A. Of the Tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil thou shalt not eat Gen. 2.17 Q. Did he notwithstanding eat of it A. He did eat Gen. 3.6 Q. Were many the worse for this fault of one A. By one mans disobedience many were made Sinners Rom. 5.19 Q. What evil came upon all men hereby A. By the offence of one judgment came upon all men to Condemmation Rom. 5. 18. Q. Shall all men then being thus condemn'd everlastingly perish A. There is no Condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus Rom. 8.1 § 3. Of Christ Q. VVHo is this Jesus A. Jesus is the Son of God 1 Joh. 5.5 Q. And was he sent to be our Saviour A. The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the World 1 Joh. 4.14 Q. And did he accordingly come to save us A. Jesus Christ came into the world to save Sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 Q. After what manner did he come into the world A. He took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men Phil. 2.7 Q. Is he not true God A. He is the true God 1 Joh. 5.20 Q. Being true God how was he made in the likeness of men A. Being made of a woman Gal. 4.4 Q. What was this woman A. A Virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph Luk. 1.27 Q. And what was the Virgin 's Name A. The Virgins Name was Mary Luk. 1.27 Q. Being a Virgin how came she to be with child A. By the Holy Ghost Mat. 1.18 Q. And where was he Born of her A. Jesus was born in Bethlehem Mat. 2.1 Q. What was this Bethlehem A. The City of David Luk. 2.11 Q. Being thus made man what did he for mans Salvation A. He humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross Phil. 2.8 Q. What was done to him after his death A. He was buried 1 Cor. 15.4 Q. But did he not rise again A. He rose again the third day 1 Cor. 15.4 Q. And whether did he then go A. He was received up into Heaven and sate on the right hand of God Mark 16.19 Q. What mean you by his sitting on the right hand of God A. God hath highly exalted him Phil. 2.9 Q. What power hath he given him A. All Power is given to him in Heaven and in Earth Mat. 28.18 Q. Is he then fully able to save lost Sinners A. He is able to save them to the uttermost that come to God by him Heb. 7.25 Q. And is there no Salvation in any other A. Neither is there Salvation in any other Acts 4.12 Q. Who shall be saved by him A. He that Believeth and is Baptized shall be sased but he that Believeth not shall be damned Mark 16.16 § 4. Of Duties Q. IF Believing be so necessary to Salvation tell me how we must come by this Faith A. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God Rom. 10.17 Q. What call you the word of God A. The Holy Scriptures which are able to make me wise to Salvation 2 Tim. 3.15 Q. Is Baptism ordinarily necessary to Salvation A. Except a man be born of Water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God Joh. 3.5 Q. What mean you by being born of water and the Spirit A. The washing of Regeneration and the renewing of the Holy ghost Tit. 2.5 Q. Does the promise of the Holy ghost which is the ground of Baptism belong to us that believe only or to our children also A. The promise is to you and to your children Acts 2.39 Q. In whose name is baptism to be administred A. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Mat. 28.19 Q. How should we walk who have been baptized A. We should walk in newness of life Rom 6.4 Q. How should we walk in newness of life A. Denying ungodliness and worldly Lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world Tit. 2.12 Q. That we may so live here then as that we may enter into life eternal in the end what must we do A. Keep the Commandments Mat. 19.17 Q. VVhich is the first and great Commandment of the Law A. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy Soul and with all thy mind Mat. 22.37 Q. VVhich is the second that is like to it A. