so_o great_a blessing_n as_o be_v bestow_v in_o this_o sacrament_n q._n what_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n we_o must_v examine_v a._n that_o be_v our_o thankfulness_n q._n what_o be_v it_o we_o must_v be_v thankful_a for_o a._n we_o must_v thankful_o remember_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n what_o great_a thing_n he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o also_o with_o heart_n and_o voice_n we_o must_v make_v our_o return_n of_o thanks_o unto_o this_o our_o compassionate_a redeemer_n for_o this_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o love_a kindness_n q._n what_o be_v the_o last_o duty_n we_o must_v examine_v ourselves_o about_o a._n it_o must_v be_v concern_v our_o charity_n as_o by_o repentance_n we_o must_v reconcile_v ourselves_o to_o god_n so_o by_o charity_n we_o must_v reconcile_v ourselves_o to_o our_o neighbour_n before_o we_o dare_v come_v to_o this_o love-feast_n q._n wherein_o consist_v this_o christian_a duty_n of_o charity_n a._n it_o consist_v of_o to_o part_n first_o in_o giving_z to_z and_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o poor_a distress_a brethren_n second_o in_o forgive_n and_o pardon_v those_o injury_n and_o affront_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o by_o our_o neighbour_n q._n how_o must_v this_o our_o charity_n be_v qualify_v a._n it_o must_v be_v entire_a and_o universal_a we_o must_v be_v in_o charity_n with_o all_o man_n and_o those_o who_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a communion_n thus_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v their_o soul_n shall_v be_v strengthen_v and_o refresh_v by_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o their_o body_n be_v by_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n a_o short_a tract_n of_o confirmation_n the_o church_n of_o england_n enjoin_v godfather_n and_o godmother_n to_o take_v care_n that_o those_o child_n for_o who_o they_o engage_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v confirm_v by_o he_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o church_n catechism_n that_o be_v so_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v ready_o rehearse_v it_o and_o give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n of_o the_o principle_n therein_o contain_v but_o how_o remiss_a and_o careless_a surety_n be_v in_o discharge_v this_o trust_n which_o be_v repose_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o congregation_n our_o own_o experience_n too_o bad_o enform_v we_o by_o which_o mean_v this_o holy_a rite_n of_o confirmation_n be_v almost_o quite_o disuse_v and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o it_o will_v in_o a_o short_a space_n of_o time_n be_v lay_v aside_o notwithstanding_o the_o pious_a care_n of_o our_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n not_o only_o by_o their_o article_n requite_v all_o minister_n in_o their_o several_a charge_n to_o prepare_v the_o young_a sort_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o divine_a rite_n by_o catechise_v and_o to_o bring_v they_o unto_o they_o when_o by_o this_o mean_n due_o prepare_v but_o also_o in_o their_o triennial_a visitation_n confirm_v all_o such_o as_o be_v bring_v unto_o they_o if_o minister_n and_o surety_n be_v not_o more_o diligent_a in_o instruct_v child_n in_o the_o element_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o by_o that_o mean_v fit_o qualify_v in_o bring_v they_o to_o receive_v this_o blessing_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o due_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o rite_n and_o those_o great_a blessing_n that_o do_v attend_v upon_o it_o as_o hereafter_o i_o shall_v manifest_v it_o will_v then_o appear_v strange_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o general_o slight_v and_o omit_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o this_o negligence_n be_v either_o faction_n or_o ignorance_n there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n disuse_n it_o because_o the_o high_a power_n enjoin_v it_o they_o be_v heady_a high-minded_a despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n and_o the_o great_a character_n of_o their_o saintship_n consist_v in_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o lawful_a power_n in_o those_o matter_n which_o themselves_o can_v prove_v to_o be_v illegal_a and_o therefore_o because_o confirmation_n be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o canon_n law_n because_o it_o can_v be_v receive_v but_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o bishop_n which_o they_o abominate_a as_o the_o member_n of_o antichrist_n and_o swear_v servant_n to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n they_o resolve_v to_o