos. 3.16. Q. What is the meaning of these words; For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. A. These are annexed to the commandment to give warning to all that they take heed how they offend against it: for whosoever they be that any way shall presume to dishonour Gods most holy name, let them be assured that God doth take notice of their sin, and will esteem of them as guilty, and will in due time cause just punishment to be executed upon them. Levit: 24.15.16. Q. Proceed to the next Commandment. A. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day Q. What doth God require of thee in this commandment. A. Three things: First to observe one day of Seven for a Sabbath day, that is a day of rest, and cessation from all worldly labours and business. To which use the Lords day, wherein he rose from the dead, is generally received by Christians, amongst us commonly but corruptly called Sunday. Secondly to set apart. Sanctify, or keep this day holy to God's service and worship. Thirdly to remember that above all other things it be duly observed. Q. How is the Sabbath day to be kept holy. A. Divers ways. First by ceasing from all manner of bodily labours and worldly businesses which are not agreeable unto, or cross, slaken, or hinder the service and worship of God. As from the ordinary works of our special callings, from bargainings, buying and selling, and journeying, from mercy meetings, feastings, and drink, and fruitless pastimes, sports and gaiming: yea from talking, thinkeing, or contriving in our minds any of these things against another day. Exod. 16.29.31.14.32.6.18.19. 1. Cor. 10.7. Exod. 34.21. jerem. 17.21.22. Neh. 13.15. Isay: 58.13.14. Q. It seems by your answer that God doth not simply forbid all manner of works, and labours on the Sabbath day. A. He doth not. For works of mercy and piety, and such as directly tend to the good of man, or other creatures, and furtherance of the service of God he doth allow. 2. King's: 4.44.23. Nehem. 8.10. Hosea. 6.6. Mat. 12.1. etc. Mark. 3.4. Luk. 13.14. etc. Acts: 1.12. jam. 1.27. Also works of necessity, such as cannot be deferred without peril, or what nature, and the maintenance of our being, and common civility and decency doth require. 1. Macab. 2.40. Mat. 12.1.4.11. Mark. 2.27. Luk. 14.5. Exod. 19.10.11. Q. You have answered well. Go on now and tell me how else the Sabbath day is to be kept holy. A. By a spiritual rest, and cessation from sin, or the occasion of sin, either in word, thought, or deed. For such a rest and Sabbath there is in heaven whether we are to labour to come. Heb: 4.9.10. Isay: 1, 11, &c: 56, 2, 58, 13, 14: jerem: 7, 9, etc. Thirdly by exercising, and performing all such holy works which are commanded by God for the Sanctifying of the Sabbath, namely by a Psalm: 84, 1, 2, 95, 100, 122, 1, 2, Ecles: 5, 1, Isai: 2, 3, Act.: 2, 1, 1 Cor: 11, 18, 14, 26. repairing to the appointed, and public place of God's worship with due reverence and preparation, by b Levit: 10, 11, Nehem: 8, 4, 8, john: 5.24. Acts. 2.14.13.14. etc. 15.21.17.11. 1. Tim 4.13.15.16. Heb: 10.24.25. Psal: 1.2.22.22. Luk: 24.14.15. 1. Pet: 2.2. james: 22. expounding, reading, hearing the word of God, and meditating, mutually discoursing thereon, and doing it, by c Mat: 18.19.20.21.13. Psal: 95.100.105.122.150. Ephes. 5.18.19.20. Colos: 3.16.17. 1. Tim: 2.1. praying, thanksgiving, and, singing of psalms to the honour of his name by d Acts: 2.42.20.7. 1. Cor. 11.20. etc. 16.2. Heb: 3.16. Nehem: 8.10. frequenting of his Sacraments, and charitable contributions tooth poor, and suchlike Godly works. Q. But why doth God require that we should Remember to do this commandment above any of the rest. A. The reasons are diverse. First because the continual remembrance and sight of this day, or rather of God, who is to be Sanctified this day, will keep us more entirely in our obedience to him, & bind us as it were to our good behaviour in all his other Commandments. Secondly the remembrance thereof will cause us to order all our doings and dealings so that on that Day we may able be to give up a good account thereof before him. Lastly it will cause us to cast, and appoint our weekly business with respect unto this Day, that by no means we may be Distracted and hindered from an exact observance thereof when it comes. And thus we are to make a Daily preparation for the Sanctifing of this one day, as well by calling to mind and remembering what hath been done in the Sabbath Day past, as namely what we prayed for, promised, & vowed to God touching the amendment and Sanctification of our lives, and what we were taught out of his word: as what we are to do on the next which is to come. But more especially the day, or rather the afternoon of the day immediately going before the Sabbath or Lords day is appointed by the Church for preparation that is by giving over our weekly works and labours and by fasting, and prayer. Q. What do the other words of this commandment serve for. A. They contain diverse reasons and motives to persuade us to the observation and keeping of the Sabbath day. As first God alloweth us Six days in every week to do our own business, and therefore we may the willinger allow one to his honour and service. Secondly the seaventh day is the Lords day, he hath chosen and set it apart for himself and it is none of ours, and therefore we must do his work, and none of our own on this day. Thirdly God himself rested from his work on the Seventh day, and therefore it will become us to do the like. Fourthly god hath annexed a blessing unto this day; insomuch as that he which observeth, and Sanctifieth it shall also be blessed, and holy, and therefore for this cause are we to keep this Commandment, namely that we may be holy & blessed lastly this circumstance is to be noted by Parents, Masters and Governors that they take especial care, that together with themselves, there whole families, and such as are under their power, or soiournors sanctify this day. Q Tell me which is the Fift Commandment. A. Honour thy Father and thy Mother. Q. What doth God require in these words. A. That all superiors, or such as have rule, power and pre-eminence in any kind above others: as for example natural Parents, Princes, Magistrates, and their Debuties and Commissioners Ministers of the Gospel, Husbands, Masters of families, and such as exceed in learning, wisdom, counsel, riches, age, and other gifts, and callings be honoured, that is their worthiness, be acknowledged, and reverend respect, and due subjection yielded unto them by their inferiors. Q. How are natural Parents to be honoured by their Children. A. First they are to be beloved, and feared, and not contemned, and hated by them, Levit: 19 ●. Ruth: 1.16. Mat. 10.37. Deut. 27.16. Prov. 20.20. Secondly they are to be obeyed in all things which are lawful, and not any ways slighted and resisted, Gen. 26. ●4. 