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Mat. 22.39 Q. But what need is there of our Obedience Did not Christ by his sufferings become the Saviour of all Sinners A. He became the Author of eternal Salvation to all them that obey him Heb. 5.9 Q. VVhat hath he in his Gospel said to us to engage our Obedience unto him A If ye love me keep my Commandments Joh. 14 15. Q. VVhat special Commandment hath he given us A. To love one another 1 Joh. 3.23 Q. And what charge hath he given us concerning our enemies A. Love your Enemies do good to them that hate you Luk. 6.27 Q. What must he do that will become Christs Disciple indeed A. Deny himself and take up his Cross daily and follow Him Luk. 9.23 Q. And what hath he said to encourage us to his Service A. Where I am there shall also my Servant be and if any man serve me him will my Father honour Joh. 12.26 Q. Besides Baptism for our admission into the Church what are we enjoyn'd for our holding Communion with the Church A. To eat the Lord's Supper 1 Cor. 11.20 Q. VVhat charge hath Christ given us concerning this A. This do in remembrance of me 1 Cor. 11.24 Q. Do not we hereby shew forth the Death of Christ A. As oft as ye eat this Bread and drink this Cup ye do shew the Lord's Death till he come Cor 1.11.26 Q. That a man may rightly receive this Holy Supper what must he do A. Let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that Bread and drink of that Cup 1 Cor. 11.28 § 5. Of Priviledges Q. VVHAT special Benefits have we by Christ upon Believing A. Being justify'd by Faith we have peace with God Rom. 5.1 Q. But when we have offended God what must we do that our sins may be forgiven us A. Repent and be converted Acts 3.19 Q. But what hath our Saviour said shall become of us if we repent not A. Except ye Repent ye shall all perish Luk. 13.3 Q. VVhat other Benefits besides Remission of Sins do we receive by Christ A. The Adoption of Sons Gal. 4 5. Q. And what do we receive hereupon A. The Spirit of Adoption whereby we cry Abba Father Rom. 8.15 Q. And does God hear our prayers A. If we ask any thing according to his Will he heareth us 1 Joh. 5.14 Q. That you may obtain all good things then at his hand what must you do A. Watch and pray Mat 26.4 Q. That having done all these things you may not fall short of eternal life what must you
neglect no known Duty that thou may'st be able to say with St. Paul herein do I exercise my self to have alwaies a conscience void of off ence Act. 24.16 hoth toward God and toward men And that thou mayst proceed in this path of Piety with more pleasure I have furnisht out a short Banquet for thy Entertainment with Holy Delight in a brief Collection of some few pieces of Divine Poems which may serve to imbellish the memory and delight the mind Having thus begun and proceeded Heb. 6.4 endeavour to go on to Perfection Not to go forward still in Gods way is to go backward The path of the just is as the shining light Prov. 4.18 that shineth more and more unto the perfect day To this end daily read the Holy Scriptures wherein God has revealed his will to man unfolded the mysteries of Grace and made plain before us the path to eternal Life and Glory This is God's Book and therefore to be read with Reverence and preferr'd before all other Writings in the world On the Lord's Day especially spend some time in reading God's word And when thou takest this Blessed Book into thy hand lift up thy heart to Heaven and pray for the Illumination of the Spirit Eph. 1.17 18. Act. 8.30 that thou mayst understand what thou readest Meditate on what thou hast read and heard and endeavour to turn it into practice and improve it to thy comfort and joy in the hope of glory And thus I have shew'd thee the Way to Heaven a plain path to an eternal Paradise If thou lovest thy soul delay not to enter into it and walk in it Doubtless there are thousands of young people who sometimes resolved to repent and lead new lives but being loath so soon to leave off the Pleasures of sin alas they were surpriz'd with Death and must now suffer eternall pains in Hell Be warn'd be wise be good betimes and be happy for ever Assure thy self by setting with seriousness upon the Practice of true Pietie thou shalt not loose the pleasures of life but exchange them for purer and sweeter So much joy springs up in a truly pious Soul in the sense of God's Favour and in the hopes of Heaven that it far exceeds all the Pleasures and Delights of this world and the delight of well-doing surpasses the pleasures of sin Heb. 11.25 Prov. 14.9 10.23 Psal 40.8 Eccl. 7.6 