past Mercies in the Beginning so he is for the present and shall be hereafter for future Blessings Q. Why do we not rise up when the Doxology is repeated in the Litany A. Because as it 's here used and other parts of the Litany before and after are matters of humble Supplications and so most fit to be tendred to God in that Posture 2. We are to consider that this Doxology was inserted when the Litany was what it is now but called Procession and then it was no Exception for then Men were standing or walking Q. What is chiefly meant by that Phrase Mercifully look upon our Infirmities A. The Calamities which Divine Providence hath laid upon us and which we have justly and righteously deserved Q. What Vse is there for the occasional Prayers in general if the various Miseries of Mankind are exactly enumerated in the Litany A. Our Miseries are but barely mentioned there and at some times some particular Evils lie so heavy upon us and some great mercies are so necessary for us that it is requisite we should have solemn Forms upon such Occasions that it may fully sute all our Necessities Q. Why are the 4. Sundays before Christmas called Advent Sundays A. Because they are to prepare us for Christ's Advent or coming in the flesh which we call Christmas Q. Why do we commemorate the blessed Birth of our Saviour upon the 25th of December A. Because it was the custom of the ancient Church so to do and we have good Reason to believe that Christ was Born on that Day Vide Dr. Hammond Q. Why is the Feast of Circumcision observed A. As by Christ's Birth we received the Adoption of Sons so by his Circumcision the Redemption from the Law Q. What do we celebrate upon Epiphany A. Three glorious Manifestations viz. The Star which was the Gentiles guide to Christ and that of the Trinity at the Baptism of Christ in the opening of the Heavens and of his Divinity by the Miracle of turning Water into Wine which is thought to have been done on the same Day Of Lent Quest WHY is a Sunday before Lent called Septuagesima Answ A consequentia numerandi viz. Because the First Sunday in Lent is called Quadragesima containing about forty days from Easter therefore the Sunday before that being still further from Easter is called Quinquagesima five being the next number above four and so the Sunday before that is called Sexagesima and the Sunday before that Septuagesima which are all Preparatives to the Lenten Fast A. 2. It is a Latin word and signifies as much as Seventy and is put for 70 days which end the Sunday after Easter and the next Sunday is call'd Sexagesima as containing 60 days which end on Thursday in Easter Week and Quinquagesima as containing 50 days before Easter and are all Preparatives to the Lenten Fast which is call'd Quadragesima containing about 40 days before Easter Q. Why is it called Lent A. From the time of the year the word signifies Spring in the Saxon Language and is the Spring-Fast Q. Why are forty days observed and at this season A. In Imitation of our Saviour who fasted 40 days in the Wilderness as Moses did in the Mount and wherein we might be put in Mind of the sore Trial and Temptation which Christ then endured for our sakes whose Sufferings ended at Easter and to prepare us for the holy Communion which our Church commands to be then Received A. 2. There 's great use of this yearly Fast besides viz. That the defects of our Weekly Humiliations and Devotions may be thereby supply'd That there may be a Publick Humiliation for Publick Errors if not for Private Sins in particular That the Godly Discipline which was anciently in Use at this Season for putting Persons to open Pennance as stood convicted of notorious Sins is now laid aside and neglected Bishop Patrick Q. Why do we begin this Fast on Ash-Wednesday A. To supply the Sundays in Lent upon which it was not the Church's Custom to Fast and by deducting six Sundays and adding these four days the just number of forty is made up Q. Why is Ash-Wednesday so called A. Because anciently Ashes were sprinkled upon their heads to mind them of their Mortality and what they had deserved viz. to be burnt to Ashes Of Ember-Weeks Quest WHat is the Original of those four Weeks of Fasting now called Ember-Weeks A. The first Christian Bishops in imitation of the Apostles used to appoint Fasting and Prayer when they conferred holy Orders as soon as the Church was setled the Ordination of Ministers became fixed and are still observed in the Church of England for a Preparation to the Ordination of Ministers Q. What other Reasons may be given for the Observation of Ember-Fast A. 2. Because these times are as the First fruits of every Season which we rightly dedicate to the Service and Honour of God 3 R. That beginning these several parts of the year in a holy and sober Life we might the better learn how to spend the remainder of every Season 4 R. That we may obtain the continuance of God's Favour for the Fruits of the Earth which at these times are for the most part sown or sprung up or ripening or gathered into the Barn 5 R. That we might repent us of all our Sins which all the Season before we have committed 6 R. That our Bodies might be freed from those Contagious Distempers which usually these 4 Seasons through the Predominant Humours then reigning do bring along with them Q. At what season of the year are these Fasts observed A. The first is the Wednesday Friday and Saturday after the first Sunday in Lent The second after Whitsunday The Third the Wednesday c. after Septemb. 