How sincere A. By confessing our sins plainly without seeking to lessen or excuse them Q. How entire A. By confessing not onely in what things we have sinned mortally but also how often as neere as we are able to remember Q. VVhat if a man knowingly do leave out any one mortall sinne in his Confession for fear or shame A. He maketh his whole Confession to be void and committeth a great Sacriledge by lying to the Holy Ghost and abusing the Sacrament Q. How prove you that A. By the example of Ananias and his wife Saphira who were struck dead at the feet of S. Peter for daring to lie unto the Holy Ghost Act. ch 5. v. 5 10. Q. Is he that hath so done bound to confesse all again A. Yes all that was mortall together with that which he left out Q. VVhat is satisfaction A. It is the Penance which is enjoyned us by the Priest or which we voluntarily impose upon our selves by fasting prayer and the like Q. For what doe we satisfie by that Penance A. For such temporall punishments as remaine due sometimes unto our sinnes after the sinnes are forgiven us Q. How doe you prove that Priests have power to impose Penances A. Out of 1 Cor. ch 5. v. 3. where S. Paul excommunicated the incestuous Corinthian I saith he absent in body but present in spirit have already judged him that hath so done c. to deliver such an one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh that the soule may be saved Q. How prove you that temporall punishments may remain due to our sinnes after the sinnes themselves be forgiven us A. Because Adam after his sinne was forgiven him was notwithstanding cast out of Paradise for ever and his whole posterity made subject unto death and many miseries in punishment of that sinne Genes ch 3. v. 24. Q. What other proofe have you A. Because David after his sinne of Adultery was forgiven him was temporally punished for it with the death of his child Our Lord saith Nathan hath taken away his sinne neverthelesse thy sonne shall die Q. What other yet A. Because whom our Lord loveth he chastiseth Heb. ch 12. v. 6. Q. By what other meanes are those temporall punishments released A. By all workes of piety and above all by Indulgences A. Not a pardon for sinnes to come or leave to commit sinne as some doe falsely and slanderously teach but it is onely a releasing of such temporall punishments as remain due unto those sinnes which have already been forgiven us by Penance and Confession Q. How doth an Indulgence release those punishments A. By the superabundant merits of Christ and his Saints which it applyeth to our soules by the speciall grant of the Church Q. When did Christ give his â—â—urch power to grant Indulgences A. When he said to S. Peter To thee will I give the Keyes of the Kingdome of Heaven whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth it shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth it shall be loosed in heaven S. Matth. ch 16. v. 19. Q. How prove you that the Apostles ever used this power A. Out of 2 Cor. ch 2. v. 10. where S. Paul remitted part of the Corinthians penance To him that is such an one saith he this rebuke sufficeth c. whom you have pardoned any thing I also Q. What is required for the gaining of an Indulgence A. That we performe the works enjoyned us and that the last part of them be done in state of grace Q. What are those Works A. Fasting Prayer and Almes-deeds Extreme Vnction expounded Q. WHat is the fifth Sacrament A. Extreme Vnction Q. Where did Christ institute that A. At his last Supper Q. What warrant have you for that A. An Apostolicall Tradition Q. By whom was this Sacrament promulgated A. By S. Iames in his Epist ch 5. v. 13 14 15. Is any man sick amongst you let him bring in the Priests of the Church and let them pray over him annoyling him with Oyle in the Name of our Lord and the prayer of Faith shall save the sick man and our Lord will lift him up and if he be in sinnes his sinnes shall be forgiven him Q. Who is capable of this Sacrament A. Every true and faithfull Christian which is in morall danger of death by sicknesse excepting Infants Fools and such as are alwaies mad Q. What is the matter of this Sacrament A. Oyle blessed by a Bishop Q. What is the forme of it A. By that annoyling and his owne most pious mercy let our Lord pardon thee whatsoever thou hast sinned by thy seeing c. and so of all the other senses repeating the same words Q. What are the effects of Extreme Vnction A. It comforteth the soule in her last Agony against despaire it remitteth Veniall sinnes and the Reliques of sinne and it restoreth corporall health if it be expedient Q. How prove you that A. Out of S. Mark ch 6. v. 13. where we read That the Apostles annoynted with Oyle many sicke and healed them Q. Why then doe so many die after receiving it A. One reason may be because out of cowardice they deferred it too long as very many doe Holy Order Expounded Q. WHat is the sixth Sacrament A. Holy Order Q. To whom doth this appertaine A. To the Rulers and Ministers of the Church as Bishops Priests Deacons and Subdeacons Q. What proofe have you for Bishops Priests and Deacons A. For Bishops and Deacons out of Philip. ch 1. v. 1. To all the Saints at Philippi saith S. Paul with the Bishops and Deacons And for Priests out of S. Iames above-cited Is any man sicke amongst you let him bring in the Priests of the Church c. Q. Where did Christ ordain this Sacrament A. At his last Supper when he made his Apostles Priests saying This is my Body which is given for you doe ye this for a commemoration of me S. Luk. ch 22. v. 19. Q. What did Christ give them power then to do A. To offer the unbloudy Sacrifice of his owne Body and Blood which he himselfe had there ordained and offered under the outward formes of Bread and Wine Q. Why did he say Doe ye this for a commemoration of me A. Because the unbloudy Sacrifice of the Masse is a commemoration or memoriall of the Bloudy Sacrifice made on the Crosse nay more it is a renovation of it in an unbloudy way Q. What are the effects of Holy Order A. It giveth a spirituall power to ordain Priests to consecrate the body and blood of Christ to administer the Sacraments to serve the Altar and to Preach Q. VVhat else A. It giveth also speciall grace for the well doing of the foresaid Offices Q. How prove you that A. Out of 1 Tim. ch 4. v. 14. Neglect not the grace which is in thee by Prophesie with the Imposition of the hands of Priesthood Q. What is the proper Office of a Bishop A. To give Holy
