THE CHILDES CATECHISM, WHEREIN The Father Questions his Child, and instructs him to Answer Compendiously and Substantially to all the necessary points of Christian Doctrine.  Deut. 32.7. 
Ask thy Father, and he will show thee.  Prov. 1.8. 
O my son, hear the instruction of thy Father.  
PARIS: Printed in the Year, 1678.   

TO ALL Parents and Fathers OF FAMILIES.  
I Need not mind you, O Christian Parents! How deeply you stand engaged to provide for your Childrens spiritual as well as for their temporal necessities. St. Pauls words are Positive; If any provide not for his own, and espccially for those of his own house; he hath denied the Faith, and is worse then an Infidel, 1 Tim. 5.8. Think then seriously of the sad mistake of such Parents, who heap up Treasures for the short and soon fading life of their Childrens bodies, and make no stock of provision for their souls, which are their immortal and much more considerable parts: And beware of trusting altogether to Tutors in an affair of so high concern, but be you( at least sometimes) your own Childrens Examiners; applying to yourselves that command which our Creator lays upon all Parents: Thou shalt teach these words diligently unto thy Children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest in the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.  
Now to the end you may exactly know how, and easily have what to teach your Children; we put this Catechism into your hands, where you are to expect no new thing, either in matter or method, but the very self-same truths which were taught from the beginning of Christianity,( and which will undoubtedly continue until the worlds final consummation,) compendiously and plainly delivered, in words suited to each ones capacity.  
Our chief Diligence and Industry in this Edition, consists in so cutting off all redundancies, as not to have omitted any point which is absolutely necessary for every good Christians knowledge and practise.  
Accept it as candidly as it is charitably offered by them, who herein aim only at the Spiritual good of your Children, hoping, that if in their tender years they lay a solid Foundation of Faith, they may happily build thereupon in their riper age, the fair structure of sincere piety and perfection.  

A PRAYER at the Beginning of CATECHIZING.  
COme( O Holy Ghost!) fill the Hearts of your faithful Children, and enkindle in them the fire of your love.  
Let us Pray.  
ENlighten our mindes( we beseech you, O Lord!) with a beam of your Celestial brightness, that we both be instructed what we ought to do, and also be enabled to perform it; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.   

A PRAYER At the end of CATECHIZING.  
COnfirm( O God!) what you have wrought in us.  
Let us Pray.  
GIve us( O Lord!) the help of your Heavenly Grace, to put those things in due execution, which we have learned of your Divine Revelation; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.    

THE Childs catechism: OR A Compendious Declaration of the Christian Doctrine.  

Of the Name of Christian, and Christian Doctrine. The First Lesson.  The Father. 
WHo may rightly be called a Christian?  The Child. 
He, who being baptized, believes in his heart, and professes with his mouth the Christian Doctrine.  Father, 
What is the Christian Doctrine?  Child, 
That which our Lord Jesu●… taught when he lived with us upon earth; and which the Holy catholic, apostolic and Roman Church now teaches us.  Father, 
Is it necessary for every one to know the Christian Doctrine?  Child, 
Yes, if he will be saved.   

Of the sign of a Christian. The Second Lesson.  Father. 
What is the sign or badge of a Christian?  Ch. 
It is the Holy across; for upon it our Saviour redeemed all Christians.  Fa. 
How do you make the sign of the across?  Ch. 
By putting my right hand to my forehead, then bringing it down to my breast, thence to my left shoulder, and lastly to my right shoulder; saying, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen.  Fa. 
Why make you the sign of the across after this manner?  Ch. 
To put me in mind of the three principal Mysteries of our Faith. 1. Of the Unity of God, and Trinity of Persons. 2. Of the Incarnation of the second Person, which is, the Son of God. 3. Of his Death and Passion upon the across for our Redemption.  Fa. 
When are Christians to sign themselves with the holy across?  Ch. 
It is good to use it upon all occasions; because God bestows manifold gifts and graces by virtue of this Sign upon such as make it with faith, reverence and devotion: But it is to be made especially in the morning when we rise; At night when we go to bed; At the beginning and ending of our Prayers; and whensoever any fear seizes upon us, or any danger threatens us.   

