Political and Military Vertues but there are others which are proper to the Elect and Faithful as the Inward Sanctification and the certainty of our Adoption for because we are Sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our Hearts bearing witness with our Spirit that we are the Children of God and whereby we cry Abba Father Gall 4. Rom. 8. Q. Hath the Holy Ghost no other particular office towards the Faithful A. He comforts them in their afflictions and fills their Souls with a Joy ineffable and glorious and with a peace of God which passeth all understanding wherefore he is called eminently the Comforter St John 14 Q. Hath every faithful man a Spirit in particular A. By no means for though every one hath his proper gift of God and that there be divers diversities of gifts there is the same Spirit 1 Cor. 12. So that as it is the same God who created us and the same Saviour that redeemed us it is also the same Spirit that sanctifies us and who is the earnest of our Inheritance Eph. 1.4 Of the fourth part of the Apostles Creed Quest WHy do you say I believe the Church and not I believe in the Church as you â—ave said I believe in God and in Jesus Christ â—nd in the Holy Ghost A. Because we do not put our trust in the Church but only believe there is a Church â—nd that we have the happiness to be of her â—ommunion Q. What is the Church A. The word Church in general signifies an assembly convoked by living voice insomuch â—hat Acts 19. a seditious Assembly is called a Church but in its most excellent signification it is taken for the company of those that God hath elected to life everlasting whose names before the foundation of the world he hath written in the Book of Life It is thus that the Apostle takes it Heb. 12. Ye are come to the Assembly and Church of the first-born the Names whereof are written in Heaven Q. How many parts are there in this Church A. There are three the Triumphant Church the Militant Church and the Elect which are not yet called or are not yet born Q. What do you mean by the Triumphant Church A. The assembly of all the Saints that God hath taken up in his glory and who triumph in Heaven with the Angels of Light Q. And what do you mean by the Militant Church A. The Company of the faithful who fight on Earth under the banner of our Lord Jesus Christ and who make open profession of his Truth Q. Of what Church is it spoken of in the Creed A. It is principally spoken of the Church of the Elect against whom the gates of Hell shalâ— not prevail Mat. 16. but in some manner iâ— may be understood of the Church Militant oâ— Earth wherein is found not only those that Goâ— hath sanctified by his Spirit but also Hypocrites Q. But how can we say that we believe in thaâ— Church since we do not see it A. We see indeed the men that compose theiâ— Assemblies and their Sacraments but we don'â— see neither their Faith nor their Charity noâ— their interiour Sanctifiation and it is thaâ— which makes them to be true Members of the Church there is but God alone who knows those who are his and who can discern them from Hypocrites 2 Tim. 2. Q. Ought that Church to be called Catholick or Vniversal A. Yes because it reaches to all sorts of People and it is in that it differs from the Church of the Jews which was composed of one Nation only Q. Hath the word Church no other signification in the Scripture A. Sometimes it is taken for the Pastors and the Readers of the Church as when our Lord Jesus Christ says Mat. 18. tell it unto the Church sometimes for the Faithful which are committed to them as in Acts the 20. where St Paul saith unto the Bishops of Ephesus Feed the Church whom God hath purchased with his own Blood and sometimes for particular Assemblies made up as well of those who teach as of those who are taught it is in that sense it is spoken of the Church of Corinth of the Galathian Churches and of the Church of the Thessalonians Q. Who is the head of the Vniversal Church A. It is our Lord Jesus Christ himself for God hath given him to be the head over all things to the Church which is his Body the fulness of him that filleth all in all Eph. 1. Q Did not Jesus Christ establish on earth any â—ody to be in his stead A. When he left the World he sent his Spirit to abide with us for ever John 14. But he gave no Commission to any man to be his Vicar Universal and there is none that can be it Q. But did he order no body to be the leader of his Church A. For the Spiritual conduct of his Church he did order neither King nor Monarch nor any body that governs in their own way contrarily he said to his Apostles The Kings of the Gentiles exercise Lordships over them and they that exercise Authority upon them are called Benefactors but it shall not be so but he that is greatest among you let him be as the younger and he that is chief as he that doth serve Luke 22. Q. But did he give none to be Ministers A. St Paul teaches us Ephesians 4. that he being ascended above all Heavens he gave some to be Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying the body of Christ till we all come into the Unity of the Faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect Man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ Q. May particular Churches stile themselves Catholick or Vniversal Churches A. They may in some sort be called Catholicks because they make profession of the Christian Faith that ought to be spread throughout the Universe and that by reason of that profession they make part of the Catholick Church but there is not one of them that may usurp that name exclusively to the others for properly speaking universal and particular cannot become the same subject Q. Is there any one of their particular Churches which may pretend to domineer over the other A. By no means for they all alike and immediately depend on Jesus Christ the great Pastor and Bishop of our Souls Q. May one be saved out of the Church's Communion A. There is no Salvation out of the Universal Church but there is no particular Church out of which one may not be saved and there is such particular Church the Communion whereof must one renounce then to be saved Q. What difference is there between the particular Churches A. Some are pure and true in their Doctrine and others are impure and untrue Q. How can one know them A. In examining by the Word of God
A. Two one which is External and Corporal that is made in dipping in water or in pouring water on the head the other Interiour and Spiritual that is made by the virtue and operation of the holy Ghost Q. What Baptism saves us A. It is not that whereby the uncleanness of the flesh is cleansed but the answer of a good Conscience towards God by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 3. Q. Is not the Baptism of water necessary A. It is necessary to practice it it in the Christian Church since Jesus Christ did institute it the faithful who have not received it yet ought not to lose the opportunity thereof and they ought to take care it be administred to their Children but if the means thereof is taken away from them Gods grace depends not on terrestrial Elements and it is not the privation but the contempt and profanation of the Sacraments that renders us condemnable before God Q. And what do you think of Children who die without Baptism through the faults and neglect of their Parents A. Their Parents ought to beg Gods forgiveness for their fault and neglect but for all that the Salvation of those poor children must not be called in question for as the Father doth not bear the iniquity of the Son the Son also doth not bear the iniquity of his Father Ezek. 18. Q. How must then be understood what our Lord Jesus Christ saith John 3. except a man be born of water and of the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God A. Jesus Christ doth not speak in that place of material and corporal water but of a Celestial and Divine water to be born of the Spirit it is to be regenerated by a Spirit who washes and cleanses as water doth in the same sense that it is said Matt. 3. that Jesus Christ Baptizes â—s with the holy Ghost and with fire that is to say with the holy Ghost who purifies like fire Q. But if some body would obstinately apply this passage to the Baptism of