THE PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION In Twenty Questions and Answers: Whereunto is Added, A Compendious History of the most Memorable passages of HOLY SCRIPTURE by way of Questions and Answers, for the use and benefit of the Inhabitants of the Parish of WOTTON in Oxford shire. By JOHN HOFFMAN B. D. Minister of God's word. 1 TIM. 4.8. Godliness is Profitable to all things. OXFORD, Printed by L. Lichfield. 1653. TO My Beloved Neighbours and Parishioners, the Inhabitants of the Town and Parish of WOTTON In Oxford-shire. Beloved in the Lord, 1. IT hath been my greatest care, and constant endeavour, ever since by God's providence I was called to be your Pastor, how I might withstand, and hinder the growth of sins, Prov. 14.34. joh. 17.3. which are a reproach to any People: and how to build you up in the saving knowledge of jesus Christ, which is eternal life. To which purpose in the ordinary course of my Ministry, as you know, I have gone over the principles of Religion, by way of Catechising more than once, that so I might, with the Lords assistance and blessing upon my labours, lay a sure and a sound foundation, in the tender hearts of the younger sort of people, who are so sweetly exhorted by Solomon, ●ccles. 12. to know and to remember their Creator now in the days of their youth. 2. It hath of late much troubled my spirit, what good course I might take in these evil and unsettled times, to settle and establish you in the Truth of the Gospel, ●evel. 3.1. to hold fast that which you have received, that no man may take your Crown: and how to Preach the Word unto you, that all may profit, and upon my seeking of God in private to direct me, and after much selfe-disputing, I resolved at last, to look beyond all discouragements, and frivolous exceptions of persons disaffected to Truth and Holiness, and in the integrity and simplicity of my heart, to adventure upon this plain and easy way. First to Compose and Print a short Catechise, containing the fundamentals of our Christian Religion, which being known and understood, will enable you to give an account to every man, 1 Pet. 3.15. that shall ask you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. Sermons without the knowledge and understanding of fundamental Truths, are as if you should set a Brown Loaf and a Cheese, Heb. 5.13.14. before Infants that call for Milk. Secondly, for as much as it is a sad thing to consider, how many hear God's word, it may be every Lord's day, yet understand little and remember less, having never been acquainted with the Historical part of the Scripture to any purpose, I have therefore very briefly contracted, and set down the most memorable Historical passages thereof, the knowledge whereof, will, I am confident, be very helpful unto you, to understand God's mind, delivered in those comfortable Doctrines, which upon the explication of any Text, are by worthy Ministers of Christ commended unto you. Thirdly, because without the Lords blessing nothing can do us good, I have therefore in the latter end of this little Manual, set down a short direction for younger Christians to pray by. There are Four holy duties, which I hearty commend unto you, and entreat you to practice. 1. To read God's word much in private, and to pray with your Families, the blessing of God is upon such Families. 2. To take heed of profaning the Lords Day, and instead of unnecessary worldly works, or sinful recreations, to call your Children and Servants after Dinner together before the second Sermon, to give you an account of some part of the Catechise, and of the History of the Bible, which will put yours and their hearts into a holy posture for the public exercises of the Church. 3. I would entreat you to examine all your Doctrines you hear, by the Word of God, it is a way very pleasing to God, as we see in the Example of the Noble Bereans. 4. I would desire you to search after, and to be well settled in the Doctrine of justification, and of the Sacraments. Other duties there are, I should speak of, but I would willingly be as short as I could. Now the Lord Jesus bless you and yours, and so appear upon you, and my labours amongst you, that in the day of judgement we may not be ashamed but stand with comfort before the Tribunal seat of Christ, and receive an Fuge well done good and faithful servants, enter into your Master's joy; Which shall be the daily prayer of Your most affectionate Friend and Pastor to serve you in Christ. JOHN HOFFMAN. From my study at Wotton Feb. 16. 1653. A Short Catechism. OR Twenty Questions and Answers, Containing the first Elements or Principles of our CHRISTIAN RELIGION. The 1. Question. WHAT is every one by Nature? The Answer. Every one by Nature is a poor miserable sinner, not able of himself to do any thing pleasing to God. Rom. 7.24. Q. 2. How came we to be so wretched? A. 1. By the guilt of the first sin committed by Adam and Eve in Paradise. 2. By original sin, which is not only a want of God's image, consisting in holiness and righteousness, but also a proneness and inclination to all sins. 3. By our daily Actual transgressions in thought word and deed. Psal. 51.5. Rem: 5.12. Q. 3. What is sin? A. Sin is a breach of God's Law, making us guilty of God's curse, and heavy judgements temporally and eternally. 1 Ioh: 3.4. Gal: 3.10. Q. 4. How may we be freed from this miserable condition? A. Only by Jesus Christ, the alone Mediator 'twixt God and Man. 1 Tim: 2.5. Q. 5. What is God? A. God is a spirit infinite in power, justice, and mercy, distinguished into three Persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, and these three are one, 1 Ioh: 5.7. Q. 6. What believest thou concerning God the Father? A. I believe that he created me and all the World out of nothing, and that by his Almighty providence, he upholds, and most wisely disposes of all things to his own glory, and the good of his Church, Heb: 11.3. Math: 10.29. Prov: 16.33. Q: 7. What believest thou concerning jesus Christ's A. I believe that he being God from everlasting, took man's Nature upon him in the fullness of time, being conceived by the Holy Ghost, borne of the Virgin Mary: That he fulfilled the Law of God for me, and suffered much misery, the death of the Cross, and Hell's Torments: That he was buried, and risen again the third day: That he ascended up into Heaven, to the highest glory, and that he shall ere long, come in great glory, to judge the quick and the dead. Phil: 2.7, 8, 9 Q. 8. How many Natures hath Christ, and how many Offices did he undertake for us? A. Christ hath two Natures; the humane, and the Divine Nature, Ioh: 1.14. 1 Tim: 3 16. And he undertook three Offices for us. 1 To be our Prophet to teach us. 2 Our High Priest to die and to pay for us. 3 Our Heavenly King to rule us by his word and spirit, Apoc. 1.5. Q: 9 What believest thou concerning the Holy Ghost? A. I believe that the Holy Ghost is God, and that he is sent to me, and to all God's Children, to guide us, to teach us, to make us Holy, and to comfort us in all our afflictions. joh, 14.26. Q: 10. How may we get God to be our God, and Father? A. By Faith in Jesus Christ alone, Ioh: 3.16. Q: 11. What is Faith? A. A precious gift of God, whereby I persuade and assure myself, that God for Christ's sake, hath justified me, and will accept of me, imputing Christ's righteousto me, and imputing my sins to him, 2 Cor: 5.21. Q: 12. How may we get and increase Faith? A. 1. By the hearing of God's word of true and faithful Preachers, Rom: 10.17. 2. By Prayer, ask of God in the name of Jesus Christ, things lawful and needful for soul and body, according to the Lords prayer. 3. By the Sacraments. Q: 13. What is a Sacrament? A. An outward sign and seal of the Covenant of Grace, Rom: 4.11. What the Covenant of Grace is, see Heb: ●0. 