A. Two one which is External and Corporal that is made in dipping in water or in pouring water on the head the other Interiour and Spiritual that is made by the virtue and operation of the holy Ghost Q. What Baptism saves us A. It is not that whereby the uncleanness of the flesh is cleansed but the answer of a good Conscience towards God by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 3. Q. Is not the Baptism of water necessary A. It is necessary to practice it it in the Christian Church since Jesus Christ did institute it the faithful who have not received it yet ought not to lose the opportunity thereof and they ought to take care it be administred to their Children but if the means thereof is taken away from them Gods grace depends not on terrestrial Elements and it is not the privation but the contempt and profanation of the Sacraments that renders us condemnable before God Q. And what do you think of Children who die without Baptism through the faults and neglect of their Parents A. Their Parents ought to beg Gods forgiveness for their fault and neglect but for all that the Salvation of those poor children must not be called in question for as the Father doth not bear the iniquity of the Son the Son also doth not bear the iniquity of his Father Ezek. 18. Q. How must then be understood what our Lord Jesus Christ saith John 3. except a man be born of water and of the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God A. Jesus Christ doth not speak in that place of material and corporal water but of a Celestial and Divine water to be born of the Spirit it is to be regenerated by a Spirit who washes and cleanses as water doth in the same sense that it is said Matt. 3. that Jesus Christ Baptizes â—s with the holy Ghost and with fire that is to say with the holy Ghost who purifies like fire Q. But if some body would obstinately apply this passage to the Baptism of water who is it that is condemned A. It is not the poor little Children who have no knowledge at all of this mystery but the persons who being come to years of discretion reject Baptism by contempt or unbelief those of the Church of Rome themselves who without reason perswade themselves John 6. it is spoken of the Lord's Supper will not that these words be applied to Children if any one eateth not my flesh and drinks not my blood he shall not have everlasting life and not any one of us would apply to them the saying of St Paul That if any would not work neither should he eat 2 Thess 3. Of the Lords Supper Q. WHat is the Lords Supper A. It is the Sacrament of our spiritaal nourishment and the symbol of our union to our Lord Jesus Christ Q. Where do we read the institution of the Lords Supper A. In Mat. 26. Mark 14. Luke 22. and in 1 Cor 11. Q. Why did Jesus Christ institute it A. To be the memorial of his death as he says it himself do this in in remembrance of me which St Paul explains in saying as often as you shall eat this bread and drink this cup ye do shew forth the Lords death till he comes Q. Doth there happen any change to the Bread and Wine A. These do not change as to their substance no more than the water of Baptism doth but only as to their use Q. How do you know that after the consecration it is still bread and wine A. The senses witness it reason confirms it and the word of God is express thereupon for our Lord calls that fruit of the Vine which we drink in the Lords Supper Matt. 26. and St. Paul several times calls bread what the Pastors do break and the faithful eat therein 1 Cor. 10.11 Q. Why is this Bread and Wine called the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ A. Because they are signs and memorials thereof and that there is an excellent conformity between the Bread and the Wine and the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ Q. Why is that Bread broken and the Wine poured out A. To represent to us the body of Jesus Christ which was broken for us and this blood which was shed in remission of sins Q. Why is this bread given us to eat and this wine to drink A. To assure us that as the bread and the wine nourish our Bodies in this temporal life the body and blood of Jesus Christ nourish our Souls in hope of everlasting life for his flesh is meat indeed and is blood is drink indeed Q. Have ye read in holy scripture some like manners of speaking that without transubstantiation the sign takes the name of the thing signified A. There is nothing more common and above all when 't is matter of Sacraments thus Circumcision is called the Covenant Gen. 17. the Paschal Lamb is called Passover Exod. 12. The Rock is called Christ 1 Cor. 10. and our Lord who said of the bread this is my body which is broken for you said also of the cup this cup is the new Covenant in my blood and the cup remains a cup and properly speaking doth not become a Covenant Q. Do we receive in the Lords supper only the signs of the body and blood of Jesus Christ A. If we come thither with necessary dispositions and preparations we also receive therein the thing signified and we have therein a real communion with Jesus Christ for the cup of blessing which