water who is it that is condemned A. It is not the poor little Children who have no knowledge at all of this mystery but the persons who being come to years of discretion reject Baptism by contempt or unbelief those of the Church of Rome themselves who without reason perswade themselves John 6. it is spoken of the Lord's Supper will not that these words be applied to Children if any one eateth not my flesh and drinks not my blood he shall not have everlasting life and not any one of us would apply to them the saying of St Paul That if any would not work neither should he eat 2 Thess 3. Of the Lords Supper Q. WHat is the Lords Supper A. It is the Sacrament of our spiritaal nourishment and the symbol of our union to our Lord Jesus Christ Q. Where do we read the institution of the Lords Supper A. In Mat. 26. Mark 14. Luke 22. and in 1 Cor 11. Q. Why did Jesus Christ institute it A. To be the memorial of his death as he says it himself do this in in remembrance of me which St Paul explains in saying as often as you shall eat this bread and drink this cup ye do shew forth the Lords death till he comes Q. Doth there happen any change to the Bread and Wine A. These do not change as to their substance no more than the water of Baptism doth but only as to their use Q. How do you know that after the consecration it is still bread and wine A. The senses witness it reason confirms it and the word of God is express thereupon for our Lord calls that fruit of the Vine which we drink in the Lords Supper Matt. 26. and St. Paul several times calls bread what the Pastors do break and the faithful eat therein 1 Cor. 10.11 Q. Why is this Bread and Wine called the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ A. Because they are signs and memorials thereof and that there is an excellent conformity between the Bread and the Wine and the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ Q. Why is that Bread broken and the Wine poured out A. To represent to us the body of Jesus Christ which was broken for us and this blood which was shed in remission of sins Q. Why is this bread given us to eat and this wine to drink A. To assure us that as the bread and the wine nourish our Bodies in this temporal life the body and blood of Jesus Christ nourish our Souls in hope of everlasting life for his flesh is meat indeed and is blood is drink indeed Q. Have ye read in holy scripture some like manners of speaking that without transubstantiation the sign takes the name of the thing signified A. There is nothing more common and above all when 't is matter of Sacraments thus Circumcision is called the Covenant Gen. 17. the Paschal Lamb is called Passover Exod. 12. The Rock is called Christ 1 Cor. 10. and our Lord who said of the bread this is my body which is broken for you said also of the cup this cup is the new Covenant in my blood and the cup remains a cup and properly speaking doth not become a Covenant Q. Do we receive in the Lords supper only the signs of the body and blood of Jesus Christ A. If we come thither with necessary dispositions and preparations we also receive therein the thing signified and we have therein a real communion with Jesus Christ for the cup of blessing which we bless is the communion of the blood of Christ and the bread which we break is the communion of the body of Christ 1 Cor. 10. Q. How do we eat Jesus Christ in the Lords supper A. In the same manner that we do put him on in Baptism Gall. 3. for when Jesus Christ speaks of eating his flesh and of drinking his blood it is a figurative way of speaking and as he saith himself his words are spirit and life the flesh profiteth nothing it is the Spirit that quickneth John 6. Q. Since Jesus Christ is in heaven at the right hand of God his Father and that he shall not come from thence but to judge the quick and the dead how is that you who are on earth can have a true and real communion with him A. By faith who really embraces him unto Salvation for he that comes to him shall never hunger and he that believeth on him shall never thirst John 6. and thro the efficacy of his Spirit who really uniteth us to him for we have been made to drink into one spirit to be one body with him 1 Cor. 12. Q. May not this Communion be made without the use of the Sacraments A. Yes for Jesus Christ had not yet instituted the Lords Supper when he saith John 6. he that eats my flesh and drinks my blood dwelleth in me and I in him Q Of what use then is the Lords Supper to
and so merciful a Saviour and that your greatest Felicity and greatest Glory is to serve him and obey him abhor all sorts of Vices and especially that of lying which is a vice servile and proper to the Children of the Devil who is a Lyar and a Murtherer from the beginning Be not quarelsome be not moved for slight matters be more sensible for every thing that concerns the glory of God than for your particular Interests Despise Injuries appease wrath by the sweetness of your words do not ill offices to any overcome evil with good take pleasure to serve every one and do not be slow to employ your selves for others be affable and meek be modest and adorn your selves with humility for God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble Frequent those whom you would resemble and avoid the company of Debaucht persons for evil Communication corrupts good Manners bear with one another and lend one another a helping hand love one another cordially and be you all sensible of every evil and every good that befals you as if you were all animated by one and the self same Spirit for it is a good thing and a pleasing thing not only to good people but to God himself to see Brothers united and tyed together by the bonds of a holy Love and of a perfect Charity by Peace and Concord the smallest things encrease but by discord and quarrels the greatest and most flourishing are reduced to nothing Observe your life runs insensibly as a flower which passes away as soon as it is blown and as a Flambeux which burns as soon as it begins to give light Think early on Immortality and ground your hopes in Heaven where God reserves for you an Inheritance incorruptible The years fly away the World passes away and the lust thereof all that is under the Sun is nothing but vanity and vexation of Spirit The whole Duty of Man is to fear God and keep his Commandments Let nothing be able to withdraw you from the service of God nor from the open profession of his Truth let not the threatnings of the World fright you nor its promises allure you and follow not its evil example None can threaten you with any punishment which is comparable to the Torments of Hell and to the Eternal flames wherein God shall precipitate the fearful and none can promise you any thing that ought to be preferred to the delights of Paradice for him who fears God there is nothing to fear and for him who possesses him there remains nothing to wish for for God is the spring and the height of true felicity If God takes me to himself before you are come to an age perfect do not lose courage you have a Father in Heaven who is Immortal and who loves you with an Eternal Love he will take you in the Arms of his Providence and will carry you upon his Wings he will keep you as the Apple of his Eye and will bless you with all his most precious blessings we can do nothing without him but he can do every thing without us I bless you in words but he will bless you in deeds and wish you a happy life filled with blessings but every excellent grace and every perfect gift is from above and comes from the Father of Light I don't beg of him to send you earthly Riches nor worldly Honors but that he will move you with the spirit of his fear that he will embrace you with his Love that he may engrave in your Hearts the Image of his Holiness and that he give you grace to persevere constantly in his Covenant and edifie his Church by your Piety and your holy Conversation to the end that I may say to him Behold I Lord and the Children thou hast given me for a sign and a wonder in Israel That having seen you here below filled with his graces and covered with his protection I may see you above in Heaven cloathed with his Glory and Crowned with his Immortality These are the most ardent Vows and Wishes