and who have transmitted their Corruption to their Posterity according to what the Apostle saith Rom. 5. By one man sin entered into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q. God having created the world doth he let it go at all adventure A. By no means for as he created it by his infinite Power he governs and conducts it by his wise and admirable Providence so that there falls not a Sparrow on Earth without his Will and even the hairs of our head are all told Matthew 10. Therefore our Lord Jesus Christ says St. John 5. My Father works hitherto and I work Of the second part of the Creed Q. WHo is Jesus Christ A. It is the only Son of God who was Conceived of the Holy Ghost and Born of the Virgin Mary of the Nature of Jesus Christ Q. Is Jesus Christ God Man or Angel A. He is true God and true Man Q. How do you prove that he is God A. By four principal means First by his works secondly by the service that ought to â—e paid him thirdly by the essential properties of the Godhead which are attributed to him and finally because the name of true God â—s often given him in Holy Scripture Q. In what passage of the Scripture is it that he â—s called God A. In the 1 of S. John In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and Rom. 9. He is over all God blessed for ever more and in the Epist to Tit. cap. 2. He is the great God and Saviour and in the first Epist to St. John 5. He is the true God and Eternal Life Q. How do you prove that he is man A. St John expresly saith in the first chapter of his Gospel That the word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us and the Apostle Heb. 2. That as Children he was partaker of flesh and blood All the History of the Gospel teaches us that during his abode in the world he did all the functions of a true man and he often calls himself the Son of Man Q. Why is it said that he was made flesh and not only that he made himself man A. It is to teach us that he took our nature with all its Infirmities Q. But did he take upon himself all sorts of Infirmities A. He did not take upon himself any personal Infirmities but only all the Infirmities of Human Nature that are not vitious whereforâ— the Apostle says That he was in all poinâ—â— tempted like as we are â—et without sin Heb. 2.4 Q. Did the Son of God take himself a humane Soul and Body A. He took the one and the other and therefore he says That God prepared him a Body Heb. 10. and often he speaks of the Joy Sadness and Anguish of his Soul Q. Did he unite himself to a humane person A. No but he united to himself the Humane Nature in unity of Person so that as in the Godhead there are Three Persons in unity of Nature so in Jesus Christ there are two Natures in unity of Person Therefore it is said that God redeemed his Church by his Blood and that the Jews have Crucified the Lord of Glory Acts the 20. 1 Cor. c. 2. Q. How were these two Natures united together A. They were united in such manner that they were neither altered nor confounded But they have kept and shall keep eternally their Essential properties Q. Why is it necessary that our Redeemer should be man A. That he might die for us and that Sin might be expiated in the same nature that it was committed Q. And why was it necessary that he should be God A. That he might overcome death and fully satisfy the Justice of God to forgive our Sins and to defend us against Satan and against all the power of Hell and to introduce us into the Glory and Felicity of the Kingdom of Heaven Of the Offices of Jesus Christ Quest WHAT signifies the name of Jesus A It signifies Saviour Q. Who gave him that Name A. God himself by the Ministery of the Anâ—el Gabriel who told the Virgin Mary Behold â—hou shalt Conceive in thy Womb and bring â—orth a Son and shall call his Name Jesus St. â—uke 1. Q. Why was this name given him A. Because it is he who saves us and delivers â—s from the spiritual Captivity of Satan of Sin â—f the Law of Death and of Hell Q What signifies the word Christ A. It is a Greek word which signifies Anointâ—â— and Sacred and it is the name that the Hebrews express by that of Messias Q. Why was that name given to our Lord A. To teach us that it is he who was pregured by the Kings Priests and Prophets who â—ere anointed under the Old Covenant Q Where is it spoken of thâ— unction of Kings A. In the History of Samuel who anointed â—aul and David to be Kings of Israel Q. Where is it spoken of unction of the Priests A. In the 40. Chapter of Exodus where God Commands Moses to anoint Aaron and his Sons â—o Minister in the Priests Office Q. Where is it mentioned that Prophets were aâ—ointed A. In the 19 Chap. of the first Book of Kings where it is said That Elijah anointed â—lisha for Prophet Q. What did signifie that Vnction A. It signified two things First the vocation into the Office Secondly all the Gifts and Graces necessary to Minister in it Q. Where is mention made of the Vnction of our Lord Jesus Christ A. In Isaiah 61. The spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek and Is 45. God thy God hath anointed thee with the Oyl of gladness above thy fellows Q. Who foretold our Lord Jesus Christ being a King A. The Kingly Prophet David Ps 110 The Lord said unto my Lord Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine Enemies thy footstool Q. Where is mention made of his Priesthood A. In the same Psalm The Lord hath sworn and will not repent Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek Q. And where is mention made of his being a Prophet A. Deut. 18. The Lord thy God will raise up a Prophet from the midst of thee of my Brethren like unto me unto them you shall hearken Q. What is the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ A. It is wholly Spiritual and Divine for as he said himself to Pontius Pilate his Kingdom is not of this World John 18. Q. In what consists his being a King A. In that he governs his Church by his word and spirit and that he hath established his Empire within our Souls Q. Wherein consists his Priesthood A. In that he offered himself without spot to God by the Eternal spirit and that he is entred into the heavenly Sanctuary to appear in the presence of God for us Heb. 9. Q. How is he an eternal Priest A. In that his
