will forgiue you therefore we pray that God who is infinite in mercies would pardon vs for we being wretched sinners hauing not one drop of grace yet through his grace are willing to forgiue others that Prouâ—â—b offend vs For if it be the glory of a man to passe by infirmities much more of God Q. What learne you by the last Petition And leade vs not into temptation A. In the former Petition wee desired pardon for sinnes past and heere wee pray for grace to resist sin in time to come that we may be supported and preserued in that â— Pet. 2. 9. Mat. 26. 41. state of grace whereunto wée are restored â—nd called by Christ Therefore wée pray â—hat we be not hardned with the deceitfulâ—es Luke 22. 40. Esay 1. 16. of sinne nor lead into ouer-hard triâ—ls against which our weakenes is not able to resist but that with the temptation 1 Cor 10. 13. â—he would giue the issue for his glory and our good Q. What vnderstand you by this But deliuer vs from euill A. That is from the diuell the author of al 1. Ioh. 3. 8. â—uill for we pray not simplie against temptation but against the euill of temptation that wee may haue grace and strength to tread Sathan sinne all aduersarie power Mat. 4. 3 4. Ioh. 17. 15. opposing it selfe to our saluation vnder feet through our Lord Iesus the séed of the woman who hath already triumphed ouer them and by whome wée hope and assure our selues we shall be perfect in his heauenly kingdome Q. What vnderstand you by the conclusion For thine is the Kingdome the Power and Glory for euer and euer A. The summe of all contained in the 1. Tim. 1. 17. rest because he is the immortall King inuisible and Almighty God only wise wee 1. Kingdome pray to serue him as his subiects in this 1. Peâ— 1. 5. life for the soueraignty of heauen earth is his and to bee preserued by his poweâ— 2. Power through faith vnto the life to come for he is all sufficient to performe that hée would glorifie his great name by all these means for all glory honor and praise is due tâ— 3. Glorie Psalme 145. 11. 12. him in Christ Iesus for euermore Q. Then the beginning and end of ouâ— prayers ought to be the praise and glorie oâ— God A. Yes for he is not worthy to receiuâ— new benefits who will not be thankefull Psal 103. 2. for former receiued Q. Why conclude you with Amen A. To shew our earnest desire and assured hope to obtaine our lawfull requestâ— through Christ the faithfull and true wiâ—nes Reuel 3. 14. in whom all the promises of God aâ— yea Amen Q. Then belike these three last Petitionâ— answere to the sixe last precepts of the teâ— Commandements of the second Table of the Law A. Yea verily for in them we learn ouâ— dutie towards men and héere we pray foâ— Psal 19. 7 8 9 10 11 12 13. grace to practise them that wée may liue â— peaceable life in all godlines and honestiâ— till wée bée fitted and ready for the life â— come in heauen Q. Are we sure to be heard praying according to these rules A. Yes certainly as the Scriptures of Psalm 138. 3. 145. 18. 19 God do abundantly teach vs. Q. But wee see God doth not alwayes graunt the Petitions of his children A. That is because God hath otherwise Ezek. 14. 14. 1. Psal 135. 6. Iames 3. 2. 2 3 4 first decréed with him self secondly because they aske amisse thirdly because in his profound wisdome he séeth it not good for them fourthly because he trieth their faith loue patience and constancie Q. Tell me now what is a Sacrament psal 33. 10. 2. Cor. 12. 9. Luke 19. 7. Iam. 3. 8. Of the Sacraments A. A seale of that righteousnes which is giuen by faith in the merits of Christ Iesus Q. How many seales or Sacraments of that kinde hath God left vnto his Church A. But two Sacraments of the new Gen. 17. 11. Rom. 4. 11. 1 Cor. 10. 1 2 3. Couenant as there were but two in the old figuring righteousnes giuen by faith Q. Which be they A. Baptisme and the Lords Supper answerable to Circumcision the Passeouer 1. Cor. 12. 13. 1. Cor. 10 16. and succéeding in their places Q. How many parts be there of a Sacrament A. Two the outward signe and the inward 1 â—et 3. 21. grace signified â— Pet. 3. 21. Q. What is the outward signe in Baptisme A. Water accompanied with the Word Math. 28. 19. Q. What the inward grace signified A. The washing away of sinne by faith in the blood of Christ and the reuiuing and sanctifying vnto true righteousnes by his Actâ— 22. 