give our lives for him as often as his Honour shall require it Q. In what doth the Faith and Law of Christ chiefly consist A. In two principall Mysteries namely the Vnity and Trinity of God the Incarnation and death of our Saviour Q. What meaneth the Vnity and Trinity of God A. It meaneth that in God there is but one onely divine Nature or Essence although there bee three Persons the Father Sonne and Holy Ghost Q. How shew you that A. Out of the 1. of S. John ch 5. v. 7. there be three which give testimony in heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three be one Q. Why are there but three Persons only A. Because the Father hath no beginning nor proceedeth from any other Person the Son proceedeth from the Father the Holy Ghost proceedeth from the Father and the Sonne Q. Why are these three Persons but one God A. Because they have but one and the same Essence one and the same Power one and the same Wisdome one and the same Goodnesse Q. What meaneth the Incarnation and death of our Saviour A. It meaneth that the second Person of the Blessed Trinity was made man and died upon a Crosse to save us Q. In what are these two Mysteries contained A. In the signe of the Crosse as it is made by Catholikes Q. How declare you that A. Because when we put our right hand to our head saying In the Name we signifie Vnity and when we make the signe of the Crosse faying of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost we signifie Trinity Q. How doth the signe of the Crosse represent the Incarnation and death of our Saviour A. By putting us in mind that he was made man to die upon the Crosse for us CAP. II. Faith explicated Q. WHat is Faith A. It is the gift of God or a supernaturall quality infused by God into the Soule by which we firmely believe all those things which he hath revealed any way unto us Q. Why is Faith necessary to Salvation A. Because without Faith it is impossible to please God Heb. ch 11. v. 6. Q. What other proofe have you A. Because he that believeth and shall be baptized he shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be condemned S. Mark c. 16. v. the last Q. Why must we believe matters of Faith so firmely A. Because God hath revealed them who neither can deceive nor be deceived Q. If a man should deny or obstinately doubt of some one Point of Faith would he thereby lose his whole Faith A. Yes he would because true Faith must alwayes be entire and he that faileth in one is made guilty of all by discrediting the Authority of God revealing it Q. Is it not enough to believe all that is written in the Bible A. No it is not for we must also believe all Apostolicall Traditions Q. How prove you that A. Out of 2 Thes c. 2. v. 15. Therefore Brethren stand ye fast saith S. Paul and hold ye the Traditions which ye have learned whether by word or by our Epistle Q. What other proof have you A. The Apostles Creed which all are bound to believe although it be not in the Scripture Q. Is Faith onely as excluding good works sufficient to salvation A. No it is not according to S. James his Epist c. 2. v. 24. you see then Brethren how that by workes a man is justified and not by faith onely Q. What other proof have you A. The 1 Cor. ch 13. where S. Paul saith If a man have all faith so as to remove Mountaines and have not charity he is nothing and if hee distribute his goods unto the poore and give his body so that it burne and have not charity it profiteth nothing Q. What faith will suffice to justifie A. A Faith working by Charity in Jesus Christ Gal. ch 5. v. 6. Q. What vice is opposite to Faith A. Heresie Q. What is Heresie A. It is an obstinate Errour in things that of Faith Q. Is it a grievous sin A. A very grievous one because it wholly divides a man from God and leads to infidelity Q. How prove you that A. Out of S. Matth. ch 18. v. 18. where Christ saith If he will not hear the Church let him be unto thee as a Heathen or a Publican CHAP. III. The Creed Expounded Q. WHat is the Creed A. It is the sum of our Beliefe Q. Who made it A. The twelve Apostles Q. At what time did they make iâ— A. Before they divided themselves into the severall Countryes of the world Q. For what end did they make it A. That so they might be able to teach one and the same Doctrine in all places Q. What doth the Creed containe A. All those chiefe things which we are bound to believe concerning God and his Church Q. What is the first Article of the Creed A. I believe in God the Father Almighty Creatour of Heaven and Earth Q. What signifieth I believe A. It signifieth as much as I most firmly and undoubtedly hold Q. What means I believe in God A. It meaneth not onely that there is a God and that all is truth which he teacheth but also that we move unto him by Faith Hope and Charity Q. What signifieth the word Father A. It signifieth the first Person of the most Blessed Trinity who is by nature the Father of but one onely Son who is by Adoption the Father of all Christians who is by Creation the Father of all Creatures Q. What meaneth the word Almighty A. It meaneth that God is able to doe all things as he pleaseth that he seeth all things knoweth all things and governeth all things Q. Why is he called Almighty in this place A. That we might doubt of nothing which followeth Q. What signifie those words Creatour of Heaven and Earth A. They signifie that God created Heaven and Earth and all the creatures in them out of nothing by his sole Word Gen. ch 1. Q. What moved him to make them A. His own meer goodnesse that so he might communicate himselfe to Angells and to men for whom he made all other creatures Q. When did God create the Angells A. When he created Heaven which was on the first day for hee made that full of Angells Q. For what end did he create them A. To be partakers of his glory and our Guardians Q. How prove you by Scripture that they be our Guardians A. Out of S. Matth. ch 18. v. 10. where Christ saith See yee that ye destise not any one of these little ones For their Angells which are in Heaven alwayes see the face of my Father which is in heaven Q. Doe the Angells know our necessities and heare our Prayers A. Doubtlesse they doe since God hath deputed them to be our Guardians Q. How else prove you it A. Out of Zachary ch 1. where an Angell prayeth for two whole Cities the words are Then the Angell of the
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.
