Lord answered and said O Lord of Hosts how long wilt thou not have mâ—rcy on the City of Judah and Hierusalem against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten yeares Q. What Scripture have you for praying to Angells A. The 48. ch of Gen. v. 16. where Jacob on his death-bed prayed to an Angell for Ephraim and Manasses saying The Angell of the Lord that delivered me from all evill blesse these Children Q. How did Lucifer and his fellow Angells fall from their Dignity in Heaven A. By a rebellious sin of Pride Q. With what shall their ruines be repaired A. With holy men Q. When and to what likenesse did God create man A. On the sixth day and to his own image and likenesse Gen. 1. Q. In what doth that similitude consist A. In this that man is in his Soule an incorporeall intellectuall and immortall Spirit as God is Q. In what besides A. In this that as in God there is but one most simple divine Nature or Essence and yet three distinct Persons so in man there is but one indivisible Soule and yet in that Soule three distinct powers of Will Memory and Vnderstanding Q. How do you prove the Soule to be immortall A. Out of S. Matth. C. 10. V. 28. where Christ saith Feare not them that kill the body and cannot kill the soule Q. What other proof have you A. Out of the 12. Ch. of Eccles where we read That at our death the dust returneth to the earth from whence it was and the spirit to God who gave it Q. In what state did God create man A. In the state of originall justice and perfection of all naturall gifts Q. Do we owe much to God for our creation A. Very much seeing he made us in such a perfect state creating us for himself and all things else for us Q. How did we lose originall Justice A. By Adams disobedience to God in eating the forbidden fruit Q. In what state are we now borne A. In state of originall sin and prone to actuall sin subject to death Q. How prove you that A. Out of Rom. ch 6. v. 12. where we read That by one man sin entred into this world and by sin death and so unto all men death did passe in whom all have sinned Q. Had man ever died if he had never sinned A. No he had not but had been conserved by the Tree of Life and been translated alive into the fellowship of the Angels The second Article Q. SAy the second Article A. And in Iesus Christ his onely Sonne our Lord. Q. Of what treateth this Article A. Of the second Person of the B. Trinity in whom we also believe and put our trust Q. What is the second Person A. He is true God and true Man in one Person Q. How prove you that A. Out of S. Iohns Gospell ch 1. where we read In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God c. And the Word was made Flesh and dwelt in us Q. What other proofe have you A. Out of Philip. C. 2. V. 6 7. where S. Paul saith That Christ when he was in the forme of God thought it no robbery to be equall to God but he hath lessened himselfe taking the forme of a servant made unto the likenesse of men and found in habit as a man Q. Why would God be made man A. To redeeem and save lost man Q. Was his Incarnation necessary for that end A. It was because our offences against God were in some sort infinite as being against his infinite goodnesse and therefore required an infinite satisfaction which none could make but God and he made man Q. What other proof have you for the necessity of the Incarnation A. Because God is in himselfe so spirituall sublime and abstract a thing that if he had not in his mercy attempred his owne inscrutable greatnesse unto the littlenesse of our sensible capacity by being made man scarce one of a thousand and those great Clerks only would ever have been able to know every thing to the purpose of him or consequently to love and serve him as they ought which is the necessary means of our salvation seeing that nothing is efficaciously willed which is not first well understood Q. What benefit have we by the knowledge of God made Man A. It much inflameth us with the love of God who could not more have dignified mans nature or shewed more love unto the world then to send down his onely Sonne to redeem it in our flesh Q. What signifieth the Name Iesus A. It signifieth a Saviour S. Mat. C. 1. V. 21. Q. Is any speciall honour due unto that Name A. There is because it is the highest Title of God made man Q. How prove you that A. Out of Philip. ch 2. ver 9. where wee read That God the Father hath given unto Christ because hee humbled himselfe unto the death of the Crosse a Name which is above all names the Name Jesus Q. What other proofe have you A. Because there is no other name under Heaven given unto men in which wee must bee saved Act. 4. v. 12. Q. How do you prove that we must bow at this name A. Out of the said Philip. ch 2. v. 10. At the Name of Jesus every knee shall bow of Celestialls Terrestrialls and Infernalls Q. What signifies the Name Christ A. It signifieth Annoynted Q. Why was he called Annoynted A. Because he was a Priest a Prophet and a King to all which unction appertaineth Q. With what was Christ Annoynted A. With all the plenitude of divine grace Q. What meane the words his only Son A. They meane that God hath but one onely Son by nature co-equall to himselfe begotten of himselfe without a Mother though by Adoption he have many Sonnes to wit all Christians Q. What understand you by the word Our Lord A. I understand that Christ hath all power given him in heaven and earth and that he hath bought us with his precious blood and therefore we are all his slaves The third Article Q. WHat is the third Article A. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost borne of the Virgin Mary A. What meaneth who was conceived by the Holy Ghost A. It meaneth that the second Person of the Blessed Trinitie tooke flesh of the Virgin Mary not by humane generation but by the worke of the Holy Ghost Q. How prove you that A. Out of S. Luke Ch. 1. V. 25. Behold saith the Angell thou shalt conceive and beare a Sonne c. the Holy Ghost shall come downe upon thee and the vertue of the Highest shall over-shadow thee Q. What understand you by the words borne of the Virgin Mary A. I understand that Christ was borne of her at midnight and in a poor Stable at Bethlehem betwixt an Oxe and an Asse Q. Why at midnight A. To signifie that he came to take away the darknesse of our sinnes Q. Why in Bethlehem A.