we bless is the communion of the blood of Christ and the bread which we break is the communion of the body of Christ 1 Cor. 10. Q. How do we eat Jesus Christ in the Lords supper A. In the same manner that we do put him on in Baptism Gall. 3. for when Jesus Christ speaks of eating his flesh and of drinking his blood it is a figurative way of speaking and as he saith himself his words are spirit and life the flesh profiteth nothing it is the Spirit that quickneth John 6. Q. Since Jesus Christ is in heaven at the right hand of God his Father and that he shall not come from thence but to judge the quick and the dead how is that you who are on earth can have a true and real communion with him A. By faith who really embraces him unto Salvation for he that comes to him shall never hunger and he that believeth on him shall never thirst John 6. and thro the efficacy of his Spirit who really uniteth us to him for we have been made to drink into one spirit to be one body with him 1 Cor. 12. Q. May not this Communion be made without the use of the Sacraments A. Yes for Jesus Christ had not yet instituted the Lords Supper when he saith John 6. he that eats my flesh and drinks my blood dwelleth in me and I in him Q Of what use then is the Lords Supper to
7. And from whence proceeds what is evil in them A From the residue of our Corruption Section 5. Q. 1. ARe our good works agreeable to God A. Yes Q. 2. How is that since you say that they are imperfect A. Because God in his mercy bears with the infirmities of his Children Q. 3. Of what use are good works A. To glorify God to edify our Neighbours and to let us know that we are the Children of God Q. 4. Are our good works any thing deserving toward God A. By no means for when we shall have done all what God commands we are obliged so to do Q. 5. How then do you hope for Life everlastg A. As the heritage of my heavenly Father that hath been acquired for me by Jesus Christ Q. 6. But it is written that nothing defiled shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven A. It is true Q. 7. By what means then shall ye be purged of your sins A. Through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ Section 6. Q. 1 How do you apply to your self the merit of the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ A. Through Repentance and Faith Q. 2. How many sorts of deaths are there A. Two Temporal death and Eternal death Q. 3. What is Temporal death A. It is the separation of the Soul from the Body Q. 4. What becomes of the souls of the wicked in the hour of this separation A. They are cast into Hell Q. 5. And those of Gods Children A. They go into Paradice Q. 6. And what becomes of the Bodies A. They die to rise again in the last day Q 7. What is the death of the faithful then A. It it is a pass-over to the blissful life Section 7. Q. 1. WHom do you direct your Prayers to A. I direct them to God Q. 2. In whose name do you pray to him A. In Jesus Christ's name Q. 3. Do you not call upon the Angels nor the Saints A. No. Q. 4 Why A. Because God did not command it and that in all his word there is no example thereof Q. 5. Must Images be used in the worship of God A. No. Q 6. Why A. Because God forbids it in the second Commandment Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image nor the likeness of any thing c. Q. 7. How must we worship God then A. In Spirit and in truth Section 8. Q. 1. WHich is the rule of Gods service A. It is the holy and divine word Q. 2. Where do you find that word of God A. In the holy Scripture of the old and new Testament Q 3. Is it lawful for Children to read the Scripture A. Yes to follow the example of Timothy who from his Infancy learnt the holy Scriptures Q. 4. What doth this word of God teach us A. It makes us wise to Salvation through the Faith which is in Jesus Christ Q. 5. Hath God added nothing to his word to strengthen our Faith A. He added thereunto his Sacraments Q 6. What is a Sacrament A. It is a visible sign which seals an invisible Grace Q. 7. How many Sacraments are there in the Christian Church A. There are two Baptism which is the Sacrament of our Regeneration and the Lords Supper which is the Sacrament of our spiritual nourishment Section 9. Q. 1. IN the name of whom have you been baptized A. In the name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q. 2. Why are little Children baptized A. Because the Kingdom of God belongs to them and that under the old Testament little Children were circumcised Q. 3. What does the water of Baptism represent A. It represents the blood of Jesus Christ who redeems us and the Holy Ghost who sanctifies us Q. 4. Are the bread and the wine transubstantiated in the Lord's Supper into the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ A. No for it is not said in Scripture and it is repugnant to sense and reason Q. 5. Are the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ with the bread and in the cup A. No for our Lord Jesus Christ did not teach it and that doth not agree with the truth of his humane Nature Q. 6. Why is it then that the bread is called the body of Jesus Christ broken for us and