who come to the House of Prayer Q. Why is the Time generally in the Night A. The first Christians were forced so to Bury and later Ages imitated them only adding divers Lights to shew their Hope of the Party 's being gone to Light everlasting Q. Why do Friends follow the Corps to the Grave A. To mind them that they must shortly follow the deceased in the same Path of Death Q. Why doth the Priest meet at the Church gate in his Surplice A. To allay the Sorrow which naturally seizeth on us when we follow a dear Friend to the Grave the Priest meets us in white the Colour of Joy in imitation of the Angels who go out in white Garments to receive the Soul so doth he to receive the body of the faithful A. 2. This is the Attire which is appointed for the Minister in the Performance of all his Publick offices Q. Why are those Sentences said in the Way A. To excite the Company to Faith Patience and Thankfulness Q. Why is the Body brought into the Church A. To shew the Party died in the Communion thereof Q. What is the meaning of those words in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to Eternal Life A. This is not spoken of the Party deceased but of the belief of the Standers by of this Article themselves and therefore we say afterward who shall change our vile body and not of the Party deceased Q. Why are Prayers said at the Grave A. Since the sight of that Place and of the Corps now ready to be put into it is wont to make great Impressions on us the Church takes this occasion to fit us with Devotions at the Grave 2. To shew the peculiar hope of the Church of the Resurrection of the Dead In the manner of dumb Funerals what one thing is there whereby the World may perceive we are Christians there being in those dumb Shows nothing but what Heathens and Pagans do Of the Churching of Women Quest WHY is the Woman ordered to come to Church and offer up her publick Praises Answ The Birth of Man is little less than a Miracle and lest the Frequency should diminish our Sense of it the Woman who hath received this wonderful Mercy is ordered to come to Church and offer up her publick Praises Q. What Reason for this Command of the Church A. The Original is from the Law of Moses Levit. 12. which commands all Women after they had born a Child to come to the House of God within a certain number of days and with a Sacrifice to praise God for this great Mercy and although the Ceremonial Reason be ceased yet the Obligation to make a publick Acknowledgment of so eminent a Favour remains still and in all Ages Christian Mothers have observed this holy Rite Q. Why is the Church the Place appointed to do this in A. It must be done thus publickly 1. For God's Honour 2. To satisfy the Womans Duty who is bound to let God's Goodness be shewed forth that others may learn to trust in him 3. By this means many are brought to join in God's Praises for so publick a Mercy and therefore to do this in a private House is absurd and contrary to the main end of the Office Of the Commination Quest WHAT was the Reason and Occasion of composing this Office A. To supply the want of Primitive Discipline that every Man may judge himself since the Church now judgeth so few Offenders Q. Why are those Sentences of God's Cursing against impenitent Sinners read A. In Imitation of the Jews who were appointed by God yearly to observe this Office Q. Doth not he that says Amen wish a Curse to himself A. It is no Adverb of Wishing it signifies no more than an Assent to the truth of that to which it is added Q. What Vse may we make of this Office A. It may be useful to make us flee such Vices and repent of them which here are mentioned since we acknowledge the Curse and Vengeance of God doth deservedly follow such Sins and Sinners Q. What Days in the Week are set apart for Publick Worship throughout the World A. Sunday or the Lord's Day is observ'd by Christians Monday by the Grecians Tuesday by the Persians Wednesday by the Assyrians Thursday by the Egyptians Friday by the Turks Saturday by the Jews An Account of the Titles of all the Books of the Old and New Testament and why they are stil'd Canonical and the meaning of the Word Apocryphal which Title is given to those Books which are not Received into the Canon Of the Old Testament or Covenant THE Books in Holy Scripture are call'd Canonical because according to Rule and Order they have been received into the Canon that is into the Number of those Writings which are unquestionably acknowledged to be the Writings of the Prophets and Holy Men inspired in the Old Testament or Covenant And of the Apostles and Disciples of Christ in the New Testament or Covenant The Word in Greek which is translated Testament signifies both a Covenant and a Testament Both the Words in the Title of the Holy Bible may be used 1. That of Covenant as being most agreeable to the use of the Word in the Sacred Dialect and most agreeable to the Nature of the Gospel which is the Law of Faith 2. That Word of a Testament also wherein the Christian's Inheritance is sealed to him as to a Son and Heir of God's and wherein the Death of Christ as of a Testator is set down at large by way of Story and as it is applicable to our Benefit Of the Pentateuch THE Five first Books in the beginning of the Holy Bible viz. Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy were Penned by Moses and called the Pentateuch which word signifies a Volume of Five Books Of Genesis This First Book of Moses contains the History of the Creation of the World particularly of the Making of Man with which it begins and the Genealogy of the Patriarchs down to the Death of Joseph where it ends with relation whereunto it is very fitly called Genesis that Greek word very properly expressing the Original or first Formation of these things It comprehends an History of 2369 Years or thereabout in the Judgment of many Learned Writers Exodus This Book hath its Name from the Principal Subject of it viz. The Departure of the Children of Israel out of Egypt For so the Greek word signifies Going out or Departing from one place to another It contains an History of about 145 Years from the Death of Joseph to the Building of the Tabernacle for it treats of several things which went before their departure and which followed after it but they all Relate to that and depend upon it Leviticus Levi was the Third Son of Jacob from him his Posterity had the Name of Levites Aaron who with his Sons was called to the Priesthood was from him called a Levite and the Priesthood that was setled in that
A Plain and Rational VINDICATION and EXPLANATION OF THE LITURGY OF THE Church of England Collected out of the Discourses of some of the Reverend Bishops and Doctors of the same CHURCH by Way of QUESTION and ANSWER By J. CLVTTERBVCK Gent. The Second Edition with Improvements LONDON Printed for William Keblewhite at the Swan in St. Paul's Church-Yard 1699. To my Beloved Daughters SARAH LILLINGSTON AND MARY LEACH THE Church's aim in all her Services was to make them reasonable and therefore she hath not only put them in a known Tongue but also instructs us in the Nature of them making her prayer-Prayer-Book a Sum of Divinity but because we are fallen into an Age that many who call themselves Saints do actually mock and ridicule her sacred Offices It 's surely a Duty incumbent on all her Obedient Children to vindicate the Honour of their Holy Mother the Church I thought it therefore Time not ill spent having retired my self to a Private Life to collect such Reasons out of the Writings of the Reverend Bishops and Doctors of the Church of England as may justifie not only her Commands but enforce our Obedience to her Pious Edicts and to the Observance of her lawful Ceremonies And that my Affection may last longer than my Life I present ye with these my First-Fruits hoping that not only the Example and constant Practice of your Ancient Father but his Advice and Counsel may prevail with you to persevere to the End in the Doctrine and Discipline of that Church in which ye have been Baptized Educated and Instructed and let not Men deceive you with vain Words I only at First designed these Collections for my own private Satisfaction but I was prevailed upon by some Friends to make them Publick for this Reason because they assured me they would be of Use and Advantage to those of the meaner Understanding and not despised by others that knew them already which I chuse to say that I may prevent the Censure of those that may think this Publication proceeds from an itching Desire of Applause or at least from Vain-Glory Let not the Meanness of my Performances lessen your Reverence to the Holy Offices of our Church but live in the constant Use and Practice of them and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ will bless you both in Soul and Body guiding ye by his Counsel here and bringing ye at last to his Glory which is the hearty Prayer of Your Affectionate Father J. CLUTTERBUCK April 16. 