reject_v it_o notwithstanding_o the_o most_o evident_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o contrary_a as_o a_o superstitious_a innovation_n and_o a_o popish_a relic_n and_o indeed_o so_o strange_o perverse_a many_o of_o this_o rude_a hard_a be_v that_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o persuade_v myself_o shall_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n strict_o enjoin_v those_o fond_a opinion_n which_o they_o do_v so_o zealous_o entertain_v they_o will_v forthwith_o cashier_v they_o to_o prevent_v the_o power_n from_o infringe_v their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o this_o that_o rebellious_a principle_n which_o be_v general_o entertain_v among_o they_o do_v too_o evident_o declare_v viz._n that_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v lawful_a become_v unlawful_a when_o enjoin_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n and_o as_o for_o these_o it_o will_v i_o say_v be_v a_o vain_a attempt_n to_o endeavour_v their_o conversion_n indeed_o their_o own_o obstinacy_n give_v i_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o it_o will_v prove_v almost_o as_o easy_a a_o task_n to_o wash_v the_o blackamoor_n white_a as_o to_o persuade_v these_o zealous_a son_n of_o korah_n to_o entertain_v that_o against_o which_o they_o be_v prepossess_v with_o too_o much_o prejudice_n and_o passion_n but_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o neglect_v this_o primitive_a institution_n out_o of_o pure_a ignorance_n they_o understand_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o and_o hence_o proceed_v their_o omission_n neither_o can_v it_o at_o all_o seem_v strange_a that_o so_o considerable_a a_o number_n of_o christian_n shall_v be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o confirmation_n in_o regard_n it_o have_v be_v general_o disuse_v for_o so_o many_o year_n so_o that_o they_o have_v scarce_o hear_v so_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o it_o until_o of_o late_a year_n since_o the_o establishment_n of_o episcopacy_n since_o which_o time_n they_o have_v possible_o see_v the_o name_n of_o it_o either_o in_o the_o common_a prayer_n book_n or_o in_o the_o bishop_n or_o archdeacon_n article_n of_o enquiry_n and_o that_o be_v all_o the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o remove_v their_o ignorance_n i_o principal_o design_v this_o short_a treatise_n neither_o be_o i_o altogether_o without_o hope_n but_o that_o it_o may_v have_v some_o good_a success_n upon_o those_o who_o propound_v to_o themselves_o no_o other_o reason_n for_o their_o omission_n but_o their_o ignorance_n for_o the_o removal_n wherefore_o and_o the_o improve_n of_o their_o knowledge_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n as_o hereafter_o i_o shall_v prove_v this_o to_o be_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o as_o much_o clearness_n and_o plainness_n and_o brevity_n as_o may_v by_o to_o show_v 1._o what_o confirmation_n be_v 2_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o 3_o the_o necessity_n that_o all_o christian_n have_v to_o receive_v it_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o confirmation_n it_o be_v very_o well_o express_v in_o the_o word_n itself_o which_o be_v very_o full_a and_o significant_a for_o than_o we_o do_v confirm_v and_o be_v confirm_v from_o whence_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o confirmation_n consist_v of_o two_o main_a branch_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o confirmation_n on_o our_o part_n in_o regard_n we_o do_v hereby_o far_o ratify_v and_o establish_v that_o contract_n or_o covenant_n which_o former_o viz._n at_o our_o baptism_n be_v make_v betwixt_o god_n and_o we_o and_o by_o confess_v of_o it_o to_o be_v valid_a and_o good_a and_o by_o personal_o undertake_v the_o strict_a performance_n of_o it_o we_o do_v profess_v ourselves_o god_n faithful_a servant_n and_o bind_v ourselves_o fast_o still_o unto_o he_o who_o we_o be_v before_o we_o do_v at_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o holy_a rite_n confirm_v what_o other_o in_o our_o minority_n act_v on_o our_o behalf_n we_o do_v then_o profess_v ourselves_o bind_v both_o to_o believe_v and_o to_o do_v what_o our_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n promise_v for_o we_o we_o do_v public_o own_v our_o christian_a profession_n profess_v that_o we_o will_v be_v faithful_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o it_o be_v very_o meet_a and_o convenient_a that_o every_o christian_n shall_v personal_o resume_v &_o ratify_v those_o solemn_a engagement_n that_o charitable_a person_n make_v for_o he_o in_o his_o infancy_n neither_o can_v any_o man_n be_v repute_v a_o true_a and_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n
