Die Lunae, 25. September 1646.  
IT is this day Ordered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, That this Shorter Catechism be forthwith printed and published, wherein Master Henry Roborough, and Mr. Adoniram Byfield, Scribes of the Assembly of Divines are required to use all possible care and diligence, that it be from time to time faithfully and exactly done: And for preventing of all abuse therein; It is further Ordered, that no person whatsoever do presume to print, or reprint the same in any Volume, but only such, as shall be appointed and authorized thereunto by the said Scribes. And that no person or persons shall presume to sell, barter, or any way to spread, or convey any Book or Copies of the said Catechism, printed, without the appointment abovesaid upon pain of forfeiture of the whole Impression, if any such be so printed; and of all such Books, or Copies thereof, as shall be offered to sale, bartering, or be any otherways spread; And all and every person offending in any of the premises, to be liable to such further punishment, as the Contempt of an Ordinance of Parliament shall deserve; Provided, that this restriction of printing, shall continue for one whole year, and no longer.  
Jo. Brown Cleric. Parliamentorum. H. Elsing Cler. Parl. Dom. Com:   

THE GROUNDS AND PRINCIPLES OF RELIGION, Contained in A Shorter Catechism, (According to the Advice of the Assembly of DIVINES, sitting at Westminster) to be used throughout the Kingdom of England and Dominion of Wales.  
ORdered by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, that this Catechism be forthwith Printed and published.  
Jo. Brown Cler Parliamentorum, Hen. Elsing Cler. Parl. D. Com.  
Anno Dom. 1646.   

THE GROUNDS and PRINCIPLES of RELIGION Contained in a shorter CATECHISM, According to the Advice of the Assembly of Divines, sitting at Westminister, to be used throughout the Kingdom of England, and Dominion of Wales.  
QUESTION. WHat is the chief and of Man?  
A. Man's chief end is to glorify God 
a 1 Cor. 10 31. Rom. 11 36. , and to enjoy him for ever 
b Ps. 73. 20 to the end. .  
Q. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?  
A. The word of God (which is contained in the Scriptures of the old & New Testament 
c 2 Tim. 3 16. Eph. 2. 20 ) is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him 
d 1 Joh 1, 3, 4 .  
Q. What do the Scriptures principally teach?  
A. The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man 
e 2 Tim 1. 13 and 3. 16. .  
Q What is God?  
A. God is a Spirit 
f Joh. 4. 24. . infinite 
g Job. 11. 7 8, 9 , eternal 
h Ps 90. 2. , & unchangeable 
i Jam 17. , in his being 
k Exod. 3. 14. , wisdom 
l Ps. 145 7.  power 
m Rev. 4. 8. , holiness 
n Rev. 14. 4 , justice, goodness, and truth 
o Exod. 34. 6. 7. .  
Q. Are there more gods than one?  
A. There is but one only, the living and true God 
p Deut. 6. 4 Jer 10. 10. .  
Q How many persons are there in the Godhead?  
A. There are three Persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, & the holy Ghost; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory 
q 1 Jo● 5 7. Mat. 28 19   
Q What are the decrees of God?  
A. The decrees of God are, his eternal purpose, according to the Council of his Will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass 
r Eph. 1. 4 11. Rom. 9 22. 23. Gen. 1. Heb. 11. 3. .  
Q. How doth God execute his decrees?  
A. God executeth his decrees in the works of Creation and Providence.  
Q What is the work of Creation?  
A. The work of Creation is Gods making all things of nothing, by the Word of his power in the space of six days and all very good.  
Q. How did God create man?  
A. God created man, male and famale; after his own Image, in knowledge, righteousness, holiness with dominion over the creatures 
t Gen. 1. 26 27, 28. .  
Q. What are Gods works of providence?  
A. God's works of providence are his 
Col. 3. 10. Joh. 4. 24.  most holy 
u Ps. 145. 17 , wise 
w Ps. 104. 24 Isa. 28. 29. , and powerful preserving 
x Heb. 1. 3. , and governing all his creatures, and all their actions 
y Ps. 103. 19 Mat. 10. 29 30, 31 .  
Q. What spiritual act of Providence did God exercise towards man, in the state wherein he was created?  
A. When God had created man, he entered into a Covenant of life with him, upon condition of perfect obedience: for bidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, upon pain of death 
z Gal. 3. 12 Gen. 2. 17 .  