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
other is not edified you see in it selfe the thing is good for he giveth thanks well Q. What other yet A. Out of S. Matth. ch 21. v. 19. where it is recorded that the Hebrew Childrens song of Osanna to the Sonne of David pleased God although they understood it not Q. What meaneth the Apostle when he exhorteth us to pray alwayes 1 Thes ch 5. A. He meaneth that we should daily spend some time in prayer according to that Pray for one another that you may be saved for the daily prayer of a just man availeth much S. I am ch 5. v. 17. Q. Is it possible to pray alwaies A. In some sense it is namely by offering up all our actions to Gods honour Q. In what place is Prayer best A. In Churches because those are places consecrated and deputed to prayer and there our prayers are elevated by the common spirit of the Church and the peculiar presence of God Q. How prove you that A. Out of S. Mat. ch 18. v. 20. Where there be two or three gathered together in my Name saith our Lord there I am in the middest of them Q. How prove you that materiall Churches are of Gods appointment A. Because God commanded Solomon to build him a Temple and dedicate it to his service 2 Par 〈…〉 lip ch 7. Q. What other proof have you A. Out of S. Luk. ch 19. v. 45 46. where Christ calleth the materiall Temple his house casting the Buyers and the Sellers out of it My House saith he is the House of Prayer but ye have made it a Den of Theeves Q. What other yet A. Out of S. Luk. ch 18. v. 10. 14. where the Publican is commended for ascending to the Temple to pray and descended into his house justified Q. How do you prove it lawfull to dedicate or consecrate materiall Temples A. Out of the 2. of Paralip above-cited ch 7. and out of S. Joh. ch 10. v. 22. where it is recorded That Christ himselfe kept the dedication of the Temple in Hierusalem instituted by Iudas Machabeus Mac. ch 4. v. 56. 59. Q. How do you prove it lawfull to adorn Churches with Tapestry Pictures and the like A. Out of S. Mark ch 14. v. 15. Where Christ commanded a great Chamber adorned to be prepared for his last Supper Q. What proofe have you for the order and number of the Canonicall houres A. For Mattins Lauds and Prime that of the 53. Psal Early in the morning will I stand up to thee early in the morning wilt thou heare my voice Q. What for the third sixth and ninth houre A. For the third out of Acts ch 2. v. 16. where we read that at the third houre the Holy Ghost descended on the Apostles for the sixth out of Acts ch 10. v. 9. where we read that Peter and Iohn went up into the higher parts to pray about the sixth houre and for the ninth out of Acts ch 3. v. 1. where we read and at the ninth houre Peter and Iohn went up into the Temple to pray Q. What for the Evensong and Complin A. That of the Psalmist Morning and Evening will I declare the works of our Lord and againe The lifting up of my hands is as an Evening Sacrifice Q. Is it good to use outward Ceremonies in time of Prayer as kneeling knocking of the breast and such like A. It is for they declare the inward reverence and devotion of the heart and Christ himselfe prostrated when he prayed in the garden S. Matth. ch 26. v. 39. and the poore Publican beat his brest and cast downe his eyes in that prayer by which he merited to descend justified S. Luk. ch 18. v. 13. Q. Why is the morning so fit a time for prayer A. To open the windowes of the soule unto the light of divine Grace and offer up the workes of the whole day unto Gods honour Q. Why is the evening also A. To shut the windowes of the soule against the darknesse of sin and the illusions of the Devill as also to render thanks for all the benefits of the day past Q. What things ought we to pray for A. For all good things both spirituall and temporall and to be free from all evill for so our Lord hath taught us by his Prayer CHAP. V. The Pater Noster Expounded Q. WHat is the Pater Noster A. It is the most holy Prayer that ever was Q. Who made it A. Christ our Lord the eternall wisdome of his Father S. Mat. ch 6. v. 9 10. Q. Why did he make it A. To teach us a set forme of Prayer and how we ought to pray Q. Why did he make it in so short and plaine a way A. That all men might be capable of it Q. What doth it containe A. All those chiefe things which we can aske or hope for of God Q. How many Petitions hath it A. Seven Q. What understand you by those words which are prefixed to the Petitions Our Father which art in Heaven A. I understand that God is our Father both by Creation and Adoption and therefore we may confidently come unto him and beg all blessings of him Q. How prove you that A. Out of 1. S. Joh. ch 3. v. 1. See saith he what manner of charity the Father hath given us that we should be named and be the Sonnes of God Q. Why doe we say our Father and not my Father A. Because God is the common Father of all and all good Christians must pray for one another according to that the Communion of Saints Q. What understand you by the words which art in heaven A. I understand that God who filleth heaven and earth and is in all things times and places is in heaven in a peculiar