of your Father who loves you because you are his Children but who loves â—ou the more because you are the Children of God Done at Paris in the beginning of the Year One Thousand Six Hundred Forty Two Drelincourt CATECHISM OR Familiar Instruction On the Principal Points of CHRISTIAN RELIGION Question WHY did God create you Answer To serve and glorifie him Q. How can you glorifie God you who are a poor sinful Creature A. In putting my Trust in his Mercy in obeying his Commandments in calling upon him in all my Wants and in giving him the Praise and Glory for all the good I receive in my Body and my Soul as well for this Life as for that which is to come Q. Into how many parts then is the Service of God divided A. Into four principal which are Faith Obedience Prayer and Acknowledgment Of FAITH PART I. Of Faith Question WHat is Faith Answ It is an assurance certain that God loves us in his Son Jesus Christ and in contemplation of what he suffer'd for us Q. Which are the things that we ought to believe A. All those which God hath revealed in his VVords and especially the Mysteries of our Salvation whereof we have the summary in the Symbol or Creed of the Apostles Q. What signifies the word Symbol A. It signifies the Reckoning or the share that every one pay of a common Meal It signifies also the Scarf and the Livery whereby one knows the Soldiers of an Army or of a Company Q. Why do you call it the Symbol of the Apostles A. It is not that the Apostles the one after the others have inserted in it any particular clause but because it is an Epitome of their Doctrine it is also the Scarf and the Livery of Christianity Q. Into how many parts do you divide this Confession of Faith A. It is divided into four The first is of God the Father and of the VVorks of the Creation The second is of Jesus Christ and of our Redemption And the third is of the Holy Ghost The fourth is the Church of the Graces that God bestows on her on Earth and of the Glory which he prepares her in Heaven Of the Creed of the Apostles Of the First Part. Quest WHY do you say in singular I believe and not We believe A. Because the Just Man lives by his Faith and that he cannot answer for the Faith of another Furthermore this Confession was made in the beginning in favour of persons who could witness of their Faith wherefore before to administer Baptism to any they were ask'd Did st thou believe And they did answer Yes I believe in God the Father c. Q. How many sorts of Faith are there A There are four which are the Historical Faith the Faith of Miracles the Temporal Faith and the Justifying Faith Q. What is the Historical Faith A. It is a single belief that the Gospel is â—rue of
this Faith it is said that Simon the Magician believed Acts 8. Q. What is the Faith of Miracles A. It is an infallible assurance grounded upon some particular Revelation that God will shew his Omnipotency to work by us or in our favour some work beyond all the Forces of Nature It is of this Faith that the Apostle speaks in the first of the Corinthians cap. 13. Q. What is Temporal Faith A. It is that which receives the VVord o◠God with joy but presently forsakes the profession thereof because of the afflictions which attend it our Lord Jesus Christ speaks of it in St. Matthews Gospel cap. 13. Q. What is Justifying Faith A. It is that which embraces to Salvation Christ Crucified and assures us that if we are truly penitent of our faults God will be merciful unto us and will receive us in his heavenly Kingdom It is of this Faith St Pau◠speaks of in the 2d to Timothy cap. 11. 〈◊〉 know whom I have believed and am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day Q. Of what Faith is it here spoken A. Of the Justifying Faith for it is not said I believe God or believe to God but I believe in God Q. What difference do you put between Believe God believe to God and believe in God A. Believe God is to believe that there is a God as St. James saith That the Devils believe there is a God and tremble Believe to God is to believe all what God saith is true Believe in God is to trust in him whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed Rom. 10. Q. What is God A. An Essence Eternal Infinite Incomprehensible Immortal Invisible Omnipotent all Good and all Just and all Merciful and all VVise and who created Heaven and Earth Q. How many Gods are there A. There is but one and there cannot be several Q. Why A. Because there cannot be several Infinites nor several Omnipotents for one cannot imagine any thing beyond Infinite And if there were several Omnipotents the omnipotency of the one would destroy the omnipotency of the other Q. But besides these Reasons that are clear and evident what doth the Scripture teach us on this subject A. It teaches us every where that there is but one only God specially Deut. 6. Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord. And Eph. 4. Is one Lord one Father one Baptism one God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in us all Q. How many ways doth God reveal himself A. Three First By his VVorks as is spoken thereof Rom. 1. The invisible things of God from the creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternal Power and Godhead Secondly By his VVord as the Apostles speaks of it Heb. 1. God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son Thirdly By his Spirit For things that eye hath not seen nor ear heard and that have not entred into the heart of man God hath revealed them unto us by his spirit 1 Cor. 2. Q How many Persons are that Divinity that we worship A. There are three The Father who i◠the source and first original of every thing 〈◊〉 The Son who is begotten of the Father before all Ages And the Holy Ghost who from all Eternity proceeds from the Fathe◠and the Son Q. Where do we learn that A. 'T is proved by several Reasons that there is but one only God who hath made all things and was made of none and who moves all things without moving himself but the Revelations alone teaches us that in that Unity of Essence there is a Trinity of Persons Q. In what passage of the Scripture is it spoken of A. In the 28th Chapter of our Lord Jesus Christ's Gospel according to St. Matthew Teach all Nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father of the Son and the Holy Ghost And in the 5th Chapter of the first Epistle of St. John There are three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost and these three are one Q. Why do you give to God the quality of Father A. Because he did beget Jesus Christ of his proper Substance so that the Father and the Son are one John 10. Q. Have we any comfort that God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ A. Yes a very great one for from thence it follows that he is also our Father He hath predestinated us to be conformed to the Image of his Son that he may be the first born among many brethren Rom. 8. Q. Why do you say that God is Almighty A. Because he doth all he pleases in Heaven in Earth and in the Deep and that there is nothing able to resist his Will Q. In what did he shew his Omnipotency A. In making the light to shine from darkness and in creating Heaven and Earth Q How many sorts of Creations are there A. Two The one is properly said that God created something out of nothing as when he created the first matter whereof he formed all Corporal things The other that is so called by comparison when God doth something of a matter that hath no disposition to receive the form he imprinted thereto as when God created the first man of Dust and Eve of Adam's Rib. Q. By whom did God create the World A. It was by his Son that he made the Worlds and without him was not any thing made that was made Heb. 1. and John 1. Q. What do you mean by Heaven and Earth A. Not only that weighty mass which is the center of the world and the lightsome Globes which turn round about it but generally all Creatures Celestial and Terrestrial Q. What is to be considered in all these Creatures A. There are principally five things to be considered their multitude which is almost Infinite their diversity of Beauty their Admirable order their virtues and effects and above all there is not one of them that doth not tend to the end it pleased God to create it for Q. Did God create the Angels A. He created all things visible and invisible the Thrones the Dominions and Principalities Coll. 1. Wherefore the Angels are calle◠Sons of God in the first of Job Q. Did God create also the Devils A. He created their substance but he is no◠the Father of their Malice They are Apostat Angels that have not kept their first Estate a◠St Jude speaks of it Q. How did God create man A. He created him in his image and likeness he enlightened him with his Light and cloathed with Justice and Sanctity Q. Whence comes then the depravation an◠perverseness that is naturally in all the men in th◠world A. It comes from our first Parents who suffered themselves to be corrupted by Satan