Of the End of Man. The Third Lesson.  Fa. 
To what End was Mancreated?  Ch. 
To know God, and by knowledge to love, serve and obey him; and by this means to attain to eternal life and felicity.  Fa. 
Wherein consists this eternal life and felicity?  Ch. 
In the sight and enjoyment of God.  Fa. 
How many things are necessary for a Christian, to attain this happy End, and to save his Soul?  Ch. 
Five: to wit, Faith, Hope, charity, Sacraments, Good Works.   

Of Faith. The Fourth Lesson.  Fa. 
How do you come to the knowledge of God?  Ch. 
By Faith.  Fa. 
What is Faith.  Ch. 
Faith is a gift of God, whereby we believe in him, and all that he hath revealed to his Church.  Fa. 
What hath God revealed to his Church?  Ch. 
Many truths, an abridgement whereof is contained in the twelve Articles of our Creed.  Fa. 
Recite the Creed, or twelve Articles of Faith.  Ch. 
1. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.  
2. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord.  
3. Who was conceived of the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary.  
4. Suffered under Pontius Pilat, was crucified, dead, and butted.  
5. He descended into Hell, and rose again the third day from the dead.  
6. He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.  
7. From thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.  
8. I believe in the holy Ghost.  
9. The holy catholic Church the Communion of Saints.  
10. The Remission of sins.  
11. The Resurrection of the flesh.  
12. Life everlasting, Amen.  Fa. 
Are all things which are necessary for every Christian to believe, contained in this Creed.  Ch. 
Yes, either directly, or as depending upon it.  Fa. 
Who made the Creed?  Ch. 
The twelve Apostles before they dispersed themselves to preach the holy Gospel throughout the whole world, to the end they might all teach the self same Faith and Doctrine.   

Of God in Unity and Trinity. The fifth Lesson.  Fa. 
You say you believe in God, What is God?  Ch. 
God is the Creator of Heaven and Earth, and the universal Lord of all things.  Fa. 
What is the sacred Trinity?  Ch. 
It is the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, three Persons in one only God. So that the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God; and yet there are not three Gods, but one God in three Persons.  Fa. 
What is the sum of your belief concerning our Saviour Jesus Christ.  Ch. 
I believe him to be the Son of God, as Powerful, as Wise, as Good as his Father; that he became Man for our sakes in the womb of the immaculate Virgin Mary; and consequently that he is true God and true Man: And that by his death and Passion he delivered us from the pains of hell, and purchased for us an eternal Life and felicity.   

Of the Church. The sixth Lesson.  Fa. 
You say you believe the Church, What is it?  Ch. 
The Church is the Congregation of all the faithful Christians.  Fa. 
How may we know the true Church?  Ch. 
By her four Infallible Marks; which are, One, Holy, catholic, and apostolic.  Fa. 
How is the Church One?  Ch. 
Because all her Members are united to their Head in the self-same Faith and Sacraments.  Fa. 
How is the Church Holy?  Ch. 
Because the teaches nothing but what is Holy, both as to Faith and Manners, and consequently brings Her obedient children to Sanctity?  Fa. 
How is the Church catholic or Universal?  Ch. 
Because she hath been ever visible, and is still every where extended.  Fa. 
How is the Church Apostolical?  Ch. 
Because Christs Apostles founded her, and their Successors continue her, especially the Pope; who without interruption, hath remained Head of the Church, from the time of St. Peter successively, till this present( and now sitting Innocent the XI.  Fa. 
What do you briefly collect from this Doctrine?  Ch. 
1. That there can be but one only true Church. 2. That out of this Church can be no salvation. 3. That this Church is guided by the Holy Ghost; and therefore cannot err. 4. That our Lord Jesus is her invisible Head, and our holy Father the Pope is her visible Head, and Christs Vicar upon earth.  Fa. 
What in brief is every Christian bound to believe?  Ch. 
He must believe in general, what the Church believes and teaches; and in particular, all that is contained in the Twelve Articles of the Creed.  Fa. 
What is every Christian bound to know?  Ch. 
He is bound to know three things: First, What he is to believe, which is contained in the Creed. Secondly, What he is to do, which is comprised in the Commandments of God and the Church. Thirdly, What he is to pray for, which is comprehended in the Pater Noster.   

