42. Q. What other yet A. Out of Acts ch 8. v. 29 38. where the Ethiopian Eunuch going on Pilgrimage to Hierusalem was in his return converted and baptized on the way by S. Philip so pleasing was his Pilgrimage to God Finally because it was foretold by the Prophets that those places which Christ sanctified by his Passion should be places of great Pilgrimage and adoration We will adore saith David in the place where his feet have stood Psal 131. And in Isa ch 11. v. 10. we read To him shall the Gentiles pray and his sepulcher shall be glorious Q. How do you prove it lawfull to goe on Pilgrimage to the Shrines of Saints A. Because as you have heard already their Reliques are holy and venerable things and God is pleased to work great Cures and Miracles by them for such as are devout honourers of them Q. Is there any power now in the Church to do Miracles A. There is according to that unlimited promise of Christ Them that believe in me these signes shall follow in my name they shall cast out Devills they shall speake with new tongues they shall lay hands upon the sicke and they shall be whole S. Mat. ch 19. v. 17 18. Q. Have these things beene done in latter Ages A. They have and are as you may see in the unquestionable Histories and Records of all Catholique Countries where many great Miracles wrought by the Servants of God and especially at the Pilgrimages and Shrines of Saints are yearly registred under the Depositions of eye-witnesses men above all exceptions which cannot be denied unlesse we may deny all Historie Q. Why then do the pretended Reformers say that Miracles are ceased A. Because they and their Sect-Masters have never yet beene able to do any in confirmation of their Errours Q. Why are so few done here in England A. By reason of the incredulity of Sectaries Q. What necessity is there of the Beliefe of Miracles A. Doubtlesse very great because the Beliefe of Miracles well grounded makes men extremely apprehensive of the presence of God and his immediate Government of humane affaires so that he who absolutely denieth miracles is to be suspected of not believing particular Providence which is the maine string on which all Christianity dependeth The second Commandement Expounded Q. WHat is the second Commandement A. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vaine Q. What is forbidden by this Precept A. All false rash and unnecessary Oaths Q. What kind of sinnes are false and rash Oaths A. Mortall sinnes if they be voluntary and deliberate because by such Oaths we call God to witnesse to a lie or at least to that which is uncertaine Q. What are the necessary conditions of a lawfull Oath A. Truth that we hurt not Gods Honour justice that we wrong not our neighbour and judgement that we sweare not vainly Q. What is a just cause of an Oath A. Gods Honour our owne or our neighbours lawfull good and defence Q. If a man Sweare to do that which is evill is he bound to keepe his Oath A. No He is bound not to keepe it for an Oath is no bond of iniquity Q. How prove you a vaine or jesting Oath to be a sinne A. Out of S. Matth. ch 5. v. 34. It was said of old saith our Lord Thou shalt not commit perjury But I say unto you not to sweare at all that is without just cause Q. What other proofe have you A. Out of S. Iames. ch 5. v. 12. But above all things saith he sweare ye not neither by Heaven nor earth nor any other Creature But let your talke be yea yea no no that yee fall not under judgement Q. What else is prohibited by this Precept A. All cursing and blaspheming Q. What is commanded by it A. To speake alwayes with reverence of God and of his Saints Q. How else doe men sinne against this Precept A. By breaking lawfull Vowes and by making or keeping unlawfull ones Q. What is a Vow A. It is a diliberate and voluntary promise made to God of some better good Q. How do you prove it lawfull to make Vowes A. Out of Esa ch 19. v. 21. They shall make Vowes unto our Lord saith he and shall pay them The third Commandement Expounded Q. WHat is the third Commandement A. Remember thou keepe holy the Sabbath day Q. When began the Sabbath to be kept A. From the very Creation of the world For then God blessed it and rested on it from all his works Gen. 2. 2. Q. When was this Commandement renewed A. In the old Law when God gave the Commandements to Moses on Mount Sinai written with his owne finger in two Tables of stone Exod. ch 20. Q. Why was the Iewish Sabbath changed into the Sunday A. Because Christ was borne upon a Sunday rose from the dead upon a Sunday and sent downe the Holy Ghost upon a Sunday workes not inferiour to the Creation of the world Q. By whom was it changed A. By the Church by the Apostles who also kept it for S. Iohn was in Spirit on a Sunday Apoc. ch 1. v. 10. Q. How prove you that the Church hath power to command Feasts and Holy Daies A. By this very act of changing the Sabbath into the Sunday which Protestants allow of and therefore fondly contradict themselves by keeping Sunday so strictly and breaking most other Feasts commanded by the same Church Q. How declare you that A. Because by keeping Sunday they acknowledge the Churches power to ordaine Feasts and to command them under sin and by not keeping the rest by her commanded they again deny in fact the same power Q. What other proof have you A. Out of S. Iohn ch 10. ver 22. where we read That Christ himselfe was present and kept the Dedication of the Temple in Hierusalem a Feast ordained by Iudas Machabaeus 1 Machab ch 4. Q. What other yet A. Out of Acts ch 2. v. 1. where the Apostles keeping the Feast of Pentecost were all filled with the Holy Ghost Neither do Protestants as yet dissent from this though some have lately prohibited and prophaned both it and the most holy Feast of the Resurrection Q. What command have you from God for obedience to the Church in things of this nature A. Out of Acts ch 15. v. 4. where we read that S. Paul went about confirming the Churches and commanding them to keep the precept of the Apostles and the Ancients And out of S. Luke c. 10. v. 16. He that heareth you beareth me and he that despiseth you the Church despiseth me Q. May Temporall Princes and the Laity make a Holy Day A. With consent and approbation of the Church they may otherwise not because that is an act of spirituall Jurisdiction Q. For what end doth the Church ordaine Holy Dayes A. For the increase of piety and in memory of speciall benefits received from God Q. If keeping the Sunday be a Church-precept why is