that it is said of the wine that it is his blood which was shed for the remission of our sins A. Because it is the memorial thereof Q 7. Where is our Lord Jesus Christ A. As God he is every where but as Man he is in heaven at the right hand of God his Father Section 10. Q. 1. HAve we not any communion with Jesus Christ himself A. Yâ—s bâ—â— it is a spiritual Communion Q. 2. How â—â—h he communicate himself to us A. By his Spirit Q. 3. And how do we unite our selves to him A. Through Faith Q. 4 Must Jesus Christ be offered in propitiaâ—ory sacrifices A. No. Q. 5. VVhy A Because he did sacrifice himself and did not command to sacrifice him and no body can Q. 6. VVhy is it that with the bread which is broken in the Lord's Supper the consecrated wine is distributed A. It 〈◊〉 to represent to us the precious blood of Jesus Christ which was shed for us on the Cross and to assure us that in him we have entire nourishment Q. 7. Ought the faithful people to participate of the cup as well as the Pastors A. Yes for Jesus Christ makes no distinction therein he redeemed us all by the same blood and commanded us all to drink of his cup and to shew forth his death till he come Section 11. Q. 1. WHat must we do before we come to the Lord's Table A. We must examin our selves Q. 2. What doth happen to those who do not examin themselves A. They communicate to their condemnation Q. 3. And what fruit received those who examined themselves A. As the bread and wine nourishes our Bodies in this temporal life the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ nourishes their Souls in hope of everlasting life Q. 4. In what consists the examination of those who desire to receive worthily A. They ought to examine themselves to know whether they have Faith Repentance and Charity Q. 5. What is Faith A. It is an holy confidence that God loves us and that for Jesus Christ's sake he will be merciful unto us and save us in his heavenly Kingdom Q. 6. How can true faith be discerned from carnal presumption and security A. It is known by its fruits for it produces good works and fructifies in Charity Q. 7. From whence can we have that Faith A. We must beg it of God who gives it of his pure Grace and Liberality Section 12. Q. 1. WHat is Repentance A. It is to sorrow for passed sins and living better for time to come Q. 2. By whâ—â— do we know that we truly repent A. If we abhor evil and take pleasure to do good Q. 3. Who is the Author of
A CATECHISM OR Familiar Instructions ON THE Principal Points OF THE Christian Religion Written for the use of his own Family by Mr. Drelincourt Translated out of French LONDON Printed for the Author and sold by Edward Castle next Scotland-yard gate near White-Hall 1698. THE TRANSLATOR TO THE READER MY design in translating this small work from one of our Authors is not to pretend to add to the stile of the English writings to the compleatness whereof nothing can be added The English Divines are so great Masters of Scripture that one would think they study nothing else not in the manner that some Turkish Doctors learn the Alcoran by heart or rote but so understand holy Letters that it may be said they have perfectly the Language of Canaan To present the English therefore with any thing for Scripture sake there seems no great reason for they want Quotations no more than Explanation however it is one of the reasons that moves me to present them with this Translation I know not whether it be my Ignorance or a right Observation but methinks that among the English Catechisms there is none so fit for the publick as this For as the publick contains all sorts of capacities a work of this kind ought to be for them all since a Catechism is for the whole without exception and in my opinion this is incomparably fit for that purpose It hath something to raise the curiosity of more than common capacities by entertaining them with some Doctrines it doth not teach and that without racking the common ones by any thing that should leave them unsatisfied since it answers the objections of those different Doctrineâ— as far as their genius can make them dive therein and in a volume the bigness whereof shan't fright you from the reading of it as a larger doth those whâ— don't love confinement and it is the genius of the generality nor in its smallness is it defective for it contains not only what is necessary to serve a good Christian but a good Protestant too Its answers are powerful since they all allow nothing but pure Texts of the word of God and in few words doth so much that every where it bears the Image of the only word whereby all things were made all these considerations have made me think that it may be serviceable to this Nation especially to Youth whom the Author made it for as may be seen in his Epistle many in France being made to learn it before they have admittance to the Lord's Supper It may be no less useful for People of mature years especially amongst the ordinary sort which provided they know the Church Catechism may be admitted to the highest Mysteries of God's Worship for sometimes they know not what God is whom they serve and whether