and the benefits which we receiue thereby Q. What is the outward part or signe of the Lords Supper A. Bread and Wine which the Lord hath commanded to be receiued Q. What is the inward part or thing signified A. The Body Blood of Christ which are verely and indeed taken and receiued of the faithfull in the Lords Supper Q. What are the benefits wherof we are partakers thereby A. The strengthening and refreshing of our soules by the Body and Blood of Christ as our bodies are by the Bread and Wine Q. What is required of them which come to the Lords Supper A. To examine themselues whether they repent them truely of their former sinnes stedfastly purposing to leade a new life haue a liuely faith in Gods mercy through Christ with a thankefull remembrance of his death and bee in charitie with all men Q. Wherein standeth true Repentance A. In three things First in knowledge and acknowledgement of our sinnes past Secondly Prou. 28.19 Iere. 3.25 Luke 13. Psal 51.17 Math. 5.4 2 Cor. 7.11 in godly sorrow and griefe of heart for them Thirdly in a godly purpose to forsake all sinne and to leade a new life for all time to come Q. What is faith A. Hebr. 11.1 Rom. 8.30 Iohn 6.47 Rom. 16.14 Acts 16.14 It is a certaine perswasion of the heart wrought by the spirit of God grounded vpon his promises that all my sinnes are forgiuen mee in Christ Iesus Q. Wherein standeth true Christian loue A. In affection when it is the same towards our neighbour Math. 19.19 1 Iohn 3 17. Iam. 2.15 16 that it is towards our selues voyde of malice hatred and enuy and desirous of his good as of our owne And in action when wee are ready to doe good vnto others as vnto our selues and to kéepe away hurt as from our selues Q. What shall he doe that after examination findes not these things in himselfe A. He may not kéepe away from the Lords Supper for this were a pronoking of God to wrath neither can hee come vnto it Mat. 22. without offending in a higher degrée Q. What may a man doe then in this case A. Hee must humbly sue vnto God for the pardon of his sinnes Mat. 5.24 to strike his hard heart that hee may melt into teares for them and constantly cleaue to his Commaundements and if there be any dissention he must goe and be reconciled to his brother Q. What ought a man to doe at the Lords Supper A. 1 Cor. 11.23 He ought thankefully to remember the inward graces of God towards him by séeing the outward signes Q. What are these graces A. They are three Q. Which is the first A. The Lords giuing of his Son Iesus Christ to death for vs set forth by the Ministers taking of the Bread and Wine Ioh 3.16 breaking and powring out and offering them to vs all Q. Which is the second A. Eph. 5.30 Our neere vnion vnto Christ and how we haue all our spirituall food from him set forth by our taking eating and inward digesting the Bread and Wine that become nourishment vnto vs and are vnited to the substance of our bodies Q. Which is the third A. The neare vnion that God hath made by Christ betwixt all the faithfull set forth by the same Bread Rom. 12.5 Gal. 3.28 being made of many graines of corne and by the same Wine made of many grapes Q. What is to bee done after the receiuing A. We must meditate of the couenant of new obedience renewed by this Sacrament that we may more carefully performe it and flie sinne and vice all the dayes of our life Godly Prayers A Morning Prayer for a priuate Family MOst mercifull God and heauenly Father wee giue thee hearty thankes for the sweet sleepe and comfortable rest which thou hast giuen vs this night past and for that thou hast commaunded by thy holy Word that no man should bee idle but alwayes occupied in godly and vertuous exercises euery man according to his calling wee most humbly beseech thee that thine eyes may attend vpon vs daily defend vs cherish comfort and gouerne vs and all our counsels studies and labours in such wise that we may spend and bestow this day and the residue of our whole life according to thy most blessed wil and pleasure setting thee alwayes before our eyes liuing in thy feare working that that may be found acceptable in thy sight hating wrong and louing iustice Also we beseech thee most merciful God to strengthen and keepe vs in the faith of thy Catholike Church kindle in vs the loue and light of thy holy spirit that we may walke godly and vertuously in this life die in the truth of thy word and liue with thee in euerlasting glory grant this most mercifull Father for thy deare Son Iesus Christ his sake in whose name we further pray as he hath taught vs saying Our Father which art c. An Euening prayer for a priuate Family ALmightie and euerliuing God wee giue thee most humble and heartie thanks that of thy free mercies thou hast preserued vs this day from all hurts and dangers vouchsafe