How sincere A. By confessing our sins plainly without seeking to lessen or excuse them Q. How entire A. By confessing not onely in what things we have sinned mortally but also how often as neere as we are able to remember Q. VVhat if a man knowingly do leave out any one mortall sinne in his Confession for fear or shame A. He maketh his whole Confession to be void and committeth a great Sacriledge by lying to the Holy Ghost and abusing the Sacrament Q. How prove you that A. By the example of Ananias and his wife Saphira who were struck dead at the feet of S. Peter for daring to lie unto the Holy Ghost Act. ch 5. v. 5 10. Q. Is he that hath so done bound to confesse all again A. Yes all that was mortall together with that which he left out Q. VVhat is satisfaction A. It is the Penance which is enjoyned us by the Priest or which we voluntarily impose upon our selves by fasting prayer and the like Q. For what doe we satisfie by that Penance A. For such temporall punishments as remaine due sometimes unto our sinnes after the sinnes are forgiven us Q. How doe you prove that Priests have power to impose Penances A. Out of 1 Cor. ch 5. v. 3. where S. Paul excommunicated the incestuous Corinthian I saith he absent in body but present in spirit have already judged him that hath so done c. to deliver such an one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh that the soule may be saved Q. How prove you that temporall punishments may remain due to our sinnes after the sinnes themselves be forgiven us A. Because Adam after his sinne was forgiven him was notwithstanding cast out of Paradise for ever and his whole posterity made subject unto death and many miseries in punishment of that sinne Genes ch 3. v. 24. Q. What other proofe have you A. Because David after his sinne of Adultery was forgiven him was temporally punished for it with the death of his child Our Lord saith Nathan hath taken away his sinne neverthelesse thy sonne shall die Q. What other yet A. Because whom our Lord loveth he chastiseth Heb. ch 12. v. 6. Q. By what other meanes are those temporall punishments released A. By all workes of piety and above all by Indulgences A. Not a pardon for sinnes to come or leave to commit sinne as some doe falsely and slanderously teach but it is onely a releasing of such temporall punishments as remain due unto those sinnes which have already been forgiven us by Penance and Confession Q. How doth an Indulgence release those punishments A. By the superabundant merits of Christ and his Saints which it applyeth to our soules by the speciall grant of the Church Q. When did Christ give his â—â—urch power to grant Indulgences A. When he said to S. Peter To thee will I give the Keyes of the Kingdome of Heaven whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth it shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth it shall be loosed in heaven S. Matth. ch 16. v. 19. Q. How prove you that the Apostles ever used this power A. Out of 2 Cor. ch 2. v. 10. where S. Paul remitted part of the Corinthians penance To him that is such an one saith he this rebuke sufficeth c. whom you have pardoned any thing I also Q. What is required for the gaining of an Indulgence A. That we performe the works enjoyned us and that the last part of them be done in state of grace Q. What are those Works A. Fasting Prayer and Almes-deeds Extreme Vnction expounded Q. WHat is the fifth Sacrament A. Extreme Vnction Q. Where did Christ institute that A. At his last Supper Q. What warrant have you for that A. An Apostolicall Tradition Q. By whom was this Sacrament promulgated A. By S. Iames in his Epist ch 5. v. 13 14 15. Is any man sick amongst you let him bring in the Priests of the Church and let them pray over him annoyling him with Oyle in the Name of our Lord and the prayer of Faith shall save the sick man and our Lord will lift him up and if he be in sinnes his sinnes shall be forgiven him Q. Who is capable of this Sacrament A. Every true and faithfull Christian which is in morall danger of death by sicknesse excepting Infants Fools and such as are alwaies mad Q. What is the matter of this Sacrament A. Oyle blessed by a Bishop Q. What is the forme of it A. By that annoyling and his owne most pious mercy let our Lord pardon thee whatsoever thou hast sinned by thy seeing c. and so of all the other senses repeating the same words Q. What are the effects of Extreme Vnction A. It comforteth the soule in her last Agony against despaire it remitteth Veniall sinnes and the Reliques of sinne and it restoreth corporall health if it be expedient Q. How prove you that A. Out of S. Mark ch 6. v. 13. where we read That the Apostles annoynted with Oyle many sicke and healed them Q. Why then doe so many die after receiving it A. One reason may be because out of cowardice they deferred it too long as very many doe Holy Order Expounded Q. WHat is the sixth Sacrament A. Holy Order Q. To whom doth this appertaine A. To the Rulers and Ministers of the Church as Bishops Priests Deacons and Subdeacons Q. What proofe have you for Bishops Priests and Deacons A. For Bishops and Deacons out of Philip. ch 1. v. 1. To all the Saints at Philippi saith S. Paul with the Bishops and Deacons And for Priests out of S. Iames above-cited Is any man sicke amongst you let him bring in the Priests of the Church c. Q. Where did Christ ordain this Sacrament A. At his last Supper when he made his Apostles Priests saying This is my Body which is given for you doe ye this for a commemoration of me S. Luk. ch 22. v. 19. Q. What did Christ give them power then to do A. To offer the unbloudy Sacrifice of his owne Body and Blood which he himselfe had there ordained and offered under the outward formes of Bread and Wine Q. Why did he say Doe ye this for a commemoration of me A. Because the unbloudy Sacrifice of the Masse is a commemoration or memoriall of the Bloudy Sacrifice made on the Crosse nay more it is a renovation of it in an unbloudy way Q. What are the effects of Holy Order A. It giveth a spirituall power to ordain Priests to consecrate the body and blood of Christ to administer the Sacraments to serve the Altar and to Preach Q. VVhat else A. It giveth also speciall grace for the well doing of the foresaid Offices Q. How prove you that A. Out of 1 Tim. ch 4. v. 14. Neglect not the grace which is in thee by Prophesie with the Imposition of the hands of Priesthood Q. What is the proper Office of a Bishop A. To give Holy
