visible signe in Baptisme A. Water Q. What is signified thereby A. The blood of Christ Iesus which was shed for our sinnes Q. What proportion or agréement is there betwéene the water of Baptisme and the blood of Iesus Christ A. As the water doth wash away the filthinesse of the body so our soules being sprinckled with the Blood of Iesus Christ are washed and purged from the filthines and pollution of sinne Q. Is there any difference betwéene water in Baptisme and other water A. Not as concerning the substance but they differ in vse For common water serueth to wash the body but water in Baptisme is a Sacrament of the washing of the soule Q. Wherefore are we but once baptized since wée are commanded oftentimes to receiue the Supper A Because as Circumcision was to the Iewes so Baptisme is to vs an entrance and admission into the Church of God And it is sufficient for vs once to be admitted into Gods familie and therefore as they were but once circumcised so must we but once be baptized yet that we may remaine and continue in this familie Church of God it is necessarie that wée bée fed oftentimes and therefore we must often receiue the Sacrament of the Supper as the Iewes did euery yeare celebrate the Pass-ouer Q. What are the outward and visible signes in the Lords Supper A. Bread and wine Q. What dooth the bread signifie A. The body of Christ Q. What doth the wine signifie A. The blood of Christ Q. Why hath the Lord instituted two signes in the Supper and but one in the Baptisme A. As our bodies are not sustained by meat onely but also by drinke so the Lord would assure vs that wée are not fed to halfs as it were but Christ he is both meat and drinke vnto vs. Q. What is the resembling or proportion betwixt the Signe and the thing signified A. That as our bodyes by the hands and mouth receiuing these outward things of Bread and Wine are thereby nourished indéed so assuredly we apprehending by Faith the Passion and Blood-shedding of Iesus Christ our soules are thereby nourished and fed to eternall life hauing out sinnes remitted and Christs death and righteousnes impuâ—ed vnto vs. Q. Is the Bread and Wine in the Sacrament the sâ—â—e which other common bread and wine is A. They are the same in Substance and Nature but the holy vse whereunto they are applyed make them differ from common bread and coÌ„mon wine Q. Is not the Bread turned into the Body and the Wine into the Blood of Christ A. No. Q. But doth not our Sauiour Christ say this is my Body when he gaue the Bread and this my Blood when he gaue the Wine A. Yea but they are figuratiâ—e spéeches attributing the name of the thing signified vnto the thing signifying as also in the olde Sacraments Circumcision was called the Couenant which was but a signe of the couenant the Pascall Lambe was called the Passe-ouer the rocke was called Christ Q. Why is the signe called by the name of the thing signified A. Because we should lift vp our mindes from those earthly and corporal things vnto the heauenly and spiritual things which are signified by them Q. Shew me more plainely how the Bread and Wine represent vnto vs the body and blood of Christ A. As Bread and Wine haue a property to nourish and maintain vs in this present life so by the partaking of the body and blood of Christ our soules are nourished in the hope of ouerlasting life so that we are not partakers onely of the bread and wine but of the body blood of Christ because he hath said This is my Body this is my Blood and the Bread and Wine which is giuen and receiued is still Bread and Wine naturally but yet the body and blood of Christ Sacramentally For the Bread and Wine kéepe alwayes the first nature but in as much as they are Signes and seales they haue the name of the thinges which they seale and signifie neither is Christs body and blood inclosed in the Bread and wine for he ascended into Heauen where he must be vntill the time of the restoring of all thinges and according to his diuine Nature power and presence of his holy Spirit he is present and will be vnto the end of the world And although the body of Christ be in Heauen and wee be on the earth yet thorough a true and a liuely Faith which ascendeth and taketh holde of the mercies of God in the merits of Christ Iesus we goe vp into heauen and he commeth downe to vs by his Spirit which can easily ioyne together things that be sundred Q. To what end doe we receiue the Sacrament of the Supper A. First for the strengthening of Faith Secondly for a testimony of our obedience and thankfulnes vnto God for the worke of our redemption Thirdly for the increase of loue and amitie For there is alwayes a Communion of Saints in the Church of God which especially consisteth in this that all the children of God are members of the same body and partakers of the same Sauiour and redeemer Iesus Christ Q. That we may be worthy Communicants of this Supper