a_o plain_a and_o brief_a explanation_n upon_o the_o church_n catechism_n different_a from_o what_o hitherto_o have_v be_v extant_a wherein_o the_o first_o element_n and_o ground_n of_o religion_n be_v reduce_v to_o such_o plain_a and_o familiar_a question_n and_o answer_n as_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o plain_a and_o useful_a tract_n of_o confirmation_n the_o second_o edition_n correct_v by_o nathaniel_n blithe_n m._n a._n rector_n of_o dowesby_n in_o lincolnshire_n london_n print_v for_o edw_n millington_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o little_a britain_n 1674._o imprimatur_fw-la samuel_n parker_n may_v 11._o 1672._o the_o reader_n be_v desire_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o that_o gross_a error_n page_n 16._o line_n 7._o with_o which_o the_o author_n have_v be_v divers_a time_n charge_v be_v a_o mistake_n of_o the_o printer_n which_o be_v now_o correct_v in_o this_o second_o edition_n according_a to_o the_o original_a copy_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n when_o i_o consider_v what_o care_n the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v take_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o her_o child_n in_o the_o mattter_n of_o religion_n both_o by_o preach_v catechise_v and_o read_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whereby_o plentiful_a provision_n be_v make_v for_o all_o capacity_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o very_o great_a wonder_n that_o so_o considerable_a a_o number_n of_o christian_n shall_v live_v and_o die_v in_o that_o ignorance_n as_o our_o own_o experience_n too_o sad_o inform_v we_o many_o among_o we_o who_o although_o they_o attain_v to_o the_o full_a age_n of_o man_n yet_o they_o be_v almost_o as_o ignorant_a even_o in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n as_o if_o they_o have_v all_o their_o time_n converse_v among_o pagan_n possible_o they_o can_v rehearse_v the_o creed_n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o ten_o commandment_n by_o rote_n but_o they_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o perhaps_o also_o they_o may_v know_v at_o large_a that_o christ_n die_v for_o sinner_n and_o they_o hâ—pe_v to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o but_o they_o understand_v not_o that_o vow_n and_o promise_n they_o make_v when_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o number_n of_o his_o member_n and_o hereby_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o condition_n which_o must_v be_v perform_v by_o all_o those_o that_o can_v receive_v benefit_n by_o his_o meritorious_a undertake_n this_o and_o much_o more_o which_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o insist_v upon_o be_v the_o ignorance_n that_o divers_a age_a christian_n groan_n under_o and_o i_o know_v no_o one_o reason_n whereto_o this_o wretched_a ignorance_n can_v so_o just_o be_v attribute_v as_o either_o to_o the_o utter_a omission_n of_o that_o so_o necessary_a duty_n of_o catechise_v or_o to_o the_o irregular_a and_o indiscreet_a performance_n of_o it_o and_o to_o the_o very_a same_o cause_n i_o be_o apt_a in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o assign_v that_o wickedness_n and_o lewdness_n which_o be_v so_o confident_o and_o universal_o practise_v among_o we_o neither_o be_v it_o strange_a that_o many_o shall_v walk_v so_o disorderly_a when_o they_o understand_v not_o those_o law_n and_o precept_n that_o require_v strictness_n and_o sobriety_n in_o their_o conversation_n and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o due_o consider_v how_o apt_a young_a and_o tender_a nature_n be_v to_o receive_v any_o impression_n whether_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a we_o can_v not_o but_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v a_o business_n of_o very_a great_a moment_n by_o catechise_v to_o instruct_v the_o young_a sort_n betimes_o in_o the_o ground_n of_o christianity_n for_o when_o vicious_a habit_n be_v by_o a_o continue_a practice_n root_v in_o their_o nature_n and_o grow_v customary_a it_o will_v be_v almost_o as_o difficult_a to_o eradicate_v they_o as_o to_o remove_v a_o mountain_n and_o we_o shall_v hear_v divers_a person_n when_o they_o fall_v into_o daily_a gross_a miscarriage_n they_o will_v present_o be_v complain_v of_o their_o own_o natural_a weakness_n and_o blame_v their_o original_a guilt_n whereas_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o these_o their_o vice_n proceed_v from_o a_o corrupt_a and_o ill_a education_n they_o be_v so_o accustom_v to_o the_o committance_n of_o evil_n that_o according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v as_o hard_a for_o they_o to_o decline_v their_o vicious_a course_n