also we most humbly beseech thee to keepe vs this night and euer hereafter to saue vs from all our enemies both bodily and ghostly giue our bodies quietnesse and sleepe but let our minds and soules continually watch vnto thee thinke on thee and thy holy Law that when the cheerefull light of the day shall appeare we being whole in body and soule may ioyfully rise againe bee thankfull vnto thee and diligently walke in our vocations to our comforts the glory of thy blessed name through Iesus Christ our Lord. Amen A Prayer before the receiuing of the holy Communion O Most mercifull God and heauenly Father I miserable and wretched sinner acknowledge and confesse that I am not worthy the least of all thy mercies and most vnworthy to receiue thee vnder the roofe of my soule by participating of thy most blessed body bloud for horrible and infinite are the sinnes wherewith I am defiled therfore the very entrals of my heart are troubled and my bones doe shake because I finde my soule a most vnworthy ghest for so heauenly a supper But thou camst not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance and I know and doe constantly beleeue that notwithstanding my sins thou canst make me cleane and worthy and forgiue me my sins and through thy power and mercy I beseech thee grant thy grace vnto mee a sinner that I may worthily approach to this heauenly Sacrament Giue me grace before I presume to come to the receiuing hereof I may examine my selfe call my sinnes to minde and by vnfained and hearty repentance return vnto thee my Lord make mee with heauie sobs to confesse my sinnes and pardon all my offences accept me into thy fauour cleanse me from my wickednes and forgiue me all my sinnes Also graunt that receiuing this
MAYERS CATECHISME ABRIDGED OR The A.B.C. inlarged With many necessary Questions fitted vnto it for the benefit of all that desire to teach or learne it effectually A dutie to which all wee of the Church of England are bound it being generally appointed by Authoritie The second Edition made more compleat and perfect by the Author LONDON Printed by A. M. for I. M. and are to be sold by Iohn Grismand at his shop in Pauls Alley at the Signe of the Gun 1623. The Epistle to the Reader COurteous Reader loe here I offer vnto thee the second time the Briefe of my larger Tract Thou hast beene once abused by the temeritie and indiscretion of the Stationer offering thee the English Teacher a title none of mine and an imperfect confused Chaos of Questions and Answers whereof I was much ashamed To amend this fault and to satisfie the longing desire of many I haue done that which here thou seest And I doe now assure thee of a perfect Catechisme containing the substance both of Text and Comment compleat wherein is both milke for Babes and stronger meate for such as haue attained more growth in knowledge The milke is in a greater Character which if you please may be first learned thorow the stronger meate is in a character somwhat lesser Read consider and vse all according to thy discretion but be sure to vse it or some like vnto it for the common good of Vniformitie and Order and the God of Order graunt that wee may so lay the foundation of the light of truth here as that wee may attaine the light of glorie heereafter A Prayer to bee vsed before the reading of Bookes of Pietie or Instruction O God that art the Father of Lights enlighten my darkned vnderstanding that I may see into the wonders contained in the Law Dispell in me the mistie clouds of ignorance expell the loue of darknesse and repell the rebellious Law of sinne Sanctifie my wit that I may bee able to retaine and rectifie my will that I may obediently submit my selfe to thy good will in all things Thou which art the Master-builder of thine owne house settle me as one of thy liuing stones vpon the right foundation Iesus Christ in whom I may daily grow vp till that all the building coupled together groweth to an holy Temple in the Lord. And this I craue in the name of thy deare Son my most blessed Sauiour and Redeemer Amen MAYERS CATECHISME ABRIDGED OR The A. B. C. Inlarged Question WHat is your name Answer F. or E. Q. Why doth the Catechisme begin with this question touching your name A. Because the name doth serue to put vs in minde of our Christian profession to which we betake our selues in Baptisme Q. Who gaue you this name A. My godfathers and my godmothers in my Baptisme wherein I was made a member of Christ a child of God and an inheritor of the Kingdome of Heauen Q. Is Baptisme of that vertue that by the outward washing thereof eueryone is made a member of Christ the child of God and inheritor of the Kingdome of Heauen A. Ioh. 3.5 No for vnlesse a man bee borne againe of water and the holy Ghost he cannot enter into the Kingdome of