in his Body A. Because he was to redeem our Bodies and our Souls it was also needful that he should suffer in his Body and his Soul from thence comes what he said in the place that was called â—ethsemane My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death Matth. 26. and on the Cross My God my God why hast thou forsaken me Mat. 27 Of Jesus Christ's Death Quest HOW did Jesus Christ die A. He did not die as God for the Godhead is Immortal but he died as Man his Soul having been separated from his Body Q. Why did he die A. Because he had made himself our security and that the wages of Sin is Death Heb. 7. Rom. 6. Q. What is Sin A. Sin is the Transgression of the Law Joh. 3. Q. What fruit have we of the Death of Christ A. First by his Death he hath fully satisfied unto the Justice of God for our Sins and hath obtained for us Eternal Redemption Heb. 9. Secondly he hath swallowed up Death in victory and destroyed him who had the Empire of Death that is the Devil and delivered them who through force of Death were all their life-time subject to Bondage 1 Cor. 15. Heb. 2. Q. Since Jesus Christ underwent the pain that was due to our sins whence comes it that we are still subject to afflictions A. The afflictions wherewith God visits us are not the punishments of a Judge but the Chastisements of a Father and salutary Tryals and signs of his Love For whom the Lord loveth he chastneth and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth Heb. 12. Q. Why do we die since Jesus Christ died for us A. The Death that God sends us is not a satisfaction to his Justice and we ought not to have it in horror it is not so much a Death as a passage to the Blessful life according to the saying of our Lord St. John 5. he that believes oâ— me shall not come into Condemnation but to pass from death to life Q. But how do we hope in dying to go to Heaven since no impure thing can enter into the heavenly Jerusalem A. Our hope is grounded upon the Blood of Jesus Christ who cleansed us from all Sin as St. John teaches us in the first Chapt. of his 1. Epistle Q. After our Soul is separated from the Body is it not to suffer in a Purgatory before it enters into Eternal glory and felicity A. By no means for there is no Condemnation for them that are in Christ Jesus Rom. 8. The Blood of Jesus Christ washes us from all Sins 1 John c. 1. Blessed are those which die in the Lord for they rest from their labours and their works follow them Revel 14. Therefore our Souls desire to leave this Body to be with the Lord. 2 Cor. 5. Q. Were all the Sufferings of Jesus Christ ended at his Death A. Yes Wherefore before he gave up the Ghost he cried out with aloud voice all is finished John 19. Of the Burial of Jesus Christ Quest WHY was Jesus Christ buried A. First to shew that he was really Dead Secondly to teach us not to have an horror of our Graves Thirdly to make us die unto Sin and to bury all Carnal Lusts Rom. 6. Of Descending into Hell Quest WHAT do you mean by Jesus Christs descending into Hell A. This Article doth not differ much from the preceeding and signifies nothing else but that Jesus having been laid in his Sepulchre he remained there for a time in the state and condition of the Dead wherefore in some antient Creeds where mention is made of the Burial of Jesus Christ they speak not of his Descent into Hell Q. But can the word Hell signifie the Sepulchre A. It is the ordinary stile of Scripture and namely Ps 141. Our Bones are scattered at the mouth of Hell that is to say at the Graves mouth Q. And may descending into Hell be taken for descending into the Sepulchre and to be laid in the state and condition of the Dead A. It is also the stile of the holy Languages as in Gen. 37. where Jacob crying for his Son Joseph said to his other Children I will go down into Hell unto my Son mourning chap. 42. you shall bring down my Grey-hairs with sorrow into Hell Q. How do you prove that this Article of the Creed must be thus understood A. By St. Peter who makes appear visibly in Acts the 2. That the words of the Kingly Prophet David Ps 16. Thou wilt not leave my Soul in Hell neither wilt thou suffer thy holy one to see Corruption cannot properly be applied to David whose Body remained in the Sepulchre but belongs to our Saviour Jesus Christ who did not see Corruption and who did not remain in the Sepulchre Q. What became of our Lord Jesus Christs Soul when he died A. He commended it into his Fathers hands as he said himself Father into thy hands I commend my Spirit and it was received into Paradice according to what he said untâ—â—he converted Thief Verily I say unto thee to day shalt thou be with me in Paradice Luke Chap. 23. Q. But went he not into the Limboes of the Faâ—hers A. In all the Scripture it is not spoken of this pretended Limboes and it is a meer Invention of Man's Of the Resurrection of Christ Quest HOW long was the Body of Christ in the Sepulchre A. He was buried on Friday Night and Sunday Morning next he rose from the Dead Q. Why did he rise again from the Dead A. Because he had fully satisfied the Justice of God his Father and that being the Prince of his Life he could not be detained by the bonds of Death Acts. 2. Q. Did the Body of our Saviour Jesus Christ receive any change by his Resurrection A. The Resurrection gave it a glory that it had not before but did not take away the Truth of his Nature wherefore he said to his Apostles Behold my Hands and my Feet handle me and see me for a Spirit hath not Flesh and Bones as you see me to have Luke 24. Q. What Fruit have we of our Lord Jesus Christ's Resurrection A. First God having opened to him the Gates of Death hath made known that he was absolved from all the Sins for which he passed thro them and that we were absolved in him as the Apostle says That he was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our Justification Rom. 4. Secondly the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is to us an assurance that one day we shall rise again in Glory as the Apostle teaches 1 Cor. 15. Lastly by Jesus Christ's Resurrection we rise again in Newness of Life Rom. 6. which makes us say with St. Peter in the first Chapt. of his first Epistle Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who according to his abundant Mercy hath begotten us again into a lively hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead Of the Ascension of Jesus Christ
days of our life anâ— that we may be to him a peculiar people zeaâ—lous of good Works Luke 1. Titus 2. Q. Of what use are good works A. To glorifie God and edifie our neighbouâ— let your lights so shine before men that theâ— may see your good works and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven Matth. 5. Q. Are they of no other use A. They are also the marks and livery of God Children and the seal of our Adoption and 〈◊〉 our union with Jesus Christ wherefore thâ— Apostle St Peter exhorteth us to make our caâ—ling and election sure by good works 2 Pet. Q. Can man do good works in the state of 〈◊〉 corrupted nature A. No for all the imagination of the thoughâ— of Man's heart are nothing but evil continually and of our selves we are not able to think a gooâ— thought Gen. 6.8 1 Cor 3. Q. By what means then do we good works A. By the efficacy of the grace of God anâ— by the virtue of his spirit of adoption For as the Apostle saith in the second to the Phillip It is God which worketh in you to will and to do of his good pleasure Q. After God hath made us partake of his grace and of his spirit of Regeneration and our good Works is there nothing more wanting is my Sanctification wholly perfect A. Who is he who can say I have made my heart clean I am pure from sins Prov. 20. If we say we have no sin we deceive our selves and the truth is not in us 1 Epistle of St John c. 1. Therefore the most forward in sanctification beg of God every day that he will forgive them their sins Q. But is it not to speak evil of the holy spirit to say the works that we do by his grace are full of defect and imperfection A. By no means for we give him all the praise and all the glory of what 's good in our works and we acknowledge these defects and imperfections came from the residue of our