1694. To the READER IT is observed by a Reverend and Judicious Author Dr. Jo. Cockburn That Early Buds are wont to please the curious who are generally a little impatient But the Trees flourish best and are most fruitful which do not over-hastily put forth before their proper Season This Observation had I duly considered I should not to satisfie the importunity of some Friends so hastily have Published my First Thoughts However it appears that my Intentions to do good have been kindly received the First Edition being Sold off and being hereby encouraged to a Second Impression of this Book and desirous to have it more Correct and Useful I have made some Additions and Enlargements in giving a short Explication of the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments that all may understand what they Pray for and Read This I am sensible is very excellently perform'd by several Eminent Hands but I submit to the Judgment of some worthy Friends That I ought to consult the Reader 's Ease and Conveniency and not to referr him altogether to what Others have writ Several Remarks and Observations you will meet with in this Edition which escaped my first Consideration And lastly I have given some brief Hints of the Argument and Design of each Book of Holy Writ which may in some measure assist in Reading those Sacred Pages The Compilers of the English COMMON-PRAYER-BOOK were Dr. Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury Mart. Dr. Goodrick Bishop of Ely Dr. Skip Bishop of Hereford Dr. Thirlby Bishop of Westminster Dr. Day Bishop of Chichester Dr. Holbeck Bishop of Lincoln Dr. Ridley Bishop of Rochester after Bishop of London Mart. Dr. Cox King Edward 's Almoner Dr. Taylor Dean of Lincoln Mart. Dr. Heynes Dean of Exeter Dr. Redman Dean of Westminster Mr. Robinson Archdeacon of Leicester May 1549. Anno Reg. Edw. 6. Tertio The English Reformation is the most compleat and perfect in its Kind as retaining the most ancient Doctrine and soundest Confession of Faith founded upon the Holy Scriptures and agreeable to the first General Councils the most Primitive Church Government and a Liturgy the best accommodated to reconcile and unite Mens Devotions Such a Liturgy as Mr. Fox the Author of the Martyrology is not afraid to say was indited by the Holy Ghost but certainly had a great Testimony in the unspeakable Joy and Contentment holy Men took in it in K. Edward the Sixth's days their Zeal for the Maintenance of it longing for the Restitution of it and Sealed it with their Blood in Q. Maries days and the Universal Triumphs and Acclamations at the Restoring of it in Queen Elizabeth's Reign Dr. Goodman Comp. Inquiry OF THE CALENDAR AND THE Special USE thereof IN THE CHURCH of GOD. THE Calendar of the Church is as full of Benefit as Delight unto such as are given to the serious Study and due Contemplation thereof for besides the admirable Order and Disposition of Times which are necessary for the better transacting of all Ecclesiastical and Secular Affairs it hath in it a very Beautiful Distinction of the Days and Seasons whereof some are chosen out and sanctified and others are put among the Days of the Week to number But the chief Use of it in the Church of God is to preserve a solemn Memory and to continue in their due Season sometimes a weekly and sometimes an Annual Commemoration of those excellent and high Benefits which God hath bestowed upon Mankind for the Founding and Propagating of that Christian Religion which we now profess together with a Direction how to find the Lessons which the Church orders to be read every Day in the Week at Morning and Evening Prayer And because the Multitude of Holy Men and Women became so exceeding numerous that all the Days of the Year would not have been sufficient for a several Commemoration of them it was the great Wisdom and Moderation of those Religious Grave Prelates who did reform such things as were many ways amiss among us to chuse One Solemn Day alone wherein to magnifie God for the Generality of all his Saints together and to retain some few selected Days in every Month for the Special Memory of some Holy Persons and Actions hereby avoiding only the Burthen and the unnecessary Number of Festival Days Of the Golden Number and Dominical Letter THE Golden Number was anciently devised to find out the Ecclesiastical beginning of the Year which always happen'd between March the 7th and April the 6th And is
Family is call'd Levitical The Law relating to the discharge of the Priests Office is called the Levitical Law and upon that account That Book of Moses which more especially treats of the Holy Rites and Services in which these Priests were by their Office imployed is very fitly from the Subject Matter of it call'd Leviticus Numbers This Book is call'd Numbers from the Subject Matter which it begins withal viz. An Account of the Number of the People of Israel Deuteronomy This Book is very fitly called Deuteronomy which in the Greek Tongue imports a Repetition of the Law There being in this Divine Book a Repetition not only of many Facts which had passed before but of many Laws also which were mentioned before Joshua This Book is so called because