Heauen Q. Why then sayst thou that by Baptisme thou art made a member of Christ A. Because baptisme is the Sacrament of regeneration and therefore we may rightly say that wee are thereby Sacramentally made the members of Christ and the children of God and in the iudgement of Charity hold the same touching all others that are baptized Q. What did your godfathers and godmothers then for you A. They did promise and vow thrée things in my name First that I should forsake the Deuill and all his workes and pomps the vanities of this wicked world and all the sinfull lusts of the flesh Secondly that I should beléeue all the articles of the Christian faith And thirdly that I should kéepe gods holy Will and Commandements and walke in the same all the dayes of my life Q. VVhat need is there that any should stand thus to promise for children in their Baptisme A. There is great need for the more assurance of the Church into which the childe is by baptisme admitted Q. How is the Church the more assured thus A. Because hee is not onely bound in duty now but also by vow solemnly made before all the congregation Q. Dost thou thinke then that thou art bound to doe as thy godfathers and godmothers promised for thée A. Yes verily and by Gods helpe so I will And I heartily thanke our heauenly Father that he hath called me to this state of saluation through Iesus Christ our Sauiour And I pray God to giue me his grace that I may continue in the same vnto my liues end Q. Thou saydst that thou were bound by vow in baptisme to beléeue all the Articles of the Christian faith let me therefore heare thée rehearse these Articles A. I beléeue in God the Father Almighty Maker of heauen and earth And in Iesus Christ his only Sonne our Lord which was conceiued by the holy Ghost borne of the Virgin Mary suffered vnder Ponce Pilate was crucified dead and buried he descended into hell The third day he rose againe from the dead He ascended into heauen and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty From thence hée shall come to iudge the quicke and the dead I beléeue in the holy Ghost The holy Catholike Church The communion of Saints the forgiuenesse of sinnes The resurrection of the body And the life euerlasting Amen Q. What dost thou chiefly learne in these Articles of thy beliefe A. First I learne to beléeue in God the Father who hath made me and all the world Secondly in God the Sonne who hath redéemed mée and all mankind Thirdly in God the holy Ghost who sanctifieth mée and all the elect people of God Q. How knowest thou that there is a God A. Many waies Rom. 2.15 1. Cor. 2.11 but chiefly by mine owne conscience accusing me for secret sinnes Q. How doth this proue that there is a God A. It proueth an infinite wisdome that knowes the most secret thoughts of the heart such as is neither man deuill nor Angell but God alone Q. How many Gods be there 1. Cor. 8.6 Deut. 4.39 A. But one onely true God the rest are Idols set vp by man Q. What is God A. God is a Spirit Exod. 3.14 Ioh. 2.24 Ier. 2.24 Psal 139.8 infinite most holy onely wise most merciful iust and Almighty of whose dayes there is no beginning nor end Q. Into how many Persons is the God-head destinguished A. Into thrée the Father Son and holy Ghost Q. If in the God-head there bée thrée persons and euery one be God how say you then that there is but one God A. 1. Ioh. 5.7 There is but one onely Essence one Infinite power and one Eternity Q. In which words learne you to beléeue in
God the Father A. In these words I beléeue in God the Father Almighty Maker of heauen and earth Q. Declare more fully the faith comprehended in this Article A. Iam. 1.18 1. Ioh. 3.9 Gen. 17.1 Reu. 1.8 Psal 104. Iob 39. c. 40 I learne to beléeue that God is my Father able to doe al things the Creator of the whole world and the Lord and Gouernour of the same Q. Thou saidst that thou didst learne to beléeue in God the Sonne which redéemed thée all mankind what did God the Sonne for the redemption of mankind A. Two things first hee was humbled secondly he was exalted Q. wherein standeth his humiliation A. In thrée degrées Q. Which is the first degrée A. First he was made man Math. 1. Luke 1.2 Esa 7.14 for he was conceiued by the holy Ghost and borne of the Virgin Mary Q. How can this be that God should be made man A. Not by turning the Godhead into the nature of man but by taking mans nature vnto the Godhead that so one person might bee both God and Man Q. Which is the second degree A. He suffered the death of the Crosse for my sinnes for he suffered vnder Pontius Pilate was crucified dead and buried Q. What neede was there that the Sonne of God should thus abase himselfe for vs A. Great need on our part who could not be deliuered by Angels 1 Iohn 1.7 1 Pet. 1.8 or by earthly Treasures but