14. The Fourth the Wednesday Friday and Saturday after the 13th of December Q. Why are they call'd Ember Weeks A. Because the Ancients on those days would eat no Bread but Cakes made under Embers 2. Because the old Saxon word from which Ember is derived signifies to abstain or forbear Eating 3. The true word in the Judgment of Dr. Hammond and Sir Henry Spelman is Imber from the old Saxon word Imbren i. e. a Circle and these four Fasts keep their certain turns so many times in the year as in a Circle Q. What Reason may be given why the Ordination of Ministers is affixed to these set times A. That as all Mens Souls are concerned in the ordaining a fit Clergy all may join in Fasting and Prayer for a Blessing on it and that Bishops and Candidates knowing the time may prepare themselves for this great Work that no Vacancy may remain long unsupplied and that the People if they please may be present either to approve or object against any whom they know to be unworthy Q. Why is the Sunday before Easter call'd Palm-Sunday A. Because as Christ came from Bethany to Jerusalem they cut down Palm-Branches and strew'd them in the Way Q.
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-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
removed by penitential Acknowledgments there is no Bar to God's Grace and Mercy such as would pray effectually have always begun with Confession Q. How many Parts doth the Confession consist of A. Four 1. An Introduction which sets God before us under two proper Titles viz. Almighty and most Merciful the First to show his Power and strike us with a holy Fear of his Anger the Second to manifest his Love and melt us with the Sense of his Mercy 2. It consists of an humble Confession concerning the Manner of our Sinning and of the Nature and the Effect of our Sins viz. We have erred by sudden lesser and unobserved Sins and sometimes strayed farther out of the Ways which God prescribes by willful gross and customary Transgressions so that we are become like lost Sheep helpless and exposed to many Dangers and of our selves are as well unable as unlikely to return to Jesus the good Shepherd of our Souls We have improved our Original Corruption which is here properly expressed by the Devices and Desires of our own hearts which we have followed not checking them but too often fulfilling them and then they produce Actual Sins which we confess under the general Phrase of our Offending against his holy Laws And that we may be more particular we reduce our Actual Sins to two sorts Sins of Omission and Commission And then the Effect of Sins is expressed by that Phrase There is no Health in us that is no means of Help or Salvation in us or we are full both of Spiritual and Bodily Infirmities so that there is no sound Part in us 3. It consists of an earnest Deprecation containing the Evils we would be delivered from viz. The Guilt of Sin the Punishment and the Power of it and the Ground on which we hope to prevail 4. The Confession consists of a devout Petition intimating to whom we pray and for what we pray and to what end Q. In what Words do we pray that the Guilt of Sin may be taken away A. In those Words Have mercy upon us miserable Offenders viz. Pity and pardon us by taking away the Guilt of our Sins Q. In what Words do we pray to be delivered from the Punishment of our Sins A. In those Words Spare thou them O Lord who confess Q. In what Words do we pray to be delivered from the Power of Sin A. In those Words Restore thou them that are penitent Q. What is the Ground on which we hope to prevail A. The Promises declared in his Gospel through Jesus Christ Q. To whom do we pray for Grace A. To God the Father through Jesus Christ Q. For what do we pray A. For Piety towards God Justice and Charity towards our Neighbours Sobriety and Temperance for our selves Q. To what end A. To the Glory of God's holy Name Q. Why do we say Amen A. To testifie our desire to have all these Petitions granted our faith in the Promises and our hope of Acceptance Q. Why is the Confession and our Prayers to be said kneeling A. That we may express the Humbleness of our Minds by the Posture of our Bodies which is the fittest for Penitents Of the Absolution Quest WHY is the Word Priest used by our Church in the Liturgy Answ The English Word by a Contraction of the Syllables has its Derivation from Presbyter and according to the Latin Word Sacerdos signifies him whose mere Charge and Function is about holy things and therefore seems to be a most proper Word when he 's in the Actual Administration of holy things Besides It is not a Jewish Name that is not peculiar to the Jewish Ministery but common to others and frequently used by the Primitive Christians and by which the Prophets foretold that the Ministers of the Gospel should be called and by which St. Paul calls them and by which our Saviour is in a multitude of places styl'd and named the High-Priest of our Profession and by which we are call'd Rev. 1. 