manner declaring and manifesting his glory to the blessed and therefore when we pray we must lift up our minds to him in heaven and keep them fixed upon heavenly things Q. How prove you that A. Out of Jer. ch 48. where we read Cursed be he that doth the work of God negligently The first Petition Q. WHat is the first Petition A. Hallowed be thy Name Q. What doe we beg by this Petition A. That God may be knowne by the whole world and that he may be worthily praised served and honoured by all his creatures which cannot be effected but by his gift of Grace Q. Who are those that say this Petition ill A. Such as dishonour and teare the Name of God by blaspheming swearing iying cursing and scurrilous discourses The second Petition Q. WHat is the second Petition A. Thy Kingdome come Q. What do we beg of God by this Petition A. We beg that our miseries and afflictions in this life may be ended and that we may be made partakers of his joyfull and heavenly Kingdome Q. What else doe we beg A. That Christ may reigne in us in this life by Grace and in the next by Glory presenting us a Kingdome to his Father Q. Who say this
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
42. Q. What other yet A. Out of Acts ch 8. v. 29 38. where the Ethiopian Eunuch going on Pilgrimage to Hierusalem was in his return converted and baptized on the way by S. Philip so pleasing was his Pilgrimage to God Finally because it was foretold by the Prophets that those places which Christ sanctified by his Passion should be places of great Pilgrimage and adoration We will adore saith David in the place where his feet have stood Psal 131. And in Isa ch 11. v. 10. we read To him shall the Gentiles pray and his sepulcher shall be glorious Q. How do you prove it lawfull to goe on Pilgrimage to the Shrines of Saints A. Because as you have heard already their Reliques are holy and venerable things and God is pleased to work great Cures and Miracles by them for such as are devout honourers of them Q. Is there any power now in the Church to do Miracles A. There is according to that unlimited promise of Christ Them that believe in me these signes shall follow in my name they shall cast out Devills they shall speake with new tongues they shall lay hands upon the sicke and they shall be whole S. Mat. ch 19. v. 17 18. Q. Have these things beene done in latter Ages A. They have and are as you may see in the unquestionable Histories and Records of all Catholique Countries where many great Miracles wrought by the Servants of God and especially at the Pilgrimages and Shrines of Saints are yearly registred under the Depositions of eye-witnesses men above all exceptions which cannot be denied unlesse we may deny all Historie Q. Why then do the pretended Reformers say that Miracles are ceased A. Because they and their Sect-Masters have never yet beene able to do any in confirmation of their Errours Q. Why are so few done here in England A. By reason of the incredulity of Sectaries Q. What necessity is there of the Beliefe of Miracles A. Doubtlesse very great because the Beliefe of Miracles well grounded makes men extremely apprehensive of the presence of God and his immediate Government of humane affaires so that he who absolutely denieth miracles is to be suspected of not believing particular Providence which is the maine string on which all Christianity dependeth The second Commandement Expounded Q. WHat is the second Commandement A. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vaine Q. What is forbidden by this Precept A. All false rash and unnecessary Oaths Q. What kind of sinnes are false and rash Oaths A. Mortall sinnes if they be voluntary and deliberate because by such Oaths we call God to witnesse to a lie or at least to that which is uncertaine Q. What are the necessary conditions of a lawfull Oath A. Truth that we hurt not Gods Honour justice that we wrong not our neighbour and judgement that we sweare not vainly Q. What is a just cause of an Oath A. Gods Honour our owne or our neighbours lawfull good and defence Q. If a man Sweare to do that which is evill is he bound to keepe his Oath A. No He is bound not to keepe it for an Oath is no bond of iniquity Q. How prove you a vaine or jesting Oath to be a sinne A. Out of S. Matth. ch 5. v. 34. It was said of old saith our Lord Thou shalt not commit perjury But I say unto you not to sweare at all that is without just cause Q. What other proofe have you A. Out of S. Iames. ch 5. v. 12. But above all things saith he sweare ye not neither by Heaven nor earth nor any other Creature But let your talke be yea yea no no that yee fall not under judgement Q. What else is prohibited by this Precept A. All cursing and blaspheming Q. What is commanded by it A. To speake alwayes with reverence of God and of his Saints Q. How else doe men sinne against this Precept A. By breaking lawfull Vowes and by making or keeping unlawfull ones Q. What is a Vow A. It is a diliberate and voluntary promise made to God of some better good Q. How do you prove it lawfull to make Vowes A. Out of Esa ch 19. v. 21. They shall make Vowes unto our Lord saith he and shall pay them The third Commandement Expounded Q. WHat is the third Commandement A. Remember thou keepe holy the Sabbath day Q. When began the Sabbath to be kept A. From the very Creation of the world For then God blessed it and rested on it from all his works Gen. 2. 