of God in vain A. Not always but only when we swear without just occasion Q. Is it ther lawful to swear A. Yes when we are lawfully called to it for so God himself teaches us and we have the example of Jesus Christ our Lord and of his Blessed Apostles Q. By whose name must we swear A. By Gods name according to what he himself teaches us Deut. 6. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God and serve him and shall swear by his name Q. Is it not lawful to swear by the Creatures as those of the Church of Rome who swear by the Saints by the word of the Cross and by Relicks A. No for that is putting the Creatures instead of the Creator as if they knew our heart and the truth of our Words and as if it belong d to them to take vengeance of our lies Q. How do you prove that it is not lawful to swear by any Creature A. By the formal words of God himself Jer. 5. How shall I pardon thee for this their Children have forsaken me and sworn by them that are not Gods Q For what is it lawful to swear A. For things grave and serious and which concern the glory of God and the edification of our Neighbour Q. When it it necessary to swear A. When it is commanded us by the Magistrate or when it is requisit to set peace and concord between our Neighbours according to that saying of the Apostles Heb. 6. That an oath for confirmation is an end to all strife Q Is it not lawful in swearing to use equivocation or mental reservation A. By no means for God hates the double of Heart and false Lips and for all Lyers is set apart the Lake which burns with fire and brimstone which is the second death Rev. 21. Q. What signifies these words that God will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain A. The meaning is that he will rigorously punish him in this world by exemplary chastisements and in that which is to come by eternal punishments Q. But since there is a general threatning against all the transgressors of Gods Law why is there a particular one here A. It is to teach us how much God hath in horror the prophanation of his holy name and that he punishes none more rigorously than thâ— prophaners and blasphemers Q. What is then the design of this Commandment A. It is to direct our Tongue in the service of God and to teach us never to speak of God of his Justice of his Mercy of his Wisdom and of the effects of his Omnipotency without our heart be struck to the quick with the respect we owe to so high and so glorious a Divinity Of the fourth Commandment Q. SAy the fourth Commandment A. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day six days shalt thou labour and do all that thou hast to do but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt do no manner of work thou and thy Son and thy Daughter thy Man-servant and thy Maid-servant thy Cattle and the Stranger that is within thy Gates for in six days the Lord made Heaven and Earth the Sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day and hallowed it Q. Why is it that God makes use of this way of speaking remember thou A. It is to teach us that this Commandment is of great importance and that there is nothing more ordinary to man than to forget what God commands him Of the Law Quest OF what day is it here spoken A. Of the seventh day of the week that we call Saturday Q. Why is it that God calls it a day of rest A. Because in that day he would that every one shou'd leave the work of his ordinary caling to attend his worship Q. How do we keep holy the Sabbath day A. In calling upon the name of God in readling and meditating upon his word in being present with Devotion in the assembly of Saints and in exercising the works of charity and beneficence Q. Is the Commandment of keeping holy the Sabbath day Political Ceremonial or Moral A. There is in it something Political something Ceremonial and something Moral Q. What is Political therein A. Gods commanding Masters to let their Man Servant and their Maid Servant to rest that day and even their Beasts Q. What is Ceremonial therein A. First the precise keeping holy the seventh day of the week Secondly the strict observation of not doing any corporal work that day Thirdly that this corporal rest is the figure and Image of the spiritual rest of our Souls and of the Celestial rest wherein we shall for ever rest from all our labours Q. What is Moral in it A That there may be a certain day consecrated for the publick worship of the Divinity Q. Doth this Commandment belong to Christians A. Yes in what it is Moral there must be then Pastors and an holy order established in the Church and that the faithful meet together to glorifie God with one accord to hear the preaching of his Word to participate of his Sacraments and to do Works of Mercy and therefore we are forbidden to forsake our mutual assemblies Heb. 10. Q. What day is now appointed for those publick exercises of Devotion and Piety A. It is the first day of the week that we call Sunday or the Lords day Q. Why was the day of rest changed from Saturday to Sunday A. To distinguish the Christians from the Jews and principally it is because in that day our Lord Jesus Christ rose again from the dead and ended the work of our Redemption Q. Who made that alteration A. The blessed Apostles of the Lord Jesus or rather the holy Ghost who inspired them Q. Where is it spoken of the abolishing of the Sabbath A. In the second Chapter of St. Paul's Epistles to the Colos Let no man judge in Meat or in Drink or in respect of a holy day or of the Sabbath day Q. Where is mention made of Sunday A. In the 20th Chapt. of the Book of Acts in the 16. of the first Epistle to the Corinth it is spoken of the first day of the week in which the faithful meet to participate of the exercises of Piety and twice that day Jesus Christ appeared to his Disciples after his Resurrection as it is written in his Gospel according to St John c. 20. Q. But even the word Sunday is it found in Scripture A. It is found in Rev. c. 1. where St John saith I was in the Spirit * So it is in the French Version on Sunday Q. Why is it that God gives himself for an example here A. To render the Commandments more venerable and to oblige us to obey thereunto so much more religiously Q. Will God be imitated in all things A. No but in those only wherein he gives himself for an example for there are things which he
