A Short, plain, and profiTABLE catechism: Containing an instruction unto the four principal points of Christian Religion. needful for all those, who do not as yet perfitly know the same. PRO. 15.10. Instruction is evil to him that forsaketh the way, and he that hateth correction shal die. PROV. 31. He that refuseth instruction, despiseth his own soul: But he that obeyeth correction, getteth understanding. PROV. 28.9. He that turneth away his ear from hearing the lawe, even his prayers shallbe abominable. Imprinted at London by R.B. for Richard Watkins, and John wolf. 1592. A catalogue OF the Contents. A brief of the same catechism. A very short direction, howe every one not instructed, ought to come to the lords Table. A prayer to be said afore the receiving of the blessed Sacrament. A prayer to be used in the time of receiving thereof. A prayer to be said after the same received. A prayer for the Morning. A prayer for the evening. To the right worshipful Gentlemen sir John Brocket; knight, one of her majesties lieutenants for the county of Hartford, and master Rowland Lytton esquire, and one of her majesties Iustices of peace, there be al grace from God: love from Christ: and sanctification from the spirit more and more, multiplied unto everlasting life. &c. having been at sundry times moved right worshipful, by some of my hearers to participate these my public labours to and for their private use, and that by copies in writing, I haue thought it good upon their importunity, not in private sort to satisfy them, but in public maner to put forth the same, partly because my leisure for so many copies will not serve, and partly because they which cannot red after the pen may take profit by the print. But whereas your worships haue been as it were founders of these my simplo travails by your calling me unto you, being willing in such sort, that I should be employed for the benefit of the youth, besides that my other usual exercises towards the elder sort. I haue also thought it my part to make you patrons of the thing, praying you that ye will vouchsafe the passing forth of the same under your names with all humbly in the name of Christ, beseeching ye that as both of you haue the name of christian profession, so ye will together endeavour that more and more the same be made known by answerable conversation having your faith, and a good conscience, manifested by good works against the day of appearing of our Lord Iesus Christ, who will reward you accordingly, unto whose protection of grace, and direction by his holy spirit, unto sanctification of body and soul, I betake ye with all yours, for evermore. Your usurps in the Lord Iesus to be commanded M. A. A preface touching this exercise of catechizing. THere be diuers at this day, which being lead with the vanity of their minds, and having their consciences darkened through ignorance; do say that this trade of teaching belongeth onely to children: surely then because such are children in understanding, it may also belong unto them: for notage but knowledge maketh the difference, which while some haue not, though they be grown men since the time of the gospel; yet remain they children, having need to be taught in the first principles of the word of God, being become such as haue need of milk, and not strong meate. It were well therefore for such, even as new born babes to desire the sincere milk of the word, that they may grow thereby, having as yet but onely heard, and not tasted thereof. And therefore being guilty in themselves, they do not onely post this kind of exercise over from themselves to children, but also being loth to haue their ignorance called into question, they like rather to be ignorant still, then with children to humble themselves unto teaching, that thereby of ignorant they may be made skilful in the way to Christ. But this kind of men repute it no disgrace to bee taught, nay they disdain not to ask the way in their journey of any whom they think able to direct them; being contented to bewray their own ignorance in such a sort: and yet in this point it is a marvell to see howe they fail, for they so stomach instruction, as they loath the name and abhor the thing in themselves, being in their own conceit both learned and wise enough to attain Christ: but the Apostle teacheth such sorts another lesson: Cor. 3.18. first, that they deceive not themselves; then if any seem to be wise in this world, let him be a fool, that he may be wise. Also if any man seem to himself to be somewhat, Gal. 6.3. when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself in his imagination. self love then, and a conceited opinion so bewitcheth te wits of high minded men, as they are in nothing sooner deceived then when they affect their own humour, and follow their own fancy, being in the mean time so clouded in their ignorance, as they see not the way which leadeth to him, unto whom they cannot come without instruction. As then to blunder on in an unknown way without a guide, either leading or prescribing how to go on, and on which hand or turning to take: uttereth great folly: So being called upon to turn into the way, when they are out, and to keep on straite, when they are in, and yet will not, betokeneth great madness. Salomon is more plain with such men then they will think him thank worthy, Prou. 1.7. who saith that fools despise wisdom and instruction, as also, Prou. 15.13. he that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul. steven the blessed martyr, Act. 7.51. striketh at such, calling them stiff-necked and uncircumcised heartes and ears, telling them that they always resisted the holy Ghost as their fathers did: As such sorts of men at this day say: not we haue sinned with our fathers, but sin that they may die with their fathers. even so with their great grandfathers many in this time of the light do shut themselves up in the prison of wilful blindness, until the day of darkness come vpon them: at what time when they would they should not haue that which once they might haue had and would not. Let the example of the five foolish virgins approve that. It is therefore good to be in a readiness because we know not when our master Christ will come to take an account what they haue learned, and how they haue lived: Nycodemus was of a better mind then many of selflyking in these days are: for he though he were a doctor, and a man well strocken in age, and withall utterly ignorant touching his new birth, did abide Christ his handling him, and our saviour did bear his answering him, the one not leaving the other: but the one asking and answering the other. John 3. Our saviour taught and Nicodemus heard, and took forth such a lesson as he never learned afore. John 4. The woman also of Samaria being ignorant concerning the water of life, by mutual questioninges and answeringes between our saviour and her came to knowledge. The Eunuch, the queen of the Ethiopians treasurer being ignorant in the chiefest point of Religion, Peter 8.10. namely in the true knowledge of Christ,& not understanding that same in the Prophet: he was lead as a sheep to the slaughter, Isay 53.7. &c. thought not skorn in respect of his age and calling, to take unto him Philip, with whom after he had red the text, he began to question of whom it was meant, and he not ashamed to show his ignorance, so reasoned the matter with his teacher, that he became learned in the knowledge of Christ. All these as you see covered not their ignorance, but acknowledging the same took no scorn being of good yeeres to go to school and that with such teachers as they never heard afore. These are three such examples as are set down for all men and women of yeares and ignorance to behold, to follow, and do the like: as also with them to be content rather later than never: but the sooner the better to love knowledge, and to seek after instruction. But they will say if wee might be taught by Christ or his Apostle, as these were, we would hear, receive and understand as they did: but I ask thē this question whether they think not the ministry of the word in the corporal absence of Christ& his departed Apostle needful: Now surely I think there is none so past grace, but that he will say it is needful: then being needful, I ask by whom? It will be answered, by the preachers of the word. Then I pray mark this, namely, that the elders which rule well are worthy double honor, Tim. 15.17. especially such as labour in the word and doctrine: And further to stir up timothy seriously to see