There be in number twelve as you may see in Gal. ch 5. Q. What is the first A. Charity whose nature and effects you know already Q. What is the second A. Ioy by which we are enabled to serve God with cheerfull hearts Q. What is the third A. Peace which keepeth us unmoved in our minds amidst the stormes and tempests of this world Q. What is the fourth A. Patience which enableth us to suffer all adversities for the love of God Q. What is the fifth A. Long animity which is an untired confidence of mind in expecting the good things of the life to come Q. What is the sixth A. Goodnesse which maketh us hurt no man and doe good unto all Q. What is the seventh A. Benignity which causeth an affable sweetnesse in our manners and conversation Q. What is the Eighth A. Mildnesse which allayeth in us all the motions of passion and anger Q. What is the ninth A. Fidelity which maketh us punctuall observers of our Covenants and Promises Q. What is the tenth A. Modesty which suppresseth in us all pride and haughtinesse Q. What is the eleventh A. Continency which maketh us not only abstemious in meat and drinke but in all other sensible delights Q. What is the twelfth A. Chastity which keepeth a pure soule in a pure body Q. VVho are they that have these fruits A. The Children of God onely for whosoever are led by the Spirit of God they are the sonnes of God Rom. ch 8. v. 14. CHAP. XV. The Works of Merey Expounded Q. HOw many are the Workes of Mercy Corporall A. Seven 1. To feed the hungry 2. To give drinke to the thirsty 3. To cloath the naked 4. To harbour the harbourlesse 5. To visit the sicke 6. To visite the imprisoned And 7. To bury the dead Q. How prove you that these workes are meritorious of a reward A. Because Christ hath promised the Kingdome of heaven as the reward of them Come O ye blessed of my Father saith he and possesse ye the Kingdome c. for I was hungry and ye gave me to eat c. S. Mat. ch 25. v. 35 36. Q. When are we said to feed and cloath Christ A. As often as we feed and cloath the poore in his Name what ye have done saith he to one of my little ones that ye have done unto me the same ch v. 40. Q. Is the reward of these works a reward of Justice A. It is according to 2 Tim. ch 4. v. 8. I have fought a good fight saith S. Paul there is a crowne of Justice laid up for me which our Lord will render to mee at that day a just Iudge Q. VVhat other proofe have you A. Out of Heb. ch 6. v. 10. For God is not unjust that he should forget the worke and love which you have shewed in his Name who have ministred unto the Saints and do minister Q. How many be the Workes of Mercy Spirituall A. Seven also 1. To give counsell to the doubtfull 2. To instruct the ignorant 3. To admonish sinners 4. To comfort the afflicted 5. To for give offences 6. To beare patiently the troublesome 7. To pray for the quicke and the dead Q. How prove you prayer for the dead A. First out of of the places above-cited for Purgatory Secondly out of 1 S. John ch 5. v. 16. He that knoweth his brother to sinne a sinne not unto death let him aske and life shall be given him not sinning to death i. by finall impenitence therefore it is lawfull to pray for all such as die penitent and confessing their sinnes And in 2 Mach. ch 12. we read It is therefore a wholesome and holy cogitation to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sinnes Q. How shew you these workes to be meritorious A. Out of Dan. ch 12. v. 2. They which instruct others unto Justice shall shine as starres for all eternity CHAP. XVI The eight Beatitudes Q. WHat are the eight Beatitudes A. The summe of them is 1. Poverty of spirit 2. Meeknesse 3. Mourning 4. To hunger and thirst after Justice 5. Mercifulnesse 6. Cleannesse of heart 7. To be Peace-makers 8. To suffer persecution for Justice sake See S. Mat. ch 5. Q. VVhence ariseth the necessity of suffering Persecution A. Because all that will live piously in Iesus Christ shall suffer Persecution CHAP. XVII The kinds of sinne explicated Q. WHy is it necessary for a Christian to know the natures and the kinds of sin A. That so he may detest them and avoid them Q. How many kinds of sinne be there A. Two kinds namely Originall and Actuall sin Q. What is Originall sin A. It is a privation of Originall Iustice which we inherit from our first Parent Adam and are all born in that privation or Originall sin Q. How prove you that A. Out of Rom. ch 5. v. 12. Therefore as by one man sin entred into the world and by sin death and so unto all men death did passe in whom all have sinned Q. What are the effects of Originall sinne A. Concupisence ignorance evill inclinations pronenesse to sin sicknesse and death Q. How is Originall sinne taken away A. By holy Baeptisme Q. Whither goe Infants which die without Baptisme A. To the upper part of hell where they indure the pain of losse though not of sense and shall never see the face of God Q. How prove you that A. Out of S. Iohn ch 3. v. 5. Vnlesse any one be borne againe of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdome of God Q. What is Actuall sinne A. It is a thought word or deed contrarie to the Law of God Q. What is a sin of Omission A. To omit any thing willingly which is commanded by God or by his Church Q. Why is Actuall sin so called A. Because the materiall part of it is commonly some voluntary act of ours Q. Is all sinne voluntary and deliberate A. It is speaking of Actuall sinne for no man sinneth in doing that which is not in his power to avoid Q. VVhat other proofe have you A. Because the whole Gospell of Christ is nothing else but an Exhortation to doe good and avoid evill then which nothing were more vaine if it be not in the free election and power of man as assisted by Gods grace to do or not to do such things Q. What Scripture have you for that A. Out of Gen. ch 4. v. 7. If thou doe well shalt not thou receive again But if thou dost ill shall not thy sinne be forthwith present at the doore but the desire thereof of sin shall be under thee and thou shalt have dominion over it Q. What besides A. Out of Deut. ch 30. v. 19. 20. I call to witnesse this day heaven and earth saith our Lord that I have proposed to thee life and death blessing and cursing choose therefore life that thou maist live Q. What other yet A. Out of 1 Cor. ch 7. v. 37.