16, 17. Q: 14. How many Sacraments have we Christians? A. Two only: Baptism and the Lords Supper, 1 Cor: 10.2,3. To these Sacraments all those have right, to whom the promises are made; upon this ground we Baptise the Infants of Christian Parents, and when afterwards they come to the years of discretion, and can examine themselves, we also admit them to the Lords Supper, Act. ●…. 39. 1 Cor: 11.28. Q: 15. What is required of one that will receive the Communion? A. He that will receive the Communion, must not be utterly ignorant, nor scandalous in his life, but must carefully examine and try aforehand: 1. His knowledge of Christ. 2. Faith. 3. Repentance, which is a change from worse to better, upon true sorrow for sin. 4. Love and Charity. 5. His obedience and thankfulness. Q: 16. What is it to eat the flesh, and drink the blood of Christ in the Sacrament? A. To believe and to assure myself, that what the Lord Jesus hath done or suffered, he hath done it also for my soul, and that I am really, spiritually united unto him, Joh: 6.54, 63. Q: 17. What is expected of us, after we have received the Lords Supper? A. 1. To try what spiritual strength and comfort we have gotten by it. 2. To pay our vows. 3. To increase daily in Grace. 4. To praise God, that we have a place in God's Church among his people, Psal: 116.12, 13. Q: 18. What dost thou mean by the Church? A. The company of all God's Elect, that have been, are, or shall be called out of the World to be Saints, Acts 2.47. Q: 19 What are the true Christians constant exercises? A. 1. To keep a good Conscience, Act: 24.16. 2. To be much in Prayer and Fasting. 3. To read and hear God's word. 4. To keep the Lords day. 5. To do good to all, but specially to Godly Christians. 6. To do as I would be done by, according to the Moral Law, the Ten Commandments, which are the Rule of man's life. 7. To repent daily of our daily failings and in all these duties to believe, that God will accept of me for Christ's sake alone, without whom our best performances are sinful and abominable, Rom. 14.23. Heb: 11.6. Q: 20. What are the Christians privileges? A. 1. 'tis a great privilege to be a Member of the true Church. 2 To have Union & Communion with Christ and his Church. 3 To have the forgiveness of my sins sealed to me in the blood of Christ. 4 To die in the Faith of Christ. 5 To be raised up at the last day to eternal Glory. 6 To stand at Christ's Right hand, and to judge the World and Angels. 7 That when the wicked shall go away with the Devils to Hell Fire for ever: I shall with all Gods Elect follow Christ into Heavenly Glory, to see God Face to Face, singing Hallelujah to him that sits upon the Throne, and to the Lamb for ever more. Math: 25.46. Ioh: 5.28. Glory be to the Lord. AMEN. The History of the Bible in Questions and Answers. GENESIS. The 1. Question. WHAT is contained in this first Book of Scripture? The Answer. A. In Genesis is contained the History of the three first Patriarches; Of Adam before the flood; Of Noah in the flood; Of Abraham after the flood. And the History also of the other Three great Patriarches, Isaak, jacob, and joseph. Q: 2. What was done before the Flood? 1 A. God created Heaven and Earth, Adam and Eve, and all things in Six days out of nothing, and rested the seaventh day. 2 God prepared Paradise for our first Parents, and put them therein, and for sin turned them out again. 3 Adam in the state of Innocency according to the Wisdom bestowed upon him gave fit names to all Creatures. 4 Cain killed his brother Abel. 5 Henoch walked with God, and was taken up into Heaven. 6 The rest of those lesser Patriarches invented divers Arts cap: 5. Q: 3. What was done in the days of Noah? 1 A. The whole World was drowned by a flood. 2 The cause was man's sin, and want of Repentance upon warning given by Noah. 3 Noah and his Family, with some Beasts of all kinds were preserved in the Ark. 4 The Rainbow was given for a Token that God would never destroy the World by Water any more. 5 The building of the Tower of Babel i● undertaken by some, and punished. Q. 4. What canst thou say of Abraham? 1 A. Abraham was called by God out of his own Country, to sojourn in the Land of Canaan, which God afterwards gave to him and to his posterity for an Inheritance. 2 He entertained Angels unawares, and prayed for Sodom and Gomorah, and hath a Son by Sarah. 3 He met with many afflictions in his Travels to and fro with his Wife, Sarai, his maid Hagar, and his kinsman Lot. 4 He fought a great Battle with the assistance of his own Servants against the heathen Kings, wherein he obtained the victory, and recovered his kinsman Lot, that had been taken captive, and at his return Melchisedeck blesseth him, to whom Abraham paid Tithes of the spoils taken in that war. 5 Abraham built many Altars to God, is careful to teach his Family the knowledge of God, and is willing to sacrifice his son Isaak. 6 He had many troubles about Ishmael Hagars' son. 7 He purchased a piece of land to be a burying place for his family, and there Sarah was buried. 8 He took great care to have his son Isaak married in a Godly way. 9 After the death of Sarah, he Married again, and had divers children. 10 He died and was honourably buried. Q. 5. What canst thou say of Isaak? 1 A. Isaak feared God, as Abraham his father had done. 2 He loved Rebecca his Wife. 3 He was a great man among the Philistims, rich in Cattles and Goods, and had much contention with the Philistims about digging of Wells. 4 In his old Age he blessed jacob and Esau: he died and was buried by his Sons. Q. 6. What canst thou say of jacob? 1 A. He fled into a strange land for fear of his brother Esau. 2 In his Travels being once benighted, and lodging all night in the field, he had a sweet dream, wherein he saw a ladder that reached from Earth to Heaven, the Angels of God, descending and ascending. 3 He vowed a vow, and is entertained by his Uncle Laban, to have the care and oversight of his Cattles. 4 He had many troubles with his Uncle whose two Daughters Leah and Rachel he married. 5 He had twelve Sons and one Daughter, and grew rich by God's blessing upon him. 6 He returned to his Father's house with all he had gotten at his Uncles, and by the way in his return, he met with shrewd troubles. 1 His Uncle pursued after him, and charged him with theft. 2 His brother Esau came with an Army against him. 3 His Wife Rachel died in Childbed. 4 His Daughter Dinah is ravished. 5 His Sons Simeon and Levi committed Murder. 6 His eldest Son committed Incest, and his son judas whoredom. After he came home and was settled his troubles about joseph began. In his Old Age he removed with all his Family into Egypt, and died there, and his body was brought back into the land of Canaan end buried. Q: 7. What canst thou say of joseph? joseph is a worthy pattern of Piety and Holiness, he feared God, and took great care for his old Father jacob, and for all his family. He was sold into Egypt by his own brethren and was there wrongfully imprisoned, but by God's wonderful providence, he is advanced to great honour, and became the Father and preserver of the Land in time of Famine. 3 He was married in Egypt, and had two Sons: he died and is embalmed. EXODUS. Q. 1. WHY is this Book called Exodus? A. Because it containeth the History of Israel's going out of the Land of Egypt by the mighty hand of God. Q. 2. What became of jacobs' posterity after the death of joseph? 1 A. They were miserably oppressed by the Egyptians. 2 By command from the King, all the male children were drowned as soon as they were borne, the Midwives shown much pity towards them. 3 Moses an Infant is miraculously preserved, and bred up by King Pharao's own Daughter. 4 Moses and Aaron are called, and sent to the King to let Israel departed quietly out of the Land. 5 Pharaoh hardened his heart, and refused to let them go, for which he is punished with Nine plagues, which are these: 1 All the waters of the Land were turned into blood, God gave them blood to drink for their cruelty towards the Israelitish Infants. 