to his ministery: and diligently to look to his charge, he saith, I charge thee in the sight of God, and before the Lord Iesus Christ, which shal judge the quick and the dead, at his coming, and in his kingdom, preach the word, be instant in season and out of season, improve, 2. Tim. 4.1.2 relent, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine: in which two places, we see that the minister must be a labouring man, not in the world, but in the word, as also that he must be instant at all times? what to do? even of ignorant, to make skilful, of simplo, to make learned: of children, to make men of understanding: And so to bring from blindness, to the light: from error, to the truth: from infidelity, to belief: from the love of the world, to the obedience of God and his son Iesus Christ, that they may be saved. Now then having such a minister as is able and willing to teach and to train up the people of God, I nothing doubt but that he is sent of the Lord: and set in his place to use all maner means for instruction, whom if ye will not hear as readily as Nicodemus, and the woman heard Christ: and the Eunuch heard Philip, ye contemn him, and if ye will not be chastised as willingly by him, as those above name were by Christ and Phillip: you scorn instruction, hate to be reformed, and despise your teacher: yea, ye scorn, hate, and despise Christ himself: who hath said speaking to his threescore and ten disciples on this wise, he that heareth you heareth me, Luke. 10.16. and he that despiseth you despiseth me, and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. Let all despisers therefore cease to despise their teacher, because such a despite reacheth unto christ, yea and toucheth the almighty himself, who hath said, 1. Sam. 2.30 that they which despise me, shall be despised. And no marvel, for they be none of Gods, for he that is of God heareth Gods word: John. 8.47. but they hear it not, therefore are they not of God. Rom. 10.17 again no hearing, no faith: for faith cometh by hearing, and no faith, Galat 3.26. no child of God, for by faith are all the sons of God: then no hearing; no faith: no faith, no son of God; therfore no hearing no heires annexed with Christ and no child of God: No kingdom of God belongeth not to them but children. Thus praying God to open the ears, eyes,& hartes of all unbelieving Christians, that they may hear, see, and understand by the mynisterie of the word( in this sort) what belongeth unto a Christian life, and that they being set in the right way by instruction, as also care fully guided by the continual direction of the preaching minister, they may in the end enter into the great city that heavenly jerusalem, by him that is the only door thereof the lord Iesus. To whom with the Father and the holy Ghost, one immortal God, be eternal praise and Dominion for evermore, So be it. The First part of this catechism. Question. WHat is our exercise called? answer. Catechizing. Quest. What mean you thereby? Ans. Instructing or teaching. quest. Wherein are you chiefly to be taught. Ans. In the word of God. quest. To what end? Ans. That the man of God may be absolute. Quest. Where is that written? Ans. In the 2. Tim. 3.16, 17. Quest. What proof haue you in the word that children must be taught? Ans. In Deuter. 4.9. and 6.6, 7. And Prou. 22, 6. And that Timothy began when he was a child it is plain 2. Tim. 3.14.15. quest. How many parts are there of Christian instruction. Answ. There be four. quest. Which are they? Answ. The law, the gospel, prayer, and the Sacramentes. quest. What learn you by the lawe? Answ. Our own condemnation, which is proved in Rom. 7.5. and 11. verses. quest. Why so? Answ. Because none is able to keep the law as may be seen. Act. 15 verse 10. quest. Why then was the lawe given? Answ. It was given that thereby we should know our sins. Rom. 3.20. Look more, Rom. 5.10. Gal. 3.19 quest. What place haue you to confirm, that the lawe was given to make us know our sin? Answ. I had not known what lust had been except the law had said thou shalt not lust. Rom. 7.7. quest. Then it doth appear that because the lawe was given to make us guilty, we cannot be in the favour of God thereby. Answ. It is true: for cursed is he that continueth not in all the things that are written in the book of the law to do them. Gal. 3.10. quest. What if we do keep all the commandments, except some one of them? Answ. We are nothing the better if we could do so, for whosoever shal keep the whole lawe, and yet fail in one point, he is guilty of all. Iam. 2. verse 10. quest. What can you conclude of of all this? Answ. That there is none but is subject to the curse of God, if wee will stand to the law, because in the sight of God it is evident that there is none justified by the lawe, for the just shall live by faith. galatians 3. vers. 11. The second parr. question. WHat must thou do in this case? Answ. We must appeal unto the Gospel. quest. What is the Gospel? Answ. It is the power of God unto salvation, for all that beleeue. Rom. 1. verse. 16. quest. What mean you by that word Gospel? Answ. Glad tidings or joyful news. quest. What is understood by power? Answ. The unspeakable strength of God. quest. For what? Answ. To recover all mankind which by the fall of Adam was lost, so that God in himself is all, and by his onely begotten son, the Lord Iesus is willing to save all that come to him. quest. How are we persuaded in this power? Answ. By the preaching thereof, from the beginning to this day. quest. When was it first preached. Answ. By and by after the fall of Adam. quest. By whom was it preached. Answ. Not by man or any angel, but by God himself. quest. What did he preach? Answ. That the seed of the woman should break the serpents head. quest. What is meant by that seed? answ. That same power of God, whereby God would work, and show himself in mercy to the world. quest. What is understood by woman. answ. That the eternal begotten son of God begotten afore all worlds should truly take flesh from the blessed virgin, and so become after his visible birth, a visible sacrifice to God his father, for the sins of the world. quest. What is contained in the other words: namely, that it should break the serpents head. answ. In those words is set down the promise, which because it was a joyful report aforehand, is to be called the gospel. quest. What is meant by breaking the head. answ. The power, rule, tyranny, and kingdom of satan, which should be thrown down by that undefiled seed, which should be born for that purpose. quest. Why was that promise and gospel preached. answ. That Adam should beleeue in that promise that he believing in that which he saw not, might be saved by him which was not seen. quest. What think you then touching this matter. answ. I verily think that they err not knowing the scriptures, nor this power of God so long ago preached, who say now that the gospel is a new doctrine or learning. quest. Are there any that so say? answ. Yea, there are. quest. Who be they? answ. Of the synagogue of Rome, commonly called papists. quest. But what say you to it, how think you? answ. I verily think that if they were the children of faithful Abraham, they would not so say: for in the time of Abraham faith was. Gen. 15. vers, 6. where it is written that Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness: look more, Rom. 4.1.2.3.4.5.6. Yea faith was yet more ancient, for it was in the time of Abel, of whom it is written that by faith he offered a greater sacrifice then Kayn. Heb. 11.4. Also faith is as the gospel is, but the gospel was preached unto Adam, by God himself, when he said the seed of the woman shall break the Serpents head: Therefore the doctrine of faith is no new learning. Also Adam had nothing then to justify him before God, but belief in that promise, which was Christ to be born. Therefore al Adams children according to the flesh haue no other remedy but faith in Christ now already born. And as then Adam had no works going afore faith to justify him: so is it at this day withall that are so to be saved. quest. now then show me what faith or belief is? Ans. Faith is the ground of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. Heb. 11, 1. quest. What can you briefly gather out of this? Ans. That upon faith wee must build our trust in God, and our trust and hope must depend vpon the evidence of the gospel, wherein we see that which shall bee: and believe to haue that which is not seen. quest. By whom shall you haue it? Ans. By Christ, in whom