Quest WHERE is our Lord Jesus Christ A. As God he is every where as he says himself in St. Matthew cap. 18. where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them and Chapt. 28. I am with you always even to the end of the World Q. And as Man where is he A. He left the World and is gone unto the Father and the Heavens must contain him until the time of Restitution of all things St John 16. and â—cts 3. Q. How did he ascend into Heaven A. He ascended visibly a Cloud received him out of the sight of the Apostles to whom two Angels said Ye men of Galilee Why stand ye gazing up into Heaven the same Jesus which is taken up from you into Heaven shall come in like manner as ye have seen him go into Heaven Acts. 1. Q. What doth the ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ profit us A. First he ascended into Heaven to appear for us in the presence of God and to make intercession for us Heb. 7. And secondly he is gone to prepare a place for us John 14. Lastly his ascension into Heaven is a pledge and assurance of our own John 17. and Heb. 6. Of Jesus Christ sitting on the Right Hand of God Q. WHat signifies the word to be sitting A. It signifies sometimes to Reign as in the 20th of Prov. A King that sitteth in the Throne of Judgment scattereth away all evil with his Eyes and Revel 18. I sit a Queen and am no Widdow and shall see no sorrow Q. What signifies the right hand of God A. To speak properly God being a Spirit hath no right hand but by his right hand is understood his power and his vertue and it is said Psalms 44. our Fathers got not the Land in possession by their own Sword neither did their own Arm save them but thy right Hand and thy Arm and the light of thy Countenance because thou hadst a favour unto them Q What is then the sense of this article that Jesus Christ is sitting on the right hand of God A. St. Paul gives us the explanation thereof Eph. 1. when he saith that God raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in heavenly places far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named not only in this world but also in that which is to come and hath put all things under his Feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church which is his body The fulness of him that fill all in all and Phillip 2. he humbled himselâ— and became obedient unto Death even thâ— Death of the Cross wherefore God also hatâ— highly exalted him and given him a namâ— which is above every name That at the namâ— of Jesus every Knee shall bow â—f things in Heaven and things in Earth and things under thâ— Earth that every Tongue should confess thaâ— Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God thâ— Father Q. What fruits have we of Jesus Christ's sitting oâ— the right hand of God A. He being our Saviour and loving us witâ— an eternal love we are assured that he will usâ— his omnipotency to preserve us and to do uâ— good and to repress all the endeavours and thâ— violence of his Enemies and ours till he have laid them all under his feet and utterly destroy them Of the last Judgment Q. WHo are the Quick and the Dead whom Jesus Christ shall judge at the last day A. The Quick are those who shall then bâ— living on the Earth when Jesus Christ shalâ— come from Heaven and the Dead are thosâ— whose Souls shall have been separated froâ— their Bodies before that glorious coming Q. How must this be understood that Jesuâ— Christ shall come to judge the Quick and the Dead A. The meaning is That at the end of thâ— World Jesus Christ shall come with the Angelâ— of his power and that we shall all appear beforâ— his judgment Seat to receive in our Bodies according to what we shall have done whether it be good or bad 2 Cor. 5. Q. What difference shall be then between the good and the bad man A. Our Lord Jesus Christ shall set all the bad on his left hand and shall say to them Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels but unto the Elect and Faithful who walk here in his fear and have exercised themselves in works of mercy he shall set them at his right hand and shall say to them Come ye blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world Matt. 25. Of the third part of the Apostles Creed Q. WHy after having spoken of the Father and the Son do you make mention of the Holy Ghost A. Because it would be in vain and that the Father hath procured us Salvation and that the Son merited it for us if the Holy Ghost did not apply it unto us wherefore it is said that we are sealed with the spirit of promise Eph 1. Q. Why is it said I believe in the Holâ— Ghost A. To teach us to put our trust in him and to render him the same honours and the same adoration that we render the Father and the Son Q. Who is the Holy Ghost A. It is the third person of the most holy and most glorious Trinity who from all Eteâ—nity proceeds from the Father and the Son Q How do you prove that the Holy Ghost proceeds from the Father A. By the formal words of our Lord Jesus Christ in the 15th of St. John The Spirit of Truth which proceeds from the Father shall testifie of me Q. How do you prove that he proceeds from the Son A. Because 't is said in the 15th of the same Gospel I will send you the Comforter from the Father and in the 16th All things that the Father hath are mine and therefore said I that ye shall take of mine and shall shew it unto you from whence come that in Rom. 8. he is called the spirit of God and the spirit of Christ and that in Revel 22. he is represented by a River proceeding from the Throne of God and of the Lamb. Q. Is the Holy Ghost God A. Yes for to lye to the Holy Ghost is to lye to God Acts 5. And we are called the Temple of God because the Holy Ghost dwelleth in us 1 Cor. 3. Q. Why is the Spirit called holy A. It is not only because he is holy in himself for in that regard holiness belongs also to the Father and the Son but it is because he sanctifies us immediately and that he reforms in us the Image of God in Righteousness and Sanctity Q. Are the gifts of the Holy Ghost common to all men of the world or do they belong to the only Children of God A. There are some which he imparts indifferently as the Arts and Sciences and
Cirâ—umcised he doth not doubt of his Salvation â—nd makes no difficulty to say I shall go to â—im but he shall not return to me 2 Sam. 12. Of the Passover Q. WHy did God institute the Passover A. To be a memorial of the Angels â—assover who smote all the first-born of Egypt â—nd who spared the Israelites Children who had â—â—eir houses sprinkled with the blood of the â—amb that they had sacrificed by Gods Comâ—andment Exod. 12. Q. Did not that Lamb signify something else A. It was the figure of our Lord Jesus Christ â—ho is our Passover and the Lamb of God â—hich takes away the sin of the world 1 Cor. â— John 1. â—f the Sacraments of the Christian Church HOw many Sacraments are there in the Christian Church A. There are two the holy Baptism and the â—â—rds Supper Q. But what is the number of Sacraments acâ—â—â—ding to the Doctrine of the Church of Rome A. The Church of Rome reckoneth seven of â—m for she hath added to the Holy Baptism â—d to the Lords Supper the Confirmation the â—itence the Extreme Unction Marriage and 〈◊〉 Orders Q. Why is it that you acknowledge but the holy Baptism and the Lords Supper for to be the truâ— Sacraments of the Christian Church A. Because they are the only ceremonies that our Lord Jesus Christ did Institute for all the faithful to be the Seal of his Covenant and to be celebrated in his Church to the end of the World Of Confirmation