28.1.2.7.37, 14.13. Prov: 15.5.25, 22. Luk: 2, 51, 15, 29, Ephes: 6, 1, Colos: 3, 20, Deut: 21, 18, 27, 16, 1. Sam: 2, 25, Rom: 1.30, Heb: 12, 7: 9 Thirdly Children are to show all reverence towards them in their words, gestures, and behaviours, and not to seem any way to Disesteem them, or use any uncomely and unmannerly carriage towards them. Gen. 9.22.23.22.7.31.35.35. 29.48.12. 50.17 Exod. 21. 15.17 Prov. 30.17. Malac. 1.6. 1. King. 2. 19 Mat. 21.29.30. Isay. 45. 10. Fourthly Children are to relieve cherish, help, and secure them when need is, and not be any way unthankful towards them, or riotously and carelessly Diminish their goods. Gen. 47.11.12. Prov. 28.24. Mat. 15.4.5.6. Luk. 15.29. 1 Tim. 5. 4.16 Q. How are Princes to be Honoured A. They are to be feared, loved, and obeyed, relieved, served, Defended, prayed for, reverenced, and highly esteemed, and the contraries avoided vy their Subjects. Exo. 22.28. josua. 1.18. 1. Sam. 10.26.27.24.6. 2. Sam. 16.7.18. 3: 21.16. etc. 1. King. 2.8. Psal. 61.6.7. Prov. 24.21. Lam. 4.20. Eccles. 10.20. Mat. 17.17.22.21. Act. 23.5. Rom. 13.1: etc. 1. Tim. 2.2.3. 1. Pet. 2.13.14.17. 2 Pet. 2.10. Q. How are the Ministers of gods word to be honoured A. With love, obedience, means of maintenance, and a reverend, and worthy estimation, and usage of them with forbearance of the contraries towards them. Gal. 4.15.1. Thes. 5.12. 13. 1. King. 22.8. Deut. 17.12. Hos. 4: 4. Heb. 13 17. Acts. 5.38.9.25.19.30. Prov. 3. 9 Mat. 3.8. 1. Cor. 9.9. etc. Gal. 6.6. etc. 1 Tim. 5.17.18, 1. King's: 13.4. 2. Kings. 2.23.24. Luk. 10.16. Gal. 4.14. Phil. 2.29. Q. How are Husbands to be honoured by their Wives A. By acknowledging them to be their Head, by reverencing, feareing, obeying, pleasing, cherishing, helping, and assisting them in the government of the house, and not the contrary. Gen. 20.16.24.65. Ephes. 5.22, 24.33. 1. Pet. 3.6. Colos. 3.18. 1. Cor. 14.34. 1. Tim. 5.14.2.12. Tit. 2.4.5. 2. Sam. 6. 16.20 Prov. 7.11.12.21.9.19.31.10. etc. Q. How are Masters to be honoured by their Servants. A. With love, fear, and obedience, with faithfulness, and Diligence, and due reverence. Gen. 16.9. ●1. 6.40. 1. Kings. 20.31. 2. Kings. 5.13. Malac 1.6. Luk: 16. 1. Mat. 8.8.9.25.21.26. 1. Sam. 9.6.25.14. 2. Sam. 16 1. Ephes. 6.5.6. Colos. 3..22.23. 1. Tim. 6.1.2. Tit. 2.9.10. 1. Pet. 2. 18.19. Q. How are others of eminent gifts, place, and calling, or the aged to be honoured. A. It may be gathered by these texts of Scripture following. Gen. 16.6. 18.2. 8. etc. Levit. 19.32. job. 29.8: 9.10.32.4.6: 7. 1. Sam. 1.15.25.8. Esay. 3.5.5.3. 1. Ki. 2. 19.12.8. 1. Tim. 1.3. Prov. 15.10.32.30.17. Rom: 13. 2. jud. 8. Q. What is the meaning of these words. That thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. A. These plainly speak themselves to be a promise made, and offered to all which do keep the Commandment aforesaid, namely, That upon such both the blessing of God, and of their Parents shall come to prolong their days here on Earth, or in supply thereof, with everlasting days in the Land of the living. Q. Name the sixth Commandment A. Thou shalt do no Murder. Q Tell me the meaning of this Commandment. A. This Commandment looks two ways: not only forbidding all manner of injury, and murder to be done in thought, word and deed either upon ourselves or others: But on the other side strictly requiring us by all the means we may to preserve, help, further our own and our Neighbour's life, health, and welfare, whether of body or soul. Q. How is a man said to murder. A. First by an unlawful violence done upon his own or his Neighbour's person. As striking, wounding, and takeing away his life, or wilfully and negligently omitting those means which should have preserved him in safety, or by approving, counselling, commanding, consenting, or concealing any such matter to the prejudice of his neighbour. And after this manner the soul may be also spiritually killed, As by an b Gen: 26, 35, 27.46. Exod, 1.14, Levit, 19.17. 1 Sam: 1, 6.7. Gen: 4.9. Ezek. 3.18. Habb. 2.15. Rom: 1.32. 1. Cor; 8.11. Mat: 16.22.23. Rom: 14.15. 2 Pet: 2.1: 1 john: 2, 10. unjust vexing, and grieving it, by omitting and neglecting those things and means which tend to Salvation, or by doing, counselling, approving, persuading or not hindering, where power is, the contraries which lead unto Death. a Gen: 4.8.10.11.9.6. Exo. 21.24.25. Numb: 35.33. Deut: 21.7.22.8. 2. Sam: 12.9.16.23. 1. King's: 2.6.7.21.7. Prou: 24.11.12, Amos: 6, 6. Mat. 5.21, 27.24. Mark: 6.24. Luk: 6.21. Acts: 8. 1. james: 5, 4. Secondly by railing, and cursed speakings, and slanderings, false testimonies, or by unjust censuring, and seeking occasion to wrong, and impair his life, good name, and safety Psal: 10.7, etc. 15.3. Prov: 12, 18, Ezek, 22.9. Mat: 5.22.18.7, 26, 60, 61.27, 39, 40, Acts: 9, 1. 1 Cor. 6, 10.13, 4.5. Gen: 21, 9 Gal: 4, 29. Ephes: 4, 31, 1 Pet: 3.9, Thirdly by secret malice of the heart: as by revengeful, and cruel Desires, thoughts, and wishes, by envying, maligning, hating, and wilful neglecting the good of his Neighbour, Levit 19.17.18. Deut: 19.19. Psal. 5, 6.7. Prov: 20.22.24.29. Mat: 5.22. Rom: 1.29.31.12.19. 1. Cor: 13.4. etc. 1 Thes. 5.15. james: 1.20.3.14. &c, 1. john: 3.15. Q. You have told me how many ways a man is said to kill. Tell me now how thou art to further, help and preserve both thine own, and the good health and life of thy neighbour, which is also a duty required in this Commandment: A. By a Gen: 45.27. Exod: 23.5.31.32. Leuit: 19.17. Numb: 11.29. 1 Sam, 20.9.25.22. &c, 1 Kings: 18.13. job. 29.12. &c, Prov, 12.18.15.4. Zecha: 7.9. Mat. 5.44.25.35. Acts: 2.40: 26.29 Rom: 12.10.13.15. etc. 1 Cor: 9.19.22.12.26. Gal: 6.10. Ephes: 4.2.3. etc. 32. Colos: 3.12.13.16. Heb: 3.13.13.3: 1. Pet. 3.11: 4.8 jude. 23. doing, saying, wishing, and occasioning all the good to soul or body, and by b Gen. 13.9. 