Corruption the flesh lusteth against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh and these are contrary one to the other so that we cannot do the things that we wou'd Gal. 5. Q. But if God wou'd cou'd he not sanctifie us perfectly in this life A. There is no doubt that he might make us as holy and as perfect as we shall be in Heaven but he will make us know more and more the greatness of our natural Corruption he will put some difference between the place of Combats and Victories and the place of Triumphs he will that we may work incessantly to put off the body of sin and that we may sigh after the glorious estate wherein we shall be undefiled and without spot saying with the Apostle Iâ— have not yet obtained and I am not yet perfect but this one thing I do forgetting thâ—se things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before I press forward the mark for the price of Heaven calling of God in Christ Jesus Phil. 3. Q. Since our best works bear always the mark of our infirmities are they agreeable to God A. Very agreeable because he holds them in his great mercy and that as a good Father he bears with their defects and our Lord Jesus Christ covers them with his infinite merit wherefore St Peter says that we offer up in spiritual Sacrifice acceptable to God by Jesus Christ iâ— his first Epistle Chap. 2. Q. Since our good works are agreeable to God can it be said that they are meritorious of everlasting life A. By no means for when we shall have done all that is commanded us we are unprofitable servants we have done that which was our duty to do Luke 17. and the wages of sin is Death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord Rom. 6. we are saved bâ— grace through Faith and that nor oâ— our selves it is the gift of God not through works that none may glory in himself Eph. 1. Q. Whence comes then that it is often spoken of reward and that the Apostle says That Piety hath the promises of this life and of that which is to come 1 Tim. 4. A. Because in effect God rewards our good works both in this and in the eternal life but â—t is not with a deserved reward nor with the â—allary of a Servant but a reward from his free will and of such a sallary as a good Father gives â—is Children to encourage them to do well wherefore God speaks of shewing mercy even â—o those who obey his Commandments â—â—x 20. Q. May we not then trust upon our good works â—nd pray to God that in vertue of those works he â—ill receive us into his glory A. Contrarily we ought to say with the Proâ—het David Enter not into judgment with thy â—ervant for in thy sight shall no man living be â—ustified if thou Lord shouldst mark our iniâ—uities O Lord who shall stand but there is â—orgiveness with thee that thou mayest be â—eared Ps 143 and 130. Q. How do we dare then to approach the Throne â—f God and to appear before his face A. We approach with assurance thereunto â—ecause it is a Throne of grace and mercy and â—at the face of God is pacified towards us â—rough our Lord Jesus Christ who of God is â—ade unto us Wisdom and Righteousness and â—nctification and Redemption Heb. 4. and Cor. 1. Q. Which are the good works A. It is not those that men invent of themâ—lves what good intention soever they may â—ve in it but only those which God comâ—ands and which one conforms to his holy â—ord wherefore our Lord Jesus Christ saith â—hat in vain they worship God who teacheth â—r Doctrines the Commandments of men â—at 15. Q. And which are the bad Works A. All those that are not conformable to his Divine Commandments therefore the Prophet sends us to the Law and the Testimony Isaiah 8. Of the Law of God Quest BY what rule then must we examine our good and our bad Works A. By the Law of God Q. How many sorts of Laws are there A. There are three the political or judiciary Law the ceremonial Law and the moral Law Q. What is Political Law A. It is that which contains all the Ordinances that God had made for the civil Government of the people of Israel Q. What is the ceremonial Law A. It is that which God hath given to rule the external works of his Worship Q. What is the Moral Law A. It is that which directs our Manners and which ought to be the pattern of our life Q. Ought we to keep the Political Law A. No not as to the particular Ordinances and several Circumstances that were concerning the state of the Commonwealth of Israel but as to the bottom and essence it teaches alâ— Lawgivers of the World wherein consists the true justice and true equity Q. Ought we to observe the ceremonial Law A. By
no means for our Lord Jesus Chrisâ— in dying tore the veil of Jewish Ceremonies and as speaks the Apostle thereof Coll. 2. hâ— that blotted out the hand writing of Ordinanceâ— that was against us which was contrary to us and took it out of the way nailing it to his cross Q. Are we subject unto the moral Law A. We are not subject to the Curses it thunders against those who do not perfectly accomplish what it commands and we owe it not a servile obedience for Jesus Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us Gall. 3. but we owe it a filial obedience and because it is the rule of all justice and uprightness we must all our life time apply our selves to do every thing it prescribes us Q. Where do we find the Moral Law which is the rule and eternal pattern of our life A. In the Decalogue that is called by excellence the Commandments of God Q. VVhat signifies the word Decalogue A. That is to say Ten words because the Law of God is contained in Ten Commandments Q. VVho is it that God gave this Law to A. He gave it to the people of Israel by the ministry of Moses but it concerns all men in the world for that is the same Law that God had ingrafted in their hearts when he created them in his Image and after his likeness Q. VVhen was it that God gave it A. About two thousand years more or less after the creation of the world fifty days after the children of Israel came out from Egypt Q. VVhere did he give it A. On Mount Sinai Q. In what manner did he give it A. With marks of his omnipotency in the midst of Thunder and Lightning the Mountain being all on fire and quaking Q. VVhy is it that God gave that Law with so much glory and majesty A. To the end that one may know that Moses is not the author thereof but God himself and that he hath arms ready to revenge the contempt and disobedience of it Q. How many parts are in that Law A. God himself wrote it upon two Tables one whereof contains four Commandments and the other six Q. What does the first Table treat of A. Of things immediately concerning the worship of God Q. And what contains the second Table A. Of our duty towards our Neighbour Of the ten Commandments Of the Preface Q. IS there nothing foregoing the Commandments of God A. There is the Preface contained in these words I am * The Lord in French there is the Eternal the Lord thâ— God which have brought thee out of the Land of Egypt out of the House of Bondage Q. What is to be considered in that Preface A. Three reasons which God makes use of to cause his people to hear him with Respect the first is taken from his Essence it self he is the Lord The second is taken from his Covenant he is their God and the third is taken