Orders and Confirmation to preach and governe the Church Q. How prove you that A. To confirme out of the Acts ch 8. above cited where we read That two Bishops were sent to confirm the Samaritans Q. How prove you that Bishops are of Divine Right and have Authority from God to rule the Church A. Out of Acts ch 20. v. 28. Take heed unto your selves and to the flocke wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you Bishops to rule the Church of God Q. How prove you that Bishops only can ordaine Priests A. Out of Tit. ch 1. v. 5. For this cause left I thee in Creet that thou shouldest reforme the things that are wanting and ordaine Priests by Cities he was a Bishop Q. What sinne is it therefore to oppose Hierarchy and Episcopacy either in the whole Church or in particular Cburches for private ends A. It is sinne of Rebellion and high Treason against the peace and safety of Christs spiritual Common-wealth the Church Q. How declare you that A. Because no Law can subsist without guards and lookers to it since therefore Christ hath ordained Bishops to be the Guards and Teachers of his Law they who strike at Bishops strike also at the whole Law of Christ and safety of the people Q. Why is it requisite that Bishops and Pastors should have such great Revenewes A. Because they beare a considerable charge and office in the Common-wealth therefore ought to have a competence for the performance of it Secondly that they may give the Laity an example of the true use of riches And finally that it may breed a due respect both of their persons callings in such as they are set to governe who cannot alwaies judge of their internall qualities Q. What is the office of a Priest A. To offer Sacrifice and administer the rest of the Sacraments excepting Holy Order Confirmation Q. How prove you a Sacrifice in the new Law A. Because there is a Priesthood as you have heard and an Altar according to that We have an Altar saith S. Paul whereof they have no power to eat who serve the Tabernacle Heb. ch last v. 7. Q. What other proofe have you for it A. Out of Mal. ch 1. v. 11. where he foretold the Sacrifice of the new Law saying From the rising of the Sunne even to the going downe great is my Name amongst the Gentiles and in every place there is sacrificing and there is offered to my Name a cleane oblation saith the Lord of Hosts Q. What other yet A. Out of S. Luke ch 22. v. 19. and 20. where Christ who is high Priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech offered the Sacrifice of his owne Body and Blood under the formes of Bread and Wine saying this is my Body which is given for you it was given for us you heare at his last Supper this is the Chalice the new Testament in my Blood which Chalice according to the Greek text is shed for you Q. Is it lawfull for Priests to marry A. It is not there is a Precept of the Church against it descending to us by Apostolicall tradition neither did any of the Apostles ever company with their wives after their calling to the Apostleship Q. What other reason have you A. Because every one that is made a Priest taketh at his Ordination a voluntary oath of perpetuall Chastity Q. Why is it requisite that Priests should live chast and unmarried A. Because of all pleasures the carnall most affecteth sensible nature causing the greatest extremities in man and is the greatest binder of man to earthly things Wherefore it is an imployment little beseeming those who are obliged by their very callings to draw the people from this clod of earth and elevate their hearts to heavenly things Q. What are the lesser Orders of the Church A. Acolyte Lector Exorcist and Porter according to the 4. Councell of Carthage Can. the 6. Q. Is it lawfull for women to Preach or to be Priests A. It is not according to 1 Cor. ch 14. v. 34. Let women hold their peace in Churches for it is not permited them to speake but to be subject as the Law saith Q. Is it lawfull for any man to usurp and take upon him Priestly power without the Ordination of the Church A. It is not according to Heb. ch 5. v. 1. and 4. For every high Priest taken from amongst men is appointed for men c. That he may offer gifts and Sacrifices for sinnes Neither doth any man take the honour to himselfe but he that is called of God as Aaron Q. What other proofe have you A. Out of S. Iohn ch 10. v. 1. Amen I say unto you he that entreth not by the doore Holy Order into the fold of the sheepe but climbs up another way he is a Theefe and a Robber Q. What if any man pretend an extraordinary calling A. He must prove it by miracles or else be esteemed an Impostor Q. What examples have you against the usurpation of Priestly Power A. That of King Oza who was strucke dead in the place for laying but his hand upon the Ark to save it from falling the 2. of Kings ch 6. v. 6. 7. Q. What besides A. The example of Core Dathan and Abiram who for usurping the Office of the High Priest though they were Priests themselves and true believers in all other points were swallowed up alive by the earth Numb ch 16. v. 32. and two hundred and fifty others who were offering Incense with them were consumed with fire from heaven v. 35. with fourteen thousand and seven hundred more which were also burnt with fire from heaven for onely siding with them v. 49. Matrimony Expounded Q. WHat is the seventh Sacrament A. Matrimony Q. Where was that first ordained A. In Paradice by Almighty God when he gave Eve to Adam for a wife saying Wherefore a man shall leave his Father and his Mother and shall cleave unto his wife and they shall be two in one flesh Gen. ch 2. v. 22. Q. Where was it made a Sacrament of the new Law A. Either at the Wedding of Cana in Galilee where Christ was present and wrought his first Miracle by turning Water into Wine S. Iohn ch 2. or else in S. Matth. ch 19. v. 6. where he saith Therefore now they are not two but one flesh what God hath joyned let not man separate Q. Why was it requisite that Marriage should be made a Sacrament A. Because it is the maine hinge whereupon hangeth the chiefe happinesse of a married life and therefore ought to be ranked in the highest Order of those Actions which Christ hath sanctified for the use of man Q. What other reason have you A. Because on it dependeth both the restraint of sinfull concupisence the good of posterity the well-ordering of our Domesticall affaires and the education of our Children in the feare and service of God Q. How prove you Marriage to be a Sacrament A.