1. Sam, 19.2.23.13.14. 1. Kings 19.3. Ecclus. 28.13. Mat. 10.23. Acts. 23.16.27.31 Rom. 14.15. removing, or avoiding all things harmful and prejudicial either to my own, or my neighbours good name; health, safety, and Salvation Q. What is the next Commandment. A. Thou shalt not Commit Adultery. Q. Tell me the meaning of this Commandment in more words. A. In this Commandment as all manner of uncleanness, and lustfullnes in soul and body is absolutely forbidden: so on the other side is it as striktly required that we should preserve, keep and possess body and soul in all cleanness, and holiness. Q. Name the uncleanness which is forbidden. A. First all lust, and uncleanness in act, either solitary, or with another, as Fornication, Adultery, incest, rape, or that against nature Gen. 34.2.38.9. Levit. 10.6.19.20.10: 18. Deut 17.17.22.22.23, 25.23: 10.17.18. Prov. 6.32. Ezek. 18.6.22.11. Amos. 2.7. 2. Sam. 13.14. Rom. 1.26.27 1. Cor. 5.1.6.9.18.19.7. 2. Gal. 5.19. Secondly all lust, and uncleanness, or Adultery of the mind or heart. Prov. 6.25. Mat: 5.28.15.19. Rom. 1.28. Ephes: 4.22. Colos. 3.5. 2. Tim. 2.22. 1. Pet. 2.11. 1. joh. 2.16. Thirdly all Adulterous and unclean behaviours in words, gestures, apparel, and any other provocations, and occasions thereof whatsoever. As evil Company, Idleness, Drunkenness, Gluttony, wanton looks, songs, and pictures and the like. Gen. 6.2.34.2.39.7. 2. Sam. 11.2.13.5. Isay. 3.16.17. jerem. 3.2.3. Ezek. 16.49. Hos. 4.11. Zephan. 1.8. Prov. 5.3.6.24.7.10.23.31. etc. Ecclus. 8.9. 1. Cor. 5, 6.9.11.15.33. Ephes. 4.29.5.3.4.6.11. Colos. 3.8. 1. Thes. 5.22. 1 Pet. 4.3. 2 Pet. 2: 7.14. Q. How are you to keep and possess your body and soul in Cleanness, Chastity, and holiness? A. Not only by an abstinence from the a foresaid uncleanness forbidden (job. 31: 1. Prov. 5.8. 2. Cor. 7.1.1. Thes. 4.3.4.5.) But by the practice and exercise of cleanness. and chastity in our words, deeds, gestures, attire; and by using all means of preserving, and increasing it both in ourselves and others. As by good company, and example, temperance in meats and drinks, fasting, and prayer, and busiing ourselves in our several callings and such like. Gen. 39.8.9. Deut. 23.10. etc. 2. Sam. 13.13. Psal. 119.37. 1. Cor. 7.2. etc. 9.27, Phil. 4.8. 1. Tim. 2.9.10. Tit. 2.3. etc. Q. Proceed now and tell me the next Commandment A. Thou shalt not Steal. Q. What doth God require of thee in this Commandment. A. That I should not any way impair, Diminish, hinder, detain, detract, take away, and unjustly get from my neighbour any of his goods, wealth, possessions, commodities, and estate, or his just title, and claim there unto: But rather that I should by all lawful means further, maintain, increase the same as mine own, and as I would have him to do unto me. Q. How many ways is a man said to Steal. A. First he doth steal who by open violence, or secret, and close conveyance getteth and taketh a way or detaineth or doth counsel, assist, consent, conceal, or partake of those things of our neightbours detained, and taken away. Of this kind are not open a Exod. 22.1. Levit. 19.11.13. Deut. 23.24.25, job. 1.15.17. Psal. 50.18. Prov: 6.30.31.28, 24.29.24. Zachar. 5: 3: 4. Luk. 3.14.10.30. .1 Cor. 6.10. Ephes: 4.28, Tit. 2.10. Robbers only on the land and sea, housebreakers, secret pilfarers. But b Gen: 21.25. Exod. 22.25.26. Levit: 25.14. Deut. 23.19. judg. 18.25.27. 1. Kings. 12.11. job. 24.2. &c, 27.13.14. Psal. 94.20. Prov. 11, 26. Isay: 1.23. Amos: 8. 4.6. jerem: 17.11, Habb, 2.6.9. Ezek: 18.7: 12.22.12.27.33.15.45.9 Luk. 19.8. 1. Thes: 4.6. jam. 2.6. Oppressors of all kinds cozening bankruptes, c Levit. 19.13. Psal: 24.14. etc. jerem. 22.13. Iam: 5.4. ill paymasters of Servants, and labourers d Prov. 20.25. Mat: 3.8. Acts: 5.2.3. Rom: 2.22. sacrilegious persons, and e Deut. 2.5.6. Iosu. 6.22.7.21. 1. Sam. 2.16. Luk. 3.14. soldiers pilling of those which are not Enemies, f 1 Sa. 8.2. etc. Prov: 29.4. Mich. 3.10.11. james: 2. etc. corrupters of judges, and for gain, or some other unlawful cause wresting, or hindering, g Deut. 19.14.27.17. Prov: 22.28. Hos: 5.10. or giving wrong judgement upon a good cause, removers of landmarks etc. Secondly he doth steal and commit theft that by deceit and cozenage, as in words, measures, weights and by imposture, counterfeiting, or mixing of coin, or Merchandise, or by any other indirect, and fraudulent dealing doth get his neighbour's goods from him Deut: 25, 13.14. Prov. 11.1, 20.14.15. Ezek. 45.10. jerem. 22.17. Amos. 8.4.6. Mich. 6.10.11. 1. Thes. 2. 5.4.6. 1. Pet. 2.1. Thirdly he doth Steal which doth immoderately desire, care, and purpose in his heart to get much goods, and gain unto himself, which is Covetousness. Prou. 15.27. Isay. 1.23. jerem. 22.17. Mat. 6.25. Luk. 12.15. Phil. 4.6. Colos: 3.5. 1. Tim. 6.9.10. Heb: 13.5. 2. Pet. 2.15. Q. How art thou to further, and increase, and preserve thy Neighbour's goods, commodities, and profits. A. By a plain and upright dealing with him, and by my prayers and good wishes for his good success, and by restoring that which was lent, found, or put to my trust and keeping, by paying what I own, and by lending with out usury and oppression, and giving where is need, and every way so to study and care for his estate as I could wish him to do for mine. Exod: 22.7.8.14.25, 23.4. Levit, 19.36.25.35. &c, Deut: 15.8.22, 1.2.3.24.14, 15, Psal, 129, 8, Eccles, 4, 8, Isay: 58, 6, 7, Mat: 6, 11, 7, 12, Luk: 6; 35: 38, 16, 9, joh, 6, 12. 2, Cor, 8, 11, 12, Rom, 12, 13, Ephes: 4, 28, Phil, 4, 11, Heb: 13, 16, 1, Tim. 6, 6, 1, Thes: 4, 11, 12, Q. You have answered well: now rehearse the ninth Commandment. A. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Q. Show me the meaning of this Commandment. A. In this Commandment God provides for the preservation and maintenance of the good name, reputation and credit both of ourselves and our neighbours, forbidding all manner of falsehood, and untruth, and abuse of the tongue against our neighbour of ourselves, either in judgement, or otherways. And requiring truth, integrity, charity in all our speeches and surmises, that so, for as much as lieth in us, the estimation, credit; and good name of all men may be preserved and increased Q. How many ways is a man said to bear false witness against his own, or his neighbour's credit, A. First by false witnessing, and accusing of our neighbour before a judge, or by accepting of slight and unsufficient proof against him in judgement, or by counselling assisting, persuading, or setting on any such injury to be practised Levit. 