a Sacrament of our New Birth and the Lord's Supper of our spiritual Nourishment and growth in Grace Q. How oft must we receive these Sacraments A. Baptism but once the Lord's Supper often for we can be but once born but must be oft fed Q. What must we consider in the Sacraments A. The outward Signs the Things thereby signify'd and the spiritual Benefits thereof Q. VVhat is the outward Sign in Baptism A. Water Joh. 3.23 Acts 8.36 38. Ezek. 36.25 26. Q. VVhat doth the VVater in Baptism signify A. The renewing Grace and purifying Virtue of the Spirit of God Q. What doth the washing of the Body with water signifie A. Acts 22.16 The cleansing of the Soul from Sin Q. VVhat is the Spiritual Benefit of Baptism A. A Regeneration Joh. 3.5 or a New Birth Q. VVhat mean you by Regeneration or the New Birth A. A Change of our Nature Tit. 3.5 1 Cor. 6.11 which being depraved by Sin is therein renew'd by the Spirit of God Q. How is Baptism to be administred and by whom A. Mat. 28.19 By the Ministers of Christ in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q. VVho are to be Baptiz'd A. Acts 2.38 39. Converts to the Christian Religion and the Children of Christians Q. To what are we bound by our Baptism A. Rom. 6.3 13. To forsake our Sins believe in Christ and lead our Lives according to the Laws of God and Rules of the Gospel Q. Wherein stands the Lord's Supper and how is it to be celebrated A. Mat. 26.26 27. Luk. 22.19 20. In a solemn blessing breaking and cating of Bread and Drinking of Wine with Thanksgiving in Remembrance of Christ Q. VVhat is the Intent and Meaning of this A. 1 Cor. 11.28 The setting forth of the Death and sufferings of Christ whose Body was broken on the Cross and his Bloud shed for our Sins Q. VVhat are the outward Signs in the Lord's Supper A. Bread and Wine Mat. 26.26 27.28 Q. What do this signifie A. The Body and Bloud of Christ Q. Hath Jesus Christ a true Body A. Yes Phil. 3.21 the same Body which was crucified on Earth is glorified in Heaven Q. Luk 22.19 20. 24.39 Is the Bread in the Sacrament the very Body of Christ and the Wine his Bloud A. No they are but the signs of his Body and Bloud and Pledges of the Benefits we receive thereby 1 Cor. 10.16 Q. What doth the breaking of the Bread signifie 1 Cor. 11.24 Gal. 3.1 A. The breaking of Christ's Body in his Crucifixion Q. What doth the Minister's giving the Bread and Wine to the Communicants represent A. Christ's giving himself Luk. 22 19. with the Benefits of his Body and Bloud to Believers Q. VVhat doth the receiving eating and drunking signifie A. Our receiving and applying of Christ Joh. 5.12 6.48 58. and his Benefits to our selves by Faith Q. What are the Benefits of this Holy Supper A. Mat. 26.28 Remission of Sins and Ratification of the New Testament Q. What mean you by the New Testament A. Heb. 8.6 9.15 16. The Covenant of Grace under the Evangelical Administration which is now establisht as the last Will and Testament of Jefus Christ whereby he hath bequeath'd unto us an eternal Inheritance Q. What follows upon the Ratification of it A. Heb. 8.8 9.10 An assured Right to all the Blessings of the Covenant with a renewed Obligation to Obedience for herein Christ gives himself with all the Benefits of his Death to me and I give my self up to serve him all the Daies of my life Q. How must you receive this Sacrament A. Heb. 12.22 29. With great Reverence and Devotion in Remembrance of Christ crucified who is herein lively set forth before mine eies 1 Cor. 11.24 25. Gal. 3.1 as broken bleeding dying on the Cross Q. But that you may be meet to receive it and partake of the Benefits thereof what must you do A. I must examine my self 1 Cor. 11.28 concerning my spiritual State Q. Herein what must you chiefly inquire after A Whether I consent to the Covenant of Grace lead my life according to the Law of God and obey the Commands of the Gospel Q. Jer. 31.33 with Heb 8.10 What is the Tenour of the Covenant of Grace A. I will be their God and they shall be my people Q. What does the Law of God require of you A. Exod. 20.2 3 8 12. To acknowledge the true God and worship him alone as God to fanctifie the Sabbath and honour my Parents Q. And what does it forbid A. Idolatry Exod. 20.4 5 7 13 17. and Abuse of God's Name Murder Adultery Thest Lying and coveting what is another man's Q. What does God in the Gospel require of you A. Mark 1.15 1 Joh. 3.23 2 Pet. 1.7 Repentance and Faith Brotherly Love and Charity Q. In examining your self concerning these Evangelical Graces what must you inquire A. 2 Cor. 7.10 11. Whether I am heartily sorry for all my sins and stedfastly resolved to lead a new Life Gal 3.21 22. Rom. 15.12 Acts 16.31 1 Pet. 1.22 4.8 whether I stedfastly believe the Promises of the Gospel and put my whole Trust in Christ for my Salvation whether I unfeignedly love the Children of God as my Brethren in Christ and am in Charity with all men Q. But wherein must you exercise this Charity A. Mat. 5.44 6.14 15. Rom. 12.20 21. Epb. 4.28 Gal. 6.10 In loving mine Enemies in forgiving of Wrongs in doing Good against Evil in releiving according to my Ability them that are in want and doing Good as I have opportunity to all men Q. But why are these Graces of Faith and Brotherly Love and Charity especially required for the right receiving of the Lord's Supper A. Mat. 26.28 Luk. 24.47 Mat. 18.34 6.14 Because the Bloud of Christ is therein exhibited for the Remission of Sins and without Repentance there is no Remission and if we do not from our Hearts for give them that have trespassed against us which is an Act of Christian Charity God will not forgive our Trespasses against him And lastly nothing can be more necessary than brotherly Love in the Lord's Supper which is a Feast of Loves and the Communion of Saints 1 Cor. 10.17 Gen. 43.16 wherein as the Brethren of Joseph with him we feast with our Elder Brother Jesus Q. When you have thus examin'd your self concerning your spiritual State what must you further do that you may rightly receive this Holy Supper A. 1 Pet. 5 6. I must cast my self down before God and with Sorrow in my Heart 1 Joh. 1.9 make an humble Confession of my Sins and earnestly implore Mercy in the free pardon of them in the Bloud of my Saviour 1 Thess 3.10 I must bewail my weaknesses and wants and earnestly
