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
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
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
us and what have we more therein than when by Faith and Repentance we receive in our hearts Jesus Christ sanctified A. We recieve therein the external symbol and seal of our spiritual communion for to confirm our faith God useth to seal outwardly his Grace to us So after Abraham believed God and after it was counted unto him for righteousness he received the sign of Circumcision for a seal of the Righteousness of the Faith Rom. 4. So Cornelius was baptized after having received the Holy Ghost Act 10. All the Prophets give witness to Jesus Christ that through his name whosoever believes in him shall receive remission of sins Act. 10. but that hinders not of baptizing in the name of Jesus Christ in remission of sins because Baptism is the seal of that remission of sins Act. 2. Q. In the celebration of that Mystery must not one sacrifice Jesus really and properly A. No for he commanded us to eat his flesh and to drink his blood and not to offer him in sacrifice He through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God and by that sacrifice he acquired eternal Redemption for us and he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified Heb. 9.10 Q. But is he not still offered every day in the Mass by the hands of the Priests in an unbloody manner in propiciatory sacrifice for the remission of the sins of the quick and the dead A. Quite contrary St Paul saith that without shedding of blood is no remission that Jesus Christ offered not himself several times for then must he have suffered several times since the foundation of the world and that where is remisssion of sins there is no offering for sin Heb. 9.10 Q. Must Sacraments be adored A. No for Jesus Christ did not command it and the Apostles have not shewed us the example thereof Our Lord doth not say do you behold and adore but take and eat and the Apostles did take and did eat what was given them but did not adore it Q. Ought the Pastors to administer the Cup to the people A. Yes for our Lord Jesus Christ speaking to his Apostles which represented his Church said to them drink ye all of it for this is my blood of the new Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins Matt. 26. and St Paul let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup Cor. 11. Q. How ought we to examine our selves A. We must enter our Consciences and examine our selves to know if we have Faith Repentance and Charity Q. What is Faith A It is a recourse of the sinful and penitent Soul to the mercy of God in Christ Jesus and a sure trust that for this glorious Saviour's sake he will forgive us our sins and will receive us into his heavenly Kingdom Q. What is Repentance A. It is a sensible grief to have offended our heavenly Father and a fervent desire for time to come to glorify him in all our actions our words and our thoughts Q. How many parts are there in true repentance A. Two for we must cease to do evil and learn to do well depart from evil and do good to abhor that which is evil cleave to that which is good Is 1. Ps 3.4 Rom 12. Q. What is Charity A. It is to love God with all our heart and our Neighbour as our selves Q. How do we shew that we love our Neighbour A In bearing with his faults and being sensible of his misery and helping him in time of need according to our abilitâ— Q What are those to hope for who persevere in Faith who apply themselves to true piety and who from day to day go forward in sanctification A. God shall bless them in this life and shall crown them in the other according to our Lord Jesus Christ's promise be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life Rev. 2. Amen End of the fourth and last part of the Catechism A Prayer for the faithful Children who desire to advance themselves in Piety MY Lord and my God! I give thee immortal praises and thanksgivings that it pleased thee to cause me to born in thy Church of faithful Parents by the means of whom I have been brought up in Piety and made to drink of the sincere milk of the word as others I was a Child of wrath but Lord thou hast taken pity on me and thou hast adopted me to make me thy Child and heir of thy kingdom O my God and my Father enable me to answer to so holy and so glorious a vocation engrave thine Image in my heart and form me to the obedience of thee teach me to do thy will since thou art my God and let thy good Spirit lead me in the way of righteousness give me the Ornaments of true humility and of Sanctification without which none shall see thy face O let not be useless the labour of those who work to instruct me open my eyes that I may behold the marvels of thy law and that with thy holy Angels I may take pleasure without ceasing to contemplate the mysteries of my Salvation give me an understanding to know thee and heart to love thee and affections to embrace thee Confirm my memory that I may never forget the Divine Instructions of thy word Give me grace to conform all my actions my words and my thoughts thereunto and let it not only be a light that casts forth beamâ— and shines in my understanding and that chaseâ— away the darkness of error and ignorance therefrom but let it be a sacred fire that purifies mâ— affections that inflames my heart with a divine love and with a holy zeal for thy glory That I do not rejoyce for a little while in that divine light but let me follow it all the