Of Hope. The seventh Lesson.  Fa. 
Which is the second thing necessary for a Christian?  Ch. 
Hope: which is a gift of God, whereby we expect with a certain humble confidence, the salvation of our souls, and all the promised good things of the other life.  Fa. 
How are these good things obtained?  Ch. 
Prayer is one of the most efficacious means to obtain them.  Fa. 
How do you pray unto God?  Ch. 
I place myself humbly and reverently in the divine presence, and say devoutly as our Saviour hath taught all Christians;  
1. Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy Name.  
2. Thy Kingdom come.  
3. Thy will be done in Earth, as it is in Heaven.  
4. Give us this day our daily bread.  
5. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.  
6. And lead us not into temptation.  
7. But deliver us from evil. Amen.   

Of Prayers to Saints. The Eight Lesson.  Father. 
Do you not also pray to the Saints?  child. 
Yes; for they being now Gods friends, have more power, and are fuller of charity, then when they lived upon earth, and therefore knowing our necessities, are moved to assist us by their intercessions.  Father. 
To what Saints do you daily recommend yourself?  child. 
To our Blessed Lady, to my Angel-Guardian, and to the Saint whose Name I bear.  Father. 
What Prayer do you present to our Blessed Lady?  Child. 
The have Maria or Angelical salutation, whereby I gratefully commemorate the benefit of Christ our Saviours Incarnation, saying.  
1. Hail Mary, full of Grace, our Lord is with thee.  
2. Blessed art thou above all women, and blessed is the fruit of thy Womb Jesus.  
3. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death.  Father. 
Who made this Ave-Maria or Hail-Mary?  Child. 
The Angel Gabriel pronounced the first part, Saint Elizabeth the second; and the Church added the third.  Father. 
What Prayer do you present to your good Angel?  Child. 
Blessed Angel! to whose care and custody, our loving Creator hath committed me; defend me this day, I beseech you from all dangers, and direct me in the way I ought to walk.  Father. 
What Prayer do you present to the Saint, whose Name you bear?  Child. 
Glorious St. N. whom the Divine providence hath allotted for my Pattern upon Earth, and my Patron in Heaven: Obtain( I beseech you) for me your poor Pupil, so to imitate here your virtues, that I may hereafter be made partaker of your glory.   

Of relics, Pictures, and Purgatory. The ninth Lesson.  Father. 
Are the relics of Saints to be honoured?  Child. 
Yes: because they were formerly the living Temples of the Holy Ghost; and will be hereafter glorious in Heaven for all eternity.  Father. 
Are the Images of Saints also to be honoured?  Child. 
Yes: because they were formerly the living Temples of the Holy Ghost; and will be hereafter glorious in Heaven for all eternity.  Father. 
Are the Images of Saints also to be honoured?  Child. 
Yes: for they putting us in mind of such heroic persons as are absent from our eyes, provoke us therewith to the imitation of their heroic virtues; and we who are faithful Christians, beholding the Picture, honour that which it represents, without fixing our thoughts upon the wood, ston, and colours, as did formerly the profane Idolaters.  Father. 
For whom do you pray?  Child. 
I pray not only for my own particular self, but also for my Parents, Friends, and Benefactors; for my King, Country, and the whole Church.  Father. 
Should we also pray for the Souls in Purgatory?  Child. 
Yes: for they being members of the Universal Church, which contains as well the Church suffering, as Church Militant, and Triumphant, ought not to be deprived of a Communion with their Fellow-members.  Father. 
What is Purgatory?  Child. 
It is the place, where Souls departing in Gods grace, pay such punishments as remain due for their sins.  Father. 
In what manner then do you pray for them?  Child. 
That God in mercy will be pleased to mitigate their pains, and admit them speedily to his beatifying presence.   

Of Charity. The Tenth Lesson.  Father. 
Which is the third thing necessary for a Christian?  Child. 
Charity; which is a gift of God, whereby we love him above all things, and our neighbour as ourselves for his sake.  Father. 
How do you love God above all things?  Child. 
I love him more than my goods, my parents, or even my own self; so as I would rather die than offend his divine Majesty.  Father. 
How many are the Precepts of perfect Charity?  Child. 
Two; the first, To love God with our whole heart, soul, and strength: The second, To love our neighbour as ourselves.  Father. 
How can you love your neighbour as yourself?  Child. 
By wishing him the same good which I desire to myself, and doing for him as I would for myself.  Father. 
How many are the Precepts of the Law of Nature?  child. 
Two. The first, Thou shalt not do to thy neighbour, what thou wouldst not have him do to thee. The second, Thou shalt do to thy neighbour, what thou wouldst have him to do to thee.   