6. and therefore may lawfully safely and without any just ground of Offence be used by Christians as a Name for the Ministers of the Gospel Q. Why must the Priest pronounce the Absolution standing A. Because it is an Act of Authority which is so to be done Q. Can Man forgive Sin A. God alone can exercise this Power in his own right but he may and hath committed it to others who do it in his Name and by his Authority in the Person of Christ Q. What Form of Absolution is this A. It is Declaratory which is no more than the solemn promulgation of a Pardon upon the Conditions of Faith and Obedience and it is for the Satisfaction of truly Penitent Sinners that our Church approves of applying the promises of Pardon in Scripture to the particular case of those Persons which is that we mean by Absolution But if the Church of Rome pretend they can Absolve whether God will or no we must leave God and them to dispute that Point Bishop Stillingfleet on Idol p. 159. Q. What other Forms of Absolution are there in the Liturgy A. Two One is Petitionary in the Communion Service the other is Judiciary in the Office for the Sick All these Forms in Sense and Vertue are the same being several Expressions of the same thing Q. Must the People say the Words of the Absolution after the Priest with an audible Voice A. No Because it is the Privilege and Property of his Office to pronounce it But our Hearts must be intent upon the Directions and our Souls must embrace the Comforts and we must seal all with Amen To testify how firmly we believe highly value and earnestly desire those Comforts The latter part is an Application directing us what to Ask and shewing us what are the Benefits of being Heard 2. Or in the Judgment of some Learned Persons it is Petitionary in which we must joyn Wherefore we beseech thee c. Of the Lord's Prayer Quest WHY is the Lord's Prayer united to all the Offices Answ To make up their Defects and to recommend them to our Heavenly Father who cannot deny us when we speak the same Words which his dear Son hath put into our Mouths this Prayer being the Foundation and Perfection of all Prayers Q. What did our Lord intend it for A. Not only for a Pattern to make other Prayers by but for a form to be used in so many Words for when he delivered it the second time he says expresly When you pray say S. Luke 11. 1. The delivery of the Lord's Prayer by St. Luke is not the same with that related by St. Matthew but another at another time and upon another occasion whence it follows That the Disciples when it was first uttered understood not that their Master intended it for a Form of Prayer to them but for a Pattern or Example only or it may be to instruct them in special in what manner to ask forgiveness of Sins for if they had thought
in the Temple and though we cannot see our Saviour with our bodily Eyes as he did yet he 's by the Writings of the Apostles daily presented to the Eyes of our Faith and if we were as much concern'd for Heaven and as loose from the Love of the World as old Simeon was and as we ought to be we might upon the View of Christ in his holy Word by Faith be daily ready to sing this Hymn Of the LXVII Psalm THIS Psalm is parallel to the former Evangelical Hymn David prayed for that saving Health which old Simeon rejoiced to see and both of them praised God upon the Foresight they had that it would be made known to us as it is this day by the Voices of the Apostles Of the Apostles Creed Quest WHY is it called the Apostles Creed A. It is called a Creed from the Latin word Credo to believe because it contains such Points of Christian Doctrine as are most necessary to be believed 2. It 's called the Apostles Creed partly because of the Apostolical Doctrine contained in it but rather because it was composed by the Apostles or at least in or near the Apostolical Times and it consists also of Twelve Articles according to the number of the Twelve Apostles Q. Why did the ancient Councils make new ones A. They declare they did not make new ones only largely expound such Articles as Hereticks disputed against Q. If this be a genuine and true Composure then is it not of equal Authority with the holy Scriptures A. 