time of this terrestrial Pilgrimage Let it lead me to thee Oâ— Father of Lights and let it introduce me into thy heavenly Canaan where I shall have no more need to learn because I shall perfectly know thee and shall see thee face to face Oâ— my God! give me all things thou knowest to be necessary for me forget the sins of my youth and impute not unto me my transgressions but wash me in the precious blood of my Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ who commanded me to pray to thee saying OUR Father which art in heaven hallowed be thy name thy kingdom come thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven give us this day our daily bread and forgive us ouâ— trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for thine is thy kingdom and the power and the glory for ever and ever Amen Lord increase in me the precious faith that of thy pure grace thou hast given me let it appear by a good and holy life and that to the last day of my life I make a free
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
A CATECHISM OR Familiar Instructions ON THE Principal Points OF THE Christian Religion Written for the use of his own Family by Mr. Drelincourt Translated out of French LONDON Printed for the Author and sold by Edward Castle next Scotland-yard gate near White-Hall 1698. THE TRANSLATOR TO THE READER MY design in translating this small work from one of our Authors is not to pretend to add to the stile of the English writings to the compleatness whereof nothing can be added The English Divines are so great Masters of Scripture that one would think they study nothing else not in the manner that some Turkish Doctors learn the Alcoran by heart or rote but so understand holy Letters that it may be said they have perfectly the Language of Canaan To present the English therefore with any thing for Scripture sake there seems no great reason for they want Quotations no more than Explanation however it is one of the reasons that moves me to present them with this Translation I know not whether it be my Ignorance or a right Observation but methinks that among the English Catechisms there is none so fit for the publick as this For as the publick contains all sorts of capacities a work of this kind ought to be for them all since a Catechism is for the whole without exception and in my opinion this is incomparably fit for that purpose It hath something to raise the curiosity of more than common capacities by entertaining them with some Doctrines it doth not teach and that without racking the common ones by any thing that should leave them unsatisfied since it answers the objections of those different Doctrineâ— as far as their genius can make them dive therein and in a volume the bigness whereof shan't fright you from the reading of it as a larger doth those whâ— don't love confinement and it is the genius of the generality nor in its smallness is it defective for it contains not only what is necessary to serve a good Christian but a good Protestant too Its answers are powerful since they all allow nothing but pure Texts of the word of God and in few words doth so much that every where it bears the Image of the only word whereby all things were made all these considerations have made me think that it may be serviceable to this Nation especially to Youth whom the Author made it for as may be seen in his Epistle many in France being made to learn it before they have admittance to the Lord's Supper It may be no less useful for People of mature years especially amongst the ordinary sort which provided they know the Church Catechism may be admitted to the highest Mysteries of God's Worship for sometimes they know not what God is whom they serve and whether there be more than one as I have known it by experience This little Câ—techism teaches that in few words and the reason why there can be but one If I am not mistaken and that this small labour of mine prove serviceable to this Nation I shall think my self happy to have found the means of paying her a little of my gratitude for the protection I find therein and also being good Compatriot for other benefits that my Country-folks have here meâ— with besides refuge What is wanting in Power to my acknowledgment 〈◊〉 will make up in Vows and Prayers foâ— the welfare of this Nation for whicâ— I shall always bestow my best wishes to suit best to best its Charity being the greatest the Refugees have found wheresoever To conclude if there be some faults of mine in this Translation that escape not observation I desire iâ— may be remembred that I am French and what is more I am a Woman THE Epistle of the Author TO HIS CHILDREN My dear Children I Thought my hour was come to go from this World to the Father of Spirits although I love you with all tenderness imaginable I was wholly resigned to the Will of God and was wholly disposed to put my Soul in the hands of that Faithful Creator But he hath taken pity of my Family and hath given me again to your Tears I believe he hath restored me to life again principally that I may instruct you in the knowledge of him and that I may teach you to walk in his ways Wherefore as soon as I began to breathe I have dictated this Catechism for you to the end that when it shall please God to receive me into his Rest I may end my days with that contentment to have given you this witness of my ardent affection for the Salvation of your Souls and to have seen before your eyes a summary of the things you ought to believe and what you ought