that are but for a season They are Fools that make a mock and sport of sin but 't is the speech of a serious Saint I delight to do thy will O my God! yea thy Law is within my heart The laughter of a fool and such is the Sinner that laughs while he stands on the brink of Hell and Destruction is but as the crackling of thorns under apot 't is but a flash of vain mirth which will end in bitter pangs of long-abiding Sorrow What reason has he to laugh here that shall weep and mourn in Hell But the joy of a good man is as the Day-break of eternal Bliss Psal 34.8 1 Pet. 2 3. Oh taste and see then that the LORD is good and gracious He that may freely drink pure wine will never be persuaded to quench his thirst with puddle-water He that pursues the pleasures of Lust and sin seeks to quench his thirst at a vile puddle when in the Practice of true Piety he might daily drink of the wine of Paradise Such are those holy Comforts and Joys which spring up in a pious Soul in communion with God and Christ Certainly a Holy life is the happiest life of man on earth and the certain way to everlasting happiness in Heaven Thus live then and when thou diest be happy for ever Jude v. 24 25. Now unto him that is able to keep thee from falling and to present thee faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy to the onely wise God our Saviour be Glory and Majesty Dominion and power both now and ever Amen The TITLES of the several TRACTS or PARTS of this Book I. A brief Compendium of Scripture-Catechism exhibiting the first principles of the Oracles of God II. The Scripture-Monitor declaring the duties of Children and Servants III. A Catechism for Communicants for the Instruction of those who are to receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper IV. Self-Examination shewing the Qualification of a worthy Communicant V. Christian Devotion in Forms of Prayer and praise for Children and Servants VI. Christian Conversation or directions for leading a good Life VII Apples of Gold in Pictures of Silver or some choice Pieces of Divine Poesie for the Vse and Delight of young people A Brief Compendium of Scripture-Catechism Exhibiting The first PRINCIPLES of the OR ACLES of GOD * Heb. 5.12 § 1. Of God Q. WHAT must you do that you may be happy for ever A. Know God and serve him 1 Chron. 28.9 Q. What is God A. God is a Spirit and the Father of Spirits John 4.24 with Heb. 12.9 Q. But what is he for Excellency and Dominion A. The King eternal immortal invisible the onely wise God 1 Tim. 1.17 Q. Are there more Gods than One A. There is but one God 1 Cor. 8.6 Q. But how many Persons are there in the Godhead A. There are three 1 Joh. 5.7 Q. By what names are they called A. The Father the Son and the Holy Ghost Mat. 28.19 Q. Are these three but one God A. These Three are one 1 Joh. 5.7 Q. By what name hath this one true God manifested himself to men A. By the name of God Almighty Exo. 6.3 Q. Is he not as well Merciful as Mighty A. The LORD is Merciful and Gracious Psal 103.8 Q. What is he for Counsel and Execution A. Great in Counsel and Mighty in work Jer. 32.19 Q. What great work hath God done A. God made the World and all things therein Acts 17.24 Q. Is he then Lord of all A. He is Lord of Heaven and Earth Acts 17.24 Q. And doth he govern all as King A. His Kingdom ruleth over all Psal 103.19 Q. Is it he then that hath made us and all men A. It is he that hath made us and not we our selves Ps 100.3 Q. And are we all sustain'd in life by him A. In him we live and move and have our being Acts 17.28 Q. And doth he give us all we have A. He giveth to all Life and Breath and all things Acts 17.25 § 2. Of Man Q. OF what did God at first form man A. The LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground Gen. 2.7 Q. In what likeness did he make him A. God created man in his own Image Gen. 1.27 Q. Wherein was man made like to God A. In Knowledge Righteousness and true Holiness Col. 3.10 with Eph. 4.24 Q. When God had thus made man where did he put him A. Into the Garden of Eden Gen. 2.15 Q. And what Charge and Command did he give him