Q. Why is that necessary A. That as Christ was openly rejected so he may there be openly acknowledged to the great joy and glory of his friends as also to the confusion of his enemies Q. How prove you that in this Judgment all men shall receive according to their works A. Out of 2 Cor. ch 5. v. 10. We must all be manifested saith S. Paul before the judgment-seat of Christ that every one may receive the proper things of the body according as he hath done whether good or evill Q. What other proof have you A. Out of S. Matth. ch 16. v. 27. The Sonne of Man saith our Lord shall come in the Glory of his Father with his Angells and then he will render to every one according to his works Q. Is there any merit in our good works A. There is according to Apoc. ch 22. v. 12. Behold I come quickly saith our Lord and my reward is with me to render to every man according to his works Q. In what place shall this Judgment be made A. In the valley of Iehosaphat betwixt Hierusalem and Mount Olivet Q. What signe shall go before it A. The Sun and Moone shall lose their light there shall be Warres Plagues Famines and Earthquakes in many places Q. In what manner shall Christ come unto it A. In great power and Majesty begirt with Legions of Angels Q. Who are they that shall be judged A. The whole Race and Progenie of man Q. What are the things that shall be judged A. Our thoughts words and works even to the secrets of our soules Q. Who will accuse us A. The Devills our own guilty consciences and above all the Books of life and death in which all our actions are recorded and shall be then laid open to the whole world Q. How shall the just and reprobate be placed A. The just shall be on the right the reprobate on the left hand of the Judge Q. What shall be the sentence of the just A. Come ô ye blessed of my Father and receive ye the Kingdome which is prepared for you for I was hungry and ye gave me to eat I was thirsty and ye gave me to drink c. S. Matth. ch 25. v. 35 36. Q. What shall be the sentence of the reprobate A. Goe ye accursed into eternall fire which hath been prepared for the Devill and his Angells for I was hungry and ye gave me not to eat I was thirsty and ye gave me not to drink c. the same chap. v. 41 42 43. You see of what weight good works will be at that day Q. Why is it added The quick and the dead A. To signifie that Christ shall judge not onely such as are living at the time of his coming but likewise all such as have been dead from the Creation of the World as also by the quick are understood Angells and Saints by the dead the Devills and the damned soules The eighth Article Q. What is the eighth Article A. I believe in the Holy Ghost Q. Of what treateth this Article A. Of the third Person of the B. Trinity in whom we also believe and put our trust who proceedeth from the Father and the Sonne and is the self-same God with them distinct in nothing but in person Q. How prove you that A. Out of 1 S. John ch 5. v. 7. There be three saith he which give testimony in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three be one Q. Why is the Name of Holy Ghost appropriated to the third Person since Angells are also Spirits and holy A. Because he is such by excellency and by essence they onely by participation Q. At least why should it not be common to the other two Persons A. Because they are knowne by the proper Names of Father and Sonne but we have not any proper Name for the Holy Ghost Q. In what formes hath the Holy Ghost appeared unto men A. In the forme of a Dove to signifie the purity and innocence which hee causeth in our soules in a bright Cloud and fiery Tongues to signifie the fire of Charity which he produceth in our hearts as also the gift of Tongues and hence it is he is painted in these formes The ninth Article Q. WHat is the ninth Article A. I believe in the holy Catholike Church the Communion of Saints Q. What understand you by this Article A. I understand that Christ hath a Church upon earth which he established in his own Blood and that he hath commanded us to believe that Church in all things appertaining unto Faith Q. What kind of Faith must we believe her with A. With the same Faith that we believe her Spouse the Sonne of God that is with divine Faith but with this difference that wee believe in God though we onely believe the Church but not in her Q. What is the Church A. It is the Congregation of all the faithfull under Christ Iesus their invisible head and his Vicar upon earth the Pope Q. What are the essentiall parts of the Church A. A Pope or Supreme head Bishops Pastors and the Laity Q. How prove you that Bishops are of divine Institution A. Out of Act. ch 20. v. 28. where we read take heed unto your selves and to the flock wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you Bishops to rule the Church of God which he hath purchased with his owne blood Q. How prove you S. Peter and the Pope his Successor to be the visible Head of the Church A. Out of S. John ch 21. v. 16 17 18. where Christ for a reward of his speciall faith and love gave S. Peter absolute power to feed and governe his whole flock saying feed my Lambs feed Lambs feed my Sheep therefore the rest of the Apostles were his sheep and he their Head or Pastor Q. What other proof have you A. Out of S. Mat. ch 16. v. 18. where Christ saith thou art Peter and upon this Rocke will I build my Church Therefore the rest of the Apostles were built on him and hence also it is that as often as they are named in Scripture S. Peter is still named first Q. What are the markes of the true Church A. Unity Visibility Sanctity Universality and Infallibility Q. How declare you its Unity A. Because all the members of it make but one mysticall body and are governed by one Supreme Head Q. How prove you that A. Out of 1 Cor. ch 10. v. 18. being many saith S. Paul we are one bread one body all that participate of one bread Q. What other proofe have you A Because all the members of it live under one Law obey the same Magistrates professe the same faith even to the least Article and use the same Sacraments and Sacrifice Q. Why may not a well meaning man be saved in any Religion A. Because there is but one God one Faith one Baptisme Eph. ch 4. v. 5. And without that one Faith it is impossible to please God
