A PLAINE AND PROFITABLE CATECHISME, with certaine prayers adioyned, meete for parents and housholders to teach their children and seruants.
These vvords vvhich I command thee, shall be in thy heart, and thou shalt rehearse them continually to thy children.
Choose you this day vvhome you vvill serue, vvhether the gods vvhich your fathers serued, or the gods of the Amorites, in vvhose land ye dvvell: but I and my house vvill serue the Lord.
Labour not for the meate that perisheth, but for the meate that endureth to eternall life.
PRINTED BY IOHN LEGAT, Printer to the Vniversitie of Cambridge. 1605.
To the Christian Reader.
I Can not but earnestly lament (good christan Reader) as I hope thou dost with me, these miserable times wherein we liue behoulding the great number, already growne and daily encreasing, of wicked atheists, superstitious papists, prophane wordlings, carnall gospellers, vaine and idle professors and great multitudes of ignorant people euen in the principles of religion in this land. Notwithstanding the gospel hath beene so long & plentifully preached amongst vs, so many godly books published, both of the interpretation of scriptures and also of other learned and holy treatises by sundry worthy men, so many excellent and profitable catechismes, set forth and fitted for teaching the grounds of religion to all sorts of people. So as we may iustly weepe ouer cities, townes, and villages as the Lord Iesus did ouer Ierusalem. Luc. 19.42. Oh that you had known euen in this your day those things that belong vnto your peace. But now are they hid from your eyes; for ah alas who seeth not, [Page] almost in all places, the mightie sinnes of the land, crying for vengance: That that may iustly be pronounced vnto vs which the prophet denounceth to Israel. Hosea. 4.1. Heare the word of the lord O people of England. The lord hath a controuersie with the inhabitants of the land, because ther is no truth, no mercie, no knowledge of God in the land, by swearing and lying and stealing and killing and whoring they breake out, and blood toucheth blood. Wherefore it is greatly to be feared that seeing wisedome hath cryed vnto vs so long, Pro. 1.20.25.26. &c. and vttered her words so lowd abroad in the streets, in the assemblies, in citties and townes, and all sorts haue refused, none would regard her calling, least shee also laugh at our distruction, and mocke when our feare commeth like a sodaine desolation, and our destruction like a whirlewind and a tempest, to sweepe vs away headlong into the gulfe of all miseries and calamities. The Lord in mercie raise vs vp out of our deadly sleepe of sinnes and securitie that we may awake to liue righteously and sinne no longer. Many of vs haue in our mouths, vainly boasting as the people of Israel, Ier. 7.4. the temple of the Lord, the temple [Page] of the Lord, we haue the temple of the lord, so wee the gospell of Christ, the gospel of Christ, we haue the gospel of Christ, but ah alas many thousands of vs knowe nothing what the gospell meaneth. A multitude of people throughout the land haue not yet learned the very beginnings of the doctrines of Christ, of repentance from dead works: of faith towards God, of baptisme, of laying on of hands, of the resurrection from the dead, and of eternall iudgement, nay not so much as what sinne is, or how they becam sinners, what the punishment of sinne is, or how they may scape it. Many thousands know nothing what sinnes are forbidden, what duties are required in any of the commandements, they vnderstand not any article of the faith aright, any petition of the Lords praier, the meaning of the sacraments, or any thing that belongeth to a christian life. O that we would learne in time to repent and turne vnto the lord, Ier. 4.4. before his wrath breake forth vpon vs like fire, and burne that none can quench it, for the wickednes of our inuentions. Euen this were one good meanes if all parents and householders would set apart some howre euery day to [Page] pray with their children and seruants, & vse some for catechisme to enforme themselues, and their familie in the grounds, and principles of religion, Deut. 6.6.7.8. & 11.18.19. Ephes. 6.4. Genes. 18.19. Iosu. 24.15. Act. 10.21 as they are bound in duty by the commandements of the Lord and taught by the example of Godly fathers and howseholders in the scriptures, namely Abraham, Iosua and noble Cornelius. So should themselues, their children & their seruants bee better prepared and fitted to vnderstand the word of God & the doctrines thereof deliuered vnto them by their godly pastors and ministers, which now they heare most vnprofitably, and after much and long teaching learne nothing at all. Amonge other catechismes I haue found by long experience this one to bee of very fit and profitable vse, for the instruction of a family, beeing plaine and easie and not longer then may euery seauen daies be repeated through, being fitly deuided. For the questions concerning fasting and gouerment may bee omitted, except there bee speciall occasion, this may bee done and praier ioyned withall in litle more then halfe an hower at one time. I confesse some good part of this was published many yeares since, gathered out of another [Page] cathechisme by a godly and reuerent preacher M. Moore of Norwich, which I haue altered and enlarged in many places with such questions and answers as I thought meete for the instruction of the simple and vnlearned, vnto which I haue added certaine praiers for the helpe of such as are not yet able to conceiue a prayer of themselues. I wish thee (good Reader) whosoeuer wilt vse it, to examine with the doctrines the places of scripture quoted, some of them at the least though not all: otherwise thou shalt depriue thy selfe of a great benefit and comfort.
This poore mite amid my ordinarie labours at the request of some freinds, I haue cast into the Lords treasurie, If thou profitt by it remember me in thy praiers. And so I commend thee to god and to the word of his grace, who is able to build further, and to giue thee an inheritance among them which are sanctified.
And the Lord giue thee vnderstanding to growe in grace & in the sound knowledge of our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ, to whome with the father and the holy Ghost be ascribed all glory and praise power, maiestie [Page] and dominion now henceforth and for euermore.
Question.
VVHat ought euery man first & cheifely to labour for all the daies of his life?
An. The kingdome of God and his righteousnes and to bee assured that his name is wrtten in heauen. Math. 6.33. Luc. 10.20. Ihon. 6.27. Reuela. 3.5. & 20.15.
Q. Why so?
An. For hereby we are made partakers of euerlasting blessednes which is the fulnes of ioy and fruition of glorie, otherwise men are more miserable then the vilest creatures of the earth, for wee are else condemned wretches vnto euerlasting death and damnation in hell fire.
Q. May not men bee perfectly blessed by enioying the things of this life?
An. No, Eccles. 1.4. Luk. 9.24. 2 Philip. 3.8. for all things vnder the sunne are but vanitie and vexation of spirit, and what shall it profit a man if he winne the whole world and loose his soule. Math. 16.26.
[Page 2]Q. How may we then be perfectly blessed?
An. In the attaining of euerlasting life. Mat. 19.29. 2. Cor. 5.1, 2, 3, 4.
Q. What meane you by eternall life?
An. That life which all they whose names are written in heauen shall possesse with al fulnes of ioy & vnspeakeable glorie in the kingdome of God for uer and euer. Reuel. 21.3.4.24.27. & 22.5. Mat. 25.34.
Q. How may we attaine to that eternall life?
[...]oh. 17.3. Rom. 7.7.9. &c. An. By the true knowledge of the onely true God; and whome he hath sent Iesus Christ and also by the knowledge of our selues.
Q. Where is this knowledge to be learned?
An. In the written word of God which wee call the holy canonicall scriptures. Ioh. 5.39. 2. Tim. 3.16.17. Rom. 15.4.
Q. What meane you by the canonicall scriptures?
Luc. 24.27. Ephes. 2.20. An. All those things which are written in the bookes of the old and [Page 3] new testament. 2. Pet. 1.19. & 3.2.
Q. Why be they called canonicall?
An. First because they differ from other writings called Apocrypha.
Secondly, because they are the rule of Gods will conteining all things which we ought to beleeue and doe, for this word Canon signifieth a rule. Gal. 6.16.
Q. How must we vse the scriptures that we may learne to know God and our selues?
An. We must search them. Iohn. 5.39. Act. 17.11.
Q. How must we search them?
An. By diligent and reuerent reading of them 1. Tim. 4.13. by diligent and reuerent hearing of the word of God Rom. 10.17. preached Psal. 1.2. By diligent and carefull meditation of that which we haue read and heard and by earnest and hartie praier that God would open our vnderstanding. Ephes. 1.17. Luc. 24.45. Iames. 1.5.
Q. What must we knowe in our selues?
An. Who and what we are.
[Page 4]Q. Who and what are we?
An. The children of Adam & Eue. Gen. 5.3. Rom. 5.14.18.
Q. Who was that Adam and Eue?
An. The first man and woman that euer were vpon the earth; the most excellent and principall creatures of god vpon the earth, the father and mother of all mankind. Gen. 1.27. Gen. 2.7. Gen. 2.21.23.
Q. Wherein stood this excellencie of man and woman?
An. In that they consisting of sensible bodies although created of the dust of the earth Gen. 2.7. they had also vnderstanding soules, and were made according to the image Gen. 1.27. Collos. 3.10. Ephes. 4.24. of God in perfect holines and righteousnes to serue God according to his will; and were also placed at the first in paradice Gen. 2.8.15. & had dominion ouer all the creatures of the earth, the fishes of the sea, and the foules of the ayre. Gen. 1.28.
Q. Did man and woman continue in this happie place and excellent estate?
An. No, they were quickly throwne [Page 5] out from thence for their sinne and transgression through the subtiltie and malice of Sathan, Gen. 3.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.23.24. 2. Cor. 11.3. rebelling against god their creator, and so cursed and condemned to eternall death and damnation both of soule and bodie, in which estate they had remained and all their posteritie for euer, if God of his free mercie had not prouided a wonderfull way of deliuerance. Gen. 3.15.
Q. Art thou then such a one as Adam and Eue were?
An. Yea surely, & not only I, Gen. 5.5. Rom. 3.10.11.12.23. Rom. 5.12.14.18. but also all the children of Adam & Eue (only Christ Iesus excepted) (that is to say) all men weomen & children which euer haue bin, are, or shall bee borne into the world since Adam the first man vnto the last, are euen such as Adam and Eue were after they were cast out of paradice, (that is to say) wretched sinners, corrupted in nature, cursed and condemned creatures before the iudgment seate of God, except we can find that remedie which God of his free mercie hath prouided for vs.
Q. What is that remedie or what [Page 6] haue wee to answer before the iudgment seat of God that we should not bee condemned for euer?
Ioh. 3.17.36. An. This is our only remedie and it is the full satisfaction of gods wrath & our deliuerance from cōdemnation to beleeue that Iesus Christ the sonne of God hath vouchsafed to become man for vs, and hath so pacified gods wrath due vnto vs, 2. Cor. 5.21. Rom 4.25. Rom. 5.8. 1. Cor. 15.21.22. by his death and bloodshedding vpon the Crosse and hath purchased for vs the fauour of God & euerlasting life.
Q. What had become of thee if Christ had not thus died for thee?
An. I had bin condemned to eternall death and damnation both of soule and bodie in hell fire with the diuell and his angels for euer. Iohn 3.36.