a Sacrament of our New Birth and the Lord's Supper of our spiritual Nourishment and growth in Grace Q. How oft must we receive these Sacraments A. Baptism but once the Lord's Supper often for we can be but once born but must be oft fed Q. What must we consider in the Sacraments A. The outward Signs the Things thereby signify'd and the spiritual Benefits thereof Q. VVhat is the outward Sign in Baptism A. Water Joh. 3.23 Acts 8.36 38. Ezek. 36.25 26. Q. VVhat doth the VVater in Baptism signify A. The renewing Grace and purifying Virtue of the Spirit of God Q. What doth the washing of the Body with water signifie A. Acts 22.16 The cleansing of the Soul from Sin Q. VVhat is the Spiritual Benefit of Baptism A. A Regeneration Joh. 3.5 or a New Birth Q. VVhat mean you by Regeneration or the New Birth A. A Change of our Nature Tit. 3.5 1 Cor. 6.11 which being depraved by Sin is therein renew'd by the Spirit of God Q. How is Baptism to be administred and by whom A. Mat. 28.19 By the Ministers of Christ in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q. VVho are to be Baptiz'd A. Acts 2.38 39. Converts to the Christian Religion and the Children of Christians Q. To what are we bound by our Baptism A. Rom. 6.3 13. To forsake our Sins believe in Christ and lead our Lives according to the Laws of God and Rules of the Gospel Q. Wherein stands the Lord's Supper and how is it to be celebrated A. Mat. 26.26 27. Luk. 22.19 20. In a solemn blessing breaking and cating of Bread and Drinking of Wine with Thanksgiving in Remembrance of Christ Q. VVhat is the Intent and Meaning of this A. 1 Cor. 11.28 The setting forth of the Death and sufferings of Christ whose Body was broken on the Cross and his Bloud shed for our Sins Q. VVhat are the outward Signs in the Lord's Supper A. Bread and Wine Mat. 26.26 27.28 Q. What do this signifie A. The Body and Bloud of Christ Q. Hath Jesus Christ a true Body A. Yes Phil. 3.21 the same Body which was crucified on Earth is glorified in Heaven Q. Luk 22.19 20. 24.39 Is the Bread in the Sacrament the very Body of Christ and the Wine his Bloud A. No they are but the signs of his Body and Bloud and Pledges of the Benefits we receive thereby 1 Cor. 10.16 Q. What doth the breaking of the Bread signifie 1 Cor. 11.24 Gal. 3.1 A. The breaking of Christ's Body in his Crucifixion Q. What doth the Minister's giving the Bread and Wine to the Communicants represent A. Christ's giving himself Luk. 22 19. with the Benefits of his Body and Bloud to Believers Q. VVhat doth the receiving eating and drunking signifie A. Our receiving and applying of Christ Joh. 5.12 6.48 58. and his Benefits to our selves by Faith Q. What are the Benefits of this Holy Supper A. Mat. 26.28 Remission of Sins and Ratification of the New Testament Q. What mean you by the New Testament A. Heb. 8.6 9.15 16. The Covenant of Grace under the Evangelical Administration which is now establisht as the last Will and Testament of Jefus Christ whereby he hath bequeath'd unto us an eternal Inheritance Q. What follows upon the Ratification of it A. Heb. 8.8 9.10 An assured Right to all the Blessings of the Covenant with a renewed Obligation to Obedience for herein Christ gives himself with all the Benefits of his Death to me and I give my self up to serve him all the Daies of my life Q. How must you receive this Sacrament A. Heb. 12.22 29. With great Reverence and Devotion in Remembrance of Christ crucified who is herein lively set forth before mine eies 1 Cor. 11.24 25. Gal. 3.1 as broken bleeding dying on the Cross Q. But that you may be meet to receive it and partake of the Benefits thereof what must you do A. I must examine my self 1 Cor. 11.28 concerning my spiritual State Q. Herein what must you chiefly inquire after A Whether I consent to the Covenant of Grace lead my life according to the Law of God and obey the Commands of the Gospel Q. Jer. 31.33 with Heb 8.10 What is the Tenour of the Covenant of Grace A. I will be their God and they shall be my people Q. What does the Law of God require of you A. Exod. 20.2 3 8 12. To acknowledge the true God and worship him alone as God to fanctifie the Sabbath and honour my Parents Q. And what does it forbid A. Idolatry Exod. 20.4 5 7 13 17. and Abuse of God's Name Murder Adultery Thest Lying and coveting what is another man's Q. What does God