it containeth the History of His Acts in his Government Conquests dividing the Land and setling of the State and Commonwealth of Israel and because as it is most probable it was Penned by Joshua following here in the Example of Moses his Predecessor Howsoever some Passages could not be Penned by himself as containing some thinks which were done after his Death but were afterward inserted by some Holy Men of God inspired by the Spirit Judges This Book which seemeth to have been gathered by some Prophet out of the Publick Records containeth the History of the chief things which happened to the People of God after the Death of Joshua until the days of Eli the High Priest Ruth This Book is an Addition to the Book of Judges and is call'd the Book of Ruth because she is the chief Subject of this Story the main Scope is to continue and declare the Genealogy of our Saviour Christ descended of Boaz a Jew and of Ruth a Moabitish Gentile to shew that He should bring Salvation to all of every Nation I. Samuel This Book was entituled with the Name of Samuel not that he was the Author of it but because the first Eight Chapters chiefly respect him and the things done under his Government and was written by one of his Disciples a Son of the Prophets who in honour of his Master call'd it by his Name And it is called The First Book of the Kings because it containeth a Relation of such things as happened under the first King's Government II. Samuel This Book is a Continuation of the History of God's People from Saul's Death to the End of David's Reign and is the History of 40 Years I. Kings This Book was made by one or more Prophets and continueth the Sacred History of Kings from the End of David's Reign to the End of Jehosaphat's Reign The Division of the Twelve Tribes into Two Kingdoms The Reign of the first Four Kings of Judah and Eight of Israel after the Division II. Kings This Book continueth the History of the Kings of Israel and Judah to the Captivity of them both These Two Books of the Kings are distinguished not as if they contained Histories of different Matters but because if all the History of both Books had been Compiled in one Book it would have seemed too great a Volume I. Chronicles This word Chronicle is a Register of Acts done time after time These Two Books were of old Compiled in One and contain an History of 3457 Years at least from Adam to the Return of the Israelites from the Babylonish Captivity 2 Chr. 36. 22. And the Genealogy of David's Posterity 1 Chr. 2. 19. The Penman of these Two Books the same with that of Ezra by which it appears they were Penned after the Captivity The Greek Title is Remainders which has relation to the Book of Kings as if These had gathered up what They had left out In the Book of Kings there are References to the Book of Chronicles But These Sacred Books of Chronicles cannot be there meant because They were not then Penned and many things referred to the Books of Chronicles are not found in these Books Ezra This Book is called Ezra either because a great part of it contains Memorable Acts of His or as is supposed Ezra the Priest was the Penman after the Babylonish Captivity Nehemiah This Book is called Nehemiah because He and his Acts are the chief Subject of the Book and as is supposed Penned by Ezra Esther This Title of Esther is given to this Book in Memory of that Prudent and Pious Queen who was an Instrument of great good to the Church of God yet throughout the whole Book not one Tittle of God is once set down Job In the time of the Ancient Patriarchs before the giving of the Law of Moses there lived in Arabia a Person of great Eminence whose Name was Job The Scope of the Book is to establish the great Article of Providence and thereby to preserve us from Errour in thinking that God's Knowledge or his Intention Providence and Government is like ours which Foundation being laid nothing will seem hard to a Man whatsoever happens Psalms The Book of Psalms or Praises so call'd from the Major part and they are called David's Psalms because he made most of them for there were several other Authors by whom some of them were composed Proverbs King Solomon was the Author of this Book The word Proverbs in the Hebrew denotes only any acute and excellent Saying which is as worthy to be known by all and to be in every ones Mouth as common Proverbs are And in Holy Scripture the word is used for an eloquent Speech or a pithy Sentence in a few words expressing much Sense A Profitable Instruction Ecclesiastes The word Ecclesiastes signifies the Preacher and this Book which bears this Name was written by King Solomon in his declining Age to signifie his Repentance The Song of Songs This Book is called the