as_o for_o the_o blackamoor_n to_o change_v his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n and_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v these_o early_a corrupt_a inclination_n solomon_n advise_v we_o to_o train_v up_o a_o child_n in_o the_o way_n wherein_o he_o shall_v walk_v to_o season_v his_o tender_a year_n with_o the_o sound_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o betimes_o to_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n in_o his_o heart_n before_o it_o grow_v hard_a and_o impenetrable_a this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o give_v he_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o his_o whole_a duty_n whether_o relate_v to_o god_n his_o neighbour_n or_o himself_o to_o inform_v he_o what_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o what_o he_o be_v to_o do_v in_o reference_n to_o his_o happiness_n and_o well_o live_v in_o another_o world_n and_o this_o also_o be_v the_o most_o compendious_a way_n to_o implant_v in_o he_o such_o orthodox_n and_o sound_a knowledge_n as_o may_v fortify_v he_o against_o all_o the_o juggle_n and_o delusion_n of_o cunning_a impostor_n for_o when_o they_o right_o understand_v their_o baptismal_a vow_n what_o they_o be_v to_o belive_o and_o that_o duty_n they_o be_v to_o perform_v both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n as_o also_o the_o doctrine_n of_o both_o the_o sacrament_n which_o our_o church_n catechism_n plain_o and_o full_o treat_v of_o when_o they_o have_v a_o thorough_a knowledge_n of_o these_o matter_n engraft_v in_o their_o mind_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o every_o peevish_a schismatic_a as_o unjust_o as_o the_o papist_n make_v ignorance_n the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n so_o true_o may_v we_o call_v it_o the_o mother_n of_o faction_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o learned_a king_n james_n that_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o our_o people_n into_o popery_n and_o many_o other_o destructive_a error_n be_v their_o ungroundedness_n in_o point_n of_o catechism_n neither_o can_v it_o at_o all_o seem_v strange_a that_o those_o soul_n shall_v be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n who_o be_v not_o well_o ballast_v with_o solid_a information_n in_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o upon_o a_o impartial_a enquiry_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o great_a promoter_n of_o those_o idle_a false_a opinion_n among_o we_o be_v ignorant_a in_o a_o very_a great_a measure_n i_o confess_v they_o may_v have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o a_o mysterious_a form_n of_o word_n by_o which_o to_o express_v it_o that_o be_v stuff_v with_o unintelligible_a nonsense_n but_o they_o be_v very_o far_o to_o seek_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o great_a intendment_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o whole_o busy_v themselves_o in_o pry_v into_o the_o mystery_n if_o heaven_n thing_n which_o neither_o be_v profitable_a nor_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v slip_v the_o plain_a necessary_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o render_v they_o unstable_a in_o all_o their_o way_n embrace_v every_o sudden_a fancy_n as_o a_o inspiration_n from_o god_n spirit_n and_o delightful_o entertain_v every_o fond_a opinion_n which_o a_o hotheaded_a zealot_n shall_v broach_v and_o therefore_o if_o gatechize_v be_v due_o and_o right_o perform_v it_o will_v lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n and_o implant_v the_o wholesome_a truth_n of_o religion_n betimes_o in_o our_o nature_n and_o so_o consequent_o our_o knowledge_n will_v increase_v with_o our_o year_n and_o hereby_o we_o shall_v be_v capable_a of_o examine_v opinion_n before_o we_o embrace_v they_o reject_v whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o creed_n or_o repugnant_a to_o that_o duty_n god_n require_v of_o we_o there_o be_v also_o another_o great_a advantage_n we_o shall_v receive_v by_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o catechise_v this_o will_v prepare_v we_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o sermon_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o by_o this_o mean_v a_o good_a foundation_n be_v lay_v than_o we_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o hope_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o will_v prosper_v when_o we_o be_v hereby_o establish_v in_o the_o plain_a necessary_a truth_n of_o christianity_n this_o will_v give_v we_o a_o good_a insight_n into_o the_o more_o difficult_a mysterious_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v frequent_o deliver_v in_o sermon_n it_o be_v a_o complaint_n which_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n make_v of_o that_o church_n that_o they_o be_v dull_a of_o hear_v the_o deep_a