Of the Ten Commandments. The Eleventh Lesson.  Father. 
How doth one make it appear, that he loves God?  Child. 
By keeping his Commandments.  Father. 
How many and which are they?  Child. 
They are Ten in number, which God gave to Moses upon Mount Sina.  
The first Commandment.  
Thou shalt have no other God, but me.  
The second Commandment.  
Thou shalt not take the Name of God in vain.  
The third Commandment.  
Thou shalt keep holy the Sabbath day.  
The fourth Commandment.  
Thou shalt honour thy Father and Mother.  
The fifth Commandment.  
Thou shalt not kill.  
The sixth Commandment.  
Thou shalt not commit adultery.  
The seventh Commandment.  
Thou shalt not steal.  
The eighth Commandment.  
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy Neighbour.  
The ninth Commandment.  
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours wife.  
The tenth Commandment.  
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours goods.   

Of the Six Commandments of the Church. The Twelfth Lesson.  Father. 
Are we bound to keep any more Commandments, besides these Ten?  Child. 
Yes: The Six Commandments of the Church, which is our holy Mother, and the true Spouse of Christ our Saviour; and therefore ought to be obeied.  
1. To keep all Sundays, and such Holidays as are appointed, by hearing Mass( if we have opportunity) and forbearing to work.  
2. To keep abstinence, and Fasting days appointed; that is, To fast Lent, such Vigils as are commanded, Ember days, and also Fridays by the custom of our country( except between the Nativity of our Saviour, and the Epiphany and between Easter and the Ascension,) with abstinence from flesh upon Saturdays, St. Marks day, and the three days before the Ascension.  
3. To confess our sins once a year to our Pastor.  
4. To communicate once a year, and that about the time of Easter, that is, betwixt Palm-Sunday and Low-Sunday.  
5. To pay tithes to our Pastor.  
6. Not to solemnize Marriage at forbidden times, that is, From Advent-Sunday, till Twelf-day be past, nor from Ash-Wednesday, till Low-Sunday be past.  Father. 
What reward shall they receive tho keep the Commandments of God and his Church?  Child. 
Eternal life, which is a life exempt from all that is evil, and replenished with all good things.  Father. 
What punishment must they expect who transgress them?  Child. 
Eternal death and damnation, unless they timely and truly repent.   

Of the Sacraments in general. The Thirteenth Lesson.  Father. 
What is the first thing necessary for a Christian?  Child. 
The holy Sacraments of the Church.  Father. 
What is a Sacraments?  Child. 
A Sacrament is a sacred, outward, and visible sign, instituted by our Saviour, to signify a thing sacred, inward, and invisible.  Father. 
How many Sacraments are there?  Child. 
Seven, to wit, Baptism, Confirmation, Penance, Eucharist, Extreme Unction, Order, and Marriage.  Father. 
Wherefore did our Saviour institute these Sacraments?  Child. 
To cure us from sin, to sanctify our souls, to apply to us the fruits and merits of his Passion, and to communicate unto us his Grace.   

Of the Sacraments of Baptism, and Confirmation. The Fourteenth Lesson.  Father. 
What doth the Sacrament of Baptism work in us?  Child. 
It blots out original sin, wherein we were all born, makes us Christians, Children of God, heirs of Paradise, and fills our souls with grace and spiritual gifts.  Father. 
What doth the Sacrament of Confirmation effect in us?  Child. 
It affords us strength and courage, to profess constantly that Faith we received before in our Baptism.   