Q Did our first Parents continue in the estate wherein they were created?  
A Our first Parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God 
a Gen. 3. 6, 7, 8, 13. Eccles. 7. 29 .  
Q. What is sin?  
A. Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of the Law of God 
b 1 Joh. 3. 4. .  
Q What was the sin whereby our first Parents fell from the estate wherein they were created?  
A. The sin whereby our first Parents fell from the state wherein they were created, was their eating the forbidden fruit.  
Q Did all mankind fall in Adam's first transgression? 
Gen. 3. 6, 12.   
A. The Covenant being made with Adam not only for himself, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, & fell with him in his first transgression 
d Gen. 2. 16, 17. Rom. 5. 12. 1 Cor. 15 21, 22   
Q. Into what estate did the fall bring mankind?  
A. The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery 
e Rom. 5. 12 .  
Q Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell.  
A. The sinfulness of that estate where into man fell, consists in the guilt of Adam's first sin, the want of original righteousness, & the corruption of his whole nature, which is commonly called original sin, together with all actual transgressions which proceeded from it 
f Rom. 5. 12 19 .  
Q. What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?  
A. All mankind by their fall lost communion with God 
g Rom. 5. 10, to 20 , are under his wrath and curse 
h Eph. 2. 1, 2, 3. Gal. 3 10. , & so made liable to all miseries in this life, to death itself, & to the pains of hell for ever 
i Lam. 3. 39 Rom. 6. 23 Mat. 25 41, ●6 .  
Q. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?  
A. God having out of his mere good pleasure from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life 
k Eph. 1. 4 , did enter into a Covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of Salvation by a Redeemer 
l Rom. 3. 20. 21. 22. Gal. 3. 21. .  
Q. Who is the Redeemer of God's Elect?  
A. The only Redeemer of God's Elect, is the Lord Jesus Christ 
m 1 Tim. 2. 5. 6. , who being the eternal Son of God, became man 
n john 1. 14 Gal. 4, 4 , and so was and continueth to be God and man, in two distinct Natures, and one Person, for ever 
o Rom. 9 5. Luke 1. 35. Col. 2. 9 Heb. 7. 24. 25. .  
Q. How did Christ being the Son of God become man?  
A Christ the Son of God became man, by taking to himself a true body 
p Heb. 2. 4, 16. & 10. 5. , and a reasonable soul 
q Mat. 26. 38. , being conceived by the power of the holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and born of her 
r Luke 1. 27 21, 35. 42. Gai. 4. 4. , yet without sin 
s Heb. 4. 15 and 7. 26. .  
Q. What Offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer.  
A Christ as our Redeemer executeth the Offices of a Prophet, of a Priest, and of a King both in his estate of Humiliation, & Exaltation 
t Act. 3. 21, 22. Heb. 12. 25 with 2 Cor. 13. 3. 〈◊〉 5. 5, 6, 〈◊〉 and 7. 2 〈…〉. 2. 6. 〈◊〉 Isa. 9 6, 〈◊〉 .  
Q. How doth Christ execute the Office of a Prophet. 
Mat. 2 15. Ps. 2. 8, 9, 10, 11.   
A. Christ executeth the Office of a Prophet, in revealing to us by his Word and Spirit, the will of God for our Salvation 
u Joh. 1. 18. 1 Pet. 1. 10, 11, 12. joh. 15. 15 31. .  
Q. How doth Christ execute the Office of a Priest?  
A. Christ executeth the Office of a Priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice 
w Heb. 19 14. 28. , & reconcile us to God 
x Heb. 2. 17 7. Heb. 24. 25 , and in making continual intercession for us y.  
Q. How doth Christ execute the Office of a King?  
A. Christ executeth the Office of a King, in subduing us to himself 
z Act. 19 14 15, 16. , in ruling 
a Isa, 33. 22 , and defending us 
b Isa. 32. 〈◊〉, 2 , and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies 
c 1 Cor. 15. 25. Psal. 110. throughout .  
Q. Wherein did Christ's Humiliation consist?  
A. Christ's Humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition 
d Luke 2. 7 Gal. 4. 4. , made under the Law e, undergoing the miseries of this life 
f Heb. 12. 〈◊〉. 3. , the wrath of God 
g Luk 22. 44 , and the cursed death of the Cross 
h Phil. 2. 8. , in being buried 
i 1 Cor. 15 3 , and continuing under the power of death for a time 
k Acts 2. 14 25, 26, 27, 31. .  