2. Q. When was this Commandement renewed A. In the old Law when God gave the Commandements to Moses on Mount Sinai written with his owne finger in two Tables of stone Exod. ch 20. Q. Why was the Iewish Sabbath changed into the Sunday A. Because Christ was borne upon a Sunday rose from the dead upon a Sunday and sent downe the Holy Ghost upon a Sunday workes not inferiour to the Creation of the world Q. By whom was it changed A. By the Church by the Apostles who also kept it for S. Iohn was in Spirit on a Sunday Apoc. ch 1. v. 10. Q. How prove you that the Church hath power to command Feasts and Holy Daies A. By this very act of changing the Sabbath into the Sunday which Protestants allow of and therefore fondly contradict themselves by keeping Sunday so strictly and breaking most other Feasts commanded by the same Church Q. How declare you that A. Because by keeping Sunday they acknowledge the Churches power to ordaine Feasts and to command them under sin and by not keeping the rest by her commanded they again deny in fact the same power Q. What other proof have you A. Out of S. Iohn ch 10. ver 22. where we read That Christ himselfe was present and kept the Dedication of the Temple in Hierusalem a Feast ordained by Iudas Machabaeus 1 Machab ch 4. Q. What other yet A. Out of Acts ch 2. v. 1. where the Apostles keeping the Feast of Pentecost were all filled with the Holy Ghost Neither do Protestants as yet dissent from this though some have lately prohibited and prophaned both it and the most holy Feast of the Resurrection Q. What command have you from God for obedience to the Church in things of this nature A. Out of Acts ch 15. v. 4. where we read that S. Paul went about confirming the Churches and commanding them to keep the precept of the Apostles and the Ancients And out of S. Luke c. 10. v. 16. He that heareth you beareth me and he that despiseth you the Church despiseth me Q. May Temporall Princes and the Laity make a Holy Day A. With consent and approbation of the Church they may otherwise not because that is an act of spirituall Jurisdiction Q. For what end doth the Church ordaine Holy Dayes A. For the increase of piety and in memory of speciall benefits received from God Q. If keeping the Sunday be a Church-precept why is
it numbered in the Deealouge which are the Commandements of God and of the Law of Nature A. Because the substance or chief part of it namely That a day be set apart for the service of God is of divine Right and of the Law of Nature though the determinating of this particular Day Sunday rather then Saturday be a Church Ordinance and Precept Q. Did not Christ when he confirmed the rest confirme also this Commandement A. Inasmuch as it belonged to the Law of Nature he did but not as it belonged to the Ceremoniall Law of the Iewes and was affixed to Saturday therefore now we are not bound to keep the Saturday Q. Why so I pray you A. Because that particular Day was a Command of the Ceremoniall Law of the Jewes which was abrogated and ceased to oblige after the death of Christ. Q. To what are we obliged by this Precept A. To spend the Sunday in Prayer and Divine Service Q. What is the best meanes to sanctifie the Sunday A. By hearing of Masse confessing our sinnes communicating hearing Sermons and reading good Books Q. What is forbidden by this Precept A. All prophane imployments and servile labours excepting such as are of necessity as dressing meat serving cattell c. or such as appertaine to Piety and the Works of Mercy Q. Who are they that break this Commandement A. Such as without necessity spend any considerable part of the Sunday in servile labours Q. How els is the Sunday prophaned A. By spending all the morning in lazy lying in bed or vaine attiring our selves by missing Divine Service when we may heare it or spending the greatest part of the day in drinking gaming dancing or the like Q. Is there any thing now in this first Table of the Law impossible to be observed A. No certainly for nothing can be more easie and delightfull to the true lover of God then to doe all things that are here commanded The second Table of the Law The fourth Commandement Expounded Q. WHat is the fourth Commandement A. Honour thy Father and thy Mother Q. What are we commanded by this Precept A. To love reverence obey and relieve our Parents in their wants Q. Why to love them A. Because under God they are the chiefe causes of our very Life and being and doe not only bring us forth with much griefe and paine but also bring us up with much love labour and solicitude Q. How are we bound to reverence them A. Not only inwardly in our hearts but also outwardly in our carriage and comportment Q. Why to obey them A. Because they are Gods Vicegerents and have received power from him from whom is all Paternity in Heaven and Earth both to direct us instruct us and correct us Q. In what things are we bound to obey our Parents