to do to attain Eternal happiness I know very well that others have happily worked on the same subject and I do affect Novelty so little that every where where it was possible for me and that my Memory suggested to me I have followed the beaten highway and kept close to the order of the Catechism that we expound in the Assembly of the Faithful to the end that the publick Instruction and Domestick ones be equally familiar to you but I hope of your good nature that you will embrace with more ardor what is presented to you from your Fathers hands That you will take more pleasure to please him and to obey him in so just and reasonable a thing the fruit whereof you shall receive I desire you may learn exactly the Christian Instruction that it be always on your Lips and that it be engraved in your Hearts that you meditate on it day and night and that you confirm thereunto your Life and Manners lest you should be doubly Chastized as the unfaithful Servant who knows the will of his Master and doth it not or to bring upon you the malediction of Heaven as the evil ground which often drinks the Rain and however produces nothing but Thorns and Thistles The more you have received the more shall be required from you represent unto your selves without ceasing the grace wherewith God favoured you to have caused you to be born in his Church in this great light of the Gospel and to have given you all the necessary helps to form you to virtue to bear Fruit worthy of your Birth and of your Education answer my cares and my hopes Remember your Creator in the days of your Infancy and of your Youth Consecrate to his glory the first fruits of your life and offer him the flower of your Age. Take care to pray to God morning and evening and every hour of the day and to give him thanks for all the good you receive continually of his liberal hand let the fear of him be always before your Eyes and wheresoever you be think that God looks upon you and walk before his face in purity and innocency Know that the greatest Woe that may befall you in the VVorld is to offend so good a Father
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
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
in his Body A. Because he was to redeem our Bodies and our Souls it was also needful that he should suffer in his Body and his Soul from thence comes what he said in the place that was called â—ethsemane My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death Matth. 26. and on the Cross My God my God why hast thou forsaken me Mat. 27 Of Jesus Christ's Death Quest HOW did Jesus Christ die A. He did not die as God for the Godhead is Immortal but he died as Man his Soul having been separated from his Body Q. Why did he die A. Because he had made himself our security and that the wages of Sin is Death Heb. 7. Rom. 6. Q. What is Sin A. Sin is the Transgression of the Law Joh. 3. Q. What fruit have we of the Death of Christ A. First by his Death he hath fully satisfied unto the Justice of God for our Sins and hath obtained for us Eternal Redemption Heb. 9. Secondly he hath swallowed up Death in victory and destroyed him who had the Empire of Death that is the Devil and delivered them who through force of Death were all their life-time subject to Bondage 1 Cor. 15. Heb. 2. Q. Since Jesus Christ underwent the pain that was due to our sins whence comes it that we are still subject to afflictions A. The afflictions wherewith God visits us are not the punishments of a Judge but the Chastisements of a Father and salutary Tryals and signs of his Love For whom the Lord loveth he chastneth and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth Heb. 12. Q. Why do we die since Jesus Christ died for us A. The Death that God sends us is not a satisfaction to his Justice and we ought not to have it in horror it is not so much a Death as a passage to the Blessful life according to the saying of our Lord St. John 5. he that believes oâ— me shall not come into Condemnation but to pass from death to life Q. But how do we hope in dying to go to Heaven since no impure thing can enter into the heavenly Jerusalem A. Our hope is grounded upon the Blood of Jesus Christ who cleansed us from all Sin as St. John teaches us in the first Chapt. of his 1. Epistle Q. After our Soul is separated from the Body is it not to suffer in a Purgatory before it enters into Eternal glory and felicity A. By no means for there is no Condemnation for them that are in Christ Jesus Rom. 8. The Blood of Jesus Christ washes us from all Sins 1 John c. 1. Blessed are those which die in the Lord for they rest from their labours and their works follow them Revel 14. Therefore our Souls desire to leave this Body to be with the Lord. 2 Cor. 5. Q. Were all the Sufferings of Jesus Christ ended at his Death A. Yes Wherefore before he gave up the Ghost he cried out with aloud voice all is finished John 19. Of the Burial of Jesus Christ Quest WHY was Jesus Christ buried A. First to shew that he was really Dead Secondly to teach us not to have an horror of our Graves Thirdly to make us die unto Sin and to bury all Carnal Lusts Rom. 6. Of Descending into Hell Quest WHAT do you mean by Jesus Christs descending into Hell A. This Article doth not differ much from the preceeding and signifies nothing else but that Jesus having been laid in his Sepulchre he remained there for a time in the state and condition of the Dead wherefore in some antient Creeds where mention is made of the Burial of Jesus Christ they speak not of his Descent into Hell Q. But can the word Hell signifie the Sepulchre A. It is the ordinary stile of Scripture and namely Ps 141. Our Bones are scattered at the mouth of Hell that is to say at the Graves mouth Q. And may descending into Hell be taken for descending into the Sepulchre and to be laid in the state and condition of the Dead A. It is also the stile of the holy Languages as in Gen. 37. where Jacob crying for his Son Joseph said to his other Children I will go down into Hell unto my Son mourning chap. 42. you shall bring down my Grey-hairs with sorrow into Hell Q. How do you prove that this Article of the Creed must be thus understood A. By St. Peter who makes appear visibly in Acts the 2. That the words of the Kingly Prophet David Ps 16. Thou wilt not leave my Soul in Hell neither wilt thou suffer thy holy one to see Corruption cannot properly be applied to David whose Body remained in the Sepulchre but belongs to our Saviour Jesus Christ who did not see Corruption and who did not remain in the Sepulchre Q. What became of our Lord Jesus Christs Soul when he died A. He commended it into his Fathers hands as he said himself Father into thy hands I commend my Spirit and it was received into Paradice according to what he said untâ—â—he converted Thief Verily I say unto thee to day shalt thou be with me in Paradice Luke Chap. 23. Q. But went he not into the Limboes of the Faâ—hers A. In all the Scripture it is not spoken of this pretended Limboes and it is a meer Invention of Man's Of the Resurrection of Christ Quest HOW long was the Body of Christ in the Sepulchre A. He was buried on Friday Night and Sunday Morning next he rose from the Dead Q. Why did he rise again from the Dead A. Because he had fully satisfied the Justice of God his Father and that being the Prince of his Life he could not be detained by the bonds of Death Acts. 2. Q. Did the Body of our Saviour Jesus Christ receive any change by his Resurrection A. The Resurrection gave it a glory that it had not before but did not take away the Truth of his Nature wherefore he said to his Apostles Behold my Hands and my Feet handle me and see me for a Spirit hath not Flesh and Bones as you see me to have Luke 24. Q. What Fruit have we of our Lord Jesus Christ's Resurrection A. First God having opened to him the Gates of Death hath made known that he was absolved from all the Sins for which he passed thro them and that we were absolved in him as the Apostle says That he was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our Justification Rom. 4. Secondly the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is to us an assurance that one day we shall rise again in Glory as the Apostle teaches 1 Cor. 15. Lastly by Jesus Christ's Resurrection we rise again in Newness of Life Rom. 6. which makes us say with St. Peter in the first Chapt. of his first Epistle Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who according to his abundant Mercy hath begotten us again into a lively hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead Of the Ascension of Jesus Christ
the Devotions they profess for the Sheep of our Lord Jesus Christ hear his Voice and follow him but they hear not the Voice of Strangers contrarily they fly from him John 10. and those honour God in vain who teach for Doctrine the Commandment of Man Matthew 15. Q. Do you believe that the Church wherein you have been educated and bred up to be a true and pure Church A. Yes by the grace of God for the word of God is preached therein in all purity the Sacraments are administered in it according to the Institutions of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Divine Service established therein in the same simplicity as it was in the Apostles time Q. Why is the Church called â—oly A. Because God hath separated it from the rest of the World and hath consecrated it to his Service and because Jesus Christ gave himself for us that he might Sanctifie and present it to himself a glorious Church not having Spot or Wrinkle or any such thing Ephes 5. Q. What is the sanctity of the Church A. The Sanctity of the Triumphant Church is perfect and accomplished but that of the Militant Church hath many Faults and Imperfections wherefore she is taught to say every day to God forgive us our Trespasses Q. How is it then that she is called Holy A. Because it gives and applies it self to sanctity that hath the beginning of it that it arrives to perfection and that one day it shall obtain it in the Kingdom of Heaven Of the Conmunion of Saints Quest IS it lawful to Trust in the Merit and in the satisfaction of Saints A. By no means for every one shall bear his own burthen Gal. 6. It belongs to Jesus Christ alone to bear our Iniquities and satisfie for us to the Justice of God 1 Pet. 2. There is no other name under Heaven given amongst men whereby we must be saved Acts 4. Q. Of what Saints do you believe the Communion A. Of the Saints Triumphant in Heaven of the Faithful fighting on Earth and of the one with the other Q. In what consists the Communion of the Faithful on earth A. In that they have all the same God for Father the same Jesus Christ for a Saviour and the same Spirit for Comforter they obey the same Gospel and participate of the same Sacraments they have the same Faith and the same Hope they long for the same Inheritance and do communicate to one another the goods which God imparted them they feel the afflictions of one another and work together for their mutual Salvation