19.16. Deut. 17.6.19.16. 1. Kings. 3.16. etc. 1. Sam. 1.13. Prov. 19.5.25.18. Hest. 3. 8. Acts. 24.5.25.7. Mat. 26.59.28.12, 13. Mark. 14.55.56. etc. Luk. 23.2.4.14. Secondly by raising of slanders, backbiting, tale-bearing, scoffing, reviling, and discovering of secret faults, with a purpose to disgrace, and by hard censuring upon weak grounds: all which things are as so many false witnesses against the credit of our neighbour, Gen. 39.19. Exod. 23.1. Levit 19.16. Deut. 22.14. Psal. 15.3.50.20. Prov. 16 28.17.4.29.20.22. 1. Sam. 1.13.17.28. 2. Sam. 16.3. 4 Ezek. 22.9. Ecclus. 5.13.14. Mat. 7.1.18.15.16.27.42. Luk, 7.39. john. 9.2.19.3. Act. 2.13.28.4. 1. Cor. 4.15.6.10. Gal. 6.1. Ephes. 4.31. 1. Pet. 2.23. jam. 1.26. Thirdly 2. Sam. 3.27.15.5. Psalm. 12. 2.3.55.21 Prov. 24.24: 27.6.7.14.26.28.28.4.29.5. jerem, 9.8.9. Ezek. 13.10. Acts. 12.22. Rom. 16 18. 1. Pet. 2.1. false-witness is given by flatteries and fair words colouring deceit, and by excessive b Gen. 4.23.24. Iudg: 7.2. 1, Sam. 2.3. 1. Kings 20.11. Psal. 52. 1. Prou. 20.6. 27. 2. Isay. 10.15. jerem. 9.23. Mat: 26.33.35. Luk. 18.11. Acts. 8.9. 1. Cor: 4.7.10.12. &c, 12.9. etc. Phil: 3.19. boastings, or lessening of a man's self, or others, and by all manner of lying c Levit: 19.11. job. 13. Psal: 5. 6. Prov. 6. 1ST. 12 22.19.9.30.8. 2. Kings. 5. 25. Hose. 7.3. Zephan. 3.13. Mat. 12.36. joh. 8.44. Acts. 5. 3.8 Ephes. 4.15.29.5.4. Coloss. 3.9. Revela. 21.8.22.15. either in jest or earnest, Fourthly by a will or desire of lying, or hearing of lies and scandalous reports, and by surmising and suspecting without sufficient proof, all which is the false witnessing of the heart. Gen. 39.19. 1. Sam. 17.28. 2. Sam. 10.3.16.3. Zacha. 8.19. Rom. 14.4. 1. Cor. 4.5. Q. Now tell me how thou art to preserve, defend, and increase the good name, credit, and honour, both of thine own particular, and also of thy neighbour; and then we will proceed to the next Commandment. A By a constant a Ps. 15. 2. Prov. 12.19.22. Dan. 13.16. Zach. 8: 16. Mat. 10.16. Act. 4.8.10.13. Eph: 4: 14: 15: 6: 14: profession and holding of the truth, and simplicity in all my doings, and dealings, and by b 1, Sam. 20.32.22.14. Luke. 23.14.41. Acts. 16.2. 2. Cor. 8.1. etc. Coloss. 1.3.4. acknowledging, confessing, congratulating and defending the good things of my neighbour, and by c Prov. 10.12.11.13.17.9. Mat. 1.19.18.15. Rom. 15. 1. etc. 14.4. 1. Cor: 13.5. &c: Gal. 6.2. 1. Pet. 4.8. concealing, and bearing with his infirmities which otherwise may be his disgrace, and by making the best construction of his doings, and by d Exod. 23.1. Deut. 17.4. Psal. 15.3. Prov. 25.23.17.4. stopping mine ears against scandalous and disgraceful reports, and in a word by desiring e Philip: 4.8. and delighting in all things which may make for my own, or my neighbours good name, & credit. Q. Now you are come to the tenth Commandment, repeat it. A. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his servant, nor his maid, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is his. Q. Tell me the meaning of this Commandment. A. The beginning, fountain, and foundation of all sin forbidden in the former Commandments is here prohibited. (Now the beginnings and fountain of sin are the first motions, and inclinations of the mind or heart to evil, or evil thoughts, fancies, and imaginations: these in the scriptures are commonly called by the name of lust, concupiscence, or coveting whether the consent, purpose or delight, of the heart be joined therewith, or no) all be it indeed the particular lust coveting or desiring of our neighbour's house, or his servant, or his wife, or any other thing else which is not our own is by name forbidden. Q. How doth it appear unto you that our thoughts fancies, and imaginations of evil, or the bare motions and inclinations of the mind to evil (though without the consent and purpose of the heart to do them) be forbidden. A These texts of holy Scripture do show as much. Gen: 3.6. Exod: 16.3. Numb: 15.39. &c: Deut: 15.9. Psal: 139.23. Prov: 15.26.24.9. Isai: 55.7. Acts: 8.22. Rom: 1.21.24.7.5. 7.22.23 Gal: 5.16. Coloss: 3.5. Tit: 2.12. Iam: 12.14.15. Q And where do you find that the concupiscence, and desiring of the particular things of our neighbour (which are specified in the command) are forbidden. A. These texts of Scripture following speak as much Deut: 5.21. Iosh: 7.21. 1. Sam. 12.3. 2. Sam. 12.1. King. 21. Isai: 5.8. Acts: 20.23. Q. You have told and proved unto me what is forbidden in this tenth Commandment; tell me now what it is which God doth require of us to be done. A. The contrary to that which is forbidden, that is, That a Luk● 1. 74.75. Ephe. 4.23.24, 1. Thes. 5.23. 1. Tim: 1. 5. 1. Pet. 1.15. 16. 2, Pet. 3, 10.11. all our thoughts, desires, imaginations, motions, & inclinations, or covet of our hearts should be altogether pure, holy, righteous, and blameless, as God in Adam first made them to be; and that we should labour b Psal. 119. 37. job: 31.1. Prov. 4.23. Mat: 6.13. Rom: 7.15. 16.22. 1. Cor: 10.24, 2. Cor: 10.5. Ephes: 4.22.6.10. &c: Philip: 4.11. 1. Pet: 2.2. 2. Pet: 3.18. and delight to make and keep them so by all the means we may. Q What dost thou chiefly learn by these Commandments. A I learn two things: My duty towards God, set down in the first Table containing the first four Commandments: and My duty towards my Neighbour comprised in the second Table which doth contain the six last Commandments. Deut: 10.1. &c: Mat: 22.36. &c: Q What is thy duty towards God. A My duty towards God is &c: Q What is thy duty towards thy Neighbour. A My duty towards my Neighbour is &c: Q My good Child know this that thou art not able to do these things of thyself, nor to walk in the Commandments of God, and to serve him (Gen: 6.5. Isai: 6.4.6. Mat: 7.18. &c: 8.3. 2. Cor: 3.5.) Without his special grace (Psal: 119. 33. joh. 1. 17. Ephes: 2.1. 8.9.10.) Which thou must learn at all times to call for by diligent prayer. (Luk: 18.1. 