16. Titus 3. 5. spirit sealing vnto the heart the assurance of fra forgiuenes of sins by Christ Iesus Q. What further vse and end hath Baptisme A. To expresse that wée are admitted and incorporated into the house of God his Acts 15. 9. 1. pet 3. 20 21. Genis 17. 1â— Church whereof the Arke was a figure and receaued into the Couenant of grace heretofore figured in the seale of Circumcision Q. What doth God promise vnto vs in this Couenant of Baptisme A. Christ Iesus with all the benefits of his death buriall resurrection and ascention Rom. 6. 1. peâ— 3. 21. to the full assurance of the frée forgiuenesse of sinnes to iustification and life eternall Q. What is the condition that the partie baptised is to keepe and performe A. To repent and beleeue that is to renounce and forsake sinne Satan the world Marke 1. 4. 1. Ioâ— 1. 7. and all the workes of the flesh and to liue in holines and righteousnes according to the Spirit beginning his new birth and life in God to die to sinne and rise vp vnto Rom. 6. 3. 4. â— righteousnes of conuersation Q. Why are Infants baptised which can make no confession of faith repentance A. Because they are the séed of the faithfull and within the outward couenant vnto whom belong the promises of grace and Rom. 4. 12. 26. Mark 10. 14. of such is the kingdome of heauen though not of all but wée must leaue the hidden things to God the reuealed are for vs and our children to do them Deut. 29. 29 Q. What be the outward signes in the Lords Supper A. Bread and wine according to our Sauiours institution Q Which be the inward graces signified and sealed vnto vs by them A. The bodie and blood of Christ Iesus our Paschall Lambe without blemish offered Mat. 26. 26. 1. Cor. 10. 16. 1. Pet. 1. 18. 19. Rom. 4. 25. for vs working full redemption and iustification for all true beleeuers sealing vnto them his righteousnes to be theirs by frée imputation Q. What further vse hath the Lords Supsper A. To teach vs that our Couenant in
taught mee and said vnto me let thine heart hold fast my words c. The Prophesie which his mother also taught Prou. 31. 1. him What my sonne and what the sonne of my wombe c. giue not thy strength vnto women nor thy waies c. Teach a childe in the trade of his wayes and Prou. 2â— 6. when he is olde he shall not depart from it Precept must be vpon precept precept vpon precept line vnto line heere a little and there Esay 28. 10 a little as the Prophet speaketh in another kinde Luke 2. 42. 22. 23. Marke 10. 15. 16 Psal 78. Matth. 16. 15. 16. The example of our blessed Sauiour throughout the Euangelists is most pregnant and profitable to be considered in this kinde opening his mouth in parables and declaring hid sentences of olde And Philip ran thither and heard him reade the Prophet Esay and said but vnderstandest Act. 8. 30. thou what thou readest And he said how can I except I had a guide And he expounded c. And you fathers prouoke not your children Ephes 6. 4. to wrath but bring them vp in instruction and information of the Lord. For it shal be in the last times saith God I Ioel. 2. 28. Act. 2. 17. 1. Thess 5. 18. will powre out of my spirit vpon all flesh and your sonnes and your daughters shall prophesie Quench not the spirit despise not prophesying preaching and teaching Therefore leauing the doctrines of the beginnings Hebr. 5. 12. Hebr. 6. 3. 1. Cor. 3. 1. 2. of Christ let vs be led forward vnto perfection not laying againe the foundation of repentance from dead workes and of faith toward God of the doctrine of Baptisme and laying on of hands and of the resurrection from the dead and of eternall iudgement Let him that is instructed in the word make Gal. 6. 