'T is the same thing in a Compendium or short Way and differs only in Form not in Sense Q. Why is the Creed placed after the Lessons and before the Prayers A. We confess that Faith which the Lessons teach 2. It 's the Foundation of all our Petitions for we cannot call on him on whom we have not believed Q. Why is the Creed often repeated A. Because we had need look well to our Faith and be careful to keep that intire by often rehearsing we guard our Souls with it 2. It 's a plighting our Faith and Fidelity to God and Confession is as necessary to Salvation as believing Q. Why must we repeat it with an audible Voice A. Because by so doing every one gives his positive and particular Assent and by it evidenceth to the Church his sound Belief Q. Why is it repeated standing A. By this Gesture we signifie our readiness to profess and our resolution to adhere and stand to this Faith and earnestly contend for it And in our daily use of this Sacred Form let us devoutly apply every Article to be both a ground for our Prayer and a guide to our Lives Q. Why do we Bow at the Name of Jesus A. The mentioning of the Name of Jesus puts us in Mind of him we owe all manner of Reverence to which we express by Bowing Bishop Stillingfleet Q. Why do we say Amen after the rehearsing of it A. To testify our stedfast belief of it and our desire to live as those that heartily believe it Q. What is meant by the word I Believe A. As with a certain and full perswasion I assent so with a fix'd and undaunted resolution I profess and with this Faith in my Heart and Confession in my Mouth in respect of the whole Body of the Creed and every Article I sincerely readily and resolvedly say I Believe Q. How may we know when we rightly believe in God the Father A. When we love him fear him and serve him as our great Creator and merciful Preserver Q. How may we know when we rightly believe in God the Son A. When we submit to him trust in him and obey him as our only Lord and Saviour Q. How may we know when we rightly believe in God the Holy Ghost A. When we follow his Directions and make use of his Assistance as our Guide Sanctifier and Comforter Q. Why is God the Son said in the Catechism to redeem me and all Mankind when the greatest part perish without the benefit of his Redemption A. The price of his Blood which he paid was sufficient for the Ransom of the whole World and is available to as many as God in his abundant Goodness and Mercy shall judge worthy to be Partakers of the Inheritance with the Saints in Life but to none of those that do profess to be the Disciples of the Holy Jesus but such as observe the Conditions viz. Faith and Repentance required in his Blessed Gospel Q. How is the Holy Ghost said to Sanctify all the Elect People of God A. By calling them out and separating them from the rest of the World which is properly to Sanctify as well as by putting good Motions and Affections in them and inspiring them with Holiness by which they become God's choice and peculiar People Q. What may we mean when we say Christ descended into Hell A. The word Hell is a Saxon word which is as much as covered or hidden and in the Original Propriety both of the Greek and English it signifies no more than the place which is unseen or removed from Men's sight so that the meaning may be When all the Sufferings of Christ were finish'd upon the Cross and his Soul separated from his Body altho' his Body was dead his Soul dy'd not but underwent the condition of the Souls of such as die being he dy'd in the Similitude of a Sinner his Soul went to the place where the Souls of Men are kept who die for their Sins and so did wholly undergo the Law of Death contenting himself during his three days of Humiliation with the imperfect Happiness which the Souls of Holy Men are under till the general Resurrection from the Dead Bishop Pearson Q. Why is the Church call'd Holy and Catholick A. It is call'd Holy because it is joined to God in Covenant and the true Members of it are sanctified by the Spirit of Holiness 2. And it is call'd Catholick or Universal because it is spread over all the World and not confined as it was among the Jews to one particular place Q. What may we understand by the Communion of Saints A. That such Persons as are truly sanctified in the Church of Christ have fellowship with God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Ghost as dwelling with them and taking up their Habitations in them that they partake of the Care and Kindness of the blessed Angels that beside the external fellowship which they have in the Word and Sacraments with all the Members of the Church they have an intimate Union and Conjunction with all the Saints on Earth as living Members of Christ and have fellowship likewise with all the Saints departed in the true Faith and Fear of God Bishop Pearson 2. If this Answer be too mystical and obscure embrace this pithy and plain one The Christian Church or Society of Believers as one Body is United by a participation of all Spiritual things as Word Sacraments