from his benefits he hath brought them from the Land of Egypt out of the House of Bondage Q. But does that belong to us since we are not Jews and that we have not been Bondsmen in Egypt A. We are not Jews according to the flesh but in regard to the spirit and we are the Israel of God and all those who have the Faith of Abraham are Children of Abraham Gall. 3. and to that we have been delivered from the Tyranny of the spiritual Pharaoh who is the Devil and from the slavery of sin of death and of hell Of the first Commandment Q. SAY the first Commandement A. Thou shalt have no other Gods * I have been obliged to follow the expression of the 20th Chap. of Exodus and not that of the service of the Church by reason of a following Question and of his Answer before me Q. Since there is no other God but the great living God who created Heaven and Earth how must these words be understood thou shalt have no other Gods before me A. There is but one only God and in effect and according to the truth there can be no more but according to the foolish opinion of men and their extravagant imagination there may be an infinity of Gods It is what the Apostle teaches us in 1 Cor. 8. for though there be that are called Gods whether in Heaven or in Earth as there be Gods many but to us there is but one God the Father of whom are all things and we in him and one Lord Jesus Christ by whom are all things and we by him Q. What is it then that God forbids us in this Commandment A. He forbids us to worship any one but him and to put trust in man Matth. 4. and Jer. 17. Q. Why doth he say before me A. To teach us that this sin is so much more abominable that it is committed in his presence and to make us fear his just wrath and vengeance Q. But since when God forbids a thing he commands that which is opposite thereunto what is it that God commands here A. That we put our trust in him alone that we love him in the highest desire that we call upon him with holy fervency that we fear him above all Kings and that all our pleasure be to do his will Of the second Commandment Quest SAY the second Commandment A. Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image nor the likeness of any thing that is in Heaven above or in the Earth beneath or in the Waters under the Earth thou shalt not bow to them nor worship them for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God and visit the sins of the Fathers upon the Children to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shew mercy unto thousands in them that love me and keep my Commandments Q. Is not this one and the same Commandment with the proceeding A. No. For in the precedent God teaches us who it is whom we ought to adore and worship and in that he teaches us how we ought to adore and worship him Q. Those of the Church of Rome blame us that we teach you to say Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image and hold that it must be said Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Idol what do you say to that A. I say that they are very ill grounded and that they contradict themselves for in the French Bible of Lovaine in the 5th Chap. of Deut. there is thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Representation or any Representation graven and Image graven it is the same thing furthermore in the old Edition of the same Bible in the 20 of Exod. and the 5. of Deut. you 'll find these words Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image in some new * A Manual of Prayer of the Church of Rome Heures Printed at Paris with approbation and priviledge you 'll find this You shall not make to your self
of God in vain A. Not always but only when we swear without just occasion Q. Is it ther lawful to swear A. Yes when we are lawfully called to it for so God himself teaches us and we have the example of Jesus Christ our Lord and of his Blessed Apostles Q. By whose name must we swear A. By Gods name according to what he himself teaches us Deut. 6. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God and serve him and shall swear by his name Q. Is it not lawful to swear by the Creatures as those of the Church of Rome who swear by the Saints by the word of the Cross and by Relicks A. No for that is putting the Creatures instead of the Creator as if they knew our heart and the truth of our Words and as if it belong d to them to take vengeance of our lies Q. How do you prove that it is not lawful to swear by any Creature A. By the formal words of God himself Jer. 5. How shall I pardon thee for this their Children have forsaken me and sworn by them that are not Gods Q For what is it lawful to swear A. For things grave and serious and which concern the glory of God and the edification of our Neighbour Q. When it it necessary to swear A. When it is commanded us by the Magistrate or when it is requisit to set peace and concord between our Neighbours according to that saying of the Apostles Heb. 6. That an oath for confirmation is an end to all strife Q Is it not lawful in swearing to use equivocation or mental reservation A. By no means for God hates the double of Heart and false Lips and for all Lyers is set apart the Lake which burns with fire and brimstone which is the second death Rev. 21. Q. What signifies these words that God will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain A. The meaning is that he will rigorously punish him in this world by exemplary chastisements and in that which is to come by eternal punishments Q. But since there is a general threatning against all the transgressors of Gods Law why is there a particular one here A. It is to teach us how much God hath in horror the prophanation of his holy name and that he punishes none more rigorously than thâ— prophaners and blasphemers Q. What is then the design of this Commandment A. It is to direct our Tongue in the service of God and to teach us never to speak of God of his Justice of his Mercy of his Wisdom and of the effects of his Omnipotency without our heart be struck to the quick with the respect we owe to so high and so glorious a Divinity Of the fourth Commandment Q. SAy the fourth Commandment A. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day six days shalt thou labour and do all that thou hast to do but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt do no manner of work thou and thy Son and thy Daughter thy Man-servant and thy Maid-servant thy Cattle and the Stranger that is within thy Gates for in six days the Lord made Heaven and Earth the Sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day and hallowed it Q. Why is it that God makes use of this way of speaking remember thou A. It is to teach us that this Commandment is of great importance and that there is nothing more ordinary to man than to forget what God commands him Of the Law Quest OF what day is it here spoken A. Of the seventh day of the week that we call Saturday Q. Why is it that God calls it a day of rest A. Because in that day he would that every one shou'd leave the work of his ordinary caling to attend his worship Q. How do we keep holy the Sabbath day A. In calling upon the name of God in readling and meditating upon his word in being present with Devotion in the assembly of Saints and in exercising the works of charity and beneficence Q. Is the Commandment of keeping holy the Sabbath day Political Ceremonial or Moral A. There is in it something Political something Ceremonial and something Moral Q. What is Political therein A. Gods commanding Masters to let their Man Servant and their Maid Servant to rest that day and even their Beasts Q. What is Ceremonial therein A. First the precise keeping holy the seventh day of the week Secondly the strict observation of not doing any corporal work that day Thirdly that this corporal rest is the figure and Image of the spiritual rest of our Souls and of the Celestial rest wherein we shall for ever rest from all our labours Q. What is Moral in it A That there may be a certain day consecrated for the publick worship of the Divinity Q. Doth this Commandment belong to Christians A. Yes in what it is Moral there must be then Pastors and an holy order established in the Church and that the faithful meet together to glorifie God with one accord to hear the preaching of his Word to participate of his Sacraments and to do Works of Mercy and therefore we are forbidden to forsake our mutual assemblies Heb. 10. Q. What day is now appointed for those publick exercises of Devotion and Piety A. It is the first day of the week that we call Sunday or the Lords day Q. Why was the day of rest changed from Saturday to Sunday A. To distinguish the Christians from the Jews and principally it is because in that day our Lord Jesus Christ rose again from the dead and ended the work of our Redemption Q. Who made that alteration A. The blessed Apostles of the Lord Jesus or rather the holy Ghost who inspired them Q. Where is it spoken of the abolishing of the Sabbath A. In the second Chapter of St. Paul's Epistles to the Colos Let no man judge in Meat or in Drink or in respect of a holy day or of the Sabbath day Q. Where is mention made of Sunday A. In the 20th Chapt. of the Book of Acts in the 16. of the first Epistle to the Corinth it is spoken of the first day of the week in which the faithful meet to participate of the exercises of Piety and twice that day Jesus Christ appeared to his Disciples after his Resurrection as it is written in his Gospel according to St John c. 20. Q. But even the word Sunday is it found in Scripture A. It is found in Rev. c. 1. where St John saith I was in the Spirit * So it is in the French Version on Sunday Q. Why is it that God gives himself for an example here A. To render the Commandments more venerable and to oblige us to obey thereunto so much more religiously Q. Will God be imitated in all things A. No but in those only wherein he gives himself for an example for there are things which he
thou sluggard consider her ways and be wise He commands the Fathers to make provision for their Children if any provides not for his own and especially for those of his own house he hath denied the Faith and he is worse than an Infidel 1 Tim. 5. but he condemns the care of mistrust such as that of the Heathens who say what shall we eat what shall we drink or what shall we put on Mat. 6. Q. But rich men who have riches ready heaped for many years ought they to beg that of God A. Yes for it is not enough to have riches in abundance if God gives us not the use thereof and man liveth not of bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God Mat. 4. Of the Fifth Petition Q. SAY the Fifth Petition A. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us Q. Are all the faithful obliged to beg that A. Yes during their abode in this vale of tears for there is not a just man upon Earth that doth good and sinneth not and if we say that we have no sin we deceive our selves and the truth is not in us Eccles 7. 1 John 1. Q. Is there none but God that can forgive sins A. Who can forgive sins but God only Mark 2. I even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for my own sake and will not remember thy sins Isa 45. Q. How is it then that the Pastors of the Chruch forgive sins A. They forgive them not as Judges and by form of Jurisdiction but as Ministers and Ambassadours who declare the grace and mercy of God through Jesus Christ we are Ambassadours for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christ's stead be ye reconciled to God 2 Cor. 5. Q. How is it that God forgiveth us our sins A. He forgives us all our offences * Of his free will is in the French version tho not in the English of his free grace Col. 2. Q. But can he show mercy without wronging his Justice A. Yes For Jesus Christ bore our sins in his own body on the Tree 1 Pet. 2. we have redemption through his blood for the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace Ephes 1. Q. Do you mean that those to whom God hath forgiven their sins for Jesus Christ's sake have no more need to satisfie his Justice A Yes For there is now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus Rom. 8. he that believeth on him shall not come unto condemnation but is passed from death to life John 5. Q. From whence comes then that the most regenerated and the best of people are subject to so many afflictions A As Christ ought to have suffered and so to enter into his glory Luke 24. likewise we must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God Acts 14. but all those afflictions are ended with our life Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord yea saith the spirit â—or from this time forward they rest from their â—abours and their works do follow them Rev. 14 Q. When you add forgive us our trespasses as â—e forgive them that trespass a ainst us do you â—ean that in forgiving men their offences you deâ—erve that God forgive you yours A. By no means it is as of similitude and not of equality for when we forgive our Neighbours we do nothing but what we ought to do and there is no proportion between the trespasses we forgive and those that God forgives us O Lord righteousness belongs unto thee but unto us confusion of face Dan. 9. Q. What do you think of those who say this Prayer every day and notwithstanding are possessed with a spirit of revenge A. To speak properly they don't pray to God but they make an imprecation against themselves For if we forgive not them their trespasses our heavenly Father shall not forgive us ours and there shall be judgment without mercy on him that hath shewed us mercy Mat. 6. Jam. 2. Of the sixth Petition Q. HOW may sorts of temptations are there A. Two sorts one which is nothing else but a profitable tryal and of that it is spoken Gen. 22. where it is said that God did tempt or tried Abraham the other is a solicitation to Evil of which St James speaks in the first Chapter of his Epistle let no man say wheâ— he is tempted I am tempted of God for Goâ— cannot be tempted with Evil neither temptetâ— he any man but every man is tempted wheâ— he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed then when lust hath conceived it bringeth fort sin and sin when it is finished bringeth fort Death Q. Of what temptation do we speak here whâ— we say to God lead us not into temptation but dâ—liver us from Evil A. Of both but with very great diversity Q. â—ow do you understand it of the first A. That we pray to