Q In what consists the Communion of the glorified Saints A. In that they enjoy the same glory and felicity that they contemplate the fear of the same God and agree together to celebrate his praises Q. In what consists the Communion of the Militant Church with the Triumphant A. In that we have all the same God and the same Saviour that we are all moved by the same Spirit and inflamed with the same Charity and that we have the same desire to see Jesus Christ upon his Throne and the whole Church carried up in Body and Soul in the fulness of Glory which is prepared her from the foundation of the World Of the Remission of Sins Quest WHat signifies the article of Remission of sins A. We believe that God of his free Will for Jesus Christs sake forgave all poor repenting sinners their offences Q. Is there none but God that forgives sins A. There is none but God alone that forgives them with Authority and with absolute power Matt. 2. Q. And how is it that Pastors forgive sins A. As Ministers and Ambassadors of Jesus Christ Of the Resurrection of the Body Quest WHat do you mean by the Resurrection of the Body A. That in the last day God will command the Earth the Sea and the Sepulchre to deliver up the dead and then the just and the unjust shall rise again from the dead the one in Resurrection of Life and the other in Resurrection of Condemnation Rev. 20. Dan. 12. and John 5. Q. Do you believe that this same flesh which shall have been eaten up by the worms and reduced into dust may and shall rise again A. Yes for nothing is impossible to God and he is true in his promises wherefore we may say with Job I know that my Redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the Earth and though after my skin worms devour this Body yet in my flesh shall I see God and my Eye shall behold him Job 19. Q. How shall our Bodies rise again A. They shall invest in corruption immortality light and glory 1 Cor. 15. And shall be rendred conform unto the glorious body of our Saviour according to the Apostles saying Phil. 3. we look for the Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ from Heaven who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto his glorio us body Q. What shall become of those who at the Resurrection day shall be living on earth A. They shall be changed in a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last Trump and we shall be caught up together in the Clouds to meet the Lord in the Air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Cor. 15. 1 Thess 4. Of Life Everlasting Quest WHAT is the life everlasting that you believe A It is the spiritual and heavenly life which we shall for ever live in Paradice with Jesus Christ and his Triumphing Angels Q. How many different degrees hath that Life A. Three one in this life what it pleases God to give us the first fruit of his Spirit and the foretaste of the delight of Paradice The â—econd when our Soul leaves this Corporal Taâ—ernacle to put on the eternal dwelling which is â—n Heaven and the third after the Resurrection when in bodâ— and in soul we shall enjoy the good things which the eye did not see that ear did not hear and that entred not into the heart of Man Q What are the principal benefits we shall enjoy â—n that glorious life A. To know God perfectly and to contemâ—late him face to face to love him intirely â—nd to love nothing but in him and for the â—ove of him to have an accomplished sanctity â—ee from all defects to enjoy permanent joy â—hich may be felt through all the faculties of â—or souls and bodies and lastly to be rendred â—ike unto God himself for when we shall see â—im as he is we shall be like him 1 John 3. The End of the First Part. Of good WORKS PART II Quest BY what means do we hope to be saved A. Through the death and passioâ— of our Lord Jesus Christ Q. Since Jesus Christ redeemed us by his deaâ— and passion is it necessary to do good Works A. Yes for that he hath redeemed us from the hands of our Enemies it is to the end that we may serve him without fear in holineâ— and righteousness all the
any Idol or graven Image in fine the Latin Bible which was declared Canonical in the Councel of Trent bears formally thou shalt not make any sculptory work Q. Have we great Interest that it be said thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image or else thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Idol A. We have no other interest in it than that of the Truth for let it be Image or Idol it is no matter since the Law of God adds nor the likeness of any thing that is in Heaven above or in the Earth beneath or in the Water under the Earth and the Images of the Church of Rome are the likeness of the things that are in Heaven and in Earth and consequently they are forbidden by the Law of God Q. But doth God forbid generally all sorts of Images A. There are two sorts of Images some are made to represent the Creator and the others to be the Effigies of the Creatures these to Represent the Creator are absolutely forbidden Q. What proof have you thereof A. It is impossible to have a clearer one or more convincing than that of the 4. Chapt. of Deut. Take you therefore good heed unto your selves for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire Lest you corrupt your self and make you a graven Image the similitude of any figure the likeness of Male or Female and in Isaiah the 40. To whom then will you liken God or what likeness will ye compare unto him wherefore God puts amongst the greatest sins of