confession thereof as I will now do before thee saying with thy Church I Believe in God the Father Almighty maker of heaven and earth and Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord who was conceived by the holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified dead and buried he descended into Hell the third day he rose again from the dead he ascended into Heaven and sitteth on the Right hand of God the Father Almighty from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead I believe in the holy Ghost the holy Catholick Church the Communion of Saints the forâ—â—veness of Sins the Resurrection of the body and the life everlasting Amen Lord who didst write thy Law on tables of Stone be pleased to engrave it in my heart with the finger of thy Spirit and give me grace to conform the course of my life thereunto The ten Commandmets of Gods Law Preface I am the Lord thy God who brought thee out of the Land of Egypt out of the house of bondage The first Table I. THou shalt have none other God but me II. Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image nor the likeness of any thing that is heaven above or in the earth beneath or in the water under the earth thou shalt not bow down to them nor worship them for I the Lord thy God am a Jealous God and visit the sins of the Father upon the Children â—â—to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shew mercy unto thousands in them that love me and keep my Commandments III. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain IV. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day Six days shalt thou labour and do all that thou hast to do but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt do no manner of work thou and thy Son and thy Daughter thy Man Servant and thy Maid Servant thy Cattle and the Stranger that is within thy Gates for in six days the Lord made Heaven and Earth the Sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Seventh day and hallowed it V. Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee VI. Thou shalt do no Murther VII Thou shalt not commit Adultery VIII Thou shalt not Steal IX Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy Neighbour X. Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours House thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours Wife nor his Servant nor his Maid nor his Ox nor his Ass nor any thing that is his The Summary of all the Law Matt. 22. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy Soul and with all thy Mind This is the first and great Commandment and the second is like unto it thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self on these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets Psalm 143. V. 8. Lord cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning for in thee do I trust cause me to know the way wherein I should walk for I lift up my Soul unto thee 9. Deliver me O Lord from my Enemies I fly unto thee to hide me 10. Teach me to do thy will for thou art my God let thy good Spirit lead me into the land of uprightness 1 John 5.21 Little Children keep your selves from Idols Amen Epitome of the Catechism for the Little Children First Section First Question Q. WHY do you name your self a Christian A. Because through the grace of God I believe in Jesus Christ and I profess his truth Q. 2. Who is Jesus Christ A. He is the only Son of God Q. 3. Is he God or Man A. He is true God aâ—d true Man Q. 4. Why was it needful that he should be God and Man A. It was needful for him to be Man to die and God to overcome death Q. 5. How many Gods are there A. There is but one and it is he who made Heaven and Earth Q. 6. How many persons are there in that only Essence A. Three the Father the Son and the holy Ghost and these three are one Q. 7. How is it that this great God makes himself known A. By his works his word and his spirit Section 2. Q 1. WHat must one know in the Christian Religion A. Three things principally what we are of our nature what God makes us to be by his grace and what we ought to render him for all his benefits Q. 2. What were you of your nature A. I was a poor sinful Creature and Child of wrath as others Q. 3. And what did you deserve 〈◊〉 Eternal death and condemnation 〈◊〉 4. What hath God done for you A. He redeemed me from my Sins and adopted me for his Child Q 5. How did he redeem you A. Through the death and passion of his own Son our Lord Jesus Christ Q. 6. And by what means did he adopt you A. By his spirit who with assurance makes me cry Abba Father Q. 7. What is the mark of that adoption A. Regeneration and holiness of Life Section 3. Q. 1. WHat could oblige God to deliver you out of your misery and to give you the freedom of his Children A. Nothing but his great Mercy and his incomparable Charity Q. 2. What is it he promises you for his Sons sake and in the communion of his spirit A. He promises me his grace and protection here on Earth and the glory of his Paradice and his eternal felicity in Heaven Q. 3. And what do you owe to God for so many benefits as he bestowed on you and for so much glory that he prepares for you A. I owe my self to him with all the power of my body and soul Q. 4. But what doth he principally desire of you A. Love and Obedience Q. 5. How ought you to love God A. Above all things Q. 6. And how must you love your Neighâ—our A. As my self Q. 7. What Obedience doth God demand of you A. A filial Obedience Section 4. Q. 1. WHat is it principally that God will have us exercise our selves in during the the course of this life A. In good Works Q. 2. Which are the good Works A. Those that God commands Q. 3. And which are the evil ones A. Those that God forbids Q. 4. Is it necessary to do good Works A. Yes for God commands it and it is the way to Heaven Q. 5. Are the good Works that we do during this life so perfect that there is no fault in them A. No for if we say that there is no sin in us we lye wherefore we pray to God every day that he will forgive us our sins Q. 6. From whence comes all the good there is in our Works A. From the grace of God Q.