6. him that hath instructed him partaker of all his goods The instructers of yong Christians in the Primitiue Church were called Catechists and those instructed Catechumenine hearers or young hearers and their teachers teachers of the hearers These appeare to be in the times of the holy Fathers shortly after the Apostles age as Tertullian Cyprian Austin Ierome c. God Almighty the giuer of euery good and perfect gift reuine and continue it in this declining age to his glory Amen A PRAYER TO BE SAID before Catechising as followeth O Lord which openest and none shutteth open our eyes and touch our harts that wee may see and perceiue the wonderfull things of thy Law that our minds being inlightned with true knowledge and our hearts confirmed with vnfeined faith wee may more and more bee conformed to the Image of thy Sonne againe to serue thee in holinesse and righteousnesse keeping faith and a good conscience vntill wee attaine to the end of our faith euen the saluation of our soules through Christ our Lord and only Sauiour Amen A SHORT CATECHISME FOR THE Elder sort of the Children of Christs Hospitall in London To be vsed of them after the small Catechisme which is to be taught and learned of euery Child as is appointed by authority Quest SEING we are yet to speake of God the Soueraigne good and of his word our guide to true happynesse declare vnto vs what God is Ans God is an eternall Spirit almighty holy Iust and mercifull being an infinit perfection whose being is of himselfe giuing being to all without beginning of time or end of dayes one in essence and thrée distinct persones one mighty nature be they the Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost Quest Who is the Creator and gouernor of the world Ans This one almighty God the Father Gen. 1. 1. Ioh. 1. 3. Psal 136 5 Son and holy Ghost Quest Why were the Heauens Angels and celestiall bodies made Ans For the glory of God and seruice of man as the Psalmist saith the heauens declare the glory of God and the Apostle Psal 8. saith the Angels are all ministring spirits Heb. 2. for their sakes that shall be heires of Saluaâ—ion Quest But some Angels are tempters and hurters of mankinde Ans Those are Angels which kept not their first estate of truth and holinesse but through pride against God and mallice to men fell as starres from Heauen being sâ—aunderers of God and enimies to men called the diuell and his Angels reserued 2. Pet. 2. 4. Iude 6. in euerlasting chaines vnder darkenesse vnto the Iudgement of the great day Quest Amongst all the creatures which is the chiefest then Ans Man being considered in Christ Gen. 1. 26. Psal 8. 5. restored to grace Quest Why so Ans Because God hath indued him Gen. 2. 7. Psal 51. 6. with knowledge righteousnesse and true holynesse and giuen him reason to discerne betweene good and euill Quest What is the chiefest end of mans creation Ans To serue and glorifie God their Esay 43. 7. Tit. 2. 11. 12. Creator Quest What rule hath God left vnto vs how he would be serued Ans His holy Law first written in the Of the law Exod. 20. Psal 19. 7. hart and giuen by God consisting of ten Commaundements in two Tables Quest Deuide them Ans In the first foure which is the Dâ—ut 6. 45. Matth. 22 37. first Table is taught our dutie towards God In the latter sixe which is the second Table is contained our dutie to our Matth. 22. 39 Leuit. 19. 18. neighbour Quest Rehearse them Ans I am the Lord thy God which brought â—hee out of the Land of Aegypt out of the house of bondage thou shalt haue none other Gods but me Thou shalt not make to thy selfe c. Quest Shew me the sense of euery Commandement particularly Ans 1 In the first Commandement is set downe whom we should worship that is God only and alone Deut. 6. 13. Mat. 4. 10. 2 In the second how we should worship him namely according to his word in Math 15. 9 Deut 4 15 Act 7 29 spirit and truth without representations 3 In the third the end wherefore we ought to worship him that his name may be hallowed his kingdome inlarged and his blessed will accomplished in all and ouer Leuit 9 12. Esay 65 16 all by his word 4 In the fourth The time and meanes which the Lord hath appointed for his Exod 31 1 Cor 16 2 worship and seruice being the Sabbath day The Preaching of the Word administration of the Sacraments prayers and prayses Which foure precepts are the first Table containing our dutie toward God in hallowing his name In seeking his kingdome and learning his will 5 In the fifth which is the first of the second Table containing our duties towards our neighbours God taketh order for the duties of Inferiours towards their Superiours and Elders and of the Superiours Leuit 20 9 Rom 13 1. 2 to their Inferiours 6 In the sixth of the safety of our brothers life that