al that were saved did believe to haue salvation, even 3974 yeares and some odd months afore he was born. quest. It is written that by the death of Christ sins are done away, how then could sins be done away whereas Christ was not in so many yeares born, much less dead? Ans. The answer is plain, namely that by the preaching of the gospel and believing of the same, salvation was given though the thing believed in were not seen. quest. Is there any difference between them that believed afore the promise was performed, and us that believe the same being performed? Ans. No, there is not any difference in the substance of the thing believed, though there be in the cyrcumstance of the time. quest. How is that? answ. They believed and trusted GOD from the time of Adam until Christ was born: still believing that such a one should bee born to die for the sins of mankind. But all from the time of his birth until the end of the world which will be saved, must believe that Christ is come and gone, and shall come again, not to die: but to judge the world: So that the believing afore he came, and the believing since he came, do believe in one and the same Iesus. And as the promise of him which might not be seen afore the fullness of time was come, brought belief to all that ever were saved: so since the time wherein he was seen, though now he may not as yet bee seen again, doth that promise work effectually being that power, or that arm, or that hand, by the which God hath wrought that salvation. quest. Can you show that the same power was present when he was not as yet seen. ans. Yes it may be seen in Isay. 9 6, 7. The gospel then being the glad tidings of salvation, is that faith or belief which bringeth salvation to all true Christians, which faith is the present evidence of things to come. And that evidence is the Gospel wherein is contained all that belongeth to our salvation which being perused, understood, heard and believed doth bring salvation to every one that shal keep that evidence written and shut up in his heart. quest. Do you believe this? ans. I do beleeue it and God give me his grace that I may increase more and more therein to my lives end. quest. But I would haue some place to prove that the gospel is the evidence of our salvation. ans. The Apostle, 1. Cor. 15, 1, 2, 3, 4. hath set it down. quest. now to conclude all that hath been said, show me some place for faith or belief? answ. It is written, John 23, 16 That God so loved the world as he hath given his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but haue life everlasting. And again, who so believeth in him shall not be condemned, but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he believeth not in the name of the only begotten son of God. John. 3, 18. quest. show me also some other place for the law and faith together? ans. It is written Rom. 3.21, 22. The righteousness of God is made manifest without the law by the faith of Iesus Christ unto all and vpon all that believe, look there from the 19 verse to the 29. quest. This having been thus said it appeareth that wee must come and closely cleave unto the gospel, having no confidence in the law? ans. It is true we must so do. quest. Why so? ans. Because by it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, that the just might live thereby, Rom. 1, 17. Therefore shall wee not live by the lawe but by faith in Christ Iesus our lord, for being justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Rom. 5, 9. quest. Is the lawe then of no power where faith is? ans. It is of none: for where faith is the law is at an end. For Christ is the end of the lawe, for righteousness to all that believe. Rom. 10, 4. quest. What then hath christ done for us? ans. he hath redeemed us from the curse of the lawe when he was made a curse for vs. Gal. 3, 13. quest. To what end hath he redeemed us? ans. That the blessing which came unto Abraham might also come vpon us through Iesus Christ, for as many as are of Faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. Gal. 3, 9. For as Abraham was righteous because he did believe. Gē. 15, 6. so al that believe as Abraham did, are righteous with God. ans. Let us hear out of the old Prophets somewhat touching Christ his incarnation, and of what good he was to bring with him when he came? ans. That may be seen in isaiah, 61, 12, 3. quest. Let us farther know by our saviour his own words wherefore he came? ans. He saith that he was sent to none but to the lost sheep of Israell, Mat. 15, 24. He is not come to call the righteous but the sinners to repentance, Mat. 9, 13. quest. What can you briefly gather by all this? ans. That not by the works of the law, but by the death of Christ every one shall be saved that doth believe, Rom. 5, 9. quest. What do you think and believe concerning purgatory which the aduersaries to the sufficiency of christ his death haue taught and the which many ignorant in the truth do believe unto this day? ans. I think and believe that there is no other purgation for the sins of the whole world, then the passion of Christ in his blood. quest. Howe prove you that by the Scriptures? ans. It is written, 1. joh. 1, ● the blood of Iesus Christ the son of God cleanseth us from all our sins, if then we aclowledge them he is faithful and just to forgive them and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1. John. 1, 9. look more in 1. Pet. 1, 18, 19, 20. father of lights. Iam. 1.17. Thirdly, by lifting up is expressed, the desire and longing that the godly haue to bring, and to offer themselves to the Lord, as a quick and a lively sacrifice. Finally, it declareth that the conversation of the child of god is in heaven, from whence he doth look for the saviour, even the Lord Iesus, who at his coming will change our vile bodies, and make them like his glorious body. Philip. 3. verse 20.21. Therefore if we be risen again with Christ: let us seek the things which are above where Christ sitteth at the right hand of his father, and let us set our love vpon things that are in heaven, and not on things, which are on the earth. quest. Why must wee thus lift up our soul? answ. First, because héere we haue no abiding city, but must look for one to come. Heb. 13.14. Secondly, because we are willed to seek to him that is ascended, who hath said, Come unto me all ye that are weary and laden, and I will ease you Math. 11. verse 28. As also: ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened: for who asketh, receiveth, and who seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. Math. 7.7.8. Wherefore because Christ is in the heauens, we must still lift up the hand of our heart, to knock that he may open, and that we may enter. quest. What else is required in this lifting up our soul. answ. There must be in it no wavering or unsteadfast: no changeable or ranging: no roving or vnmouable quality. Therefore whatsoever a man asketh, let him ask it in faith, and not waver: for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, which is carried away. Neither let that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. Iam. 1.6.7. Secondly, the lifting up of the soul must be with us as is the lifting up of the hand of an archer, who though he be never so skilful: yet if his hand be not steady, but wavering this way and that way, as also not looking with a fixed eye vpon the mark, he cannot haue a part. even so every good Christian must be circumspectly in lifting up his soul, not onely knowing what he goeth about, but also marking how the same is to be performed: Namely, with a steadfast belief in him( to whom we must lift our souls up) that we should be heard. As also with an assured hope, that we shall hit the mark: that is, obtain the thing which we ask of him, to whom we lift up our soul. quest. But what do you gather briefly of that? answ. This namely, that the lifting up our soul, is not enough, but also wee must trust steadfastly to be heard, and to obtain which is the efeffect of his mercy, to whom wee do lift up our soul. quest. To whom then must wee lift up our soul. answ. To God onely. quest. Why so? answ. Because there is none that can see the sorrows of my soul, but he that saw me afore I was born. The Lord therefore is said to haue his eyes upon the righteous,& his ears open to their prayers. Psal. 34.15. As also his eyes are open to behold and to take pity, and his ears vnstopped to hear and to haue mercy: look more, in the first of kings. 