He that hath determined in his heart being setled not having necessity but having power of his owne will and hath judged in his heart to keep his Virgin doth well you see man hath power of his own will and in Phil. ch 4. I can do all things saith S. Paul in him that strengthneth me Q. Doth not the efficacy of Gods grace hinder and hurt the freedome of our will A. No it perfecteth it according to 1 Cor. ch 15. v. 10 11. I have laboured more abundantly saith S. Paul then all they yet not I but the grace of God with me you heare the grace of God did not hinder but perfect his working Q. How is Actuall Sinne divided A. Into mortall and veniall Q. What is mortall sinne A. Any great offence against the charity of God or our neighbour and it is so called because it killeth the soule and robbeth it of the spirituall life of grace Q. What is veniall sinne A. A small and very pardonable offence against God or our neighbour Q. How prove you that some sinnes are mortall A. Out of Rom. ch 6. v. 23. For the stipend of sin is death And v. 21. What fruit therefore had you then in those things for which now your are ashamed For the end of them is death Q. What other proofe have you A. Out of Wisdome ch 16. v. 14. For a man by malice killeth his owne soule And out of Ezek. ch 18. v. 4. The soule which sinneth she shall die Q. How prove you that some sinnes are onely veniall A. Out of 1 S. John ch 1. v. 8. where speaking of such as walk in the light and are cleansed from all mortall sin by the blood of Christ he addeth If we shall say we have no sin we seduce our selves and the truth is not in us Q. What other proofe have you A. In many things we all offend S. Iames ch 3. v. 2. and in Prov. 24. v. 16. The just man falleth seven times not mortally for then he were no longer just therefore venially Q. What other yet A. Out of S. Mat. ch 12. v. 37. But I say unto you every idle word which men shall speake they shall render an account for at the day of Judgement now God forbid that every idle word should be a mortall Sin Q. What are the effects of veniall Sinne A. It doth not rob the soule of life as Mortall doth but only weakneth the fervour of Charity and by degrees disposeth unto Mortall Q. Why are we bound to shun not onely mortall but also veniall Sinnes A. Because he that despiseth small things shall by little and little fall away Eccles ch 19. v. 3. Q. What other proofe have you A. Because no polluted thing shall enter into the heavenly Hierusalem Apoc. ch 21. v. 27. be it with mortall or veniall sin Q. How shall wee be able to know when any sin is mortall and when but veniall A. By this Because to any mortall sinne it is required both that it be deliberate and perfectly voluntary and also that it be in a matter of weight against the Law of God one or both of which conditions is alwayes wanting in a veniall sin Q. How is Mortall Sinne remitted A. By heartie penance and contrition Q. How is Veniall Sinne remitted A. By all the Sacraments by holy Water devout Prayer and the like Q. Whether goe such as die in Mortall Sin A. To hell for all eternity as you have heard in the Creed Q. Whether goe such as die in Veniall Sin or not having fully satisfied for the temporall punishments due to their mortall sinnes which are forgiven them A. To Purgatory till they have made full satisfaction for them and then to heaven Q. How prove you that there is Purgatory or a penall place where soules are purged after death A. Out of 1 S. Pet. ch 3. v. 18. 19. 20. where we read That Christ being dead for our sins came in spirit and preached to them also that were in prison which had been incredulous in the daies of Noah when the Arke was a building Q. What other proofe have you A. Out of 1 Cor. ch 3. v. 13 14 15. The worke of every man shall be manifest for the day of our Lord will declare it because it shall be revealed in fire and the worke of every one of what kind it is the fire shall try if any mans worke abide as theirs doth who have deserved no Purgatory he shall receive a reward if any mans worke burne as theirs doth who goe to Purgatory he shall suffer detriment but himselfe shall be saved yet so as by fire Q. What besides A. Out of S. Matth. ch 4. v. 27. Be thou at agreement with thy adversary betimes whilest thou art in the way with him that is in this life least perhaps the Adversary deliver thee to the Judge and the Iudge deliver thee to the Officer and thou be cast into prison Purgatory Amen I say unto thee thou shalt not go out from thence till thou repay the last farthing Q. What other yet A. Out of S. Mat. ch 12. v. 32. where we read That some Sins shalâ— neither be forgiven in this world nor in the world to come therefore there is a place of purging and pardoning sins after this life Q. How is a man made guilty or said to co-operate to the sinnes of other men A. As often as he is an effectuall cause of sin in others by any of these nine meanes following 1. By counsell 2. By command 3. By consent 4. By provocation 5. By praise or flattery 6. By silence 7. By connivence 8. By participation or 9. By defence of the ill done CHAP. XVIII The seven deadly Sinnes Expounded Q. HOw call you the seven deadly Sinnes A. Pride Covetousnesse Lechery Anger Gluttony Envy and Sloth Q. What is Pride A. It is an inordinate desire of our owne excellency or esteeme Q. Why is Pride called a Capitall sinne A. Because it is the head or fountaine of many other sinnes Q. What for example A. Vaine-Glory Boasting Hypocrisy Ambition Arrogancy Presumption and contempt of others Q. What is Vaine-Glory A. An inordinate desire of humane praise Q. What is Boasting A. A foolish cracking of our selves Q. What is Hypoerisie A. A counterfeiting of more piety and vertue then we have Q. What is Ambition A. An inordinate desire of honour Q. What is Arrogancy A. A high contempt of others joyned with insolency and rashnesse Q. What is Presumption A. An attempting of things above our strength Q. What is contempt of others A. A disdainfull preferring of our selves before others Q. What other daughters hath Pride A. Pertinacy discord disobedience and in gratitude Q. What is pertinacy A. A wilfull sticking to our owne opinions contrary to the judgement of our betters Q. What is discord A. A wrangling in words with such as we ought to assent and yeeld unto Q. What is disobedience A. A refractorinesse to Parents and Superiours Q.