in the Gospel require of you A. Mark 1.15 1 Joh. 3.23 2 Pet. 1.7 Repentance and Faith Brotherly Love and Charity Q. In examining your self concerning these Evangelical Graces what must you inquire A. 2 Cor. 7.10 11. Whether I am heartily sorry for all my sins and stedfastly resolved to lead a new Life Gal 3.21 22. Rom. 15.12 Acts 16.31 1 Pet. 1.22 4.8 whether I stedfastly believe the Promises of the Gospel and put my whole Trust in Christ for my Salvation whether I unfeignedly love the Children of God as my Brethren in Christ and am in Charity with all men Q. But wherein must you exercise this Charity A. Mat. 5.44 6.14 15. Rom. 12.20 21. Epb. 4.28 Gal. 6.10 In loving mine Enemies in forgiving of Wrongs in doing Good against Evil in releiving according to my Ability them that are in want and doing Good as I have opportunity to all men Q. But why are these Graces of Faith and Brotherly Love and Charity especially required for the right receiving of the Lord's Supper A. Mat. 26.28 Luk. 24.47 Mat. 18.34 6.14 Because the Bloud of Christ is therein exhibited for the Remission of Sins and without Repentance there is no Remission and if we do not from our Hearts for give them that have trespassed against us which is an Act of Christian Charity God will not forgive our Trespasses against him And lastly nothing can be more necessary than brotherly Love in the Lord's Supper which is a Feast of Loves and the Communion of Saints 1 Cor. 10.17 Gen. 43.16 wherein as the Brethren of Joseph with him we feast with our Elder Brother Jesus Q. When you have thus examin'd your self concerning your spiritual State what must you further do that you may rightly receive this Holy Supper A. 1 Pet. 5 6. I must cast my self down before God and with Sorrow in my Heart 1 Joh. 1.9 make an humble Confession of my Sins and earnestly implore Mercy in the free pardon of them in the Bloud of my Saviour 1 Thess 3.10 I must bewail my weaknesses and wants and earnestly
crave of God those Aids and Supplies of his Grace which may enable me to honour him by a Holy Obedience for the time to come I must put forth in my Soul the Acts of Faith Mat. 5.6 brotherly Love and Charity and stir up in my Heart hungring Desires after Christ and the Participation of his saving Benefits in his Holy Supper Q. Why must you thus examine and prepare your self before you come to the Lord's Supper A. Lest I should receive it unworthily Q. What is the Sin and Danger of unworthy receiving A. 1 Cor. 11.27 28. He that receiveth unworthily is guilty of the Body and Bloud of the Lord as the wicked Jews Acts 7.52 who were his Betrayers and Murderers and eateth and Drinketh * Gr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 render'd in the Marg. Judgment See v. 30 31 32. Judgment or Damnation to himself being for this Sin liable to temporal Afflictions yea to eternal Damnation in the just Judgment of God Q. When doth a man receive unworthily A. When he presumeth to come to the Lord's Table in the guilt of any known Sin unrepented of or wanting that Faith Love and Charity which are required in a worthy Receiver Q. If the Sin and Danger of unworthy Receiving be so great is it not safer to forbear than to come to the Lord's Table A. He that forbears to come to the Lord's Table incurs a greater guilt and Danger for to the guilt that would make him an unworthy Receiver Luk. 22.19 he adds the Contempt of Christ's Command and of the Benefits of his Bloud 1 Cor. 10.16 freely offer'd to him in this Holy Supper Q. What then must you do that you keep your self clear from this Guilt and safe from this Danger A. I must be very carefull and serious in examining my self and finding my self guilty 1 Cor. 11.28 31. I must judge and condemn my self that I may be graciously acquitted by the Lord and accepted as a worthy Receiver Q. If you rightly receive this Blessed Sacrament what Benefit shall you have thereby A. Mat. 26.28 God will seal to my Soul the Pardon of all my Sins in the Bloud of Christ with a Right to all the Blessings and Priviledges of the Covenant of Grace Q. If after you have received this Holy Sacrament you should return to your former sins what will your State and Condition be A. Luk. 22.20 Heb. 10.28 29. 