God not to afflict us beyond what we can bear and that our temptation be but such as is common to man and that he will with the temptation also make a way to escape that we may be able to bear it 1 Cor. 10. Q. How can this be understood of the second sort of temptation since God never leads and induces men to do evil A. It is that we pray to God not to leave us to our selves nor permit that sin overcome us but to arm us with the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked Ephes 6. Q. Who is that wicked one you pray God to deliver you from A. It is the Devil that is so called because of his deep wickedness thus the Apostle St Paul calls him in the second to the Thessalonians ch 3. the Lord is fatihful who shall establish you and keep you from * The wicked one so theâ—e is in the Fr. Version and not from evil as the English but in Dr. Hammonds Paraphrase on this ch there is noted in the margin the evil one the wicked one Of the Conclusion Q. WHAT contains the Conclusion of this admirable Prayer A. As many arguments as there be words to incite our good God to grant us our requests for since that to him belongs the kingdom the power and glory it is just and reasonable that he be worshipped served and obeyed all over the Universe and consequently that his name be hallowed that his kingdom come and that his will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven Q. What signifies this word Amen A. It signifies so be it or it shall be so so that it is aâ— vow that we make to God with assurance that he shall hear it from his heavenly sanctuary End of the third Part. PART IV. Of Recognition or Acknowledgment Q. WHAT is the Recognition that we owe to God A. It is to acknowledge with our heart and to confess with our mouth that we enjoy no good but what proceeds
Cirâ—umcised he doth not doubt of his Salvation â—nd makes no difficulty to say I shall go to â—im but he shall not return to me 2 Sam. 12. Of the Passover Q. WHy did God institute the Passover A. To be a memorial of the Angels â—assover who smote all the first-born of Egypt â—nd who spared the Israelites Children who had â—â—eir houses sprinkled with the blood of the â—amb that they had sacrificed by Gods Comâ—andment Exod. 12. Q. Did not that Lamb signify something else A. It was the figure of our Lord Jesus Christ â—ho is our Passover and the Lamb of God â—hich takes away the sin of the world 1 Cor. â— John 1. â—f the Sacraments of the Christian Church HOw many Sacraments are there in the Christian Church A. There are two the holy Baptism and the â—â—rds Supper Q. But what is the number of Sacraments acâ—â—â—ding to the Doctrine of the Church of Rome A. The Church of Rome reckoneth seven of â—m for she hath added to the Holy Baptism â—d to the Lords Supper the Confirmation the â—itence the Extreme Unction Marriage and 〈◊〉 Orders Q. Why is it that you acknowledge but the holy Baptism and the Lords Supper for to be the truâ— Sacraments of the Christian Church A. Because they are the only ceremonies that our Lord Jesus Christ did Institute for all the faithful to be the Seal of his Covenant and to be celebrated in his Church to the end of the World Of Confirmation Q. WHY do you not believe the confirmatioâ— which is practised in the Roman Church to be a Sacrament A. Because Jesus Christ is not the author thereof Q. But doth not Scripture speak of the laying oâ— of hands A. Yes but it was the Symbol of the extraordinary and miraculous graces of the holy Ghost and that hath nothing common with thâ— confirmation of the Church of Rome Of Penitence Q. WHY is not Penitence a Sacrament A. Because it hath no visible sign instituted by Jesus Christ to represent an invisiblâ— grace but it is a duty whereunto God oblige all the faithful since our first Parents fall thâ— Prophets as well as the Apostles preached repentance and all the books are full of it Of Extreme Unction Q WHY do â—ou not rank Extreme Vnction amonâ— Sacraments A. Because it was not instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ Q. Is it not mentioned in the 5th Chapt. of St James A. No for the Unction that St James speaks of hath nothing common with the Church of Rome's extreme unction since it was an extraordinary Symbol of the miraculous cures that were done in that time as it is said in the 6th of St Mark that the Apostles healed the sick in anointing them with Oyl Of Marriage Q. WHAT think you of Marriage A. Marriage indeed represents to us the Union of Jesus Christ and his Church but to speak properly it is no Sacrament of the Christian Church For it was instituted by God in the terrestrial Paradice in the state of Innocency before the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ it was established among all Nations of the World and still to this day it is found among Infidels Q But doth not St Paul call it a Sacramenâ— in the 5th ch to the Ephes A. There is in the Greek this is a great mystery and St Paul adds but I speak concerning Christ and the Church Of the Orders Q. WHY is it that you do not count the Orders or Ecclesiastical offices for a Sacrament A. Because the Sacraments are Seals of God's Covenant and that they belong to all the faithful add to that that according to the Doctrine of Rome there are seven different Orders the Porters the Readers the Exorcists the Acolyths the Sub-deacons the Deacons and the Priests So that if the Orders are Sacraments of the Christian Church instead of seven Sacraments there shall be thirteen Of Baptism Q. WHAT is Baptism A. It is the Sacrament of our Spiritual New-birth and the outward seal of our adoption and of our entrance in the Church of God Q. Where do we find the Institution of Baptism A. In Matt. 28. where Jesus Christ saith to his Apostles go teach all Nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost Q. What is it Baptism represents to us A. The remission of our Sins and our Regeneration Q. Why is it that the Apostle St Paul saith Rom. 6. that we who were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death A. Because that the Death of Jesus Christ which is represented in Baptism acquired to us these two advantages for not only he expiated our Sins and reconciled us to God but also merited for us the Spirit of Sanctification Q. What conformity is there between water and the blood of Jesus Christ A. As the water washes away the uncleanness of the body the blood of Jesus Christ washes away the uncleanness of the Soul and as speaks St John thereof in his first Epistle Chapt. 