there be more than one as I have known it by experience This little Câ—techism teaches that in few words and the reason why there can be but one If I am not mistaken and that this small labour of mine prove serviceable to this Nation I shall think my self happy to have found the means of paying her a little of my gratitude for the protection I find therein and also being good Compatriot for other benefits that my Country-folks have here meâ— with besides refuge What is wanting in Power to my acknowledgment 〈◊〉 will make up in Vows and Prayers foâ— the welfare of this Nation for whicâ— I shall always bestow my best wishes to suit best to best its Charity being the greatest the Refugees have found wheresoever To conclude if there be some faults of mine in this Translation that escape not observation I desire iâ— may be remembred that I am French and what is more I am a Woman THE Epistle of the Author TO HIS CHILDREN My dear Children I Thought my hour was come to go from this World to the Father of Spirits although I love you with all tenderness imaginable I was wholly resigned to the Will of God and was wholly disposed to put my Soul in the hands of that Faithful Creator But he hath taken pity of my Family and hath given me again to your Tears I believe he hath restored me to life again principally that I may instruct you in the knowledge of him and that I may teach you to walk in his ways Wherefore as soon as I began to breathe I have dictated this Catechism for you to the end that when it shall please God to receive me into his Rest I may end my days with that contentment to have given you this witness of my ardent affection for the Salvation of your Souls and to have seen before your eyes a summary of the things you ought to believe and what you ought to do to attain Eternal happiness I know very well that others have happily worked on the same subject and I do affect Novelty so little that every where where it was possible for me and that my Memory suggested to me I have followed the beaten highway and kept close to the order of the Catechism that we expound in the Assembly of the Faithful to the end that the publick Instruction and Domestick ones be equally familiar to you but I hope of your good nature that you will embrace with more ardor what is presented to you from your Fathers hands That you will take more pleasure to please him and to obey him in so just and reasonable a thing the fruit whereof you shall receive I desire you may learn exactly the Christian Instruction that it be always on your Lips and that it be engraved in your Hearts that you meditate on it day and night and that you confirm thereunto your Life and Manners lest you should be doubly Chastized as the unfaithful Servant who knows the will of his Master and doth it not or to bring upon you the malediction of Heaven as the evil ground which often drinks the Rain and however produces nothing but Thorns and Thistles The more you have received the more shall be required from you represent unto your selves without ceasing the grace wherewith God favoured you to have caused you to be born in his Church in this great light of the Gospel and to have given you all the necessary helps to form you to virtue to bear Fruit worthy of your Birth and of your Education answer my cares and my hopes Remember your Creator in the days of your Infancy and of your Youth Consecrate to his glory the first fruits of your life and offer him the flower of your Age. Take care to pray to God morning and evening and every hour of the day and to give him thanks for all the good you receive continually of his liberal hand let the fear of him be always before your Eyes and wheresoever you be think that God looks upon you and walk before his face in purity and innocency Know that the greatest Woe that may befall you in the VVorld is to offend so good a Father
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
us and what have we more therein than when by Faith and Repentance we receive in our hearts Jesus Christ sanctified A. We recieve therein the external symbol and seal of our spiritual communion for to confirm our faith God useth to seal outwardly his Grace to us So after Abraham believed God and after it was counted unto him for righteousness he received the sign of Circumcision for a seal of the Righteousness of the Faith Rom. 4. So Cornelius was baptized after having received the Holy Ghost Act 10. All the Prophets give witness to Jesus Christ that through his name whosoever believes in him shall receive remission of sins Act. 10. but that hinders not of baptizing in the name of Jesus Christ in remission of sins because Baptism is the seal of that remission of sins Act. 2. Q. In the celebration of that Mystery must not one sacrifice Jesus really and properly A. No for he commanded us to eat his flesh and to drink his blood and not to offer him in sacrifice He through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God and by that sacrifice he acquired eternal Redemption for us and he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified Heb. 9.10 Q. But is he not still