the Antient Heathens that of having changed the glory of the Incorruptible God into an Image made like to Corruptible Man and to Birds and four-footed Beasts and creeping things Rom 1. Q. What do you say of the Imagâ—s which are made to represent the Creatures A. The Images of the Creatures are of two uses the one Political and Civil and the other Sacred and Religious The civil use of Images is not forbidden and there may be some to serve for Ornament and for Memorial but God will not have them be employed for his worship and in regard of that he saith Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image c. Q But did not God command Moses to make gold Cherubims and to set them on the mercy seat A. He who makes the Law is above the Law God doth not say I who am your Lord and your God will never make any graven Image but he saith thou shalt not make to thy self that is to say of thine head and of thine Invention besides those Cherubims were only symbolical figures of the vertue and offices of Angels and were not exposed to the peoples view so that there was no danger of Idolatry thereby Q. Did not Moses make a Brazen Serpent which he did set up in the Wilderness Numb 21. A. Yes but he did not make it of himself God expresly commanded it he did not set up that Serpent to be worshipped but only to be seen and when afterward the Children of Israel committed Idolatry and burnt Incense unto it the King Ezechias did break it in pieces and said it was but a piece of brass 2 Kings 18. Q But if we did meet with those who have veneration for Images should we do ill if to have peace with them we did accommodate our selves to their Worship A. Yes most assuredly for God doth not only forbid to make Images to employ them to his Worship but in case that there be some made he forbids us to prostrate our selves before them â—nd to worship them Q. Those of the Church of Rome do they sin against this Divine Ordinance A. Yes most visibly for they set in their Temples all sorts of Images they put them upon their Altars and render them the honour which God forbids they pull off their Hats to them they bow to them they kiss them and kneel before them that is directly against the formal words of this Law thou shalt not bow down to them besides they dress them up they crown them with Flowers they light Candles to them they burn Incense to them they carry them upon their Shoulders in processions and they go unto them in Pilgrimages all which is against what is said thou shalt not worship them Q. Why is that God calls himself jealous A. To speak properly it is not that God has the passion of jealousy which troubles men but by that he will reach us first that he loves us ardently secondly that he cannot bear a comparison nor his Glory to be given to another thirdly that he will punish rigorously all Idolaters Q Why is it that in the threatning of his punishments he mentions but three or four Generations but that he stretches his promise of Graces and Mercy unto thousands A. To shew us that he is more inclined to be merciful than to exercise vengeance so that the saying of St. James may be applied to him that Mercy rejoyceth over Judgment Jer. 2. Q But doth God punish all the Children of the wicked A. If the Children of the wicked follow the way of their Father God will punish them twofold because of the criminal life of their predecessors but if they repent and live in the fear of God the sins of their Fathers shall not be imputed to them for the Father shall not bear the iniquity of the Son and the Son shall not bear the iniquity of the Father but the Soul of him that sineth is that which shall dye Ezek. 18. Q. And doth God pour down his Graces upon all the Children of the faithful A. Yes upon all those who imitate the Piety of their Fathers nay have a twofold blessing of all sorts of blessings but as to those who turn aside from it and who give themselves to do evil they bring upon them the wrath of God and his just vengeance Q. Can you tell what is the design of this second Commandment and what God demands of us therein A. The same which our Lord Jesus Chirst teaches us in John 4. that the Father will have true worshippers who worship him in spirit and truth God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth Of the third Commandment Q. SAY the third Commandment A. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain Q. What do you mean by the name of God A. By the name of God I mean God himself and his holy word as also all the names which describes his essence or his qualities and generally all other things concerning his worship Q. What is it to take the name of God in vain A. It is to abuse it in things of no worth to speak thereof without respect to use it in blaspheming or in vain or rash swearing Q. Is swearing taking the name
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