Q. Wherein consisteth Christ's Exaltation?  
A. Christ's Exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day 
l 1 Cor. 15. 4  in ascending up into heaven 
m Mar. 16. 19 , in sitting at the right hand of God the Father 
n Eph. 1. 20 , and in coming to judge the world at the last day 
o Act. 1. 11. .  
Q. How are we made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ?  
A. We are made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us 
p joh. 1. 11, 12 , by his holy Spirit 
q 'tis 3, 5. 6 .  
Q. How doth the Spirit apply to us the Redemption purchased by Christ?  
A. The Spirit applieth to us the Redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us 
r Eph. 1. 13. 14. , and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual Calling 
s Eph. 3. 17. 1 Cor. 1. 9 .  
Q What is effectual Calling?  
A. Effectual calling is the work of God's Spirit t, where by convincing us of our sin and misery 
u Acts 2. 37 , in lightning our minds of the knowledge of Christ 
w Acts 8 26 1 8. , and renewing our wills 
x Ezek. 36 26. 7. , he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the Gospel 
y joh. 6. 44. 45. .  
Q. What benefit do they that are Effectually called partake of in this life?  
A. They that are Effectually called do in this life, partake of Justification 
z Rom. 8. 30. , Adoption a, Sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them 
b 1 Cor. 1 26 30. .  
Q. What is justification?  
A. Justification is an act of Gods free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins 
c Rom. 3. 24 25 & 4. 6, 7, 8. , and accepteth us as righteous in his sight 
d 2 Cor. 5 19 21. , only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us 
e Rom. 5. 7, 18, 19 , and received by faith alone 
f Col. 2. 16. .  
Q What is adoption?  
A. Adoption is an act of Gods free grace whereby we are received into the number 
g 1 John 3. 1 Rom. 8 14. , and have a right to all the privileges of the Sons of God 
h Joh. 1. 12. .  
Q. What is Sanctification?  
A. Sanctification is the work of God's free grace 
i Thes. 2. 13 , whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the Image of God 
k Eph. 4. 24 , and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness 
l Rom 6. 4, 6 .  
Q. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from Justification, Adoption, and Sanctification?  
A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from Justification, Adoption, and Sanctification are assurance of God's love, peace of conscience 
m Rom. 5. 1 2. 5, , joy in the holy Ghost 
n Rom 14. 17 , increase of grace 
o Prov, 4. 18 , & perseverance therein to the end 
p 1 Joh. 5. 13 1 Pet. 1. 5. .  
Q. What benefits do Believers receive from Christ at death?  
A. The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness 
q Heb. 12, 23 , and do immediately pass into glory 
r 2 Cor. 5. 1 6, 8. , and their bodies being still united to Christ 
s 1 Thes. 4 14 , do rest in their graves 
t Isa: 57 2 , till the resurrection 
u Job 19 26, 27 .  
Q. What benefit do Believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?  
A. At the resurrection, Believers being raised up in glory 
w 1 Cor. 15 43 , shall be openly acknowledged, and acquitted in the day of Judgement 
x Mat. 25. 23 and 10. 32. , and made perfectly blessed in full enjoying of God 
y 1 Joh. 3. 2. 1 Cor. 13. 12 , to all eternity 
z 1 Thes. 4 17. 18 .  
Q What is the duty which God requireth of man  
A. The duty which God requireth of man, is obedience to his 
a 〈◊〉. 6. 8 1 Sam. 15 22  revealed with.  
Q. What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience?  
A. The rule which God as first revealed to man for his obedience, was the Moral Law 
b Rom. 14. 15. & 10. 5. .  
Q. Where is the Moral Law summarily comprehended?  
A. The Moral Law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments 
c Deut. 10. 4 .  
Q. What is the sum of the Ten Commandments?  
A. The sum of the Ten Commandments is, to love the Lord our God, with all our heart, withal our soul; withal our strength and withal our mind; and our neighbour as ourselves. 
d Mat. 〈…〉, 38, 39, 40.   
Q. What is the Preface to the Ten commandment?  
A. The preface to the Tene Commandments is in these words 
e Exo. 20. 2.  [I am the LORD thy God, which have brought the out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.]  