how must wee prepare our selues vnto it A. We must first try and examine our selues concerning the doctrine of a Sacrament whether wée doe rightly vnderstand or conceiue of it or no Secondly concerning our manners and life whether wee be fit to receiue it at the time appointed Q. How must wée examine our selues concerning the doctrine A. By entring into consideration of that which the holy Ghost hath written and set downe of it whether we doe fully vnderstand and know it and whether our heartes and consciences can willingly subscribe and yeeld vnto that which is taught to be the truth of it Q. Is this examination of our selues concerning the doctrine necessary A. Yea otherwise how shal we know how to behaue our selues in this holy action except we know what it is that we doe and for what end and purpose Q. How must we examine our selues concerning our manners and life whether we be fit to receiue this Sacrament or no A. By proouing our selues whether wée be the members of Christ or no. Q. How shall we know this great secret and mysterie A. If we haue Faith and Repentance Q. How shal I discerne that I haue faith A. If in my heart I be assuredly perswaded by the working of the holy Spirit in me that the punishment of my sinne is fully discharged in Christ and that whatsoeuer he hath done pertaineth not only vnto others but euen vnto me Q. How shall I know that I haue true Repentance A. If I be inwardly and hartily sorrowfull for my sinnes and do most willingly confesse them vnto God with full deliberation and purpose of amendment of life and an earnest desire to mortifie and kill sinne in me and wholly to confirme my selfe to doe the will of God Q. What if I
A SHORT CATECHISME Very necessary for the plaine vnderstanding of the principall points of Christian Religion Meet to be practised of all Christians before they bee admitted to the Lords Supper By RICHARD COX PSAL. 34. Come Children hearken vnto 〈◊〉 I will teach you the feare of the Lord. DEVT. 6. 6. 7. These wordes which I commaund thee this day shall be in thine heart and thou shalt rehearse them continually vnto thy children and shalt talke of them when thou tarryest in thine house as thou walkest by the way and when thou lyest downe and when thou risest vp LONDON Printed by Edw All-de for Iohn Tap and are to be solde at his shop neare St. Magnus corner 1620. A necessary Catechisme Containing a true Declaration of of the principall points of Christian Religion very meete to be vnderstood of all those which haue a desire of their Saluation Question OF what Religion are you Answer Of the Christian Religion Q. What is the Christian Religion A. The true worshipping of God Q. Where is it to be learned A. Out of the Worde of God contained in the olde and new Testament Q. Which are the chiefest partes of the worde of God A. The Law and the Gospell Q. What is the Law A. That which teacheth vs our duty towards God and our neighbour Q. What is the Gospell A. That which promiseth forgiuenesse to the offenders of the Law through faith in Christ that repent and purpose to amend Q. How many partes are there of true Religion A. Two Obedience and Faith Q. What is Obedience A. A doing of that which the Law commaundeth Q. What is Faith A. A beléeuing of that which the Gospell teacheth Q. Into how many Tables is the Law deuided A. Into two Tables Q. What doth the first Table concerne A. Our dutie to wards God which is contained in the foure first Commaundements Q. What doth the second table concerne A. Our duty towards our Neighbour which is contained in the fire last Commaundements Q. How many Commaundements are there A. Ten. Q. Which be they A. I am the Lord thy God c. Q. What is the first Commandement A. Thou shalt haue none other Gods but me Q. What is the summe thereof A. It teacheth to serue and worship God alone Q. In howe many pointes standeth this worship A. In foure First to loue God aboue all Secondly to feare God aboue all Thirdly to pray vnto God and to none but him Fourthly to trust alone in him Q. What is the second Commandement A. Thou shalt not make to thy selfe any granen Image c. Q. What doe you learne in this commandement A. First that wée may make no image of God in any case Secondly that wée make no image of any other thing either to worship the image or any other thing by it Thirdly that wée worship not God after our owne fantasies Q. What is the third Commandement A. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vaine c. Q. What is the end of this Law A. It teacheth me to vse the name of God in high reuerence both in tongue and thought Q. How many lessons learne you out of this A. First it is sinne and blasphemie to apply the name of God to enchantment sorcerie cursing or periury Secondly to sweare by Creatures is a setting of his name at naught Thirdly in our ordinarie communication we must not sweare Q. By whom must we sweare A. By God for it is a part of his glorie which he will giue to none other Q. In what cause or where is it lawfull to sweare A. Where the glorie of God is sought or the saluation of our brethren or before a Magistrate Q. What is the fourth Commandement A. Renember that thou kéepe holy the Saboth day c. Q. What is the end and driâ—â— of this A. The Lord appointeth herein that all his creatures should haue a time to rest and serue him Q. What must we doe on the Saboth A. Holy thinges as heare and learns the word of God Preached pray and receiue the Sacraments Q. What things must we not doe A. Those things that necessitie doth not compell nor holinesse commaund Q. Who must kéepe the Saboth day A. Thou thy Sonne thy Daughter thy man thy maide thy Cattell and thy stranger Q. What is the first Commaundement A. Honor thy Father and thy Mother c. Q. What is meant by honour A. Toloue feare obey and relieue Q. What is meant by Father and Mother A. Our naturall Parentes the fathers of our Country or of our houses the aged and fathers in Christ Q. How is the blessing of long life giuen when the disobedient liue long and the obedient and good for the most part die speedyly A. The wicked liue to further their dengeance and the good inioy it so far as it shall be good for them Q. What is the sixt commandement A. Thou shalt not kill Q. What learne you herein A. First I learne to tie my hand tongue and countenance to peace from fighting quarelling and mocking Secondly to anoyde all anger in heart Thirdly I am coÌ„manded to preserue life Fourthly to loue others euen mine enemies Q. What is the seauenth Commaundement A. Thou shalt not commit Adultery Q. How many lessons learne you out of this A. First that God forbiddeth all adulterie and vncleanesse in our bodies Secondly all impure thoughts Thirdly all vnchaste behauiour talke songs apparell and pastiâ—e that may intice vs to such vncleannes Fourthly we are commanded to kéepe our bodies chasse as the Temples of the holy Ghost Q. What is the eight cammandement A. Thou shalt not steale Q. What thinges are forbidden herein A. First all stealing and robbing Secondly all desire of any other mans goods wrongfully in my heart Thirdly all vnlawfull gaines Q. What thinges are commaunded herein A. First to bée content with the portion that God hath sent vs. Secondly to labour for our owne liuing Thirdly to be helpfull to them that néede Q. What is the ninth commandement A. Thou shalt not beare false witnesse against thy neighbour Q. What lessons learne you hereout A. First we are forbidden to speake falsly in witnes bearing Secondly to lye flatter or dissemble Thirdly that we neuer backvite any man Fourthly in priuate offences to say nothing of our brother if by priuat admonitions hée may be wonne Q. What is the tenth commandement A. Thou shalt not couer thy neighbours house c. Q. What learne we herein A. Hereby I learne that the motions of our hart seperate from the loue of God and our neighbour though wée neuer yéeld consent to it is sinne Q. Is any man able to kéepe these commandements A. No. Q. What is the breach of the law A. Sinne. Q. What is the reward of sinne A. Eternall death Q. Shall I escape death by the woorkes of the law A. No for the Law is the minister of death Q. Sith the Law then doth not iustifie but condemne
what profite hath a christian man by it A. First it is a stay for Gods children to walke in Secondly it teacheth man not to trust in his owne innocencie Thirdly it pulleth downe the pride of man and humbleth him before God Fourthly it is a Schoolemaster to Christ Q. As you haue shewed me the profit of the Law so tell me why wée should doe good workes sith they doe not saue A. First to show our loue to God our Father in walking as becommeth his children Secondly to show our loue to our selues to make vs certaine of our Election Thirdly to winne our brethren to Christ by our godly conuersation Q. How many thinges are principally to be considered in good workes A. First that they be ruled by the line of Gods worde Secondly that they procéed from a heart purged by Faith Q. By what meanes shall I escape death A. By Faith in Christ Q. What is Faith A. A full perswasion and stedfast assurance of the promises of Christ wronght in my heart by the holy Ghost Q. Vpon whom must Faith be setled A. Vpon Christ Iesus Q. What profite haue you by this A. I am assured that all the benefites of Christs passion and his righteousnes are as surely mine as if I had wrought them my selfe Q. How many Articles of the Faith are there and which he they A. Twelue I beléeue in God the Father c. Q. How many things doe the Articles set downe A. First concerning God the Father in the first Article Secondly concerning God the sonne in the sixe next Articles Thirdly concerning God the holy Ghost in the eight article Fourthly concerning Gods people called the Church in the foure last