THE PRINCIPLES OF Holy Christian Religion: OR, The Catechism of the Church of England paraphrazed. For the use of Borwick-Hall. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, Heb. 10.23. LONDON, Printed by E. Cotes, and are to be sold by R. Royston at the Angel in Ivy-lane, 1656. The Preface, Touching the necessity of Catechising: the authority, usefulness, and general Heads of our Church Catechism. AS all tender conscienced men do sadly lament the manifold Sects and divisions, and various opinions in Religion amongst us: so all wise and prudent persons do withal consider and observe the causes thereof: that such disorders and confusions may be remedied and prevented. And the greatest cause of so much Jam. 1.6. giddiness in the minds of men, why so many waver like a wave of the sea, Jam. 1.6. driven to and fro with every wind of Doctrine, and tossed, is for want of a good bottom, or sure foundation to stand upon; which consists in being well Catechised, or throughly instructed in the principles of the holy and true Religion. There is no want of Preaching or Hearing Sermons, nor can this be the source and original of so much inconstancy in Religion, (it may be the cause of ignorance, but not of error) since we see by experience, that the most fickle and giddy people, are commonly the most eager hearers of many Sermons, and several Preachers: and what's the reason? but that such Sermons as men ordinarily hear, being not first well Catechised, render their minds like a ship without ballast, which cannot keep a steady course, but tosses, rolls, and tumbles, and is by every gust of wind overthrown. For Preaching without Catechising first, is as if a man should go about to build a house without a foundation, which can prove no other, but some Castle in the air; or as if we should think to be perfect men, and never pass through the state of infancy and youth: or as if sucking Infants in stead of milk should feed upon strong flesh, and this too often raw, 1 Cor. 3.2. Heb. 5.12, 13. and indigested also. Hence it comes to pass, that there are so many 1. Upon whom that Prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, Mat. 13.14. By hearing ye shall hear and not understand, and by seeing ye shall see and not perceive: and that of S. Paul also, Ever learning, 2 Tim. ●. 7. and never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth. Hence 2. Prov. 26.12. so many become wise in their own conceits, Prov. 26.12. who really are but fools in the knowledge of saving truth, Rom. 1.21, 22. who wax vain in their imaginations, & their foolish hearts are darkened, through the glimmerings of conceited knowledge: who will take upon them to talk of this, and that point in Religion, argue against such, and such doctrines & practices of the Church, and yet understand nothing of what they say, or whereof they affirm. Hence 3. it is, That the holy Word of God, which is in itself rightly understood the pure fountain of truth, is made by many uncatechized, unprincipled men now a days, the very sink of errors, being misinterpreted and misapplyed to the maintenance of false opinions, and even doctrines of Devils. Whereas undoubtedly, were there a sure foundation laid in the true, and through understanding of the principles of Christianity, there could not be possibly either so much ignorance and blindness besotting the minds of men, so much giddiness and wavering in Religion, or so much abuse and wresting of holy Scriptures to the ruin of souls: for holding fast the foundation, the mind of man, like a house built upon a rock, Mat. 7.24. stands firm against the shock of every temptation, and is not tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine by the sleight of men, Eph. 4.14. and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. For the practice therefore of this duty of Catechising, we have many both commands and examples in holy Scriptures: see amongst many others, Gen. 18.19. Deut. 6.6, 7. Psal. 34.11. & Psal. 78. from the 1. to the 8. vers. Prov. 22.6. 2 Tim. 3.14, 15. Sect. 2 The great necessity and usefulness of being well Catechised, being thus apparent, and by all wise and knowing men considered, hath occasioned the penning and printing of several Catechisms: many of which, though they may be good in themselves, and useful in their kind, yet none of them are to be ranked with, or to be esteemed of equal authority and usefulness with our Church Catechism: because, 1. 'Tis not of private but public authority, and consequently to be preferred before all others, as much as the Laws and Statutes of a national Council, before the conceptions and dictates of private persons. 2. Ephes. 4.13. For the maintenance of unity in the Faith, 'tis necessary that there should be one common form of sound words, 2 Tim. 1.13. which all should hold fast, and stick close unto; that as we are all members of one Church, (or should be so at leastwise) so we should all stand upon one ground, be built upon one foundation, and steer our course towards the land of Promise in one and the same bottom. 3. There is no other Catechism can be more exact and complete, more beneficial and useful, than this of our Church, which will appear by considering the order, and general heads thereof. Sect. 3 And first to prevent the general objection, which is made both against this and all other Catechisms; 'tis confessed, That the holy Word of God, or the inspired writings of the Prophets, and Apostles, are the ground and foundation all holy and true Religion is built upon: Ephes. 2.20. We are built upon the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles, etc. But because the holy Scriptures are both spacious and difficult, containing many things, some more, some less necessary to salvation, and these both intermixedly and diversely delivered, here and there respersed in several books and chapters, and expressed both by way of command and counsel, of exhortation and admonition, of promise and threatening, of history and example, under many Metaphors, Types, and Allegories, which render them both hard to be understood aright, and as hard to be rightly distinguished, and reduced to their several heads, for the more clear understanding, and firm memory thereof; therefore it seemed good to the wisdom of the ancient Fathers of the Church, to reduce the pith, sum, and marrow of all saving Doctrine contained in the Scriptures under so many several ways of expression, to four several heads, viz. 1. The Apostles Creed. 2. The 10. Commandments. 3. The Lord's Prayer. 