crave of God those Aids and Supplies of his Grace which may enable me to honour him by a Holy Obedience for the time to come I must put forth in my Soul the Acts of Faith Mat. 5.6 brotherly Love and Charity and stir up in my Heart hungring Desires after Christ and the Participation of his saving Benefits in his Holy Supper Q. Why must you thus examine and prepare your self before you come to the Lord's Supper A. Lest I should receive it unworthily Q. What is the Sin and Danger of unworthy receiving A. 1 Cor. 11.27 28. He that receiveth unworthily is guilty of the Body and Bloud of the Lord as the wicked Jews Acts 7.52 who were his Betrayers and Murderers and eateth and Drinketh * Gr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 render'd in the Marg. Judgment See v. 30 31 32. Judgment or Damnation to himself being for this Sin liable to temporal Afflictions yea to eternal Damnation in the just Judgment of God Q. When doth a man receive unworthily A. When he presumeth to come to the Lord's Table in the guilt of any known Sin unrepented of or wanting that Faith Love and Charity which are required in a worthy Receiver Q. If the Sin and Danger of unworthy Receiving be so great is it not safer to forbear than to come to the Lord's Table A. He that forbears to come to the Lord's Table incurs a greater guilt and Danger for to the guilt that would make him an unworthy Receiver Luk. 22.19 he adds the Contempt of Christ's Command and of the Benefits of his Bloud 1 Cor. 10.16 freely offer'd to him in this Holy Supper Q. What then must you do that you keep your self clear from this Guilt and safe from this Danger A. I must be very carefull and serious in examining my self and finding my self guilty 1 Cor. 11.28 31. I must judge and condemn my self that I may be graciously acquitted by the Lord and accepted as a worthy Receiver Q. If you rightly receive this Blessed Sacrament what Benefit shall you have thereby A. Mat. 26.28 God will seal to my Soul the Pardon of all my Sins in the Bloud of Christ with a Right to all the Blessings and Priviledges of the Covenant of Grace Q. If after you have received this Holy Sacrament you should return to your former sins what will your State and Condition be A. Luk. 22.20 Heb. 10.28 29. 2 Pet. 2.20 21 22. VVorse than before For I shall greatly provoke the wrath of God by the Breach of a solemn Covenant ratifi'd with the Bloud of Christ Q. How must you demean your self then after you have received A. 1 Joh. 5.18 Col. 2.6 7. I must carefully keep my self from Sin that Sin especially to which I am most inclin'd and humbly walk with God in the ways of Holiness Psal 18.23 being diligent in every good Duty Q. What will be the Issue of this Holy Course A. I shall at length see my Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ glorified in Heaven 1 Joh. 3.2 Joh. 17.22 24. who was Crucifiâ—d for me on Earth and shall for ever live and reign with him in Glory COL 11.6 7. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord so walk ye in Him rooted and built up in Him and established in the Faith as ye have been taught abounding therein with Thanksgiving If any by reason of the Weakness of their Memory or want of Ability to read cannot learn by Heart the fore-going Catechisin that they may not be kept from the Lord's Table nor come unprepar'd I have comprehended the most necessary things in the following Abridgment Let such then when they can repeat the Creed the ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer learn this Shorter Catechism But if they learn this onely at their first Admission they shall do well for an Increase of Knowledge to endeavour to learn the other also for their greater Benefit in their after-receiving A Shorter Catechism for the Younger Communicants Q. WHAT Religion is the onely sure way to Salvation A. The Christian Religion Q. What doth the Christian Religion comprehend A. Faith Obedience Prayer and Sacraments Q. What is the Sum of your Faith A. I believe in God the Father Almighty c. Q. What is the Rule of your Obedience A. The Law of God which is comprehended in Ten Commandments Q. Rehearse them A. God spake all these Words c. Exo. 20.1 17. Q. What is the Pattern of your Prayers A. The Lord's Prayer Q. Rehearse it A. Our Father which art in Heaven c. Mat. 6.9 13. Q. What are the Sacraments A. Seals of the Covenant of Grace Q. What is the Tenour of the Covenant of Grace A. I will be their God and they shall be my People Q. How many Sacraments are there A. Onely two Baptism and the Lord's Supper Q. Of what Vse are these to us A. By Baptism we enter into Covenant with God and renew it in the Lord's Supper Q. How else do they differ A. Baptism is a Sacrament of our New Birth the Lord's Supper of our Spiritual Nourishment and Growth in Grace Q. How oft must