no means for our Lord Jesus Chrisâ— in dying tore the veil of Jewish Ceremonies and as speaks the Apostle thereof Coll. 2. hâ— that blotted out the hand writing of Ordinanceâ— that was against us which was contrary to us and took it out of the way nailing it to his cross Q. Are we subject unto the moral Law A. We are not subject to the Curses it thunders against those who do not perfectly accomplish what it commands and we owe it not a servile obedience for Jesus Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us Gall. 3. but we owe it a filial obedience and because it is the rule of all justice and uprightness we must all our life time apply our selves to do every thing it prescribes us Q. Where do we find the Moral Law which is the rule and eternal pattern of our life A. In the Decalogue that is called by excellence the Commandments of God Q. VVhat signifies the word Decalogue A. That is to say Ten words because the Law of God is contained in Ten Commandments Q. VVho is it that God gave this Law to A. He gave it to the people of Israel by the ministry of Moses but it concerns all men in the world for that is the same Law that God had ingrafted in their hearts when he created them in his Image and after his likeness Q. VVhen was it that God gave it A. About two thousand years more or less after the creation of the world fifty days after the children of Israel came out from Egypt Q. VVhere did he give it A. On Mount Sinai Q. In what manner did he give it A. With marks of his omnipotency in the midst of Thunder and Lightning the Mountain being all on fire and quaking Q. VVhy is it that God gave that Law with so much glory and majesty A. To the end that one may know that Moses is not the author thereof but God himself and that he hath arms ready to revenge the contempt and disobedience of it Q. How many parts are in that Law A. God himself wrote it upon two Tables one whereof contains four Commandments and the other six Q. What does the first Table treat of A. Of things immediately concerning the worship of God Q. And what contains the second Table A. Of our duty towards our Neighbour Of the ten Commandments Of the Preface Q. IS there nothing foregoing the Commandments of God A. There is the Preface contained in these words I am * The Lord in French there is the Eternal the Lord thâ— God which have brought thee out of the Land of Egypt out of the House of Bondage Q. What is to be considered in that Preface A. Three reasons which God makes use of to cause his people to hear him with Respect the first is taken from his Essence it self he is the Lord The second is taken from his Covenant he is their God and the third is taken from his benefits he hath brought them from the Land of Egypt out of the House of Bondage Q. But does that belong to us since we are not Jews and that we have not been Bondsmen in Egypt A. We are not Jews according to the flesh but in regard to the spirit and we are the Israel of God and all those who have the Faith of Abraham are Children of Abraham Gall. 3. and to that we have been delivered from the Tyranny of the spiritual Pharaoh who is the Devil and from the slavery of sin of death and of hell Of the first Commandment Q. SAY the first Commandement A. Thou shalt have no other Gods * I have been obliged to follow the expression of the 20th Chap. of Exodus and not that of the service of the Church by reason of a following Question and of his Answer before me Q. Since there is no other God but the great living God who created Heaven and Earth how must these words be understood thou shalt have no other Gods before me A. There is but one only God and in effect and according to the truth there can be no more but according to the foolish opinion of men and their extravagant imagination there may be an infinity of Gods It is what the Apostle teaches us in 1 Cor. 8. for though there be that are called Gods whether in Heaven or in Earth as there be Gods many but to us there is but one God the Father of whom are all things and we in him and one Lord Jesus Christ by whom are all things and we by him Q. What is it then that God forbids us in this Commandment A. He forbids us to worship any one but him and to put trust in man Matth. 4. and Jer. 17. Q. Why doth he say before me A. To teach us that this sin is so much more abominable that it is committed in his presence and to make us fear his just wrath and vengeance Q. But since when God forbids a thing he commands that which is opposite thereunto what is it that God commands here A. That we put our trust in him alone that we love him in the highest desire that we call upon him with holy fervency that we fear him above all Kings and that all our pleasure be to do his will Of the second Commandment Quest SAY the second Commandment A. Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image nor the likeness of any thing that is in Heaven above or in the Earth beneath or in the Waters under the Earth thou shalt not bow to them nor worship them for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God and visit the sins of the Fathers upon the Children to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shew mercy unto thousands in them that love me and keep my Commandments Q. Is not this one and the same Commandment with the proceeding A. No. For in the precedent God teaches us who it is whom we ought to adore and worship and in that he teaches us how we ought to adore and worship him Q. Those of the Church of Rome blame us that we teach you to say Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image and hold that it must be said Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Idol what do you say to that A. I say that they are very ill grounded and that they contradict themselves for in the French Bible of Lovaine in the 5th Chap. of Deut. there is thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Representation or any Representation graven and Image graven it is the same thing furthermore in the old Edition of the same Bible in the 20 of Exod. and the 5. of Deut. you 'll find these words Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image in some new * A Manual of Prayer of the Church of Rome Heures Printed at Paris with approbation and priviledge you 'll find this You shall not make to your self