4. The Doctrine of the Sacraments. To one of which 4. general heads, all that the whole book of God contains, absolutely necessary to salvation, is reducible: For, 1. All that we are bound to believe, in general and in the gross, is summed up in twelve Articles by the Apostles, or Apostolical men, and is commonly known by the name of The Apostles Creed, and that's the object of our faith, and a little breviary or sum of the Gospel. 2. All that we are bound to practise and obey, is commanded in the 10. Commandments, and that's the Rule of our Life, and the Epitome of the Law. And these are the two parts of holy Religion, Faith and Obedience; Faith, which the Gospel requires; and Obedience, which the Law exacts: which Obedience is also called Charity, or Love; For Love is the fulfilling of the Law: Rom. 12.10. therefore S. Paul reduceth all Religion to Faith and Love, Gal. 5.6. 2 Tim. 1.13. But because we can neither believe nor do any thing as we ought, Phil. 2.13. without the Divine Grace assisting us thereunto; therefore God hath ordained and commanded unto us, the use of Prayer, and of the Sacraments, as the means and conveyances of his Graces into our souls, to enable us both to believe in him, and also to love and obey him in a manner holy and acceptable unto him. 3. Therefore the next general head of Catechism, is the Lords Prayer, as the sum, pattern, and perfection of all Prayer and Devotion. 4. And the fourth and last head, is the Doctrine and use of the Sacraments: the ground and reason whereof is briefly this: All those things which concern the good of our souls, are according to the nature of the soul, spiritual, divine, and invisible, and so are not easily conceived by our frail understandings, which apprehend not, but by organs of sense; therefore God hath been pleased mercifully to ordain certain outward visible elements, to signify and seal his inward invisible graces unto our souls, and to be pledges to assure us thereof: and these are Baptism, and the Lords Supper. And upon these four general heads, all the several questions in the Catechism besides, do depend; either 1. By way of introduction, to put us in mind of our obligation hereunto by solemn vow and promise, when we were Baptised: Or 2. for the connecting and joining of these generals together by a fit method for memories sake: Or 3. for the more clear and full understanding of each of them; as will further appear in the several Questions and Answers ensuing. Open mine eyes O Lord, and enlighten my mind, that I may both see and rightly understand the wondrous things of thy Law, and carefully frame my heart, and all the actions of my life thereafter through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. THE PRINCIPLES OF Holy Christian Religion: OR The Catechism of the Church of England paraphrased. The Introduction. 1. Question. BEcause your Name is the badge and cognizance of that holy Christian Religion you profess, therefore 'tis first demanded of you What is your name? Answer. R. T. W. 2. Question. And since together with your Name you received Christianity, 'tis therefore secondly asked. Who gave you this name? Answer. * Such as scruple at the name, and use of Godfathers, may remember, 1. That it is the universal practice of the Church, against which no modest man will presume to argue: since Church Customs are of sufficient authority with S. Paul 1 Cor. 11.6. That 2. it is not without example in holy Scripture, Isa. 8.2, 3. Luk. 1. from vers. 57 to 64. 3. That Infants cannot come themselves to Baptism, nor therein answer for themselves. 4. That their parents may die before they come to years, or else may be seduced into Heresy, or Schism. 5. That hereby a spiritual kindred amongst Christian neighbours is contracted, and Charity, which is the life of Christianity, is maintained and increased: And for the name of Godfathers, 'tis more proper than that of Witnesses or Sureties, if we consider either 1. Their office, which is both to offer up unto God the party baptised, and devote him to his service, and also to profess Repentance, Faith, and Obedience unto God in their names. Or, 2. The benefit they receive by Baptism, which is to be made the children of God, in which respect chief their sureties are called Godfathers. My Godfathers and Godmothers in my Baptism, wherein I was made a Christian, and therefore it is called my Christian name. 3. Question. What happiness or benefit is it unto you to be baptised and become Christian? Answer. I am thereby made 1. A member of Christ, 2. A child of God, 3. An heir of the Kingdom of heaven: or more fully thus: Whereas I was born in sin, Psal. 51.5. Ephes. 2.3. Rom. 5.12. Joh. 3.5. 1 Cor. 12.3. Rom. 8.7. Gal. 4.7. Act. 22.16. and am by nature the child of wrath, and heir of Death, and Hell; by being born again of water, and of the Holy Ghost in Baptism: I am not only 1. ingraffed into Christ's Mystical body, the Church; but am also 2. reconciled unto God through Christ, and made his child by Adoption, and Grace; and not only a child, but also 3. an Heir, even an Heir of God, and joint-heir with Christ of the Kingdom of heaven. 4. Quest. Are these great Blessings conferred upon you through Baptism, absolutely, or upon condition only? Answ. Upon condition, Mark 16.16. Act. 8.37. & 2.38. that I do observe and keep that promise and vow which was made in my name, being baptised. 5. Quest. What did your Godfathers and Godmothers than promise and vow for you? Answ. They did promise and how three things in my name: 1 That I should forsake the Devil and all his works, Luk. 1.74, 75. the pomps, and banities of this wicked world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh. 2 That I should believe all the Articles of the Christian faith. 3 That I should keep Gods holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of my life. 6. Quest. Dost not thou think that thou art bound both to believe, and do what they have promised for thee? Answ. Yes verily I do believe it to be my bounden duty: and by God's help I will perform the same: And I hearty thank our heavenly Father, Act. 3.19. who through Baptism hath called me to this state of salvation through jesus Christ our Saviour. And I pray God to give me his grace, that I may continue in the same to my lives end: carefully observing this vow of my Baptism, which is the general duty of every Christian. 