A. In all that is not sinne according to that Children obey your Parents in all things for that is well pleasing unto God Col. c. 3. v. 21. Q. What is prohibited by this Precept A. All sowernesse stubbornnesse and disobedience to Parents Q. What is the reward of dutifull children A. A long and happy life good children if they marry and a good death Q. What is the reward of undutifull ones A. A short and sinfull life accompanied with an untimely death witnesse the example of Absolon 2 King ch 18. v. 14. Q. What other proofe have you A. That of the Proverbs The eye which lowres on parents shall be pluckt out with Crowes and Eagles Q. What signifies the word Father A. It signifies not onely our corporall Parents but also our Ghostly Fathers and all lawfull Superiours Q. What do we owe to Ghostly Fathers A. Love reverence obedience and sustenance Q. Why love A. Because they are the Fathers and Feeders of our soules and under God and his Saints the instrumentall causes of all our spirituall goods According to the flesh saith S. Paul you have many fathers but in the Gospell I have begotten you Q. Why reverence A. Because they are Gods Anointed and represent the person of Christ Q. Why obedience A. Because God hath appointed them to be our spirituall Pastors Guides and Governours Q. In what are we bound to obey them A. In all things belonging to Faith and Doctrine and the government of our soules Q. Is any great honour due to Priests and Ghostly Fathers A. There is according to that of S. Paul The Priests that rule well let them be deemed worthy of double honour especially they that labour in the Word and Doctrine 1 Tim. ch 5. v. 17. Q. How may wee sin against Priests and Ghostly Fathers A. By disobeying or detracting them or believing slanderous reports against them upon meer hear-say or the testimony of insufficient witnesses or without witnesse Q. What testimony is sufficient against a Priest A. I will tell you out of S. Pauls mouth Against a Priest saith he to Timothy the Bishop of Ephesus receive not an accusation under two or three witnesses 1 Tim. ch 5. v. 19. And v. the 21. I testifie before God and Iesus Christ that thou keepe these things without prejudice and do nothing by declining to the one part Q. Is it convenient to ask a Blessing of Priests A. It is because they give it in the name and Person of Christ Q. What warrant have you for it A. Out of S. Mark ch 10. v. 17. where Christ laying his hands upon the Children blessed them Q. What other proof have you A. The example of Melchizedek blessing Abraham upon which S. Paul saith For without all contradiction that which is lesse is blessed of the better Heb. ch 7. v. 6. Q. What Scripture have you for obedience to Priests A. Heb. the last ch v. 17. where we read Obey the Prelates and be subject to them for they watch as being to render an account for the soules And in the old Law disobedience to the Priest was punished with death Deut. ch 17. v. 12. Q. In what are we bound under sin to obey Princes and temporall Magistrates A. In all things which are not sin belonging to the good and peace of the Kingdom or Common-wealth Q. How prove you that A. Out of Rom. ch 13. v. 12. where we read Let every soule be subject to the higher Powers for there is no Power but of God he therefore that resisteth Power resisteth the Ordinance of God Q. What other proof have you A. Out of 1 S. Pet. ch 2. v. 14 15. Be ye subject saith he to every creature for God whether to the King as excelling or to Magistrates as sent by him to the revenge of Malefactors Q. What if Kings or Magistrates command us to do sin or things against our consciences A. Then we must answer them with the Apostles we must obey God rather then men Act. ch 5. v. 25. Q. In what are Servants bound to obey their Masters A. In all things that are not sin belonging to their charge Q. How prove you that A. Out
these words Those that have been baptized must after Baptisme receive the most holy Chrisome and be made partakers of the heavenly Kingdome Q. What other proofe have you A. The Authority of S. Thomas who in the Sacrament of Confirmation affirmeth that it is a dangerous thing to die without it Adde unto this That without Confirmation according to all the Fathers we are not perfect Christians Q. What thinke you then of those who for particular and private ends sleight this Sacrament and reach the Laity not to receive it when they may have it A. Truly I think they sleight the mission of the Holy Ghost for this Sacrament is a continuance of that mission unto us and are great enemies of Christianity Q. What sin is it not to receive it when we may have it A. Mortall sinne if it be done out of contempt or any grosse neglect especially in a place of persecution as England is Q. How prove you that A. Because by so doing we expose our selves to great danger of denying our Faith against which danger it was peculiarly ordained by Christ our Lord. Q. At what age is Confirmation now commonly received A. At seven years old Q. Why no sooner A. That so we may be able to prepare our selves for it and remember that we have received it for it cannot be twice given Q. Why is a little