Q. What shall become of thee now seeing Christ hath died for thee?
An. If I beleeue faithfully in Iesus Christ that he hath paid the full price of my redemption and is become my sauiour then am I iustified both in soule and bodie, Ioh. 5.24. Ion. 17.2.24. Rom. 8.29.30. 2. Cor. 3.18. and shall after this life ended bee glorified both in soule and [Page 7] bodie with euerlasting life in the kingdome of heauen to liue in euerlasting ioy and blessednes with Christ and his angels for euer.
Q. What doth God require at thy hands for these his great mercies toward thee?
An. That I should seeke to glorifie him.
Q. Wherein?
An. In soule and bodie. 1. Cor. 6.20. Rom. 1.2. Titus 2.11.
Q. How?
An. In seeking how to serue him in true holines and righteousnes all the daies of my life. 1. Pet. 1.13.14.15. Luc. 1.74.75.
Q. What meane you by holines?
An. It conteineth all those duties which appertaine to the true worship of God.
Q. Where bee they taught you?
An. In the first table of the commandemens of almightie God.
Q. What meane you by righteousnes?
An. It containeth all those duties which the Lord would haue vs to performe [Page 8] toward our neighbours.
Q. Where be they taught you?
An. In the second table of the commandements of Almightie God.
Q. How many commandements be there?
An. Tenne. Deut. 4.15.
Q. How many bee of the first table?
An. Fowre.
Q. How many be of the second table?
An. Six.
Reherse the commandements.
God spake these words and said I am the Lord thy God, which hath brought thee out of the Land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
i. Thou shalt haue none other Gods but me.
ii. Thou shalt not make to thy selfe any grauen Image, nor the likenes of any thing, that is in heauen aboue, or in the earth beneath, or in the water vnder the earth: Thou shalt not bowe downe to them, nor worship them. For I the Lord thy God, am a iealous God, [Page 9] & visite the sinnes of the Fathers vpon the children, vnto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and shew mercie vnto thousands in them that loue me, and keepe my commandements.
iii. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vaine: for the Lord will not hold him guiltles that taketh his Name in vaine.
iiii. Remember that thou keepe holy the sabaoth day: Sixe daies thou shalt labour, and doe all that thou hast to doe: But the seauenth day is the sabaoth of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt doe no manner of worke, thou and thy sonne and thy daughter, thy manseruant, and thy maidseruant, thy cattell, and the stranger that is within thy gates; For in six daies the Lord made heauen and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, & rested the seauenth day; Wherefore the Lord blessed the seauenth day and hallowed it.
v. Honour thy father and thy mother that thy daies may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giueth thee.
[Page 10]vi. Thou shalt doe no murther.
vii. Thou shalt not commit adulterie.
viii. Thou shalt not steale.
ix. Thou shalt not beare false witnes against thy neighbour.
x. Thou shalt not couet thy neighbours house, thou shalt not couet thy neighbours wife, nor his seruant, nor his maid, nor his oxe, nor his asse, nor any thing that is his.
Q. Which is the first commandement?
An. Thou shalt haue none other Gods but me.
Q. What is the meaning of this commandement?
Ans. The lord God straightlie chargeth vs in this first cōmandement, that we worship god alone which worship standeth in foure points; first that w [...] Phil. 3.7.8. Mat. 10.37. loue god aboue all. Secondly tha [...] we Mal. 1.6. Mat. 10.28. feare god aboue all. Thirdly that we make our praiers to Rom. 10.13. non [...] but to god. Fourthly that we Psal. 135.6. & 115.3. &. 145.15. & 95.4.5. acknowledge god alone to be the guide and gouernour of all things Iam. 1.17. o [...] [Page 11] whome we receiue all the benefits that we haue, and therefore that Ier. 17.5. & 48.7. Esay 31. we trust and stay vpon him alone and giue him thanks for all his mercies.
Q. Which is the second commandement?
Ans. Thou shalt not make to thy selfe any grauen image. &c.
Q. What is the meaninge of this commmandement?
A. In this second cōmandemēt be cō teyned three things first that we should not Deu. 4.1 [...] 16.17.8. &c. Act. 17.29. Io [...] 1.18. 1. Tim. 6.16. thinke god to be like either man or weoman, or any other thinge: and therfore that we make noe image of god in anie case. Secondly that we make noe Image of any other thinge either to Lev. 26.1. Exo. 34 14.31.34. Deut. 4.23 1. Ioh. 4.12. Esay. 40.18.29 & 46.5 Psal. 97.7. & 109.36 Esay. 44.17. Dan. 31.18. worship the image it selfe, either god; Sainct or angel by the image neyther yet to this end to be the better Aba. 2.18 Ier. 10.8.14.15 put in mind of god by the image. Thirdly that wee worship not god in any other Ioh. 4.23.24 Mat. 15.9. Esay 19.13.14. outward worship according to our owne fanteses but Deu. 12.32. & 5.32.33. Pro. 30.6. Iosua. 1.7. Apoc. 22.18.19. as the lord hath commanded vs in his word.
Q. Which is the third commandement?
[Page 12] A. Thou shalt not take the name &c.
Q. What is the meaninge of this commandement?
Ans. The lord god straightly chargeth vs in this third commandement these three things; First that we vse with Deut 28. [...].59. Psal. 8.1. [...]re. 10.6. most high reuerence the name of god whensoeuer we either speake or thinke vpon him. Secondly that we neuer blaspheme the name of god by Deu. 18.10.11. Esay. 8 19. & [...].1 [...]. Mal. 3.5. [...]al. 5.19.20. [...]ct. 19.16. coniuring, witchcraft, sorcery, charming, or any such like, neyther by cursing or banninge. Thirdly that we never Mat. 5.34. [...]5.36.37. Iam. 12. sweare by the name god in our common talke although the matter be neuer so true, but only where the Ios. 2.12. glory of god is sought, or the saluation of our brethren Cor. 15. [...]. & 11.31. [...]al. 1.20. or also before a magistrate in witnessinge the truth, when we are thereunto lawfully called, in which causes we must Exo. 22.10.11. onely sweare by the name of God, but as for Deut. 6.13. & [...].20. sainct, angell 2. Cor. 1.13. Iere. 5 7 & [...].16.17. Amos 14. Soph. 1.5. Roode, booke, Crosse, Masse, or any other thing we ought in no case by them to sweare.
Q. Which is the fourth cōmandemēt?
Ans. Remember that thou keepe [Page 13] holy the saboth day &c.
Q. What is the meaning of this commandement?
Ans. We are here commanded to hallow the saboath day (that is to say to Deut. 5.1 [...] Exo. 6.26. rest from our labours in our callings; and in one place to assemble our selues together; and with faith feare and reuerence to heare, marke and Mat. 13.2 [...] lay vp in our harts the word of god Act. 20.7. & 15.22. preached vnto vs, to Mat. 18.19. Cor. 14.16.17. pray altogether that which we 1. Cor. 14 [...] 33.34. Act. 2.42. & 20.17. vnderstand with one consent and at the times appointed to ( f) vse the sacramenets in faith and repentance and all our life long to Num. 29.7. Heb. 4.9.10. rest from sinne & wickednes that the lord by his holy spirite may worke in vs his good worke and so begin in this life his everlasting rest.
Q. Which is the fift commandement?
Ans. Honour thy father and mother: &c.
Q. What is the meaning of this commandement?
Ans. The meaning of this fift cō mandement [Page 14] is, that we should honour (that is to say) loue, feare, reuerence, obey, and releiue our Levit 19.3. [...]ol. 3.20.22. [...].24. parents or any other that are vnto vs in their stead, as our Exod. 22.18. [...]om. 13.12. [...]it. 3.1. Princes Rulers and Magistrates, Hebr. 13.17.1. [...]hes. 5.12.13. our pastors and teachers, our Eph. 6.5.6.7. [...]it. 29.10. masters, and all other which are aboue vs in any calling placed by god Leu. 19 32. as the aged and grayheadded, and that all superiors show themselues indeed parents in Col. 3.21. [...]ol 4.1. Eph. 6. [...]. guiding and defending their inferiors.
Q. Which is the sixt commandement?
Ans. Thou shalt doe no murther.
Q. What is the meaning of this commandement?
Ans. We are forbidden in this sixt cōmandement. First all Gen. 9.6. [...]eu. 5.17. killing Mat. 5.38. [...]9. fightinge and Col. 3.12.13. quarelling, all Lou. 19 14.17. [...]. reproches mocks and taunts. Secondly he forbiddeth all killing in hart, that is all anger Mat. 5.21. [...]. 1. Ioh. 3.15. and malice Pro. 20.21. all desire of reuenge. Thirdly on the other side he commandeth vs to preserue life by exercising [...]. Mat. 25.33. [...]say. 58.7. Eze. 8.7. the works of mercy and compassion towards our brethren [Page 15] yea euen towards our enemies. Fourthly to Mat. 5.44. Leu. [...]h 18. luk. 27. Rom. 12.1 [...] 18.19.20.21. loue one another inwardly in hart as our selues, yea euen our enemies and them that hate vs.
Q. Which is the seauenth commā dement?
Ans. Thou shalt not commit Adulterie.
Q. What is the meaning of this commandement?
Ans. We are forbiden in this seaventh commandement. First Leuit. 18.20 Deut. 23. [...] all Adultery, fornication, and all other Leu. 18.22.2 [...] 24.25. vncleanesse in our bodyes. Secondlie all Mat. 5.28 vnpure thoughts and lustes of the hart. Thirdly all other things which might entise vs to such vncleanes, as all vnchaft Esay. 3.16.17. Rom. 13. [...] behauiour Eph. 4.15. & 5.3.4. filthy talke, books and songs Deu. 22. [...] Esay 3.18.19 20.21. &c. wanton apparrel, lewd and idle pastimes Eph. 5. [...] gluttony, drunkennes Deu. 22.20 21. howses of open whoredome, and what soeuer else may allure vs to any manner of vncleanes. Fourthly on the other side he cōmandeth vs to keepe our bodies & soules 1. Cor. 6.15.19.20. 1. Thes. 43 45. chast & pure as temples of the holy ghost, and if the 1. Cor. 7. [...] 9. Heb. 13.4. gift of chastitie be [Page 16] not giuen vs to vse the lawfull remedy appointed by god, which is mariage.
Q. Which is the eight commandement?
Ans. Thou shalt not steale.
Q. What is the meaninge of this commandement?
Ans. In this eight commandement the lord god forbiddeth all Leu. 19.11. Deut. 5.19. stealing and robbing in outward deeds. Secondly he forbiddeth all Eph. 5.3. Col. [...]5. Psal 61.10. [...] 15 3 5. stealing in harte, that is all desire of any mans goods wrongfully. Thirdly [...]ach. 8.17 Mic. [...].1. 2. Act. 20. [...]3. all deceite and wrongfull dealinge. Fourthly on the other side he chargeth vs to be [...]. Thes. 4.6. [...]xo. 21.21.22. 3. Deut 10.17. [...]8.19. & 24.14. Pro. 17.27.1. [...]im. 6.6. content with that portion of goods which the lord giueth vs & to Gen. 3.19. [...]ph. 4.28. Thes. 3.10. apply our selues in our vocation and calling to get our owne liuing, and to liue of that which is our owne and also to be helpfull vnto others.