confession thereof as I will now do before thee saying with thy Church I Believe in God the Father Almighty maker of heaven and earth and Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord who was conceived by the holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified dead and buried he descended into Hell the third day he rose again from the dead he ascended into Heaven and sitteth on the Right hand of God the Father Almighty from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead I believe in the holy Ghost the holy Catholick Church the Communion of Saints the forâ—â—veness of Sins the Resurrection of the body and the life everlasting Amen Lord who didst write thy Law on tables of Stone be pleased to engrave it in my heart with the finger of thy Spirit and give me grace to conform the course of my life thereunto The ten Commandmets of Gods Law Preface I am the Lord thy God who brought thee out of the Land of Egypt out of the house of bondage The first Table I. THou shalt have none other God but me II. Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image nor the likeness of any thing that is heaven above or in the earth beneath or in the water under the earth thou shalt not bow down to them nor worship them for I the Lord thy God am a Jealous God and visit the sins of the Father upon the Children â—â—to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shew mercy unto thousands in them that love me and keep my Commandments III. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain IV. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day Six days shalt thou labour and do all that thou hast to do but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt do no manner of work thou and thy Son and thy Daughter thy Man Servant and thy Maid Servant thy Cattle and the Stranger that is within thy Gates for in six days the Lord made Heaven and Earth the Sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Seventh day and hallowed it V. Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee VI. Thou shalt do no Murther VII Thou shalt not commit Adultery VIII Thou shalt not Steal IX Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy Neighbour X. Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours House thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours Wife nor his Servant nor his Maid nor his Ox nor his Ass nor any thing that is his The Summary of all the Law Matt. 22. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy Soul and with all thy Mind This is the first and great Commandment and the second is like unto it thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self on these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets Psalm 143. V. 8. Lord cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning for in thee do I trust cause me to know the way wherein I should walk for I lift up my Soul unto thee 9. Deliver me O Lord from my Enemies I fly unto thee to hide me 10. Teach me to do thy will for thou art my God let thy good Spirit lead me into the land of uprightness 1 John 5.21 Little Children keep your selves from Idols Amen Epitome of the Catechism for the Little Children First Section First Question Q. WHY do you name your self a Christian A. Because through the grace of God I believe in Jesus Christ and I profess his truth Q. 2. Who is Jesus Christ A. He is the only Son of God Q. 3. Is he God or Man A. He is true God aâ—d true Man Q. 4. Why was it needful that he should be God and Man A. It was needful for him to be Man to die and God to overcome death Q. 5. How many Gods are there A. There is but one and it is he who made Heaven and Earth Q. 6. How many persons are there in that only Essence A. Three the Father the Son and the holy Ghost and these three are one Q. 7. How is it that this great God makes himself known A. By his works his word and his spirit Section 2. Q 1. WHat must one know in the Christian Religion A. Three things principally what we are of our nature what God makes us to be by his grace and what we ought to render him for all his benefits Q. 2. What were you of your nature A. I was a poor sinful Creature and Child of wrath as others Q. 3. And what did you deserve 〈◊〉 Eternal death and condemnation 〈◊〉 4. What hath God done for you A. He redeemed me from my Sins and adopted me for his Child Q 5. How did he redeem you A. Through the death and passion of his own Son our Lord Jesus Christ Q. 6. And by what means did he adopt you A. By his spirit who with assurance makes me cry Abba Father Q. 7. What is the mark of that adoption A. Regeneration and holiness of Life Section 3. Q. 1. WHat could oblige God to deliver you out of your misery and to give you the freedom of his Children A. Nothing but his great Mercy and his incomparable Charity Q. 2. What is it he promises you for his Sons sake and in the communion of his spirit A. He promises me his grace and protection here on Earth and the glory of his Paradice and his eternal felicity in Heaven Q. 3. And what do you owe to God for so many benefits as he bestowed on you and for so much glory that he prepares for you A. I owe my self to him with all the power of my body and soul Q. 4. But what doth he principally desire of you A. Love and Obedience Q. 5. How ought you to love God A. Above all things Q. 6. And how must you love your Neighâ—our A. As my self Q. 7. What Obedience doth God demand of you A. A filial Obedience Section 4. Q. 1. WHat is it principally that God will have us exercise our selves in during the the course of this life A. In good Works Q. 2. Which are the good Works A. Those that God commands Q. 3. And which are the evil ones A. Those that God forbids Q. 4. Is it necessary to do good Works A. Yes for God commands it and it is the way to Heaven Q. 5. Are the good Works that we do during this life so perfect that there is no fault in them A. No for if we say that there is no sin in us we lye wherefore we pray to God every day that he will forgive us our sins Q. 6. From whence comes all the good there is in our Works A. From the grace of God Q.
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