Q What doth the Preface to the Ten Commandments teach us?  
A. The preface to the Ten Commandments teacheth us, that because God is the LORD, and our God, and Redeemer; therefore we are bound to keep all his Commandments 
f Luk 1 74 75. 1 〈◊〉 16, 17, 18 19 g Exod. 20. 3   
Q Which is the first Commandment?  
A. The first Commandment is [Thou shalt have no other Gods before me  
Q What is required in the first Commandment?  
A. The first commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God 
h 1 Chron. 28. 9 Deut. 26. 17 : and to worship and glorify him accordingly 
i Mark. 4. 10 Ps 29 2. .  
Q What is forbidden in the first Commandment?  
A. The first commandment forbiddeth the denying 
k Ps. 14 1● , or not worshipping and glorifying the true God, as God 
l Ro. 11. 21. , and our God 
m Ps. 81. 10. 15.  and the giving that worship and glory to any other, which is due to him alone 
n Rom. 1. 25, 26.   
Q. What are we specially taught by these words. [Before me.] in the first Commandment?  
A. These words [Before me.] in the first Commandment, teach us, that God who seethe all things, taketh notice of, and is much displeased with the sin of having any other 
o Ezek. 8. 5. to the eud. .  
Which is the second Commandment?  
A. The second Commandment is [Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven imag or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate 〈◊〉 showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments.  
Q What is required in the second Commandment? 
p Exod. 〈◊〉. 4, 5, 6.   
A. The second Commandment requireth, the receiving, observing, and keeping pure, and entire all such religious worship and Ordinances, as God hath appointed in his Word q,  
Q. What is forbidden in the second Commandment?  
A. The second Commandment requireth, the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire all such religious worship and Ordinances, as God hath appointed in his Word. 
q Deut. 32. 46. Mat. 28. 20. Acts 2. 42.   
Q What is forbidden in the second Commandment?  
A. The second Commandment forbiddeth the worshipping of God by Images 
r Deut. 4. 15 16, 17, 18, 19 , or any other way not appointed in his Word. 
s Exod. 32. 5, 8.   
Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the second Commandment?  
A. The Reasons annexed to the second Commandment are, God's Sovereignty over us 
t Ps. 95. 2, 3, 6. , his Propriety in us 
u Ps. 4, 5. 11 , and his zeal he hath to his own Worship 
w Exod. 34 13, 14. .  
Q. What is the third commandment?  
A The third Commandment is [Thou shalt 
x Exod. 20 7.  not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not hold him guiltness that taketh his name in vain.]  
Q. What is there required in the third Commandment?  
A. The third Commandment requireth the holy and reverend fear of Gods Name 
y Mat. 6. 9 Deut 28 58.  Titles 
z Ps. 68 4. , Attributes 
a Rev. 15. 3, 4. , Ordinances 
b Mal. 1. 11 14. , Word 
c Ps. 138. 1, 2. , and works, 
d Job 36. 24 .  
Q. What is forbidden in the third Commandment?  
Commandment are, Gods allowing us six days of the week for our own employments 
Isa. 58. 13.  
s Exod. 20. 11. , his challenging a special propriety in the seventh, his own example, and his blessing the Sabbath day t.  
Q Which is the fifth Commandment?  
A The fifth Commandment is, [Honour thy Father and thy Mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee 
u Exod. 20. 21.   
Q What is required in the fifth Commandment?  
A. The fifth Commandment requireth the preserving the honour, and performing the duties, belonging to every one in their several places & relations, as superiors 
w Eph. 5. 2 , Inferiors 
x 1 Pet. 2. 17. , or Equals 
y Rom. 12. 20.   
Q What is forbidden in the fifth Commandment?  
A. The fifth commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing any thing against, the honour and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations 
z Mat. 15. 4, 5, 6. Ezek. 34. 2. 3. 4. Rom. 13. 8. .  
Q. What is the reason annexed to the fifth Commandment?  
A. The Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good) to all such as keep this Commandment 
a Deut. ●5. 16. Eph. 6. 2. 〈◊〉 Exod. 20. 17. .  
Q. Which is the sixth Commandment?  
A. The sixth Commandment is [Thou shalt not kill. 
b Exod. 20. 13. ]  
Q What is required in the sixth Commandment?  