7.26.27.28.29. Whereupon wee may say that which david said, the eye of the Lord is vpon them that fear him, and put their trust in his mercy. Psal. 33.18. As also that the righteous cry, and the Lord heareth them and delivereth them out of all their troubles. 17. quest. What if this come not by and by? answ. We must yet show that we do trust the Lord, and with job so to stick to him, that though he should kill us, we yet forsake him not. We must not then onely lift up our soul to the Lord, but also we must wait upon him, and with patience tarry his good leisure, until he come and haue mercy. Therefore the Prophet saith again, my soul waiteth for the Lord: for he is our help, and our shield. Ps. 33. verse 20. quest. How shall this our waiting vpon the Lord be known. answ. By often calling vpon him, even three times in one day, as david did, Psalm. 55.16, 17. And as Daniel did 16.10. In which two exsamples we do see that wee must abide the lords leisure, and that although he grant us not by and by, ye he doth stil consider us and will satisfy us with good things. look Psal. 40.1. Ps. 42. 1. Psal. 57.1.2. ●. quest. Where can you prove this? answ. david said that he sought the Lord and he heard him and delivered him out of all his fear. Psal, 34, verse 4. Also God hath heard me, and considered the way of my prayer. Ps. 66 verse 19. Likewise vpon this experience, he saith to the godly, taste and see how gracious the Lord is: Blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psal, 34, 8. quest. Whereas the Prophet biddeth us taste and see what may be the meaning thereof. answ. Both those sences of tasting and seeing are great persuasions to make us to inquire after the Lord: as also to make us beleeue that he is not far off, but even present at hand, for no man can taste and discern, that which is not hard by: wherefore it is written: Psal 34.18. That the Lord is near to them that are of a contrite heart, and will save such as be afflicted in spirit: look more: Verse, 19.20, 21, 22: Likewise he saith, Psal, 145, 18, that the Lord is near to all which call vpon him: yea al such as call vpon him faithfully. look more, ver. 19, 20. quest. What other definition can you show me after al this, concerning prayer. ans. It is an earnest, an humble,& a faithful declaring of our mind unto God, whereby we do not onely confess our sins, but also ask things needful for our souls and bodies, always giuing thankes to God the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ. quest. What learn you by this? ans. I learn three things, that we must pray to God alone, confess our sins to God alone, and thirdly that we must be thankful unto him. quest. Where prove ye first by the Scriptures that we are commanded to pray to God alone? ans. Call vpon me in the day of trouble, so will I deliver thee& thou shalt glorify me, Psal. 50, 15. look more, Isay. 45, 21, 22. quest. Can you confirm this? ans. Yea, by the words of our saviour who saith to his Disciples after this manner pray ye, Our Father, &c mat. 6, 9. by the which he will haue us to pray to none but unto GOD alone. quest. Where do you find that the faithful haue so done and sped well by it? ans. In my trouble I did call vpon the Lord and I cried unto my God he heard my voice and my cry came before him even to his ears, Psal. 18, 6. and Daniel did cry to God only, Dan. 9, 18. which thing he also did chap. 6. and was delivered from the Lions. quest. Where doth God testify for our consorte and the increase of our faith, that he heard such as called vpon him? ans. Thou didst call in affliction and I delivered thee and answered thee in the secret of the thunder, that is from the clouds. Psa. 8, 7. quest. In whose name must wee pray to God, that wee may the better be heard? ans. In the name of Christ, for it is written, there is no other name among men under heaven, whereby we are to be saved. Act. 4, 12. quest. May we not pray to saints which are now in heaven? ans. No, for it is written: if any man sin we haue an advocate with the Father, Iesus Christ the just,& he is the reconciliation for our sins, 1. joh. 2, 12. quest. Where find you that our saviour himself hath said that wee are to pray in his name? ans. joh. 16, 23. whatsoever ye ask the father in my name it shall be given you. quest. How can you farther justify this that we are not to name a Saint in our prayers for help? ans. By the example of our saviour who in his prayer to GOD afore his crucifying said, Father if thou wilt, take this cup from me, &c: Luk 22, 42 naming none other but God the father alone, whose example ought to be our sufficient instruction. quest. show some other place in the Scriptures where God and christ are onely coupled together? ans. There is one GOD and one mediator between God and man, Christ Iesus. 1. Tim. 2, 5. quest. You said above that we must confess our sins to God, where find you that? ans. In 1. King. 8, 47. where wee may learn that confessing of sins is a piece of prayer. quest. What other place haue you? ans. If wee aclowledge our sins he is faithful and just to forgive them, 1. John. 1, 9. quest. Where find you that by confessing of sins there followed forgiveness? ans. In Psal. 32.5, 6. quest. It was said also above that thanksgiving is a part of prayer, how prove you that? Answ. In the Epistle to the philippians. 4, 6. Quest. Where do you find that we are bid to pray with promise that we shall obtain? Ans. For our comfort it is to bee seen in Mat. 7.7, 8, 9. quest. What can you gather bréeflie of all this? Ans. That unless we pray to God only for all things needful, and that in the name of Iesus christ: with confession of our sins, not unto a priest, but unto him only:& always thanking him: our prayer can neither be acceptable to God nor profitable for us, because it is not according to the word of God. quest. It being thus declared unto whom, and in whose name we must pray, as also what be the partes of prayer, what else is there required in prayer? answ. First that it be made in repentance: secondly, in faith: thirdly, in forgiveness: fourthly, in heart: fifthly, according to the will of God: and finally without ceasing. quest. Howe prove you the three first by the Scriptures? answ. Touching repentance, it is written, if I regard wickedness in my heart, the lord will not hear my prayer Psal. 16.18. Secondly, concerning faith: What soever ye desire when ye pray, beleeue that ye shall haue it, and it shall be done unto you. Mark 11.24. Thirdly, as touching forgiveness, it is said, when he shal stand and pray forgive that your father which is in heaven, may also forgive you your trespasses: for if ye will not forgive: your father which is in heaven, will not pardon you your trespasses. Mark. 11. verse 25.26. quest. What can you bring for the other three: namely, that wee do not only pray with mouth, but with hart: secondly that it must be done according to the will of God: and thirdly that we ought not to cease, or give over prayer. answ. To prove the first of this it is written, if thou shalt seek the Lord with all thine heart, and withall thy soul, thou shalt find him. Deut. 4. verse 29. For the Lord is near to all that call vpon him, yea to all that call vpon him in truth. Psalm. 145.18. And to confirm the second, it is said: this is the assurance that we haue in him, that if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth vs. 1. joh. 5. verse 14. Finally, for the third, it is commanded by the Apostle, pray continually. 1. Thess. 5.17. quest. What shall we do nothing else but pray? Answ. It is not so meant: but that wee must endeavour without fainting, and daily strive without ceasing unto the Lord, as Daniel did three times a day, and not to pray once in one day and no more in a week after: wee must therefore continue and watch in prayer, until the Lord do hear and haue mercy. For continuance testifieth our faith, which will haue no nay: proveth our hope that will yet depend vpon God: expresseth our love to God because wee will not give over afore we haue obtained. quest. Must our prayer be a particular prayer, every one for himself onely? Answ. No, for we must make supplication for all saints. Ephes. 6.18. As also it is written. 1. Tim. 2.1.2. That first of al supplications, prayers, intercessions,& giuing of thankes be made for all men. For kings and all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and a peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty. quest. You say that we must pray for all men: Must we then pray for the enemies of God? Answ. First, in praying for all men, it is to be understood that wee must pray for all sorts of people of what degree soever, which thing Samuel did, when he prayed for all the Israelites against the Philistines. 