Out of S. Matth. ch 28. v. 20. Going therefore saith our Lord teach ye all Nations and behold I am with you all daies even to the consummation of the world Q. What meane you by Vniversality of place A. I meane that the Church shall be spread over all Nations Q. How prove you that A. Out of S. Mat. above-cited teach ye all Nations and out of the 62. Psal v. 2. where we read All the earth shall remember and be converted to our Lord and all Nations whatsoever thou hast made shall come and adore before thee ô Lord. Q. What other proof have you A. Out of the Apoc. ch 7. v. 9. where we read that the Church shall be gathered out of all Nations Peoples Tribes and Tongues Q. Why do we call the Church the Romane Church A. Because since the Translation of S. Peters Chaire from Antioch to Rome the particular Romane Church hath been the Head of all Churches and to her the Primacy hath been affixed Q. What is the Rule of faith by which the Church conserveth her Infallibility A. Apostolicall Tradition or receipt of Doctrine by hand to hand from Christ and his Apostles Q. How prove you that A. Out of Rom. ch 16. v. 17. Therefore I beseech you Brethren saith S. Paul marke them which make dissentions and scandalls contrary to the Doctrine which you have learned and avoid them for such doe not serve Christ our Lord. Q. What other proofe have you A. Out of S. Paul saying But although we or an Angell from heaven Evangelize to you besides that which we have Evangelized to you be he Anathema or besides that you have received be he Anathema Gal. ch 1. v. 8 9. Q. Can the Church erre in faith standing to this Rule and admitting nothing for faith but what is consented by the whole Church to have been so received A. She cannot otherwise the whole Church must either conspire in a notorious lie to damne her self and her posterity or else she must be ignorant what hath been taught her for faith by the Church of the precedent Age which are both grand possibilities Q. How prove you these to be impossibilities in nature A. By the constancy and immutability which is found in the Universality of contingent causes whose particulars may be defective but the universalls cannot Q. Declare that a little A. I explaine it thus because one man or two or three may be borne but with one arme or one eye onely through the defect of their particular causes but that all nature should faile at once and all men should be so borne is totally impossible in nature so in like manner one man or two may conspire in palpable lies to damne themselves and their posterity or be deceived in what hath been taught them for faith from their very cradles but that the whole Church should so farre break with the nature of man which is reason to conspire in such a lie or be so mistaken is as impossible in nature as it is for men to be no men Q. Doth not the learned Richworth alias Blackloe out of whom you have borrowed both these and many other excellent convincing reasons demonstrate the Churches infallibility a little plainer yet A. Yes he doth and chiefely by this argument to move the whole Church to conspire at once in such a palpable and pernitious lie such a force of hopes and feares is necessary but it is totally impossible for such a force of hopes and feares to fall on the whole Church at once as is sufficient to make them break with nature and contradict the very light of reason by such a lie therefore it is totally impossible for the whole Church at once to conspire in such a lie or consequently to erre in Faith Q. May not some errours have been received for faith and crept insensibly over the whole Church no man perceiving or taking notice of them A. No that is as impossible as that the Plague or burning Feaver should infect or spread it selfe over a whole Kingdome for many years no man perceiving it or seeking to prevent it for nothing causes greater notice to be taken then any publike or notorious change in matters of Religion Q. May not the power of temporall Princes or the over-prevalency of humane wit and reason have introduced errours into the Church A. Neither is that possible seeing we are not regulated in things which are of faith either by power o◠any strength of reason but by the rule of Apostolicall Tradition and by inquiring of the whole Church of every Age what hath been taught by our fore-fathers from Christ and his Apostles Q. At least doe not Heretiques say and averre that the Church hath Apostatized and erred in Faith A. They doe indeed but it will not serve their turne barely to say it unlesse they were able also to prove it which they neither are nor ever will be by evident convincing and undeniable proofs Q. How prove you that A. First because the presumption and possession of her integrity and infallibility is on the Churches side and therefore ought not to be yeeded up without clear evidence of her prevarication Q. What other reason have you A. Because he that accuseth his neighbours wife of Adulterie without convincing and manifest proofs thereof is not to be hearkned unto but to be hated of all good men as a most infamous slanderer much more ought they who shall accuse the Church the Spouse of Christ of Errours and Apostacy unlesse their proofes be evident and undeniable to be detested as blasphemous Heretiques Q. What other proof have you yet A. Because if lesse then manifest and convincing evidence be sufficient to prove matters of this high nature it is not possible but very false and shall set dissention betwixt man and wife and stirre up the most faithfull Subjects in the world to a Rebellion against their Princes both spirituall and temporall Q. What meaneth The Communion of Saints A. It meaneth First that the faithfull do all communicate in the same Faith and Sacraments in the same Sacrifice and also in the merits of one another Q. How prove you that A. Out of 1 Cor. ch 12. v. 25. where we read And if one member suffer any thing all the members suffer with it or if one member do glory all the members rejoyce with it You are the Body of Christ and members of a member Q. What else meaneth it A. It meaneth also That the faithfull on earth do communicate with the Angells and Saints in Heaven we by praising and praying to them they by praying for us Q. How prove you this Communion A. Out of S. Luke ch 15. ver 10. where we read That there is joy before the Angells of God upon one sinner that doth Penance Q. How prove you that the Saints have any power to do us good A. Out of the Apoc. ch 2. v. 26 27. where Christ hath promised them power above us To him saith he