Canticles which signifies a Song and was composed by King Solomon in the beginning of his Reign Of the Prophets These Holy Men inspired by God are so termed because they did foretel future Events by Divine Revelation and These whose Monuments we have severally booked in Holy Scripture are Sixteen whereof the Four former are called the Greater in regard of the largeness of their Prophecies The latter Twelve are called the Lesser in regard of the shortness of their Prophecies Isaiah This name Isaiah is taken from the Hebrew but our Ancient Versions speaking in English forms to English ears following the Greek do not amiss render it Esay the word signifies God's Salvation no unfit Title for him who so clearly and largely prophesied of Christ This Prophet as in Place and Rank so in order of time is without question the First of the four Larger or great Prophets He is by the Ancients not undeservedly term'd An Evangelical Prophet Jeremiah Jeremiah was a Priest which some of the other Prophets were not before his entrance upon this extraordinary Employment of Prophecy Lamentations This Book was composed by Jeremiah in the time of the Babylonian Captivity Ezekiel Ezekiel of the Priestly Race composed this Prophecy in
Penitential Psalms A. Psalm the 6. 32. 38. 51. 102. 130. 143. Q. Why is Glory to the Father c. used at the end of every Psalm A. 1. Because we do not only glorifie the Holy Trinity which Mystery is more explicitly revealed to us under the Gospel than it was under the Law and by it we signifie that we believe the same God was worshipped by them as by us the same God that is glorified in the Psalms having been from the beginning Father Son and Holy Ghost 2. But we also six as it were this part of the Old Testament for the Service of God under the Gospel and make them Evangelical Offices Q. Why are two Lessons read one out of the Old Testament and another out of the New A. To shew the Harmony and Agreement of both what was foretold in the one is fulfilled in the other 2. This Method of Reading doth tend or fitly serve that from the smaller things the Mind may go forward to the Knowledge of greater Q. What is Holy Scripture A. A perfect Revelation of God's Will as far as is necessary to our Salvation and a compleat Rule both for our Faith and Manners Q. Why are any Chapters omitted to be read A. Because they are such as have been read already as the Chronicles being for the most part the same with the Kings or else full of Genealogies 2. The more profitable Chapters are read the difficulter being not so properly said to be omitted as to be remitted to private Consideration Q. Why are the Apocryphal appointed to be read A. Not as any Rule of Faith but because they are excellent Instructions of Life and Conversation and accounted nearest to Divine of any Writings and therefore may be read publickly with Profit and more safely than Sermons can be ordinarily preached there Q. Why are those Books call'd Apocryphal A. Because it is doubted whether they be true Scripture or not certainly known to be so for so the Greek word signifies Q. That we may profit by hearing the Old Testament pray inform us what the Moral Part of the Law will teach us A. It will teach us what is Sin together with the Blessings and Cursings expressed in Phrases relating to things temporal but we may spiritually apply them Q. What doth the History of Holy Scripture serve for A. To confirm our Faith in God's Providence and comfort us in Affliction and to warn us against Sin Q. What Directions do the Poetick Books of Holy Scripture give us viz. the Songs Hymns and Psalms A. Principally to magnify God's Power and Wisdom and to render him thanks for Mercies received and Deliverances wrought and to act prudently in all Estates and Conditions and furnish us with excellent Proofs of that great Truth viz. That it is the wisest thing in the World to be a good Man Q. What do the Prophecies serve for A. To excite us to admire the Foresight and Truth of God and teach us to trust in him for that which is not yet accomplished and particularly they abundantly prove that Jesus is the Messiah and Saviour of the World Q. What may we learn by hearing the New Testament A. In the Gospels we may see God's Love to us and the great Things which Jesus did and suffered for us whose Doctrine is the perfect Rule and his Practice the compleat Example of all Piety and Vertue and God hath so set him that we might follow his Steps 2. Out of the Epistles we may learn the higher Mysteries of Faith and the more peculiar duties of our Religion and the Privileges and Rewards of Christians Of the Hymns Quest WHY are the Hymns appointed to be read after the first and second Lesson A. Besides Antiquity