offered every day in the Mass by the hands of the Priests in an unbloody manner in propiciatory sacrifice for the remission of the sins of the quick and the dead A. Quite contrary St Paul saith that without shedding of blood is no remission that Jesus Christ offered not himself several times for then must he have suffered several times since the foundation of the world and that where is remisssion of sins there is no offering for sin Heb. 9.10 Q. Must Sacraments be adored A. No for Jesus Christ did not command it and the Apostles have not shewed us the example thereof Our Lord doth not say do you behold and adore but take and eat and the Apostles did take and did eat what was given them but did not adore it Q. Ought the Pastors to administer the Cup to the people A. Yes for our Lord Jesus Christ speaking to his Apostles which represented his Church said to them drink ye all of it for this is my blood of the new Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins Matt. 26. and St Paul let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup Cor. 11. Q. How ought we to examine our selves A. We must enter our Consciences and examine our selves to know if we have Faith Repentance and Charity Q. What is Faith A It is a recourse of the sinful and penitent Soul to the mercy of God in Christ Jesus and a sure trust that for this glorious Saviour's sake he will forgive us our sins and will receive us into his heavenly Kingdom Q. What is Repentance A. It is a sensible grief to have offended our heavenly Father and a fervent desire for time to come to glorify him in all our actions our words and our thoughts Q. How many parts are there in true repentance A. Two for we must cease to do evil and learn to do well depart from evil and do good to abhor that which is evil cleave to that which is good Is 1. Ps 3.4 Rom 12. Q. What is Charity A. It is to love God with all our heart and our Neighbour as our selves Q. How do we shew that we love our Neighbour A In bearing with his faults and being sensible of his misery and helping him in time of need according to our abilitâ— Q What are those to hope for who persevere in Faith who apply themselves to true piety and who from day to day go forward in sanctification A. God shall bless them in this life and shall crown them in the other according to our Lord Jesus Christ's promise be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life Rev. 2. Amen End of the fourth and last part of the Catechism A Prayer for the faithful Children who desire to advance themselves in Piety MY Lord and my God! I give thee immortal praises and thanksgivings that it pleased thee to cause me to born in thy Church of faithful Parents by the means of whom I have been brought up in Piety and made to drink of the sincere milk of the word as others I was a Child of wrath but Lord thou hast taken pity on me and thou hast adopted me to make me thy Child and heir of thy kingdom O my God and my Father enable me to answer to so holy and so glorious a vocation engrave thine Image in my heart and form me to the obedience of thee teach me to do thy will since thou art my God and let thy good Spirit lead me in the way of righteousness give me the Ornaments of true humility and of Sanctification without which none shall see thy face O let not be useless the labour of those who work to instruct me open my eyes that I may behold the marvels of thy law and that with thy holy Angels I may take pleasure without ceasing to contemplate the mysteries of my Salvation give me an understanding to know thee and heart to love thee and affections to embrace thee Confirm my memory that I may never forget the Divine Instructions of thy word Give me grace to conform all my actions my words and my thoughts thereunto and let it not only be a light that casts forth beamâ— and shines in my understanding and that chaseâ— away the darkness of error and ignorance therefrom but let it be a sacred fire that purifies mâ— affections that inflames my heart with a divine love and with a holy zeal for thy glory That I do not rejoyce for a little while in that divine light but let me follow it all the time of this terrestrial Pilgrimage Let it lead me to thee Oâ— Father of Lights and let it introduce me into thy heavenly Canaan where I shall have no more need to learn because I shall perfectly know thee and shall see thee face to face Oâ— my God! give me all things thou knowest to be necessary for me forget the sins of my youth and impute not unto me my transgressions but wash me in the precious blood of my Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ who commanded me to pray to thee saying OUR Father which art in heaven hallowed be thy name thy kingdom come thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven give us this day our daily bread and forgive us ouâ— trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for thine is thy kingdom and the power and the glory for ever and ever Amen Lord increase in me the precious faith that of thy pure grace thou hast given me let it appear by a good and holy life and that to the last day of my life I make a free