2 God punished the land by Frogs. 3 By Lice. 4 By noisome Flies. 5 Murrain on Beasts, and Boils on Men. 6 By terrible hail thunder and lightning. 7 By Locusts. 8 By dreadful darkness. 9 By killing the first Borne. Q: 3. What became of Israel? 1 A. None of those Plagues touched them 2 They go out of Egypt in haste. 3 The Passeover is instituted. 4 They come to the Red Sea. Q. 4. What did God do for them there and afterwords? 1 He divided the Sea for them, and they went on foot through it, and the Egyptians following, the waters returned and drowned them all. 2 He led them by Moses into the Wilderness, and gave them the Law on Mount Sinai: and there they having grievously finned by committing Idolatry, at Moses his prayer for them are pardoned. 3 He commanded them to set up the Tabernacle, and gave them Laws about Sacrifices. Q. 5. How were they maintained in the Wilderness? 1 A. God gave them Manna from heaven, and water out of a Rock. 2 Their shoes add Garments did not wear out for Forty years. Q. 6. How did Moses govern such a multitude in the Wilderness? 1 A. He appointed Magistrates and Officers under him by the counsel of his Father in Law. 2 God usually appeared to Moses to direct him. 3 He had the Oracle of Vrim and Thumim, to ask counsel of God by. 4 The Lord went along with his people, and led them by a cloud by day, and by a Pillar of Fire by night. LEVITICUS. The Question. WHy is this book called Leviticus? A. Because it containeth the Laws and duties of the Levites or Ministers of God under the Law before the coming of Christ in the flesh.— Read often the 26. chapter of this book. NUMBERS. Q: 1. WHy is this book called Numbers? A. 1. Because all the Males from 20. years and upward among the Israelites were numbered in the wilderness by Moses at God's command. 2. Because Israel's murmur and punishments in the wilderness are here set down in order. 3. Because their several stations and removals in the wilderness are here numbered. Q: 2. Which were the great Rebellions of Israel in the wilderness? A. Their Rebellions against God, against Moses, and Aron were many; but three of them are most remarkable. 1. That of Miriam, for which she is punished with leprosy. 2. That of all the people, upon the return of the spies out of the land of Canaan. 3. That of Corah, Dathan and Abiram, whom the earth swallowed up, and all their company. Q: 3. What became of Aaron the first high Priest under the Law? A: He died and was buried in the wilderness, and his Son Eleazar succeeded him. Q: 4. What wars had Israel in the wilderness? A: They had wars with the Amalekits, and with the Midianites, where we have the history of Balaam, and of the zeal of Phineas, and of a great plague among the Israelits, for committing whoredom. Q: 5. What other memorable things have you in this book? A: 1. The 72 Elders prophesied. 2. The brazen Serpent is set up. 3. The Levits are numbered, and divers cases in law determined, as that of Zelophehads daughters. 4. Moses is forewarned of his death, and his successor is named, to wit joshua. 5. The two Tribes and a half obtain the land on this side Jordan for an inheritance, but with this condition, to assist the other. Tribes till they also could be settled in their inheritances. DEUTERONOMY. WHat canst thou say of this book? 1. This book is called Deuteronomy that is to say a second law, because it contains a repetition 1. Of laws formerly given. 2. Of mercies formerly received. 2. This book is full of sweet admonitions and exhortations to Israel, to be sincere and constant in God's worship and service. 3. This book containeth Moses his swanlike song, his blessing and prophecy, his death and burial, and Iosbua's succession. JOSHUAH. The Question. WHat readest thou in this book? A: 1. The history of the wars of Canaan. 2. The history of Israel's going over Jordan as on dry land, the waters giving way to them in a wonderful manner. 3. The Circumcision in Gilgall. 4. Christ appeared to Joshuah as an armed man. 5. The storming and taking of the City Jericho, and the saving of Rahab the harlot. 6. The trouble about the City Ai, and Achan, who was the cause of it. 7. At Joshuas prayer the sun stood still a whole day, that Israel might have time to destroy the Kings of the Amorites in number 31. God throwing down hailestons out of Heaven to destroy them. 8. The land of Canaan is divided by Joshuah among God's people. 9 The two Tribes and half return to their inheritance, and the mistake about an Altar. 10. Joshuahs' farewell Oration or charge unto Israel to serve God according to his word and to beware of Idolatry. 11. joshuas death and burial. JUDGES. Q: 1. WHy is this book so called? A: Because it containeth the valiant Acts of the Judges of Israel, whom God raised up after the death of joshuah to fight the Lords battles against the enemies of the Church. Q: 2. What are the names of those judges? A: 1 Othniel, 2 Ehud, 3 Shamgar, 4 Doborah & Barack, 5 Gideon, 6 Abimilech, 7 Tola, 8 jair, 9 jephtha, 10 Ibsan, 11 Elon, 12 Abdon, 13 Samson, 14 Eli, 15 Samuel. Q: 3. Which are the chief histories of this book? A: 1 The history of Abdonibezek. 2 Israel's sad Apostasy from God to Idols. 3 The memorable battle fought by Deborah and Barak, against Sisera a heathen General, who was slain by jael inhere tent. 4 The great deliverance given to Israel by Gideen. 5 The wickedness of Abimelech a Bastard. 6 The history of jeththa and his vow. 7 Of Sampsons' valour, of his sin, and of his death. 8 The sad history of the Benjamites about the Levites business. RUTH. WHAT is the sum and substance of this Book? 1 A. How Elimelech and his Wife Naomi with their two sons Malon and Chilion, in a time of Famine, left their own Country Canaan, and sojourned in the land of Moab. 2 Their two sons Married two Moabitish women Orpha and Ruth. 3 Elimelech and his two sons die in that Country. 4 Naomi returns to her own Country, and Ruth will needs go with her, and did. 5 They come to Bethlehem, and Naomi so ordereth all things, that Ruth is married to Boaz, according to Moses Laws. 6 Boaz hath a son by Ruth named Obed, who was Grandfather to King David. The First Book of SAMUEL. The 1. Question. WHY are these Books called the Books of Samuel? A. Not because Samuel wrote them, but because it containeth the History of samuel's Life and Death, who being an eminent Prophet, and the last judge of Israel, had done great service to God's Church, he by God's appointment, elected and Anointed the two first Kings of Israel. These Books were written by some holy man, who lived in those times. Q. 2. What dost thou Read of Samuel? 1 A. I read of his Birth and Education, and of the care his good Mother Hannah took for him. 2 Of his coming to the Highpriest Eli to serve under him. 3 Of a sad Message Samuel brings to Eli from God, for winking at his son's wickednesses. 4 Of samuel's wisdom and care to judge Israel in his days. 5 Of his power with God in Prayer. 6 Of his uncorrupt life, death, and burial. Q: 3. What canst thou say of Eli the High Priest? 1 A. How God punished him and his sons in one day. 2 How in his days the Ark of God was taken by the Philistines. 3 The Philistines and others are terribly plagued for their curiosity in looking into the Ark. 4 God causes the very Enemies of the Church to restore the Ark with an Offering. Q: 4. What canst thou say of Saul? 1 A. He was the first King over all Israel. 2 He fought against the Ammonites, and the Amalekites, and had good success, but because he did not obey Gods command fully, he was rejected. 3 Israel in saul's days was much oppressed by the Philistines, against whom God gave Jonathan a great victory. 4 He takes David into his Court, and giveeth him his Daughter Michall to Wife, for killing Goliath. 