such Petitions as these called by the Latins Obsecrationes A. Because we urge the party of whom we ask by all that is dear to him and in these we commemorate all that our dear Redeemer did for us in his Life at his Death and after his Death and by all the Love he shewed to us by all the Torments he endured for us by all the glorious Things he intends for us we beseech him to deliver us from these Evils Q. Is not this called Conjuration A. Yes Ignorant Malice hath so censured it when it is the most devout and moving Oratory in the World Q. What is the Cross here put for A. Not for the Wood which the Papists superstitiously adore but for the Torments he suffered thereon and his Cross comprehends the pains of his Body his Passion and the Anguish of his Mind All these Arguments devoutly urged have a mighty Force in them Q. When is the season that we pray for Deliverance A. It is expressed in that Petition In all Time of our Tribulation c. Q. Why is that part which we call Intercession used in the Litany A. Because it is commanded by God and in Christian Charity we ought to desire Blessings for all sorts of Men Q. Why do we begin in our Intercessions with the Holy Church Vniversal A. Because we ought to be more concern'd for the good of the Whole than of any particular Part. Q. Why do we beg of God to Rule and Govern All Churches in the right Way which is left out by the Romanists A. Because when these Petitions were first made it is not likely that the Doctrine of Infallibility was maintain'd either in the Roman Church or any other Part of the Christian World and that any particular Church may fall into wrong Ways the very Roman Church which boasts of its Infallibility has demonstrated and by sad Experience we find that no particular Church is free from the possibility of being deceived altho' we believe that God will not suffer the whole Universal Church at once to fall into any grievous Error Q. What do we pray for in those Petitions for the King A. Our first Requests are for the King 's spiritual Good that he may be throughly and sincerely pious from inward Principles which will never fail if he be of the right Faith then the Prayer is for his Confirmation in it and if he be perverted it 's a Prayer for his Conversion 2. We pray likewise that he may be supplied with all Temporal Blessings and kept from all kinds of Evil. And if any be so wicked as to rebel upon any Pretence whatsoever Religion Liberty Property or the like we must wish the Victory may fall always on the King's side Q. Why is the Prayer for the Clergy placed next to that for the Royal Family A. The Jews and Gentiles both reckoned their Chief Priests to be next in dignity to their Kings and so did our pious Ancestors account them next to the King the most considerable Members of the Catholick Church Q. Why are the Clergy distinguish'd here into those three Orders Bishops Priests and Deacons A. All ancient Offices do particularly pray for the Clergy so distinguished which have from the Beginning been ever in the Church Q. What is the Substance of the Prayer A. The Prayer we make for them is the same which Moses made for Levi Deut. 33. 8. Let thy Vrim and thy Thummim be with thy holy One That is Illumination or Enlightning and Perfection which is excellently Paraphras'd in this Prayer Q. What are those three Words in the Litany which comprehend all the Miseries that concern our Bodies A. Danger Necessity and Tribulation All Evils are either future and feared and these are implied in the Word Danger or else they are present and then they proceed from want of some good thing expressed by Necessity or from suffering some evil thing signified by Tribulation and each of these hath its proper Verb suted to it viz. Succour Help and Comfort So that in this one general Request we comprehend our selves and all other afflicted Persons in the whole World Q. There are some who condemn all Antiquity together with our Church as if They and We pray'd for Thieves and Pirates because the word is general for All that Travel c. A. It is a malicious Comment on an innocent Text for He is properly a Traveller who goes about his allowable or ordinary Occasions and it is evident that no other are here meant but Just and Honest Men. Q. Why after so many excellent Petitions presented to our Heavenly Father do we make our Addresses to our Mediatour viz. Son of God Lamb of God A. That he may recommend us and our Prayers at the Throne of Grace beseeching him by his Divinity and by his Sufferings for us to accept of our Petitions and to pardon our Sins and again as he 's our anointed Mediatour that he would procure a gracious Answer to them Q. Why are those Versicles added Lord have Mercy c A. That our Conclusion may be suitable to our Beginning we close up all with an Address to the whole Trinity for that Mercy which we have been begging in so many particulars and this one Word Mercy comprehends them all so that this is the Epitome of the