Q. Which is the ninth commandement?
Ans. Thou shalt not beare false witnes against thy neighbour.
Q. What is the meaninge of this commandement?
[Page 17] Ans. The lord god cōmandeth vs in this ninth commandement. First that we neuer Pro. 16.5.9. & 21.28. speake falsly in witnes bearing. Secondly that not only in witnes bearing but also in noe other matter we should neuer Eph. 4.25. Psal. 15.2. lie, flatter nor dissemble. Thirdly that we should neuer tel false Psal. 15.3. Pro. 25.18. tales behind our neighbours backs or heare them of others; that we should neuer Mat. 17.2. Rom. 14.4. Psal. 15.3. Iam. 4.12. beleeue any euil spoken behind their backs vntill we fully know the certaintie therof. Fourthly in priuate offenses to speake nothing although it bee true to the 1. Pet. 4.8. 1. Cor. 13.7. Pro. 11.12. hurting of our brothers good name, if that by Mat. 18.15.16.17.18. priuate admonitions he may be reformed.
Q. Which is the tenth commandement?
Ans. Thou shalt not couet thy neighbours house, thou shalt not couet &c.
Q. What is the meaning of this commandement?
Ans. Here the lord in plaine words doth forbid all inward desire whatsoever is Rom. 7.7. vnlawfull to be donne, although [Page 18] we neuer Gen. 6.5. & 8.21. Pro. 20.9. consent vnto it, as the Rom. 7.23. rebellion of the flesh, all corruption of the Eph 4.22. Col. 3.9. old man, all Rom. 6.6. blot [...] of originall sinne: soe that by this commandement most clearely we may see the image of that man which pleaseth god, euen such a one in whom nothing is vnpure neither in will nor nature
3. parteQ. Canst thou fulfil the commandements of Almighty god?
Luk. 17.10. Rom. 3.10. Ans. No, although I doe all that can yet I breake them dayly both i [...] thought word and deede.
Q. Why canst thou not fulfil [...] them?
Ans. Because not flesh can attaine vnto the perfect fulfilling thereof. Pro. 9.1. Kings. 8.46.7. eccles. 7.22.
1. Ioh. 1.8.Q. What is the cause?
Ans. Because all men are sinners Rom. 3.23.
Q. What is sinne?
Rom. 7.7.8. Ans. It is a falling from and a fayling of that holines and righteousne [...] which is required to be in every on [...] of vs by the law of god without a corruption. Ecclesiast. 7.31.
[Page 19]Q. Tell me more shortly what is sinne?
Ans. Sinne is whatsoeuer disagre [...]th with the righteousnes of the lawe [...]f god. 1. Ioh. 3.4.
Q. How many wayes are we sin [...]ers?
An. Two wayes, Rom. 5.12. Eph. 2.1.2.3. first by the sinne of our forefather Adam: Secondlye by our selues.
Q. How many wayes are we sinners [...]y our selues?
An. Two wayes. Originally and actually.
Q. What call you Original sinne?
An. Originall sinne is that corrup [...]ion of nature which we haue receiued from the disobedience of our forefather Adam, Psal. 51.5. Rom. 7.5. & Rō. 3.10.11. &c. 2. Cor. 5. Ephes. 4.23 Ieam. 1 14.15. Ephes. 2.1.2.3 springing vp with vs in our very conception, dispersed into all the powers and parts of soule and body, which maketh vs vnapt and vnable to all goodnes, prone & ready to all sinne and wickednes, from which as from a fountaine springeth all euill actions Iob. 14.4.
Q. What call you Actuall sinne?
[Page 20] An. Actuall sinne is that stream [...] of sinne which floweth out of our co [...] rupted nature in the transgression of [...] the commandements of Almigh [...] god Iac. 1.14.15. the seueral parts wherof are ca [...] led the works of darknes and deeds [...] the flesh. Rom. 13.12. Galath 5.19.
Q. How many wayes doe we act [...] ally sinne?
An. Two wayes. In doeing thou euill things which the lord hath forbidden vs; and in leauing vndone thos [...] good things which the lord hath commanded vs. Deut. 5.32. Deut. 11.3 [...]
Q. How many waies doe we bot [...] theis?
An. Two wayes. Inwardly an [...] outwardly.
Q. How Inwardly?
A. In thoughts & iudgments of th [...] mind, & lusts & affections of the hear [...] Ephes. 4.17.18.23. Colos. 3.5.
Q. How outwardly?
An. In words and deeds Rom. 6.13 Rom. 5.29.30. Rom. 3.12.13.1 [...] 15.
Q. Are all the actions of all me [...] finne?
[Page 21] An. There are natural actions in all [...]en which of themselues be not sinne [...]ut as they proceede from our corrup [...]d nature they are made sinfull. Ro. [...] 18. Iob. 14.4.
Q. Doeth no man then any thinge [...]ut sinne in all his actions?
An. The naturall man doth nothing [...]ut sinne in all his actions. Rom. 8.6.7. Psal. 14.3.1. Cor. 2.14 Rom. 7.18. [...] Pro 15.8.9.26.
Q. what meane you by the naturall [...]an?
An. He whose heart and conscience [...] not renewed, 1. Iohn. 3.10. Rom. 12.2. purged and sanctified [...]y the spirit of grace, through faith & [...]pentance in Iesus Christ. Act. 15.9. [...] Cor. 1.2. Rom. 8.9.
Q. Is there any man that doth not [...]nne in his actions?
An. The Regenerated man doth not [...]ommit sinne, 1. Ioh. 3.3.6.9. because he is led by the [...]irit of God. Rom. 8.11. Eph. 4.20. [...]1, 22, 23, 24. Gala. 2.20.
Q. Is there no sinne in the actions [...]f a regenerated man?
An. Yes; Ies. 64.6. 1. Cor. 13.9.12. for all our righteousnes is [...]s a stained clout, and there is no perfection [Page 22] in this life.
Q. Why say you then that the [...] generate man doth not commit sinn [...]
An. He is not said to commit sinn [...] because it is not he that sinneth, Rom. 7.15.17.20. b [...] sinne that dwelleth in him.
Q. What is the punishment of sin [...]
An. The curse of God. Deut. 27.2 [...] Gal. 3.10.
Q. What meane you by that?
Deu. 28.15. &c. Mat. 25.41. Rom. 6.23. Ies. 66.24. Mark. 9.43.44. An. It is an eternall separation fro [...] the fauour of God and all his merci [...] which hath adioyned vnto it all mis [...] ries and calamities of this life, death [...] the end, and eternall torments both [...] soule and bodie in hell euer after. Ma [...] 5.29. Math. 22.13. Reuel. 20.1 [...] 14.
Q. Is there nothing which a ma [...] may doe to serue as a sufficient reco [...] pence to God for one sinne?
An. No, although I should giue Luke. 17.10. all my goods to the poore, or suffe [...] my bodie to be (b) whipped all my li [...] long, Col. 2.23. or suffer any other punishme [...] which might be deuised, yet it were no [...] sufficient for one of my least sinnes.
[Page 23] Q. Why so?
An. For sinne is infinite, because it offendeth the infinite maiestie, & therefore deserueth an infinite punishment. Psal 51.4.
Q. Yea but God 1. Cor. 1.3. Psalm. 18.45. & 86.15. is mercifull will he therefore punish sinne so sharpely?
An. Our God indeed is mercifull but he is also Psalm. 7.9. Psalm. 11.5. Rom. 3.4. Ioh. 3.33. iust and true, & therefore of his iustice and truth he must needs punish mans sinne with that punishment which he hath appointed.
Q. Seing then this punishment must needs be suffered, are we in our selues able to suffer and ouercome it?
An. None is able to suffer Psal. 130.3. Math. 19.25. and ouercome this great punishment of sinne being onely man.
Q. What learne you out of this?
An. That my state is most miserable in respect of the greatnes of my sinne and the horrible punishment due vnto the same. Rom. 7.24.
Q. What profit is it to you to knowe this your miserable estate?
An. First I am taught thereby to knowe mine owne vnworthines, and [Page 24] that I should not seeke to bee saued by mine own works or merits Deut. 7.7. Deut. 9.6. Dan. 9.18. Secondly to bewaile this my miserable estate with a godly sorrow Rom. 7.24. 1. Cor. 7.9.10. Thirdly to detest and abhorre sinne because it bringeth nothing with it but the curse of God Rom. 6.21.23. Fourthly to call heartely vpon God, and sue for his grace, that I may find and apprehend the riches of his mercie for my redemption Ephes. 1.17. & 3.16.17. & 4.1.2.
Q. Is there any meanes whereby we may be deliuered from this miserable estate?
A. Yes: there is a meanes which is taught vnto vs in the 3. of Iohn. For God so loued the world, Iohn. 3.16. that he gaue his onely begotten sonne, that whosoeuer beleeued in him should not perish, but haue euerlasting life.
Q. What learne you out of this?
A. That whereas the paines which our sinnes deserue must needes be suffered by man, because God of his iustice must needes punish sinne in man, which was committed by man: therefore our Sauiour Christ beeing euerlasting god, became also Gal. 4.4. Heb. 2.9.10.14.15.16.17. Heb, 4.15. 1 Tim. 2.5. Rom. 8.3.4. man, & hath [Page 25] fully Gal. 3.13. Rom. 4.25. Ioh. 1.29. 2. Cor. 5.21. Esay 53.6. Rom. 8.3. 1. Iohn. 3.16.18.36. suffered whatsoeuer was due for mans sinne in his owne person.
Q. Are all people discharged, seeing the punishment is paid?
A. None are discharged sauing those that tooke Col. 2.2. 1 Iohn. 3.2. Eph. 3.12. Rom. 8.38.39. Eph. 1.18. Ephes. 2.8. Acts. 15.11 hold vpon Christ and his merits by a true faith.
Q. What call you this true faith?
A. It is a speciall worke of Gods spirit in our hearts, whereby we beleeue to be saued by the grace of our Lord Iesus Christ.
Q. What doe you see by this true faith?
A. My sinnes both to be forgiuen me, and yet fully punished.
Q. How can that be?
A. For in Iesus Christ to 2 Cor. 5.21. Rom. 3.25. satisfie Gods iustice they be 1. Ioh. 2.1.12. Gala. 3 13. Rom. 4.25. fully punished, and yet to me they be 1. Cor. 5.9. forgiuen, because in me they be not punished, but in Christ for me to set forth Gods mercie: and therefore they shall neuer be laid to my charge: in this manner therefore I see the Lord my God to be both mercifull and iust.
Q. Yea but although the punishment [Page 26] of thy sinnes be fully discharged in Christ, yet seeing there can no vnrighteousnesse dwell with God, how canst thou stand before the iudgement seat of God as iust and righteous, seeing thou hast no righteousnes but that which is stained with many sinnes?