1. Sam. 7.8.9. Next wee may pray either for the enemies of God, if they be so of ignorance& not of malice, that they may be converted, or against them wee may pray when they do violently rage against the children of God, that they may be confounded: for so did paul pray against Alexander. 2. Timo. 4. verse 14. quest. No whauing heard to whom, and in whose name we must pray, as also how we must pray, we must yet farther know howe many sorts of prayer there are, tel us therefore what you think. Answ. There are two sorts of prayer, a bad, and a good: the good is that which is made according to faith, being furnished with such virtues as as haue been touched: the bad which hath neither faith with God, nor a good conscience with men, such a prayer made the proud pharisee. Luke 18. verse 11. quest. How do you else distinguish of prayer. Answ. In this sort: namely, that there is private prayer, and public or common prayer. quest. What call you private prayer? Answ. It is when every faithful man or woman, or every particular family or household, shall either apart or together, not onely make request unto the Lord for needful graces: but also be thankful for blessings, both spiritual and corporal from time to time bestowed. quest. Let us hear some place for proof, that we should pray in private? Answ. In Math. the 6. ver. 5.6. and to confirm this we red, that our saviour himself went apart into the mountain to pray. Math. 14. ver. 23. Luke 6. verse 12. So did Peter Act, 10 verse 9. And so may any of us, upon the motion of the spirit unto meditation and prayer, as occasion and need may bee for any private matter: as david did for his sick child. 1. Sam. 1.10. As Anna did against the reproach of her barrenness, and as the Leper did for his leprosy. Luke 5.12. quest. What say you now to public or common prayer, what mean you by that? Answ. Common prayer is, when there is an assembly or congregation come together in the name of Christ, intending to dedicate themselves( having the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace) unto the mercy of God: and of him to ask things belonging to the universal state of Christ his militant Church, as also pertaining to the general good of every true Christian common-wealth, and every principal, and inferior part thereof. quest. Where haue you any proof of any assembly coming together, to make public prayer for some part of the Church. Answ. In the 12. of the Acts 5. ver. It is written that Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer was made of the Church for him, and was delivered by an Angel, 7, 8, 9, 10. Which proveth the force of prayer made by the congregation of the faithful. Therfore is it not good that any faithful brother or sister in the Lord do separat themselves from the public cause of the Church: But while it is to day, contend with al maner prayer and supplication, together with the rest, that the Nurse of theirs and our peace, may be blessed to be an old mother in Israel, least shee being taken from us for the abuse of our peace, wee afterwards wish to assemble ourselves, where now we may and will not, and then would and may not. quest. But what can you conclude of all that hath been said touching prayer? Answ. That if wee pray in such a sort unto God, as then we do pray according to his will: so it cannot be but that our onely mediator the Lord Iesus will commend our requests unto our heavenly father. And our heavenly father also in mercy recommend himself unto us by his son our deseruer, and the holy Ghost his bestower: of what good blessing wee shall ask according to his will. The fourth part. Question. Whereas God hath promised that he will hear our prayers, and seeing that great is our forgetfulness and manifold our infirmities, to the hindering of our faith: hath not God for our help left any visible tokens between him and us to stir us up unto a steadfast persuasion in his promises and to stay us up in our weakness and to strengthen us in our belief? ans. Yes he hath left bs two tokens for our assured comfort. quest. What be they? ans. The sacraments of baptism and the Lords supper. quest. What are sacraments? ans. They are assured seals& perfect pledges of God his promises towards all that believe in christ our Lord. quest. What is the sacrament of baptism? ans. It is an outward washing, signifying an inward grace: namely, that we are born again by the washing of the new birth, and the renewing of the holy ghost. Tit. 3, 5. that thereby we should walk in newness of life Rom. 6, 4. and that being baptized into Iesus Christ, we should not only be baptized into his death, to the crucifying with him our old man that the body of sin might be destroyed: that henceforth we should not serve sin, Rom. 6.3, 6. but also that we should in baptism so put on Christ. Gal. 3, 27. as for ever afterwards we ought to deny ungodliness and worldelie lusts, and that we should live soberly and righteously, and godlilie, in this present world. Tit. 2, 12. quest. By whom do you find that this Sacrament was ordained? ans. In the 28. Mat. 18, 19. we red that our saviour saith, al power is given me in heaven and earth, go therefore and teach all natione baptizing in the name of the Father and the son and the holy ghost. quest. What gather you hereby? answ. That the word and the sacraments are to go together. quest. Where else can you prove that? ans. In Ephes. 5.25, 26. the Apostle speaking of the spiritual marriage between Christ and his church saith, that Christ gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it by the washing of water, through the word. quest. What is the supper of the lord? Answ. It is an holy ordinance which consisteth of the communion or partaking of bread and wine, in the congregation or assembly of the faithful. quest. Of whom was it ordained? Answ. Of our saviour christ himself. Mat. 26, 26, 27, 28. quest. What is to be understood by those words, that bread is his body, and wine is his blood. Answ. That this bread being broken and eaten:& this wine taken and drunken of all believers is an assured token and a visible witness that the body of Christ was slain, and the blood of Christ was shed for the forgiveness of sins, and that the virtue and power of the same his death is as surely belonging to the believing, as the bread and wine is taken and tasted of the receivers. quest. What then do these words Take eat this is my body, &c. signify, do they not signify his very body and blood? Answ. No, for if they did, then had he either been bread and wine, afore he spake those words, or else must he haue been bread and wine after he spake them: and so his body should not haue sufficed in the nature of flesh which it did, but haue been changed into bread& wine which it was not, no more then bread and wine which are earthly creatures, can be changed into his heavenly body. And again, it cannot be that the sacrament of bread and wine, which is a signifying thing, should be the thing signified, which is Christ, for the sacrament being but a remembrance of him, it cannot be the body of him, whom we beleeue to remain at the right hand of his father in the heauens, until his coming in the last day. quest. Then because our saviour Christ hath so spoken, Take, eat, this is my body, and drink this is my blood. What is the meaning of those words. answ. The Apostle in 1. Cor. 11. verse 26. doth plainly express them: for saith he, as often as ye shal eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye show the lords death till he come. quest. What do you understand thereby? Answ. That by the often receiving thereof, we are to show how his death worketh in us: and that by the death of his body, wee in our bodies should die to sin: and that by the shedding of his blood our sins are done away if by faith we abide in him. quest. How ought wee to come to the receiving of this holy mystery of the body and blood of Christ. Answ. The holy Apostle hath told us how. 1. Cor. 11.29. Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of this bread, and drink of this cup: for he that eateth and drinketh vnworthely, eateth and drinketh his own damnation, because he deserveth not the Lords body. quest. What sorts of people must then come to the Lords table: answ. Such as are able to examine themselue, least eating this bread, and drinking this cup vnworthely, they be guilty( not of the sacrament, but of the thing which it signifieth: namely, the very body and blood of Christ. 