11.9.) Let me here therefore if thou canst say the Lord's prayer. His Prayer A Our Father &c: Q Why is this prayer called the Lords prayer. A Because Christ jesus our Lord upon request taught and appointed his Disciples to use this form of prayer. Mat: 6.9. Luk: 11.1. Q. What are you taught to pray for in this pattern and platform of prayer. A As it is an absolute good and perfect prayer of itself: So doth it teach us as it were by a sampler and pattern, how I am to frame and fashion my particular and private prayers unto God, for all things that are needful for my body and soul, or which concern either this life, or that which is to come, in the next world, or, as St Peter speaks which pertain to life and godliness. As it may more plainly appear by the several petitions, prayers and requests, which are easily to be seen and distinguished in this prayer. Q Are there then several matters to be noted in this prayer. A There be. For this Prayer hath first a Preface or Compellation of him to whom it is directed: then follow the several Petitions, and lastly the conclusion shuts up all with Amen. Q Which words call you the Preface. A These, Our Father which art in heaven. That is to say, O God which dwellest in the a Psal: 123.1. Isai. 66.1. heavens, full of all glory and majesty, who art pleased to be a Father b Isai: 63.16. Mat: 23.9. Ioh: 20.17. Rom: 8.15. unto us in creating c Gen: 1.26. Luk: 3.38. and making us out of the dust, the chiefest of thy creatures; but more especially by regenerating d Gal: 4.6. and calling us to be thy Children in jesus Christ. Q How many Petitions be there. A Six several Petitions or Prayers, whereof the first three teacheth, and directeth us to ask those things, which principally respect the honour of God our Father, and our duty and thankfulness towards him: the three last tell us what we are to pray for touching our present life and welfare. Q Name the first Petition. A Hallowed be thy name. Q Tell me the meaning of this Petition in more words. A That is to say Grant O Father which art in heaven, or I pray thee to give us the grace always to acknowledge thee such as thou hast declared thyself to be the only Holy one, and accordingly to reverence, and magnify thy greatness and worthiness, and that in all our thoughts, words, dealings, and doings, we may principally seek, desire, confess, and declare thy glory, and show forth the honour and reverence we bear unto thy holy name, by giving all due observance, respect, thanksgiving, and worship thereunto, and that we may not at any time forget, or neglect this our duty, or profane thy most holy name. 2. Sam, 7.26. 1. Chron: 16.35. Nehem: 9 4. &c: job: 1.21. Psal: 71.8.18.72: 18: 19: 113: 3: Isai: 29: 23: jerem: 10: 6: Malac: 1: 6: 11: Mat: 11: 19: Luk: 1: 46: Rom: 11: 36: Ephes: 5: 20: 1. Cor: 10: 21: 1: Tim: 1: 17: Revel: 4: 8. Q Proceed and tell me the next Petition. A Thy Kingdom come. Q Speak this Petition or prayer in more plain words, that I may perceive you do fully understand it. A That is to say, I pray thee O Father let no thing hinder, but that thy power, a Psal: 29: 1: &c: 93: 1: 94: 95: providence, and government, may continually be exercised, and flourish in this world, and thy grace b Psal: 51: 10: 119. 5: 33: &c: 143: 10: Mat: 6: 33: Luk: 17: 21: Rom: 5: 21: 16: 24: Ephes: 1: 17: &c: 1: Thes: 3: 12: 13: may come upon us, and by all means be increased, and improved in us daily that being ruled and guided thereby we may have thy promised c Psal: 24: 7: 2: Tim: 4: 8: Revel: 22: 17: 20: glory and salvation hastened, and accomplished in us. Q Which is the third Petition. A Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Q What do you pr●y for in this. A That is I pray thee O Father not to leave us to the lust, and errors of our own or other men's will, to follow our own evil imaginations, and desires; but to give us the grace always to do, observe, and keep thy will, Commandments, and word here on earth, as sincerely, constantly and fully, even as the holy Angels are said to do in heaven. Psal: 27: 9.51: 10: &c, 119.11. 17.19.33 &c: Ezek: 18.31. Mat: 7.21.12.30. 16.24. Luke. 22 42. Rom. 12.2. Ephes. 4. 23.24.5.10. 6.8. 1. Thes: 4.3.4. Act. 13, 21: 1. Pet. 2: 15: Psal 103: 20: 21 Revela: 5: 11: etc. Q The fourth Petition follows repeat it. A Give us this day our daily bread: Q What is your request to God in this Petition. A That is, I do pray God this day, and every day to give, bless, and Sanctify unto us all things needful, convenient, and properly belonging to this present life, as our Food, Raiment, Health, Peace, Dwelling, seasonableness of weather, and such like suitable to our condition & calling. Gen: 3: 19: Levit: 26: 4: 5: etc. Psal: 104: 27: etc. 127.144: 145.16: Prov: 30, 8.9, Mat. 6.26: &c: 1 Cor: 9: 27: 2: Cor. 9.10: 2. Thes. 3: 8: 12: 1: Tim: 6: 6: 8: Isay: 3: 1: &c: 58: 7: Q Which is the fift Petition: A Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us. That is, I beseech thee O Father in a Exod. 32.31.32. Deut. 9.18 Ps. 51.1. &c: 32.1. &c: 79.8. &c: Isai. 64.1. &c: Hose. 14.1. &c: Acts. 5.31. Rom: 8.1. jam. 1.16. 1. joh. 1.9. jesus Christ to remit, pardon, and forget our sins and the manifold transgressions of thy holy will and word that we may not therefore be condemned even as b Mat. 6.14, 18.22.35. Mark. 11.25.26. Luk: 17.3. Acts. 7.60. we ourselves most freely and sincerely from the heart do remise and forgive all that revenge, and punishment due unto those men who have sinned in offending & wronging of us. Q Now you are come to the sixth and last Petition, what is it. A Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Q What is the meaning of it. A That is, a Gen. 3, 20.6. 2. Sam. 24. 1. Psal. 5.8. etc. 19.13.119..37.117.133.81.11. etc. 51.11. Mat. 4.1: etc. 26.41. john. 17.15. Acts. 5.3. Rom. 1.24.26.28. 2. Cor. 12.10. Ephes. 6.11. etc. 2: Thes. 2.11. jam. 1.14. withhold or take not away the assistance, and power of thy grace, and spirit, that so th● wicked enticements and temptations of the devil, the world, and our flesh, may at any time prevail over us, and draw, or harden us in sin: but b Mat. 5.37.13.19. Luk. 1.74. joh. 8.44. Prov. 16.20. 2. Cor. 12.9. Ephe. 6.11. Gal. 5.12. 2. Tim. 4.18. jam. 1.14. 1. Pet. 5. 8. Psalm. 