A. I stand as iust and righteous before the throne of God, not cloathed with my owne righteousnes, but with the 1. Cor. 1.30. 2. Cor. 5.21. Rom. 3.28. righteousnesse of Iesus Christ, which righteousnes beeing taken hold vpon Ephes. 3.17. Rom. 3.28. Ioh. 3.18. by a true faith, is made mine: thus am I iust and righteous in the sight of God, not in respect of my own workes which I wrought in my owne person, but by taking hold vpō Christs works to be mine by faith.
Q. Doth not this doctrine make men carelesse, & so runne into all sinne and wickednes?
A. No: for this true faith as soone as it is wrought in vs Ioh. 3.3.5. Eph. 4.20. Colos. 3.9. Rom. 6.6. & 12.1.2. through the holy Ghost, doth frame our hearts anew, and causeth vs to Rom. 7.23. detest, hate, loath, and abhorre sinne in all men, but especially in our selues, and maketh vs [Page 27] to haue our Rom. 5.12.11. whole delight, ioy, and comfort in those things which be agreeable to Gods will, and causeth vs also to Rom. 6.11.1.13. Mat. 7.17. Ioh. 15.5. expresse the same in our godly liuing and conuersation, or els it is no true faith but a Iam. 2.17. Iam. 2.17.20. Ioh. 15.6. Psal. 92.12.13. Ioh 15.5. Math. 7.17.18 &c. Gala. 5.6. dead faith.
Q. What difference is betweene a dead faith, and a true faith?
A. A dead faith is like a barren and withered tree that bringeth forth no fruit: a true faith is like a liuing and fruitfull tree that euer bringeth forth good fruit to the glorie of God.
Q. What be the fruits of a true faith?
A. A continuall and true repentance, and euery good grace of Gods spirit, and all the good workes which he hath ordained for vs that we should walke in them. Eph. 2.10. 2. Pet. 1.5.9.11.12. Eph. 415.
Q. What meane you by repentance? Gal. 6.15. 2. Cor. 7.1. R [...] 12.1. 2 Eph. 4.20.21.22. &c. 1. Pet. 1.13. [...] 15.1. Pet. 2.1.11.12.
A. That change and renewing of the whole man that bringeth forth a new, Christian, and holy life and conuersation, growing and increasing more and more.
[Page 28]Q. How many things be required in true repentance?
A. Two: the mortifying and subduing of sinne, and the liuing & growing in the practise of true godlines and righteousnes: 2. Cor. 7.1. both which doe proceede from the vertue of the death and resurrection of Iesus Christ, [...]om. 6.2.3.4.5. [...]1.12. [...]m. 12.1.2. [...]l. 3.1.2.5.9. [...]1. Pet. 1.2. [...].23. Gal. 6. [...] 15.16. into whome we are ingrafted by faith.
Q. Seeing then we be saued by Christs works, without our deseruings, whereto serue our wel-doings, or what auaileth it to doe good works?
A. We must doe good workes, not to deserue Esay. 46.6. [...]b. 35.7. [...]al. 17.2. [...]ik. 17.10. saluation by them; but by our works to [...]at. 5.16. [...]or. 6.20. [...]t. 2.12. [...]ol. 1.10. [...]l. 1.27. & 2. glorifie God in Thes. 2.12. [...]h. 4. & 4.1. walking as becometh Gods children Rom. 6.11, [...]3. & 12.1.2., declaring thereby our thankfulnes to God for our redemption. Secondly, by our works to make our [...]. Pet. 1.10. electiō more certaine to our selues. Thirdly, to Pet. 3.1.2. [...]m. 14.29. win others to Christ by our holy life and conuersation.
Q. What works callest thou good works?
An. Our worke can neuer be acceptable and good in the sight of God vnles [Page 29] in doing of them wee keepe these two things; first that Eph. 2.10. Collos. 2.10.22.23. Esay 9.13. Mat. 15.9. Rom. 14.23. Heb. 11.6. 1. Cor. 5.7. they be framed according to the will of Gods lawes and commandements and not after our owne deuises.
Secondly that they proceede from an heart purged by fairh; if either of these points be lacking our works are abhominable in the sight of God although they appeare neuer so glorious in the eyes of men.
Q. What things ought euery one to beleeue which hath this true faith in Iesus Christ with out the which none can be saued? 4. parte.
An. All those things which are contained in the articles of our christian faith.
Q Rehearse the articles of our christian faith
A. I beleeue in God the father almightie maker of heauen and earth and in Iesus Christ his only sonne our Lord which was conceiued by the holy ghost borne of the virgin Marie suffered vnder Pontius Pilat was crucified dead and buried he decended into hell the [Page 30] third day he rose agane and ascended into heauen and there he sitteth at the right hand of God the father Almightie, from thence he shall come to iudge both the quicke and the dead. I beleeue in the holy Ghost, the holy Catholike Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiuenes of sinnes, the resurrection of the bodie, and the life euerlasting. Amen.
Q. What things are contained in these articles of your christian faith?
An. First what we ought to beleeue concerning God. Secondly what we ought to beleeue concerning Gods people called the Church.
Q. What ought we to beleeue concerning God?
A. First, such things as concerne God in his nature and essence. Secondly, such things as concerne God in his actions.
Q. What ought we to beleeue concerning God in his nature or essence?
A. First, that he is one infinite, inuisible, and eternall spirit, of vnsearchable maiestie, most holy, mightie, wise, iust, and mercifull (a). Secondly, (b) that the [Page 31] selfe same God, beeing one in essence hath made himselfe knowne vnto vs in three sundrie persons, the father, the sonne, and the holy Ghost. Rom. 11.34.35, 36. Rom 9.11.22, 23. Deut. 6.4. Ies. 43.11. & 44.8. & 46.5. & 46.5. Ies. 57.15. & 66.1. 2. Ioh. 4.24. Ioh. 1.18. 1. Tim. 1.17. Rom. 9.33. Exod. 34.6, 7. Psal. 103.8, 9, 10, 11. Psal. 33.6. Gen. 1.31. Ie [...] 10.10.11.12.16. Col. 1.16. Matth. 3.16, 17 & 28.19.
Q. What ought we to beleeue concerning God in his actions?
A. First, Rom. 11.34.35, 36. Rom 9.11.22, 23. that he hath decreed and ordained all things in his eternall purpose and counsell before all worlds. Secondly, that by his Almightie power he hath made the heauens and the earth, and all the creatures therein. Thirdly, Mat. 10.39.30. Psal. 115.3. & 135.6. Psal. 145 17. that he doth rule & gouern them and all their actions according to the good purpose of his owne will most holily, righteously, and wisely.
Q. Why is God called Almightie?
A. Because he is of all-sufficient power in himselfe to worke all things according to the good purpose of his owne will, Ies. 42.8. & 4 [...] 13 & 44.24.2 [...] & 49.7. Mat. [...] 29.30. so as nothing can be done in heauen, earth, or hell, without his [Page 32] prouidence. Act. 4.28.
Q. Why doe you call God father?
A. First, in respect of creation. Secondly, in respect of adoption.
Q. Why in respect of creation?
Rom. 11.38. Acts. 17.25.38. A. Because of him, from him, and by him all things haue their beeing & beginning.
Q. Why in respect of adoption?
Eph. 1.5. Gal. 4.5.6.A. Because he hath adopted those whome he hath chosen to be his children in Iesus Christ.
Q. What comfort haue you in this that you call God father?
A. I learne thereby that he loueth me, and hath a most tender care ouer me. Psal. 103.13. Rom. 5.5.8.
Q. What comfort haue you in this that God whome you call father is Almightie?
A. I learne thereby that he can and will defend me from all euill, so as nothing can hurt me, and that he can and will giue me all things that be good for me in this life, and in the life to come.
Q. Why so?
[Page 33] An. He can because he is almightie, he will because he is my louing father.
Q. What dutie doe you learne here concerning your selfe?
An. That I should honor him as my heauenly father. Malech. 1.6.
Q. How?
An. In louing him, fearing him, reuerencing him, and obeying him the sixt commandement.
Qu. Wherin must we shew forth this?
An. In the care that I haue to keepe his commandements.
Q. Wherin standeth the keeping of the commandements?
An. In doeing those good things which the lord hath commanded; and in leauing vndone those euill things which the lord hath forbidden.
Q. What beleeuest thou in the second part concerning god the sonne?
An. I beleeue that Iesus Christ one Rom. 9.5. Iohn 1.1. Ioh. 14.10. God in subtance with the father & the holy ghost Rom. 1.3. Mat. 1.20.2. tooke flesh of the virgin Marie & is become perfect man as I am in all things, Heb. 2.14.15. Rom. 8.3. sinne onely excepted [Page 34] Heb. 2.14.15. Rom. 8.3. and in my nature hath wrought whatsoeuer was needfull for my saluation.
Q. What meanest thou when thou saiest he suffered vnder Pontius Pilate
An. Because that manner of death which men doe suffer by the sentence of the iudg & vnder the title of iustice, is more shamefull, slanderous and terrible, then if a man should die naturally in his bed: Therfore our sauiour Chris [...] tooke vpon him our person to shew himselfe Psal 2.2. Acts. 4.27 before an earthly iudg and to be Mat. 27.16. Ioh. 19.1.13.23. condemned by the mouth of Pilate he beeing then Iudg, that thereby we might bee cleared before the iudgement seate of God.
Q. What meanest thou when thou sayest Christ was crucified dead and buried?
An. First I meane in that he was crucified that he suffered Luk. 23.33. the death of the Crosse which was an abhominable and cursed death Gal. 3.13.14. to deliuer me from the curse which was due for my sinnes. Secondly for as much as death was a punishment due to man [Page 35] for sinne; therefore our Sauiour Christ [...]d suffer death and by suffering ouer [...]me death; for in his death did lie [...] principall point of our saluation; [...]r if he had not bin truly Esay. 53.12. Rom. 5.8. 1. Cor. 15.3. 1. Pet. 2.24. dead we [...]d bin yet subiect to eternall death [...]d damnation. Thirdly he was buried [...]r the greater assurance and confirma [...]on of his death, and resurrection, and [...] the intent to make it more certainely [...]owne vnto vs, it pleased him also to [...]e buried after the common manner of men, and that by two Notable persons Mat. 27.57. Mar. 15.43. Luke 23.53. Nicodemus and Ioseph of Ara [...]athia, which was also doone by the will and consent of Pilate who caused the bodie to be deliuered vnto them.
Q. What meanest thou concerning that Christ descended into hell?
An. Where it is sayd that Christ descended into hell therby I beleeue that Christ did not only suffer in his body the punishment due to my body, Esay. 53.4.8.10. but also in his soule the punishmēt due to my soule, Luk. 2 [...].44. which was the torments of hell, Luk. 23.46. Math 27.46. second death Act. 2.24. Math. 26.38. sorrowes of death, abiection from god as [Page 36] it doth appeare by the anguish of [...] soule in the garden Luk. 22.44. when drops blood issued out of his body and a [...] vpon the crosse Luk. 23.46. Math. 27.46. by his lamentab [...] crie vnto his father for in a miserab [...] case had we bin in if he had only su [...] fered the punishment due to our bodie and not to our soules.