7. Quest. What is the meaning of the first part of your Christian duty, or vow in Baptism? Answ. By promising to forsake the Devil and all etc. I do oblige myself to resist, Eph. 6.10, etc. 1 Tim. 1.18, 19 & 6.12. Joh. 8.34. and manfully to fight under the banner of Christ against all temptations, whether arising from the Devil, the world, or the flesh, and not suffer myself to be vanquished by them, and be led captive to the service of sin. And this is that which is also called Repentance from dead works, Heb. 6.1. Act. 26.18. Eph. 4.22, etc. 1 Pet. 2.1, etc. Heb. 12.1, 2. where 'tis remembered as the first of the principles of the Doctrines of Christ, because I must forsake the service of sin, and all temptations leading thereunto, before I can truly serve God, or receive any benefit by the means of Grace. O God which art the author of peace, and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; defend me thy humble servant in all assaults of my ghostly enemies, the world, the flesh and the Devil: that I surely trusting in thy defence, may not fear the power of any such adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. CHAP. I. Of the Creed. Quest. WHat is the second part of that promise you made when you were baptised? Answ. To believe all the Articles of the Christian faith: that is, Act. 1.1. all those chief heads of Doctrine which Christ commanded and taught, as also what himself did for our example, and suffered for our salvation. Quest. What is the sum of them? Answ. The Apostles Creed. Quest. What mean you by a Creed? Answ. A Creed is as much as Belief: And it is a brief Summary of all the chief heads of Religion which we are bound to believe as necessary to everlasting salvation. Quest. Why do you call it the Apostles Creed? Answ. Because 1. it contains the sum of that Doctrine which the Apostles preached. 2. It was compiled either by the Apostles themselves, or Apostolical men: and it consists also of 12. Articles according the number of the 12. Apostles. Quest. Rehearse the Articles of your Belief distinctly. Answ. 1. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth: 2. And in jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, 3. Which was conceived by the holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, 4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried, 5. He descended into hell, the third day he risen again from the dead, 6. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty: 7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 8. I believe in the holy Ghost, 9 The holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, 10. The forgiveness of sins, 11. The Resurrection of the body, 12. And the life everlasting, Amen. Quest. What do you chief learn to believe in these Articles? Answ. Hence I learn to believe in that only true God, who being one in essence, Deut, 6.4. Mar. 12.29. 1 Joh. 5.7. is three in subsistence: 1. God the Father, Mal. 2.10. 1 Cor. 8.6. who hath made me and all the world: 2. God the Son, 1 Tim. 2.5. Rev. 5.9. who hath redeemed me and all mankind: 3. God the Holy Ghost, Ephes. 4.30. Rom. 15.16. who hath sanctified me and all the elect people of God: which divides this Creed into three general parts, according to the number of these three Persons of the Godhead. Quest. What does the first general part of of your Creed concern? Answ. God the Father, Artic. 1. Gen. 1.1. Col. 1.16. Heb. 11.3. Psal. 36.5, 6. Mat. 6.26 & 10.29, 30. who by his Almightiness of nothing hath made all things, both the Heavens and the Earth, and all that is contained therein: and by the same his power does still sustain and govern all things: which is the sum, and meaning of the first Article. Quest. What use are you to make of this? Answ. That I am therefore bound to serve, Mal. 1.6. Dan. 5.23. Rev. 4 11. & 5.12, 13. Deut. 32.18. Act. 17.24, 25, 26, 27, 28. Deut. 10.12, 13, 14 and worship him, and obey his Laws, as being the great Lord and Father of all, from whom I have received all that I am, and all that I have in the world. Quest. What does the second general part of your Creed concern? Answ. God the Son, Gal. 3.13. Luk. 1.68, 69, 74. and the Redemption of mankind by him from sin and death. Quest. By what means and titles is he known? Answ. He is first called Jesus which signifies Salvation: 2. Christ, Artic. 2. Mat. 1.21. Act 10.38. Rev. 1.5. Heb. 6.20. & 12.24. Act. 3.22, 23. Luk. 1.32. Joh. 8.56, 57, 58. 1 Cor. 6.20. Act. 2.3. Mat. 28.18. 1 Cor. 8.6. which signifies Anointed, and denotes his threefold office of King, Priest, and Prophet: 3. The only Son of God, viz. by eternal generation: 4. Our Lord, in that he hath bought and redeemed us, and hath the sole power over us. Quest. What do you believe that he did and suffered to redeem you? Answ. I do believe that he came down from heaven, Artic. 3. Joh. 16.28. Luk. 1.35, 31. Gal. 4.4. Luk. 2.7. Joh. 8.46. Tit. 2.11, 12. and was by the power of the Holy Ghost after a wonderful manner conceived and made man, in the sanctified Womb of the blessed Virgin Mary; That he was born of her; that he lived a most holy life, and by his doctrine and example guided and directed us in the way to heaven. That he suffered for our sins many grievous and bitter things under Pontius Pilate, the Governor of Judea; Artic. 4. 1 Pet. 2.21. & 3.18. & 4.1. Mat. 27.26. that he was by his command crucified, or the several parts of his body were stretched out upon the cross as upon a rack, and nailed thereunto, to his unspeakable torment, until through the violence of his pangs he gave up the ghost, Mat. 27.50, 60 Phil. 2.8. 1 Cor. 15.3, 4. and being dead, was also buried, to manifest the reality, and truth of his death. That he descended into hell, Artic. 5. Ephes. 4.10. Col. 2.15. Heb. 2.14. Rev. 1.18. & 20.14. Psal. 16.16. Act. 10.40. & 5.30. Rom. 14.9. Col. 1.18. vanquishing both the first and second death, and him who had the power of death, that is the Devil, and all the spirits, and powers of darkness. That he risen again the third day, thereby declaring his victory over death, and over all our ghostly enemies. That having accomplished the great work of our Redemption, Artic. 6. Luk. 24.51. Act. 1.9. Eph. 4.8. etc. Heb. 6.20. Mark 16.19. Col 3.1. Phil. 2.9, etc. Rom. 8.34. & 7 27. he again ascended into heaven, from whence he came down: That he sitteth at the right hand of God: reigneth as King over all, and intercedes for all them that call upon God in his name And that he shall come again at the last day to judge the quick and the dead, Artic. 7. Mat. 25.31, etc. 1 Thess. 4.16, 17. 2 Tim. 4.1. Rev. 1.7. Psal. 62.12. Mat. 16.27. Rom. 2.6. Rev. 22 22. and render to all men according to their works. Quest. What use are you to make of this second part of your Creed? Answ. That I therefore put my trust only in the mercies of God through the merits of Christ, Ps. 2.12. & 34.8. & 44.6. Rom. 8.32. Act. 2.38. & 3.19.27.30. Mat. 9.13. Tit. 2.14. 1 Cor. 15.3. Mat. 11.29. Joh. 15.10. 1 Pet. 2.21. Col. 3.1. Luk 21.34, etc. Tit. 2.11, 12, 13. Mat. 24.42 etc. for whatever concerns the good either of body or soul. That I repent me truly of all my sins, which were the cause of my Saviour's sufferings. That I obey his Doctrine, and follow his example, as the way to heaven. That I seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God: and by perseverance in all good works, wait for the coming of my Lord to Judgement. Quest. What does the third general part of your Creed concern? Answ. God the Holy Ghost, Artic. 