we receive them A. Baptism but once the Lord's Supper often for we can be but once born but must be oft fed Q. What must we consider in the Sacraments A. The outward Signs the Things thereby signifi'd and the spiritual Benefits thereof Q. What is the outward Sign in Baptism A. Water Q. What doth the water in Baptism signifie A. The Grace of God's Spirit Q. VVhat doth the washing of the Body with water signifie A. The cleansing of the Soul from Sin Q. VVhat is the Benefit of Baptism A. Regeneration or a New Birth Q. VVhat is Regeneration A. A Renewing of the Nature of man by the Spirit and Grace of God Q. In whose Name is Baptism to be Administred A. In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q. VVho are to be Baptiz'd A. Converts to the Christian Religion and the Children of Christians Q. To what are you bound by your Baptism A. To forsake my Sins believe in Christ and obey him Q. VVhat are the outward Signs in the Lord's Supper A. Bread and Wine Q. VVhat do they signifie A. The Body and Bloud of Christ Q. Hath Christ a true Body A. Yes the same Body which was crucified on Earth is glorified in Heaven Q. Is the Bread in the Sacrament the very Body of Christ and the Wine his Bloud A. No They are but the Signs of his Body and Bloud Q. What doth the breaking of the Bread signifie A. The Breaking of Christ's Body in his Crucifixion Q. What doth the Minister's giving of the Bread and Wine to the Communicants represent A. God's giving of Christ and His Benefits to Believers Q. What doth the receiving eating and Drinking signifie A. Our receiving and applying of Christ by Faith Q. What are the Benefits of this Holy Supper A. The
unworthy to come into Thy Holy Presence Assist me O God by Thy Grace to the duties of thy Service Grant that I may serve Thee acceptably Heb. 12.28 with Reverence and Godly Fear Oh send me not away without a Blessing And as Thou hast now brought me into Thy House in the End bring me to Heaven through the Merits of Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour Amen At Departure from Church Forgive me O Lord all my wandring thoughts and want of due seriousness in thy holy service O let not my infirmities hinder thy Acceptance and deprive me of thy blessing Joh. 14.26 Teach me O Lord by Thy Spirit what thou hast taught me by thy word and grant that I may so remember and do thy Will that I may be Blessed in my Deed Jam. 1.25 and in my End Happy for ever through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour Amen A Confession and Prayer to be used after Self-Examination in Order to the Receiving of the Blessed Sacrament of the Lord's Supper O Lord my God Ezr. 9.6 I have just Cause to be asham'd to lift up mine eyes to Heaven or once to look up towards Thee whom I have so grievously offended by my sins Psal 58.3 51.5 For O Lord I have gone astray from the Womb yea I was conceived and born in Sin and brought forth in Iniquity It might have been just with Thee to have snatcht me from the Bosom of Mother and cast me into the Belly of Hell But O Lord Thou wast pleased to prevent me with the Gifts of Thy Grace and Fruits of Thy Goodness For before I was capable to know Thee or to discern betwixt Good and Evil Thou wast pleased by Thy Holy Baptism to admit me into Thy House and Family and to accept me for one of Thy Children Thou wast pleased to take me into a Holy Covenant with Thy self and to promise me the Kingdom of Heaven for mine Inheritance and Thou hast been very Good and Gracious to me from that Time to this very Day But O Lord my God I have grievously sinned against Thee by too great a Complyance with the World the Flesh and the Devil contrary to that mighty obligation which was laid upon me in my Baptism I have not O Lord so stedfastly believed Thy Truth and obeyed Thy Will as lought I have daily offended Thee by the Breach of Thy Holy Commandments and have justly deserved Thy Wrath and Hell-Fire I am no more worthy to be called Thy Son Luk 15.19 or to be accounted one of Thy servants But O Lord I am heartily sorry for my sins and stedfastly purposed by Thy Grace to lead a New life Psal 57.1 Be merciful unto me O God be merciful unto me and pardon all my sins for thy Names sake and seal that Pardon to my soul in the Blood of my Saviour Thou hast promised Pardon Acts 3.19 Joh. 3.16 O Lord to the truly penitent and to him that believeth in thy Son Jesus Christ life eternal Behold O Lord I heartily repent of all my sins and stedfastly believe in the Lord Jesus Christ putting my whole Trust in him alone for my Salvation Behold I give my self up intirely to him being desirous to live to him and willing to dye for him rather than by denying his truth or disobeying his Voice to dishonour him For his sake speak Peace to my soul in the Pardon of my sins and the Assurance of my salvation And O Lord so renew me by thy Grace and uphold me by Thy Spirit that I may not relapse into any of my former sins but continue to glorifie Thee by a holy Obedience all the days of my life Grant O Lord that I may love my Brethren 1 Pet. 1.22 that bear thine Image with a pure heart fervently and that whatsoever usage I receive in the World I may be in Charity with all men Behold O Lord I heartily forgive all them who at any time have done me wrong and I beseech thee to give them that still live in the guilt of their sins true Repentance and a gracious pardon that their Souls may be saved in the Day of the Lord Jesus Draw forth my Heart O Lord in hungring desires after Christ and satisfie my Soul as with Marrow and Fatness with