whole Litany Q. When was this last part of the Litany called the Supplications first collected and put into this Form A. When the barbarous Nations began to over-run the Empire about 600 years after Christ Q. Why is the Lord's Prayer again repeated A. To shew the high esteem that pious Antiquity had of it and their mean Opinion of their own Inventions and Composures which receive Life and Value from this Divine Form Q. Why are those words Let us pray here used A. That the People may not think the Duty is ended as soon as the Responses or Answers cease but are admonished in their Heart not with their Voice to join with the Priest still Q. Why is not the Prayer against Persecution concluded with Amen A. To shew that the same Request is continued in another Form and what the Priest begg'd alone there all the People join with him to ask in these alternate Supplications or Prayers in turn Q. Is not the repeating that Petition twice O Lord arise c. a vain Repetition A. No But a Testimony that we are convinced we did wisely and well to ask of God now to arise and help us that so the honour he hath gotten by the wonders of his Mercy may be renewed and confirmed by this new Act of his Power and Goodness Q. Why is the Doxology placed here A. In imitation of Holy David Psal 6. 8. and Ps 22. 25. we having such a God to pray to in the midst of our mournful Supplications do both praise God for his ancient Mercies and also in assurance we shall obtain his Help praise him for his Help beforehand And as he was glorified for
this solemn Act and that others may be put in mind of their Vow and because thus they are admitted Members of our Religious Assemblies in the proper place VVhat is the meaning of the word Baptize A. It comes from a Greek word which signifies to Wash and is apply'd to this Sacrament of Baptism because that is an outward Washing Q. Why must Parents and Friends be so careful to get their Children baptized A. Because by this Ordinance their Original Sin is wash'd away and they grafted into the Body of Christ so that if they die before they have committed actual Sin they are undoubtedly saved Q. VVhat if it be neglected by the Fault of the Parents A. They must answer for putting their Childrens Salvation on so great a Hazard but it is the contempt and not bare want of the Sacrament which makes it damnable and so cannot be imputable or prejudicial to the Child Q. VVho must answer for them of riper years A. They themselves must make the Covenant with their own Mouths and the Godfathers c. are only Witnesses to the Fact and must be Monitors to them to live according to their Vow Q. VVhy doth the Priest ask if the Child have been already baptized A. Because St. Paul saith there is but one Baptism and as we are born but once so we are born again but once Q. Is not that Baptism commanded in the Holy Gospel to be understood only of the Inward and Spiritual Baptism not with Water but the Holy Ghost A. No by no means because Acts of inward Faith are and ought to be often repeated therefore Baptism which cannot be repeated cannot be the inward but the outward Baptism To Baptize with the Holy Ghost is peculiar to Christ alone for none can Baptize with the Holy Ghost but he who can send and bestow the Holy Ghost which is Blasphemy to ascribe to any Creature Q. VVhy are Godfathers or Sureties injoined A. This Custom gives security to the Church that the Child shall not be an Apostate and provides a Monitor both for the Child and its Parents to mind them of this Vow Q. VVhy do the Godfathers c. promise in behalf of the Child A. In Baptism we are making a Covenant God hath given the Promises which are his Word and therefore good Reason we should give our Word for the performance of the Conditions on our part And since that Infants cannot make a Covenant themselves the Church lends them the Feet of others to bring them and the Tongues of others to promise for them Q. Doth the Godfather's Promise oblige the Child A. Yes For by the wisest Law in the World Guardians may contract for Minors or Pupils who are bound to perform what their Guardians have undertaken Q. What Reason may be given why Christ appointed this Form A. Since the Belief of the Trinity is the peculiar and distinguishing Article of the Christian Religion therefore Christ appoints they shall be made Christians by being thus baptized in the name of the three Persons of the Trinity A. 2. This solemn naming of three Persons is a kind of calling them to witness from Heaven that we may as it were profess before these three Witnesses our unfeigned Faith and so we have the same for Witnesses of our Faith who make us the Promises of Salvation and sure we shall never dare fall off who have seal'd our Profession in the presence of the Father Son and Holy Ghost Q. What is meant by being Baptized in the Name of the three Persons in the Trinity A. That the Minister doth this in God's Name and by his Power and