Q. What fruite hast thou by th [...] death of Christ?
An First I beleeue that this dea [...] and punishment which Christ suffere [...] is the whole appeasing of Heb. 9.12.13.14.28. 1. Pet. 2.24. 1. Ioh. 2.1. go [...] wrath and a full satisfaction to god f [...] all my sinnes.
Secondly that Gala. 5.24. Gala. 2.29.7.8. [...]1. as he is dead f [...] sinne so he will cause sinne to die i [...] my mortal body.
Q. What profitt hast thou by th [...] rising againe of Christ?
An. First I am assured by this risin [...] that he hath 1. Cor. 15.55.56.57. Rom. 8.33.34. Rom. 4.15. overcome death hell, sinne and finished my iustification▪ Secondly that as he is risen from deat [...] so he causeth me as a member of hi [...] Rom. 6.4. Colos. 3.1.2. to rise from sinne and delight i [...] righteousnes. Thirdly his rising again [...] [Page 37] [...]a sure pledge 1. Cor. 15.16. [...]0. to me that my body [...]hall in like manner rise againe.
Q. What is the meaning of this [...]at Christ ascended into heauen?
An. Christ as touching his man [...]ood is Act. 1.11. Act. 3.21. onely in heauen: but Mat. 28.20. as [...]ouching his godhead and comfort of [...]is holy spirit he is with vs to the end [...]f the world.
Q. What good gettest thou by the [...]scending of Christ into heauen?
An. First Christ his ascending into [...]eauen is a sure pledge vnto me that Ioh. 14.3. Phil. 3.21. 1. Cor. 1.7. 1. Thes. 4.16.17. [...] shall in like manner as a member of [...]y his power be receiued into heauen [...] the same nature wherein he is ascen [...]ed. Secondly Christ hauing ascended [...]nto heauen 1. Ioh. 1.2. Heb. 9.12. Rom. 8.32. maketh cōtinuall inter [...]ession for me.
Q. What meane you by this that Christ sitteth at the right hand of the father?
An. Christ sitteth at the right hand of the father, that is, he hath Mat. 28.18. Eph. 1.20.21.22. all power giuen him of the father ouer all things, being exalted into the full power of his kingdome and preisthood & made the [Page 38] only head of his Church.
Q. What fruit doest thou receiue [...] this that Christ shall come to iudge [...] quick and the dead?
An. To me that am a member [...] Christ it is singular comfort Mat 24.31. Mat. 25.34. Mat. 19.28. 2. Thes. 1.10. whe [...] doe knowe assuredly that none shall [...] my iudge but he that is my Sauiour; b [...] terrible will it be to those that flee fro [...] Christ 2. Thes. 1.4.7.8. Luk. 21.25. Mat. 15.41. when they shall see him com [...] to iudge them whome they in their li [...] time haue refused.
Q. What beleeuest thou in the thi [...] part concerning God the holy Ghos [...]
An. I beleeue that God the hol [...] Ghost the third person in the godhead, equall God with the father and the sonne, finisheth and maket [...] perfect all the works of God, and Rom. 8.9.10.11.15.16. Gala. 4.6. sealeth into my heart all Christs benefits to bee mine, and Ephes. 1.17. Eph. 4.23. Psal. 1.3. Col. 2.11.12.13. maket [...] sinne to die in me and stirreth me vp to holines and righteousnes of life.
Q. What call you the chatholike Church?
An. The chatholike Church is the Rom. 8 20. Eph. 1.10.11.12.13. Mat. 16.21. Ioh. 10.26. whole companie of faithfull people [Page 39] which euer were since the beginning of the world in all places, which also bee [...]ow & shal be to the end of the world, of the which number I beleeue that 1. Ioh. 3.21. 2. Cor. 13.5. Rom. 8.16. I am one, I beleeue that God 2. Tim. 2.19. 1. Pet 5.7. Esay 49.15. Mat. 10.29.30.31. knoweth them all and hath a most tender care ouer them.
Q What callest thou the communion of Saints?
An. The communion of Saints is that societie that all we which beleeue haue one with another as 1. Cor. 12 12.13.14. &c. 5.30. Col. 1.18. Rom. 1.12.5. members of one head Iesus Christ. Whereby we are 2. Cor. 11.28. Gala. 6.2. Phil. 2.1.23.4. readie to communicate all gods benefits both spirituall and temporall to the mutuall helpe and comfort one of another according to the measure which we haue receiued of God in this life.
Q. What beleeue you of the forgiuenes of sinne.
An. I beleeue that Iesus Christ hath 1. Ioh. 2.2. Col. 1.14.20.21.22. 1. Cor. 1.30. Esay. 53 45.6.8.12. Rom. 3.24.15. & 5.8.10. 2. Cor. 5.19. wholy appeased Gods wrath for my sinnes and hath paied the full punishment due vnto them: and therefore that they are freely forgiuen me, and shall neuer be laid to my charge.
[Page 40] Q. What beleeuest thou of the rising againe of the bodie?
Ans. I beleeue that after this life ended Luke 16.20. & 12.20. my soule shall goe to God that gaue it and my bodie shall rest i [...] the graue vntill the appointed time and then I shall Iob. 19.26.27. 1. Cor. 15.53. Philip. 3.21. see God in my flesh and these my eyes shall looke vpon him & this my bodie shall be made like to the glorious bodie of Christ without al [...] corrupion.
Q. What beleeue you of life euerlasting?
An. I beleeue that when God shall raise againe this my bodie and ioyne it together with my soule that then I shall liue with 1. Cor. 15.53.54. [...]. thes. 4.17. Christ for euer in his euerlasting kingdom of glorie.
Q. Is it in our power to beleeue & to attaine to this true faith?
5 part. Ans. No, it is the speciall worke of gods spirit in our harts by those meanes which he hath appointed.
Q. By what meanes then may we attaine vnto faith?
An. The holy Ghost hath appointed the preaching of the word to bee [Page 41] the ordinarie meanes whereby he Rom 10.14.17. 1. Cor. 1.21. worketh in our hearts this true and liuely faith and without the preaching of the word we can neuer haue faith by any ordinarie meanes.
Q. What daunger is it to bee without faith?
An. Without faith it is impossible to please god. Heb. 11.6. for whatsoeuer is not of faith is sinne. Rom. 14.23.
Q. By what meanes doth God increase and strengthen this faith and the fruits thereof?
A. This faith and the fruits thereof doth God strengthen and increase in vs by fowre meanes: 2. Cor. 8.7. & 8. 2. Pet. 3.18. by the selfe same preaching of the word; by vse of the sacraments; prayer; and Christian gouernment.
Q. What call you Sacraments?
A. Sacraments are Gene. 17.11 Exo. 12.3.4.5. &c. outward signes ordained of God for the greater assurance and strengthening of our faith, beeing vnto vs Rom. 4.11. sure seales and pledges of those benefits of our saluation which we receiue in Christ to be ours, [Page 42] and are represented vnto vs by the outward signes of water in Baptisme, and bread and wine in the supper of the Lord, they serue also for a marke of our profession whereby we differ from other people which be heathen.
Q. Tell me more shortly what is a sacrament?
A. An outward signe ordained of God, Rom. 4.11. and a seale to assure vs that we are made partakers of Christ Iesus and all his benefits vnto saluation, if we doe truly beleeue in him.
Q. How many things are to be considered in a sacrament?
A. Two: the outward signe, and the inward thing signified.
Q. What meane you by the outward signe?
A. The outward element, appointed by our Sauiour Christ, and all the rites belonging to the ministring and receiuing thereof, according to his institution.
Q. What meane you by the inward thing signified?
A. Christ Iesus himselfe with all [Page 43] his benefits vnto saluation, offered vnto vs in the sacrament, and so also receiued of euery faithfull beleeuer.
Q. How many sacraments be there?
A. There be 1. Cor. 10.1, 2, 3, 4. two. Baptisme, and the supper of the Lord.
Q. What is baptisme?
A. The sacrament of our new birth, whereby we are incorporated into the societie of Gods people. Rom. 6.3.
Q. What benefits of your saluation are sealed to you in baptisme?
A. I am taught and assured by Acts. 22.16. Mar. 1.4. Baptisme that my sinnes are forgiuen me. For as the water washeth away the filthines of the bodie, euen so should I by the holy Ghost be thereby fully certified and perswaded, that 1. Pet. 1.2.19. 1 Ioh. 1.7. Eph 5.26. Tit. 3.5.6. Acts. 22.16 the blood of Christ beeing sprinkled vpon my soule by the Acts 15. [...]. hand of faith, hath washed away both the guiltinesse of my sinne, and the horrible punishment due to the same, the fruite and effect wherof appeareth herein that through the power of Christs death and resurrection I am dead Rom. 6 3. [...] 6. &c. as touching sinne, and raised vp againe 2. Cor. 5.17 Gala 5.24.25 to newnesse of [Page 44] life. Which two things in whomesoeuer they appeare not, they may well haue the name and title of baptisme, but indeede they are no true Christians.
Q. What meane you by the supper of the Lord?
A. The sacrament of our growth and spirituall foode, whereby we are to be nourished till we come to a perfect age in Christ.
Q. What benefits of your saluation are sealed vnto you in the supper of the Lord?
A. The supper of the Lord through the holy Ghost doth strengthen my faith, that I should not doubt but beleeue assuredly that as I receiue the bread and wine into my bodie to become wholly mine, so my Mat. 26.20. [...]7.28. soule receiueth withall, through faith, Christ with his Cor. 10.16.17. [...] 11.26.27.28. 1. Cor. 1.30. [...]om. 4.23. Cor. 5.31. passion, ransome, righteousnes, and obedience, to become wholly mine, as surely as if I had performed all in mine owne person. 1. Cor. 1.30.
Q. Are not the bread and wine in the supper of the Lord turned into the [Page 45] bodie and blood of Christ?
A. The bread and wine as touching their nature and substance Mat. 26.26.27.28. 1. Cor. 10.16.17. & 11.24.25. & 12.13. are not turned, but as touching the vse of them they differ from common bread and wine, in that they are appointed of god to serue vnto vs as Rom. 4.11 sure seales and pledges of those benefits of our saluation which Christ in his bodie hath wrought for vs.
Q. What persons are fit to be partakers of this sacrament?
A. Such as are able and doe fitly prepare themselues.
Q. In what manner oughtest thou to prepare thy selfe to receiue such holy mysteries?
A. In preparing my selfe to receiue the supper of the Lord, I ought diligently to obserue these three things. First, to 1. Cor. 11.28. examine my selfe whether I 2. Cor. 13.5. stand in faith or no, which I shall know if I feele my Eph. 1.13. 2. Cor. 1.22. & 5.5. heart inwardly Rom. 8.15. Eph. 3.12. assured by the spirit of God, that the 1. Ioh. 2.1.2. punishment of my sinnes is fully discharged in Christ, and that whatsoeuer he hath wrought for mans saluation [Page 46] pertaineth not onely to others, but euen Eph. 3.17.18. [...]9. to me. Secōdly, to examine my selfe whether I find my heart Mat. 26.75. [...]erem. 4.4. [...]oel 2.12. inwardly sorie for my sinnes with an inward hatred and loathing of sinne, and an Rom. 6.4.5.6. [...].8. Phil. 3.13.14. earnest desire and sure purpose wholly to conforme my selfe to the will of Gods word. Thirdly, if any offence be betwixt others and me, that I Mat. 5.23.24. reconcile my selfe vnto them all, which things although they ought earnestly to be considered in the Luk. 1.74.75. [...]. Peter. 1.15. whole course of our life, yet then especially when we come to receiue the supper of the Lord.