5 Saul wearieth himself in persecuting David. 6 Saul being forsaken of God, seeketh to a Wirch, and presently upon that he and his sons are slain in Battle by the Philistines upon Mount Gilboa. The Second Book of SAMUEL. Q. 1. WHat is chiefly set down in this Book. 1 A. That David was the Second King over Israel. 2 His valiant Acts and household troubles. 3 He endured much affliction, which made him compose many sweet Psalms. 4 He lived among the Philistines in Ziglaik, till the death of Saul. 5 He is not pleased with the messengers o● saul's death, and the sad death of Isbbo●…shet, but makes a lamentation for Sa●… and jonathan. 6 He is first made King in Hebron over judah, and afterwards over all Israel, and carried himself wisely in the busiesse of Abner and joah. Q. 2. What canst thou farther say of David? 1 A. How he took Jerusalem from the J●…busites, and brought the Ark of God thither, intending to build a Temple for God's worship. 2 He sinned grievosly against Vria, for which he suffered much afterward of his own children, Amon, Thamar, Absolom. 3 He had many troubles besides with She●…ba, Shimei, and joab. 4 His kindness to the Gibeonites in a f●r●… famine, as also to Mephiboshet, and Han●… King of Ammon. 5 He is victorious every where, all his enemies are subdued round about. 6 He numbered the People, and all Israel is plagued for it. The First and Second Books of KINGS. The 1. Question. HOW many Kings reigned over all Israel? A. Only three, Saul, David, Solomon. Q. 2. What is said in this Book of David? 1 A. He commands his son Solomon to be made King, and not Adoniah. 2 He groweth weak in his old age, giveeth his son Solomon most heavenly admonitions and directions, dyeth and is royally buried. Q: 3. What is mentioned of Solomon? 1 A. His behaviour towards Adoniah, joab, Abiathar, and Shimei. 2 His marriage with the Princess of Egypt. 3 His Prayer for Wisdom, and the signs of his Wisdom. Q: 4. Wherein did Solomon's Wisdom eminently appear? 1 A. In the judgement he gave 'twixt the dead and the living Child. 2 In his Songs, and Proverbs, and Natural Philosophy, knowing the nature of most Creatures. 3 In the government of his Court and Kingdom. 4 In the building of God's Temple in Jerusalem. 5 By his prayer at the Dedication of the the Temple. 6 By his entertainment of the Queen of Sheba. Q: 5. What evil dost thou read of Solomon? 1 A. He had seven hundred Wives, and three hundred Concubines. 2 He committed Idolatry, by the enticement of his Idolatrous outlandish Wives. 3 I read of God's anger against Solomon, testified by raising up Adversaries against him, namely; 1 Jeroboam his own servant. 2 Hadad the King of Edom. 3 Rezon the King of Syria. Q: 6. What was done after Solomon's death? A. After that Solomon died and was buried the Kingdom was divided. Ten Tribes adhered to Jeroboam, and two only to Solomon's Son. Q. 7. How many Kings reigned only over the two Tribes, that were Kings of Judah? A. The Kings of Judah were twenty whose names are these; 1 Rehoboam. 2 Abiam. 3 Asa. 4 Jehosophat. 5 Jehoram. 6 Ahaziah. 7 Queen Athaliah 8 Joash 9 Amazia 10 Azariah called also Vzziah. 11 Jotham. 12 Ahaz 13 Hezekiah 14 Manasseh 15 Amon 16 Josiah 17 Jehoaaz 18 Jehoiachim 19 Jehoiakin 20 Zedekiah. Q: 8. How many Kings Reigned over the Ten Tribes of Israel? A. The Kings over Israel were Nineteen, and none of them good: their names are these; 1 Joroboam 2 Nadab 3 Baasha 4 Elah 5 Zimri 6 Omri 7 Ahab 8 Abaziah 9 Jehoram 10 Jehu 11 Jehoahaz 12 Jehoash 13 Jeroboam 14 Zachariah 15 Shallum 16 Menahem 17 Pekaiah 18 Pekah 19 Hoshea. Q. 9 What is said of the first King of Juda Rehobean? 1. A. He neglected the good Counsel of old men, and so lost the greatest part of his Kingdom. 2 For his sins and the sins of the land, the King of Egypt came with an Army, and rob the Temple, which Solomon had built and beautified. 3 He died and was little lamented. Q. 10. What is said of Abiam the second King of Ju●…s? A. He was very wicked, he Reigned but three years and died. Q. 11. What canst thou say of Asa? 1 A. He was a Godly King and reformed Religion. 2 He prospered in his Wars against Baasha, and against the Ethiopians. 3 He and his Subjects entered into a strict Covenant to serve God according to his word. 4 Two sins are laid to his charge: 1 His unkindness to the Prophet Hanani. 2 His looking more after Physicians then God. 5 He fell sick of a disease in his feet and died. Q. 12. What is said of Jehosaphat? 1 A. He like his Father Asa maintained true Religion. 2 He is blamed for keeping friendship with Ahah. 3 He walked in the first ways of David being zealous. 4 He caused the Priests to go from Town to Town to Catechise the people. 5 In a time of War, he seeks God and gets a great victory: he Reigned gloriously and died peaceably. Q: 13. What is said of Jehoram? A: 1 He was wicked and Idolatrous, for which he is reproved in a letter from the Prophet Eliah, but he despised it. 2 For his sins God smote him with an incurable dsease and pain in his bowels where of he died. 3 His death was not lamented, neither was he buried among the Kings of Juda. Q: 14. What is said of Abaziah? A: He was a very wicked King he reigned but one year and going to see the King of Israel is slain there by Jehu, Q: 15. What readest thou of Queen Athaliah? A: 1 She being the Queen's mother undertaks to reign, & killeth all the Royal seed, excepting one young Prince Joash, who was secretly carried away, and preserved by his Aunt Jehoshebah the wife of Jehoiadah the high Priest. 2 This Queen was afterwards slain by the command of the high Priest, and Joash the young Prince succeeded. Q: 16. What is said of Joash? A: 1 Joash is made King by Jehoiadah the high Priest and did well so long as this Priest lived, taking great care for the repairing of the Temple. 2 After the death of his Uncle the high Priest, he groweth very wicked, and being reproved, by his Uncle's son then the high Priest, he caused him to be killed, an ill requital to his Uncle, who had saved his life, & preferred him to the Crown. 3 Jehoiadah dying is buried among the Kings. 4 Joash by a conspiracy is slain by his Courtiers. Q: 17. What canst thou say of Amaziah? A: 1 He was a religious Prince, and revenged his Father's Murder. 2 He challenged Jehoash King of Israel to fight with him, but he is worsted by him. 3 He hired soldiers out of Israel for an 100 shekels of silver: but being advised by a Prophet, to let these Soldiers go bacl again to their own homes because they were wcked Idolaters he obeyed and is content to lose the money. God is able, saith the Prophet to give thee much more, than this money cometh to. 4 He fights with the Edomites, and having conquered them, worshippeth their ldole Gods, for which beingreproved by a Prophet, he continued obstinate, and at last growing proud he is killed by a conspiracy. Q: 18. What read we of Azaria or Vzziah? A: 1 He was good King and reigned 52 years. 2 He overcame the Philistians in Battle. 3 He was a Lover of Husbandry and Cattles. 4 At last he meddling with the Priest's Office, he is smitten with leprosy, and died. Q: 19 What is said of Jotham? A: There is little said of him, only he executed his Father's Kingly office, after his Father was leprous. Q: 20. What is said of Ahaz? A: 1. He was very wicked: the Scripture saith this is that Ahaz to show the greatness of his sins and wickedness, he offered his son to the Idol Molech in the fire. 2 He lost part of his Country, and hired the King of Assyria to help him against the Syrians. 3 He put up an Idolatrous Altar after the form of that he saw in Damascus, and made great changes in Religion for the worse, and died. Q: 21. What do we read of Hezekiah? A: 1 He was one of the best Kings of Juda, and reformed Religion, and broke the brazen serpent, set up by Moses in the Wilderness. 