Of the Sacrament of Penance. The Fifteenth Lesson.  Father. 
What benefit receive we by the Sacrament of Penance or Confession?  Child. 
We receive thereby the remission of our sins committed after Baptism.  Father. 
How many things are necessary for a sinner to become a true penitent?  Child. 
Three:( 1) Contrition of heart.( 2) Confession of mouth to an approved and impowred Priest.( 3) Sarisfaction by good works.  Father. 
What must one do in particular to confess well and worthily?  Child. 
He must do three things.( 1) He must endeavour to call all his sins to his memory, by examining himself upon the Commandments of God and the Church, and upon the mortal sins.( 2) he must conceive a hearty sorrow for them, and make a firm purpose to shun them for the future.( 3) he must confess them all, without willingly concealing any one, which he fears is mortal, and perform his enjoined Penance.  Father. 
In what manner do you make your Confession?  Child. 
I cast myself humbly on my knees at the feet of my Ghostly Father, and having signed myself with the holy across, I ask his blessing in English,( because as yet I am unskilful in the Latin language) saying, I crave your blessing, which rereived, I thus proceed.  
I confess unto Almighty God, to the Blessed Virgin Mary, to blessed Michael the Arch angel, to blessed John Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to you my ghostly Father; that I have very much sinned in thought, word, and dead, through my fault, through my fault, through my exceeding great fault.  
Then I say, I accuse myself, that since my last Confession( which was so long ago) I have done this, omitted this, &c. And having briefly and clearly declared what I can remember, I thus conclude my Confession.  
For these and all other my sins and imperfections, I am hearty sorry, and purpose amendment; humbly begging pardon of God, and Penance, and Absolution of you my ghostly Father.  
Therefore, I beseech thee, Blessed Virgin Mary, blessed Michael the Arch-Angel, blessed John Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Saints, and you my ghostly Father, to pray unto our Lord God for me.  
Having listened attentively to his counsel, accepted willingly the Penance, and received feelingly the Absolution; I quietly retire myself to perform my enjoined satisfaction, and to prepare myself to receive the holy Sacrament.   

Of the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The sixteenth Lesson.  Father. 
What is your belief concerning the Eucharist, or most holy Sacrament of the Altar?  Child. 
I believe it is the true Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus, hidden under those visible elements of Bread and Wine, according to the condition of a Sacrament; where the Truth must be invisible, and the Sign visible.  Father. 
Doth the substance of the Bread and Wine remain after Consecration?  Child. 
No; but only the accidents or qualities: for by virtue of those sacred words which the Priest hath pronounced in saying Mass, the Bread is changed into our Saviours body, and the Wine into his blood.  Father. 
What is the Mass?  Child. 
It is the unbloody Sacrifice of the Body and Blood of our Saviour Christ Jesus,( lively representing the bloody sacrifice of the across) offered up to Almighty God for the salvation of all faithful Christians both living and departed. Whence it appears, with how great devotion and reverence we ought to assist at it.   

Of receiving the holy Communion. The seventeenth Lesson.  Father. 
Should Christians frequently receive the holy Sacrament of the Altar?  Child. 
Yes, such as are worthy and capable; because it unites us to God, preserves us from sin, and imparts unto us many other gifts and graces.  Father. 
What must one do to communicate worthily?  Child. 
He must have his Conscience free from all sin, especially mortal; and therefore he must first have recourse to Confession: For whoso receives this most holy Sacrament in mortal Sin, receives( Judas-like) his own damnation.  Father. 
What outward Preparation is necessary for a Communicant?  Child. 
In the first place, he must be sure to be Fasting; that is, to have swallowed nothing( except his own spittle) since midnight. 2. He must be neat and cleanly in his apparel, be it never so mean and poor. 3. He must be religiously grave and modest in his whole carriage and comportment.  Father. 
How must he behave himself in receiving the Blessed Sacrament?  Child. 
He must place himself upon both his knees at a convenient distance from the Altar, keeping his Body erected, his Head unmoved, his Eyes fixed on the Blessed Sacrament, his Hands joined under the wisheth which he holds before him, his Lips quiet, his Mouth modestly opened, and the tip of his Tongue touching his neather Lip; that so the Priest may without trouble place the sacred Host upon it.  Father. 
What must he do after he hath received it?  Child. 
Having conveyed the sacred Host,( without chewing it) by the help of his Tongue, into his stomach; he takes a small quantity of Wine, or any other liquour to moisten and wash his mouth, or( if need so requires) to help him to swallow down the holy Sacrament: And kneeling still until the Priest hath given the last solemn Benediction; he then arises, returns to his place, renews his ardent prayers and affections, and passes the residue of that day in fervent devotion.   