[...]6. part.Q. Which is the third meanes that God hath appointed for the encrease and strengthening of our faith, and all graces of God?
A. Prayer.
Q. What is prayer?
Psal. 25.1. Psal. 50.15. Psal. 116.13.A. It is an holy lifting vp of the heart vnto God, and a calling vpon his name.
Q. How many parts be there of prayer?
A. Two: Petitions, and Thanksgiuing. [Page 47] 1. Tim. 2.1.
Q. What meane you by Petitions?
A. Petitions are those praiers wherin we craue any thing at the hands of God.
Q. What meane you by Thanksgiuings?
A. Thanksgiuings are those praiers wherein we acknowledge the benefits which we haue receiued at the hands of God, and giue him thankes for the same.
Q. Where are you taught ro pray?
A. In the sixth of Matthew.
Q. How?
A. In that forme of praier which our Lord Iesus Christ taught to his Disciples.
Q. Rehearse that forme of prayer.
A. Our Father which art in heauen, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdome come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heauen: giue vs this day our daily bread, and forgiue vs our trespasses, as we forgiue them that trespasse against vs, and lead vs not into temptation, but [Page 48] deliuer vs from euill, for thine is the kingdome, the power, and the glorie, for euer. Amen.
Q. What doe you obserue in this forme of praier?
A. Two things: the Preface, and the prayer.
Q. Which is the preface?
A. Our father which art in heauen.
Q. What learne you out of this?
A. The necessarie circumstances of true prayer.
Q. What is to be obserued in true praier?
A. It is requisite that in true praier we obserue these fiue things: first, that we make our praiers Psal. 50.15. & 81.8. Rom. 10.13. Iam. 1.5 Marc. 4.10. onely to God through Ioh. 14.13. & 15.16. & 16.23. Christ, and not to Saints, secondly, that we be 1. Ioh. 5.14. Ioh. 4.23. Psal. 51.17. & 45.18. 2. Cor. 4. [...]0. Mat. 6 7. Rom. 8.26. inwardly touched with the neede of the thing that we aske, hauing our mindes wholly bent thereupon, and not carried away with by-thoughts: thirdly, that our praiers be grounded vpon Iam. 1.6. Mar. 11.24. Luk. 11.9.1.11. [...]2.13. Ioh. 5.15. Gods promises with full assurance that they shall be graunted vnto vs so farre as the Lord shall see them meete and needefull for [Page 49] vs: fourthly, that we Luk. 18.1.2.3.5. &c. Rom. 12.12.1. Thes. 5.17. Eph. 9.18. Col. 4.2. Ma. 15.22.23.24. &c. continue in praier although we haue not our request at the first: fiftly, that we aske not those things which we Iam. 4.3. Rom. 8.16. thinke good in our owne fantasies, but as 1. Ioh. 5.14. the Lord hath commaunded vs in his word.
Q. What doe you obserue in the praier it selfe?
A. Two things: the Petitions, and the thanksgiuing.
Q. How many sorts of petitions be there?
A. Two. First those petitions wherein we craue such things as cōcerne the glorie of God.
Secondly those petitions wherein we craue such things as concerne our owne necessitie.
Q. How many things are we taught to craue for the glorie God?
An. Three. First that his name may be hallowed.
Secondly that this kingdome may come.
Thirdly that his will may be done in earth as it is in heauen.
[Page 50]Q. How many things are we taught to craue for our owne necessities?
Ans. Two. First such thing as concerne our naturall life. Secondly such things as concerne our spirituall life.
Q. What doe you craue for your naturall life?
An. Our daily bread.
Q. What for your spirituall life?
An. Forgiuenes of sinnes, and spirituall strength against our spirituall enimies.
Q. What pray you for in the first petition?
Ans. In this first petition I desire of my heauenly father that his name may bee hallowed. First in his excellent works which is when we acknowledge Psalm. 113.2. [...]. & 145.1. Rom. 11.36. & 16.27. his mercie, wisdome, iustice, and prouidence, that he alone worketh all things, and that he Iosua 1.24. [...]4.52. [...]. Ioh. 5.21. Psal. 8.10.11. onely be had in honor, all other set aside. Secondly that his name may be hallowed in our godly liuing and conuersation.
Q. What pray you for in the second petition?
An. In this second petition we pray [Page 51] [...]hat God his kingdome Esaz. 52.5. [...] Eze. 36.20. Rom. 2 24. may come, [...]hat is, that he would declare himselfe [...]o be king ouer his Mat. 3.2. & 5.19. & 13.31.32.33. church in guiling and defending it, in encreasing of [...]he nūber of the faithfull, in Mat. 9.38. thrusting [...]orth laborers into the haruest & blessing their labours 1. Ioh. 3.8. Rom. 16.20. suppressing the rage of the wicked Tirants.
Secondly that he would excercise his kingdome seuerally in euery one of vs Rom. 8.10.11.13. & 6.9. 1. Ioh. 5.8.9. killing sinne in vs and all worldly cares; and stirring vs vp to holines & righteousnes of life.
Q. What pray you for in the third petition?
An. In the third petition we desire that Gods will may be doone, that is, that we may Luke. 22.42. Titus. 2.12. 1. Pet. 4.2. 1. Ioh. 2.1. willingly in all things resigne our selues to the will of Gods word without murmuring or grudging.
Q. What pray you for in the fourth petition?
An. In this fourth petition we pray that he would giue vnto vs Gen. 3.19. Eph. 4.18. 1. Thes. 2.9.1 walking faithfully in our caling our dayly bread, that is all Psal. 145.1 [...] 145.27. & 10 26. Esay. 3.1. Psal. 78.18, 1 [...] 20.29. & 16. [...] 10 [...].1, 2, 3. things needfull for our [Page 52] liuing in this present life.
Q. What pray you for in the fift p [...] tition?
An. In this fift petition we pray th [...] god would forgiue vs our sinnes that [...] that he would not lay to our charg [...] our sinnes nor the punishment due unto them, but that he woulde accep [...] the death and passion of Iesus Christ as the full satisfaction for all our sinnes and that we may hereof haue Eph. 3.12. 1. Ioh. 5.13.20. fu [...] assurance in our soules and conscience [...] that the punishment of our sinnes i [...] fully discharged in Christ, and therfore that they be freely forgiuen vs, as Rom. 8.15. & 8.38.39. Mat. 6.45. & 6. [...]4.5.1. Luke. 6.36. Iam. 2.13. surely as we forgiue others and that we Mat. 16.20. [...]. Tim. 4.17.18. Eph. 6.10.11. [...]. Cor. 10.13. [...]. Pet. 2.9. loue one another inwardly in heart as our selues all desire of reuenge set aside.
Q. What pray you for in the sixt petition?
An. In this sixt petition we pray that god would not lead vs into temptation but deliuer vs (that is) that he Rom. 16.20. [...] Tim 14.17.18. [...]ph. 6.10.11. [...] Cor. 10.13. [...]. Pet. 2.9. would not lead vs further into battaile with our spirituall enemies then we by his holy spirit may be able [Page 53] [...]o preuaile and ouercome.
Q. Which is the thanksgiuing?
An. For thine is the kingdome the [...]ower and the glory for euer and euer. Amen.
Q. Why is this added?
A. Not only to kindle in our hearts to 1. Cor. 10.3. Rom. 11.36. desire the glory of god: but also to [...]each vs that this prayer is grounded vpon none other then god only and that we should not thinke the Psa. 114.7. kingdome of god to be weake and voide of force and might but that Deut. 9.13. Apo. 4.9.11. Apo. 5.12.13. 1. Cor. 26.10.11.12.13. he is to [...]e honored, praised and glorified and that his power is infinite, perpetuall & euerlasting.
Q. What meaneth this word Amen?
An. And in this word 1 Pet. 5.11. Apo. 6.14. Apo. 7.1 [...] Amen is the feruent desire that we haue to obtaine those things which we aske, and our hope is confirmed that those things which we aske are granted vnto vs, wherby our consciences are pacified and with this word Amen we end our praiers. 1. Cor. 1 4.16.
Q. Is there any speciall helpe of [Page 54] praier?
[...]. part. An. There is a speciall helpe wherof we haue both commandements and many examples in the scriptures.
And that is fasting. Leuit. 23.27.28 & Iosua. 7.6. Math. 9.15. Ioel. 2.12.15. Dan. 9.3.
Q. What meane you by fasting?
An. The christian and religious fasting is an holy abstinence ioyned with praier in humbling of our selues that our praiers may be the more feruent. Dan. 9.3. Iona. 3.8.
Q. From what must we abstaine in this christian fasting?
An. Not only from all meates and drinks so far as the state of our bodies may beare but also from all other euen lawfull things, delights, & recreations which we naturally desire and may lawfully vse. Iona. 3.5. Ezra. 10.6. Ester. 4.6.
Q. How long must this abstinence be vsed?
An. According to the cause for which we take it in hand; at the least on [...] whole day, from euening to euening or [Page 55] from morning to morning, wherein we must cease from all other labours, and keepe it in the manner of a Saboth. Leuit. 23.32. Dan. 10.2.3. Ester. [...]4.16.
Q. For what cause are fasts appointed?
An. To the better humbling of our selues in praier; to obtaine some speciall grace at gods hand, when we feele the want of any necessarie blessing, gift, or benefit: or to intreat the Lord to turne away or remooue any greiuous afflictions from our selues or others, either presently vpon vs, or like to come. Iosua 7.6. 1. Sam. 7.6. Iudges 20.26.
Q. How many sorts of christian fastes be there?
An. Two. A priuat fast, that is of any particular persons or of seuerall families by themselues. Nehem. 1.4. Cornelius. Act. 10.30. Ester. 4.16. And a publique fast in a whole congregation; some part of a country, or a whole nation being ordained and appointed by such as are in authoritie. 2. Chron. [Page 56] 20.3. Iona. 3.7.
Q. What meane you by christian gouerment?
An. That order which god ha [...] appointed to be amonge his people for the maintenance of peace and god lines.
Q. How many sorts be there of [...]
Ans. Two; ecclesiasticall, and Ciuile, and both these are both publike [...] priuate.
Q. What call you publike ecclesiasticall gouerment?
An. That order of discipline which God hath appointed for his Church in exercising the power of the keyes to the censuring of offenders, the remoouing of offences and the restoring o [...] such as haue falne. Math. 18.15.16 &c. 1. Cor. 10.31.32. 1. Cor. 14.40 1. Thes. 5.14.