thing_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o well_o learned_a the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n heb._n 11.12_o and_o we_o read_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n that_o apollo_n be_v first_o instruct_v or_o catechize_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o original_a render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o speak_v to_o other_o diligent_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n see_v therefore_o these_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o good_a effect_n of_o catechise_v we_o can_v assign_v these_o disorder_n among_o we_o viz._n the_o ignorance_n of_o some_o the_o debauchery_n of_o many_o the_o factiousnes_n of_o not_o a_o few_o to_o any_o cause_n so_o much_o as_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o weighty_a duty_n but_o notwithstanding_o these_o inestimable_a benefit_n that_o do_v attend_v this_o so_o necessary_a a_o performance_n it_o be_v too_o apparent_a that_o a_o very_a great_a neglect_n be_v make_v which_o be_v occasion_v not_o only_o by_o the_o default_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n but_o also_o by_o those_o that_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o soul_n many_o of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o child_n be_v strange_o careless_a in_o their_o education_n be_v far_o more_o ready_a to_o debauch_v their_o tender_a year_n than_o to_o endeavour_v by_o wholesome_a instruction_n to_o season_v they_o with_o the_o sound_a principle_n of_o religion_n a_o idle_a story_n a_o vain_a song_n or_o a_o wanton_a expression_n they_o can_v hear_v repeat_v by_o they_o with_o far_o more_o delight_n than_o those_o plain_a necessary_a truth_n contain_v in_o the_o catechism_n and_o they_o will_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n rather_o enjoin_v they_o to_o employ_v that_o time_n in_o follow_v such_o little_a worldly_a occasion_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o or_o suffer_v they_o to_o idle_a it_o away_o in_o play_n and_o pastime_n wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v rehearse_v their_o catechism_n before_o the_o congregation_n nay_o i_o fear_v there_o be_v some_o who_o do_v absolute_o forbid_v or_o at_o least_o seek_v occasion_n to_o hinder_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n from_o be_v public_o instruct_v in_o the_o church_n catechism_n i_o will_v to_o god_n that_o those_o who_o be_v in_o this_o nature_n guilty_a will_v serious_o consider_v with_o themselves_o that_o almighty_a god_n have_v not_o only_o command_v we_o to_o know_v his_o sacred_a will_n and_o to_o retain_v it_o in_o our_o memory_n but_o also_o to_o teach_v it_o to_o our_o child_n and_o to_o instruct_v our_o family_n therein_o according_a to_o our_o several_a capacity_n and_o certain_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v that_o great_a blessing_n of_o child_n will_v be_v strange_o confound_v and_o full_a of_o terror_n at_o the_o great_a and_o universal_a day_n of_o judgement_n when_o they_o shall_v behold_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o loin_n reject_v with_o a_o depart_n from_o i_o you_o curse_v occasion_v principal_o through_o their_o carelessness_n and_o neglect_n in_o their_o education_n but_o beside_o these_o it_o be_v too_o evident_o manifest_a that_o those_o also_o who_o shall_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n be_v very_o remiss_a in_o administer_a such_o food_n to_o these_o tender_a lamb_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o weak_a appetite_n and_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a they_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a a_o omission_n if_o they_o will_v but_o serious_o ponder_v with_o themselves_o that_o charge_n and_o duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o they_o that_o they_o be_v strict_o bind_v if_o they_o intend_v to_o be_v account_v good_a and_o faithful_a steward_n to_o give_v to_o every_o one_o his_o portion_n of_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n what_o they_o can_v allege_v in_o defence_n for_o this_o their_o negligence_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o one_o of_o these_o head_n either_o they_o affirm_v that_o catechism_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o preach_v or_o else_o they_o do_v not_o well_o relish_v the_o church_n catechism_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o pretence_n the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v not_o without_o abundance_n of_o prudence_n and_o wisdom_n enjoin_v every_o minister_n under_o strict_a penalty_n to_o instruct_v