A The sixth Commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life 
c Eph. 5. 28 29. , and the life of others 
d 1 Kings 18. 〈◊〉. .  
Q What is forbidden in the sixth Commandment?  
A. The sixth Commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbour unjustly: or whatsoever tendeth thereunto 
e Act 16. 28. Gen. 9 6. .  
Q Which is the seventh Commandment?  
A The seventh Commandment is [Thou shalt not commit adultery 
f Exod. 20. 14.   
Q What is required in the seventh Commandment?  
A. The seventh commandment requireth the preservation of our own & our neighbour's chastity, in heart, speech, and behaviour 
g 1 Co. 7, 2, 3 5. 34, 36. Col. 4. 6. 1 Pet. 3. 2.   
Q What is forbidden in the seventh Commandment?  
A The seventh commandment forbiddeth all unchaste thoughts, words, and actions 
h Ma●. 15. 19 & 5. 28. Eph. 5. 3, 4   
Q. Which is the eighth commandment?  
A. The eighth Commandment is [Thou shalt not steal 
i Exo. 20. 1● ]  
Q What is required in the eighth Commandment?  
A. The eight Commandment requireth the lawful procuring, and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves, and others 
k Gen. 33. 30. 1 Tim. 1. 8. Leu. 25. 35. Deut. 2. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Exod. 23. 4 5. Gen. 47. 14. 20. .  
Q. What is forbidden in the eight Commandment?  
A. The eight Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth, or may unjustly hinder our own, or our neighbour's wealth, or outward estate 
l Prov. 21. 17. and 23. 20. 21. and 28, 19 Eph. 3. 28. .  
Q. Which is the ninth Commandment?  
A. The ninth Commandment is [Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour 
m Exod. 20. 16. .]  
Q. What is required in the ninth Commandment?  
A. The ninth Commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man 
n Zech. 8. 16 , and of our own & our neighbours good name 
o Joh. v 12. , especially in witness bearing 
p Prov. 14. 5. 25. .  
Q. What is forbidden in the ninth Commandment  
A.? The ninth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth, or injurious to our own, or our neighbours good name 
q Sam. 17. 28. Leu. 19 16. Ps. 15. 3. .  
Q Which is the tenth Commandment?  
A. The tenth Commandment is [Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maid-serusnt, nor his or, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neigbors r].  
Q. What is required in the tenth Commandment?  
A. The tenth Commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition with a right and charitable frame of spirit 
s Heb 13. 7. 1 Tim. 6. 6.  toward our neighbour, and all that is his. 
t Job. 31. 29 Rom. 12. 15. 1 Tim. 15. 1 Cor. 13. 5 67.   
Q What is forbidden in the tenth Commandment?  
A. The tenth Commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate 
u 1 Kings ●1 4. Est. 5. 13. 1 Cor 10 10  envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour 
w Gal. 5. 26 Jam. 3. 14 16. , & all inordinate motions & affections to any thing that is his 
x Rom. 77. 8 and 13 9 .  
Q. Is any man able perfectly to keep the Commandments of God?  
A. No mere man since the fall, is able in this life, perfectly to keep the Commandments of God y, but doth daily break them in thought, word, and deed 
z Gen. 6. 5. and 8. 11. Rom. 3. 6 to 21. Jam. 3 to 13 .  
Q. Are all transgressions of the Law equally heinous?  
A. Some sins in themselves, and by reason, of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others 
a Ezek, 8 6 13. 15 1 John 16 .  
Q. What doth every sin deserve?  
A, Every sin deserveth God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come 
b Eph 56 Gal 3 10 Lam 3 39 .  
Q What doth God require of us that we may escape his wrath and curse, due to us for sin. 
Mat 24 4●   
A. To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ Repentance unto life 
c Acts 20 21 , with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the 
g Heb 10 39 Acts 11 18.  benefits of Redemption 
d Ps 21 10, 6, and 8 30 to the end Isa 55 3 .  
Q. What is Faith in Jesus Christ?  
A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace whereby we receive, & rest upon him alone for Salvation, as he is offered to us in the Gospel f.  