2 He kept a stately passover, and persuaded all his subjects to bind themselves by a vow to serve the Lord. 3 God delivered him and Jerusalem from the Army of Senacharth, an Angel from Heaven fight for them. 4 He fell sick, and upon his prayer God added 15 years to his life. 5 He was a great builder and became exceeding famous. 6 He offended God by showing his Treasures on't of vain glory to the Ambassadors of the King of Assyra, and died. Q: 22. What is said of Manasseth? A: 1 He was one of the most wicked Idolatrous Kings of Juda, and dealt with Devils, and wizzards and spilt much innocent blood. 2 He is led away captive into Babylon, and upon his repentance he is restored again to his Kingdom and died. Q: 23. What is said of Amon? A: He was very wicked, and is slain by his own servants in his house. Q: 24. What do we read of Josiah? A: 1 He was one of the best Kings of Juda, and being very young, when his Father was slain he was by the care of his Mother & the high Priest religiously bred up. 2 The Prophetess Huldah foretells God's Judgements upon the land and a Blessing upon him, for humbling himself at the reading of the Law. 3 He kept a most solemn Passover, and destroyed the Idolatry of Juda and Israel. 4 He goeth contrary to God's command to war against Pharaoh Necho, and is there unfortunately slain, whose death was lamented by all specially by the Prophet Jeremy. Q: 25. What is said of Jeboahaz? A: He is taken captive by Pharaoh and died in prison in Egypt. Q: 26. What is said of Jehoiakim? A: 1 He was very wicked, and became Tributary to Egypt, and oppressed his subjects. 2 The chaldeans and other Nations invaded Juda, and distressed him every way, and he died. Q: 27. What do we read of Jehoiachin? Nebucadnezar King of Babylon took him his Wife and Children and many of the Nobles of Juda captives into Babylon, there he lived and died a prisoner, yet in his latter days he had some enlargement granted to him in Babylon. Q: 28. What is said of Mattaniah alias Zedekiah? A: He was wicked and rebelled against the King of Babylon, whereupon the Chaldeans besieged the City Jerusalem and took it and brnt the City and Temple, & carried away the King and all Juda captive into Babylon for 70 years according to Jeremies Prophecy. Thus far goeth the History of the Kings of Juda. Here followeth the History of the Kings of Israel after the Death of SOLOMON. The 1. Question. WHat is said of Jeroboam the first King of Israel? 1 A. Jeroboam for Solomon's sins is made King of the ten Tribes of Israel. 2 He sets up Idols in his dominions for fear his Subjects should go up to worship in Jerusalem, and so fall off from him again: For which sinful policy this mark of infamy is set on his name: Jeroboam the Son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. 3 When one of God's Prophets came to reprove, and to reclaim him from his sins, he stretched out his hand against that Prophet, whereupon his hand withered, but was again restored. 4 The same Prophet seduced by a lying Prophet is slain by a Lion at his return. 5 Jereboams son died young, because God saw some good in him. 6 He had perpetual wars with the Kings of Juda and died. Q: 2. What is said of Nadab his son? A. He being wicked and Idolatrous like his Father, was slain by Baasha, one of his own Subjects, in the second year of his Reign. Q. 3. What read we of Baasha? A: 1 He executed God's wrath upon Jeroboams posterity, and was a great warrior: 2 For his wickedness he is told by the Prophet Jehu that God would deal with him as he dealt with Jeroboam. Q: 4. What is said of Elah, Zimri and Omri the 3 following Kings? A: 1 Elah being drunk at a feast is slain by his servant Zimri: 2 Zimri having destroyed all Baashae's posterity is pursued by Omri he fleeth to his Palace and burns himself and Palace. 3 Omri is made King by the Soldiers, and prevaileth against Tibny his competitour, he built the City Samaria and died: Q: 5. What is said of Ahab, Omrie's son? 1 A. Ahab was worse than any of the Kings of Israel before him, for he brought with his wife jezabel the Idol Baal into the land. 2 In his days Jericho was built: And for 3 years & 6 months there was no rain in the land, which caused a great famine. 3 He caused innocent Naboth to be stoned, by his wife's instigation, to get his Vinyard. 4 Upon the Prophet Elia's message from God for a heavy judgement he humbled himself for the present, whereupon the judgement is put off for a time. 5 He was victorious in two great battles which he fought with Benhadad King of Syria. 6 He goeth against Ramoth Gilead to battle contrary to the Prophet Micha's counsel and is slain in the field, jehosaphat King of Juda being with him. 7 In his days the Prophet Elia was famous. Q: 6. What read we of Elia the Prophet? A: 1. He foretells a famine upon the land. 2 He is fed by ravens. 3 He increaseth the Widow's oil and meal, & raised a dead child to life. 4 Obadia a good Courtier bringeth him to Ahab, Elia calls Baalls Priests to a Sacrifice, and puts them to death. 5 At Elia's prayer God sent rain. 6 For fear of Queen Jezebel he fled into a Wilderness, where he is fed by an Angel, God appeareth to him and commandeth him, to anoint Elisha to be a Prophet in his room. 7 Elia being sent for by King Ahaziah Ahabs son, caused fire to come down from heaven, to consume the first and second Captains and their fifties, he spareth the third Captain, and goeth with him to the King. 8 He was taken up into heaven in a fiery Chariot, Elisha being by and beholding it. Q: 7. What is said of Ahazia Ahabs son, the eight King of Israel? A. 1 He was wicked like his Father, Jehosaphat refuseth his friendship. 2 He died of a fall through a lettesse according to the word of Elia. Q: 8. What read we of Jehoram? A. 1 He was Ahazia's younger brother. 2. For Jehoshaphats sake he obtained a great victory against the Moabites. 3 He is slain by Jehu one of his Captains. 4 In his days Elisha prophesied. Q: 9 What do we read of Elisha the Prophet? 1 A. He being with Elia going up to heaven got his Mantle, and therewith divided the waters of Jordan as Elia had done before. 2 A. He healed the bitter waters of Jericho. 3 He caused two Bears to destroy forty two Schoolboys for nicknaming and calling him Bald-head. 4 He multiplied the Widow's oil, and raised the Shunamites dead child to life. 5 He healed the pottage. Caused the Iron to swim. He fed an hundred men with a few loaves. He cured Naaman's leprosy. He punished his servant Gehazy for lying and for taking a reward. He told the secrets of the King of Syria to the King of Israel. He smote the Syrians who came to apprehend him, with blindness. He foretold sudden plenty in Samaria, in a time of a grievous famine. 6 He entertained Hazael with tears, and told him of his future greatness and cruelty. 7 Upon his deathbed he promised the King, who came to see him, three victories against the Syrians. 8 He died, and in his grave, a dead soldier is raised to life by touching his bones. Q: 10. What is said of Jehu? 1 A. Of a Captain he is made King over Israel, he destroyed all Ahabs posterity, he killed both the Kings of Juda and Israel, he caused Queen jezebel to be thrown out of a Window, and he killed all the worshippers of Baal. 2 For his zeal against Baal and Ahabs' house God promised him, that four of his posterity should be Kings. 3 He was a great Warrior, but wicked & died. Q. 11. What read we of his son Jehoahaz. 1 A. He walked in the ways of Jeroboam, 2 When the Syrians invaded his land, he cried to God, and he delivered him, and he died peaceably. Q. 12. What is said of Jehoash? 1 He lived in his Father's sin. 2 He fought with Amaziah King of Juda, and overcame him, he was a great Warrior, and died. Q: 13. What is said of Jeroboam and Zachariah? 1 A. Jeroboam was a great warrior, and had good success and died. 2 Zacharia succeeded him, and reigned but half a year, and was slain by Shallum one of his own Subjects. Q: 14. What do we read of the other five, being the last Kings of Israel? 