1. Cor. 11.18. quest. Are all that use these sacraments sealed with the grace of God? Ans. No, for then grace should seem to come of the Sacraments and God might appear to bee tied unto them, and that without them he either could not or would not work grace in the hart of man, as he did in Abraham afore he received the sign of circumcision, which after he had it, it was a seal of righteousness in him, and as God did deal with Abraham afore he was circumcised, even so dealeth he with all Abrahams children, which are the faithful afore they bee baptized, and afore they haue received the Sacrament of his body and blood. Quest. Are not the promises of God his gifts and graces due unto all such as receive the sacraments. Answ. No, for the wicked who are unworthy receivers, do heap up the vengeance of God against them, do witness their own unthankfulness and infidelity: and thirdly do seal up their own condemnation with Iudas. quest. To whom then do these sacraments belong to be taken to their comfort? Answ. To the faithful only who receive those seals with the promises of God in Iesus Christ. quest. What if wee refuse to receive these holy mysteries? Answ. If when wee may receive them we will not, we show that wee are voided of Faith, because we exclude ourselves from the fellowship of the faithful, and care not to be partakers of God his holy ordinances. quest. What say you of such as would receive them and cannot, being prevented by death, or hindered by persecution? Answ. Neither the providence of God for the one, nor the malice of man for the other can disappoint them the grace and mercy of God for one whom he will and when he will and where he will, and how he will, will he haue mercy. quest. What can you briefly conclude of all this? Answ. That if wee shall receive these Sacraments with a repenting and a believing mind, then are they assured testimonies unto us of God his promises unto eternal life in Iesus Christ our Lord. FJNIS. A Short sum of the same. Question. WHat is our exercise called? Answer. Catechizing. quest. What is catechizing? ans. Instructing or teaching. quest. Wherein must wee bee taught? ans. In the word of God. Quest. why must wee be taught therein? Ans. That the man of God may be perfect. quest. In how many things must we be taught? ans. In four. quest. Which be they Ans. The law, the gospel, prayer, and the Sacrament. quest. What doth the lawe teach us? answ. To know our sins, and our own condemnation therefore? quest. How doth the law work our condemnation in us? answ. By the iustice and righteousness of God. quest. Why so? answ. Because there is none that can keep the law. quest. Why then did God make such a law. answ. That by the same we might be humbled in the sight of God, and that finding ourselves guilty thereby we might seek for mercy. quest. What then must we do vpon the knowledge of our sin? answ. We must fly to the mercy of God in Iesus Christ, for the forgiveness of all our sins. quest. Where is our assurance for that written. answ. In the Gospel. quest. What is the Gospel? answ. It is the power of God unto salvation. quest. For whom? answ. For as many as steadfastly believe that they are redeemed from the curse of the law. quest. Of what law? Answ. Of the ten commandments. quest. Into how many tables are they divided? answ. Into two. quest. What doth the first table teach us? answ. Our obedience towards God, which is contained in the four first commandements. quest. What doth the second table teach us? answ. Our duty towards our superiors and neighbours, set down in the vi. last commandements. quest. now having shewed the partes and points of the lawe, show me also where you haue a short sum of the Gospel declared. answ. In the twelve articles of our christian belief. quest. How many parts are there thereof? answ. There are four. quest. What be they? answ. The first concerneth God the father: the second, God the son: the third, God the holy Ghost: the fourth, the Church of God and the blessings bestowed thereupon. quest. What are those blessings? answ. The first is the fellowship, that the saints of God haue with Christ: the next is the forgiveness of sins: the third is the rising again of the body, and the last is life everlasting. quest. As touching the Church of God and the blessings bestowed thereupon what think you, must you believe in them or no? answ. No truly, we must not believe in them, but believe that they are. quest. What say you of the three persons afore metioned? answ. We ought to believe in them being but one eternal God? quest. Which of these three persons hath redeemed us from the curse of the law? answ. Iesus Christ the second person in trinity, the onely begotten son of God, conceived by the holy Ghost, and born of the blessed virgin Mary. quest. What hath he done for our redemption, from the curse of the law? He suffered, and did shed his most precious blood for us, being slain for our sins, and butted, and rising again the third day. quest. To what end hath he done so great a work? answ. To make us free from our sins, to deliver us from the curse of the law: to reconcile us into the favor of God: to justify us by his grace: and finally to make us inheritors of eternal life. quest. What is now to be done of us, he having done so much for us? answ. we must continually exercise this our faith and belief in him. quest. How must we exercise our faith? answ. In earnest and hearty prayer unto God alone. quest. For what things? answ. For the increase of the same our faith, and the obtaining such things as shal be needful for our souls and bodies. quest. What is prayer? answ. It is an earnest suit of the soul, and a faithful desire of the hart and mind, made either openly in the the congregation with words or secretly without words unto God. quest. In whose name must we we pray? answ. In the name of Iesus Christ our Lord. quest. In what form of prayer. answ. As our saviour Christ himself hath taught us in his holy word, saying Our father which art in heaven. &c. quest. Is there no other means unto God but Christ onely. answ. No, for it is written in the first of timothy, and second chapter, and the fift verse, there is one God, and one mediator between God and man, the man Iesus Christ. quest. What do you understand by that? answ. That there is no saint in heaven to come unto God by, but only by our Lord Iesus Christ. quest. Why so? answ. Because as from the deginning, there is no saint in heaven, but was saved by him: so now there is none upon earth, that can be saved without him. quest. How prove you that by the Scriptures? answ. It is written acts. 4. verse. 12. there is not salvation in any other, for among men there is given none other name under heaven whereby we must be saved. quest. Are there no visible things ordained by Christ to be as outward means for the helping and strengthening our faith? answ. Yes there are. quest. What be they? answ. only two sacramentes the one of baptism the other of the lords supper. quest. What are sacraments? ans. They are assured seals and perfect pledges of the mercy of God towards vs. quest. Towards whom? answ. Towards those only which haue repentance and a true belief within their harts. quest. What under stand you by baptism? ans. Washing. quest. What is the meaning therof. answ. That by our first birth from our parents we are unclean and that by our second birth in baptism wee are to be born again by water, the word, and the holy ghost. quest. Where do you prove that the word must go with the Sacraments? ans. In Mat. 28.19. Where it is said, go and teach, baptizing in the name of the father, the son, and the holy ghost. quest. What other place haue you to prove that the word and baptism must go together? answ. In the Ephesians 5, 25, 26. where it is written, that Christ gave himself for his church, that he might sanctify it and cleanse it by the washing of water through the word. quest. Why are we baptized? ans. That we should deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and that we should live soberly, righteously, and godlilie in this present world. Tit, 2, 12. quest. What is meant by the sacrament of the Lords supper? ans. Wee are to remember and beleeue by the often receiving thereof that Christ gave himself for us unto death, and that we also should give ourselves unto him in our life. quest. Why so? ans. That we continually dying unto sin, as he did die for our sins might live to die in him, and die to live with him for ever. quest. What is the sacrament of the supper of the Lord? ans. It is an holy ordinance which consisteth of the receuing of bread and wine, in the congregation of the faith full. quest. Of whom was it so ordained. ans. Of our saviour himself, as we may red in Mat. 26, and the 26. 