there is great Reason for this Interposition of Hymns for by this variety People are secured against Weariness and Distraction But the chief Reason is in respect to the great benefit we receive from the Word of God for which we do daily praise him Q. Why are they sung standing A. Musick makes the Service of God more easie and Singing enkindles a holy Flame in the Mind and Affections And by the Posture of Standing we fitly express the lifting up of our Hearts in Joy and it is a Reverend Posture in our Addresses to God Q. Why are the Hymns call'd the Te Deum the Magnificat c. A. Because these are the first words in the Hymns in Latin as Te Deum Laudamus Q. Who composed the Te Deum and what doth it contain A. St. Ambrose composed it and it contains three Particulars 1. An Act of Praise a Confession of Faith and a Supplication Q. Why is not Glory to the Father c. annex'd to the Te Deum as well as to the other Hymns A. Because Te Deum is a kind of Creed express'd in the fashion of a Glory be to the Father c. Q. Pray give an account of the other Hymns appointed to be said after the first and second Lessons Of the Benedicite THIS Hymn the Song of the three Children is sometimes used after the First Lesson which although it be not Canonical Scripture yet it is an exact Paraphrase on the 148 Psalm and so like thereto in Words and Sense that whoever despiseth this reproacheth that part of the sacred Canon As for the matter of it it is an elegant Summons to all God's Works to praise him intimating that they all set out his Glory and invite us who have the benefit of them to praise and magnifie his Name for them or it is as if they had said the Lord is to be praised by or in these things when the Lesson treats of the Creation or any wonderful act of God's Providence then it is very proper to use this Hymn Of the Benedictus THIS Hymn was composed by holy Zachary upon the first notice that God had sent a Saviour to Mankind and is one of the first Evangelical Hymns indicted by God's Spirit upon this occasion and its fitness for this place is unquestionable Of the C Psalm THIS Psalm was first composed for a Form of Publick Thanksgiving to be sung by course at the Oblation of the Peace-Offering and so may well be used by us after we have heard the Gospel of Peace Of the Magnificat THIS Hymn was indicted by the Blessed Virgin and when we hear in the Lessons like Examples of God's Mercy and are told of those Prophecies and Promises which are now fulfill'd in Christ's Birth we may be expected to rejoice with her in the same Words Of the XCVIII Psalm THERE is a great Similitude between this Psalm and the Magnificat only the 98th Psalm seems more proper when the Evening first Lesson mentions some great and eminent Deliverance of God's People Of the Nunc dimittis AFter the second Evening Lesson out of the Epistles of the Holy Apostles the Nunc dimittis is most commonly used A Hymn composed by Simeon The occasion of it was his meeting Christ
Finger of the Left Hand where is a Vein that comes directly from the Heart and where it may be always in View and being a Finger least used it may be less subject to be worn out Q. What 's the meaning of those Words With this Ring I thee wed A. This is a Pledge of that Covenant of Matrimony which I just now make with thee Q. What are the Rights accruing to the Wife by this Covenant of Matrimony A. To share in all the Honours belonging to the Man's Person which is the meaning of those Words With my Body I thee worship 2. To have an Interest in his Estate signified by that Phrase With all my worldly Goods I thee endow and it was an ancient Usage to lay down a Summ of Money on the Book which the Priest delivers the Wife to give her Livery and Seising of her Husband's Estate Q. What do those Words signifie In the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost A. The Man makes this Covenant by his Christianity and before the Trinity as Witnesses thereto who if he break will be the Avenger of this Perjury for these Words calling God to Witness turn this Promise into a solemn and sacred Oath Q. Why are Isaac and Rebecca proposed as Examples A. Because Isaac kept him only to this One Wife when he might have had more Q. How is this Matrimonial Covenant ratified A. The Priest pronouncing them to be Man and Wife together In the Name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Amen doth set God's Seal to this Holy and Religious compact to make it perfect and compleat so that the Union is sacred inviolable and never to be dissolved Q. When God made the Society of Marriage why was Man made Superiour A. Because he knew Equality would breed Confusion Q. Why is Man commanded to Honour his Wife A. The Meaning is That he must give Respect and Maintenance suitable to her Degree Q. Why doth the Rubrick after this Office advise the Persons who are married to receive the Holy Communion either that Day or as soon after as is possible A. To confirm their Vows to each other by the Blessed Sacrament and to bind themselves more strictly to their several Duties Of the Visitation of the Sick Quest TO whom doth this Duty especially belong A. To the Clergy Q. Have we any Command in Holy Scripture for it A. Yes In St. James 5. 