Q. What is Repentance unto life?  
A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace 
g Act 11 18 , whereby a sinner out of a true sense of his sin 
h Acts 2 37, 38. , & apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ 
i Joel 2, 12. , doth, with grief & hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God 
k Jer 31 18 19 Ezek. 36 31, , with full purpose of, & endeavour after, new obedience 
l 1 Cor 7 11 Isa 16, 17, .  
Q What are the outward means, whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?  
A. The outward and ordinary means, whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption, are his ordinances especially the Word, Sacraments, and Prayer; all which are made effectual to the Elect for Salvation 
m Mat 2 19, 20 Acts 1 4●, 47. .  
Q Is the Word made effectual to salvation?  
A. The Spirit of God maketh the Reading, but especially the preaching, of the word, an effectual means of convincing & converting sinners, & of building them up in holinies and comfort through faith unto salvation 
n Neh. 8. 8. ● Cor. 14. 24, 24. 25. Act, 26. 18. Ps. 19 8, Acts 20. ●2 Rom. 15. 14. Rom. 10. 13, 14, 15. 16, 17 and 2, 16. .  
Q How is the Word to be read and heard?  
A. That the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence 
o Prov 8. 34 , preparation 
p 1 Pet. 21. , and prayer 
q Ps. 119. 18 , receive it with faith and love 
r Heb, 4 2. , lay it upin our hearts 
s Ps 119. 11. ; and practise it in our lives  
Q. How do the Sacraments become effectual means of salvation?  
A. The Sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them, or in him that doth administer them but only by the blessing of Christ u, and the working of his spirit, in them that by faith 
t Luk. 8. 15. Jam. 1. 25. 1 Pet. 3. 21 1 Cor. 3, 6, 7  receive them 
w 1 Cor. 12. .  
Q. What is a Sacrament?  
A. A Sacrament is an holy Ordinance instituted by Christ, wherein by sensible Signs Christ & the benefits of the new Covenant are represented, sealed, and applied to Believers 
x Gen 17. 10. Exod. 12. 1 Cor. 11. 23, 26, 27, 28. .  
Q. What are the Sacraments of the New Testament?  
A. The Sacraments of the New Testament, are Baptism y, & the Lords Supper z.  
Q. What is baptism?  
A. Baptism is a Sacrament, wherein the Washing with Water, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, & of the holy Ghost 
a Ma. 28. 19  doth signify and seal our engraftings into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the Covenant of Grace, and our engagement to be the Lord 
b Rom. 9 4. Gal. 3. 27. .  
Q. To whom is baptism to be administered.  
A. Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the Visible Church, till they profess their faith in Christ, & obedience to him 
c Acts 8. 26, 27, & 23. 8. , but the infants of such as are members of the Visible Church are to be baptised 
d Acts 2. 38, 39 Gen. 15. 10. with Col. 2. 11, 12. 1 Cor. 7. 14. .  
Q. What is the Lords Supper?  
A. The Lord's Supper is a Sacrament wherein, by giving and receiving Bread and Wine, according to Christ's appointment, his death is showed forth; and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporal & carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his Body & Blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment, and growth in grace 
e 1 Cor. 11. 23, 24, 25, 26. & 10. 16 .  
Q. What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lords Supper?  
A. It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lords Supper, that they examine themselves, of their knowledge to discern the Lords body 
f 1 Cor. 11. 28, 29. , of their faith to feed upon him 
g 2 Cor, 13. 5 , of their repentance 
h 1 Cor. 11. 31. , love 
i 1 Cor. 10. 16, 17. , and new obedience 
k 1 Cor. 5. 7, 8. , lest, coming unworthily, they eat & drink judgement to themselves 
l 1 Cor. 11. 28, 19 .  
Q. What is Prayer?  
A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires to God 
m Ps. 62. 8. , for things agreeable to his will 
n 1 John 5. 14.  in the name of Christ 
o Joh. 16. 23 , with confession of our sins 
p Ps. 32. ●, 6. Dan. 9 4 , and thankful acknowledgement of his mercies 
q Phil. 4. 6. .  
Q. What rule hath God given for our direction in Prayer?  
A. The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in Prayer 
r 1 Joh. 5 14 , but the special rule of direction is, that form of Prayer, which Christ taught his Disciples, commonly called, The Lord's Prayer 
s Mat. 6. 9, 10, 11 12, 13, with Luke 11. 2, 3, 4. .  