27, and 28. verses. quest. What were in the place of these two in the time of the law? ans. Circumcision and the passeouer. quest. Why were they changed by Christ? ans. First to signify his authority that he might do it: then to express his mercy that would put a difference between all true believers and the Iewes, between the lawe of Ceremonies ended in him: and the Gospel began of him and left for the comfort of as many as haue faith in the work of his death. quest. How ought wee to come to the receiving of this holy mystery of the Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ? Ans. We must examine ourselves least eating and drinking unworthily we eat and drink our own condemnation. 1. Cor. 11, 29. quest. How else must we do it? ans. By remembering with a hearty sorrow our sins against God and our offences against man. Quest. What is then to be done? Answ. We must first ask forgiveness of God with a steadfast purpose of amendment, and we must also bee in perfect love with our neighbours. quest. What then doth follow? Answ. So shall we be worthy receivers through the mercy of God in Iesus Christ our Lord. quest. What benefit haue we by this sacrament? ans. If we shal so receive it our very soul by a sound faith is comforted and made strong unto life everlasting. quest. What, do those sacraments minister or bring grace unto us? answ. No, they do not, because all that receive them haue not grace. quest. Why haue they not grace by the sacramentes? ans. Because grace is not tied to the Sacraments but Sacramentes to grace, and are the seals of grace growing afore through repentance and faith first written in our heartes also we must know and believe that grace and mercy cometh unto us by Christ alone, John. 1, 17. quest. How doth grace and mercy come unto us by christ, seeing that Christ is in heaven. Answ. By the power and working of the holy ghost. quest. What is the holy Ghost? ans. It is a heavenly power and a holy presence sent down into the world from God the father and God the son. quest. By what other name is the holy Ghost called? ans. The third person in Trinity. quest. wherefore was it sent into the world? answ. To teach the ignorant and to comfort the hearts of God his people in troubles. quest. By what means doth it teach us? ans. By such as are faithful prechers of the law and the gospel. quest. How doth the same spirit comfort the harts of God his saints in troubles? Ans. By a sound and steadfast faith in believing the sweet promises of God in Iesus christ which are contained in his written word, wherein whatsoever is necessary for our salvation is sufficiently by the same spirit set down for all that believe. FINIS. A very short direction showing how every one not instructed, ought to come provided to the Lords table. How then must you behave yourself? FIrst I must diligently examine mine own conscience by the lawe of God set down in the ten commandements, which will teach me not only to know my sins Rom. 7, 7. but also what by the iustice of God is due unto me therefore, namely the wrath of God, Rom. 4, 15. look more Gal. 3, 10, 11, 12, 13. as also red Ro. 7, 8. to the end of that chap. Secondly, finding by the same law that I am guilty of many foul sins. And knowing in my hart that I haue gréeuouslie offended against God and man, I must not only confess my faults. Psal. 32, 5. But also be truly and heartily sorry for all my offences. Luke. 15.17, 18, 19, 20, 21. thirdly I must earnestly repent and gladly forsake my former wickedness. Prou. 28, 17.& incline mine ears and come to the lord, that my soul may live. Isai 5, 3. Look more in that chap. 6, 7. verses) red them& remember them. Also being thus turned to the Lord, I must be a new creature. 2 Cor. 5, 17. having a clean hart created, and a right spirit renewed within me. Psal. 51, 10. Fourthlie, I must assuredly beleeue with faithful Abraham, in the promises of God his mercy: And that for the doing away all my sins that that once and only sacrifice of the offered body and blood of our saviour was, and is sufficient against all my sins, look more Heb. 9, 26, 28. Fiftly, I must patiently strive and constantly continue by faithful prayer unto God. Mat. 21, 22. And that in the name of Iesus Christ. joh. 16, 23, 24. for the forgiveness of all my sins committed against heaven and earth, against God and man: having henceforth perfect obedience towards GOD and hearty love towards my neighbour, freely forgiving al my offenders, as I would be forgiven myself of God. look more, Math. 5.24 25. as also consider 14. and 15. verses of that chapter. Likewise Math. 18.21 to the end, and Colos. 3.12.13.14.15 verses. Finally, being thus prepared, I am thoroughly persuaded that I may boldly come to receive the holy sacrament of the body and blood of my saviour which as it was shed to wash away all my sins, so the receiving of the same sacrament, putteth me in remembrance of the work of my redemption. look more, 1. Cor. 11.24 25. by whom it was done. Rom. 4.24 25. And to what end, red diligently Rom. 6. from the beginning to the end, as also 2. Cor. 5.15. A prayer to be used afore the receiving of the holy Sacrament. OH most merciful God grant me the grace of thy holy spirit, that I may reverently consider of the thing which according to thine ordinance I am now about to do: and that I may do it to thy glory, and the comfort of mine own conscience, I beseech thy divine goodness that I may rightly and truly examine, try, and judge mine own thoughts, ways, and works, by thy most holy lawe: and that I thereby finding, and knowing in what a danger of thy just judgements I am, because of my sins against thee, and my neighbour, may not onely for the time past vnfainedly be grieved in my heart,& so there vpon earnestly repent for all my former misdeeds: but also faithfully intend at this present, and for ever hereafter religiously bend myself to live and lead a new and a godly life. Which oh my good God, I confess to be the onely way through Christ for forgiveness from thy mercy seat, which vpon my amendment, thou in thy great bounty hast promised in thy sacred word, and by the death of my blessed saviour to bestow vpon me: wherefore according to the truth of thy word, and thy loving kindness which hath been ever of old. I beseech thee in the name of my saviour that I may even now receive thy mercy, to the utter blotting out of the book of thy judgements, all my former wickedness: And that my faith being increased, my conscience renewed, and all my life hereafter sanctified unto true godliness, by the continual presence, power, and rule of thy holy spirit, I may labour to live according to thy word, and to lead a life still walking in the way of a true fear and obedience towards thy majesty: with christian peace and concord towards my neighbour, at no time good Lord wilfully offending any, but presently and willingly forgiving every trespass, not onely unto this honour done and past, but also for ever freely forgetting every offence committed against me by any, as I would all my sins to be forgiven and forgotten of thee my good God myself. seal up therfore I beseech thee in my soul, a zeal& an inward love hereof, and through the holy ghost, and thy heavenly word working in me, make that this holy sacrament may be a lively and a powerful remembrance of my saviour his passion and bloody death, and grant that by the same al my sins may be dead and butted: and my poor soul quickened and nourished by taking and eating the Sacrament of his most precious body, and by tasting and drinking of the cup of the new testament unto eternal life, in the sufferings of my deere saviour: to whom with thee my gracious God, and the holy Ghost, be all praise, and glory, for evermore. A prayer to be used in the time of receiving the holy sacrament. OH Lord my God, I beseech thee in mercy to accept of me, and this my poor offering, even my body and soul: the one mortified by the death of my saviour his body, and the other quckned by the spirit of his eternal life. My good God remember not what I haue been, but in the same death of thine own son, and in his burial I pray thee to kill, and bury in an everlasting forgetfulness all my former