the_o young_a sort_n in_o the_o catechism_n every_o sunday_n in_o the_o afternoon_n which_o if_o due_o perform_v we_o may_v hope_v to_o see_v a_o good_a reformation_n in_o the_o loose_a practice_n of_o the_o young_a sort_n neither_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o my_o head_n how_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o preach_v in_o regard_n it_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a way_n of_o preach_v and_o if_o this_o be_v right_o exercise_v no_o method_n can_v be_v more_o proper_a &_o seasonable_a to_o increase_v the_o knowledge_n of_o most_o capacity_n especial_o in_o country_n congregation_n where_o all_o sort_n be_v in_o no_o mean_a degree_n ignorant_a of_o those_o plain_a common_a truth_n contain_v in_o our_o church_n catechism_n the_o judicious_a mr._n hooker_n term_v the_o public_a performance_n of_o catechise_n in_o the_o open_a hear_n of_o the_o congregation_n preach_v in_o reference_n whereto_o he_o describe_v preach_v to_o be_v the_o open_a publication_n of_o heavenly_a mystery_n or_o the_o make_v know_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o which_o way_n soever_o this_o be_v do_v whether_o by_o a_o continue_a discourse_n as_o in_o a_o sermon_n or_o by_o question_n and_o answer_v as_o in_o catechise_v it_o may_v proper_o enough_o be_v style_v preach_v but_o other_o there_o be_v who_o possible_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o catechise_v may_v be_v advantageous_a yet_o they_o neglect_v it_o because_o they_o can_v affect_v the_o church_n catechism_n which_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o use_v i_o must_v confess_v myself_o uncapable_a of_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o this_o scruple_n in_o regard_n i_o be_o altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o reason_n they_o give_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o i_o know_v but_o one_o which_o be_v too_o frequent_o give_v in_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n viz._n they_o do_v not_o like_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o church_n catechism_n that_o be_v because_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o authority_n it_o contain_v no_o doctrine_n but_o what_o be_v orthodox_n and_o it_o include_v most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n three_o thing_n be_v require_v in_o compile_v a_o catechism_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v plain_a 2._o methodical_a 3._o that_o it_o contain_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n all_o which_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o church_n catechism_n 1._o it_o be_v plain_a and_o without_o much_o difficulty_n to_o be_v understand_v all_o it_o contain_v be_v level_v to_o the_o weak_a capacity_n 2._o it_o be_v methodical_a it_o begin_v with_o our_o baptism_n which_o be_v our_o initiation_n into_o christianity_n into_o the_o number_n and_o society_n of_o the_o church_n it_o show_v we_o what_o we_o be_v by_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n which_o grace_n be_v give_v we_o at_o our_o baptism_n when_o as_o we_o be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n child_n of_o god_n and_o inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n wherein_o also_o be_v employ_v our_o condition_n by_o nature_n that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o misery_n our_o soul_n very_o much_o defile_v and_o the_o faculty_n thereof_o very_o much_o impair_v and_o weaken_v by_o the_o guilt_n of_o original_a sin_n it_o also_o at_o large_a explain_v our_o baptismal_a vow_n by_o show_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o those_o command_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o that_o solemn_a promise_n and_o than_o it_o manifest_v our_o insufficiency_n of_o ourselves_o to_o do_v these_o thing_n without_o god_n special_a grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o we_o be_v to_o beg_v of_o he_o by_o prayer_n and_o here_o also_o it_o give_v we_o a_o rule_n and_o precedent_n for_o our_o prayer_n viz._n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o afterward_o in_o brief_a it_o explain_v both_o the_o sacrament_n from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o it_o contain_v the_o first_o principle_n &_o element_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o i_o can_v apprehend_v what_o just_a ground_n of_o exception_n can_v be_v make_v against_o the_o use_n of_o this_o catechism_n but_o that_o every_o minister_n ought_v to_o use_v it_o as_o not_o only_o be_v wise_o and_o prudent_o compose_v but_o also_o as_o be_v hereto_o oblige_v by_o the_o high_a power_n to_o who_o lawful_a command_n we_o be_v to_o yield_v a_o active_a obedience_n but_o but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o only_a guilty_a per_fw-la …_o for_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v other_o to_o who_o trust_n be_v commit_v some_o part_n of_o christ_n flock_n who_o although_o they_o do_v not_o whole_o omit_v this_o