for benefits receaued Quest Is there any prescript forme of Prayer left vs in the holy Scriptures Ans Yes that which our Lord Iesus Christ hath taught and is called the Lords prayer containing all heauenly wisdome in Matth. 6. 9. Luke 11. 2. that kind consisting of sixe petitions and a conclusion as followeth Our Father which art in heauen c. Quest To whom must wee pray and in whose name Ans To God only the Father Sonne â—ohn 16. 23. and holy Ghost in the name of Christ Iesus Quest Why do we then name the Father only Ans The word Father in this place is not taken personally but essentially for Iude. 20. Rom. 8. 34. in the action of true prayer the holy Ghost is the first Mouer the Son the Mediator the Father gratiously hearing returneth Psal 22. 24. an answere in due time Quest Why must we pray to the Father in the name of his Son Mediator Ans Because God being displeased for Iohn 14. 6. Rom. 5. 10. sinne we can haue no accesse vnto him but by the meanes of Christ our Aduocate in whom he is well pleased Quest Why must we pray by the working of the holy Ghost Ans Because the holy Ghost assureth Rom. 8. 26. Ephes 6. 18. vs that God is our Father and also teacheth vs how to pray and what to pray for Quest What things are to be obserued of vs in prayer First before the action of prayer 1. We 1. Pet. 1. 17. must truly repent vs of our sinnes and hartely purpose to amend 2 In the action of prayer 1. We must Matth. 21 2â— haue faith in God through Christ â—mes 1 6 â—arke 11 24 â—atth 5. 44. â—d 6 14. 15 3 Loue to our brethren yea towards our enemies and zeale of affection to perseuere And after prayer 1. Wée must bée â—sal 18 21 thankefull for grace Watchfull ouer our affections to better â—pes 6. 18 â—om 8 25 our obedience after and patiently to tarrie the Lords leasure Quest These being obserued before in and after prayer tell me how many parts be there of prayer Ans Thrée parts Confession of sinne Petition for mercy and grace thankesgiuing for blessings receaued Quest How many parts be there of the Lords prayer Ans Two parts first of those which concerne Gods glory secondly of things concerning our selues Quest Which be those that concerne God Ans The Preface and the thrée first Petitions saying Our Father which art in Heauen hallowed by the name thy kingdome come Thy will be done c. Concluding with Kingdome Power and Glory Quest What vnderstand you by the Preface Our Father which art in Heauen Ans That Iehouah our God Iehouah the Father Sonne and holy Ghost is Deut. 6. 4. Marke 1â— 29. one and become our Father by the death and mediation of Christ his Son in whose name if wée approach vnto him with faith Iohn 20. 7 16. 27. and reuerence he will make manifest that he is both willing and able to heare and helpe vs. Quest What more Ans That being in Heauen hée requireth of vs heauenly mindes and affections to worship him in spirit and truth without any superstition of representation Math. 6. 5. Ioh. 4. 24. 25. or wil-worship according to carnal reason as it is forbidden in the first and second Commandements of the first Table Quest What vnderstand you by the first Petition Hallowed be thy name Ans That the glorious names and attributes of God his wisedome power Psalme 99. 3. Exodus 34. 6. Psalme 138. Psalm 145. â— word mercy iustice and workes may be honored and sanctified of vs in our thoughts words and workes which is the end of our creation and redemption the contrary whereof is forbidden in the third commandement of the first Table thou shalt not take the name of thy God in vaine 2 Q. What by the second Thy kingdome come A. That righteousnes peace and ioy in the holy Ghost may be increased in vs by Dan 7. 14. Luke 1. 33. Psalme 145. 11 12 13. the regiment of his Word and Spirit that Christ may raigne and dwell in our hearts by faith driuing out all aduersarie power of sinne and darknes that being his obedient subiects in the kingdome of grace we may speedâ—ly be fitted and suted with all his Elect in the kingdome of glory 3 Q. What by the third Thy will be done A. That God would subdue in vs by his grace all things repugnant to his word 1 Thessa 4. 3. Rom. 12. 2. will that with all holy desire diligence and integrity resembling his holy angels in heauen we may do his will as in his word he hath manifested it vnto vs being the perfect rule of faith and obedience for the Colos 1. 9. 10. 1 Pâ—ter 4. 