Q. By whome and how is this power to be vsed?
Tim. 5.17.16. [...]0 An. By the ministers and such as are lawefully called to haue gouerment in the church, admonishing, suspending, o [...] excommunicating offendors, according [Page 59] to the qualitie of their offence, & [...]estoring and receiuing into the church those offendours that doe repent and reforme themselues. 1. Thess. 5.14. 1. Cor. 5.4.5.13. 2. Cor. 2.6.7.8. 2. Thess. 3.14.15. 1. Tim. 5.20.
Q. What call you the publike civill gouernment?
A. That order which God hath appointed to be kept by the authoritie of the Prince, Rulers, and Magistrates, for the punishment and brideling of sinne, and the maintenance of peace & quietnes among other people. Rom. 13.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 1. Pet. 2.13.15.
Q. What difference is betweene the Ecclesiasticall and ciuill punishment?
A. The punishment of the Church [...]s inflicted vpon the soule and conscience, by admonitions, reprehension, or separating of the offendours from the Fellowship of the Church. 1. Cor. 5.4.5. [...]3.
The ciuill punishment is inflicted vpon the bodie or goods of malefactors, according to the lawes of Princes and countries.
[Page 60]Q. To what ende hath the Lord appointed this order?
A. That men might liue a peaceable and quiet life in all godlines and honestie. 1. Tim. 2.2.
Q. What call you priuate ecclesiasticall gouernment?
A. That gouernment which parent and gouernours of families ought t [...] obserue in teaching, instructing and informing their wiues, children, and seruants, in the knowledge and fearing [...] God, to auoid sinne, and to liue god [...] and vertuously. Gen. 18.19. Ios. 24.1 [...] 1. Cor. 15.34.39. Eph. 6.4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. [...] Tim. 2.9.10.11. &c. 1. Pet. 3.1.23.
Q. What call you priuate ciuill gouernment?
A. That gouernment which parent and gouernours of families ought al [...] to obserue in correcting their childre [...] and seruants, for their amendment, a [...] cording to the qualitie of the cause a [...] person, and to keepe them in a lawf [...] and orderly course of life. Prov. 19.1 [...] & 22.15. & 23.13, 14. & 20.30. 1. Pet. 18.19. Deut. 21.18, 19, 20.
A morning prayer for a familie.
O Most mightie, eternall, and euerliuing Lord God, maker of heauen and earth, and in Christ Jesus thy deare [...] beloued sonne, our most patient, gracious, and mercifull father; wee thy [...]oore vnworthie seruants here humbling our selues before thy diuine Maie [...]e, doe vnfainedly acknowledge that [...]e are not worthie to lift vp our eyes [...] heauen, nor to enioy the least of thy [...]ercies, beeing in our selues most vil [...] [...]d wretched sinners, guiltie both of [...]at originall corruption which wee [...]e receiued from the fall, and disobedience of our forefather Adam, and al [...] of most grieuous and innumerable [...]nsgressions of all thy holy lawes and [...]mmandements, in our thoughts, ou [...] [...]ctions, our wordes, and deedes, [...]erein we haue fearefully sinned and [...]elled against thee: both in omitting [...] good things thou doest command [Page 62] vs, and in cōmitting those euill things thou dost forbid vs, in the duties of thy holy worship, the loue of our brethren, and the labours of our calling: we haue infinitely dishonoured thy holy name and taken it in vaine, in that we haue not walked worthie of thy Gospel, & our holy calling and profession: we haue defiled thy sanctuarie and plac [...] of thy holy presence, comming befor [...] thee with vnprepared hearts to offer v [...] our sacrifice of praier & thanksgiuing and to heare thy word, our lippes ha [...] come neere vnto thee, but our hea [...] haue beene farre from thee; whereb [...] all the heauenly instructions of thy h [...] ly word haue beene stolne away fro [...] vs, and made vnfruitfull, and we [...] come vnprofitable hearers. O Lord, [...] confesse we are not able to recken [...] the least measure of our sinnes, for th [...] are more then the haires of our he [...] whereby we haue fearefully prouoke thy wrath and indignation against [...] from day to day, and from time [...] time; giuing thee iust occasion to [...] priue vs of all blessings, and to pow [...] [Page 63] downe all thy curses vpon vs in all plagues and miseries of this life, and to cast vs out of thy presence into euerlasting torments of soule and bodie in hell fire. Notwithstanding, O Lord, seeing thou hast taught vs that mercie pleaseth thee, and that if we confesse our sinnes, thou art faithfull and iust to forgiue vs our sinnes, and to purge vs from all our iniquitie: we flie vnto this thy mercie, and that in the onely name, merits, and mediation of thy sonne Iesus Christ, in whome onely and alone thou art well pleased, beseeching thee for his sake, to pardon and forgiue vs all our sinnes, originall and actuall, to wash away all the guiltines of them in his most innocent blood, to burie them [...]or euer in his most pretious death: to [...]urne thy face away from them, and [...]rom vs all thy iudgements and curses [...]hich we haue worthily deserued for [...]hem, either publique or priuate.
And we beseech thee vouchsafe with [...]e pretious water of thy spirit, daily to [...]ash and clense our hearts and minds, [...]ir soules, and bodies, from all vncleanes [Page 64] of sinne, from all iniquitie and vngodlines, from euery euill worke, and euill way, to worke in vs more and more a true sight and hatred of all ou [...] sinnes, with that Godly sorrow tha [...] may bring forth in vs repentance neue [...] to be repented of, to arme vs with a [...] that spirituall armour, that may mak [...] vs to stand stedfast and fight manfull [...] vnder thy banner in our holy professio [...] of thy gospell, make thy holy word t [...] dwell plentifully in vs with al wisdom [...] that it may be vnto vs the sword of th [...] spirit whereby wee may get victor [...] ouer all the power, malice, and subti [...] tie of Sathan, and all the wickednes [...] our owne sinnefull, and rebellious nature, ouer all the courses, customes, o [...] casions, and examples of this sinne f [...] euill world: yea ouer euery sinne th [...] hetherto hath passed vs, euen those th [...] haue most strongly preuailed again [...] vs, wherein wee haue most often a [...] fearefully falne, and to that which w [...] are most prone and subiect: that he [...] forth we may walke in the waies [...] good men, & in the paths of the rig [...] teous, [Page 65] that is, in the waie of thy lawes, and the path of thy commandements, hating all workes of darkenes, and behauing our selues in all things as the children of light.
This must be added for the day.
And now, Lord, wee further commend our selues and this whole family, and euery member of the same, vnto thy most gracious gouerment and protection the rest of this day, beseeching thee to watch ouer vs for good, and to preserue vs from all dangers and euills that otherwaies may come vpon vs in soule or in bodie, or in any thing that belongeth vnto vs, stirring vp our hearts and strengthening vs with thy grace to walke diligently and faithfully in our seuerall callings, making conscience to bestow this day, and all the daies of our life, & all thy precious time which thou doest vouchsafe vs more profitably then euer we haue doone hitherto; furnish euery one of vs with all gifts and graces necessarie for our callings, both gouernors, children, & seruants, that euery one of vs in our seuerall [Page 66] places may know how to behaue ourselues, and faithfully to performe euery good dutie with all simplicitie and godly purenes, as thou doest teach vs in thy holy word; truly louing one another, truly caring one for another, to the glorie of thy name, the peace of our owne consciences, our mutuall comfort and the good example of all those with whome we liue. Sanctifie vnto vs the vse of all thy good creatures this day, blesse vs and prosper vs in all our labours, prouide mercifully for all our necessities, supply our wants, make vs euery way cheerfull in thy seruice, and so guide vs in all things that wee may carry out the profession of thy glorious gospell in a holy, blameles, and christian conuersation all the daies of our life, that we may make a godly, christian, and comfortable end of this pilgrymage, with full assurance of eternall life, through our Lord and sauiour Iesus Christ.
A thanksgiuing to be added to this praier, either morning or euening.
[Page 67]O Lord, we doe now also giue hum [...]le thanks vnto thy maiestie, for all thy [...]oue and mercies towards vs, for the [...]oote and fountaine of all thy blessings [...]uen our Lord Iesus Christ and that loue wherewith thou hast loued vs in him, [...]uen before we were; that thy hands haue made vs and fashioned vs in our mothers womb and that thou hast brought vs forth into the world reasonable creatures, preserued vs mightily and prouided for vs gratiously from our mothers breasts vnto this present howre, we thanke thee more specially for the great and glorious worke of our redemption, saluation peace and reconciliation made betweene thee and vs through the blood of the Crosse of thy beloued sonne; we thanke thee also for the inestimable treasure of thy holy word whereby thou hast made known vnto vs the riches of these thy mercies and reuealed vnto vs thy sonne Iesus Christ, by whome we haue accesse vnto this grace wherein wee stand and reioyce vnder the hope of thy glorie; we thanke thee also for all other blessings [Page 68] which we daily receiue by thy graci [...] prouidence in preseruing vs fro [...] manyfold dangers and euills wher [...] vnto wee are subiect, in feeding [...] nourishing vs from day to day with [...] continuance of our life, health, food apparell, howses, libertie and the vse all thy good creatures.
Finally that thou hast kept vs [...] night past; for the quiet and comfort [...] ble rest; health peace and saftie, whi [...] we haue enioyed by thy gracious pr [...] uidence, and protection, for this libe [...] tie we haue to come before thee a [...] call vpon thy name, beseeching the mercifully to receiue our prayers gra [...] ting vnto vs; and to all thy church an [...] children these and whatsoeuer grace thou in thy heauenly wisedome an [...] incomprehensible loue doest know v [...] or any of thine to stand in need of, fo [...] our lord and sauiour Iesus Christ hi [...] sake in whose name we pray further [...] Our father which art in heauen, &c.
A prayer for the state of the Church and of the land which may be added to the former prayer [Page 69] before the thanksgiuing.
We beseech thee also good Lord to [...]esse thy whole church and euery part [...]nd member thereof, glorifie thy name, [...]duance thy kingdome, confound the [...]ower of Sathan, Antichrist, sinne, and [...]arkenes, blesse this thy church and countrie where we liue, giue thy gos [...]ell a free passage amongst vs, remooue all the hindrances thereof, [...]aise vp daily by thy almightie power and goodnes all those means & instruments that may further it aright, blesse [...]we beseech thee, prosper and preserue the excellent estate of our soueraigne Lord the Kings Maiestie, our gratious Queene, the Prince their eldest sonne and all their royall posteritie; multiply thy blessings vpon them, preserue them from all dangers, make them earnest louers, fauorers and furtherers of thy truth and gospell and tender nursing fathers and nursing Mothers vnto thy Church & people all the daies of their life. Good Lord blesse the honorable councellors magistrates and nobility of this land and all that be in authoritie [Page 70] vnder the Kings highnes that they ma [...] carefully & faithfully in all their cour [...] sails, consultations and gouerment labour for and procure the promoting [...] thy glorie, the aduancement of th [...] gospell; the maintenance of true religion, vertue and godlines, the suppressio [...] of sinne and wickednes, the peace and prosperitie of the church and commo [...] wealth, that we may liue vnder his highnes and them a peaceable and quiet life in all godlynes and honestie. Lord furnish thy Church continually with godly, faithfull, learned and worthy pastors and teachers of thy holy word, blesse their ministerie to thy people and defend it against all the malice of the wicked.