2 Pet. 2.20 21 22. VVorse than before For I shall greatly provoke the wrath of God by the Breach of a solemn Covenant ratifi'd with the Bloud of Christ Q. How must you demean your self then after you have received A. 1 Joh. 5.18 Col. 2.6 7. I must carefully keep my self from Sin that Sin especially to which I am most inclin'd and humbly walk with God in the ways of Holiness Psal 18.23 being diligent in every good Duty Q. What will be the Issue of this Holy Course A. I shall at length see my Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ glorified in Heaven 1 Joh. 3.2 Joh. 17.22 24. who was Crucifiâ—d for me on Earth and shall for ever live and reign with him in Glory COL 11.6 7. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord so walk ye in Him rooted and built up in Him and established in the Faith as ye have been taught abounding therein with Thanksgiving If any by reason of the Weakness of their Memory or want of Ability to read cannot learn by Heart the fore-going Catechisin that they may not be kept from the Lord's Table nor come unprepar'd I have comprehended the most necessary things in the following Abridgment Let such then when they can repeat the Creed the ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer learn this Shorter Catechism But if they learn this onely at their first Admission they shall do well for an Increase of Knowledge to endeavour to learn the other also for their greater Benefit in their after-receiving A Shorter Catechism for the Younger Communicants Q. WHAT Religion is the onely sure way to Salvation A. The Christian Religion Q. What doth the Christian Religion comprehend A. Faith Obedience Prayer and Sacraments Q. What is the Sum of your Faith A. I believe in God the Father Almighty c. Q. What is the Rule of your Obedience A. The Law of God which is comprehended in Ten Commandments Q. Rehearse them A. God spake all these Words c. Exo. 20.1 17. Q. What is the Pattern of your Prayers A. The Lord's Prayer Q. Rehearse it A. Our Father which art in Heaven c. Mat. 6.9 13. Q. What are the Sacraments A. Seals of the Covenant of Grace Q. What is the Tenour of the Covenant of Grace A. I will be their God and they shall be my People Q. How many Sacraments are there A. Onely two Baptism and the Lord's Supper Q. Of what Vse are these to us A. By Baptism we enter into Covenant with God and renew it in the Lord's Supper Q. How else do they differ A. Baptism is a Sacrament of our New Birth the Lord's Supper of our Spiritual Nourishment and Growth in Grace Q. How oft must we receive them A. Baptism but once the Lord's Supper often for we can be but once born but must be oft fed Q. What must we consider in the Sacraments A. The outward Signs the Things thereby signifi'd and the spiritual Benefits thereof Q. What is the outward Sign in Baptism A. Water Q. What doth the water in Baptism signifie A. The Grace of God's Spirit Q. VVhat doth the washing of the Body with water signifie A. The cleansing of the Soul from Sin Q. VVhat is the Benefit of Baptism A. Regeneration or a New Birth Q. VVhat is Regeneration A. A Renewing of the Nature of man by the Spirit and Grace of God Q. In whose Name is Baptism to be Administred A. In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q. VVho are to be Baptiz'd A. Converts to the Christian Religion and the Children of Christians Q. To what are you bound by your Baptism A. To forsake my Sins believe in Christ and obey him Q. VVhat are the outward Signs in the Lord's Supper A. Bread and Wine Q. VVhat do they signifie A. The Body and Bloud of Christ Q. Hath Christ a true Body A. Yes the same Body which was crucified on Earth is glorified in Heaven Q. Is the Bread in the Sacrament the very Body of Christ and the Wine his Bloud A. No They are but the Signs of his Body and Bloud Q. What doth the breaking of the Bread signifie A. The Breaking of Christ's Body in his Crucifixion Q. What doth the Minister's giving of the Bread and Wine to the Communicants represent A. God's giving of Christ and His Benefits to Believers Q. What doth the receiving eating and Drinking signifie A. Our receiving and applying of Christ by Faith Q. What are the Benefits of this Holy Supper A. The