true repentance A. It is God himself who converts us and begetteth in our hearts the hatred of vice and the love of virtue Q. 4. Which are the principal virtues of Christians A. Faith Hope and Charity Q. 5. Which of those Virtues is the greatest A. It is Charity Q. 6. VVhy A. Because it endures for ever Q. 7. My Child do you desire to live and to die in that true Piety A. I desire it with all my heart The Lord confirm you in his love and in his grace the Lord replenish you with the gifts of his holy Spirit and form you unto his Image the Lord cause you to grow in all sorts of Virtues and enable you for ever to persevere in his holy Covenant So be it Pray to God with all your heart to give you the grace thereof The Childs Prayer MY God and my heavenly father since it pleases thee to be praised by Childrens mouths bear with my faults and make thy strength perfect in my great weakness thou hast given me the grace of being born in thy Church and to suck Piety with Milk Give me grace to grow in the holy knowledge of thee and above all in thy fear and love let me bear fruits worthy of my birth and of the education thou hast honoured me with that therein thy holy name may be glorified that thy Church be edified thereby and that I be the joy and the comfort of those whom thou hast made use of to bring me into the World and to instruct me in thy word Let me during all the days of my life serve and adore thee in the company of thy Children till I go to glorifie thee in Heaven with the Saints and Angels who contemplate thy face Hear me O Lord since thou art my God and my Father and that I call upon thee in the name and through the infinite merit of Jesus Christ my Saviour who commanded me thus to pray Our Father which art in Heaven c. Lord my God thou hast put in my heart the seed of true faith increase and fortify it in me and grant that all the days of my life I make Confession thereof saying with thy Church I believe in God the father Almighty maker 〈◊〉 Heaven and Earth c. My God give me thy good Spirit and give me grace to fulfil thy Holy and Divine Commandments The tenor whereof follows I 〈◊〉 the Lord thy God c. Addition to the Catechism For Children more advanced in Age and in Knowledge Q. WHY do you profess Religion A. It is not only because I have had the happiness to be born educated and brought up in it but also because through the grace of God I know that it is the true Christian Religion that our Lord Jesus Christ brought from Heaven that his holy Apostles have preached and his happy Martyrs have signed with their blood Q. How do you know that A. I know it by the reading of holy Scripture for we believe nothing at all of what is necessary to Salvation that is not clearly and expresly found in that Scripture divinely inspired or cannot be drawn therefrom by evident and necessary consequences Q. Hath Christian Religion had or can it have need of Reformation A. Not in considering it such as 't is in it self for in that regard it is wholly divine Q. Why then is it called the Reformed Religion A. Properly speaking it is not the Religion but the Church which was Reformed that is to say that was purged from the errors and abuses that through Ignorance and Malice of men it had been defiled with Q. What signifie then these words Reformed Religion A. That it is true and pure Christianity such as is taught in the Gospel and which is separated from all human traditions and inventions For our Lord absolutely condemns them in matter of his worship in vain saith he do you worship me teaching for doctrines the Commandments of men Matt. 15. Q. Would you not enter into the communion of the Church of Rome if you did find your worldly advantages therein A. No for I do not believe I could save my self therein and it would profit me nothing if I should gain all the World and should lose my Soul Q. Why do you believe you could not save your self in the communion of the Church of Rome A. Because it adores the Sacrament and renders to a simple Creature the Honour and the Glory that belongs only to God It pretends to Sacrifice Jesus Christ in Propitiatory Sacrifice for the remission of the sins of the quick and of the dead although that great God and Saviour did not command it and that his Apostles have done nothing like it it bereaves the faithful of the blessed Cup that our Lord commanded us to drink in remembrance of him It teaches another Purgatory than the precious blood of that glorious Redeemer which cleanses us from all Sin and hath the Divine Service in a tongue that the People understand not against what the Apostles orders in the first to the Cor. c. 14. Q. Is there nothing else that hinders you from entring into the Roman Communion A. There are several other reasons which hinders me for ever to participate of its Communion for it adheres to and obeys the Pope who usurped an authority and power which belongs to God only It believes that we are saved through the merit and dignity of our works though the Gospel teaches quite contrary It invokes the Saints although in all the word of God there is neither Commandment or Example thereof It adores material Crosses and Relicks and renders to Angels a Religious worship against what is commanded to adore and worship God alone They bow to Images and worship them Religiously against what God expresly forbids in his Law It hath invented an infinite number of holy days that are dedicated and Consecrated unto Creatures instead of which God permits us to work six days of the week * Agnus Dei a thing amongst those of the Roman Church which they wear about their Necks and that he will not have us give his glory to another It condemns Ecclesiastical persons Marriage instead of what the Apostles teach that Marriage and the undefiled bed is honourable among all It commands at some certain times to abstain from meats that God permits provided one use them with sobriety and thanksgiving Finally it hath veneration for the Jubilees Indulgences Agnus Dei the holy Beads and Chaplets and numbers of other things which are vain and superstitious Q. But could not you save your self in believing in your heart what we believe and living however in the outward profession of the Church of Rome A. By no means for with the heart Man believeth unto Righteousness and with the mouth Confession is made unto Salvation Rom. 10. God will be glorified in our bodies and in our spirits because they belong to him and that he equally redeems them 1 Cor. 6. Our Lord will deny before God his Father and his Angels whomsoever shall deny him before men one must be cold or hot for the luke-warm he spues out of his mouth Rev. 3. Mat. 18. in fine it is an infalliable truth that all those shall not inherit the kingdom of Heaven who render to the Creatures the honour and glory that belongs but to the Creator 1 Cor. 6. Q. But do you not well see that in persevering in Religion you shall be hated and persecuted by the World A. Our Lord foretold it If the World hateth you saith he you know that it hated me before it hated you if ye were of the World the world would love his own but because ye are not of the World but I have chosen you out of the World wherefore the World hateth you John 15. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven Matt. 5. Q. Do you promise then before God and his holy Angels to live and die in that true and holy Religion whereof through the grace and mercy of God ye make profession A. I promise it with all my heart and I hope that God will give me the assistance of his Spirit with so much efficacy that all the Worlds promises and threatning shall never make me turn aside from so Christian and so necessary a Resolution EXHORTATION REmember that it is to God that you make this promise and that one day you must give him an account when you shall appear before his Throne My Child do not hearken to the Seducers who make traffick of Souls do not keep evil Companies who corrupt good manners do not follow ill Examples and though it should be an Angel from Heaven that should preach to you beyond what is in the Gospel let him be accursed Consecrate your self wholly unto the Service of him who gave himself for you and who redeemed you by his own blood Lastly pray to God with holy fervency that he encrease your Faith fortify your Hope inflame your Charity and your zeal for his Glory Pray to him to sanctify you through his Spirit to form you unto his Image and to give you grace constantly to persevere in his holy Covenant For he who to the end shall persevere shall be saved and shall possess and inherit the Kingdom prepared us from the foundation of the World Unto the King Eternal Immortal Invisible the only wise God be Honour and Glory for Ever and Ever Amen 1 Tim 1.17 FINIS
and who have transmitted their Corruption to their Posterity according to what the Apostle saith Rom. 5. By one man sin entered into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q. God having created the world doth he let it go at all adventure A. By no means for as he created it by his infinite Power he governs and conducts it by his wise and admirable Providence so that there falls not a Sparrow on Earth without his Will and even the hairs of our head are all told Matthew 10. Therefore our Lord Jesus Christ says St. John 5. My Father works hitherto and I work Of the second part of the Creed Q. WHo is Jesus Christ A. It is the only Son of God who was Conceived of the Holy Ghost and Born of the Virgin Mary of the Nature of Jesus Christ Q. Is Jesus Christ God Man or Angel A. He is true God and true Man Q. How do you prove that he is God A. By four principal means First by his works secondly by the service that ought to â—e paid him thirdly by the essential properties of the Godhead which are attributed to him and finally because the name of true God â—s often given him in Holy Scripture Q. In what passage of the Scripture is it that he â—s called God A. In the 1 of S. John In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and Rom. 9. He is over all God blessed for ever more and in the Epist to Tit. cap. 2. He is the great God and Saviour and in the first Epist to St. John 5. He is the true God and Eternal Life Q. How do you prove that he is man A. St John expresly saith in the first chapter of his Gospel That the word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us and the Apostle Heb. 2. That as Children he was partaker of flesh and blood All the History of the Gospel teaches us that during his abode in the world he did all the functions of a true man and he often calls himself the Son of Man Q. Why is it said that he was made flesh and not only that he made himself man A. It is to teach us that he took our nature with all its Infirmities Q. But did he take upon himself all sorts of Infirmities A. He did not take upon himself any personal Infirmities but only all the Infirmities of Human Nature that are not vitious whereforâ— the Apostle says That he was in all poinâ—â— tempted like as we are â—et without sin Heb. 2.4 Q. Did the Son of God take himself a humane Soul and Body A. He took the one and the other and therefore he says That God prepared him a Body Heb. 10. and often he speaks of the Joy Sadness and Anguish of his Soul Q. Did he unite himself to a humane person A. No but he united to himself the Humane Nature in unity of Person so that as in the Godhead there are Three Persons in unity of Nature so in Jesus Christ there are two Natures in unity of Person Therefore it is said that God redeemed his Church by his Blood and that the Jews have Crucified the Lord of Glory Acts the 20. 1 Cor. c. 2. Q. How were these two Natures united together A. They were united in such manner that they were neither altered nor confounded But they have kept and shall keep eternally their Essential properties Q. Why is it necessary that our Redeemer should be man A. That he might die for us and that Sin might be expiated in the same nature that it was committed Q. And why was it necessary that he should be God A. That he might overcome death and fully satisfy the Justice of God to forgive our Sins and to defend us against Satan and against all the power of Hell and to introduce us into the Glory and Felicity of the Kingdom of Heaven Of the Offices of Jesus Christ Quest WHAT signifies the name of Jesus A It signifies Saviour Q. Who gave him that Name A. God himself by the Ministery of the Anâ—el Gabriel who told the Virgin Mary Behold â—hou shalt Conceive in thy Womb and bring â—orth a Son and shall call his Name Jesus St. â—uke 1. Q. Why was this name given him A. Because it is he who saves us and delivers â—s from the spiritual Captivity of Satan of Sin â—f the Law of Death and of Hell Q What signifies the word Christ A. It is a Greek word which signifies Anointâ—â— and Sacred and it is the name that the Hebrews express by that of Messias Q. Why was that name given to our Lord A. To teach us that it is he who was pregured by the Kings Priests and Prophets who â—ere anointed under the Old Covenant Q Where is it spoken of thâ— unction of Kings A. In the History of Samuel who anointed â—aul and David to be Kings of Israel Q. Where is it spoken of unction of the Priests A. In the 40. Chapter of Exodus where God Commands Moses to anoint Aaron and his Sons â—o Minister in the Priests Office Q. Where is it mentioned that Prophets were aâ—ointed A. In the 19 Chap. of the first Book of Kings where it is said That Elijah anointed â—lisha for Prophet Q. What did signifie that Vnction A. It signified two things First the vocation into the Office Secondly all the Gifts and Graces necessary to Minister in it Q. Where is mention made of the Vnction of our Lord Jesus Christ A. In Isaiah 61. The spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek and Is 45. God thy God hath anointed thee with the Oyl of gladness above thy fellows Q. Who foretold our Lord Jesus Christ being a King A. The Kingly Prophet David Ps 110 The Lord said unto my Lord Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine Enemies thy footstool Q. Where is mention made of his Priesthood A. In the same Psalm The Lord hath sworn and will not repent Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek Q. And where is mention made of his being a Prophet A. Deut. 18. The Lord thy God will raise up a Prophet from the midst of thee of my Brethren like unto me unto them you shall hearken Q. What is the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ A. It is wholly Spiritual and Divine for as he said himself to Pontius Pilate his Kingdom is not of this World John 18. Q. In what consists his being a King A. In that he governs his Church by his word and spirit and that he hath established his Empire within our Souls Q. Wherein consists his Priesthood A. In that he offered himself without spot to God by the Eternal spirit and that he is entred into the heavenly Sanctuary to appear in the presence of God for us Heb. 9. Q. How is he an eternal Priest A. In that his
any Idol or graven Image in fine the Latin Bible which was declared Canonical in the Councel of Trent bears formally thou shalt not make any sculptory work Q. Have we great Interest that it be said thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image or else thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Idol A. We have no other interest in it than that of the Truth for let it be Image or Idol it is no matter since the Law of God adds nor the likeness of any thing that is in Heaven above or in the Earth beneath or in the Water under the Earth and the Images of the Church of Rome are the likeness of the things that are in Heaven and in Earth and consequently they are forbidden by the Law of God Q. But doth God forbid generally all sorts of Images A. There are two sorts of Images some are made to represent the Creator and the others to be the Effigies of the Creatures these to Represent the Creator are absolutely forbidden Q. What proof have you thereof A. It is impossible to have a clearer one or more convincing than that of the 4. Chapt. of Deut. Take you therefore good heed unto your selves for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire Lest you corrupt your self and make you a graven Image the similitude of any figure the likeness of Male or Female and in Isaiah the 40. To whom then will you liken God or what likeness will ye compare unto him wherefore God puts amongst the greatest sins of the Antient Heathens that of having changed the glory of the Incorruptible God into an Image made like to Corruptible Man and to Birds and four-footed Beasts and creeping things Rom 1. Q. What do you say of the Imagâ—s which are made to represent the Creatures A. The Images of the Creatures are of two uses the one Political and Civil and the other Sacred and Religious The civil use of Images is not forbidden and there may be some to serve for Ornament and for Memorial but God will not have them be employed for his worship and in regard of that he saith Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image c. Q But did not God command Moses to make gold Cherubims and to set them on the mercy seat A. He who makes the Law is above the Law God doth not say I who am your Lord and your God will never make any graven Image but he saith thou shalt not make to thy self that is to say of thine head and of thine Invention besides those Cherubims were only symbolical figures of the vertue and offices of Angels and were not exposed to the peoples view so that there was no danger of Idolatry thereby Q. Did not Moses make a Brazen Serpent which he did set up in the Wilderness Numb 21. A. Yes but he did not make it of himself God expresly commanded it he did not set up that Serpent to be worshipped but only to be seen and when afterward the Children of Israel committed Idolatry and burnt Incense unto it the King Ezechias did break it in pieces and said it was but a piece of brass 2 Kings 18. Q But if we did meet with those who have veneration for Images should we do ill if to have peace with them we did accommodate our selves to their Worship A. Yes most assuredly for God doth not only forbid to make Images to employ them to his Worship but in case that there be some made he forbids us to prostrate our selves before them â—nd to worship them Q. Those of the Church of Rome do they sin against this Divine Ordinance A. Yes most visibly for they set in their Temples all sorts of Images they put them upon their Altars and render them the honour which God forbids they pull off their Hats to them they bow to them they kiss them and kneel before them that is directly against the formal words of this Law thou shalt not bow down to them besides they dress them up they crown them with Flowers they light Candles to them they burn Incense to them they carry them upon their Shoulders in processions and they go unto them in Pilgrimages all which is against what is said thou shalt not worship them Q. Why is that God calls himself jealous A. To speak properly it is not that God has the passion of jealousy which troubles men but by that he will reach us first that he loves us ardently secondly that he cannot bear a comparison nor his Glory to be given to another thirdly that he will punish rigorously all Idolaters Q Why is it that in the threatning of his punishments he mentions but three or four Generations but that he stretches his promise of Graces and Mercy unto thousands A. To shew us that he is more inclined to be merciful than to exercise vengeance so that the saying of St. James may be applied to him that Mercy rejoyceth over Judgment Jer. 2. Q But doth God punish all the Children of the wicked A. If the Children of the wicked follow the way of their Father God will punish them twofold because of the criminal life of their predecessors but if they repent and live in the fear of God the sins of their Fathers shall not be imputed to them for the Father shall not bear the iniquity of the Son and the Son shall not bear the iniquity of the Father but the Soul of him that sineth is that which shall dye Ezek. 18. Q. And doth God pour down his Graces upon all the Children of the faithful A. Yes upon all those who imitate the Piety of their Fathers nay have a twofold blessing of all sorts of blessings but as to those who turn aside from it and who give themselves to do evil they bring upon them the wrath of God and his just vengeance Q. Can you tell what is the design of this second Commandment and what God demands of us therein A. The same which our Lord Jesus Chirst teaches us in John 4. that the Father will have true worshippers who worship him in spirit and truth God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth Of the third Commandment Q. SAY the third Commandment A. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain Q. What do you mean by the name of God A. By the name of God I mean God himself and his holy word as also all the names which describes his essence or his qualities and generally all other things concerning his worship Q. What is it to take the name of God in vain A. It is to abuse it in things of no worth to speak thereof without respect to use it in blaspheming or in vain or rash swearing Q. Is swearing taking the name