8. Rom. 15.16. 2 Thess. 2.13. 1 Cor. 12.4, 7, etc. Gal. 5.22. &c and his sanctification of me, and of all God's people, by his Gifts and Graces, to the sacred service of God, and of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Quest. In whom is this work of sanctification wrought? Answ. In all the faithful and elect people of God, Artic. 9 1 Tim. 3.15. Heb. 2.12. Ephes. 5.27. Psal. 2.8. Mat. 28. ult. called the Holy Catholic Church: Holy, because sanctified by the Holy Ghost; and Catholic, that is, universal, diffused and spread over the face of the whole earth. Quest. How is this Sanctification wrought by the Holy Ghost upon the Church, or people of Christ? Answ. It is begun in this life by the communion of Saints, and remission of sins: and it shall be perfected hereafter at the Resurrection of the Body, in life everlasting. Quest. What do you mean by the communion of Saints? Joh. 17.21. Ephes. 4.13. & 6.18. Phil. 1.27. & 2.4. Rom. 16.16, 17 1 Joh. 1.3. 1 Pet. 1.22. Answ. I do profess to believe, that all true members of Christ's holy Catholic Church, by the secret impressions of the Holy Ghost, have both union and communion with Christ, who is our head, by faith, and also one with another the members of Christ, by charity. Quest. What do you mean by Remission of sins? Answ. I do believe that there is both for me and for all other good Christians, Artic. 10. Act. 2.38. & 13.38. Joh. 20.23. Mark 16.16. Joh. 3.16. 2 Cor. 5.21. 1 Joh. 1.7, etc. pardon and forgiveness of all our sins to be obtained by the mercies of God, through the merits of Christ our Saviour: we sincerely performing the conditions of a lively faith, and true Repentance thereunto required. Quest. What do you mean by the Resurrection of the body? Answ. I do believe that this body of mine, Artic. 11. 1 Cor. 15.29, etc. Joh. 5.29. & 6.39. & 11.24, 25. Mat. 25.16, &c and the bodies of all men, though they be dissolved by death into dust and ashes, yet shall be again raised out of the dust of death, and rejoined to our immortal souls, that so we may receive according to our deeds done in the body, whether they be good, of whether they be evil. Quest. What do you mean by life everlasting? Answ. I do believe that when we shall be raised up at the last day, Artic. 12. we shall never die any more, 1 Thess. 4.17. Rev. 21.4. Joh. 5.29. but live for ever, either in endless joys, if we have done well, or in endless torments, if our deeds have been evil. Quest. What use are you to make of this part of your Creed? Answ. That I do not grieve Gods holy Spirit by my sins, Ephes. 4.3. 1 Thess. 5.19. Heb. 10.24, 25 Gal. 5.6. 1 Cor. 13.13. 1 Joh. 3.23. & 1.7. & 2.1, 2. Col. 3.3, 4, etc. nor hinder his work of Sanctification upon my soul, by resisting his good motions, and incitements to holiness of life. That I continue a faithful, and true Member of Christ's Mystical Body, the Church, both by a true and lively faith in Christ, and an universal unfeigned charity towards all Christians. That I trust not in my own righteousness, but rely on the merits of Christ only for the pardon of my sins, truly repenting of all my misdoings, and for ever abjuring and forsaking the same: Denying ungodliness, Tit. 2.11, etc. and worldly lusts, and living soberly, righteously and godly in this present world, Phil. 3.20. as looking for the Resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Quest. Why do you conclude with Amen? Answ. I do hereby acknowledge, and ratify with my steadfast belief the undoubted Truth, and certainty of this Creed in general, and of every Article thereof in particular, secretly wishing, and humbly praying, that through the steadfastness of this faith I may evermore be defended from all adversity, and be preserved in the way of eternal salvation, even from God the Father, through God the Son, and by God the Holy Ghost; to whom be glory for ever, Amen. I Believe, Lord help my unbelief: and evermore preserve thy servant in the unity of the true faith: Grant me with the heart to believe unto righteousness of life, that I may in the end obtain the end of my faith, which is the salvation of my soul, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. CHAP. II. Of the Commandments. Quest. WHat is the third part of your vow in Baptism? Answ. To keep Gods holy will and Commandments, Luk. 1.75. Levit. 18.5. Ezek. 20.11. and to walk in the same all the days of my life: and it is but just, and reasonable that I should do what God hath commanded me in this life; Mat. 19.17. Luk. 10.25, 26. Rev. 22.24. if I will obtain what he hath promised me in the life to come: If thou wilt enter into life, keep the Commandments. Quest. What are these Commandments God hath enjoined, and you have promised to observe and keep? Answ. The same which God spoke in the 20. chapter of Exodus, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage: which is the Preface, showing Gods right to command, Leu. 18.5. Ps. 105.— 95. Isa. 42.8. Deut. 27.9, 10. & 30.20. Joh. 14.15. 1 Joh. 2.4, 5. and our obligation to obey. Quest. Are the Commandments of God under the Gospel, the same they were under the Law? Answ. They are the same for substance, Mat. 5.17, 18, 19 Mal. 3.6. Jam. 1.17. Luk. 16.17. Jam. 2.8. for God is the same God for ever, and changeth not: they differ only in ceremonies, and the manner of dispensation. Quest. In what particular respects do they differ? Answ. Under the Law the commands of God were more clogged with ceremonies, Col. 2.16, 17. Exod. 34.33. 2 Cor. 3.13, 14, 15, 16. more dark and obscure, and not so fully understood, as to the spiritual sense and meaning of them. But as Christ under the Gospel hath delivered them, 1. Mat. 11.19. & 23.4. Act. 15.10. Gal. 4.3, 4, 5. Heb. 9.10. They are freed from the burden of manifold ceremonial rites, which were figurative and typical. 2. They are more clear, perspicuous and intelligible, Mat. 5.21, 22, 27, 28. joh. 6.63. and this not so, much in the letter, as in the spirit and life of the Law, Rom. 7.6. Heb. 4.12. as it reacheth to the very heart, and the thoughts and desires thereof. 3. 2 Cor. 1.20. & 6.18. & 7.1. Heb. 11.40. & 8 6. 