2. honor and hollowing of his name the power increase and accomplishment of his kingdome are vnited to the doing of his will according to his word Q. By this wee may see that these three Petitions answere to the foure first Commandements of the first Table A. Yea for in them we learne our duty to God as concerning his worship faith feare and loue which in this wee pray fer grace to practise 4 Q. What vnderstand you by the second parts of this prayer and namely the fourth Petition Giue vs this day our dayly bread A. That God would vouchsafe to giue vs all such things as are needfull for vs and the place where we liue that we may liue without destresse of minde and pride of hart that honoring our Superiours and Parents we may liue a peaceable life in all godlynes and honesty abandoning all excessiue care for earthly things being content Math. 6. 24. 25. Philip. 4. 6. 1 Tim. 6. 8. with sufficient obtained by our lawfull labors that so it may go well with vs as it is promised in the first Commaundement of the second Table where it is said Honor thy father and thy mother that it may go well with thee 5 Q. What by the fifth Petition in the second part of this prayer Forgiue vs our trespasses as we forgiue them that trespasse against vs A. That confession of sâ—nnes must goe Prou. 28. 13 before remission because they seperate vs from God till they haue found free pardoâ— through faith in the merits of Christ the Mediator of the new Couenant who hath made reconciliation for sinne and purchased Dan. 9. 24. euerlasting righteousnes therefore for his sake we desire mercy for our sinnes and the punishments due to bee remoued because Exod. 34. 6. 7. they are pledges of Gods fauour declaring himselfe to be our God and Father Q. Why is this reason added As wee do forgiue others that trespasse against vs A. Lest we should presume to aske forgiuenes of God except we be free from hatred Matth. 6. 14. 15. Marke 11. 25 26. and malice as it is said If yee forgiue others God
or discredit thee 4 Thy hands and face wash also for that is both wholesome and hansome 5 Thy bed see thou decently turne vp vntill thou be ready to make it which see it be well and hansomely done for therein thou shewest thy selfe to differ from a beast Neate and cleanlie see thou be As is befitting thy degree OF BEHAVIOVR TO Schoole-ward BEing apparrelled and thy prayers said and other things performed accordingly repaire without delay or loytering vnto the schoole or other busines appointed or belonging vnto thee vsing all diligence and faithfulnes therein By the way go soberly orderly and mannerly salute thy elders and betters with reuerent regard and good words of the time of the day and thy familiars and fellowes friendly with such diuersity of reuerence curteous behauiour as is befitting to the dignity and condition of the persons for nothing gaineth so much with so little cost as humilitie and curtesie doth Humilitie and curtesie Are signes of grace and pietie Remembrances FOrget not thy bookes pennor inckehorne pennes paper all other things fit keepe them safe cleane and plaine from tearing losing blotting or soyling c. OF BEHAVIOR AT Schoole BEing in Schoole play not laugh not vse no vncomely gesture nor vndecent behauiour in speech or signe but humblie and carefully submit thy selfe to obey and learn those good letters and sciences there indeuored to be taught thee that learning to obey in youth thou maiest knowe how to teach and gouerne in age and remember that a diligent youth maketh a learned age a ioyfull life blessed death for there is no gaine without paine no treasure without trauell nor learning without labour therefore shew thy selfe to thy Maister diligent and carefull to learne coueting the fellowship of such as are better learned then thy selfe contend with none but for learning learne diligently and retaine faithfully practise painefully and be ashamed to be vanquished but striue to get before others be not dogged and sullen when thou art corrected reioyce when thou art praised promise to thy selfe great things by thy paines and feare correction Paines in youth brings honor in age But idlenes doth euill presage OF BEHAVIOVR HOMEward REturning from Schoole let thy behauiour bee such as may giue grace and countenance to the place from whence thou camest credit to the persons which haue the teaching and educating of thee If any meete thee that are thy betters or elders giue them the wall and vpper hand