141.4. be pleased to preserve, keep, & deliver us from all manner of evil which the wicked one the devil, or his instruments, or our own evil deservings, hath or may bring upon us. Q You have truly numbered the Petitions what serve the next words for, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the Glory for ever Amen. A These are the Conclusion of the prayer wherein by diverse arguments, and reasons we are taught to assure ourselves that our prayers will as certainly take effect as we have prayed for. For first whom we pray, all right a 1. Sam. 2.8. 1. Cor. 29.11. etc. Psal. 22.28. etc. 24.1. etc. Rom. 10.12. 1. Thes. 2.11.12. 1. Tim. 6.15. and authority of granting our requests only belongs to him the Lord and King, and therefore we may assure ourselves that he willbe good, and gracious unto us his Subjects and Servants in hearing our prayers, and granting our requests. Then he hath b 2. Chron. 20. 6. etc. job. 42.2. Psal. 18.1. &. 89.8. Isay. 40.26. Mat. 29.26. power to give whatsoever he will give, or we have need of, and nothing can hinder his good pleasure and therefore we are not to doubt of his goodness. And lastly all this we are the rather confident he will do because the honour c Psal. 29.1. etc. 95.1. etc. 115.1. etc. jerem. 33.8.9. 1. Tim. 1.17. 2. Tim. 4.18 1. Pet. 4. 11. and glory of all shall return and redound unto himself from whom every good and perfect gift cometh upon his people. Even so O Father be all these petitions, requests, and prayers certainly accomplished in us for the honour of thy kingdom and power, the manefestation of thy everlasting glory, and the good of thy Children. Q What desirest thou of God in this prayer. A I desire my Lord God etc. The signs and seals of his Profession. Q How many Sacraments hath Christ ordained in his Church. A Two a There be diverse Sacraments in a large sense so called; but generally necessary for all people there be two several Sacraments appointed by Christ (as we may learn out of Matthew: 28: 19: Mark: 14: 22: 16: 15: 16: Luke: 22: 19: 20: 1: Cor: 11: 23: 12: 13:) and only two and no more. only as Generally necessary to salvation that is to say Baptism (by which every one hath his beginning and entrance into the life and being of a believing, Spiritual, or Christian man) and the supper of the Lord which affords spiritual food, and nourishment to strengthen and preserve him in the said life and new-beeing. The reason is because to the making, and being of a Sacrament of the Gospel or New Testament there is necessarily required. First the word and appointment of Christ. Secondly the Ceremony or visible sign with a certain form of words to be used there with all. Thirdly the promise of grace annexed to the thing worthily received. Now these three things are to be found in the Sacraments of Baptism and the supper of the Lord, and in nothing else that we can read of in the holy Scriptures. Q What meanest thou by this word Sacrament A I mean an outward visible sign of an inward spiritual grace given unto us by the hand of God's minister, so ordained by Christ himself and none other, as a means whereby we receive the same spiritual grace, and a pledge or seal to assure us thereof that we have indeed received it, and are to show it forth to the honour of Christ jesus in our life and conversation. Q How many parts be there in a Sacrament. A Two: the outward visible sign and the inward spiritual grace. Q what is the outward visible sign of form in baptism. A Water unmingled and clean (the usual means to do a way filthiness) wherein the person Baptised is dipped or sprinkled with it, and with this certain form of words, In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Q What is the inward and spiritual grace. A A death a The outward washing, dipping or sprinkling of the body with water, whereby the foulness thereof is usually cleansed a way, doth show and signify unto the party Baptised that the uncleanness and filthiness of his soul, that is, his sins are forgiven, or as it were purged and washed a way in the blood of Christ jesus. Ezek. 36.25. Acts. 22.16. Ephes. 5.26.27. Tit. 3.5.1.1.2.3.21. Reve. 1.5. unto sin and a new b The grace of gods holy spirit sanctifiing and renewing the hearts of the Baptised unto the works of righteousness, together with their own promised obedience unto God's holy will and Commandments, and a purpose of proceeding in all virtue and Godliness of living is the regeneration, or New birth unto rightteousnes here spoken of, which is represented unto us by takeing the Baptised out of the Four, as it were from the grave of his sins washed and purified from his natural corruptions, and receiving him into the number of the faithful, and to the service of a new master, in whose name he is Baptised, as it were a new creature unto a new manner of being and living. Rom. 6.4. 1. Cor. 6.11. Colos. 2.12. etc. Tit. 3.5. birth unto righteousness for being by nature borne in sin and the Children of wrath we are hereby made the Ch●lderen of grace. Now sins being thus taken away, or forgiven unto the Baptised through faith in the blood of jesus Christ (they also themselves by the mouth of their Sureties professing and promising to renounce and forsake the works of the Devil, the covetous desires of the world, the carnal desires of the flesh) are from henceforth accounted as if sin were dead in them and they to it so that they will not follow nor be lead by it. And this death of sin or rather to sin is the spiritual and inward grace represented, and assured unto every true Christian and beleiver by the outward washing and Baptism. Q What is required of Persons to be Baptised. A Repentance whereby they forsake sin (Mat. 2: 7. 8.11. 4.17. Mark. 1.4.5. Acts. 2.38.) and faith whereby they steadfastly believe the promises of God, made to them in that Sacrament. Mark: 16.16. Acts. 8.37. etc. Q Why then are Infants Baptised, when by reason of their tender age they cannot perform them. A Yes: They do perform them, (Acts. 2.39. Rom. 11.16.) by their sureties who promise and vow them both in their names, which when they come to age themselves are bound to perform them, that is, both to repent, and to believe in Christ jesus: and that this work is acceptable and well pleasing to God, done in the behalf of Infant-childrens of the faithful, examples do testify, Gen. 17.7. etc. Mat. 19.14. Luk. 1.59. 1. Cor. 1.16. Q Why was the Sacrament of the Lords supper ordained. A For the continual a Luk. 22.19. 1. Cor. 11.24. etc. remembrance of the b Heb. 5.7.7.25. etc. Revel. 