that shall overcome and keepe my works unto the end to him will I give power over Nations and he shall rule them in an iron rod. Q. How prove you that it is lawfull to pray to Angells A. Out of the Apoc. ch 1. ver 4. where S. John did it Grace saith he to you and Peace from Him that is that Was and that Shall come and from the seven Spirits which are in the sight of his Throne Q. What other proofe have you A. Out of the Apoc. ch 8. ver 4. where we read That they present the Churches Prayers to God the smoak saith he of the Incense of the Prayers of the Saints ascended from the hand of the Angell before God Q. How prove you that we may pray to Saints A. Out of Gen. ch 48. v. 16. where Iacob taught his children to doe it saying And let my Name be invocated upon them the names also of my Fathers Abraham and Isaac Q. How prove you that they pray for us A. Out of the Apoc. ch 5. v. 8. where we read Then the foure and twenty Elders fell downe before the Lambe having every one Harps and Violls full of Odours which are the prayers of the Saints Q. Is it no dishonour unto God for us to pray to Saints to pray for us A. No it is not yet to beg it of men for S. Paul did it we hope saith he that God will deliver us you also helping in prayer for us 2 Cor. ch I. v. II. The tenth Article Q. WHat is the tenth Article A. The forgivenesse of sins Q. What understand you by this Article A. I understand that God is both able and willing to forgive us our sinnes if we bee heartily sorry for them and confesse them and hath given power to his Church to remit them by Baptisme and Penance Q. How prove you that A. Out of S. Matth. ch 9. v. 8. where it is recorded by the Holy Ghost That the multitude glorified God who had given such power unto men as to forgive sinnes Christ having before proved the said power by a Miracle v. 6 7. Q. Is any sin so great that God cannot sorgive it A. No there is not for his mercy is farre above our malice Q. Can any one mortall sin be remitted without the rest A. It cannot because the remission of mortall sin is a renewing of friendship with God by his grace which can never be effected so long as there remaineth in us any one mortall sin Q. Can we have absolute certainty that our sinnes are forgiven us A. Without speciall Revelation we cannot I am not guilty in conscience saith S. Paul of any thing but herein I am not justified 1 Cor. ch 4. v. 4. Q. What other poofe have you A. Because the just man knoweth not whether he be worthy love or hatred Q. Can we be certaine of our finall perseverance A. Not without speciall revelation and therefore S. Paul said I chastise my body and bring it into subjection least when I preach to others I my selfe become a Reprobate Cor. ch 9. v. 27. Q. What other proof have you A. Out of Phil. ch 2. v. 12. where he exhorteh saying with feare and trembling work out your salvation Q. How then shall we have peace of conscience A. Because we may have morall certainty and a most lively hope that our sinnes are forgiven us by the due use of the Sacraments which is enough for our security The eleventh Article Q. WHat is the eleventh Article A. The Resurrection of the flesh Q. What meaneth this Article A. It meaneth that these very bodies in which we now live shall at the day of Judgement be all raised up from death to life Q. By what means shal this be done A. By the omnipotent command of God and the Ministery of Angells Q. How prove you that A. Out of 1 Thes ch 4. v. 16. where we read for our Lord in commandement and in the voice of an Archangel and in the Trumpet of God will descend from heaven and the dead that are in Christ shall rise again first Q. Shall the same bodies rise again A. The same in substance though different in qualities Q. How prove you that A. Out of Job ch 19. v. 26 27. for I know saith he that my Redeemer liveth and in the last day I shall rise out of the earth and I shall be compassed againe with my skin and in my flesh I shall see God whom I my selfe shall see and mine eyes shall behold and not another Q. What shall be the qualities or dowries of a glorified body A. Immortality Agility Clarity Impassibility Q. How prove you its Immortality A. Out of 1 Cor. ch 15. v. 52. For this Mortall saith S. Paul shall put on Immortality Q. How prove you its Agility A. Out of the same Chapter v. 44. It is sowed a naturall body but it shall rise a spirituall body that is in motion and some operations equall to a Spirit Q. How prove you its Clarity A. Out of the same Ch. v. 42. For starre saith he differeth from starre in glory so also the Resurrection of the dead Q. How prove you its Impassibility or incorruptibility A. Out of the same Ch. v. 53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption Q. In what space of time shall the Dead rise and the Elect be thus changed A. In a moment in the twinkling of an eye v. 51. 52. Q. At what age and stature shall men rise A. At perfect age which is 33. and in that stature which they should have had at perfect age Q. How prove you that A. Out of Ephes ch 4. v. 14. 15. where we read that the Church shall last untill we all meet into a perfect man into the measure of the age of the fulnesse of Christ Q. What example have you in nature for the Resurrection A. A graine of Corne which first rotteth in the earth and then springeth up and liveth againe Q. What benefit have we by the knowledge of the Resurrection A. It imboldeneth us to suffer persecution and death it selfe in hope of future glory according to that of S. Paul for the sufferings of these times are not condigne to that future glory which shall be revealed in us Rom. ch 8. v. 18. The twelfth Article Q. WHat is the twelfth Article A. And life everlasting Q. Why is this the last Article A. Because everlasting life is the last end of man and the last reward which we expect by Faith Q. What understand you by this Article A. Iunderstand that such as keep the commandements and die in state of grace shall live with God in blisse for ever Q. How prove you that keeping the Commandements is of necessity for the obtaining of it A. Out of S. Mat. ch 19. v. 17. where Christ said to the young man asking what he should do to obtain it if you will enter into life keep the Commandemens Q. Is everlasting life given as a