Because that was the head City of Davids family and Christ was born of the Race of David Q. Why in a poore Stable A. To teach us the love of poverty and a contempt of this world Q. Why betwixt an Oxe and Asse A. To fulfill that of the Prophet Thou shalt be known O Lord betwixt two beasts Q. What doth the birth of Christ availe us A. It perfecteth in us Faith Hope and Charity Q. What meaneth borne of the Virgin Mary A. It meaneth that our Lady was a Virgin not onely before but also in and after Childbirth The fourth Article Q. WHat is the fourth Article A. Suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified dead and buried Q. What understand you by Suffered under Pontius Pilate A. I understand that Christ after a painfull life of 33. yeares suffered most bitter torments under that wicked President Pontius Pilate Q. Where did he begin those sufferings A. In the garden of Gethsemane that as sin began in a garden by the first Adam so might grace also by the Second Q. What were those torments A. His bloudy Sweat his whipping at the Pillar his Purple Garment his Crowne of Thornes his Scepter of a Reed his carrying of the Crosse and many others Q. What understand you by the word was crucified A. I understand that he was nailed to a disgracefull Crosse betwixt two Thieves for our offences and to save us Q. Is it lawfull to honour the Crosse A. Yes with a relative honour it is because it is a speciall memoriall of our Saviours Passion and is called the signe of the Son of Man S. Mat. ch 24. v. 30. Q. What other reason have you A. Because a Crosse was the sacred Altar on which Christ offered his bloudy Sacrifice Q. What Scripture have you for it A. The Gal. ch 6. v. 13. God forbid saith S. Paul that I should glory but in the Crosse of our Lord Jesus Christ Q. What other proof have you A. Out of Philip. ch 4. v. 18. many walke saith S. Paul whom I have often told you of and now again weeping I tell you of them enemies to the Crosse of Christ whose end is perdition Q. What other yet A. Out of Ezek. ch 9. v. 4. where we read that such as were signed with the signe Tau which was a picture and figure of the Crosse were saved from the exterminating Angel and only such Q. What meaneth the word dead A. It meaneth that Christ suffered a true and reall death Q. Why was it requisite that he should die A. To free us from the death of sinne Q. Why died he crying out with a loud voice A. To shew that he had power of his owne life and that he freely gave it up for us being strong and vigorous Q. Why died he bowing downe his head A. To signifie his obedience to his Father in the acceptance of his disgracefull death Q. What meaneth was buried A. It meaneth that his body was laid in a new Sepulchre and buried with honour as the Prophet had foretold Esa ch 11. v. 10. The fifth Article Q. WHat is the fifth Article A. He descended into Hell the third day he rose againe from the dead Q. What meaneth he descended into Hell A. It meaneth that as soon as Christ was dead his blessed soule descended into Limbo to free the holy Fathers which were there Q. How prove you that A. Out of the Acts ch 2. v. 24 25 26 27. where we read that Christ being slain God raised him up loosing the sorrowes of hell as it was foretold by the Prophet Psa 15. thou wilt not leave my soule in hell nor wilt thou give thy holy one to see corruption Q. What other proof have you A. Eph. ch 4. v. 8. where we read he ascending on high hath led captivity captive he gave gifts unto men and v. the 9. that he ascended what is it but that he first descended into the lower parts of the earth Q. Did not he also descend to Purgatorie to free such as were there A. He did according to the 1. of S. Pet. ch 3. v. 18 19 20. where wee read that Christ being dead came in Spirit and preached to them also which were in prison who had been incredulous in the daies of Noah when the Arke was building Q. What understand you by on the third daey he rose againe from the dead A. I understand that when Christ had been dead part of three daies on the third day which was a Sunday he raised up his blessed body from the dead Q. Why did he rise againe no sooner A. To testifie that he was truly dead and to fulfill the figures of him Q. Did he reassume all the parts of his body A. He did even to the least drop of his vitall blood and the very scattered haires of his head Q. Why did he retaine the Stigma's and markes of his sacred wounds A. To confound the incredulity of men and to present them often to his Father as a propitiation for our sins Q. What benefit have we by the Resisrrection A. It doth confirm our Faith and Hope that we shall also rise againe from death for he which raised up Jesus will raise us also up with Jesus 2 Cor. ch 4. v. 14. The sixth Article Q. What is the sixth Article A. Hee ascended into heaven sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty Q. What meaneth he ascended into heaven A. It meaneth that when Christ had conversed forty daies on earth with his Disciples after his Resurrection teaching them heavenly things then he ascended triumphant into heaven by his own power Q. From what place did hee ascend A. From the top of Mount Olivet where the print of his blessed feet are seen to this day Q. Why from thence A. That where he began to bee humbled by his Passion there hee might also begin to be exalted Q. Before whom did he ascend A. Before his good Apostles and Disciples Act. ch 1. Q. In what manner did hee ascend A. Lifting up his hands and blessing them Q. Why is it added into heaven A. To draw our hearts to heaven after him If ye have risen with Christ seeke ye the things which are above Col. ch 3. Q. What understand you by sitteth at the right hand of God A. I doe not understand that God the Father hath any hands for he is incorporeall and a Spirit but that Christ is equall to his Father in Power and Majesty The seventh Article Q. What is the seventh Article A. From thence he shall come to judge the Quick and the Dead Q. What understand you by this Article Q. I understand that Christ shall come at the last day from the right hand of his Father to judge all men according to their works Q. Doth not every man receive a particular judgement at his death A. He doth but in the generall Judgment we shall be judged not onely in our soules as at our death but also in our bodies