1 A. Shallum reigned one Month, and is slain by Menhaem. 2 Menhaem reigned ten years, and oppressed his Subjects by taxes. 3 Pekaiah his son reigned two years and is killed by Pekah a Captain of his Army. 4 Pekah is killed by Hosheah. 5 In Pekah and Hoshea's days, Israel is carried away captive to Babylon; and thus ended the Kingdom of Israel. The First and Second Books of CHRONICLES. Q. 1. Why are these Books so called? 1 A. Because in these are recorded many memorable things from Adam to those times. 2 Because therein are contained some Histories of the Kings of Israel and Juda. EZRA. Q. 1. WHat is the sum of this Book? 1 A. How the Jews after 70 year's captivity returned, by command from the Emperor Cyrus, into Judea, and set up again the Temple and Worship of God in lerusalem, and built the City. 2 Ezra the High Priest being also returned taught the People the Law of Moses, and caused all that had married outlandish women, to send their Wives and Children away from them, because, Jesus Christ being to come of the Tribe of luda, God would have a holy seed prelerved. 3 Old people seeing the new Temple and City and remembering the Glory of the old, wept, because nor so glorious and sttately, as was that built by Solomon, but they are told by the Prophet that this latter Temple shall be far more glorious than the former, because the Promised Messiah of the World should teach there in prison. NEHEMIA. Q: WHAT is chief contained in this book? A: 1. Nehemiah a captive Jew, and a great favourite of the Emperor Artaxerxes hath leave and means granted him to return to his own Country, and to set forward the building of the City and Temple in Jerusalem. 2. Being returned he is much opposed in the work by Tobia and Sanballat, yet protected of God, the people being constrained to work with one hand, and to hold a sword in the other. 3 He did much for God's worship, and for his Country's good. HESTER. Q: WHAT is the sum of this book? A: 1 How Hester a poor jewish captive maid is preferred to be Queen and Empress to the Emperor Ahashuexus after that the former Queen Vasthy was deposed, for refusing to come to the King when he sent for her, to show her beauty to the Nobles being then assembled at a great feast the emperor had made for them, which feast lasted 180 days, where none was compelled to drink, but every man left to his freedom. 2 Haman a Noble man, and a great favourite at that Court, obtained a decree from the Emperor to kill all the people of God, the Jews in one day because Mardochy the Jew would not bow the knee before him. 3 How Gods wonderful providence wrought for their deliverance and preservation by the care and prayer and fasting of Mardochy and of Queen Hester. 4 How Hamans' intended mischief is discovered to the King at a feast and prevented, and how Haman was hanged on the same Gallows, he had set up for Mardochy, for which deliverance the Iews kept a yearly feast, called Purim or Lor. Q: 2, Why would not Mardochy how to Haman? A. Because Haman was by Nation an Amalekite, which Nation was cursed of God, and the Israelites were commanded to abhor them. Exod. 17.16. where Moses saith, that God will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. JOB. Q. 1. What read we of job? 1 A. That he was a very rich man, and a very Godly man, having seven Sons and three Daughters, and a very great household. 2 God was pleased to give way to Satan to deprive him of all his Estate, Children, Friends, and his health, to try his patience. 3 jobs behaviour under his woeful loss, pain & sorrow was exceeding comfortable, full of Faith and patience, blessing God for all. 4 Some of his old friends came to visit, and to comfort him in his distress, endeavouring to convince him that God plagued him for some notorious sin, as for hypocrisy or the like, whereupon followeth a sharp and a witty dispute between them. The Question was, whether job suffered for hypocrisy. His friends affirm it, and ordered all their discourses accordingly. job denies it, and maintains his integrity. At last God himself is the Moderator between them, job is justified and his friends condemned, and job must pray God to forgive their mistakes. Q. 2. What was the event and issue of jobs triells? A. The issue was most comfortable, for, 1 He recovered his former health and strength. 2 God blessed him with a greater worldly estate, than he had at first. 3 God gave him as many Children as he had before. 4 He lived 140 years after his troubles & died. The Book of PSALMS. The 1. Question. WHat say you of the Book of Psalms? 1 This Book of Psalms is one of the most excellent Books of holy Scripture, wonderfully fitted for all men's occations, whether in adversity or in prosperity. 2 It is thought by the Learned, that Esdras collected these Psalms, and put them into this order we now read them in. 3 Christians in former times were so in love with this Book, that one while they would read it over every week, another while every months 4 It is a Book full of prayers and thanksgivings: seven Psalms are called penitential Psalms, because David composed them or some of them, at a time when he repenced for his sins, fit to be often read by us, and they are these; The 6 The 32 The 38 The 51 The 102 The 130 The 143 5 In times of sickness or other troubles read also The 25 Psalm. The 39 The 88 The 22 The 44 with others. 6 In times of prosperity, when thou wouldst give God thanks for a blessing received, read or ling The 19 Psalm The 65 The 103 The 104 The 107 with others. 7 They are called the Psalms of David, because the Kingly Prophet David made most of them, though not all, for many Psalms were made by other holy men after David's death: Christ and his Apostles do often repeat things out of it. This Book is very useful for the weaker and more ignorant people. PROVERBS, ECCLESIASTES, CANTICLES. The 1. Question. WHat say you of these three Books of Solomon? 1 A. The Book of Proverbs contains much heavenly matter in few words, every Chapter, and sometimes every verse holding forth divers Truths. 2 In the Book of Ecclesiastes Solomon like a Preacher instructs us, how to look after true blessedness, and convinces us, that all things under the Sun are vanity, and vexation of Spirit, and he is exceeding earnest with young folks to serve God betimes. 3 In the Canticles, Solomon sets forth the mutual and entire love, betwixt Jesus Christ the Bridegroom, and all Believers his spouse. This Book is to be read with all Christian reverence and holy affections. Wanton and filthy people, are very unfit to Read this or any other part of holy writ. Of the Holy Prophets of the Old Testament. Q. 1. HOw many Prophets have left us their Books in the Old Testament? A. Sixteen: whereof the four first are called the greater Prophets, and the other twelve are called the lesser Prophets, because they have not written so largely as the four greater have done. Q: 2. What sayest thou of the Prophet Esay? 1 He and Jeremy Preached before the Babylonian captivity: Ezekiel and Daniel Prophesied in the captivity. 2 Esay speaks so sweetly and plainly of Christ's Nativity and Passion as if he had seen it, and is therefore called a Prophetical Evangelist. JEREMY & LAMENTATION. Q. 1. WHat sayest thou of Jeremy? 1 A. He was called to be a Prophet, when he was young. 2 He Preached in Jerusalem, when the City was besieged, and he often entreated King and People with much importunity to hearken to God's word, and to preserve the City and Temple from burning, and themselves from bitter bondage. For which good Counsel this Prophet is hated, and continually kept in woeful prisons. 