plentiful Communications of Grace from his fulness Fit me O Lord for a Holy Communion with him and raise me to a nearer Conformity to him in all his imitable excellencies that I may at length be made like to him and live with him in Glory Furnish me O Lord with all those Heavenly Graces and Holy Affections which may make me meet to Feast with my Blessed Saviour in his Holy Supper Therein seal up thine Everlasting Covenant of Grace to my Soul Communicate to me the benesits of my Saviour's Body and Blood and refresh me with the Holy comforts of thy Spirit And grant that all the rest of my life I may seriously endeavour to answer a renewed Obligation to Obedience by a constant Holy care to keep all thy Commandments Enable me O God by thy Grace to persevere to the end that I may be certainly Blessed for ever through the merits of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to whom with thy self and Holy Spirit be all Honour and Glory now and for evermore Amen A Prayer before Receiving of the Lord's Supper GOod Lord pardon my sin and seal that pardon this day to my Soul in the Blood of my Saviour Give me a lively Faith in him that as I shall receive the Bread and Wine I may partake of the saving benefits of his Body and Blood in his Holy Supper Strengthen and refresh my Soul O God with Spiritual Food and preserve me both Body and Soul to Eternal Life through Jesus Christ my onely Lord and Saviour Amen At the receiving of the Bread say with your self O Lord I heartily accept thy Son to be my Saviour and as he gave his Body to be broken for me I give my self Body and Soul to him for ever O Blessed Jesus let me rather be broken in pieces than ever do any thing which may dishonour thee my Dear Redeemer At the Receiving of the Cup say Now Lord wash away all my sins in the Blood of my Saviour and save my Soul for thy Mercies sake Then having drunk of the Wine say How sweet is thy Love O Dear Jesus who hast shed thy Blood for my Salvation O let me rather shed my dearest life-Life-blood for thee than ever willingly sin against thee Behold Lord I now give my self up to thee and thy service O let me see thy Salvation Having Receiv'd say with your self Now O Lord thou art my God and I am thine both in Body and Soul by a perpetual Covenant sealed with the Blood of my blessed Saviour O let my soul be furnished with thy Grace and fill'd with thy Spirit that I may chearfully serve thee while I live and when I dye fully enjoy
strengthening and refreshing of our Souls by Communion with Christ in the Graces and Comforts of his Spirit Q. Why was this Sacrament instituted A. To shew forth the Death of Christ Q. How must we receive it A. In Remembrance of him Q. But that you may receive it aright what must you do A. Examine my self whether I live in any Sin Q. Why so A. Because if I live in any known Sin I shall be an unworthy Receiver Q. What is the Sin and Danger of unworthy Receiving A. He that receiveth unworthily is guilty of the Body and Bloud of the Lord and eateth and drinketh Damnation to himself Q. What must you then do A. Repent of my Sins and resolve to lead a new Life Q. But with what Graces must you be furnisht that you may be fit to come to the Lord's Table A. With Faith in Christ brotherly Love and Charity Q. Wherein must you specially shew this Charity A. In loving mine Enemies doing good to them that hate me and forgiving them that wrong me Q. If you rightly receive this Blessed Sacrament what Benefit shall you have thereby A. God will seal up to me the Pardon of my Sins and the Salvation of my Soul Q. But how must you demean your self after you have received A. I must carefully keep my selt from every known Sin and be diligent in every good Duty Q. What will be the Issue of this Holy-Course A I shall at length see my Saviour in Heaven and for ever live and reign with him in Glory Joh. 14.5 If ye love me keep my Commandments Self-Examination Directed by way of Example wherein The Qualification of a Worthy Communicant is disclosed by the Answer of a good Conscience to some Necessary Inquiries The Apostle's Precept 1 Cor. 11.28 Let a mau EXAMIN himself and so let him eat of that Bread and drink of that Cup. The Christians Practice IHAVE now an Opportuni-of receiving the Blessed Sacrament of the LORD'S SUPPER I cannot neglect it without the Guilt of a great Sin the Breach of Christ's Command Luk. 22.10 who hath said This do in Remembrance of me yea the Contempt of Christ crucifid who therein offers himself freely with all the Benefits of his Body and Bloud to my Soul and the Resusal of the Renewall of my Covenant with God whereby as I am bound to a Holy Obedience so I am assured of everlasting Blessednefs And yet if I receive it unworthily I shall be guilty of the body and Bloud of the Lord 1 Cor. 11.27.29 and eat and drink to my self Judgment and become liable to Damnation Yet I know the neglect of my Duty is no way to escape this Danger But the way both to escape the Danger and to enjoy the Benefit is to Examine my self 1 Cor. 11 28. and so to come to the Lord's Table This then with the Help of God will I do I will here set my self as before God and as in his sight and Presence examine my self as he hath commanded Now the Lord direct and assist me in this Work that I may so know the State of my own Soul as that I may rightly dispose my self for the receiving of the Blessed Sacrament of Christ's Holy Supper and the Participation of the inestimable Benefits of his Body and Bloud This Holy Supper 1 Cor. 11.25 I know is a Seal of the Covenant of Grace or New Testament which is ratifi'd in the Bloud of my Saviour Now if I rightly receive this Sacrament I must heartily consent to this Covenant the Tenour whereof is this Jer. 30.22 Heb. 8.10 Ye sahll be my People and I will be your God Now Q. Examination of 1 Consent to the Covenant Psal 42. 