1. it cleanseth us from all sin Q. Do you mean that to cleanse our Souls from their sins they must be dipt in the substance of the blood of Jesus Christ A. By no means but they must participate of its vertue and of its infinite merit Q. And what resemblance is there between the water of Baptism and the holy Ghost A. As water make the Plants to spring out and to fructifie the holy Ghost regenerates us and makes us to fructifie in good works Wherefore our Lord Jesus Christ faith John 3. that except a man be born of water and of the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God Of Little Childrens Baptism Q. IS it well done to Baptize little Children A. Yes for the promise of Salvation is made to us and our Children Act. 2. St Paul declares that they are holy 1 Cor. 7. and Jesus Christ assures us that the kingdom of God belongs to them Matt. 19. if one refused Baptism to the Christians Children their condition wou'd be worse than that of the Children of the â—ews who werâ— Circumcised the 8th day Gen. 17. Q. How is it that little Children are holy A. It is not that they be Sanctified and Regenerated by the holy Ghost but they are called â—oly because they belong to the Covenant of God and that they be born of faithful Parents â—n the same sense that the Apostle saith that the â—nbelieving Husband is Sanctified by the Wife â—nd the unbelieving Wife is Sanctified by the Husband Q. May one infer the Baptism of little Children â—rom the Jewish Circumcision A. Yes because Baptism succeeded to Circumcision and that both these Sacraments represents to us the same thing Q. How do you prove it A. By the Apostles word Collos 2. we are Circumcised with the Circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the Sins of the flesh by the Circumcision of Christ buried with him in Baptism Q. How many sorts of Baptisms are there
confession thereof as I will now do before thee saying with thy Church I Believe in God the Father Almighty maker of heaven and earth and Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord who was conceived by the holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified dead and buried he descended into Hell the third day he rose again from the dead he ascended into Heaven and sitteth on the Right hand of God the Father Almighty from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead I believe in the holy Ghost the holy Catholick Church the Communion of Saints the forâ—â—veness of Sins the Resurrection of the body and the life everlasting Amen Lord who didst write thy Law on tables of Stone be pleased to engrave it in my heart with the finger of thy Spirit and give me grace to conform the course of my life thereunto The ten Commandmets of Gods Law Preface I am the Lord thy God who brought thee out of the Land of Egypt out of the house of bondage The first Table I. THou shalt have none other God but me II. Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image nor the likeness of any thing that is heaven above or in the earth beneath or in the water under the earth thou shalt not bow down to them nor worship them for I the Lord thy God am a Jealous God and visit the sins of the Father upon the Children â—â—to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shew mercy unto thousands in them that love me and keep my Commandments III. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain IV. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day Six days shalt thou labour and do all that thou hast to do but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt do no manner of work thou and thy Son and thy Daughter thy Man Servant and thy Maid Servant thy Cattle and the Stranger that is within thy Gates for in six days the Lord made Heaven and Earth the Sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Seventh day and hallowed it V. Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee VI. Thou shalt do no Murther VII Thou shalt not commit Adultery VIII Thou shalt not Steal IX Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy Neighbour X. Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours House thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours Wife nor his Servant nor his Maid nor his Ox nor his Ass nor any thing that is his The Summary of all the Law Matt. 22. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy Soul and with all thy Mind This is the first and great Commandment and the second is like unto it thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self on these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets Psalm 143. V. 8. Lord cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning for in thee do I trust cause me to know the way wherein I should walk for I lift up my Soul unto thee 9. Deliver me O Lord from my Enemies I fly unto thee to hide me 10. Teach me to do thy will for thou art my God let thy good Spirit lead me into the land of uprightness 1 John 5.21 Little Children keep your selves from Idols Amen Epitome of the Catechism for the Little Children First Section First Question Q. WHY do you name your self a Christian A. Because through the grace of God I believe in Jesus Christ and I profess his truth Q. 2. Who is Jesus Christ A. He is the only Son of God Q. 3. Is he God or Man A. He is true God aâ—d true Man Q. 4. Why was it needful that he should be God and Man A. It was needful for him to be Man to die and God to overcome death Q. 5. How many Gods are there A. There is but one and it is he who made Heaven and Earth Q. 6. How many persons are there in that only Essence A. Three the Father the Son and the holy Ghost and these three are one Q. 7. How is it that this great God makes himself known A. By his works his word and his spirit Section 2. Q 1. WHat must one know in the Christian Religion A. Three things principally what we are of our nature what God makes us to be by his grace and what we ought to render him for all his benefits Q. 2. What were you of your nature A. I was a poor sinful Creature and Child of wrath as others Q. 3. And what did you deserve 〈◊〉 Eternal death and condemnation 〈◊〉 4. What hath God done for you A. He redeemed me from my Sins and adopted me for his Child Q 5. How did he redeem you A. Through the death and passion of his own Son our Lord Jesus Christ Q. 6. And by what means did he adopt you A. By his spirit who with assurance makes me cry Abba Father Q. 7. What is the mark of that adoption A. Regeneration and holiness of Life Section 3. Q. 1. WHat could oblige God to deliver you out of your misery and to give you the freedom of his Children A. Nothing but his great Mercy and his incomparable Charity Q. 2. What is it he promises you for his Sons sake and in the communion of his spirit A. He promises me his grace and protection here on Earth and the glory of his Paradice and his eternal felicity in Heaven Q. 3. And what do you owe to God for so many benefits as he bestowed on you and for so much glory that he prepares for you A. I owe my self to him with all the power of my body and soul Q. 4. But what doth he principally desire of you A. Love and Obedience Q. 5. How ought you to love God A. Above all things Q. 6. And how must you love your Neighâ—our A. As my self Q. 7. What Obedience doth God demand of you A. A filial Obedience Section 4. Q. 1. WHat is it principally that God will have us exercise our selves in during the the course of this life A. In good Works Q. 2. Which are the good Works A. Those that God commands Q. 3. And which are the evil ones A. Those that God forbids Q. 4. Is it necessary to do good Works A. Yes for God commands it and it is the way to Heaven Q. 5. Are the good Works that we do during this life so perfect that there is no fault in them A. No for if we say that there is no sin in us we lye wherefore we pray to God every day that he will forgive us our sins Q. 6. From whence comes all the good there is in our Works A. From the grace of God Q.