Q. What doth the Preface of the Lords Prayer teach us?  
A. The Preface of the Lords Prayer which is, [Our Father which art in Heaven 
t Mat. 6. 9 ] teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence, and confidence, as children to a father, able to help us 
u Rom. 8. 15. Luke 11. 13  and that we should pray with and for others 
w Acts 12. 5 1 Tit. 2. 1, 2 .  
Q What do we pray for in the first Petition?  
A. In the first Petition, which is, [Hallowed be thy Name 
x Mat 6. 9 ] we pray that God would enable us and others, to glorify him in all that whereby he maketh himself known 
y Ps. 67 2, 3 , and that he would dispose all things to his own glory 
z Psal. 83. throughout .  
Q What do we pray for in the second Petition?  
A. In the second Petition, which is [Thy Kingdom come 
a Mat. 6. 10 ,] we pray that Satan's Kingdom may be destroyed 
b Ps. 18, 18 , and that the Kingdom of grace may be advanced 
c Rev. 12 10, 11 , our 
Rom. 10. John 17. 1● 2.  selves and others brought in to it, & kept in it 
d 2 Thes. 3 11. , and that the Kingdom of glory may be hastened 
e Rev. 22 20. .  
Q. What do we pray for in the third Petition?  
A. In the third Petition, which is [Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven 
f Mat. 6. 10 ] we pray that God by his grace would make us able and willing to know, obey, & submit to his Will in all things 
g Psal. 67 throughout. Ps. 119. 36 Mat. 26. 39 2 Sam. 15, 25. job 1. 21 , as the Angels do in heaven 
h Psal. 103 20, 21 .  
Q What do we pray for in the fourth Petition?  
A In the fourth Petition, which is, [Give us this day our daily bread 
i Mat. 6. 11 ] we pray that of God's free gift, we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life, and enjoy his blessing with them 
k Prov. 30 8, 9 Gen. 18. 2 1 Tim. 4. 4 5. .  
Q. What do we pray for in the fifth Petition?  
A In the fifth Petition which is [And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debttors 
l Mat. 6. 12 ,] we pray, that God for Christ's sake would freely pardon all our sins 
m Psal. 51 1, 2, 7, 9 Dan 9 17, 18, 19 , which we are the rather encouraged to ask, because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others 
n Luk 11. 4 Mat 18. 35 .  
Q What do we pray for in the sixth Petition?  
A. In the sixth Petition, which is, [And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil 
o Ma● 6. 13 ,] we pray, that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin 
p Cor 12 , or support and deliver us when wear tempted 
q 2 〈◊〉 1, 8 6. 13 .  
Q What doth the conclusion of the Lords prayer teach?  
A. The conclusion of the Lords Prayer, which is] For thine is the kingdom, & the 
Mat 26. 4  power and the glory for ever. Amen. 
r Mat. 4 ] Teacheth us to take our encouragement in prayer from God only 
s Dan. 9 6, 7, 8, 9, 1●. 17, 18, 19 , and in our prayers to praise him, ascribing kingdom, power, and glory to him 
t 1 Chr. 29. : And in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard, we say, Amen, u.  

The Ten COMMANDMENTS. Exodus 20.  
GOD spoke all these words saying, I am the Word thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.  
I. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.  
II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in ye earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; & showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments.  
III. 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.  
iv Remember the Sabath day to keep it holy: Six days shalt thou labour and do an thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabath of thy Lord thy God, in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maid servant, nor thy cattles nor thy stranger, that within thy gates: for in six day the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day, and hallowed it.  
V Honour thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.  
VI Thou shalt not kill.  
VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery.  
VIII. Thou shalt not steal.  
IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.  
X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maid-servant nor his ox, nor ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbours.   

The LORDS PRAYER. Matth. 6.  
OUr Father which art in Heaven Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not in to temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever, Amen.   

The CREED.  
I Believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth: And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, which was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried, he descended into 
* That is, continued in the state of the dead and under the power of Death, till the third day.  Hell, the third day he risen again from the dead, he ascended into Heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead: I believe in the Holy Ghost: the holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the Resurrection of the body, and Life everlasting, Amen.   

SO many of every Question, both in the larger and shorter Catechism, is repeated in the Answer, as maketh every Answer an entire Proposition, or sentence in itself, to the end, the Learner may further improve it upon all occasions, for his increase of knowledge