11. 37.26 1. Do I heartily take God for my God and am I really willing to be one of his People Am I really willing to renounce all my Lusts and Sins and to love serve honour and obey God all the daies of my Life and do I rest satisfi'd in Him as my God and my Portion for ever A. O Lord my God! I have grievously sinned against Thee I have forgotten Thee Daies without Number Jer. 2.32 but now I return to Thee and here most seriously and heartily give my self up to Thee both Body and Soul to be Thine for ever I desire not to live a Day longer than I may serve and glorifie Thee I heartily rejoyce that Thou art pleased to give thy self to me Jer. 32.40 by an everlasting Covenant to be my God and Portion my Shield and exceeding great Reward Gen. 15.1 I thankfully take Thee to be my God and I rest fully satisfied in Thee as the chief est Good and my onely Happiness For whom have I in Heaven O God! but Thee Psal 73.25 And there is none upon Earth that I desire besides Thee But alas I am a guilty Sinner But having now a happy Opportunity of getting the Pardon of all my Sins seal'd to me in the Bloud of my Saviour I am resolv'd to review the Actions of my Life Lam. 3.40 and to make a diligent Search for the Discovery of my Sins that upon my penitent Confession of them I may obtain a gracious Pardon according to God's faithfull Promise who hath said He that cooereth his Sins shall not prosper but whoso confesseth and for saketh them Prov. 23.13 shall have Mercy Q. 2 Sin 2. What then are the Sins I am guilty of before God If I was sure I should not live to see the Light of another Day what Sin would make me affraid to die What Good have I omitted that I might and ought to have done What Evil have I committed Wherein have I transgress'd and offended God the Great Governour and Just Judge of the whole World in whose Hand my Life is Ah Lord How many are mine Iniquities and my Sins Joh. 13.23 Oh that God would make me to know my Transgressions and shew me my Sins And then as for these Enemies of my Soul Oh that as the Egyptians in the Red Sea they might be all destroy'd by my Saviour's Exod. 14.13 that henceforth I might see them again no more for ever For the finding of them out in Order to this End I will now make a diligent Enquiry And for the Discovery of my Transgressions I will lay the Law of God even the Ten Commandments before me and consider whether I have led my Life according to God's Law or not GOD hath said in his LAW Exod. 20.2 3 4 c. I am the LORD thy God c. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me Thou shalt not make unto Thee any graven Image c. See Exod. 20. 1 17. Now 1. The Breach of 1. Commandment 1 Joh. 2.15 16. Have I so taken God for my God as to love and honour Him above all Have I not loved the World and the Things of the World Riches and Honours Pleasures and worldly Delights
A. Of the Tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil thou shalt not eat Gen. 2.17 Q. Did he notwithstanding eat of it A. He did eat Gen. 3.6 Q. Were many the worse for this fault of one A. By one mans disobedience many were made Sinners Rom. 5.19 Q. What evil came upon all men hereby A. By the offence of one judgment came upon all men to Condemmation Rom. 5. 18. Q. Shall all men then being thus condemn'd everlastingly perish A. There is no Condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus Rom. 8.1 § 3. Of Christ Q. VVHo is this Jesus A. Jesus is the Son of God 1 Joh. 5.5 Q. And was he sent to be our Saviour A. The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the World 1 Joh. 4.14 Q. And did he accordingly come to save us A. Jesus Christ came into the world to save Sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 Q. After what manner did he come into the world A. He took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men Phil. 2.7 Q. Is he not true God A. He is the true God 1 Joh. 5.20 Q. Being true God how was he made in the likeness of men A. Being made of a woman Gal. 4.4 Q. What was this woman A. A Virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph Luk. 1.27 Q. And what was the Virgin 's Name A. The Virgins Name was Mary Luk. 1.27 Q. Being a Virgin how came she to be with child A. By the Holy Ghost Mat. 1.18 Q. And where was he Born of her A. Jesus was born in Bethlehem Mat. 2.1 Q. What was this Bethlehem A. The City of David Luk. 2.11 Q. Being thus made man what did he for mans Salvation A. He humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross Phil. 2.8 Q. What was done to him after his death A. He was buried 1 Cor. 15.4 Q. But did he not rise again A. He rose again the third day 1 Cor. 15.4 Q. And whether did he then go A. He was received up into Heaven and sate on the right hand of God Mark 16.19 Q. What mean you by his sitting on the right hand of God A. God hath highly exalted him Phil. 2.9 Q. What power hath he given him A. All Power is given to him in Heaven and in Earth Mat. 28.18 Q. Is he then fully able to save lost Sinners A. He is able to save them to the uttermost that come to God by him Heb. 7.25 Q. And is there no Salvation in any other A. Neither is there Salvation in any other Acts 4.12 Q. Who shall be saved by him A. He that Believeth and is Baptized shall be sased but he that Believeth not shall be damned Mark 16.16 § 4. Of Duties Q. IF Believing be so necessary to Salvation tell me how we must come by this Faith A. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God Rom. 10.17 Q. What call you the word of God A. The Holy Scriptures which are able to make me wise to Salvation 2 Tim. 3.15 Q. Is Baptism ordinarily necessary to Salvation A. Except a man be born of Water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God Joh. 3.5 Q. What mean you by being born of water and the Spirit A. The washing of Regeneration and the renewing of the Holy ghost Tit. 2.5 Q. Does the promise of the Holy ghost which is the ground of Baptism belong to us that believe only or to our children also A. The promise is to you and to your children Acts 2.39 Q. In whose name is baptism to be administred A. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Mat. 28.19 Q. How should we walk who have been baptized A. We should walk in newness of life Rom 6.4 Q. How should we walk in newness of life A. Denying ungodliness and worldly Lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world Tit. 2.12 Q. That we may so live here then as that we may enter into life eternal in the end what must we do A. Keep the Commandments Mat. 19.17 Q. VVhich is the first and great Commandment of the Law A. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy Soul and with all thy mind Mat. 22.37 Q. VVhich is the second that is like to it A. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Mat. 22.39 Q. But what need is there of our Obedience Did not Christ by his sufferings become the Saviour of all Sinners A. He became the Author of eternal Salvation to all them that obey him Heb. 5.9 Q. VVhat hath he in his Gospel said to us to engage our Obedience unto him A If ye love me keep my Commandments Joh. 14 15. Q. VVhat special Commandment hath he given us A. To love one another 1 Joh. 3.23 Q. And what charge hath he given us concerning our enemies A. Love your Enemies do good to them that hate you Luk. 6.27 Q. What must he do that will become Christs Disciple indeed A. Deny himself and take up his Cross daily and follow Him Luk. 9.23 Q. And what hath he said to encourage us to his Service A. Where I am there shall also my Servant be and if any man serve me him will my Father honour Joh. 12.26 Q. Besides Baptism for our admission into the Church what are we enjoyn'd for our holding Communion with the Church A. To eat the Lord's Supper 1 Cor. 11.20 Q. VVhat charge hath Christ given us concerning this A. This do in remembrance of me 1 Cor. 11.24 Q. Do not we hereby shew forth the Death of Christ A. As oft as ye eat this Bread and drink this Cup ye do shew the Lord's Death till he come Cor 1.11.26 Q. That a man may rightly receive this Holy Supper what must he do A. Let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that Bread and drink of that Cup 1 Cor. 11.28 § 5. Of Priviledges Q. VVHAT special Benefits have we by Christ upon Believing A. Being justify'd by Faith we have peace with God Rom. 5.1 Q. But when we have offended God what must we do that our sins may be forgiven us A. Repent and be converted Acts 3.19 Q. But what hath our Saviour said shall become of us if we repent not A. Except ye Repent ye shall all perish Luk. 13.3 Q. VVhat other Benefits besides Remission of Sins do we receive by Christ A. The Adoption of Sons Gal. 4 5. Q. And what do we receive hereupon A. The Spirit of Adoption whereby we cry Abba Father Rom. 8.15 Q. And does God hear our prayers A. If we ask any thing according to his Will he heareth us 1 Joh. 5.14 Q. That you may obtain all good things then at his hand what must you do A. Watch and pray Mat 26.4 Q. That having done all these things you may not fall short of eternal life what must you
's neither show'r nor cloud Repentance F. Q. 'T is not to cry God mercy or to sit And droop or to confess that thou hast fail'd 'T is to bewail the sins thou didst commit And not commit those sins thou hast bewail'd He that bewails and not forsakes them too Confesses rather what he means to do Praise G. H. King of Glory King of Peace I will love thee And that love may never cease I will move thee Thou hast granted my request Thou hast heard me Thou did'st note my working breast Thou hast spar'd me Therefore with my utmost art I will sing thee And the cream of all my heart I will bring thee Though my sins against me cry'd Thou didst clear me And alone when they reply'd Thou didst hear me The Offering Since my sadness Into Gladness Lord thou dost convert O accept What thou hast kept As thy due desert Had I many Had I my For this heart is none All were thine And none of mine Surely thine alone Yet thy favour May give savour To this poor Oblation And it raise To be thy praise And be my Salvation Light A. C. Hail active nature's watchful life and health Her joy her ornament and wealth Hail to thy Husband heat and thee Thou the world's beauteous Bride the lustry Bridegroom he Say from what Golden quivers of the Sky Do all thy winged arrows fly Swiftness and Power by Birth are thine From thy great Sire they came thy Sire the word Divine 'T is I believe thine archery to show That so much cost in colours thou And skill in painting dost bestow Upon thine antient arms the gaudy Heavenly bow Swift as wing'd thoughts their light carrier do run Thy race is finisht when begun Let a Post-Angel start with thee And thou the Goal of earth shalt reach as soon as he Thou in the Moons bright chariot proud and gay Dost thy bright world of Stars survey And all the