Petition ill A. Such as are willing slaves to sinne and to the Devill The third Petition Q. WHat is the third Petition A. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven Q. What doe we beg by this Petition A. That God would enable us by his holy Grace to keep his Commandements and be obedient to his will in all things Q. What meane you by the words in earth as it is in heaven A. We beg by those that we may be as ready and as willing to do the Will of God on earth as the blessed Saints and Angells are in heaven The fourth Petition Q. VVHat is the fourth Petition A. Give us this day our daily bread Q. What doe we beg by this Petition A. All food and sustenance for our soules and bodies Q. What is the food of the soule A. The Word of God the holy Sacraments especially the blessed Eucharist and Divine Grace Q. How prove you that by this Petition Christ intended the blessed bread of the Eucharist A. Because although we read in S. Luk. our daily bread ch 11. v. 3. in S. Matth. we read our supersubstantiall bread ch 6. v. 11. Q. Why is the Eucharist called our daily bread A. Because it is daily offered for our sinnes upon the Altar and we ought daily to receive it at least in spirit and desire Q. Who say this Petition ill A. Such as are cold and carelesse in coming to the Sacraments and in hearing divine Service or Exhortations Q. Who else A. Such as ascribe their temporall goods and blessings to their owne industry and providence and not to any speciall bounty or gift of God The fifth Petition Q. VVHat is the fifth Petition A. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors Q. What doe we beg by this Petition A. That God would pardon us the sinnes of our life past as also the punishments which are due unto them Q. Why are sinnes and the penalties of sin called debts A. Because they make us debters to the Justice of God whom by sin we rob of his due honour Q. Why is it added as we forgive our debters A. To signifie that God will not forgive us unlesse we also forgive our Brethren if you will not forgive men saith our Lord neither will your Father forgive you your offences S. Mat. ch 6. v. 15. Q. Who are they which say this Petition ill A. Such as beare malice against their neighbours and seek revenge The sixth Petition Q. VVHat is the sixth Petition A. And lead us not into temptation Q. What do we beg by this Petition A. That God would not permit us to be tempted above our strength Q. Doth God tempt any man to sinne A No he doth not for God is not the tempter of evills he tempteth no man S. Jam. ch 1. v. 13. Q. What other proof have you A. Out of the 5. Psal where we read Thou art not a God willing iniquitie and out of Rom. ch 9. v. 14. where we read Is there iniquity with God No God forbid Q. By whom then are wee tempted A. By the Devill and our owne concupiscence S. Iam. ch 1. v. 14. Q. Can a man live in this world and be free from all temptations A. Morally speaking he cannot for the whole life of man on earth is a temptation Iob ch 7. Q. Why then doe we pray to be delivered from temptations A. That we may not be overcome or vanquished by them Q. Is temptation of it selfe a sinne A. No not without consent on our part nay it is a great occasion of merit if we resist it as we ought Q. How prove you that A. Out of Apoc. ch 2. v. 10 11. Be thou faithfull untill death saith our Lord and I will give thee a Crowne of life he that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death Q. What other proof have you A. Because Christ himselfe who never sinned would be tempted and the Tempter came unto him saying c. S. Mat. ch 4. v. 3. Q. Are we never overcome but by our own default A. Never according to that answer which was given to S. Paul desiring to be freed from a temptation my grace is sufficient for thee Q. What other proof have you A. Out of S. Iam. ch 4. v. 7. where we read Resist ye the Devill and he will flie from you Q. Who are they that say this Petition ill A. Such as seek after occasions of sinne and wilfully expose themselves unto temptations Q. What are the best remedies against temptations A. To have recourse by humble Prayer to God and to his Saints and to such especially as have been tempted in the same kind to resist them valiantly at the first entrance and to remember often our last things Death Judgement Hell and Heaven The seventh Petition Q. VVHat is the seventh Petition A. But deliver us from evill Q. What doe we beg by this Petition A. That God would free us and deliver us from all our evills both spirituall and temporall and especially from the evills of sin past present and to come Q. Who is the Author of all evill of sin A. The Devill for sin in God there is none 1 S. Ioh. ch 3. v. 5. Q. What other proof have you A. Out of Wisdome ch 14. v. 9. where we read hatefull to God is the impious man and his impiety Q. Who say this Petition ill A. They which commit their evills before God and multiply their sinnes without remorse CHAP. VI. The Haile Mary or Angelicall Salutation Expounded Q. WHat is the Haile Mary A. It is a most holy Prayer in honour of the blessed Virgin Mary Q. How do you prove it lawfull to honour and pray unto our Lady A. Out of S. Luk. ch 1. v. 48. where by inspiration from God she prophesied saying All Generations shall call me blessed Q. How many parts hath the Haile Mary A. It hath three parts Q. What is the first part A. Haile Mary full of gracè our Lord is with thee Q. Who made this part A. The Holy Ghost although it were delivered by the Angell Gabriel S. Luk. ch 1. v. 29. Q. What signifies the word Haile A. It signifies Rejoyce be glad O Mother of God Q. Why doe we invite her by this Prayer to rejoyce A. Because it reneweth the memory of her blessed Sonnes conception which is an infinite cause of joy to her and the whole Court of heaven Q. What signifies the word Mary A. It signifieth Star of the Sea Q. Why is she fitly called Star of the Sea A. Because she shineth unto us by her exemplar vertues in this Sea of miseries like a most glorious Star Q. What meane you by the words Full of Grace A. I meane that the blessed Virgin had a speciall fullnesse and prerogative of Grace caused in her by the conception of her Son Q. What meaneth Our Lord is with thee A. It meaneth that the whole Trinity was with her at that