14 15. Is any sick among you Let him call for the Elders of the Church and let them pray over him anointing him with Oil c. Q. Why are not the sick now anointed with Oil A. In St. James's Time as long as the miraculous Gift of Healing continued it was used not to convey Grace to the Soul but to work a miraculous Cure which was the usual Effect But the Power and Gift being ceased the Church hath left off the Oil which was the Sign but we retain all the Substantial Parts of this Office Q. Why doth the Priest when he enters the sick Man's House salute all that are in it with those Words Peace be to this House A. Because our Lord and Saviour ordered his Disciples to use it when they went to cure both Souls and Bodies Q. What 's the Meaning of that Phrase A. It is a Pious Wish for the Health and Prosperity of all that dwell in it Q. VVhy is the Exhortation used A. Because we are commanded by God not only to pray for but to support the Weak by Comfort Counsel and Exhortation Q. VVhat are the Duties we are exhorted to A. Repentance Charity and Confession Q. VVhat doth the Exhortation consist of A. Of Instruction concerning the Author of Afflictions the End why they are sent the Manner how we must bear them the Benefit of so doing with Exhortations to several Graces and Duties Q. Why doth the Priest repeat the Creed and the Sick Man say it after him A. Because we vowed in Baptism we would believe all the Articles of our Christian Faith And the Sick Man declares his stedfast Faith to every Article to shew he dies a true Christian and a sound Member of the Holy Catholick Church And to arm himself with this Shield against the Fear of Death and the Arguments Satan may use to bring him to Despair Q. Why is the Absolution used in this Office A. Because St. James expresly requires it to be given to a Sick Penitent after the Priest hath prayed over him and since Christ left such a Power with his Church there is never more need to use it than now This is the Highest Form of Absolution used by this Church Q. How doth the Priest close this Office A. He doth it with giving the Sick a Blessing at the parting by 3. Solemn Forms the first directed to God the Son the second is a Formal Blessing in the Name of God the Father and the last is an Address to the whole Trinity Q. Why doth the Church think it necessary that the sick Man should receive the Communion A. It 's the highest Mystery of Religion and fittest for those who are by Sickness put into a Heavenly Frame and are nearest to Perfection 2. It 's God's Seal of Remission to all that receive it with Penitence and Faith 3. It arms them against the Fear of Death by setting Jesus before them who died for them and hath pulled out the Sting of Death 4. It assures them of their Resurrection by making them Members of Christ's Body 5. It declares they die in the Peace and the Communion of the true Church Of the Burial of the Dead Quest HATH the Burial of the Dead been the Practice of all Nations Answ The Care of the Bodies deceased hath been accounted a Pious thing among all Nations tho' the Manner hath been diffesent some Burning others Burying and other Embalming their Dead Q. What Regard had the Jews and Primitive Christians for Burials A. The Jews counted it an eminent kind of Mercy and the Primitive Christians were famous for their Charity in burying the Bodies not of their Friends only but of their very Enemies Q. Did any believe that the Dead were the better for what was done to their Bodies A. No Divers of the Philosophers cared not whether they were buried or no and some of the Martyrs despised their Persecutors threatning them with want of a Grave Q. What then are the true Reasons for Burials A. That our Friends Bodies may not be a Prey to Birds and Beasts 2. That the Shame of nature may not be expos'd 3. That all may return to their proper Place and be covered with the Skirt of their Mother the Earth To which the Christians add three more Reasons Because Men are made after God's Image 2. And as they were Christians their Bodies were the Temples of the Holy Ghost 3. And shall be raised again and made glorious Q. Why do we Bury in the Church or Church-Yard A. To put those in mind of their Mortality