Of the Sacraments of Extreme Unction, Order, and Marriage. The eighteen Lesson.  Father. 
What benefit receive we by Extreme Unction?  child. 
It cleanseth our Souls from Sin, comforts us in our sickness, encourages us against despair, strengtheners us in deaths agony against our ghostly enemy, and restores us to our corporal health, when it is expedient for us.  Father. 
What is the Sacrament of Order?  Child. 
It is a Sacrament whereby Priests receive power from their Bishops, to consecrate the precious Body of our Saviour, to absolve their Penitents in Confession, and to do divers other things by virtue of their office, wherein they must be obeied by such as are under their charge.  Father. 
What is the Sacrament of Marriage?  Child. 
It is a Sacrament, where Man and Woman join themselves together, by a faithful, mutual, and indissoluble promise, in the face of the Church; in order to the lawful having of children, and the avoiding of Fornication.   

Of Good Works. The Nineteenth Lesson.  Father. 
What is the Fifth thing necessary for a Christian?  Child, 
Good Works: for after one is come to the age of discretion, Faith alone sufficeth not to salvation without Good Works.  Father. 
How many Good Works are there?  Child. 
Three: Prayer, Fasting, and Alms.  Father. 
How many sorts of Alms, or works of Mercy are there?  Child. 
There are seven Spiritual, and seven Corporal.  
The seven Spiritual works of Mercy. 

1. To teach the Ignorant.  
2. To correct Sinners  
3. To give Counsel to such as want it.  
4. To comfort the afflicted.  
5, To suffer troublesone persons with patience.  
6. To forgive such as have offended us.  
7. To pray for the living and the dead.    
The Seven Corporal works of Mercy. 

1. To give food to the Hungry.  
2. To give drink to the Thirsty.  
3. To cloath the Naked  
4. To visit the Sick and Prisoners.  
5. To comfort the comfortless.  
6. To ransom Slaves and Captives.  
7. To bury the Dead.     

Of the Virtues, and of the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Ghost. The Twentieth Lesson.  Father. 
How many Virtues are there?  Child. 
There are three Theological, and four Cardinal.  
The 3 Theological Virtues are 

1. Faith.  
2. Hope.  
3. Charity.    
The four Cardinal Virtues are, 

1. Prudence.  
2. Justice.  
3. Temperance.  
4. Constancy.    
The seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost, are 

1. wisdom.  
2. Understanding.  
3. Counsel.  
4. Strength.  
5. Knowledge.  
6. Piety.  
7. The Fear of God.    
The Twelve Fruits of the Holy Ghost, are, 

1. Charity.  
2. Joy.  
3. Peace  
4. Patience.  
5. Longanimity.  
6. Goodness.  
7. Benignity.  
8. Meekness.  
9. Fidelity.  
10. Modesty.  
11. Continency.  
12. Chastity.     

Of the Eight Beatitudes, and four Last things. The One and twentieth Lesson.  Father. 
How many are the Beatitudes, taught by our Blessed Saviour in the Gospel?  Child. 
They are Eight; to wit, 

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.  
2. Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.  
3. Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth.  
4. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after Justice; for they shall be filled.  
5. Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy.  
6. Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God.  
7. Blessed are the Peace makers; for they shall be called the children of God.  
8. Blessed are they who suffer persecution for Justice sake; for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.    Father. 
How many are those, which are called the last things of Man? and which being remembered, deter us from sin?  Child. 
They are these four 

1. Death.  
2. Judgement.  
3. Hell.  
4. Heaven.     

Of Sin in general, and of Mortal and Venial Sin. The two and twentieth Lesson.  Father. 
What ought a Christian strive chiefly to avoid?  Child. 
Sin, as being the chief cause of the greatest evil that can befall him, to wit, eternal damnation.  Father. 
What is sin?  Child. 
A sin is whatsoever is wilfully spoken, done, or desired, against the Law of God.  Father. 
How many sorts of sins are there?  Child. 
Two; to wit, Original sin, which we bring with us, from our first Parents, when we are born; and Actual sin, which we ourselves commit after we have the use of reason.  Father. 
How many are the sorts of Actual sin?  Child. 
Two; Mortal sin, and Venial sin.  Father. 
How many are the sorts of Mortal sins, which are otherwise called Capital, and Deadly sins?  Child. 
The Mortal sins are seven, 