Q. WHY do you not believe the confirmatioâ— which is practised in the Roman Church to be a Sacrament A. Because Jesus Christ is not the author thereof Q. But doth not Scripture speak of the laying oâ— of hands A. Yes but it was the Symbol of the extraordinary and miraculous graces of the holy Ghost and that hath nothing common with thâ— confirmation of the Church of Rome Of Penitence Q. WHY is not Penitence a Sacrament A. Because it hath no visible sign instituted by Jesus Christ to represent an invisiblâ— grace but it is a duty whereunto God oblige all the faithful since our first Parents fall thâ— Prophets as well as the Apostles preached repentance and all the books are full of it Of Extreme Unction Q WHY do â—ou not rank Extreme Vnction amonâ— Sacraments A. Because it was not instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ Q. Is it not mentioned in the 5th Chapt. of St James A. No for the Unction that St James speaks of hath nothing common with the Church of Rome's extreme unction since it was an extraordinary Symbol of the miraculous cures that were done in that time as it is said in the 6th of St Mark that the Apostles healed the sick in anointing them with Oyl Of Marriage Q. WHAT think you of Marriage A. Marriage indeed represents to us the Union of Jesus Christ and his Church but to speak properly it is no Sacrament of the Christian Church For it was instituted by God in the terrestrial Paradice in the state of Innocency before the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ it was established among all Nations of the World and still to this day it is found among Infidels Q But doth not St Paul call it a Sacramenâ— in the 5th ch to the Ephes A. There is in the Greek this is a great mystery and St Paul adds but I speak concerning Christ and the Church Of the Orders Q. WHY is it that you do not count the Orders or Ecclesiastical offices for a Sacrament A. Because the Sacraments are Seals of God's Covenant and that they belong to all the faithful add to that that according to the Doctrine of Rome there are seven different Orders the Porters the Readers the Exorcists the Acolyths the Sub-deacons the Deacons and the Priests So that if the Orders are Sacraments of the Christian Church instead of seven Sacraments there shall be thirteen Of Baptism Q. WHAT is Baptism A. It is the Sacrament of our Spiritual New-birth and the outward seal of our adoption and of our entrance in the Church of God Q. Where do we find the Institution of Baptism A. In Matt. 28. where Jesus Christ saith to his Apostles go teach all Nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost Q. What is it Baptism represents to us A. The remission of our Sins and our Regeneration Q. Why is it that the Apostle St Paul saith Rom. 6. that we who were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death A. Because that the Death of Jesus Christ which is represented in Baptism acquired to us these two advantages for not only he expiated our Sins and reconciled us to God but also merited for us the Spirit of Sanctification Q. What conformity is there between water and the blood of Jesus Christ A. As the water washes away the uncleanness of the body the blood of Jesus Christ washes away the uncleanness of the Soul and as speaks St John thereof in his first Epistle Chapt. 1. it cleanseth us from all sin Q. Do you mean that to cleanse our Souls from their sins they must be dipt in the substance of the blood of Jesus Christ A. By no means but they must participate of its vertue and of its infinite merit Q. And what resemblance is there between the water of Baptism and the holy Ghost A. As water make the Plants to spring out and to fructifie the holy Ghost regenerates us and makes us to fructifie in good works Wherefore our Lord Jesus Christ faith John 3. that except a man be born of water and of the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God Of Little Childrens Baptism Q. IS it well done to Baptize little Children A. Yes for the promise of Salvation is made to us and our Children Act. 2. St Paul declares that they are holy 1 Cor. 7. and Jesus Christ assures us that the kingdom of God belongs to them Matt. 19. if one refused Baptism to the Christians Children their condition wou'd be worse than that of the Children of the â—ews who werâ— Circumcised the 8th day Gen. 17. Q. How is it that little Children are holy A. It is not that they be Sanctified and Regenerated by the holy Ghost but they are called â—oly because they belong to the Covenant of God and that they be born of faithful Parents â—n the same sense that the Apostle saith that the â—nbelieving Husband is Sanctified by the Wife â—nd the unbelieving Wife is Sanctified by the Husband Q. May one infer the Baptism of little Children â—rom the Jewish Circumcision A. Yes because Baptism succeeded to Circumcision and that both these Sacraments represents to us the same thing Q. How do you prove it A. By the Apostles word Collos 2. we are Circumcised with the Circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the Sins of the flesh by the Circumcision of Christ buried with him in Baptism Q. How many sorts of Baptisms are there
true repentance A. It is God himself who converts us and begetteth in our hearts the hatred of vice and the love of virtue Q. 4. Which are the principal virtues of Christians A. Faith Hope and Charity Q. 5. Which of those Virtues is the greatest A. It is Charity Q. 6. VVhy A. Because it endures for ever Q. 7. My Child do you desire to live and to die in that true Piety A. I desire it with all my heart The Lord confirm you in his love and in his grace the Lord replenish you with the gifts of his holy Spirit and form you unto his Image the Lord cause you to grow in all sorts of Virtues and enable you for ever to persevere in his holy Covenant So be it Pray to God with all your heart to give you the grace thereof The Childs Prayer MY God and my heavenly father since it pleases thee to be praised by Childrens mouths bear with my faults and make thy strength perfect in my great weakness thou hast given me the grace of being born in thy Church and to suck Piety with Milk Give me grace to grow in the holy knowledge of thee and above all in thy fear and love let me bear fruits worthy of my birth and of the education thou hast honoured me with that therein thy holy name may be glorified that thy Church be edified thereby and that I be the joy and the comfort of those whom thou hast made use of to bring me into the World and to instruct me in thy word Let me during all the days of my life serve and adore thee in the company of thy Children till I go to glorifie thee in Heaven with the Saints and Angels who contemplate thy face Hear me O Lord since thou art my God and my Father and that I call upon thee in the name and through the infinite merit of Jesus Christ my Saviour who commanded me thus to pray Our Father which art in Heaven c. Lord my God thou hast put in my heart the seed of true faith increase and fortify it in me and grant that all the days of my life I make Confession thereof saying with thy Church I believe in God the father Almighty maker 〈◊〉 Heaven and Earth c. My God give me thy good Spirit and give me grace to fulfil thy Holy and Divine Commandments The tenor whereof follows I 〈◊〉 the Lord thy God c. Addition to the Catechism For Children more advanced in Age and in Knowledge Q. WHY do you profess Religion A. It is not only because I have had the happiness to be born educated and brought up in it but also because through the grace of God I know that it is the true Christian Religion that our Lord Jesus Christ brought from Heaven that his holy Apostles have preached and his happy Martyrs have signed with their blood Q. How do you know that A. I know it by the reading of holy Scripture for we believe nothing at all of what is necessary to Salvation that is not clearly and expresly found in that Scripture divinely inspired or cannot be drawn therefrom by evident and necessary consequences Q. Hath Christian Religion had or can it have need of Reformation A. Not in considering it such as 't is in it self for in that regard it is wholly divine Q. Why then is it called the Reformed Religion A. Properly speaking it is not the