blow given on the cheek to him that is confirmed A. To signifie that he is there made the Souldier of Christ and must be ready to suffer stripes and buflets for his sake Q. Must we have any Godfather in Confirmation A. One Godfather or one Godmother at the most Q. Must it be received fasting A. That is expedient for so the Apostles received it but not necessary The Eucharist Expounded Q. WHat is the third Sacrament A. The blessed Eucharist or the Sacrament of the Body and Bloud of Christ Q. By what was this Sacrament prefigured in the old Law A. By the Tree of Life the Burning Bush Melchisedeks Bread and Wine the Paschall Lamb the Heavenly Manna and the Arke of the League Q. How prove you that A. Because all things happened unto them in a Figure according to S. Paul Q. Doth the Blessed Eucharist excell all these in dignity A. It doth as farre as a substantiall body excells a shadow Q. What signifies the name Eucharist A. It signifieth good Grace or Thanksgiving because it containeth the Author and Fountaine of all Grace and the greatest Gift of God to man Q. When did Christ ordaine the Blessed Eucharist A. At his last Supper Q. Why so A. To leave it to his Church as the last and greatest pledge of his love Q. What is the Blessed Eucharist A. It is the body and blood of Jesus Christ true God and true Man whole Christ under the outward formes of Bread and Wine Q. In what manner is Christ present under those Forms A. By the true and reall presence of his divine and humane nature not figuratively only as some would have it Q. How prove you that A. Out of S. Matth. ch 26. v. 26 27 28. where we read that Christ at his last Supper tooke bread blessed it brake it and gave it to his Disciples saying Take ye and eat this is my Body and he also blessed the cup saying This is my blood of the New Testament which shall be shed for many to the remission of sins Q. What other proof have you A. Out of S. Mark ch 14 v. 22 23 24. were we read the selfe-san words Q. VVhat besides A. Out of S. Luke ch 22. v. 19. 20. where we read This is my body which is given for you this is the Chalice the New Testament in my blood which shall be shed for you Q. VVhat other A. S. Joh. c. 6. v. 52 53 55. The bread which I will give is my flesh for the life of the world my flesh is meat indeed and my blood is drinke indeed unlesse ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drinke his bloud you shall have no life in you Q. VVhat other yet A. Out of 1 Cor. ch 11. v. 23. where S. Paul tells us that he received from our Lord viz. by speciall revelation that at his last Supper he blessed bread saying Take ye and eat this is my body which shall be delivered for you this Chalice is the New â—estament in my bloud Q. By what meanes is the whole substance of the Bread and Wine transubstantiated or changed into the whole substance of the body and blood of Christ A. By the most holy and powerfull words of Consecration instituted by Christ and spoken by the Priest Q. VVhat is the White which we see remaining after Consecration A. The outward species or accidents of Bread under which the body and bloud of Christ is Q. VVhat meane you by those species or accidents A. The colour savour and quantity of bread Q. Is the Body of Christ hurt or broken when we divide or break the Sacrament A. It is not for he is now immortall and impassible he cannot die nor suffer any more Rom. ch 6. v. 9. Q. What other reason have you A. Because Christ is whole in the whole Hoast and whole in every particle thereof if you divide or break it seeing that wheresoever there would have been bread before consecration there must needs be the whole Body and Blood of Christ after consecration Q. What example have you for that A. The soule of a man which is whole in the whole body and whole in every part of the body as learned Protestants do not nor cannot deny Q. How can the same thing be in many severall places at once A. By the omnipotent power of God by which he himselfe is in all and every one of his creatures at one and the same instant Q. What example have you for that A. A word which being one yet is in many hundred of eares at once Q. What other proofe have you A. Out of Acts ch 9. v. 4. and 5. Where we read that Christ who is alwaies sitting at the right hand of his Father in heaven as we willingly admit with Protestants appeared notwithstanding and discoursed with S. Paul on earth saying Saul Saul Why doest thou persecute me and when S. Paul replied who art thou Lord he answered I am Jesus whomthou doest persecute Therefore he was then in two places at once Q. What is the necessary matter of the Eucharist A. Wheaten and unleavened Bread and Wine of the Grape Q. What is the essentiall forme of it A. This is my Body this is my Blood Q. Why is a little water mingled with the Wine in the Chalice A. To signifie the blood and water flowing from the side of Christ as also the union of the faithfull with Christ by vertue of this Sacrament Q. What disposition is required in him that will receive the Blessed Eucharist A. That he hath first confessed his sinnes and be in state of
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.