translated from death to life because we love the Brethren Ep. 1. ch 3. v. 14. CHAP. VIII Concerning the Commandements in generall Q. WHat is the principall aime or end of the Commandements A. To teach us the will and pleasure of the eternall God or the love of God and of our neighbour he that hath loved hath fulfilled the Law Rom. ch 3. v. 9. Q. Why are the Commandements excepting the determination of the Sabbath day called the Commandements of the Law of nature A. Because God wrote them in the heart of man at his creation being the very Dictates of naturall reason Q. When did he renew them in the written Law A. When he gave them to Moses on Mount Sina in Thunder and Lightning written in two Tables of stone Exod. ch 20. Q. Why in Thunder and Lightning A. To move us to a carefull observance of them Q. Are all men bound to know the Commandements A. For the substance of them they are because they are the rule of our whole life and actions Q. How doe you prove them to be but only ten A. Out of Deut. ch 3. v. 13. where we read And he shewed you his Covenant which he commanded you to do and the ten words which he wrote in the two Tables of stone Q. By what kind of sins are the Commandements broken A. By Mortall sins onely for Veniall sins are not contrary to the end of the Commandements which is Charity and therefore not against properly speaking but beside the Commandements Q. How declare you that A. Because a Veniall sin for example an idle word an officious or jesting lie which hurteth no body and the theft of a pin or an apple is not of weight enough to break Charity betwixt man and man much lesse betwixt God and man Q. Is it possible for us to keep all the Commandements A. Not onely possible but necessary and easie by the assistance of Gods grace Q. How declare you that A. Because God is no Tyrant to command impossibilities under pain of eternall damnation as he doth the keeping of his Commandements Q. How prove you that A. Out of Exod. ch 20. 34. and out of Deut. c. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. where he often commandeth them to be kept threatning grievous punishments to such as break them Q. What other proof have you A. Out of S. Matth. ch 5. v. 20. where we read He therefore that shall breake one of these least Commandements and teach men so to doe he shall be called least in the Kingdome of heaven but he that shall doe and teach them he shall be called great in the Kingdome of heaven Q. What other yet A. Out of S. Matth. ch 11. v. 30. Take up my yoke upon you saith our Lord for my yoke is sweet and my burthen light Q. Hath God ever promised to inable men to keep them A. He hath and also actually to make them keep and do them Q. How prove you that A. Out of Ezek. ch 36. v. 27. where we read I will put my Spirit in the middle of you saith our Lord and I will make that ye walke in my Precepts and keep my judgements and doe them Q. What other place have you A. Out of Ezek. ch 37. v. 24. They shall be my people saith the Lord and I will be their God there shall be one Pastor of them all they shall walke in my Iudgements and keep my Commandements and do them Q. How doe you prove that any have ever kept them A. Out of S. Luke ch 1. v. 6. where we read That Zachary and Elizabeth were both just before God walking in all the Commandements and Iustifications of our Lord without reproofe Q. How prove you the keeping of them to be necessary to salvation A. Out of S. Mat. ch 19. v. 17. If thou wilt enter into life saith our Lord keep the Commandements Q. What other proofe have you A. Out of S. Luke ch 10. v. 25. 28. where when the Lawyer had asked what he should doe to possesse everlasting life and had repeated the sum of the Commandements Christ answered him saying Doe this and thou shalt live Q. What other yet A. Out of Rom. ch 2. v. 13. where we read not hearers of the Law but doers of the Law shall be justified Of the Commandements in particular The first Commandement Expounded Q. WHat is the first Commandement A. I am thy Lord thy God thou shalt not have any strange Gods before me thou shalt not make to thy selfe any graven thing to adore it Q. What are we commanded by this Precept A. To serve love adore and worship but one only true living and Eternall God and no more Q. What are we forbidden by this Precept A. To worship any Creature for a God or give it the Honour which is due to God Q. What is the Honour due to God A. Supreme and Soveraigne Honor that which is called by Divines LATRIA We must honour him as the great master of Life and Death as our Creator Redeemer Conserver and Last End Q. How doe men sin against this Commandement A. By worshipping Idolls and false gods By erring or doubting in Faith By Superstitions and Witchcraft Q. How else A. By going to Church with Infidels or Heretikes by beleeving Dreames c. Q. How doe you prove it a great sin to goe to Church with Heretikes A. Because by so doing we outwardly deny our Faith and professe their false Faith at least in our Country where going to Church is by the Lawes of the Land made a distinctive signe betwixt Catholikes and Novellists Q. What Scripture have you against it A. Out of S. Luke c. 17. v. 22. where Christ forbiddeth it saying And they will say to you Loe here Christ Loe there Christ goe yee not neither doe yee follow them Q. What other proof have you A. Out of Titus c. 3. v. 10. 11. A man that is an Heretike saith hee avoyd knowing that hee that is such an one is subverted and sinneth Q. How doe you prove it unlawfull to go to Witches and Fortune-tellers A. Out of Deut. ch 10. v. 10 11. where we read Let there not be found in thee any that demandeth of Southsayers and observeth dreames neither let there be a Witch or Enchanter or that consulteth with the Devill for all these things our Lord abhorreth Q. What understand you by those words Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven thing to adore it A. I understand that we must not make Idolls nor Images nor any graven thing whatsoever to adore it as a God or with Gods honour Q. Why are not these words expressed in many of our short Catechismes A. Because they are sufficiently included in the precedent words Thou shalt not have any strange or other Gods before me Q. How declare you that A. Because if we must have no other but one onely true living and uncreated God who created heaven and earth then it is cleare to the reason