Q. What is the first Article A. I beléeue in God the Father almighty maker of Heauen and earth Q. How many thinges doe you learne in the first Article A. First that God is my Father and that I am his childs Secondly that he being Almighty and I his Childs I shall lacke nothing Q. What is the second article A. And in Iesus Christ his onely Sonne our Lord. Q. What learne you out of this article A. I learne that Iesus Christ is the only sonne of God and my Lord Secondly that he is God able to beare whatsoeuer is doe for our sinnes Q. What is the third article A. Which was conceiued by the holy Ghost borne of the virgin Mary Q. What learne you out of this article A. First I learne that he was of God the substance of his Father before the world Secondly that he was Man of the substance of his Mother borne 〈◊〉 the world Q. What is the fourth article A. He suffered vnder Pontius Pilats was Crucified dead and buryed he descended into Hell Q. What learne you out of this article A. First the passions that he suffered in body for the redemption of my body Secondly the passion that he suffered in soule for the deliuerance of my soule â—â—â—ely that he humbled himselfe vnto the to torments of Hell for our saluation Q. What is the first article A. The third day he rose againe from the dead Q. What learne you out of this Article A. First that he is risen and hath ouercome Death and Hell for my iustification Secondly I learne to rise from sinne and to delight in righteousnes Thirdly by his rising I am assured that my body shall rise againe Q. What is the sixt Article A. He ascended into Heauen and fifteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty Q. VVhat learne you out of this Article A. First his Ascention is a pledge to me that I likewise shall ascend after him Secondly he being ascended I learne that he maketh prayer for me Thirdly by his sitting at the right hand with the power of God I beléeue that all power is giuen to him Q. VVhat is the seauenth Article A. From thence he shall come to iudge both the quicke and the dead Q. VVhat learne you out of this Article A. First I learne to my comfort that hée that is my Sauiour shall he my iudge Secondly to the terrour of the vngodly that he shall be their Iudge whome they haue refused and despised Q. What is the eight article A. I beléeue in the holy Ghost Q. What learne you out of this article A. First I beléeue the holy Ghost to bée God who dooth assure me that I am his childe and that all his benefites are mine Secondly hée maketh sinne to die in me and stirreth me vp to holines of life Q. What is the ninth article A. The holy Catholique Church the communion of Saintes Q. What learne you in this article A. First that God hath one uniuersall Church in all places of the world and at all times Secondly that in the same there is a fellowship of Saints of true faith full people all which the Lord knoweth of which number I beléeue my selfe to be one Q. What is the tenth article A. The forgiuenesse of sinnes Q. What learne you out of this article A. First I beléeue that Christ hath suffered whatsoeuer was due for my sinnes Secondly that my sinnes being forgiuen shall neuer be laid to my charge againt Q. What is the eleuenth article A. The resurrection of the body Q. What learne you out of this article A. First that my body shall rise from the earth Secondly that it shall rise a glorious body Q. What is the twelfth article A. The life euerlasting Q. What learne you out of this article A. I beleeue that I shall liue with Christ for euer in his Kingdome Q. By what meanes may we attaine this Faith and haue it maintained and strengthened in vs A. First by hearing the word preached Secondly by the wonderfull and secret infusion of Gods spirit Thirdly by receiuing the Sacraments Fourthly by prayer Q. What is a Sacraments A. It is an outward and visible signe instituted and ordayned of the Lord to confirme the promises and couenants of God made to vs in the Gospell in the hearts of the faithfull Q. What doe you learne out of this definition A. First that a Sacrament is a signe of an other thing which is signified Secondly that euery Sacrament must haue his institution of the Lord. Thirdly that it is a pledge or scale of the promise of saluation Lastly in all Sacraments we must consider first the outward and visible sinne Secondly the thing thereby signified Thirdly the proportion or agreement which is betwéene the one and the other Q. Why doe you say this is a Signe A. Because it is a thing which the Lord setteth before 〈…〉 to signifie a thing which 〈◊〉 be 〈◊〉 Q. Why must it be instituted of God onely A. He onely must 〈◊〉 the Signe and 〈…〉 the promise of saluation Q. Why must it be a 〈…〉 seale of the promise of saluation A. Because it is giuen vs of the Lord for the confirmation of our faith which is grounded vpon the promise of saluation Q. What is the outward and