Commission and that the Baptized Person is dedicated to and engaged to Worship and Serve the Holy Trinity Q. Why doth the Priest Sprinkle and not Dip A. The Efficacy of the Sacrament depends not on the Quantity of Water but on the Grace of God 2. The Coldness of our Climate hath made this Custom almost necessary Q. Why is the Child sign'd with the Sign of the Cross on the Forehead A. For the clearer Manifestation that this Child now belongs to Christ the Church sets his Sign and peculiar Mark upon it a Custom by which the Primitive Christians declared their Religion 2. And it 's signed in the Forehead because that this is the feat of Blushing and Shame that we may not be ashamed Q. Ought not the Priest and all the People heartily to say Amen when the Mystery is ended A. Yes to shew they believe the Child to be rightly Baptiz'd and to desire God may ratify that in Heaven which is done upon Earth Q. What is the Effect of Baptism A. Salvation Of Confirmation Quest WHY is Confirmation appointed Answ To confirm and ratifie with our own Mouths the Promise made by our Godfathers and to receive new Strength by the Blessings and Prayers of the Bishop Q. Is Confirmation a Sacrament and appointed by Christ A. No But a Holy Rite which the Church observes in Imitation of the Apostles Practice Q. Why had not this Rite a Positive Institution by our Lord Jesus A. Because the Holy Ghost which is herein to be communicated was not given till after Christ's Ascension John 7. 39. yet in his promising the Holy Spirit to his Disciples and to Remain with his Church for ever Joh. 14. 16. he seem'd to suppose that there should be some Rite instituted by them for the perpetual Collation or bestowing of the Spirit Q. When did this Office of Confirmation begin A. The first Converts whom the Apostles Baptized were confirm'd by the immediate Hand of God and He by his Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Ghost sealed their Baptism and attested the Religion into which they had entred But it was not long before the Apostles were appointed to minister in giving the Holy Spirit to the newly Baptized and then they instituted the Rite of laying on of Hands and God was pleased so far to approve their Institution that he did actually give wonderful Measures of the Spirit to those on whom they laid their Hands thereby honouring the Governours of his Church and engaging all the Members thereof to be Subject to them and to be at Peace one with another Q. How prove you this out of the Holy Scripture A. From that famous instance Acts 8. 14 15 16. When the Samaritans had been converted and baptized by Philip the Deacon they did not receive the Holy Ghost until St. Peter and St. John had confirm'd them from whence the Fathers generally deduce this Practice St. Paul did in like manner lay his Hands upon some baptiz'd Persons at Ephesus Acts 19. 6. of which he minds them Eph. 1. 13. And when the Fundamentals of Religion are reckon'd up Heb. 6. 1 2. among them is plac'd the laying on of Hands which in regard it follows Baptism and is a Doctrine to be taught young Beginners it is most likely to be meant of Confirmation and is so interpreted by the Fathers Q. Was not this
Apostolical usage to cease when Miraculous Inspirations did not accompany it A. The Holy Spirit is to abide in the Church for ever and Christians have and need it now as really and effectually to the Purposes of Sanctification as any had it then therefore there is no reason that the Rite of Communicating it should cease 2. The Church did in every Age continue this Custom of Confirming after Baptism which proves that they did not imagine it was a Temporary Institution to reject it therefore is to condemn the universal Practice of the Church to which certainly a very great Deference is due Q. Why is the Person to be confirm'd interrogated or ask'd the Question Do you here c A. Because it gives the Party to be obliged opportunity to consider what he is to bind himself unto and so may give a deliberate Answer Q. Why is one Godfather or Godmother peculiarly requir'd to be present A. For greater Security as a Pledge of Sincerity and to be a continual Monitor to keep the Vow as well as a Witness of the same Q. Why are those short Verses and Answers used A. Upon the hearing of the Persons good Confession the whole Church express their Joy and their Desires that it may be confirmed in some of the Words of David's Psalms which are very properly inserted here that the whole Congregation may join in the Profession of their Faith in God In giving Glory to him and in begging Acceptance from him and the last Phrase is doubled to shew the vehement Desire and fervent Affections of the Petitioners Q. If we have received the Holy Spirit in Baptism why do we pray for it in this Office A. In Baptism the Holy Spirit gives what is sufficient to make us Innocent but in Confirmation it gives increase and makes us gracious according to which Ancient Doctrine the Prayer is compos'd to Acknowledge the former Gift and then to Petition for the Second Q. Why is the Ceremony of laying on Hands used A. Because it is one of the most ancient Ceremonies in the World observ'd by Jacob in giving his Blessing and used by our Lord Christ and his Apostles Q. Why is this Rite perform'd by a Bishop A. Our Church is careful to keep to the Apostolical Pattern in the Person as well as in the Ceremony because tho' Philip had Liberty both to Preach and Baptize yet the Apostles only could confirm Acts 8. 