A. It maketh us the children of God and remitteth both originall and actuall sinne if he that is baptized be guilty of it Q. What else A. It infuseth justifying grace into the Soule with habits of Faith Hope and Charity and all supernaturall gifts and virtues Q. How prove you that A. Out of Gal. ch 3. v. 27. As many of you as are baptized in Christ have put on Christ. Q. What other proofe have you A. Out of 1. Cor. ch 6. v. 10. where speaking of Fornicators Idolaters Theeves Adulterers and Liers These things saith S. Paul ye were but yee are washed but yee are sanctified but yee are justyfied in the Name of our Lord Iesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God Q. What other yet A. Out of Titus ch 3. v. 6. and 7. He hath saved us by the Laver of Regeneration and Renovation of the Holy Ghost whom he hath abundantly powred out upon us by Iesus Christ our Saviour that being justified by his Grace we may be Heires according to the hope of life everlasting Q. What other effect hath Baptisme A. It maketh a spirituall mark or character in the soule which shall remaine for ever either to our great joy in Heaven or our confusion in hell Q. What sinne is it to baptize a man twice A. A mortall sinne of sacriledge Q. How prove you that A. Out of Heb. ch 6. v. 4. 5. and 6. It is impossible for those who have beene illuminated and made partakers of the Holy Ghost to wit by Baptisme and are fallen c. To be renewed againe unto Penance c. viz. by a second Baptisme Q. What if a man die for the Faith before he can be baptized A. He is a true Martyr and baptized in his owne blood Q. Why have we a Godfather and a Godmother in Baptisme A. That if our Parents should neglect it or be prevented with death they may instruct us in the Faith of Christ which obligation lieth on them Q. How many Godfathers may we have A. But one Godfather and one Godmother at the most since the Councell of Trent Q. Why so few A. To prevent the too great extent of spirituall affinity which is contracted betwixt them and their Godchildren and his Father and Mother which is an impediment not only making Marriage unlawfull but also invalid betwixt the parties Q. How can infants be christened which have but actuall Faith A. In the Faith of the Church and of their Godfathers and Godmothers Q. Why do we use so many Ceremonies in Baptisme A. To stirre up reverence to the Sacrament and signifie the inward effects thereof Q. What meaneth the Priests breathing on the childs face A. It signifies that by Baptisme the evill spirit is cast out and the Spirit of God is given to him Q. Why is the child signed on his brest and forehead with the Signe of the Crosse A. To signifie that he is there made the servant of Christ crucified Q. Why doth the Priest lay spettle on his ears and nostrils A. Because Christ by so doing healed one that was both deafe and dumb as also to signifie that by Baptisme his eares are opened to the Word of Faith and his nostrills to the good Odour of all Christian vertues Q. Why doth the Priest ask the child if he renounce the Devill and his Pomps A. To signifie that he which will be the child of God cannot be the child of the Devill Q. What meane the severall Annointings of the child A. They signifie the interiour Annointing or Vnction of divine Grace given to the Soule in Baptisme Q. What meane they in particular A. He is annointed on the Head to signifie that by Baptisme he is made partaker of the Kingly dignity of Christ on the Shoulders to signifie that he must beare his Crosse couragiously on the Brest to signihe that the heart is there strengthened with grace to fight against the Devill Q. What signifies the white Chrisome given to the child A. The purity and innocence which he there receiveth Q. What signifies the hallowed Light given to the child A. The light of Faith and fire of Charity with which his soule is there inflamed Confirmation Expounded Q. WHat is the second Sacrament A. Confirmation Q. When did Christ ordaine this Sacrament A. At his last Supper Q. What proofe have you for that A. An Apostolicall Tradition Q. What is the matter of this Sacrament A. Oyle mingled with Balme blessed by a Bishop Q. What is the forme of it A. I signe thee with the Signe of the Crosse I confirme thee with the Chrisome of Salvation in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q. What Scripture have you for this Sacrament A. 2 Cor. ch 1. v. 22. And he that confirmeth us with you in Christ and hath annoyled us God who also hath sealed us with the spirituall Character and given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts Q. What other place have you A. Acts ch 8. v. 14 15 16. where wee read that when Philip the Deacon had converted the City of Samaria to the Faith the Apostles who were at Hierusalem sent two Bishops S. Peter and S. John to confirme them who when they were come saith the Text prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost for he was not yet come upon any of them but they were only baptized in the Name of our Lord Jesus then did they impose their hands upon them and they received the Holy Ghost Q. What other yet A. Out of Act. ch 19. v. 5 6. where we read that S. Paul baptized and confirmed twelve of S. Johns Disciples Hearing these things saith the Text they were baptized in the Name of our Lord Jesus and when Paul had imposed hands upon them the Holy Ghost came upon them Q. Why is Oyle used in this Sacrament A. To signifie that the principall and proper effect of it is to make us strong and perfect Christians men able to professe our Faith before persecuting Tyrants Q. Why is Balme used in it A. To signifie the good odour of a Christian Name according to that We are a good Odour of Christ to God Q. In what appeareth the force of Confirmation A. In the undaunted confidence and suffering of the Apostles Martyrs and Saints of God after they had received it Q. When were the Apostles confirmed A. On Whit-sunday in an extraordinary manner the Holy Ghost descending upon them in Tongues of Fire Q. Doth Confirmation give a Character A. It doth according to 2 Cor. ch 1. v. 22. above cited where we read who also hath sealed us that is to say with a Character Q. Who is the Minister of this Sacrament A. A Bishop onely as appeareth by Act. ch 8. above cited where two Bishops were sent unto Samaria to give it Q. Is there any necessity of this Sacrament A. There is a morall necessity of it according to the Councell of Laodieaea Can. the 48. in