5.12. sacrifice of the death of Christ, offered up to God upon the Altar of the Cross, and the benefits which we receive thereby, that is, by that sacrifice of his blood and life made in our behalf, cleansing us from sin, and sanctifying, and renewing us unto righteousness, for which cause Sacrifices were figuratively in use in the old Testament. Lev, 4.5.6: 12.14. Ephe: 2.13. etc. Heb. 7. 1. joh. 1.7. Q What is the outward part or sign of the Lords supper. A a These two things most fitly represent both Christ Crucified, and also the spiritual benefits and blessings which belong to those who do believe in him so crucified. The resemblance of Christ's body broken and mangled on the Cross, and of his blood shed, is in the threshing, grinding, baking, breaking, and eating of the bread: and in cutting, pressing, or treading of the grape, pouring out of the wine, and drinking of it. For as the corn, and grape are so to be used before they become food to them that eat or drink thereof: even so Christ's body first bruised, and broken on the Cross, and his most precious blood pressed forth becomes spiritual food to such as by faith eat and drink thereof. Bread and Wine which the Lord hath commanded to be received. Mat. 26.26. etc. Q What is the inward part, or thing signified. A The body and blood of Christ. (Mark. 14.22. etc. Luk. 22.19.20. joh. 6.47. etc. 1. Cor. 11. 23. etc.) which after an heavenly & spiritual manner are verily and indeed taken and received of the ᵃ faithful in the Lord's supper. A Faith or belief in the passion and death of Christ is the means; the hand as it were to take, the mouth to eat, the stomach to receive, and digest the body and blood of Christ, that so the beleiver & Christ may thereby be incorporated, and united, and after an heavenly and spiritual manner made one and the same body, as the natural body and the food thereof eaten and digested, becomes one and the same flesh. joh. 6.35.55.56. 1. Cor. 10.16.17. 2. Cor. 13.5. Ephes. 5.30. Q What are the benefits whereof we are partakers thereby. A The strengthening and refreshing of our souls by the body and blood of Christ, a We may observe and consider these two things in Bread and Wine received: First there is a mutual union, and incorporation of them and the body, they become one and the same flesh and bone, and body. Secondly the benefit of this union or incorporation, namely, the body is strengthened, refreshed, and preserved thereby: so is it betwixt the beleiver and worthy receiver of the Sacrament, and Christ, first they are mutually united, communicated, or incorporated one into the other, and are made the same flesh, bone, and body. joh. 6.56.17.21. My beloved is mine and I am his, saith the Spouse in the Canticles. 2.16. and more plainly speaks the Apostle St Paul Ephes. 5.30. We are members of his body, and of his flesh, and of his bone. This is a great mystery, or secret saith the Apostle, too deep for our shallow understanding to conceive, or our tongues to express, how Christ and his Spouse the Church, that is, every true beleiver becomes one flesh. Yet so far forth as secrets are revealed, we may as Christ speaks of himself, handle them and see how or what they be. The strings by which they are knit together, or the hands by which they are as it were moulded one into the other, and made one lump, and bread are plainly named unto us in the holy Scripture; and these are the Holy Spirit, or Spirit of Christ and Faith. His Spirit unites and quickeneth, joh. 6.63. 1. Cor. 6.17. Gal. 2.20. 1. joh. 4.13. For as the Nerves or Sinews pass into all parts of the body from the brain, & tie all together: Even so his spirit from him the Head descending is derived into every one of his members, (1. Cor. 12.) and thereby the whole body by joynt● and bands, having nourishment ministered and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Colos. 2.9. And again as the soul diffuseth itself through the whole, and every faculty, and limb of the body, and gives life and motion proportionable to the condition, and being of every part: In like sort his spirit goeth into every member, and quickeneth it with the life of Christ, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part. Ephes. 4. 16. And thus we see what means Christ for his part useth to unite and quicken; yet every man is not hereby united into his body, and made a living member of him, but only such as are fitted, and disposed by Faith, which is the pipe as it were and door through which Christ's Spirit doth descend, and comes into men's hearts, quickens them with his life of grace and as it were moulds them into his body, and makes them one flesh. joh. 1.22. Rom. 1.17. Gal. 2.20. ●5. 5. Ephes. 3. 17. Heb. 3.14. And let this suffice to be spoken of the union, or rather Communion between Christ, and the faithful or believers: he being by his spirit as truly and effectually made theirs, and they members and branches of his body, as the meat and drink we receive into our natural bodies, is made flesh of our flesh, and lives by the same life, as our whole body doth. Now this Communion premised is the foundation of all those blessed promises made unto the worthy Receivers of the Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ, and the fountain from whence all the benefits of his Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Asscension issue and derive themselves upon the faithful. All are yours saith the Apostle to the Corinthians, 1. Cor. 3.22. but how comes it to pass. Why ye are Christ's and Christ is Gods. First there must be a union and partaking of Christ, yea of God, or the whole godhead (joh, 17.9. 10.11.21.) before we can be capable of the blessings of God. And thus it is: First out flesh is taken, and united into the second Person of the godhead, that is Christ jesus. joh. 1. 14. Heb. 2. 14.16. Secondly by the Holy Ghost the third Person in the godhead, we are united into Christ's flesh and body, and made one with him, which is not a carnal but a spiritual union, according to the means by which it is wrought. 1. Cor. 12.13. Thirdly being thus united into Christ by his Spirit, we have hereby fellowship with the Father the first Person of the godhead, and are made one with him. joh. 17.22.23. 