year doth with thee bring A thousand flowry lights thine own Nocturnal spring Thou Scythian like dost round thy lands above The Suns gilt tent for ever move And still as thou in pomp dost go The shining Pageants of the world attend thy show Nor amidst all these triumphs dost thou scorn The humble glow-worms to adorn And with those living spangles gild O greatness without pride the bushes of the field Night and her ugly subjects thou dost fright And sleep the lazy Owl of night Asham'd and fearful to appear They skreen their horrid shapes with the black Hemisphere At thy appearance fear it self growes bold Thy sun-shine melts away his cold Enconrag'd at the sight of thee To the Cheek colour comes and firmness to the Knee Ev'n lust the master of a harden'd face Blushes if thou be'st in the place To darkness Curtains he retires In sympathising night he rowls his smoaky fires When Queen of Beauties thou list'st up thy head Out of the Mornings purple bed The quire of birds about thee play And all the joyful world salutes the rising day All the worlds brav'ry that delights our eyes Is but thy several liveries Thou the rich dye on them bestow'st Thy nimble pencil paints this landshape as thou go'st A crimson garment in the rose thou wear'st A Crown of studded Gold thou bear'st The Virgin-lillies in their white Are clad but with the lawn of almost naked light The Violet like a little Infant stands Girt in thy purple swadling bands On the fair Tulip thou dost dote Thou cloth'st it in a gay and party colour'd coat But when firm bodies thy free course oppose Gently thy source the Land o're flows Takes there possession and does make Of colours mingled light a thick and standing lake But the vast Ocean of unbounded day In th' Empyraean Heaven does stay Thy Rivers Lakes and Springs below From thence took first their rise thither at last must flow Success G. S. Psal 127. Unless the Lord the house sustain They build in vain In vain they watch unless the Lord The City Guard In vain ye rise before the light And break the slumbers of the night In vain the bread of sorrows eat Got by your sweat Unless the Lord with good success Your labours bless For he all good on his bestows And crowns their eyes with sweet repose Hope A. C. Hope of all ills that men endure The only cheap and universal cure Thou captives freedom and thou sick mans health Thou loosers vict'ry and thou beggars wealth Thou Manna which from Heav'n we eat To ev'ry tast a several Meat Thou strong retreat thou sure intail'd Estate Which nought has power to alienate Thou pleasant honest flatterer For none Flatter unhappy men but thou alone Hope thou first fruits of happiness Thou gentle dawning of a bright success Thou good preparative without which our joy Does work too strong and whilst it cures destroy Who out of tortures reach dost stand And art a Blessing still in hand Whilst thee her Earnest-money we retain We certain are to gain Whether she her bargain break or else fulfil Thou only good not worse for ending ill Brother of Faith 'twixt whom and thee The joyes of Heaven and Earth divided be Though faith be Heir and have the first Estate Thy portion yet in moveables is great Happiness it self 's all one In thee or in Possession Only the future's thine and present his Thine's the more hard and noble bliss Best Apprehender of our joyes which hast So long a reach and yet canst hold so fast Good Conscience Q. A Conscience pure unstain'd by sin Is Brass without and Gold within The Holy Heart F. Q. The Royal Off-spring of a second Birth Sets ope to Heaven and shuts the doors to Earth If Earth Heavens Rival dart her idle Ray To Heaven 't is wax and to the world 't is Clay If earth present delights it scorns to draw But like the Jet unrubb'd disdains that straw No hope deceives it and no doubt divides it No grief disturbs it and no errour guides it No fear distracts it and no rage inflames it No guilt condemns it and no folly shames it No sloth besots it and no lust inthrals it No scorn afflicts it and no passion galls it It is a Carknet of immortal Life An Ark of Peace the lists of sacred strise A purer piece of endless transitory A shrine of Grace a little Throne of Glory A Heaven born Off-spring of a new born Birth An earthly Heaven an ounce of Heavenly earth Man's Life F. Q. Our life is nothing but a winters day Some only break their fast and so away Others stay dinner and depart full sed The deepest age but sups and goes to bed He 's most in debt that lingers out the day Who dies betime has less and less to pay Man's Folly I. C. Lord what a foolish thing is man How fond is he of toyes How does he spend that little span Of his in empty joyes But for that precious soul of his He takes no further care