Out of Eccles ch 34. v. 27. He that sheddeth bloud and he that defraudeth the hired man are brethren And out of S. Iames ch 5. v. 4. Behold the hire of the workmen that have reaped your fields which is defrauded by you crieth and the cry hath entred into the eares of the Lord of Sabbath CHAP. XXI The foure last Things expounded Q. WHat are the Foure Last Things A. Death Iudgement Hell and Heaven Eccles ch 7. v. 28. Q. What understand you by Death A. That we are all mortall and shall once die how soone we are uncertain and therefore must be alwayes prepared for it Q. How prove you that A. Out of Heb. ch 9. v. 27. It is decreed for all men once to die And out of S. Matth. ch 25. v. 13. Watch ye therefore because ye know not the day nor the houre Q. What is the best preparative for death A. A godly life and to be often doing Penance for our sinnes and saying with S. Paul I doe desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ Phil. ch 1. v. 23. Q. What else A. To remember often that of S. Matth. ch 16. v. 26. He that will save his life shall lose it and he that shall lose his life for me shall find it Q. What understand you by judgement A. I understand that besides the generall judgement at the last day our soules as soone as we are dead shall receive their particular judgement at the tribunall of Christ according to that Blessed are the dead that die in our Lord from henceforth now saith the spirit that they rest from their labours for their works follow them Apoc. 14. ch v. 13. Q. What is the best preparitive for this judgement A. To remember often that of Heb. ch 10. v. 21. It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God And that of 1 Cor. ch 11. v. 31. For if we did judge our selves we should not be judged Q. What understand you by hell A. That such as die in mortall sin and the disfavour of God shall be tormented there both day and night for ever and ever Apoc. ch 20. v. 10. There shall be weeping howling and gnashing of teeth the worme of conscience shall alwaies gnaw them and the fire that tormenteth them shall never be extinguished S. Matth. ch 8. and S. Mark ch 9. Q. What understand you by heaven A. That the elect and faithfull servants of God shall reigne with him for ever in his Kingdome where he hath prepared such delights and comforts for them as neither eye hath seen or eare hath heard neither hath it ascended into the heart of man 1 Cor. ch 2. v. 9. Q. How prove you that A. Out of S. Matth. ch 7. v. 21. He that doth the will of my Father which is in heaven he shall enter into the Kingdome of heaven Q. VVhat utility is there in the frequent memory of these last things A. Very great according to that In all thy works remember thy last things and thou shalt never sinne Eccles chap. 7. Which God of his great mercy give us grace to doe Amen CHAP. XXII The Ceremonies of the Masse Expounded Q. WHo ordained the Ceremonies of the masse A. The Church directed by the Holy Ghost Q. For what end did she ordaine them A. To stirre up devotion in the people and reverence to the sacred mysteries Q. For what other end A. To instruct the ignorant in spirituall and high things by sensible and materiall signes and by the glory of the Militant to make them apprehend something of the glory of the Triumphant Church Q. What warrant hath the Church to ordain Ceremonies A. The authority of God himselfe in the old Law commanding many and most stately Ceremonies in things belonging to his service See the whole book of Leviticus Q. What besides A. The example of Christ in the new Law using durt and spittle to cure the blind the deafe and dumb he prostrated at his prayer in the Garden three times he lifted up his eyes to heaven and groaned when he was raising Lazarus from the dead which were all Ceremonies Q. Did he use any Ceremonies at at his last Supper where he ordained the Sacrifice of the Masse A. He did for he washed the feet of his Disciples he commanded a roome to be prepared covered with hangings or adorned S. Mark ch 14. v. 15. He blessed the Bread and the Cup and exhorted the Communicants Q. What meaneth the Priests coming back three steps from the Altar and humbling himselfe before he beginneth A. It signifies the prostrating of Christ in the Garden when he began his Passion Q. Why doth the Priest bow himself again at the CONFITEOR A. To move the people to humiliation and to signifie that by the merits and Passion of Christ which they are there met to commemorate salvation may be had if it be sought with a contrite and humble heart Q. Why doth he beat his breast at MEA CULPA A. To teach the people to return unto the heart and signifie that all sinne is from the heart and ought to be ascribed to the heart with hearty sorry Q. Why doth the Priest ascending to the Altar kisse the Altar in the middle A. Because the Altar signifies the Church composed of divers people as of divers living stones which Christ kissed in the middle by giving a holy kisse of peace both to the Jewes and Gentiles Q. What signifies the INTROITE A. The desires and groanings of the antient Fathers after the coming of Christ Q. Why is the INTROITE repeated twice A. To signifie the frequent repetition of their desires and supplications Q. Why doe we adde unto the INTROITE GLORIA PATRI c. Glory be to the Father and to the Sonne and to the Holy Ghost Amen A. To render thankes to the most Blessed Trinity for our redemption accomplished by the Crosse Q. What meanes the KYRIE ELEISON A. It signifies Lord have mercy on us and is repeated thrice in honour of the Father thrice in honour of the Son and thrice in honour of the Holy Ghost Q. Why so often A. To signifie our great necessity and earnest desire to find mercy Q. What meanes the GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO A. It is the song which the Angells sung at the birth of Christ and used in this place to signifie that the mercy which wee beg was brought us by his birth and death Q. What meanes the Collect A. It is the Priests Prayer and is called a Collect because it collecteth and gathereth together the supplications of the multitude speaking them all with one voice and because it is a collection or summe of the Epistle and Gospell of the Masse for the most part of the yeare especially of all the Sundayes Q. Why doth the Clarke say AMEN A. He doth it in the name of the People to signifie that they all concurre with the Priest in his petition or Prayer Q. What meaneth the