7. And from whence proceeds what is evil in them A From the residue of our Corruption Section 5. Q. 1. ARe our good works agreeable to God A. Yes Q. 2. How is that since you say that they are imperfect A. Because God in his mercy bears with the infirmities of his Children Q. 3. Of what use are good works A. To glorify God to edify our Neighbours and to let us know that we are the Children of God Q. 4. Are our good works any thing deserving toward God A. By no means for when we shall have done all what God commands we are obliged so to do Q. 5. How then do you hope for Life everlastg A. As the heritage of my heavenly Father that hath been acquired for me by Jesus Christ Q. 6. But it is written that nothing defiled shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven A. It is true Q. 7. By what means then shall ye be purged of your sins A. Through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ Section 6. Q. 1 How do you apply to your self the merit of the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ A. Through Repentance and Faith Q. 2. How many sorts of deaths are there A. Two Temporal death and Eternal death Q. 3. What is Temporal death A. It is the separation of the Soul from the Body Q. 4. What becomes of the souls of the wicked in the hour of this separation A. They are cast into Hell Q. 5. And those of Gods Children A. They go into Paradice Q. 6. And what becomes of the Bodies A. They die to rise again in the last day Q 7. What is the death of the faithful then A. It it is a pass-over to the blissful life Section 7. Q. 1. WHom do you direct your Prayers to A. I direct them to God Q. 2. In whose name do you pray to him A. In Jesus Christ's name Q. 3. Do you not call upon the Angels nor the Saints A. No. Q. 4 Why A. Because God did not command it and that in all his word there is no example thereof Q. 5. Must Images be used in the worship of God A. No. Q 6. Why A. Because God forbids it in the second Commandment Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image nor the likeness of any thing c. Q. 7. How must we worship God then A. In Spirit and in truth Section 8. Q. 1. WHich is the rule of Gods service A. It is the holy and divine word Q. 2. Where do you find that word of God A. In the holy Scripture of the old and new Testament Q 3. Is it lawful for Children to read the Scripture A. Yes to follow the example of Timothy who from his Infancy learnt the holy Scriptures Q. 4. What doth this word of God teach us A. It makes us wise to Salvation through the Faith which is in Jesus Christ Q. 5. Hath God added nothing to his word to strengthen our Faith A. He added thereunto his Sacraments Q 6. What is a Sacrament A. It is a visible sign which seals an invisible Grace Q. 7. How many Sacraments are there in the Christian Church A. There are two Baptism which is the Sacrament of our Regeneration and the Lords Supper which is the Sacrament of our spiritual nourishment Section 9. Q. 1. IN the name of whom have you been baptized A. In the name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q. 2. Why are little Children baptized A. Because the Kingdom of God belongs to them and that under the old Testament little Children were circumcised Q. 3. What does the water of Baptism represent A. It represents the blood of Jesus Christ who redeems us and the Holy Ghost who sanctifies us Q. 4. Are the bread and the wine transubstantiated in the Lord's Supper into the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ A. No for it is not said in Scripture and it is repugnant to sense and reason Q. 5. Are the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ with the bread and in the cup A. No for our Lord Jesus Christ did not teach it and that doth not agree with the truth of his humane Nature Q. 6. Why is it then that the bread is called the body of Jesus Christ broken for us and that it is said of the wine that it is his blood which was shed for the remission of our sins A. Because it is the memorial thereof Q 7. Where is our Lord Jesus Christ A. As God he is every where but as Man he is in heaven at the right hand of God his Father Section 10. Q. 1. HAve we not any communion with Jesus Christ himself A. Yâ—s bâ—â— it is a spiritual Communion Q. 2. How â—â—h he communicate himself to us A. By his Spirit Q. 3. And how do we unite our selves to him A. Through Faith Q. 4 Must Jesus Christ be offered in propitiaâ—ory sacrifices A. No. Q. 5. VVhy A Because he did sacrifice himself and did not command to sacrifice him and no body can Q. 6. VVhy is it that with the bread which is broken in the Lord's Supper the consecrated wine is distributed A. It 〈◊〉 to represent to us the precious blood of Jesus Christ which was shed for us on the Cross and to assure us that in him we have entire nourishment Q. 7. Ought the faithful people to participate of the cup as well as the Pastors A. Yes for Jesus Christ makes no distinction therein he redeemed us all by the same blood and commanded us all to drink of his cup and to shew forth his death till he come Section 11. Q. 1. WHat must we do before we come to the Lord's Table A. We must examin our selves Q. 2. What doth happen to those who do not examin themselves A. They communicate to their condemnation Q. 3. And what fruit received those who examined themselves A. As the bread and wine nourishes our Bodies in this temporal life the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ nourishes their Souls in hope of everlasting life Q. 4. In what consists the examination of those who desire to receive worthily A. They ought to examine themselves to know whether they have Faith Repentance and Charity Q. 5. What is Faith A. It is an holy confidence that God loves us and that for Jesus Christ's sake he will be merciful unto us and save us in his heavenly Kingdom Q. 6. How can true faith be discerned from carnal presumption and security A. It is known by its fruits for it produces good works and fructifies in Charity Q. 7. From whence can we have that Faith A. We must beg it of God who gives it of his pure Grace and Liberality Section 12. Q. 1. WHat is Repentance A. It is to sorrow for passed sins and living better for time to come Q. 2. By whâ—â— do we know that we truly repent A. If we abhor evil and take pleasure to do good Q. 3. Who is the Author of