Religion but the Church which was Reformed that is to say that was purged from the errors and abuses that through Ignorance and Malice of men it had been defiled with Q. What signifie then these words Reformed Religion A. That it is true and pure Christianity such as is taught in the Gospel and which is separated from all human traditions and inventions For our Lord absolutely condemns them in matter of his worship in vain saith he do you worship me teaching for doctrines the Commandments of men Matt. 15. Q. Would you not enter into the communion of the Church of Rome if you did find your worldly advantages therein A. No for I do not believe I could save my self therein and it would profit me nothing if I should gain all the World and should lose my Soul Q. Why do you believe you could not save your self in the communion of the Church of Rome A. Because it adores the Sacrament and renders to a simple Creature the Honour and the Glory that belongs only to God It pretends to Sacrifice Jesus Christ in Propitiatory Sacrifice for the remission of the sins of the quick and of the dead although that great God and Saviour did not command it and that his Apostles have done nothing like it it bereaves the faithful of the blessed Cup that our Lord commanded us to drink in remembrance of him It teaches another Purgatory than the precious blood of that glorious Redeemer which cleanses us from all Sin and hath the Divine Service in a tongue that the People understand not against what the Apostles orders in the first to the Cor. c. 14. Q. Is there nothing else that hinders you from entring into the Roman Communion A. There are several other reasons which hinders me for ever to participate of its Communion for it adheres to and obeys the Pope who usurped an authority and power which belongs to God only It believes that we are saved through the merit and dignity of our works though the Gospel teaches quite contrary It invokes the Saints although in all the word of God there is neither Commandment or Example thereof It adores material Crosses and Relicks and renders to Angels a Religious worship against what is commanded to adore and worship God alone They bow to Images and worship them Religiously against what God expresly forbids in his Law It hath invented an infinite number of holy days that are dedicated and Consecrated unto Creatures instead of which God permits us to work six days of the week * Agnus Dei a thing amongst those of the Roman Church which they wear about their Necks and that he will not have us give his glory to another It condemns Ecclesiastical persons Marriage instead of what the Apostles teach that Marriage and the undefiled bed is honourable among all It commands at some certain times to abstain from meats that God permits provided one use them with sobriety and thanksgiving Finally it hath veneration for the Jubilees Indulgences Agnus Dei the holy Beads and Chaplets and numbers of other things which are vain and superstitious Q. But could not you save your self in believing in your heart what we believe and living however in the outward profession of the Church of Rome A. By no means for with the heart Man believeth unto Righteousness and with the mouth Confession is made unto Salvation Rom. 10. God will be glorified in our bodies and in our spirits because they belong to him and that he equally redeems them 1 Cor. 6. Our Lord will deny before God his Father and his Angels whomsoever shall deny him before men one must be cold or hot for the luke-warm he spues out of his mouth Rev. 3. Mat. 18. in fine it is an infalliable truth that all those shall not inherit the kingdom of Heaven who render to the Creatures the honour and glory that belongs but to the Creator 1 Cor. 6. Q. But do you not well see that in persevering in Religion you shall be hated and persecuted by the World A. Our Lord foretold it If the World hateth you saith he you know that it hated me before it hated you if ye were of the World the world would love his own but because ye are not of the World but I have chosen you out of the World wherefore the World hateth you John 15. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven Matt. 5. Q. Do you promise then before God and his holy Angels to live and die in that true and holy Religion whereof through the grace and mercy of God ye make profession A. I promise it with all my heart and I hope that God will give me the assistance of his Spirit with so much efficacy that all the Worlds promises and threatning shall never make me turn aside from so Christian and so necessary a Resolution EXHORTATION REmember that it is to God that you make this promise and that one day you must give him an account when you shall appear before his Throne My Child do not hearken to the Seducers who make traffick of Souls do not keep evil Companies who corrupt good manners do not follow ill Examples and though it should be an Angel from Heaven that should preach to you beyond what is in the Gospel let him be accursed Consecrate your self wholly unto the Service of him who gave himself for you and who redeemed you by his own blood Lastly pray to God with holy fervency that he encrease your Faith fortify your Hope inflame your Charity and your zeal for his Glory Pray to him to sanctify you through his Spirit to form you unto his Image and to give you grace constantly to persevere in his holy Covenant For he who to the end shall persevere shall be saved and shall possess and inherit the Kingdom prepared us from the foundation of the World Unto the King Eternal Immortal Invisible the only wise God be Honour and Glory for Ever and Ever Amen 1 Tim 1.17 FINIS
sacrifice is of an eternal efficacy and that his intercession for us is for evermore and therefore the Apostle says that he may save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them Heb. 7. Q. In what consists his being a Prophet A. In that as during the course of his Ministry he revealed to us the Mysteries of his Kingdom and hath brought to light life and immortality by the Gospel and that it is he who teaches us within our selves by his Spirit and perswades us of his truth Q. In what nature was Jesus Christ anointed A. If by unction 't is understood the vocation to his Office he was anointed in his Divine Nature as well as in his Humane Nature for it is not only as Man but also as God-Man that he is the King the Priest and the Prophet of the Church But if by unction is meant the gift of Graces he was anointed only in his Humane Nature For as to the Divine Nature it confers but receives not the Graces for nothing can be added to what 's infinite Q. What difference is there betwixt the unction of the Ancient Kings Priests and Prophets and that of our Lord Jesus Christ A. First That was material and visible this is spiritual and invisible that was the shadow and figure and this is the body and truth Secondly God did give unto the ancient Kings Priests and Prophets but some measure of his Graces but to our Lord Jesus Christ God gives not the Spirit by measure And of his fulness have we all received Grace for Grace in St. John cap 3. and cap. 1. Of the Eternal Generation of Jesus Christ and of his Dominions over the Church Q. WHy is it that Jesus Christ is called the only Son of God A. Because him alone God begot in himself of his proper substance therefore he is called the Image of the Invisible God the brightness of the Glory of the Father and the express Imagâ— of his person Coll. 1. and Heb. 1. Q. When was the Son begotten of the Father A. He was begotten from all Eternity as he says himself Proverbs 8. The Lord possessed me iâ— the beginning of his way before his works of old and Micah 5. His going forth have been from oâ— old from everlasting Q. Why is he called our Lord since he is the Lorâ— of all the universe A. Because we belong to him in a particulaâ— manner not only because he created us buâ— also because he redeemed us by his Blood anâ— because he leads and governs us by the Sceptâ—â— of his word and by the efficacy and vertuâ— of his Spirit Of the Corporal Conception and Birth oâ— Jesus Christ Q. HOw do you understand that Jesus Christ wâ— Conceived by the Holy Ghost A. I mean that the Holy Ghost as efficienâ— cause interven'd in