Precept A. Back-biting Flattery and Detraction Q. What is Back-biting A. It is to breake friendship betwixt others by speaking ill of one unto the other behind his back Q. What is Flattery A. To attribute to another some perfection which he hath not or to praise him for that which is not worthy praise Q. What is Detraction A. It is a secret staining and blotting of anothers good name Q. What is he bound to that hath hurt his neighbour in any of these kinds A. To make him satisfaction and restore him his good name Q. How for example A. If he have told a hurtfull lie of him he is bound to unsay it or if he have revealed his secret sinne he is bound to speak well of the same party and to mitigate the matter all he may Q. Is it a sinne to hearken to detraction A. To doe it willingly and with delight or so as to incourage the detractor it is for by so doing we cooperate with the detractor Q. How then must we behave our selves amongst detractors A. If they be Inferiours we must reprehend them if Equalls or Superiours we must shew our selves at least not pleased with that discourse Q. What is rash Judgement A. That which is grounded on meere hear-sayes jealousies and surmises without any morall certainty or great probability Q. When is a lie a mortall sin A. When it is any great dishonour to God or notable prejudice to our neighbour otherwise if it be meerly officious or jesting it is but veniall sinne The ninth and tenth Commandements Expounded Q. VVHat are the ninth and tenth Commandements A. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours wife thou shalt not covet thy neighbours-goods nor any thing that is his Q. What is prohibited by these Commandements A. The inordinate will or desire of unlawfull lust especially Adultery and of all Theft Q. What else A. Not onely all deliberate desire or consent but likewise all voluntary delight and complacence in covetous or impure thoughts Q. How prove you that unchast desires are mortall sinnes A. Out of S. Mat. ch 5. v. 28. 29. where we read It was said of old thou shalt not commit Adultery but I say unto you that whosoever shall see a woman to lust after her he hath already committed Adultery in his heart Q. How prove you covetous desires to be great sinnes A. Out of 1 Tim. ch 6. v. 9. where we read They that will be made rich fall into temptation and the snâ—â—e of the Devill and many desires unprofitable and hurtfull which drowne men into destruction and perdition Q. Is there any sinne in those motions of concupiscence which we feâ—â—e and suffer against our wills A. There is not for nothing is sinne which is not voluntary and deliberate Q. What think you now of this second Table of the Law is here any thing that savoureth of impossibility to be kept A. No certainly for here is nothing commanded us which the very Law of nature and right reason doth not dictate to us And therefore ought to bee observed and done although it were not commanded us Q. Is here any thing but what every man expecteth and desireth to have done unto himselfe by others A. There is not therefore we must doe the same to others according to that All things whatsoever you will that men doe unto you doe ye also to them for this is the Law and the Prophets S. Mat. ch 7. v. 12. Q. Why then do Novellists pretend and teach that the Commandements are impossible to be kept A. Because they are not willing to oblige themselves to the observance of them but had rather make God the Author of sin by commanding impossibilities a most high blasphemy and justifie their owne iniquities by saying they cannot help then humbly acknowledge and confesse their sinnes with purpose to amend by an acceptance of the Law of God CHAP. IX The Commandements of the Church Expounded Q. HOw many be the Commandements of the Church A. There be six principall ones Q. What is the first A. To heare Masse on all Sundayes and Holy Dayes if we have oportunity to doe it and there be no just cause unto the contrary Q. Why on all Sundayes A. In a Thanksgiving for the benefits of the week past as also to sanctifie the present day Q. For what other reason A. In memory that the same Christ which is offered upon the Altar in the blessed Sacrament for our sinnes was borne rose from the dead and sent down the Holy Ghost upon a Sunday Q. Why on all holy dayes A. Either in memory of some speciall benefit or else for a commemoration of some peculiar Saint so to move our selves to imitate his example Q. How prove you that the Church hath power to ordaine and command Feasts A. By the example of the Church in the Apostles time which ordained the Feast of Christ-Masse in honour of the Nativity of Christ the Feast of Easter in honour of his Resurrection Whitsontide in honour of the coming of the Holy Ghost in Tongues of Fire Q. What other proof have you A. Out of S. Clement the Disciple of S. Peter in his eighth Book of Apostolicall Constitutions where he witnesseth That the Apostles gave order for the celebrating of S. Stephens and some other of their fellow-Apostles dayes after their deaths Q. What other yet A. Out of Col. ch 3. v. 4. We have confidence of you in the Lord saith S. Paul that the things which we command you both do and will do And ver 14. If any obey not our word doe not ye companie with him that he may be confounded Q. What other yet A. Out of Thes ch 4. v. 8. where speaking of the Precepts which he had given unto his Brethren Paul saith He that despiseth these things despiseth not man but God who also hath given his holy Spirit in us See what was said above in the third Commandement of God The second Church-Commandement Expounded Q. WHat is the 2d. Commandement of the Church A. To fast Lent Vigills commanded Ember Dayes and Fridayes also by custome of England with abstinence from flesh on Saturdayes Q. Why Lent A. In imitation of Christ our Lord who fasted forty dayes and forty nights in the Desart for our sins without once eating or drinking Q. Can we fast in that manner A. We cannot but we must do at least what we are able Q. How prove you Fasting to be a pious Practice A. By the example of Christ and his Saints and out of S. Luke ch 2. v. 37. where we read That Anne the Prophetesse departed not from the Tempte serving day and night by Fasting and Prayers Q. How prove you Fasting to be meritorious A. Out of S. Matth. ch 6. 16 17 18. Where we read And when you fast be not yee sad like the hypocrites but when thou dost fast annoint thy head and wash thy face that thou appeare not to men to fast but to thy Father which is in secret