1 Tim. 4.8. Heb. 4.8, 9 The promises under the Gospel to those that shall be obedient to God's commands, are greater and more full, or at least more clear than under the Law. 4. jer. 31.31. & Heb. 8. joel 2.28. & Act. 2. joh. 1.16, 17. jam. 4.6. More grace is communicated to us Christians under the Gospel for the observation of God's commands, than was given to the Jews under the Law. Quest. How many Commandments are there? Answ. The words God himself delivered on Mount Sinai consist of ten Commandments: Deut. 5.22. Mat. 22.40. Rom. 13.9, 10. and the text saith he added no more: Because all that is through the whole Word of God enjoined besides, may in some respects or other be reduced to one of these ten words of command. Quest. What general rules are to be observed to understand the full meaning of each Commandment? Answ. Two most especially. 1. That where any duty is commanded, the contrary thereunto is forbidden: and where any sin is forbidden, the contrary duty is commanded. 2. That in all duties commanded, and sins forbidden, the means conducing thereunto are commanded, and forbidden also. Quest. What is the first of these ten Commandments? Answ. Thou shalt have none other Gods before me. Quest. What is herein commanded, and what forbidden you? Answ. 1. Prov. 3.6. 1 Chr. 28.9. Deut. 6.13, 14. & 10.12, 20. Mat. 4.10. Deut. 6.4, 5. Joh. 14, 15. Rom. 10.14. Psal. 32.6. & 50.15, ult. I am herein commanded to acknowledge the God of Israel for the only true God, and accordingly to serve and worship him as God, viz. To believe in him, to put my whole trust in him, to fear him, and to love him above all: and to express my inward faith, hope, and love towards him by the reverend performance of all external acts of divine worship commanded by him, and most especially by my daily prayers unto him, and praises of him. 2. Exod. 24.14 Deut. 6.14. Isa. 42.8. & 48.11. Mat. 6.24. Rom. 1.25. Rev. 22.9. I am forbidden to acknowledge any other god besides him, or to pay any such divine worship to any other, neither yet to prefer the love and service of any creature before the love and service of my Creator, who is God blessed for ever. Quest. What is the second Commandment? Answ. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven Image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in the heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down to them nor worship them: 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 merry unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my Commandments. Quest. What is herein commanded, and what forbidden you? Answ. 1. Exod. 34.11. Deut. 4.2. & 12.32. Mat. 28 20. joh. 4.24. Psal. 95.6. & 132.7. Rom. 12.1. 1 Cor. 6.20. I am herein commanded to worship this only true God after an holy and true manner, that is, after such a manner as himself hath prescribed in his holy Word: And that I do it not only internally in spirit, and in truth, but also externally, with all lowly, humble and reverend prostration of body before him. 2. Leu. 19.4. & 26.1. 1 Cor. 10.14. Ezek. 14.4, 6. 2 Cor. 10.5. Rom 2.22. I am forbidden to worship the true God after a false manner; not to worship him by an Idol, nor by an Image, neither yet according to the fond imaginations of my own heart: And that as I must avoid Idolatry, and all false worship on the one hand, so I must also take heed of sacrilege, which is to rob God of the maintenance of his true worship on the other side. And the reason of this Law is given; Deut. 4.24. & 5.9. & 6.15. 2 Cor. 11.2. Deut. 23.2. Rev. 2.6. because God is so jealous of his worship and glory, lest we should give it to any other, or to ourselves, that he will severely punish all such as deprave his worship, Exod. 34.7. Deut. 5.10. Dan. 9.4. joh. 15.14, 15. even to the third and fourth generation, accounting of them as his enemies; but he will mercifully reward them that obey, and serve him according to his will, as being his friends and promoters of his interest. Quest. What is the third Commandment? Answ. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain. Quest. What is herein commanded, and forbidden you? Answ. 1. 1 Cor. 10.31. Psal. 93.5. Ezek. 22.8. Psal. 105.15. Luk. 10.16. Ezek. 44.23. I am herein commanded to propose to myself the honour of God's holy Name in all my actions both divine and moral: And to have a separate, and distinct respect for all such such things and persons, as have the name of God called upon them, and more immediately relate to his service. 2. Leu. 18.21. & 19.12. & 21.6. & 22.2, 15, 32. Mat. 23.16, 20, 22. Hos. 10.4. Leu. 24.14. Jam. 3.9. Prov. 30.9. 2 Tim. 2.19. 2 Sam. 12.14. Rom. 2.24. Psal. 5.7. Heb. 12 28. Prov. 13.13. Isa. 62.2. 1 Cor. 11.22, etc. I am herein forbidden all rash, unadvised, wilful profanations of Gods ever blessed Name, by oaths, perjuries, execrations, curse of the creatures, of my neighbours, or of myself; not to use the name of God slightly, idly, foolishly, and vainly, much less to cover any deceits, falsehoods, or what is in any respect unlawful, or sinful: not unadvisedly or irreverently to intermeddle, with God's holy Word, Sacraments or any parts of his holy worship: neither yet to slight, undervalue, or despise either things, or persons, wherein, and whereby God is honoured, and whereupon his holy Name is called. And the reason is given, Zach. 5.3, 4. Deu. 28.58, 59 Heb. 12.28, 29. because God will never excuse such irreligious profanations of his Majesty, but will assuredly punish all offenders in this kind. 7. Quest. What is the fourth Commandment? Answ. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day: fix days shalt thou labour and do all that thou hast to do; but the sebenth day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou shalt do no manner of work, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, thy man-serbant, and thy maid-serbant, thy cattles and the stranger that is within thy gates; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the sebenth day; wherefore the Lord blessed the sebenth day, and hallowed it. Quest. What is herein commanded, and what forbidden? Answ. 1. Col. 2.16, 17. 1 Pet. 2.5. Heb. 4.10. Exod. 31.15. & 35.2. Luk. 23.56. Heb. 10.25. I am commanded in general to dedicate every day of my life a spiritual Sabbath unto God, that is, a rest from sin and vacancy to his service: And in particular that I devote every seventh day, or one day in seven to the public and solemn worship of God, with the rest of his Church and people. 2. I am forbidden on this day, Exod. 31.14. & 34.21. Jer. 17 21, etc. Deut. 5 14. Mat. 12.10, 11, 12, 13. either myself to do, or suffer any I have command over to do any servile work, but what is of necessity, or charity, that so I may the better attend the service of God both public and private. And the reason is given, Gen. 2.2, 3. Exod. 31.17. Heb. 4.4. because the Lord after six day's labour in the work of the Creation, rested on the seventh: called therefore the Sabbath, which signifies rest: the commemoration whereof we Christians observe on the first day of the week, which is Sunday, Mat. 28.1. joh. 20.19. Rev. 1.10. because our blessed Lord arose on that day from death to life, and perfected thereby the great work of our Redemption. Quest. What is the fifth Commandment? Answ. Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Quest. What is herein commanded, and what forbidden? Answ. 1. I am commanded in general to give honour to whom honour is due, and to have respect to all my superiors, Rom. 13.7. Leu. 19.32. whether in age, quality, or condition: more particularly, Eccles. 10.20. Prov. 11.29. & 30.17. Ephes. 6.1. Col. 3.20. Tit. 3.1. Prov. 24.21. Mat. 22.17, &c 1 Pet. 2.13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. Heb. 13.17. to reverence and obey my natural Parents in all their just and lawful domestic commands: to obey Kings, and all that are in authority, paying them tribute, custom, and honour: to obey also all civil Masters, and all my spiritual Governor, Pastors, and Teachers, according to their several respective interests and authority over me. 2. I am herein forbidden all disrespectfulness to my superiors; Eccles. 10.20. Prov. 30.17. Rom. 13.2, 3. 1 Pet. 2.18. Cos. 3.20, etc. all disobedience to the commands, and contempt of the persons of my Parents, and of all higher powers: all murmur and repine against such as are in authority over me, whether Civil or Ecclesiastical. And this is the first Commandment with promise: Ephes. 6 2. 1 Tim. 2.2. For that all peace and security depends upon this; that every one do his duty in all his relations unto others. Quest. What is the sixth Commandment? Answ. Thou shalt do no murder. Quest. What is commanded, and forbidden herein? Answ. 1. Mat. 22.39. Ephes. 5.29. Gen. 9.5. Rom. 12.18. Heb. 12.14. Rom. 13 9, 10. 1 Pet. 1.22. 1 Joh. 3.11. & 4.7, 8. Mat. 5.43, 44. Luk. 6.32, etc. I am herein commanded to use all means for the preservation both of my own life, and the lives of others also: And to this end to live peaceably, and charitably, and to love all men, even my very enemies. 2. Gen. 9.6, Psal. 55.23. Ephes. 9.31. Col. 3.8. Leu. 19.17. Rom. 13.13. 1 Thess. 5.15. 1 Pet. 3.9. Mat. 5.21, 22. I am forbidden not only to avoid all manner of murder and bloodshed, whether directly or indirectly, but also all anger, wrath, hatred, variance, strife, contention, revenge and reviling of others, though we be provoked thereunto. Quest. What is the seventh Commandment? Answ. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Quest. What is commanded, and what forbidden herein? Answ. 1. 1 Cor. 6.13, &c 1 Thess. 4.3, 4, 5. & 5.6, 8. 1 Pet. 1.13. & 4.7. I am herein commanded to be chaste, sober, and temperate, that both my soul and body may be preserved the pure, spotless, and immaculate members of Christ, and temples of the Holy Ghost. 2. I am forbidden adultery, Deut. 5.18. 1 Cor. 2.10.8. Gal. 5.19. Ephes. 5.3. Col. 3.5. 2 Cor. 7.1. Mar. 5.27, 28. Gal. 5.24. Rom. 13.13. Luk. 21.34. 1 Cor. 5.9, 11, 1 Pet. 3.2, 3. & 4.3. Job 31. 1. Isa. 3.16, etc. 2 Pet. 2.14. Col. 3.8. Ephes. 5.4 fornication,. and all kind of corporal uncleanness, which is not conjugal; together with all kind of unclean thoughts and desires, words and behaviour, and all provocations thereunto, viz. all riot and excess, surfeiting, gluttony, and drunkenness: all wanton and lose company, light attire, wand'ring eyes, and filthy communication. Quest. What is the eighth Commandment? Answ. Thou shalt not steal. Quest. What is commanded, and what forbidden you herein? Answ. 1. Isa. 56.1. & 33.15. Psal. 15.2. Prov. 3.3. & vers. 27, 28. Psal. 82.3. Ecclus 4.1. & 34.21, 22. Mat. 5.42. Levit. 6.4, 5. & 24.21. Rom. 13.7. Luk. 19.8. Dan. 4.27. I am commanded to be just and upright in all my deal, that so no man may by me be deprived of what rightly belongs unto him; and to my power I am commanded to be charitable also, that the poor be not deprived of their proper livelihood and subsistence, which is my superfluity: And if in case of any wrong done by me, I am hereby enjoined to make restitution to the party wronged by me; or if that cannot be done, to give it to the poor. 2. Leu. 25.14, 17. Ezek. 22.12. Leu. 19.11, 13. 1 Thess 4.6. Luk. 6.30. Rom 13.8. Tob. 4.7, 8, 9 I am forbidden all oppression, and extortion, stealth, cozenage, circumvention, denial of an alms to the poor; and in a word, all ways and means, whereby either publicly or privately, by force, or by fraud, I may acquire, or detain from any what either by the rule of righteousness or charity belongs unto them. Quest. What is the ninth Commandment? Answ. Thou shalt not bear witnese against thy neighbour. Quest. What is herein commanded, and forbidden you? Answ. 1. Psal. 15.2. Luk. 8.16. Ephes. 4.25. Prov. 22.1. Eccles. 7.1. Rom. 13.9, 10. Jam. 3.9, 10. Col. 4.6. I am commanded in general to give testimony to the truth upon all occasions: and particularly to preserve and advance the good-name, and esteem of my neighbour: and to speak well of all men, as far as in truth and modesty, and without flattery I may. 2. I am forbidden all false and evil speaking, lying and slandering, Leu. 19.11, 16. Tit. 3.2. Jam. 4.11. Rev. 22.15. Prov. 10.18. Psal. 110.5. 1 Pet. 3.9, 10. Mat. 7.1, etc. Prov. 11.13. & 18.8 Ecclus. 19.6, 7, etc. & 21.25, 26. & 20.25. Jam. 1.19 railing. and reviling, rash censuring and condemning others: And to this end I am forbidden all tale-bearing, and much meddling and talking of other men's lives, and manners, wherein by some respective duty I am not concerned. Quest. What is the tenth Commandment? Answ. Thou shalt not cover thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not cobet thy neighbour's wife, nor his serbant, nor his maid, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbours. Quest. What is commanded, and what forbidden you herein? Answ. 1. Phil. 4.11. 1 Tim. 6.6, 8. Heb. 13.5. Ephes. 4.28. 2 Thes. 3.8. etc. Prov. 10.4. & 13.4. & 21.5. I am commanded to be content with my present state and condition what ever it be, and in order hereunto to be diligent, and industrious in the duties of my calling, both for my own support, and the relief of others. 2. Rom. 7.7. 1 Joh. 2.16. Mat. 15.19. Jam. 1.15. I am herein forbidden not only not to wrong my neighbour in body, goods, or good name, but not so much also as to covet or desire it: neither in relation to my profit, to covet my neighbour's house, ox, ass; neither in relation to my pleasure, to cover his wife, maid; neither yet in relation either to profit or pleasure, to covet any thing that is his. Quest. What dost thou chief learn by these Commandments? Answ. I learn two things to be chief, and summarily enjoined, and commanded me: namely 1. My duty towards God. 2. My duty towards my neighbour: Mar. 22 37, 38, 39, 40. Exod. 31.18. & 32.15, 16. which divides these ten Commandments into two Tables, the former consisting of the four first, and the latter of the six last Commandments. Quest. What are the particulars of your duty towards God, in the four first Commandments enjoined? Answ. The sum of all in general, is, Deu 30.16, 20. Mat. 22.37. Luk. 10.27 to love the Lord my God with all my heart, and with all my soul, with all my mind, and with all my strength. More particularly; Command. 