this Conception and by hâ— Divine Vertue formed the precious body of our Lord and inspired a perfect Soul therein Q. Why was it necessary that the Holy Ghost should intervene in his Conception A. That our Lord might have no original sin and might be in no sort defiled For all that is born of the flesh is flesh John 3. Q. How do you understand that he was born of the Virgin Mary A. I mean that he was formed of her proper substance that he might be of the Seed of David according to the Flesh and the Prophecy of Isaiah cap. 7. might be fulfilled Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and shall call his name Immanuel that is to say God with us Q. Since the Blessed Virgin is truly and properly the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ ought we to worship her and put our Trust in her A. By no means for in all the word of God there is not one Commandment or Example of it contrarily God declares to us that he gives not his Glory to another and he curses all those who put their trust in man Isaiah 48. Jerem 17. But we ought to honor her Memory to imitate her Vertues and publish her Happiness according to what she saâ—s her self in her Divine Song Behold from henceforth all Generations shall call me blessed Luke 1. Of Jesus Christ's Passion under Pontius Pilate Q. WHo was Pontius Pilate of whom it is spoken in the Creed of the Apostles A. He was a Roman Judge who was under the Government of Syria s dependency Q. Why is mention made of him in the Creed of the Apostles A. To teach us the certainty of the History of the accomplishment of Jacobs Prophecy Gen. 49. The Scepter shall not depart from Judah nor a Law-giver from between his Feet until Shilo come that is to say the Messiah and unto him shall the gathering of the people be Q. Why did Jesus Christ appear before the Tribunal of an earthly Judge A. Because he ought not to be put to death in a tumult but by the sentence of one of those whom God hath established to be his Lieutenant on Earth to the end that in this Condemnation might appear that which we had deserved from the Soveraign Judge and so that Jesus Christ having undergone the same with us we might with assurance approach the Heavenly Throne It is also to teach us to submit to the orders of justice and to acknowledge the Magistrates whom God established to govern humane kind Q. But why is it that Pontius Pilate pronounces him innocent and afterwards condemns him A. It is to teach us that he suffered not for his sins but for our own he was condemned to absolve us and as St. Peter speaks of it he suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God 1 Peter 3. Of the cross of Jesus Christ Q. WHy was Jesus Christ crucified A To teach us that he is the Ensign of the people foretold by the Prophet Isaiah cap. 11. and that it is he who abolished our curse Q. How A The Apostle teaches it us Gal. 3 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law in being made a curse for us for it is written cursed is every one that hangeth on a Tree Q. Is there any Figure of that in the old Testament A. There are several and especially that of the Brazen Serpent as our Lord teaches it St. John 3. As Moses lifted up the Serpent in the Wilderness even so must the Son of man be lifted up that whosoever believes on him should not perish but have everlasting life Q. But is it not to dishonour Jesus Christ to say that he has been subject to such a curse A. By no means First it was not for his sins he is holy and innocent separated from sinners but it is our sins which he bore in his own body on the Tree 1 Peter 2. Secondly he hath changed the Curse into a Blessing and in his Cross he spoiled principalities and powers and triumphed over them Coll. 2. Q. Did Jesus Christ suffer only
from his pure grace and liberality and tâ— render him all the praises and thanksgivings that we are capable of Q. Is it enough to glorifie God with our heart and our tongue A. We must also glorifie him by our Works and put our selves in mind of what the Apostle saith ye are bought with a price therefore glorifie God in your body and in your spirit which are Gods 1 Cor. 6. Of God's Word Q. BY what means did God declare to us what he hath done for our Salvation and what he will us have do for his glory A. By his holy and divine word Q. Where do we find that word of God A. In the holy Scripture of the Old and New Testament Q. From whence do you know that it is Gods word A. We learn it by the record that all the Christians bear unto it and we are fully perswaded thereof by the Divine wisdom which shines therein and by the effects it produces in our hearts Q. What are its principal effects A. It enlightens us it sanctifies us it comforts us it nourishes us in hope of everlasting life and even gives us the first fruits thereof Q. Is it the rule of our Faith A. Yes in such a manner that it is not lawful for us any ways to turn aside from it God sends us to the Law and the Testimony and our Lord-Jesus Christ saith they have Moses and the Prophets let them hear them Deut. 4. Isa 8. and Luke 16. Q. But can the holy Scripture instruct us in all things that are necessary for our Salvation A. Yes if we believe the Apostle St Paul who assures us that it is able to make us wise to Salvation through Faith which is in Christ Jesus and that it is profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Correction for Instruction in Righteousness that the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works 2 Tim. 3 Q. Is it lawful for the faithful common people to read the holy Scripture A. It is not only lawful for them but our Lord Jesus Christ expresly commands it them in St John 5. Search the Scriptures or do you sound and do you examine the Scriptures The Apostles did not direct their Epistles only to Pastors but also to the Flocks 1 Thes 5. St Paul gives charge by the Lord that his Epistle be read unto all the holy Brethren and in Rev. 1. it is said blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this prophecâ— Q. Is the word of God clear A. Yes for it is compared to a Lamp and a Candle and is called the light that enlightens the eyes Ps 119. 2 Pet. 1. Ps 19. Q. Are there not in Scripture some difficult things hard to be understood which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest unto their own destruction A. Yes as saith St Peter in his second Epistle cap. 3. But the things that are necessary to Salvation are therein clear and easy to be understood Q. From whence comes it then that there are so many persons which are learned that do not understand them A. St Paul answers to that 2 Cor. 4. If our Gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost the minds of whom the God of this world hath blinded that is of them which believe not lest the light of this glorious Gospel of Christ who is the Image of God should shine unto them and our Lord Jesus Christ in his Gospel Matt. 11. I thank thee O Father Lord of Heaven and Earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hath revealed them unto Babes even to Fathers for so it seemed good in thy sight Q. How ought the holy Scripture to be interpreted A. According to the analogy of Faith and by the Scripture it self as did the Levites Neh. 8. Q. Must one believe nothing essential to Religion that is not containâ—â— in holy Scripture or that cannot be drawn from it by evident and necessary consequence A. No for St Paul teaches us that tho himself or an Angel from Heaven should preach to us * In the French 't is beyond what we have preached yo any other Gospel he should be accursed Gall. 1. Of the Sacraments Q. IS there nothing besides the word of God that may serve for the confirmation of our Faith A. There are the Sacraments Q. What is a Sacrament A. It is a visible sign of Gods Grace in Jesus Christ and a seal of his Covenant Q. How many conditions are required to make a true and lawful Sacrament A. Seven for first it must be of Gods institution secondly that there be a material and visible sign thirdly that it represent to us a spiritual and invisible grace fourthly that there be some proportion and analogy between the sign and the thing signified fifthly that it be a seal of Gods Covenant in Jesus Christ sixthly that it belong to all the