There be in number twelve as you may see in Gal. ch 5. Q. What is the first A. Charity whose nature and effects you know already Q. What is the second A. Ioy by which we are enabled to serve God with cheerfull hearts Q. What is the third A. Peace which keepeth us unmoved in our minds amidst the stormes and tempests of this world Q. What is the fourth A. Patience which enableth us to suffer all adversities for the love of God Q. What is the fifth A. Long animity which is an untired confidence of mind in expecting the good things of the life to come Q. What is the sixth A. Goodnesse which maketh us hurt no man and doe good unto all Q. What is the seventh A. Benignity which causeth an affable sweetnesse in our manners and conversation Q. What is the Eighth A. Mildnesse which allayeth in us all the motions of passion and anger Q. What is the ninth A. Fidelity which maketh us punctuall observers of our Covenants and Promises Q. What is the tenth A. Modesty which suppresseth in us all pride and haughtinesse Q. What is the eleventh A. Continency which maketh us not only abstemious in meat and drinke but in all other sensible delights Q. What is the twelfth A. Chastity which keepeth a pure soule in a pure body Q. VVho are they that have these fruits A. The Children of God onely for whosoever are led by the Spirit of God they are the sonnes of God Rom. ch 8. v. 14. CHAP. XV. The Works of Merey Expounded Q. HOw many are the Workes of Mercy Corporall A. Seven 1. To feed the hungry 2. To give drinke to the thirsty 3. To cloath the naked 4. To harbour the harbourlesse 5. To visit the sicke 6. To visite the imprisoned And 7. To bury the dead Q. How prove you that these workes are meritorious of a reward A. Because Christ hath promised the Kingdome of heaven as the reward of them Come O ye blessed of my Father saith he and possesse ye the Kingdome c. for I was hungry and ye gave me to eat c. S. Mat. ch 25. v. 35 36. Q. When are we said to feed and cloath Christ A. As often as we feed and cloath the poore in his Name what ye have done saith he to one of my little ones that ye have done unto me the same ch v. 40. Q. Is the reward of these works a reward of Justice A. It is according to 2 Tim. ch 4. v. 8. I have fought a good fight saith S. Paul there is a crowne of Justice laid up for me which our Lord will render to mee at that day a just Iudge Q. VVhat other proofe have you A. Out of Heb. ch 6. v. 10. For God is not unjust that he should forget the worke and love which you have shewed in his Name who have ministred unto the Saints and do minister Q. How many be the Workes of Mercy Spirituall A. Seven also 1. To give counsell to the doubtfull 2. To instruct the ignorant 3. To admonish sinners 4. To comfort the afflicted 5. To for give offences 6. To beare patiently the troublesome 7. To pray for the quicke and the dead Q. How prove you prayer for the dead A. First out of of the places above-cited for Purgatory Secondly out of 1 S. John ch 5. v. 16. He that knoweth his brother to sinne a sinne not unto death let him aske and life shall be given him not sinning to death i. by finall impenitence therefore it is lawfull to pray for all such as die penitent and confessing their sinnes And in 2 Mach. ch 12. we read It is therefore a wholesome and holy cogitation to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sinnes Q. How shew you these workes to be meritorious A. Out of Dan. ch 12. v. 2. They which instruct others unto Justice shall shine as starres for all eternity CHAP. XVI The eight Beatitudes Q. WHat are the eight Beatitudes A. The summe of them is 1. Poverty of spirit 2. Meeknesse 3. Mourning 4. To hunger and thirst after Justice 5. Mercifulnesse 6. Cleannesse of heart 7. To be Peace-makers 8. To suffer persecution for Justice sake See S. Mat. ch 5. Q. VVhence ariseth the necessity of suffering Persecution A. Because all that will live piously in Iesus Christ shall suffer Persecution CHAP. XVII The kinds of sinne explicated Q. WHy is it necessary for a Christian to know the natures and the kinds of sin A. That so he may detest them and avoid them Q. How many kinds of sinne be there A. Two kinds namely Originall and Actuall sin Q. What is Originall sin A. It is a privation of Originall Iustice which we inherit from our first Parent Adam and are all born in that privation or Originall sin Q. How prove you that A. Out of Rom. ch 5. v. 12. Therefore as by one man sin entred into the world and by sin death and so unto all men death did passe in whom all have sinned Q. What are the effects of Originall sinne A. Concupisence ignorance evill inclinations pronenesse to sin sicknesse and death Q. How is Originall sinne taken away A. By holy Baeptisme Q. Whither goe Infants which die without Baptisme A. To the upper part of hell where they indure the pain of losse though not of sense and shall never see the face of God Q. How prove you that A. Out of S. Iohn ch 3. v. 5. Vnlesse any one be borne againe of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdome of God Q. What is Actuall sinne A. It is a thought word or deed contrarie to the Law of God Q. What is a sin of Omission A. To omit any thing willingly which is commanded by God or by his Church Q. Why is Actuall sin so called A. Because the materiall part of it is commonly some voluntary act of ours Q. Is all sinne voluntary and deliberate A. It is speaking of Actuall sinne for no man sinneth in doing that which is not in his power to avoid Q. VVhat other proofe have you A. Because the whole Gospell of Christ is nothing else but an Exhortation to doe good and avoid evill then which nothing were more vaine if it be not in the free election and power of man as assisted by Gods grace to do or not to do such things Q. What Scripture have you for that A. Out of Gen. ch 4. v. 7. If thou doe well shalt not thou receive again But if thou dost ill shall not thy sinne be forthwith present at the doore but the desire thereof of sin shall be under thee and thou shalt have dominion over it Q. What besides A. Out of Deut. ch 30. v. 19. 20. I call to witnesse this day heaven and earth saith our Lord that I have proposed to thee life and death blessing and cursing choose therefore life that thou maist live Q. What other yet A. Out of 1 Cor. ch 7. v. 37.