thou sluggard consider her ways and be wise He commands the Fathers to make provision for their Children if any provides not for his own and especially for those of his own house he hath denied the Faith and he is worse than an Infidel 1 Tim. 5. but he condemns the care of mistrust such as that of the Heathens who say what shall we eat what shall we drink or what shall we put on Mat. 6. Q. But rich men who have riches ready heaped for many years ought they to beg that of God A. Yes for it is not enough to have riches in abundance if God gives us not the use thereof and man liveth not of bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God Mat. 4. Of the Fifth Petition Q. SAY the Fifth Petition A. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us Q. Are all the faithful obliged to beg that A. Yes during their abode in this vale of tears for there is not a just man upon Earth that doth good and sinneth not and if we say that we have no sin we deceive our selves and the truth is not in us Eccles 7. 1 John 1. Q. Is there none but God that can forgive sins A. Who can forgive sins but God only Mark 2. I even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for my own sake and will not remember thy sins Isa 45. Q. How is it then that the Pastors of the Chruch forgive sins A. They forgive them not as Judges and by form of Jurisdiction but as Ministers and Ambassadours who declare the grace and mercy of God through Jesus Christ we are Ambassadours for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christ's stead be ye reconciled to God 2 Cor. 5. Q. How is it that God forgiveth us our sins A. He forgives us all our offences * Of his free will is in the French version tho not in the English of his free grace Col. 2. Q. But can he show mercy without wronging his Justice A. Yes For Jesus Christ bore our sins in his own body on the Tree 1 Pet. 2. we have redemption through his blood for the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace Ephes 1. Q. Do you mean that those to whom God hath forgiven their sins for Jesus Christ's sake have no more need to satisfie his Justice A Yes For there is now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus Rom. 8. he that believeth on him shall not come unto condemnation but is passed from death to life John 5. Q. From whence comes then that the most regenerated and the best of people are subject to so many afflictions A As Christ ought to have suffered and so to enter into his glory Luke 24. likewise we must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God Acts 14. but all those afflictions are ended with our life Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord yea saith the spirit â—or from this time forward they rest from their â—abours and their works do follow them Rev. 14 Q. When you add forgive us our trespasses as â—e forgive them that trespass a ainst us do you â—ean that in forgiving men their offences you deâ—erve that God forgive you yours A. By no means it is as of similitude and not of equality for when we forgive our Neighbours we do nothing but what we ought to do and there is no proportion between the trespasses we forgive and those that God forgives us O Lord righteousness belongs unto thee but unto us confusion of face Dan. 9. Q. What do you think of those who say this Prayer every day and notwithstanding are possessed with a spirit of revenge A. To speak properly they don't pray to God but they make an imprecation against themselves For if we forgive not them their trespasses our heavenly Father shall not forgive us ours and there shall be judgment without mercy on him that hath shewed us mercy Mat. 6. Jam. 2. Of the sixth Petition Q. HOW may sorts of temptations are there A. Two sorts one which is nothing else but a profitable tryal and of that it is spoken Gen. 22. where it is said that God did tempt or tried Abraham the other is a solicitation to Evil of which St James speaks in the first Chapter of his Epistle let no man say wheâ— he is tempted I am tempted of God for Goâ— cannot be tempted with Evil neither temptetâ— he any man but every man is tempted wheâ— he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed then when lust hath conceived it bringeth fort sin and sin when it is finished bringeth fort Death Q. Of what temptation do we speak here whâ— we say to God lead us not into temptation but dâ—liver us from Evil A. Of both but with very great diversity Q. â—ow do you understand it of the first A. That we pray to God not to afflict us beyond what we can bear and that our temptation be but such as is common to man and that he will with the temptation also make a way to escape that we may be able to bear it 1 Cor. 10. Q. How can this be understood of the second sort of temptation since God never leads and induces men to do evil A. It is that we pray to God not to leave us to our selves nor permit that sin overcome us but to arm us with the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked Ephes 6. Q. Who is that wicked one you pray God to deliver you from A. It is the Devil that is so called because of his deep wickedness thus the Apostle St Paul calls him in the second to the Thessalonians ch 3. the Lord is fatihful who shall establish you and keep you from * The wicked one so theâ—e is in the Fr. Version and not from evil as the English but in Dr. Hammonds Paraphrase on this ch there is noted in the margin the evil one the wicked one Of the Conclusion Q. WHAT contains the Conclusion of this admirable Prayer A. As many arguments as there be words to incite our good God to grant us our requests for since that to him belongs the kingdom the power and glory it is just and reasonable that he be worshipped served and obeyed all over the Universe and consequently that his name be hallowed that his kingdom come and that his will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven Q. What signifies this word Amen A. It signifies so be it or it shall be so so that it is aâ— vow that we make to God with assurance that he shall hear it from his heavenly sanctuary End of the third Part. PART IV. Of Recognition or Acknowledgment Q. WHAT is the Recognition that we owe to God A. It is to acknowledge with our heart and to confess with our mouth that we enjoy no good but what proceeds