1 * To beliebe in him, to fear him, to put my whole trust in him, to call upon him by servant and frequent prayers, to give him thanks for his mercies, and daily to praise and magnify his name. Command. 2 * To worship him, and that not only with all inward devotion of soul, but also with all outward reverence and low prostration of body. Command. 3 * To honour his holy Name and high Word, and what ever hath his holy name, and mark imprinted thereon. Command. 4 * To serve him truly all the days of my life, and also punctually to observe those days that are consecrate to his public, and solemn worship. Quest. What are the particulars of your duty towards your neighbour, in the six last Commandments enjoined? Answ. The sum of all in general, Rom. 13.9. Mat. 7.12. is, to love my neighbour as myself, and to express this love, by doing unto all men as I would they should do unto me. More particularly, Command. 5 * To love, honour, and secure my father and mother: to honour and obey the lawful Power of the land, whether supreme or subordinate: to submit myself to all my Governors, Teachers, spiritual pastors, and Masters: to order myself lowly and reverently to all my betters, and affably, courteously, and kindly to all persons whatsoever. Command. 6 * To hurt no body by word nor deed, to bear no malice nor hatred in my heart. Command. 7 * To keep my body in temperance, soberness, and chastity. Command. 8 * To be true and just in all my deal, and to keep my hands from picking and stealing. Command. 9 * To avoid all evil speaking, lying and slandering. Command. 10 * Not to covet or desire other men's goods, but to learn and labour truly to get mine own living, and to do my duty in that state of life, whereunto it shall please God to call me. Lord have mercy upon me, and write all these thy Laws in my heart, I beseech thee: and give me thy grace enabling me to express my obedience hereunto in all the actions of my life, through Jesus Christ our Lord: Amen. CHAP. III. Of the Lord's Prayer. Quest. Dost thou think that thou art able to do all these things of thyself, to walk in the Commandments of God, and to serve him? Answ. I do most humbly confess that without God's special Grace, Isa. 26.12. Joh. 15.5. Phil. 2.13. & 4.13. Psal. 105.4. Mat. 7.7, 11. Luk. 11.9, 10, 11, 12. I cannot observe to do the least of God's commandments, & I must therefore learn at all times to call upon God by diligent prayer for the assistance of his divine grace. Quest. After what manner are you to pray unto God? Answ. After the same manner that Christ in his holy Gospel hath taught me, saying, Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed etc. Quest. Of how many parts doth this prayer consist? Answ. Of three parts: 1. The Preface. 2. The Petitions. 3. The Doxology, or conclusion. Quest. Rehearse the parts distinctly. Answ. 1. The Preface in these words: Our Father which art in heaven. 2. The Petitions are six in number: The three first concern the glory and service of God: viz. 1. Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. 3. Thy will be doom in earth as it is in heaven. The three last concern our own wants and engagements, viz. 4. Give us this day our daily bread. 5. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgve them that trespass against us. 6. Led us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 3. The Doxology or conclusion in these words: For thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever: Amen. Quest. What do you desire of God in this Prayer? Answ. I desire my Lord God our heavenly Father, Preface. who is the giver of all goodness, and gives willingly because a father, and plentifully because in heaven; that he would be pleased to send his grace unto me, and unto all people, Petition. 1 1. That we may worship him as we ought to do: That his ever blessed name may be sanctified by me and by all men upon whom his holy Name is called. Petit. 2 2. That we may serve him as becomes the faithful subjects of his kingdom, submitting unto and walking after his most holy Laws. Petit. 3 That we may obey, and do his will both readily, sincerely, and constantly here upon earth, as 'tis done by the blessed Angels and Saints in heaven. Petit. 4 And I do further pray unto him, that as our necessities are renewed every day, so he would be pleased to send us day by day, all things that be needful both for our souls and bodies, Petit. 5 That he would be merciful unto us and forgive us our sins through Jesus Christ, resolving for his sake, and according to his command to forgive all others in what they do, or shall offen ●●nd trespass agninst me. Petit. 6 That he would save and defend us from all dangers ghostly and bodily: preserving us from the evil of sin by his Grace and delivering us from the evil of punishment by his Mercy: and more particularly, that he would deliver us from all the temptations of that grand enemy of our souls, the Devil: that so we may be delivered from the wrath of God, and from everlasting death and damnation hereafter. And this I trust he will do of his great mercy and goodness, Conclusion. being infinite in both, as he is in glory, power, and dominion: His Kingdom is over all, His Power is infinite, and His Glory is above the heavens, and this from everlasting to everlasting. And 'tis the hearty desire of my soul, that it should be so: and therefore I say Amen, that is, So be it. Quest. Must you always make use of this form when you pray unto God? Answ. This is always to be annexed to my prayers, Mat. 6.9, etc. Luk. 11.3. either before or after: for 'tis both the Pattern according to which I am to pray, Mat. 6.9. And the form also I am to use when I pray; commanded, Luk. 11.3. O Holy Jesus, who hast taught me to pray unto God aright; give me the heart with all religious carefulness, and devotion of soul to observe thy directions and commands herein: and daily to pour forth my soul unto God in that divine and heavenly inspired prayer which thou hast taught me. And let my prayers be ever acceptable unto God through thy blessed mediation and intercession for me: who art my only Advocate and Mediator, blessed for ever: Amen. CHAP. IU. Of the Sacraments. Quest. WHat other means hath God ordained for the conveyance of his graces into our hearts? Answ. The use of Sacraments. Quest. How many Sacrament hath Christ ordained in his Church? Answ. Two only as generally necessary to salvation: Exo. 31.13, 15. Ephes. 