onely by his blood Q. Doth sinne deserue so ill that we could not by other meanes be deliuered here from but by the death of the Sonne of God A. Yes it deserues the infinite curse of the Law Deu. 27.28 Rom. 6.23 that is all iudgements in this world and euerlasting damnation in the world to come Q. If hee must néeds be made fit to beare the curse why did hee not take some other nature more excellent vnto him A. Man onely had sinned and it was most agréeable to the Iustice of God to receiue the payment of the debt of sin in the same nature which committed it Q. How came it to be thus with vs men were we made sinners A. Gen. 1.27 Eccles 7.31 Genes 3. Rom. 5. No God at the first made man righteous but by yéelding to the deuils temptation hee made himselfe a sinner Q. Wherein did man yéeld to the temptation of the deuill A. In eating of the forbidden fruit and not contenting himselfe with all other fruits of which the Lord had allowed him to eate Q. Was God so angry that hée would curse man for eating an apple or figge or such like A. That was not the matter of Gods anger but his vnthankfulnesse pride disobedience and crediting rather the deuill then God Q. But though one man did thus yet all did not are we all then sinners and vnder the curse A. We were all in his loynes and so whatsoeuer he did and what estate he fell into it is Common to vs all Q. It séemes then that we are sinners so soone as we are borne before that we haue actually done either good or euill A. Yes verily the child that is but new borne yea but conceiued Psal 51.5 Rom. 5.12 and liuing in his Mothers wombe is a sinner and néedeth Gods grace Q. But as we are all sinners are we all againe deliuered without exception because thou sayst that hee hath redeemed all mankinde A. He hath payde a price sufficient to redeeme all neither doth hee exclude any from the benefit thereof but onely such as exclude themselues Q. Who are they A. All vnbeleeuers or such as though they beare themselues vpon their faith liue according to the flesh and not according the Spirit Q. Which is the third degrée of his humiliation A. Eph. 4.9 1. Pet. 3.19 Psal 16 30. He descended into hell that I might be deliuered from hell and euerlasting death Q. Js this all the humiliation of the Sonne of God for our redemption did hee no way else abase himselfe for vs A. Yes he became obedient to the Law also Gal. 4.4 1. Cor. 1 30. Rom. 8.3 that by his obedience and righteousnesse wee might stand perfectly righteous in the sight of God Q. Wherein standeth his exaltation Ans In foure degrées Question Which is the first degrée A. First the third day he rose againe from the dead Q. Which is the second A. Secondly he ascended vp into heauen Q. Which is the third Ans Thirdly hée sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Allmighty Q. What is meant by this A. That hée hath all honour power and authority in heauen and in earth together with God the Father Quest Which is the fourth degrée Answ Fourthly from thence he shall come to Iudge the quicke and the dead Q. Thou saydst that thou didst chiefly learne in the Articles of thy faith to beléeue in God the Father so that it seemeth there is somewhat more yet to hée learned by these Articles what is that A. I beléeue the holy Catholike Church the communion of Saints the forgiuenesse of sinner the resurrection of the body and the life euerlasting Q. What is this Church A. The whole company of the faithfull called out from the rest of the world by the preaching of the Gospell Q. Why is this Church called Holy A. Rom. 1.7 1. Pet. 3.9 Eph. 2.19 1. Ioh. 3.3 Phil. 3.14 15 Because it is sanctified and washed by water and the holy Ghost striueth against all sinne and to be holy as God is holy Q. Why is it called Catholike A. Pro. 7. Acts 2.5 1. Tim. 2.1 Because it consisteth of persons of all sorts scattered all ouer the world and of al times and ages Qu. How may a man certainely know where this Church of God is A. Acts 2.41.47 Esay 8.20 By these two speciall marks holinesse taught and professed and antiquity when they goe together Q. Is not the Church of Rome then the true Church of God seeing it exceeds in holinesse and is most ancient A. No it was a true Church indeed in the Apostles times and many yeares after but now it is neither holy for great vncleannesse is there maintained nor ancient for the ancient Religion is defaced with grosse errours and superstitions Q. Where then may we finde the true Church A. In England and in all other places where these corruptions are done away and Religion is restored to the first purity Q. How can this be seeing the Religion here professed is but as it were of yesterday and neuer heard of before Luther and Caluin A. This is a meere slander for there was neuer any age since the Apostles wherein there haue not beene some standing to the maintenance hereof against Romish corruptions Q. How happened it then that the Church of Rome still preuailed and was generally accounted for Christs true Church and those oppugners were neuer of any esteeme A. By the greatnesse and tyranny of the Roman Bishops whose chiefe