1. Pride.  
2. Covetousness.  
3. Carnality.  
4. Envy.  
5. Gluttony.  
6. Anger.  
7. sloth.    
The seven Virtues, contrary to these seven sins, are, 

1. Humility.  
2. Liberality.  
3. Chastity.  
4. Brotherly love.  
5. Temperance.  
6. Patience.  
7. Diligence.    Father. 
Why are they called Mortal, Deadly and Capital?  Child. 
Because they kill our souls, and are the Heads, Sources, and Roots of all other sins.  Father. 
What hurt doth Venial sin unto us?  Child. 
Though it kills not our Soul, yet it cools our zeal in Gods love and service; and therefore ought carefully to be avoided.   

Of the Sins against the Holy Ghost; of the Crying sins; and of sins by Participation. The three and Twentieth Lesson.  Father. 
How many, and which, are the sins against the Holy Ghost?  Child. 
Six, 

1. Presumption of Gods mercy.  
2. Despair of Salvation.  
3. Resistance of the known Truth.  
4. Envying at anothers spiritual good.  
5. Continuing obstinate in sin.  
6. Dying finally impenitent.    Father. 
How many are the sins which cry to Heaven for vengeance?  Child. 
Four, 

1. Wilful Murder.  
2. Sodomy.  
3. Oppression of the Poor, Orphans, and Widows.  
4. Defrauding labourers of their Wages.    Father. 
How many ways may one sin by Participation?  Child. 
Nine ways, 

1. By Counsel.  
2. By Command.  
3. By Consent.  
4. By Provocation.  
5. By Praise or Flattery.  
6. By Silence.  
7. By connivance.  
8. By sharing in the Fact.  
9. By defending the Fact and Fault.     

Of the Rosary, and how to recite it. The four and twentieth Lesson.  Father. 
Do you use to say your Beads?  Child. 
Yes; I recite the whole Rosary once every week, meditating as well as I can upon the Fifteen Mysteries, which contain in short, the Life and Death of our Lord Jesus.  Father. 
Which are the Fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary?  Child. 
The first five are called Joyful Mysteries, to wit, 

1. The Annunciation of Christs Incarnation, by the Arch-Angel Gabriel, to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  
2. The Visitation which the Blessed Virgin made to her Cousin St. Elizabeth.  
3. The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ.  
4. The Oblation and Presentation of Christ to his eternal Father in the Temple, and the Purification of his blessed Mother.  
5. The finding of Christ in the Temple disputing with the Doctors, when he was Twelve years old.    
The second five are called Dolorous Mysteries; to wit, 

1. The Bloody Agony of Christ whilst he was at his Prayers in the Garden.  
2. The most cruel Whipping of Christ at the Pillar.  
3. The Crowning of his Head with Thorns.  
4. The carrying of his across to Mount Calvary.  
5. His Crucifixion and Death upon the across.    
The last five are called Glorious Mysteries, to wit, 

1. The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus.  
2. His Ascension into Heaven.  
3. His sending down the Holy Ghost to his Church.  
4. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary up to Heaven.  
5. The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin in Heaven.    Father. 
How can you remember all these holy Mysteries?  Child. 
I have three Verses at my fingers end, which put me in mind of them.  
The first Verse for the Five Joyful Mysteries.  
She's  told, She visits, He's born, offered, and Found.  
The second Verse for the Five Dolorous Mysteries.  
He preys, is scourged, is crowned, Carries, is killed.  
The third Verse for the Five Glorious Mysteries.  
Rises, Ascends, Sends down, She dies, is crowned.  Father. 
What method do you use in the actual recital of the Rosary?  Child. 
( 1) I place myself reverently in the divine presence.  
( 2) Then taking my Beads by the across, I bless myself, saying, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. And begin my Rosary with the Profession of my Faith, I believe in God, &c.  
( 3) The Creed being ended, I recite thrice the Hail Mary, upon the three grains placed at the head of my Beads, saluting the Sacred Virgin in honour of her three singular Prerogatives, of being( 1) Daughter of the Eternal Father.( 2) Mother of the Eternal Son.( 3) Spouse of the Holy Ghost.  
( 4) Then reflecting upon the first Mystery, I say, Our Father and ten Hail Maries; and so pass on to the second Our Father.  
( 5) And having completed the Five Tens,( which make one part of the Rosary) I conclude as I began with the Creed, and the sign of the across.   