Cirâ—umcised he doth not doubt of his Salvation â—nd makes no difficulty to say I shall go to â—im but he shall not return to me 2 Sam. 12. Of the Passover Q. WHy did God institute the Passover A. To be a memorial of the Angels â—assover who smote all the first-born of Egypt â—nd who spared the Israelites Children who had â—â—eir houses sprinkled with the blood of the â—amb that they had sacrificed by Gods Comâ—andment Exod. 12. Q. Did not that Lamb signify something else A. It was the figure of our Lord Jesus Christ â—ho is our Passover and the Lamb of God â—hich takes away the sin of the world 1 Cor. â— John 1. â—f the Sacraments of the Christian Church HOw many Sacraments are there in the Christian Church A. There are two the holy Baptism and the â—â—rds Supper Q. But what is the number of Sacraments acâ—â—â—ding to the Doctrine of the Church of Rome A. The Church of Rome reckoneth seven of â—m for she hath added to the Holy Baptism â—d to the Lords Supper the Confirmation the â—itence the Extreme Unction Marriage and 〈◊〉 Orders Q. Why is it that you acknowledge but the holy Baptism and the Lords Supper for to be the truâ— Sacraments of the Christian Church A. Because they are the only ceremonies that our Lord Jesus Christ did Institute for all the faithful to be the Seal of his Covenant and to be celebrated in his Church to the end of the World Of Confirmation Q. WHY do you not believe the confirmatioâ— which is practised in the Roman Church to be a Sacrament A. Because Jesus Christ is not the author thereof Q. But doth not Scripture speak of the laying oâ— of hands A. Yes but it was the Symbol of the extraordinary and miraculous graces of the holy Ghost and that hath nothing common with thâ— confirmation of the Church of Rome Of Penitence Q. WHY is not Penitence a Sacrament A. Because it hath no visible sign instituted by Jesus Christ to represent an invisiblâ— grace but it is a duty whereunto God oblige all the faithful since our first Parents fall thâ— Prophets as well as the Apostles preached repentance and all the books are full of it Of Extreme Unction Q WHY do â—ou not rank Extreme Vnction amonâ— Sacraments A. Because it was not instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ Q. Is it not mentioned in the 5th Chapt. of St James A. No for the Unction that St James speaks of hath nothing common with the Church of Rome's extreme unction since it was an extraordinary Symbol of the miraculous cures that were done in that time as it is said in the 6th of St Mark that the Apostles healed the sick in anointing them with Oyl Of Marriage Q. WHAT think you of Marriage A. Marriage indeed represents to us the Union of Jesus Christ and his Church but to speak properly it is no Sacrament of the Christian Church For it was instituted by God in the terrestrial Paradice in the state of Innocency before the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ it was established among all Nations of the World and still to this day it is found among Infidels Q But doth not St Paul call it a Sacramenâ— in the 5th ch to the Ephes A. There is in the Greek this is a great mystery and St Paul adds but I speak concerning Christ and the Church Of the Orders Q. WHY is it that you do not count the Orders or Ecclesiastical offices for a Sacrament A. Because the Sacraments are Seals of God's Covenant and that they belong to all the faithful add to that that according to the Doctrine of Rome there are seven different Orders the Porters the Readers the Exorcists the Acolyths the Sub-deacons the Deacons and the Priests So that if the Orders are Sacraments of the Christian Church instead of seven Sacraments there shall be thirteen Of Baptism Q. WHAT is Baptism A. It is the Sacrament of our Spiritual New-birth and the outward seal of our adoption and of our entrance in the Church of God Q. Where do we find the Institution of Baptism A. In Matt. 28. where Jesus Christ saith to his Apostles go teach all Nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost Q. What is it Baptism represents to us A. The remission of our Sins and our Regeneration Q. Why is it that the Apostle St Paul saith Rom. 6. that we who were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death A. Because that the Death of Jesus Christ which is represented in Baptism acquired to us these two advantages for not only he expiated our Sins and reconciled us to God but also merited for us the Spirit of Sanctification Q. What conformity is there between water and the blood of Jesus Christ A. As the water washes away the uncleanness of the body the blood of Jesus Christ washes away the uncleanness of the Soul and as speaks St John thereof in his first Epistle Chapt. 1. it cleanseth us from all sin Q. Do you mean that to cleanse our Souls from their sins they must be dipt in the substance of the blood of Jesus Christ A. By no means but they must participate of its vertue and of its infinite merit Q. And what resemblance is there between the water of Baptism and the holy Ghost A. As water make the Plants to spring out and to fructifie the holy Ghost regenerates us and makes us to fructifie in good works Wherefore our Lord Jesus Christ faith John 3. that except a man be born of water and of the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God Of Little Childrens Baptism Q. IS it well done to Baptize little Children A. Yes for the promise of Salvation is made to us and our Children Act. 2. St Paul declares that they are holy 1 Cor. 7. and Jesus Christ assures us that the kingdom of God belongs to them Matt. 19. if one refused Baptism to the Christians Children their condition wou'd be worse than that of the Children of the â—ews who werâ— Circumcised the 8th day Gen. 17. Q. How is it that little Children are holy A. It is not that they be Sanctified and Regenerated by the holy Ghost but they are called â—oly because they belong to the Covenant of God and that they be born of faithful Parents â—n the same sense that the Apostle saith that the â—nbelieving Husband is Sanctified by the Wife â—nd the unbelieving Wife is Sanctified by the Husband Q. May one infer the Baptism of little Children â—rom the Jewish Circumcision A. Yes because Baptism succeeded to Circumcision and that both these Sacraments represents to us the same thing Q. How do you prove it A. By the Apostles word Collos 2. we are Circumcised with the Circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the Sins of the flesh by the Circumcision of Christ buried with him in Baptism Q. How many sorts of Baptisms are there