wickedness, that it never rise up in the iudgement against me: and by his rising again, raise me also I pray thee from the grave of all sin, and death, that they never haue power over me. Make me strong good Lord against mine inferuall enemy, by an increase of a lively faith, and nourish that same by that spiritual food, which in the blessed Sacrament of the body and blood of my saviour I am about to receive. Open therefore not onely my lips of my body, but also the mouth of my mind to take, and spiritually to eat of his most blessed body, and by a lively faith, taste and drink of his most precious blood, to the refreshing and comfortable nourishing of my weak and wretched soul, which I trust shal henceforth not onely die to sin, but also live to righteousness, through him which did not onely die for my sins, that I might live both to him and with him for ever: but also liveth to be my righteousness, my justifier, and eternal living saviour: in whose blessed kingdom I believe and hope to be through his death, to live an everlasting life: the which my most gracious god I beseech thee to seal up unto my soul by this pledge of my faith, which now I am about to receive, to the assuring my conscience of thy mercy to forgive and pardon all that I haue done, as also that I should daily remember to live a new and a godly life to the glory of thine, and his name, unto whom with the holy Ghost, be all praise, power and dominion, for ever, and ever, Amen. A prayer to be used after the receiving of the holy Sacrament. OH Lord my God most merciful, I humbly thank thee, that thou hast not onely suffered me to live until this happy hour, that I might return unto thee, but also hast vouchsafed of thine eternal favor, to entertain me at thine own table, and to make me partaker of the body and blood of thy Christ my saviour in this pledge and under this seal, now set to my wretched soul: in the which grant me that grace, that the remembrance of my redeemers death, may for evermore be written, and so sealed up by a lively faith in my conscience, as henceforth, I may not onely show the same in my life by good works, but also daily more and more, being mortified by the spirit of grace, I may utterly dotest whatsoever bait of sin the cursed enemy of my soul, shall at any time offer to the casting up again of the sacred supper of my saviour as afore time I haue most unkindly don, Oh good Lord, therefore I beseech thee to grant me the preservative of thy wholesome spirit, for my spiritual defence, that thereby this wholesome banquet of my soul may happily by thy blessing, nourish and make strong every part of my life against sin and satan, death and hell: and that I daily and continually, thinking of what thou good Lord requirest after this work now performed: I may with a good conscience also perform, in some acceptable measure, such a course of Christian life, as now I may be known to be thine, and when my end shalbe, it may please thee to accept me for thine own, through him in whose death thou wast well pleased, even my Lord and saviour Christ, to whom with thee O father, and the holy ghost, one eternal living God, be all power, praise, glory, and thankes, both now and ever, world without end, Amen. A prayer for the Morning. OH our eternal God, the God of all mercy, and the GOD of our strength and safety, for by thee haue we been preserved to this hour and most happily brought to the beginning of this day, having had comfortable rest for our bodies. We wretches most unworthy such great favor of thine now together assembled in thy presence, do aclowledge thee to be our only help to keep us from hurt: our only buckler to bear of all the forces of satan: our only succour to relieve us in sorrow: our onely defence to deliver us from danger, as also confessing that ourselves without thee we are willing to walk with satan, and ready to fall into sin and to run into hell itself, for every hour do we provoke thee to anger because of our unkindness, and more and more do we grieve thee by our unthankfulness, and continually following our own lust, wee do what we can to pull down thy vengeance and judgements vpon vs. But good Lord, though this be true, yet we beseech thee to deal against satan and not against us, confounded him which doth hate thee and us for thy sake:& condemn not us that yet love thee not as wee ought, nor fear thee as wee should. Oh good lord thy sparing hand to strike us,& thy loving kindness to forbear us giveth us great cause to love thee for thy mercy: and with an inward sorrow to lament, not as Esaw did: but with a hearty grief to repent as Peter did, and so turn unto thee unfeignedly, after all thy warnings against our wickedness and al thy threatenings of iudgement against our disobedience towards thy word. Oh good Father give us grace even now: since thou hast spared us until now, to remember ourselves: to fear thy wrath: to love thy mercy: to believe thy iustice: to hate disobedience; to forsake our sins: to withstand the devil: to keep under our flesh: to grow in grace: to love thy word: to increase in faith: to embrace thy spirit: to rejoice in Christ: to walk with thee. So shall this present world of wickedness bee less beloved: thy truth more zealously believed: thy majesty more reverently feared: thy blessings more godlilie used: thy sparing us more religiously regarded: all which things that they may so be, we pray that thy gracious spirit may descend into our carnal harts, so shall they become spiritual and our souls shall be cleansed from sinful thoughts, desires, and motions of evil, to serve thee against satan, keep therefore the hold of our heartes by the help of thy holy hand and stretched out arm of power, to keep our bodies for thine own possession against all spiritual wickedness and corporal action of iniquity. And let thy providence( gracious Father) be for our government thy protection for our safety: thy presence for our prosperous increase in the trade and way of our life: so shall our labours not only be blessed, but also our store shall be happily preserved for ourselves from danger: for our children from perishing: and for our family from ruin, vouchsafe us therefore for our saviours sake this day thy saving help for a good conscience to serve and obey thee: grant us thy mighty power that wee may be safe to praise God, honor thee, and with all dutifulness to give thankes and glory to thy name, for all thy loving kindness unto this honor, as also that it will please thee in the death of Iesus Christ to bury all our sins, preparing us against our end and preserving us unto life everlasting, through the same our redeemer, the lord Iesus, in whose name we farther beg of thee these things, and all other thy good blessings needful for us in that prayer which he hath taught us: saying, Our Father, &c. evening prayer. OH God eternal grant us mercy against our sins this day committed, and forgive us all that which is past, and create in us new hearts,& sand us thy holy spirit to the cleansing our souls, to the leading our lives, and directing our ways, works,& words unto thy glory: and in that thou hast so mercifully kept us unto this hour: we must humbly thank thee therfore, praying thee to keep us this night from al dangers of soul& body: preserve us from satan and sin: and bestow up on us most unworthy wretches such sweet and comfortable rest for our bodies, as we being strengthened thereby may happily rise again in the morning, to serve thee by a godly life, to the praise of thy most holy name, through our saviour Christ, in whose name let us entreat his mercy for these and all other thy good gifts, in that prayer which he hath taught us saying: Our father, &c. Finis. Faults to be amended in the Preface. In the second page. of the Epistle, and the 14. line. for also, red therefore. In the third page. against the third line: red 1. Cor. 3.18. In the fourth page., and against the fourth line: red Prou. 1.7. In the same side against the 6. line: red Prou. 15.31. In the fift page., against the 23. line, red Acts 29. In the 7. side against the 14. line, red 1. Tim. 5.17. In the last side, and second line, for, but children: red but to children. Eaults in the greater catechism. In the second part, the fift page., and the last line, for God is all, red God is able. In the 18. page., in the third part, and the 8. line: put out quest. What is prayer. In the 22. page., and 17. line, put out vn. In the 23 page., and 24. line, put out of. In the 32. page., and 11. line, red Psal. 66.