3 At last Jerusalem is taken by the Galdeans and destroyed whereupon Jeremy having his liberty granted by the Caldean General laments over the sad ruin of his Country in the Book of the Lamentations. EZEKIEL. Q: WHat canst thou say of Ezechiel? A: He preached to the Jews at Babylon in their captivity, convinced them o● God's just judgements upon them for their sins and assured them of future deliverance, and of the rebuilding of Jerusalem and of the rebuilding of the Temple, for which purpose he hath many visions. DANIEL. Q: WHat is said of Daniel? A: 1 He for his singular wisdom and Faithfulness is preferred to very great honour under those three Emperors especially Nebucadnezar, Beltshassar, and Darius. 2 Three of his fellow captives are thrown into a fiety Furnace; and Daniel himself is cast into a Lion's den, but are all preserved they trusting in God. 3 God declared much of his mind to Daniel, concerning things to come, by visions Angels, he speaks of the Resurrection and the day of Judgement in the last Chapter. The twelve lesser PROPHETS. Q. WHat sayest thou of them? A: 1 Of the twelve lesser Prohets, some preached before the Captivity, some in, and some after it. 2 Their main business was to persuade people to repentance, and to threaten the impenitent with God's wrath and to comfort the penitent. 3 The last Prophet was Malachy, who Prophesied of John the Baptist and of the Coming of Jesus Christ the Son of Righteousness. APOCRYPHA. Q. 1. WHat sayest thou of the Apocryphas Books, usually bound up with the Canonical Books of Scripture? The Apocrypha Books are not the pure infallible word of God: Because, 1 They contain many fabulous things, as the History of Susanna, of Bel and the Dragon, of Judith and the like. 2 Because they were not written by Prophets immediately inspired by the Holy Ghost. For the Author of the Books of the Maccabes in the latter end, asketh pardon, if he have not done well, which a●… greeth not with the Majesty of holy Scripture. 3 Because these Books contain many things contrary to the Truth, as divers passages in the Book of Tobit and the rest testify. 4 Because they were not written in the Hebrew Language, as the Canonical books of the Old Testament were. Neither is any of them mentioned by Christ or his Apostles in the New Testament. We may read them, and take notice of some passages concerning the people of God in those days, we may also see in the reading of them, the difference twixt the writings of mere men, and those that are written by holy Prophets inspired by the Holy Ghost. 2 Pet. 1.19. The New TESTAMENT. Q. 1. WHY is it called the New Testament? A. Because it doth discover to us the free Grace and Mercies of God promised in the Covenant of Grace. For God made two Covenants with the World; 1 A Covenant of Works, which is, Do this and thou shalt live. 2 A Covenant of Grace, and that is, Believe and thou shalt live, as it is in the Gospel. Q: 2. What is the Gospel? A. The Gospel declareth the glad tidings of Salvation by Jesus Christ: where ●…ote that The Old Testament speaks chiefly of the Acts of God the Father. The four Gospels set forth the works of God the Son. The Acts and Epistles of the Apostles show forth the works and wonders of God the Holy Ghost after Christ's ascension into Heaven Q. 3. Which are the chief Sermons of Christ a Christian should often read and learn to understand? A. There are four especially. First Christ's Sermon upon the Mount i●… the 5, 6, and 7. Chapters of S Matthew. Secondly his Sermon to the Ministers of the Gospel in the 10. Chapter of S Matthew. Thirdly his Sermon of the day of judgement and the end of the world in the 24, and 25. Chapter of S. Matthew. Fourthly his farewell Sermon to his Disciples in the 14, 15, and 16. Chapters of S, john. To which Sermons add Christ's Heavenly Prayer for the Church, the 17. Chapter of S. john. S. MATTHEW. Q. WHat sayest thou of S. Matthew? 1 A. He was called by Christ from the receipt of custom to be an Apostle, and he was willing to forsake all and to follow him. 2 His Gospel contains Christ's Nativity, his life, death and Resurrection. 3 S. Matthew writes some things, which other Evangelists have not; as 1 The genealogy of Christ from Abraham downward to Joseph and Mary. 2 The History of the Wise Men. 3 joseph's purpose to forsake his espoused Wife upon a mistake. 4 Christ's fleeing into Egypt from the fury of King Herod. 5 The bloody murder of the Infants of Bethlehem. 6 Some Parables, which the other Evangelists have not. S. MARK. Q WHat canst thou say of S. Mark? 1 A. S. Mark was no Apostle, but an Evangelist, and a Disciple of S. Peter, with whose help he wrote the History of Christ's Life, Death, Resurrection and Ascension. 2 This Evangelist is more large in the description of Christ's Miracles, then in other passages of Christ's Life and Death. S. LUKE. Q. WHat say you of his Gospel and of him? 1 A. S. Luke by profession a Physician was one of the 70 Disciples, employed by S. Paul in the planting of the Gospel. 2 He observeth many things, which other Evangelists have omitted, as 1 The History of Zachary and Elizabeth, and the Nativity of John the Baptist. 2 The Angel Gabriells' salutation to the blessed Virgin Mary. 3 The History of old Simeon, and of Anna the Prophetess. 4 Christ's disputing with the Doctors, when he was but twelve years old. 5 The time of Christ's Nativity, namely in the Reign of Augustus the Emperor of Rome. 6 The manifestation of Christ's Nativity by Angels to the Shepherds. 7 Christ's Circumcision the eight day. 8 The Genealogy of Christ upward to Adam. 9 The Parable of Dives and Lazarus, and of the Prodigal son, etc. 10 Christ's praying whole nights in desert mountains alone. 11 The History of the two Disciples going to Emaus on Easter day. S. JOHN. Q. WHat can you say of S. John? 1 A. He was one of the twelve Apostles whom Jesus loved, he outlived all the Apostles, and died a natural death at Ephesus, if we believe the Church History: All the rest of the Apostles were killed. 2 He gins his Gospel with many arguments, to prove that Jesus Christ was God from everlasting, coaequal to the Father, and to the holy Ghost. 3 Most of his Histories are omitted by the other Evangelists, as 1 The calling of Nathaniel: 2 Christ's Miracle at a marriage in Cana. 3 Christ's dispute with Nicodemus about regeneration. 1 His discourse with the Woman of Sa. maria. 5 His healing of a man at the pool of Bethesda, that had been 38 years sick. 6 His several disputes with the Jews about his divine nature, and concerning his real Spiritual sense in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper. 7 His raising of Lazarus from the dead. 8 His washing of the Disciples feet. 9 Christ's restoring of Peter to his former place by a threefold confession of him, as he had before three times denied him. ACTS. Q: WHat say you of this Book? A. The Penman of the Acts of the Apostles was Luke, the chief Histories whereof are these, 1 Christ's ascension into Heaven. 2 The election of Mathias to be an Apostle in the room of Judas the traitor. 3 The wonderful coming of the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles on the day of Penticost. 4 The healing of a Cripple by Peter and John. 5 The sad end of Ananias and Sapphyra. 6 The Martyrdom, of Stephen. 7 The miraculous conversion of Paul. 8 The conversion of Cornelius by Peter, and the conversion of many other Gentiles by Paul, as of Lydia, Sergius Paulus, the Jailor, and others. ● The Martyrdom of James, the imprisonment and deliverance of Peter by an Angel. 9 The woeful end of persecuting Herod, who was eaten up alive by worms for his rage against the Church of Christ. 10 Paul's travels and great sufferings in divers places both by Jews and Gentills. 11 His Sermons before Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa. 12 His dangerous Sea-voyage to Rome, and his behaviour and conversation there. The fourteen EPISTLES of S. Paul. Q: WHat say you of these Epistles of Paul? A. The Apostle Paul's end in his Epistles is. 1 To convince men of sin, and so of a necessity of Christ, the only Saviour of the world. 