thy Sacrament I may put off the old man which is corruption according to the lusts of errour and be renewed in the spirit of my mind and put on the new man which after God is created in righteousnes holinesse of truth and though by nature I cannot liue without spots of sinne yet so blesse me that I may neuer willingly offend thee but altogether depend vpon thy goodnes and as a true penitent sinner repenting of my sinnes I may approach to thy heauenly Supper Grant mercifull Father that I may alwayes worthily receiue this blessed Sacrament memoriall of thy death according to thy holy ordinance that it may increase in me all goodnes Be thou the buckler and perpetual defence of my soule and body that I may come vnto thy kingdome where I shall behold thee face to face whither Lord for thy mercies sake bring me Amen A Thankesgiuing after the receiuing of the holy Communion ALmighty God which hast vouchsafed spiritually to giue me these holy mysteries of thy body and bloud mortifie whatsoeuer is euil in me and garnish me with thy graces and vertues renew my spirit my soule and my body with thy excellent grace frame me after thy owne hearts desire and grant that I may think speak doe and desire all things that may please thee purge my conscience from dead works to serue thee the liuing God I thank thee with all reuerence of mind for bidding mee a miserable sinner vnto the participation of thy holy Supper and the receiuing of all celestial riches wherby thou bestowest on me particularly all the merits and good things which by thy death thou hast purchased for mee that I may be a partaker and fellow heyre of eternall blessednes Raise vp in me by this blessed Sacrament a continuall remembrance of thy bitter passion make mee retaine it in my mind as a sufficien ransome of my Redemption let mee neuer doubt of the forgiuenesse of my sins and as often as Sathan assayleth mee with his deadly temptations giue me grace to run to this Sanctuary as to a strong armor of defence so that no tribulation anguish persecution life nor death separate mee from Christ my Head whereupon being made fast by thy holy Sacrament receiued I as a liuing member depend and let mee know that I am fed and refreshed by thy body and precious blood that washed therewith I giue not my selfe hereafter to carnall pleasures but liue in all sinceritie and truth as it becometh those that eat af the immaculat Paschall Lamb. Giue me grace that laying aside all maliciousnesse and enuy I may forgiue euery one as thou hast forgiuen me giue mee grace that participating of the bread of eternall life I may bee replenished with the fruition of thy blessed sight in thy celestiall Paradise for euer and at my resurrection from death appoynt mee a place O mercifull Lord at thy heauenly Table where I may taste the new wine in the kingdome of thy Father abiding with thine elect Angels blessed Saints for euermore Amen Grace before Meat O Lord blesse vnto our vse thy Creatures at this time prouided for our sustenance that being preserued hereby and comforted wee may doe thee more laudible seruice vnto thy glory who art the Authour of all good vnto vs through Iesus Christ our Lord. Amen Grace after Meate COntinuall praise be vnto thee O Lord who doest continually prouide so graciously for the feeding of our feeble bodies Leade vs heereby to a taste of our spirituall food so that by the helpe of both wee may growe vp in thy seruice both in body and soule till at the last we attaine thy heauenly kingdome and be for euer glorified both in soule and body through Christ our Lord Amen Grace before Meat O GOD who hast iustly cursed the earth and all things therein for the sinne of man pardon our sinnes turne away thy curse vouchsafe thy blessing vpon these thy gifts which we are now to receiue that we vsing them with temperance and thankfulnesse may obtaine by them refreshing and nourishment through Iesus Christ our Lord. Amen Grace after Meat MErcifull Father who neuer ceasest to doe good vnto vs though we neuer cease offending thee and now more especially hast renewed thy bountie in feeding vs with thy blessings Let not the common fruition of thy benefites make vs commonly or lightly to esteeme of them neither when we are fed let vs wax wanton against thee abusing our strength to the seruice of sinne But let thy perseuerance in goodnesse worke in vs perseuerance in all dutifull obedience to our liues end through Iesus Christ our Lord. Amen FINIS