Of the Morning Exercise. The five and Twentieth Lesson.  Father. 
How do you behave yourself, as soon as you awake in the Morning?  Child. 
I sign myself with the holy across, saying, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. And with hands and eyes lifted up towards Heaven, I add these words: Be you ever blessed, praised, and honoured, O Sacred and undivided Trinity! by me, and by all Creatures.  
Then shaking off sloth, I nimbly put on my clothes, entertaining myself all the while with some pious Thoughts, and saying such Prayers as I have in my memory.  
Being clad, I cast myself devoutly upon my knees before the Picture of the Crucifix,( which I have always in my Chamber) and there I Sacrifice to my Creator, the first-fruits of the day, by making briefly these five Acts of Adoration, Thanksgiving, Oblation, Protestation, and Petition, saying. 

1. I adore you( O my Omnipotent Creator!) from the very depth of my heart and soul.  
2. I render all possible thanks to your infinite goodness, for all your gracious favours, especially for this past Nights preservation.  
3. I offer to your Divine Majesty, all that is grateful unto you, in supply of my ingratitude and indignity.  
4. I protest and promise amendment of my life from this day forward.  
5. Lastly, I humbly beg Grace to avoid sin and scandal, and to walk uprightly in your presence this day following, and all the days of my life.    Father. 
Do you perform this Exercise punctually every Morning?  Child. 
Yes; I always perform thus much before I stir forth of my Chamber; for it being very short, no affair,( of how great importance soever) can be thereby hurt or hindered. But when I am not straitned in time, I never omit to add to the former Exercise, these following Prayers.  

The Lords Prayer.  
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 led us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.   

The have Maria.  
HAil Mary, full of grace, our Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy Womb, Jesus.  
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and in the hour of our death. Amen.   

The Creed.  
I Believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, and in Jesus Christ his onely Son our Lord, who was conceived of the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilat, was crucified, dead and butted: He descended into Hell, and rose again the third day from the dead; he ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, The holy catholic Church, The Communion of Saints, The Remission of Sins, The Resurrection of the Flesh, and Life everlasting. Amen.   

A Prayer to my Angel-Guardian.  
BLessed Angel! to whose care and custody our loving Lord hath committed me: Defend me this day( I beseech you) from all dangers, and direct me in the way I ought to walk.   

A Prayer to the Saint, whose Name I bear.  
GLorious Saint N. whom the divine Providence hath allotted for my Pattern upon Earth, and for my Patron in Heaven. Obtain( I beseech you) for me your poor Pupil, so to imitate here your Virtues, that I may hereafter be made partaker of your Glory.  
This done, I recite other Prayers( as my time permits, and my devotion suggests, especially upon Sundays and Holidays) wherewith the primer, the Manual, the Daily Exercise of the devout Christian, and other pious Books, abundantly furnish me.    

Of the Evening Exercise. The six and twentieth Lesson.  Father. 
What do you at Night before you go to Bed?  Child. 
In the first place, I render humble and hearty thanks to God for all his benefits; and namely, for them I received that day.  
In the second place, I enter into a serious examination of my Conscience, considering what sins I have committed that day against God, my Neighbour, or myself, in thought, word, or dead, and wherein I have omitted my duty; asking him pardon, and purposing to amend all that is amiss, and to confess what I find most material.  
In the third place, I beseech the Divine Majesty, that he will be graciously pleased to preserve me the night following from all dangers, that I may rise in the Morning to serve him more faithfully.  
Then I recite the Pater and have, recommend myself to my Angel-Guardian, and to my particular Patron, as in the Morning Exercise.  
Lastly, I modestly uncloath myself, and quietly compose my body to take its rest, with good thoughts in my mind, and the sweet Names of Jesus; Maria, in my mouth.  

Grace before Meat.  
bless us, O Lord, and these thy Gifts which we are to receive of thy bounty, Through Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Grace after Meat.  
WE give thee thanks, O Almighty God, for all thy benefits, who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.  
God save his Church, our King, the Queen, and all the Realms, and sand us peace in Christ our Lord. Amen.    
The end of the Child's Catechism.