a._n thus_o much_o i_o beg_v of_o he_o in_o the_o two_o first_o petition_n hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v wherein_o i_o desire_v that_o satan_n kingdom_n may_v be_v abolish_v and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n daily_o increase_v and_o therefore_o i_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o send_v his_o grace_n unto_o i_o and_o to_o all_o people_n that_o so_o the_o devil_n may_v lose_v ground_n and_o there_o may_v daily_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v that_o so_o all_o may_v both_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n serve_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o reverent_o sanctify_v and_o hollow_a his_o glorious_a name_n q._n in_o which_o petition_n do_v thou_o beg_v that_o we_o may_v obey_v he_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v a._n this_o i_o ask_v in_o the_o three_o petition_n thy_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n wherein_o i_o desire_v that_o both_o myself_o and_o all_o people_n may_v know_v what_o be_v that_o good_a that_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n and_o then_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n &_o that_o his_o heavenly_a will_n maybe_o perform_v by_o we_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o bless_a angel_n in_o heaven_n that_o be_v cheerful_o without_o grudge_v or_o murmur_v ready_o without_o delay_n or_o procrastination_n sincere_o without_o guile_n or_o hypocrisy_n constant_o without_o intermission_n and_o universal_o without_o pick_v &_o choose_v q._n in_o which_o petition_n do_v you_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v send_v we_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a both_o for_o our_o soul_n and_o bodâ—â—s_n a._n this_o i_o beg_v in_o the_o four_o petition_n give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n wherein_o i_o entreat_v god_n to_o take_v we_o into_o his_o fatherly_a care_n and_o tuition_n to_o provide_v for_o our_o subsistence_n to_o give_v we_o daily_o or_o day_n by_o day_n our_o bread_n that_o be_v all_o manner_n of_o food_n and_o sustenance_n that_o be_v requisite_a for_o we_o and_o withal_o to_o fend_v along_o with_o it_o his_o heavenly_a blessing_n that_o so_o it_o may_v nourish_v our_o body_n and_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o their_o several_a employment_n q._n herein_o indeed_o you_o desire_v god_n to_o give_v you_o necessary_n for_o your_o body_n but_o wherein_o do_v you_o desire_v he_o to_o give_v you_o necessary_n for_o your_o soul_n a._n the_o holy_a scripture_n beside_o this_o ordinary_a bread_n inform_v we_o of_o bread_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n that_o be_v christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n represent_v in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o this_o be_v that_o bread_n wherewith_o we_o desire_v god_n to_o feed_v out_o soul_n which_o most_o certain_o will_v nourish_v they_o to_o life_n eternal_a q._n in_o which_o petition_n do_v you_o desire_v god_n to_o be_v merciful_a unto_o we_o and_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n a._n this_o i_o beg_v of_o he_o in_o the_o five_o petition_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n wherein_o i_o beseech_v god_n to_o pardon_v unto_o i_o and_o all_o his_o servant_n all_o those_o crime_n offence_n and_o trespass_n what_o ever_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o q._n but_o wherefore_o be_v that_o clause_n adjoin_v to_o this_o petition_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o a._n for_o very_o good_a reason_n to_o teach_v we_o how_o we_o must_v be_v qualify_v before_o we_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o god_n pardon_n we_o must_v be_v in_o charity_n with_o our_o brethren_n otherwise_o god_n will_v not_o be_v in_o charity_n with_o we_o for_o if_o we_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v our_o heavenly_a father_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n q._n in_o which_o petition_n do_v you_o desire_v god_n to_o save_v and_o defend_v we_o from_o all_o danger_n ghostly_a and_o bodily_a and_o that_o he_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o from_o our_o ghostly_a enemy_n and_o from_o everlacting_a death_n a._n this_o i_o beg_v of_o he_o in_o the_o six_o petition_n and_o lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a q._n do_v god_n then_o lead_v his_o servant_n into_o temptation_n a._n there_o be_v temptation_n of_o trial_n or_o probation_n and_o