14 15. 2. This peculiar Privilege of Confirming reserv'd to the Bishop is apt to beget a greater Veneration of it in the Minds of devout People and to make them expect nobler Effects from that Office which none but the Highest Minister of Religion can celebrate Q. What may be signified by this Rite A. That the Lord will stretch out his Hand to defend us against all our Spiritual Enemies Of the Communion Service Quest WHY is the Communion-Table so called by some and by others the Altar Answ It is called an Altar because the Holy Eucharist being considered as a Sacrifice we offer up the Commemoration of that Sacrifice which was offered upon the Cross A. 2. We offer with the Action Prayers to God for all good things and we need not fear to call the whole Action by the Name of a Sacrifice seeing part of it is an Oblation to God of hearty Prayers and it is not unusual for that to be said of the whole that is exactly true but of one part and as the word Sacrifice may be used without danger so also the Ancient Church did understand it Bishop Patrick And it 's called a Table the Eucharist being considered as a Sacrament which is nothing else but a Distribution and Application of the Sacrifice to the Receivers and the proper use of a Table is to set Food upon and to entertain Guests both which are applicable to this Q. Why is part of the Communion-Service used when there is no Communion A. The Church hereby doth mind us of what she desires and labours toward viz. Our more frequent Access or coming to that holy Table A. 2. Because in the ancient Church the Altar was the place where they offered up their Prayers to signifie that they offer'd them up only in the vertue of the Sacrifice of Christ and that the very remembrance of this Sacrifice in the Lord's Supper and by vertue of its Institution did render their Prayers prevalent and acceptable to God Dr. Sherlock Q. Did our Lord and Saviour institute any one Method or Form of Administration A. No But left it to the Wisdom and Piety of the Church whose Edicts or Injunctions we are bound to obey Q. How many parts doth this Communion Office consist of A. Four First a more general Preparation to the Communion and is either common to the whole Congregation in the Exercise of 1. Repentance by the Lord's Prayer the Collect for Purity and the Ten Commandments 2. Holy Desires by the Collects for the King and the Day 3. Of Obedience by the hearing of the Epistle and Gospel 4. Of Faith by repeating the Creed 5. Of Charity by the Offertory and the Prayer for the Holy Catholick Church Or else this general Preparation is proper to those who ought to communicate viz. The Warning before the Communion and the Exhortation to it Secondly Here is the more immediate Preparation contained 1. In the proper Instructions in the Exhortation at the Communion and the immediate Invitation 2. The Form of acknowledging our Offences in the Confession And 3. The means of ensuring our Pardon by the Absolution and Sentences And 4. The exciting our Love and Gratitude in the Preface and Hymn called the Trisagium from repeating Holy Holy Holy three times one after another Thirdly Here is the Celebration of the Mystery consisting of 1. The Communicant's humble approach in the Address 2. The Minister's blessing the Elements in the Prayer of Consecration and his distributing them according to the Form of Administration 4. Lastly Here is the Post-Communion containing Prayers and Vows in the Lord's Prayer and in the first and second Prayers after the Communion and containing Praises and Thanksgiving in the Glory be to God on high c. And lastly the Dismission by the final Blessing Q. Why doth the Lord's Prayer begin this Service A. This holy Sacrament and this Divine Prayer had one and the same Author and therefore the Lord's Prayer is the most proper Preface to the Lord's Supper and very suitable to that great Mystery A. 2. Because the Lord's Prayer used to be said in every Office and the Communion Service the Litany the Prayers Lessons and Collects are all several Offices and used heretofore to be said in our Churches at several times Q. Why is the Collect for Purity premised before the Commandments A. It is both a very fit Introduction to the Communion-Service and a proper Preface to the repeating of the Ten Commandments Q. Why are the Commandments rehearsed in the Communion-Office A. In our Baptism we