DOMINUS VOBISCUM A. It signifies Our Lord be with you and is used to excite the people to joyne with the Priest in what he then doth Q. Why is it answered by the Clarke ET CUM SPIRITU TUO And with thy Spirit A. To signifie that the people do all concurre with the Priest and beg divine assistance for him Q. Why are all the Prayers ended with PER DOMINUM NOSTRUM JESUM CHRISTUM c. Through our Lord Jesus Christ A. To signifie that whatsoever we beg of God the Father we must beg it in the Name of Jesus Christ by whom he hath given us all things Q. What meaneth the Epistle A. It signifies the Old Law and is read before the Gospell to intimate that the Old Law being able to bring nothing to perfection it was necessary that the New should follow it Q. What meanes the Graduall A. It signifies the Penance preached by S. John Baptist and that we cannot partake or come unto the Salvation of Christ but by the holy degrees of Penance Q. What meanes the ALLELUIA A. It is the voice of men rejoycing and aspiring to the joyes of heaven Q. Why is ALLELUIA repeated so often at the Feast of Easter B. Because that is the joyfull solemnity of our Saviours Resurrection Q. Why betwixt Septuagesima and Easter is the Tract read in place of the Graduall A. Because that is a time of penance and mourning and therefore the Tract is read with a sad and a slow voice to signifie the miseries and banishment of this life Q. Why doe we rise up at the reading of the Gospell A. To signifie that we are ready to go and do whither and whatsoeever it commandeth us Q. What is the Gospell A. The happy Embassie or Message of Christ unto the world Q. Why is the Gospell read at the North end of the Altar A. To signifie that by the preaching of the Gospell of Christ the Kingdome of the Devill was overthrowne Q. How declare you that A. Because the Devill hath chosen the North for the seat of his malice and all evill saith the Prophet shall be opened from the North. Q. Why doth the Priest before he begin the Gospell salute the people with DOMINUS VOBISCUM Our Lord be with you A. To prepare them for a devout hearing of it and beg of our Lord to make them worthy hearers of his Word which can save their soules Q. Why then doth he say SEQUENTIA SANCTI EVANGELII c. The Sequele of the Holy Gospell c. A. To move attention and signifie what part of the Gospell he then readeth Q. Why doth the Clark answer GLORIATIBI DOMINE Glory be to thee O Lord A. To give the glory of the Gospell to God who hath of his meere mercy made us partakers of it Q. Why then doth the Priest signe the book with the sign of the Crosse A. To signifie that the Doctrine there delivered appertaineth to the Crosse and Passion of Christ Q. Why after this doe both the Priest and people signe themselves with the Crosse in three places A. They sign themselves on their fore-heads to signifie that they are not ashamed to professe Christ crucified on their mouthes to signifie that they will be readie with their mouthes to confesse unto salvation and on their breasts to signifie that with their hearts they doe believe unto Justice Q. Why at the end of the Gospell doe they signe their breasts againe with the Crosse A. That the Devill coming may not steale the seed of Gods Word out of their hearts Q. What meaneth the Creed A. It is a publike profession of our Faith and the wholesome fruit of the preaching of the Gospell Q. What meaneth the first Offertory where we offer Bread and Wine mingled with Water A. It signifies the freedome wherewith Christ offered himselfe unto his Passion and the desire he had to suffer for our sinnes Q. What signifies the mingling of water with the wine A. It signifies the blood and water flowing from the side of Christ as also the union of the faithfull with Christ. Q. VVhy doth the Priest wash the ends of his fingers A. To admonish both himselfe the people to wash away the unclean thoughts of their hearts that so they may partake of that holy Sacrifice as also to signifie that the Priest is or ought to be cleane from all mortall sinne Q. Why then after some silence doth he begin the Preface with a loud voice saying PEROMNIA SECULA SECULORUM A. To signifie the triumphant entry of Christ into Hierusalem after he had laien hid a little space and therefore it is ended with OSANNA BENEDICTUS QUIVENIT c. which was the Hebrew Childrens Song Q. Why at those words doth the Priest signe himselfe with the signe of the Crosse A. To signifie that the entry of Christ into Hierusalem was not to a Kingdome of this world but to a death upon the Crosse Q. Why is the Canon read with a low voice A. To signifie the sadnesse of our Saviours Passion Q. Why doth the Priest begin the Canon bowing his head A. To signifie the obedience of Christ unto his Father in making himselfe a sacrifice for sinne Q. VVhy then doth he kisse the Altar in the middle A. To signifie that kisse of peace which Christ gave us by reconciling us to God in his owne blood Q. VVhy here doth he signe the Host and Chalice thrice with the signe of the Crosse A. To signifie that our Redemption made upon the Crosse was done by the consent of the whole Trinity Q. Why then doth he signe them againe five times A. To signifie the mysterie of those five daies which were betwixt our Saviours entring into Hierusalem and his Passion Q. VVhy after he hath spoken the words of Consecration doth the Priest elevate or lift up the Host and Chalice A. That all the people may adore the bodie and blood of Christ as also to signifie that for our sins his body was lifted up on the Crosse and his blood shed Q. Why then after some prayers doth he againe signe the offerings five times with the Crosse A. To signifie the five wounds of Christ which he there tacitely representeth to his Father Q. Why after this some prayers interposed doth he signe them againe three other times with the sign of the Crosse A. To signifie that this Sacrifice is availeable for three sorts of men for those in heaven to an increase of glory for those in Purgatory to free them from their paines and for those on Earth to an encrease of grace and the remission of sinnes Q. Why after the MEMENTO or Commemoration for the dead doth the Priest elevate his voice saying and to us sinners also NOBIS QUOQUE PECCATORIBUS A. In memory of the supplication of the good Thiefe made to Christ upon his Crosse that so with him by vertue of this sacrifice we may partake his heavenly Kingdome Q. Why after this againe doth he signe the