vailing thy bonnet reuerētly for the tongue is the interpreter of the minde and manners the image of mankind therefore if any question be demaunded of thee answere with the like modestie with thy head bare and thy countenance sad not sowre and sullain iearing and laughing but with a modest and cheerefull countenance standing vpright and looking them in the face soberly not turning and winding like a foole not trifeling and fumbling with the fingers like an Ape nor lifting vp the legge like a goose remembring that humility and lowlines of minde obtaineth the fauour of God and gentle speech and curteous behauiour winneth the hearts of men Dutie meekenes thankes and loue Are vertues sprung from God aboue OF BEHAVIOVR AT home at the Table BEing come home vse all reuerent dutie and obedience to thy parents and elders as becommeth thee and se thou come not into the hall or in their sight vndecently and vnmannerly with thy hose vngartered thy shooes foule broken or vntied thy coate vnbuttoned vnpointed torne or vncleane thy hands and face vnwashed filthie but comely and reuerently see thou approach into their sight as in the presence of God whose instruments for thy good they are and whose blessings thou commest now to receiue for the sustentation of thy naturall life and forget not to pray vnto and praise the Lord of life by whom wee liue moue and haue our being Be not like the filthie swine But pray to God before thou dine OF BEHAVIOVR WHEN ANY part of Scripture is read IF there bee any exercise of reading and hearing Gods word and prayer before mcale or after or at the time of refection see that with all meekenes and reuerence with deuout attention loue thou marke the sense and matter of that which is read as well as the words so shalt thou inrich thy minde and wit with true wisedome and thy tongue with gratious words See that with like deuotion and reuerence thou behaue thy selfe in time of prayer and grace lifting vp thy heart hands to God during the time thinking vpon him in heauen vpon whom thou doest call heere on earth and know that he is a consuming fire and will not be mocked Being at exercise diuine Vse reuerence in such a time Of behauiour at meale time 1 VVHen thou feedest vse mannerly modestie and modest sobriety moderately and temperately eating and drinking that which is appointed for thee without greedinesse and excesse that after thy meat thy wit and minde may be fresher and not duller and thy body more liuely and not heauier and vnapt to study c. Many thousands their death doe eate When few haue died for lacke of meate 2. Let thy talke be little and sparing except when iust occasion be offered or question asked and then speake or answere aptly distinctly thinke before thou speake and speake soberly and truly if thy betters aske thee a question answere them reuerently and thy fellowes and equalles curteously without biting taunts or loud vnreuerent words Take thy meate without snatching for that is dog-like and doe not murmure or grudge for that is swine-like be not the first in the dish nor the last sufficed for that is a token of a greedy vnsatiable deuourer especially eschew excesse in drinking More with drinke their bellies burst Then euer yet haue died of thurst With thankefull minde and contented heart receaue that which is prepared for thee reuerently rise as thou satest downe with giuing of thankes to God Be not like a foolish Asse But giue God thankes before thou passe OF BEHAVIOVR ON THE Sabbath day THink on the Lords day the day before and make an end if possible thou maiest of all such things businesses as should any way hinder that daies exercise of hearing reading speaking or meditating of Gods Word and workes 1. Of Preparation In the morning early prepare thee to rise vp in mind body to serue God the Creator and the Son our Sauiour through the grace of the sanctifying spirit of grace shunning and hating all sinne and euill in thoughts words and deedes as thou art commanded to sanctifie and keepe holy the Sabbath day not doing thine owne will not speaking vaine words nor thinking euill thoughts but let thy will be led to do the will of God heere in earth as it is in heauen and let thy minde cary vp thy thoughts to meditate on the creation of all by almighty God of the redemption of all by our blessed Sauiour who