faithful seventhly in respect of the Sacraments of the Christian Church they must last to the end of the World Of the Sacraments of the old Covenant Q. HOw many sorts of Sacraments have there been in the Church of the old Testament A. Two sorts some ordinary and some extraordinary Q. Which were the extraordinary Sacraments A. The passing thro the Red-Sea the Cloud the Manna the Waters of the Rock and like things Q. And which were the ordinary A. The Circumcision and the Passover Of the Circumcision Q. WHy is it that God caused the Children of Israel to be Circumcised A. It was to teach them that they were defiled from their first origine but that he would wash and sanctifie them through Jesus Christ Wherefore St Paul calls Circumcision the seal of the Righteousness of the Faith Rom. 4. Q. Did God require from the Israelites only the external Circumcision and the cutting off the foreskin A. He required also the interiour Circumcision and the cutting off of Skin as he saith Jer. 4 Ye men of Judah and Jerusalem circumcise your selves to the Lord and take away the foreskins of your heart Of the Sacraments Q. WHich of those two Circumcisions was most pleasing to God A The interiour Circumcision as the Apostle teaches us Rom. 2. he is not a Jew which is one outwardly neither is that Circumcision which is outward in the flesh but he is a Jew which is one inwardly and Circumcision is that of the heart in the Spirit and not in the Letter whose praise is not of Men but of God Q. The Jews little Children who died before they were Circumcised were they bereaved of Salvation A No for they did belong to Gods Covenant in vertue of the promise God made Abraham I will be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee Gen 17. Wherefore David said Ps 22. I was cast upon thee from the Womb â—hou art my God from my Mothers Belly And â—ne of his Sons being dead the 7th day from â—is birth and consequently before he was
7. And from whence proceeds what is evil in them A From the residue of our Corruption Section 5. Q. 1. ARe our good works agreeable to God A. Yes Q. 2. How is that since you say that they are imperfect A. Because God in his mercy bears with the infirmities of his Children Q. 3. Of what use are good works A. To glorify God to edify our Neighbours and to let us know that we are the Children of God Q. 4. Are our good works any thing deserving toward God A. By no means for when we shall have done all what God commands we are obliged so to do Q. 5. How then do you hope for Life everlastg A. As the heritage of my heavenly Father that hath been acquired for me by Jesus Christ Q. 6. But it is written that nothing defiled shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven A. It is true Q. 7. By what means then shall ye be purged of your sins A. Through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ Section 6. Q. 1 How do you apply to your self the merit of the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ A. Through Repentance and Faith Q. 2. How many sorts of deaths are there A. Two Temporal death and Eternal death Q. 3. What is Temporal death A. It is the separation of the Soul from the Body Q. 4. What becomes of the souls of the wicked in the hour of this separation A. They are cast into Hell Q. 5. And those of Gods Children A. They go into Paradice Q. 6. And what becomes of the Bodies A. They die to rise again in the last day Q 7. What is the death of the faithful then A. It it is a pass-over to the blissful life Section 7. Q. 1. WHom do you direct your Prayers to A. I direct them to God Q. 2. In whose name do you pray to him A. In Jesus Christ's name Q. 3. Do you not call upon the Angels nor the Saints A. No. Q. 4 Why A. Because God did not command it and that in all his word there is no example thereof Q. 5. Must Images be used in the worship of God A. No. Q 6. Why A. Because God forbids it in the second Commandment Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image nor the likeness of any thing c. Q. 7. How must we worship God then A. In Spirit and in truth Section 8. Q. 1. WHich is the rule of Gods service A. It is the holy and divine word Q. 2. Where do you find that word of God A. In the holy Scripture of the old and new Testament Q 3. Is it lawful for Children to read the Scripture A. Yes to follow the example of Timothy who from his Infancy learnt the holy Scriptures Q. 4. What doth this word of God teach us A. It makes us wise to Salvation through the Faith which is in Jesus Christ Q. 5. Hath God added nothing to his word to strengthen our Faith A. He added thereunto his Sacraments Q 6. What is a Sacrament A. It is a visible sign which seals an invisible Grace Q. 7. How many Sacraments are there in the Christian Church A. There are two Baptism which is the Sacrament of our Regeneration and the Lords Supper which is the Sacrament of our spiritual nourishment Section 9. Q. 1. IN the name of whom have you been baptized A. In the name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q. 2. Why are little Children baptized A. Because the Kingdom of God belongs to them and that under the old Testament little Children were circumcised Q. 3. What does the water of Baptism represent A. It represents the blood of Jesus Christ who redeems us and the Holy Ghost who sanctifies us Q. 4. Are the bread and the wine transubstantiated in the Lord's Supper into the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ A. No for it is not said in Scripture and it is repugnant to sense and reason Q. 5. Are the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ with the bread and in the cup A. No for our Lord Jesus Christ did not teach it and that doth not agree with the truth of his humane Nature Q. 6. Why is it then that the bread is called the body of Jesus Christ broken for us and that it is said of the wine that it is his blood which was shed for the remission of our sins A. Because it is the memorial thereof Q 7. Where is our Lord Jesus Christ A. As God he is every where but as Man he is in heaven at the right hand of God his Father Section 10. Q. 1. HAve we not any communion with Jesus Christ himself A. Yâ—s bâ—â— it is a spiritual Communion Q. 2. How â—â—h he communicate himself to us A. By his Spirit Q. 3. And how do we unite our selves to him A. Through Faith Q. 4 Must Jesus Christ be offered in propitiaâ—ory sacrifices A. No. Q. 5. VVhy A Because he did sacrifice himself and did not command to sacrifice him and no body can Q. 6. VVhy is it that with the bread which is broken in the Lord's Supper the consecrated wine is distributed A. It 〈◊〉 to represent to us the precious blood of Jesus Christ which was shed for us on the Cross and to assure us that in him we have entire nourishment Q. 7. Ought the faithful people to participate of the cup as well as the Pastors A. Yes for Jesus Christ makes no distinction therein he redeemed us all by the same blood and commanded us all to drink of his cup and to shew forth his death till he come Section 11. Q. 1. WHat must we do before we come to the Lord's Table A. We must examin our selves Q. 2. What doth happen to those who do not examin themselves A. They communicate to their condemnation Q. 3. And what fruit received those who examined themselves A. As the bread and wine nourishes our Bodies in this temporal life the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ nourishes their Souls in hope of everlasting life Q. 4. In what consists the examination of those who desire to receive worthily A. They ought to examine themselves to know whether they have Faith Repentance and Charity Q. 5. What is Faith A. It is an holy confidence that God loves us and that for Jesus Christ's sake he will be merciful unto us and save us in his heavenly Kingdom Q. 6. How can true faith be discerned from carnal presumption and security A. It is known by its fruits for it produces good works and fructifies in Charity Q. 7. From whence can we have that Faith A. We must beg it of God who gives it of his pure Grace and Liberality Section 12. Q. 1. WHat is Repentance A. It is to sorrow for passed sins and living better for time to come Q. 2. By whâ—â— do we know that we truly repent A. If we abhor evil and take pleasure to do good Q. 3. Who is the Author of