2 To set forth the unsearchable riches of Gods free grace in Christ to the world. 3 To exhort Christians to thankfulness, and to the performance of their duties towards God, and towards men, whether our superiors, inferiors or equals. The Epistle of S. JAMES. Q. 1. What say you of this Epistle? 1 A. This Apostle persuades Christians to show the truth of Faith by good works. 2 The Doctrine of S. James about justification is not contrary to that of S. Paul's in his Epistles, as Luther thought at first. For As S. Paul teacheth, that it is faith that doth justify us before God; so S. james shows what Faith it must be, namely not a dead, but a living fruitful faith. The First and Second Epistle of PETER. Q. WHAT say you of these two Epistles? 1 A. These two Epistles are called general Epistles, because they were written, not to any particular Nation, or City, or Person, as those of Paul, but to all Christians, whether Jew's or Gentiles. 2 In these Epistles the Apostle Peter's aim is, 1 To exhort Christians to make their calling and election sure. 2 To exhort us to discharge our duties to God and Man. 2 To forewarn us of damnable heresies, and false teachers, that would trouble God's Church in the latter times of the world. The three EPISTLES of john. Q: WHat can you say of these? A: The Apostle John's drift and aim in these three Epistles is 1 To commend unto us the dear love of God in Jesus Christ to his Chosen people. 2 To persuade us to Love God again. 3 To assure us that true Love to God doth appear by our true love to the Brothers. 4 He commends the Noble Lady of Asia for her Piety and Charity. 5 He commends one Gajus a charitable harbourer and reliever of persecuted Christians in those days. 6 He sharply censureth one Diotrephes for ambition and pride, loving the pre-eminence & seeking his own Glory more than the Glory of Christ, and the honour of the Gospel. The Epistle of JUDAS. WHat canst thou say of this Epistle? 1 A: The Apostle exhorts Christians to constancy in Faith once received. 2 He describeth the evil manners and dangerous opinions of Apostates and Heretics in the latter time of the world. The APOCALYPSE or REVELATION of S. john. Q: What can you say of john's Revelation? 1 A: S. john for Religion was banished by the Emperor Domitian into a solitary Island, there Jesus Christ appeared to him, and by his Angel revealed to him, what should befall the Church of God tooth end of the world. 2 The three first Chapters are historical, relating the history of the seven Churches of Asia. 3 The whole book is very Mysterious containing visions and very obscure things. Yet a specialll blessing is Promised to the careful reading and meditation of it. Chap. 1.3. 4 In this book is told of 1 The evils that should befall God's Church under Antichrist. 2 The rise and fall of Antichrist, or Pope of Rome. 3 A description of the day of judgement, of the Resurrection, and of the heavenly Jerusalem, and of God's people's earnest expectation and longing for the coming of Jesus Christ in glory. To whom with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, be all Glory, Praise, and for ever and ever. AMEN. A Prayer for Young People Mornings and Evenings. 1. O Most Holy Lord God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, my merciful Father in Jesus Christ, Thou art light itself, & I am by nature darkness itself, dead in sins and trespasses, Spiritually blind and poor, naked and miserable, not able of myself to have a good thought, much less to do one God-pleasing work, worse than the beasts that perish. For I am guilty of the first sin of our first parents in Paradise, I was conceived and borne in sin, and have lived in fin to this day, I have not kept one of thy holy laws, I have not prized the Gospel of Salvation, neither have thy mercies or visitations kindly wrought upon me, I have omitted holy duties, and I have committed many evils in thy fight O Lord God, & so have deserved a thousand ways to be cast out into utter darkness, to have my portion in Hell with the damned for ever: Oh that I could bewail my sins, and mourn in secret bitterly for them as I should: O Lord I abhor myself in dust and ashes, miserable wretch that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 2. O Lord God, thou hast sent thy dear Son Jesus into the World to save sinners, and thy holy Word doth assure me, that if I confess and forsake my sins, I shall have mercy, and that if I repent and believe in Christ, I shall not perish. I pray thee, holy Lord God, give me a broken and a contrite heart and spirit, give me repentance unto Life, and true Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ that he may be all in all unto me: Oh let his pecious Blood cleanse me from all my sins, let him be my Heavenly Prophet to teach me, my great high Priest to redeem me, and to pray in Heaven for me, let him be my King to rule and guide me by his word & holy Spirit, tha● by him I may overcome the Devil th● world & the Corruptions of my heart, and so perfect holiness in thy fear. 3. Keep me O Lord, from all such occasions and company where I may be tempted to offend thee, help me to see how vain and uncertain all things of the world are Oh give me a heart to love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, and to think nothing too much I can do or suffer for his sake, strengthen I pray thee my weak Faith in thee, my unfeigned Love to thee, & make good to me all those sweet and precious Promises of the Covenant of Grace, to write thy Law in my heart and to remember my sins and iniquities no more. Fit me for troubles and trials, for sickness and death and for the coming of the Lord Jesus in Glory that I may be found among the wise Virgins and be counted worthy in Christ to receive the Kingdom prepared for thine Elect before the foundation of the world was laid. 4. Be Merciful to Church and people in the whole world, Maintain thy Gospel against all opposition of Hell and Antichrist to thy Promise. Have mercy upon this Land of my Nativity, preserve truth and peace amongst us and do good to all that are true of heart whether they be my Superiors, Equals or Inferiors, and those that are Enemies the Lord pity them and forgive them. Be Gracious to the place and family where I live, O suffer not sin to reign in this place, pity all those of our Neighbours or Kinsfolks, that are carnal and unconverted, Oh turn their hearts from sin to Grace, and from the power of darkness to God, give me a heart to pray for them, and to watch and take all opportunities to win them by my good example and those that are converted keep them & me O Lord by thy power through Faith unto Salvation to the end and in the end. 5. Bless the Ministry of thy Word, and all holy Ordinances to me and to all thine, let thy Word be my delight, and my Councillor in all things, what I know not, Lord teach thou me, that I may be built up daily in saving knowledge and in grace. 6. Now blessed be the Lord for all the many testimonies of his love to me, for my health and strength, daily preservation, and manifold deliverances, but above all, for thy free grace, and everlasting love in Jesus Christ to me and to all thine Elect, for bringing me to the knowledge o● Christ, and for the many opportunities o● Grace, O Lord enable me to make a blessed use of all, that I may not give thee just cause to repent of all the good, thou doe●… for me daily. Preserve and keep me and this place this Day Night from all evil, command thy Holy Angels to pitch their Tents about us, oh let me find grace in thy sight, I pray thee, for thy favour is better than life itself. Hear me and answer me, and do●… more for me, than I can ask or think of and all for Jesus Christ's sake, my dearest Saviour and only Mediator. In whose holy Name and Words I say; Our Father which art etc. FINIS.