1. joh. 1.3. The first union of our flesh with Christ jesus is carnal, natural, and corporeal (for Christ is true man) & this was Necessary, in that he himself having suffered being tempted, might be able to secure them that are tempted, and be a merciful and faithful high Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people Heb. 2.17.18. The second union of ourselves, and all beleivers into Christ is altogether supernatural, and spiritual, and this is Sufficient to make us partakers of the benefits promised to the worthy receivers of the Sacrament. For as it sufficeth to make all men partakers in the Curse of Adam because they are of one and the same nature with him, and his flesh by propagation; though not any man is corporally, and personally united unto him; so on the other side doth it suffice us by a spiritual, and not by any corporeal and carnal, union into Christ jesus to be made partakers of his Blesings 1. Cor. 15.20.21.23. And that no man should think a carnal and corporal union or Communion with Christ to be Necessary (as the Papists at this day do teach that there must be a carnal uniting of Christ with every believer by eating and drinking his natural flesh and blood) he plainly tells us (joh. 6. 63.) that the flesh that is his flesh eaten by the bodily mouth profiteth nothing, that is, it doth not make a man any whit the nearer unto Christ, and those benefits and blessings which he brings along with him. Again the Apostle (Ephes. 5.32.) by comparing the union or conjunction of Christ and the Church, or the faithful unto Marriage, plainly speaks it not to be a corporeal, and local union, or Communion. For the man and the woman are truly united together by marriage (though several bodies and locally divided) and they two are one flesh. In like manner Christ the Husband and Head, and the Church his Wife and the Faithful his members (although carnally and locally divided) yet are truly One. And that this kind of union, or Communion with Christ is sufficient, profitable, and effectual to all purposes as well as if it were carnal, we may easily gather from his own words (joh. 15.) where under the parable of the Vine, and the Branches either natural or graffed in, shows the efficacy of the union, or (to speak in his own phrase) of the mutual abiding of himself and the faithful one in the other: namely, That as the branches do partake of the same nature, juice, life, and fruitfulness with the stock and root, whereof they are branches: so the spiritual branches, that is the Faithful and worthy receivers of the Sacrament do truly partake of their root and stock, that is Christ jesus, and from him receive spiritual strength, nourishment, life, growth, fatness, and fruitfulness. Consider we therefore now what the stock and root is and that those heavenly blessings and benefits are a rising from thence, such are the branches, and such fruit they bear. For if the first fruit be holy the lump is also holy saith the Apostle (Rom. 15.61.) & if the root be holy so are the branches. Now Christ jesus hath satisfied the debt of punishment due to our sins, and hath borne our curse (Gal. 3.13.) and we in him have done the like, and now there rema●nes unto us no condemnation therefore. Rom. 8. 1. Again Christ jesus hath fulfilled all righteousness, and in him we shall be found having the righteousness which is of God by faith, Philip. 3.9. Rom. 3.22. Add hither that he was without sin, and so are we by imputation, and there is nothing to be laid to our charge (Rom. 8.33.) being justified by him in whom we have redemption, even the forgiveness of sins. Coloss. 1.14. Lastly he by his own power, being dead and buried, raised himself to life again, and ascended up into heaven with the very same body and flesh, as he went into the grave, and there for ever lives, and reigns: And by the same power we also shall be raised from corruption, the grave, and death, and made a live again, 1. Cor. 15. and with these same bodies, made like unto his most glorious body, (Philip. 3.24.) shall be translated into heaven, (joh. 14.3). and together with him shall live, and reign for ever and ever. Mat. 25.46 john. 11. 26, 27. Revel. 3.21.7.13: etc. These are the benefits whereof we the members and branches are in Christ jesus the head and root, made partakers as effectually & truly, as by Bread & Wine received the body is strengthened & refreshed: these being the visible signs and seals, by which God and Christ jesus doth witness, and confirm his word, and promise made unto every true Beleiver, & worthy Receiver of the blessed Sacrament. as our bodies are by the bread and wine. Q What is required of them which come to the Lords Supper? A To examine themselves whether they repent truly of their former sins, steadfastly purposing to lead a new life, have a lively faith in God's mercy through jesus Christ, with a thankful remembrance of his death, and be in Charity with all men. There be divers things carefully to be observed in this answer: First the examination of ourselves, before we come to the Supper of the Lord, and then the several points or matter whereof we are to examine ourselves. That we are to examine ourselves the Apostle teacheth, Let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that Bread, and drink of that Cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, nor discerning the Lords Body. 1. Cor. 11. 28.29. The principal matter wherein we are to examine ourselves is touching our Faith, whether we do indeed and sincerely believe in jesus Christ, as we make our profession and confession thereof in the Creed. And this also the Apostle adviseth us unto. 2. Cor. 13. 5. Examine yourselves whether you be in the Faith: prove your own selves. Now the means to know this much, is by the works of true Faith. jam. 2.18. I will show thee my Faith by my works. The works are: 1. Repentance, which hath two parts. The first is a Detestation, sorrow and comfession of former sins. 2. Sam. 24.10. 1. King. 8. 33. etc. 2. Chron. 33. 12. job 42. 6. Prov. 28. 13. Isai. 1.16. joel. 2.12. jonah. 3. 8. 2. Cor. 7.11. 1. joh. 1.9. The second is an Holy desire and purpose and labour after a new life, Deut. 4.29. 1. Chron. 7.14. Nehem. 1. 9 Ezek. 18.31. Love of God (which is shown in a frequent remembrance and thankfulness for the death of Christ. Luk. 1.74.75. Mat. 16.16. 1. Cor. 11.26. Gal. 3.1.) & of Men, especially such as have any way offended us, by laying aside all maliciousness, and revengeful desires and purposes, and forgiving the injury. Mat. 5. 23.34.44.45.6.12. 1. Pet. 2.1. etc. Laus Deo. FINIS.