Lord blesse all the christian families in the land and encrease the number of them dayly; open the eies of the ignorant, mollifie the hearts of the obstinat, conuert them that run astray, comfort the feeble hearted; raise vp such as bee falne, if they belong vnto thee; & adde vnto thy church dayly such as shalbe saued, be mercifull to all thy seruants [Page 71] [...]hat be in any manner of affliction cō [...]ort them and releeue them, help them [...]nd succour them according to their se [...]erall necessities, giue them a holy vse of al their afflictions and a gratious deliuerance in due time, finally good Lord send thy blessings vpon all our land with fruitfull seasons and plentifull encrease of al thy good creatures which in thy gracious prouidence thou hast ordeyned for our vses and necessities that we may chearfully sing vnto thee from day to day the praises of thy mercies through Iesus Christ
An Euening prayer.
O almightie and eternall Lord God father of our Lord Iesus Christ wee thy poore vnworthie seruants, beeing come together to offer vp vnto thee our euening sacrifice of praier & thanksgiuing according to our bounde duty doe first of all acknowledge against our selues that we are al of vs most vile & wretched sinners, not worthie the least of al thy mercies; being guiltie of the fall of our forefather Adam, of our owne originall corruption and of innumerable & most [Page 72] heynous transgressions of all thy ho [...] lawes and commandements both [...] our sinfull thoughts, words and deed and so much the more guiltie, because we haue not regarded the good meane which thou hast mercifully ordeyne [...] for vs, to haue wrought in our heart true knowledge and vnderstanding o [...] thy will and commandements, repentance of our sinnes and amendment of our life; we confesse therefore that we haue infinitely prouoked thy wrath & iudgement against vs, and iustly deserued all curses, plagues and miseries to be poured vpon vs in this life and to be cast for euer hereafter into the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; but good Lord wee appeale vnto the vnsearchable riches of thy mercies in Christ Iesus, beseeching thee to wash away all our sins & guiltines in his most precious blood, to burie them all in his most glorious death, that they may be remooued for euer out of thy sight and be vnto vs as though they had never bene, lett thy blessed spirit of Adoption good lord seale vnto our hearts [Page 73] [...]he full assurance of this thy euerlasting [...]oue and mercy▪ and lord work in vs [...]ayly more and more a godly sorrow [...]or all our sinnes with hearty and vnfei [...]ed repentance, and so worke in our [...]earts by thy holy spirit that all the [...]ower of sinne may dayly die in vs more and more, and all good graces of [...]hy spirit may dayly grow and encrease [...]n vs, that our hearts may be strengthned with an vnfeined faith and we may be purged from euill consciences and made fruitfull in all duties of christian loue, so as in the whole course of our life hereafter we may walke before thee in all simplicity and godly purenes and serue thee vnfeinedly in all the duties of true holines and righteousnes all the daies of our life.
And now lord we further commend our selues and euery member of this familie into thy mercifull protection this night, beeseeching thee to preserue and keepe vs from all dangers and perills to which we are subiect in soule or bodie, or any thing that belongeth vnto vs▪ to giue vs quiet and comfortable [Page 74] rest with the continuance of our health peace, and saftie to the glorie of th [...] name that we may be more fitt for th [...] duties of our calling when thou sha [...] raise vs againe and so to guide vs and sanctifie vs throughout, that whethe [...] we sleepe or wake, liue or die we ma [...] be thine.
After this the thanksgiuing to this marke * and then adde this following.
Finally we giue thee humble thank [...] that it hath pleased thee to preserue [...] this day, and for all those blessings tho [...] hast vouchsafed vnto vs, our health peace and saftie, the comfortable vse [...] all thy good creatures, with thy ble [...] sing vpon our labours, and last of a [...] for this libertie we haue to come befor [...] thee, beeseeching thee to accept of thi [...] our euening sacrifice; gratiously t [...] heare vs and grant vnto vs &c. as before.
A praier before the reading of scriptures.
Almightie Lord God our most mercifull and heauenly father in Iesus Chri [...] [Page 75] we beseech thee vouchsafe by thy holy spirit to prepare our hearts▪ that with [...]ll reuerence and diligence we may at [...]end to this thy holy word and soe to open our vnderstanding and to sanctifie our affections as thou mayst therby disperse in vs more and more all the [...]mists and darknesses of Sathan and of sinne and make vs apt to euerie good worke and wise vnto saluation through [...]esus Christ our Lord & only Sauiour. Amen.
A prayer before Catechising.
O lord our god and our most mercifull father in Iesus Christ which hast commanded vs to lay vp thy words in our hearts and to speake of them when we rise vp, when we lie downe, when we goe forth, when we come home, to [...]each them and rehearse them continually to our children. And seeing our lord Iesus Christ hath commanded vs to search the scriptures that we might know thee the onely true god and him whom thou hast sent, and soe attaine to eternall life▪ wee beseech thee be gratious vnto vs thy poore seruants [Page 76] being come together in the obedience of theis thy holy commandements, to seeke thee by such meanes as thou ha [...] mercifully ordeined for vs. Lord we confesse our hearts are full of hardne [...] our vnderstanding is full of darknes [...] our eares are dull of hearing, we bese [...] thee vouchsafe by the grace of thy hol [...] spirit to open and circumcise our eares to lighten our dark vnderstanding an [...] to mollifie our hard hearts that we ma [...] heare with reuerence, vnderstand wit [...] iudgment, marke with diligence an [...] receiue with meeknes all the instuctions which we shall heare at this tim [...] out of thy holy word and that they ma [...] be written in the fleshy tables of o [...] hearts by the finger of thy owne spir [...] to breed and encrease in vs all spiritua [...] knowledge and heauenly wisedom [...] faith, hope, loue hatred of sinne, practi [...] of righteousnes and all holy duties [...] christianitie and of our seuerall calling & so serue thee with all simplicitie an [...] godly purenes all the daies of our li [...] through Iesus Christ our only lord, Sauiour and redeemer. Amen.
A praier After Catechising.
O lord our god most gracious and mercifull father, we most humbly thanke thy heauenly maiestie that thou hast vouchsafed vs this great mercy to be partakers of theis heauenly doctrins and instructions of thy holy word, which thou hast so mercifully and gratiously ordeyned for vs. we besech thee good lord that thou wilt also vouchsafe vs that grace of thy holy spirit, that we may faythfully remember and diligently meditate vpon those things that now or heretofore we haue heard out of thy holy word: that we may lay them vp in our hearts and make a good and profitable vse of them, to the encreasing of our knowledg, our faith, our obedience, our hope, and loue, and all spirituall graces and gifts meete for our places and callings, to the glory of thy most holy name, the peace and comfort of our cōsciences, the saluation of our soules and bodies, the good & good example of those with whome we liue; through thy dearely beloued sonne Iesus Christ our Lord and our [Page 78] most blessed sauiour and only redemer Amen.
A morning prayer for seruants by themselues.
O almightie Lord God our most gracious and louing Father in Iesus Christ we doe vnfeinedly confesse before thy maiestie that we are all of vs most vile wretched sinners, cōceiued & borne in sinne, altogether corrupted & defiled in our owne nature, guiltie of innumerable & heinous transgressions of all thy holy lawes and commandements, vnapt to all goodnes, proane to all sinne and wickednes, vnworthy of any of thy blessings, euen the least of all thy mercies; and worthie of all thy fearefull curses conteined in thy law, in all miseries of this life, and of eternall death and damnation in the life to come; but most mercifull father wee beseech thee looke vpon vs in Iesus Christ pardon and forgiue vs all our sinnes for his sake, worke in vs more and more the sight and feeling of all our sinnes, with a true loathing and hatred of them, a godly sorrow for [Page 79] them, and an holy repentance; giue vs faith in thy precious promises that wee may trust perfectly vpon that saluation that is brought vnto vs by Christ Iesus, with the full assurance of our eternall election vnto immortall life. Increase in vs care & conscience to vse all good meanes that thou hast ordained for our instruction, and write in our hearts all the good lessons that we heare out of thy holy word that we may daily grow and increase in all grace and godlines.
Receiue vs this day into thy holy protection, keepe vs from all dangers and euills of bodie and soule, worke in vs all dutifull reuerence to our superiors, all diligence, and faithfullnes in our labours. Keepe vs from slothfulnes, negligence and idlenes, and all manner of vniust dealing in our seruice. Blesse and prosper vs in all our labours; wherin we are to be imployed that we may bee profitable to our gouernours to whome we owe our seruice, & carry the testimonie of good consciences in our soules, to thy glorie and our euerlasting peace and comfort, through Iesus [Page 80] Christ our only sauiour and redeemer in whose name we pray further as he hath taught vs. Our father, &c.
A prayer for Scholers.
O almightie lord God, most mercifull of our Lord Iesus Christ, the fountaine of all wisedome, grace, and goodnes, we beseech thee to looke mercifully vpon vs, to forgiue vs al our sinnes, to worke in vs dayly more and more the hatred of all sinne, and wickednes, the loue of al goodnes, yea we beseech thee to teach vs to knowe and remember thee our creator, our redemer our sanctifier and preseruer in these daies of our childhood and youth, worke in vs a true loue vnto thy holy word, and delight in thy commandements, giue vs grace to seeke for, and to attaine vnto that true wisedome taught in thy holy word, wherby we may vnderstand the feare of thy holy name & attaine the knowledge of thee, and all godlines, that wee may know also, iustice and iudgment and equitie & euery good path that, this heauenly wisedome may be our watch-man and this [Page 81] knowledge our garder and keeper to preserue vs from the crooked waies of wicked men, and all the baites and allurments of sinne, to the end that we may walke in the waies of good men and in the paths of the righteous. And good Lord worke in euerie one of vs al loue, reuerence and obedience vnto our teachers and gouerners all diligence and good conscience to bestowe this precious time profitably. Lord we beseech thee vouchsafe dayly more & more to quicken out witts, to open our vnderstanding, to strengthen our memories, to confirme our iudgments. Send downe thy blessings vpon all the instructions that are deliuered vnto vs, vpon all the labours of our teachers, & all our owne studies & endeuoures that we may dayly grow and encrease in all good learning and knowledge, wisdome, vertue, and godlines, that we may be answerable to the good expectation of our parents and freinds, to their great and effectuall comfort, and worthy and wise seruants vnto thy maiestie, in the places thou hast hereafter [Page 82] appointed for vs, in the church or cō mon wealth, grant good Lord these graces & whatsoeuer else thou knowest vs to stand in neede of for our lord Iesus Christ his sake. Amen.