thee for ever Amen When you depart from the Lord's Table labour to feel your Heart inflam'd with love to God and Christ and fill'd with satisfaction and joy in his Love to you and to find your Soul fixed in a firm Resolution of Holy Obedience to your Lives end Take heed your heart do not entertain Earthly Thoughts and that you do not open your ears or loose your tongue to Worldly Discourse But meditate on the mercies of God to you in Christ on the Promises and Priviledges of the Covenant of Grace on the duties of Obedience whereby you must glorifie God on Earth and on the Glory and Blessedness reserved for you in the Kingdom of Heaven Being return'd home retire your self to give thanks to God for his Mercy in Christ A Thanksgiving after Receiving of the Lord's Supper BLESS the LORD Psal 103.1 O my Soul and all that is within me bless his Holy Name who hath sealed up to me this day the forgiveness of my sins in the blood of my Saviour who hath entertain'd me with Heavenly dainties at his Holy Table Grant O God that in the strength of this Spiritual Food I may walk before thee in the wayes of a Holy obedience till I shall at length attain to Eternal Blessedness through my only Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ Amen As oft as thou receivest the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper be sure to read thy Duty as a Child or Servant before declar'd and the Rules of good Life here following Grace before Meat Bless and Sanctifie thy good creatures to me O my God through Jesus Christ Amen After Meat Blessed be thy Name O my God for these and all other thy good gifts through Jesus Christ Amen In Company with others Before Meat God be merciful to us and bless us and give us a Sanctified use of these and all other his Blessings through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen After Meat Blessed be God for these and all his Blessings Give us Grace O Lord to spend the strength we receive from them in thy service to thy Glory and our Salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen Christian Conversation IN Some necessary Cautions and Directions to Young People for the Government of their Thoughts Words and Actions Or RULES of Good LIFE I. HAve a great care of your Thoughts These are the springs of Action Though the thoughts of mens heart are secret and indiscernible they ost become very visible in their Lives Words and Actions are but the Apparel of the Thoughts These appear upon the open Stage of the world and proclaim what was before done in the secret Chambers of the Soul Evil Thoughts are the seeds of sin and vice which not suppress'd will as noxious weeds overgrow the whole Life These little sparks first kindle the fire of Lust and then of Hell Know thoughts are not free God's Law limits them nor are they hidden God's eye sees them Ps 139.2 Thou understandest my Thoughts afar off saith David Remember God's eye is upon your heart and so do not harbour any evil thoughts Heb. 13.2 Be not forgetful saith the Apostle to entertain strangers for thereby some have entertain'd Angels unawares Be careful say I not to entertain evil thoughts for so may you entertain the Devil unawares The Devil by evil thoughts insinuates himself into the hearts of men that he may corrupt their Lives and destroy their Souls Vain Thoughts though little regarded as the swarms of Flies that corrupted the Land of Egypt are very pernicious Exod. 8.24 Jer. 4.14 O Jerusalem saith the Lord wash thine heart from wickedness that thou mayest be saved Psalm 119.113 how long shall thy vain Thoughts lodge within thee Cease not then till you can say with David I hate vain Thoughts but thy Law do I love II. Keep a constant watch against all evil words By evil thoughts you defile your own Soul by evil words you may defile others also The malignity of the heart is oft diffus'd by the tongue to the infection of many And therefore let David's resolution be yours Psal 39.1.4 I said I will take heed to my waies that I sin not with my Tongue Remember the wise and Holy God hears all the words you speak There is not a word in my Tongue saith Holy David but lo O LORD thou knowest it altogether Let your words be few therefore Eccl. 5.2 and free from Folly A fool's voice saith the wise man is known by a multitude of words Prov. 17.27 but he that hath knowledge spareth his words Think before you speak silence is usually safe whereas rash words oft recoile to the hurt of him that spake them Eccl. 5.7 However in the multitude of dreames and many words there are also diverse vanities but fear thou God Temperance of Tongue is a necessary virtue of true Religion And therefore saith the Apostle Jam. 1.26 If any man among you seem to be Religious and bridleth not his Tongue but deceiveth his own heart this man's Religion is vain c. 3.2 But If any man offend not in Word the same is a perfect man and able also to bridle the whole body Especially take heed of all filthy and impure speeches Remember how strict a charge is given you in the Gospel Eph. 2.29 Let no corrupt Communication come out of your Mouth but that which is good to the use of edifying that it may Minister Grace unto the Hearers 31. Let all clamour and evil-speaking be put away from you And as for Fornications â— 4.3 and all Vncleanness or Covetousness let it not be once named amongst you as becometh Saints 4. Neither filthiness nor foolish talking nor jesting which are not convenient but rather giving of thanks And that your words may be Holy keep the heart pure Mat. 12 34 35 36 37. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things But I say unto you saith our Saviour that every idle word that men shall speak they shall give an account thereof in the day of Judgment For by thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned III. Psal 119.163 Count it a great wickedness to tell a lye I hate and abhor lying saith David but thy Law do I love And he that loves God and his Law Prov. 12.22 must needs hate and abhor Lying For Lying Lips are an abomination to the LORD but they that deal truly are his delight Yea a Lyar is hated both of God and men men hate him because he seeks to deceive them and God hates him because he plainly despises him whom he knowes he cannot deceive The sin of Lying subjects men to punishment both from God and men The common punishment amongst men is this he that is known to