5.31, 32. Act. 13.3. Mat. 28, 19 & 26.26, 27, 28. Rom. 6.3. Gal. 3.27. Col. 2.7. Joh. 6.53, 54, 55, 56. There are other external representations of God's mercies, and rites of conveying the same, but there are only two commanded as absolutely necessary to salvation: that is to say, 1. Baptism, 2. And the Supper of the Lord: By Baptism we are admitted members of Christ's Church: by the Lord's Supper we are confirmed and grow up to be perfect men in Christ: therefore children are admitted to the Sacrament of Baptism, but not to the Lords Supper till they be grown up to ripeness of years. Quest. What meanest thou by this word Sacrament? Answ. I mean an outward and visible sign of an inward & spiritual grace, given and ordained by Christ himself, as a means whereby we receive the same, and a pledge to assure us thereof. Or thus: Because the graces and mercies of God in Christ are inward and invisible, 1 Pet. 3.21. 1 Cor. 11.26. therefore Christ complying with the weakness of our souls, which understand not but by bodily organs, hath ordained in his Church certain Rites called Sacraments, which are not only visible, and apparent signs of his invisible and hidden Graces; but also the means whereby we are made partakers of his Graces, and pledges to assure us of them. Quest. How many parts be there in a Sacrament? Answ. Two: 1. The outward visible sign, or thing signifying: 2. The inward invisible Grace, or thing signified. Quest. What is the outward visible sign or form in Baptism? Answ. That which we see with our eyes in Baptism, is Water, Act. 10.47. wherein the person baptised is dipped or sprinkled with it: And the form of words to be used when the person is so washed, is, In the Name of the Father, Mat. 28.19. of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Quest. What is the inward or spiritual Grace, thereby represented? Answ. The washing of the soul from sin, 1 Cor. 6.11. Ephes. 5.26. Act. 22.16. Rom. 6.3, 4. Phil. 3.10. 1 Joh. 3.14. Joh. 3.5. Psal. 51.5. Ephes. 2.3. Joh. 1.12. and sanctification to the sacred service of God: which is called in holy Scripture, A death unto sin, and a new virth unto righteousness: for being by nature born in sin, and the children of wrath, we are hereby made the children of grace. Quest. What is required of persons to be baptised? Answ. Two things: Act. 2.38. & 8.36, 37. 1. Repentance, whereby they forsake sin, and consequently the service of the world, the flesh, and the Devil, tempting unto sin. 2. Faith, whereby they steadfastly believe the promises of God made to them in that Sacrament. Quest. Why then are children baptised, when by reason of their tender age they can neither believe nor repent? Answer. They have Faith and Repentance in the possibility, Mar. 10.14. though not in the actual being thereof: and they do perform these duties, though not by themselves, yet by their sureties, who promise and vow both Faith and Repentance in their names, 2 Pet. 2.20. which when they come to age, themselves are bound to perform; otherwise they forfeit the benefits of their Baptism. Quest. Why was the Sacrament of the Lords Supper ordained? Answ. For two reasons chief: 1. For a Sign: 2. For a Seal. 1. For a Sign: to signify and represent unto us the sacrifice of Christ's death for the sins of the world: Luk. 22.19. Joh. 6.56. whereof we ought to have the continual remembrance. 2. For a Seal to convey, or pledge to assure us of the great benefits we receive by the death of Christ. Quest. Since in every Sacrament you say there are two parts, the outward sign, and the inward grace: what is the outward part, or sign of the Lords Supper? Answ. The outward elements in this Sacrament are Bread and Wine, 1 Cor. 11.23. Luk. 22.19. which the Lord hath commanded to be administered, and received: saying, Take, eat, drink ye all of this, do this in remembrance of me. Quest. What is the inward part, or thing signified by the Sacramental Bread and Wine? Answ. The body of Christ, Joh. 6.51. broken upon the Cross, by the Bread: and his blood poured out, by the Wine: and as the Bread and Wine are truly taken and received corporally: so verily and indeed is the body and blood of Christ taken and received spiritually of every true faithful soul in the Lord's Supper, Joh. 6.56, 63. 1 Cor. 10.16. if rightly administered. Quest. What are the benefits, whereof we are made partakers by the right receiving of the Lords Supper? Answ. Our souls are thereby strengthened with divine grace, Mat. 11.28. Rom. 8.32. Phil. 4.13. Ephes. 1.7, 8. 1 Pet. 2.3. Ephes. 5.30. Joh. 6.55, 56. Psal. 104.15. and refreshed with the sense of God's mercy, by the virtue of Christ's body and blood spiritually received, even as our bodies are strengthened and refreshed in the use of common and material bread and wine. Quest. What is required of them that come to the Lords Supper, that they may be made partakers of the benefits thereof? Answ. To examine themselves 1. 1 Cor. 11.28. 2 Cor. 6.14. Psal. 24.4. & 26.6. Whether they repent them truly of their former sins, steadfastly purposing to lead a new life. 2. Whether they have a lively faith in the mercies of God through Christ: 2 Cor. 7.1. Heb. 6.4, 5, 6. Joh. 3.15, 16. & 6.25 & 7.38. Jam. 2.14, 17, 20, 24, 26. 1 Cor. 11.24, 25. 2 Pet. 1.15. Psal. 53.2, 3. Mat. 5.23, 24. 1 Tim. 6.18. Heb. 13.16. Mat. 6.14, 15. Ephes. 4.32. Col. 3.13. now the life of faith is obedience, or goodworks; for faith without works is dead. 3. That they have a thankful and devout remembrance of Christ's death. 4. That they be in charity with all men: which charity is exercised in giving, and forgiving: 1. Giving unto others, what their necessities require, and our abilities afford. 2. Forgiving others in what they have any way provoked or injured us. O Holy Jesus, who hast vouchsafed, not only to redeem me unto God in thy blood, but also to ordain Sacraments whereby I may not only be engrafted into thee, but also nourished by thy most precious body and blood: O fill my heart with true thankfulness unto thee for such unspeakable mercies: and grant that in the wise and pious use hereof I may grow up into thee in all grace and godliness, to the hopes of a full and immediate enjoyment of thee face to face in glory, blessed Jesus, Saviour and Redeemer: Amen. THE END. Lately printed for R. Royston a Book in 4ᵒ Entitled, A Discourse 1. Of the Holy Spirit of God, his Impressions and workings on the Souls of Men. 2. Of Divine Revelation, Mediate and Immediate. 3. Of Error, Heresy, and Schism: the Nature, Kinds, Causes, Reasons, and Dangers thereof: with Directions for avoiding the same. By R. Sherlook, B.D. at Borwick-Hall in Lancashire.