god_n do_v lead_v his_o servant_n into_o these_o temptation_n either_o to_o exercise_v their_o grace_n or_o to_o chastise_v they_o for_o some_o miscarriage_n or_o to_o prevent_v they_o from_o some_o gross_a fall_n but_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v temptation_n of_o seduction_n and_o ruin_n which_o the_o devil_n offer_v and_o god_n by_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n suffer_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o petition_n i_o beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v continual_o defend_v we_o with_o his_o grace_n as_o with_o a_o shield_n that_o so_o temptation_n may_v make_v no_o impression_n upon_o and_o that_o he_o will_v deliver_v we_o from_o all_o those_o spiritual_a evil_n and_o danger_n that_o our_o soul_n be_v liable_a unto_o howsoever_o occasion_v whether_o by_o the_o treachery_n of_o satan_n by_o the_o enticement_n of_o this_o world_n or_o by_o the_o provocation_n of_o our_o own_o lust_n as_o also_o from_o the_o horrid_a danger_n that_o follow_v our_o compliance_n with_o these_o the_o evil_a of_o eternal_a death_n q._n wherefore_o be_v it_o that_o you_o have_v so_o great_a confidence_n and_o trust_n that_o god_n will_v grant_v all_o these_o thing_n that_o you_o have_v here_o pray_v for_o a._n first_o because_o he_o be_v the_o kingdom_n he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n a_o love_a tender_a king_n willing_a to_o hear_v and_o relieve_v the_o want_n of_o his_o subject_n second_o because_o he_o be_v the_o power_n he_o be_v a_o powerful_a king_n and_o thereby_o able_a to_o give_v plentiful_a and_o suitable_a return_n to_o the_o request_n of_o his_o humble_a suppliant_n three_o because_o he_o be_v the_o glory_n he_o be_v a_o glorious_a king_n and_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o goodness_n to_o hear_v from_o heaven_n a_o company_n of_o miserable_a wretch_n that_o deserve_v nothing_o of_o kindness_n at_o his_o hand_n and_o thereupon_o i_o say_v amen_n so_o be_v it_o rest_v full_o satisfy_v that_o god_n both_o hear_v i_o and_o will_v answer_v my_o request_n as_o my_o necessity_n require_v q._n how_o many_o sacrament_n have_v christ_n ordain_v in_o his_o chrurch_n a._n two_o only_o as_o general_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n q._n when_o do_v christ_n ordain_v these_o sacrament_n a._n the_o first_o of_o they_o namely_o baptism_n he_o hallow_v in_o his_o own_o person_n by_o pass_v through_o the_o water_n of_o it_o and_o also_o immediate_o before_o his_o ascension_n he_o enjoin_v his_o disciple_n to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n and_o the_o other_o sacrament_n he_o celebrate_v with_o his_o disciple_n present_o before_o his_o passion_n and_o withal_o charge_v his_o disciple_n and_o in_o they_o his_o whole_a church_n to_o do_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o q._n what_o be_v mean_v by_o baptism_n a._n it_o be_v derive_v from_o a_o greek_a word_n which_o signify_v to_o wash_v dip_v dive_v or_o sprinkle_v q._n why_o be_v the_o other_o sacrament_n call_v the_o lord_n supper_n a._n because_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n at_o or_o after_o supper_n q._n how_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n be_v these_o sacrament_n general_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n a._n they_o be_v the_o instrument_n or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v convey_v and_o make_v over_o to_o we_o and_o by_o which_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o and_o therefore_o those_o that_o wilful_o refuse_v and_o neglect_v they_o when_o they_o may_v be_v have_v do_v neglect_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n q._n what_o do_v you_o mean_v by_o this_o word_n sacrament_n a._n i_o mean_v a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a grace_n give_v unto_o we_o ordain_v by_o christ_n himself_o as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o receive_v the_o same_o and_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o thereof_o q._n what_o be_v the_o end_n or_o final_a cause_n why_o christ_n ordain_v sacrament_n a._n he_o ordain_v they_o as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o great_a blessing_n and_o grace_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o and_o as_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o his_o favour_n and_o love_a kindness_n q._n what_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o by_o sacrament_n be_v convey_v unto_o we_o a._n the_o whole_a obedience_n merit_n death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o benefit_n that_o flow_v from_o thence_o q._n be_v christ_n alone_o the_o ordainer_n of_o sacrament_n a._n he_o only_o have_v right_a to_o institute_v a_o sacrament_n in_o regard_n he_o be_v