THE CATECHISME IN THE BOOK OF Common-Prayer EXPLAINED The Third Edition Corrected and Amended 1 Pet. 3.15 Sanctifie the Lord God in your hearts and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear London Printed by T. R. and N. T. for Richard Thrale and are to be Sold under St. Martin Outwich in Bishopsgate Street 1672. THE CATECHISME IN THE Book of Common-Prayer EXPLAINED Quest Is set before many of the longest and hardest Questions c. * Is a mark of Explanation Question WHat is your name A. N. or M. Q. How many names have you A. Two a Christian and a Sirname Q. What may they put you in mind of A. Of a twofold Parentage Natural and Spiritual Q. Who are your Natural Parents A. My Father and Mother Q. Who are your Spiritual Parents A. God and his Church Q. Which of these two names are demanded of you A. My Christian name Q. Why so A. That by this name I may be put in remembrance of my Baptism wherein it was given me Q. Why was your name given you in Baptism A. That thereby I might be distinguished from other men and that I might be put in mind as often as I hear my name of the Covenant then ratified between God and me Q. VVho gave you this name A. My Godfathers and Godmothers in my Baptism wherein I was made a member of Christ the child of God and an inheritor of the Kingdom of Heaven Q. What benefit did you then receive by Baptism A. Three First I was made a member of Christ Secondly the child of God Thirdly an inheritor of the Kingdom of Heaven Q. What hath a Member relation unto A. To a Body Q. How many bodies hath Christ A. Two a Natural as we have and a Mystical Q. of which are you a member A. Of his Mystical Body Q. What Body is that A. His Church Col. 1.18 Q. What is Christ to his Church A. He only is the Head thereof Q. What doth Christ the Head for his Body the Church A. He giveth it Spiritual Life motion and direction as a head doth to the body Q. What must you feel in you to be sure that you are a true member of Christ A. That I live by him to God am mooved by his Spiriâ— and directed by his Word 2. Q. How are you made the child of God A. By the Grace of Adoption Q. How knowest thou that thou art the child of God by Grace A. Because he hath given the earnest of the Spirit into our hearts crying Abba Father which Spirit witnesseth to our spirits that we are the children of God Rom. 8.15,16 Q. Is Baptisme of that virtue that by the only outward washing thereof every one is made a member of Christ the child of God and an inheritor of the Kingdom of Heaven A. No for unless a man be born again of water and also of the Holy Ghost he cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven John 3.5 Q. Why then saist thou that by Baptism thou art made a member of Christ A. Because Baptisme is the laver of Regeneration by the power of the Spirit * And therefore we may rightly say that we are thereby made the Members of Christ and the children of God and believe the same touching all others that are baptized Q. Why is it added That we are Inheritors of the Kingdom of Heaven A. Because being sons by Adoption we are heirs and heirs of God and heirs annexed with Christ Rom. 8.17 1 Pet. 1.3,4 Q. What did your Godfathers and Godmothers then for you A. They did promise and vow thrée things in my name First That I should renounce the Devil and all his works the pomps and vanities of the wicked world and all the sinful lusts of the flesh Secondly That I should believe all the Articles of the Christian Faith And Thirdly That I should keep Gods holy Will and Commandments and walk in the same all the days of my life 1. Q. How are you to renounce the Devil A. By refusing to hearken to any of his wicked suggestions Q. How are you to renounce the world A. By withdrawing mine affections from the honors riches pleasures and other contentments which the world affordeth as they are a means to draw me from God 1 John 2.15 Q. How are you to renounce the lusts of the flesh A. By denying satisfaction to my own natural desires and affections so far as they are any way repugnant to the Word of God Rom. 13.14 Q. Dost thou think that thou art bound to do as they have promised for thee A. Yes verily and by Gods help so I will and I heartily thank our Heavenly Father that he hath called me to this state of Salvation through Iesus Christ our Saviour And I pray God to give me his Grace that I may continue in the same unto my lives end Q. Art thou able to perform all these things A. Not of my self but in some measure I am enabled thereunto by Gods Grace Phil. 4.13 Q. What dost thou chiefly learn out of the Articles of your belief A. First I learn to believe in God the Father who hath made me and all the world Secondly in God the Son who hath redéemed me and all mankind Thirdly in God the Holy Ghost who sanctifieth me and all the elect people of God 1. Q. What is God A. God is a Spirit invisible incompreâ—…ensible infinite eternal and Almighty one in nature and substance but distinguished into three persons the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost John 4.24 John 1.18 Job 11.7 Isa 40.12,13 Deut 6.4 Mat. 3.16,17 1 John 5.7 Q. For what end did God make all things A. For the praise of his great power goodness wisdom perfection and glory Rev. 4.11 Prov. 16.4 Q. What was man especially made of A. Man consists of Body and Soul the first mans body was made of the dust of the earth but our Bodies come by generation and are with his mortal and both his and all our Souls by inspiration and are immortal Q. How can our Souls be sinful that come not by propagation but by inspiration A. 1. For that Adams Soul was deputy for all Souls of men naturally begotten 2. Because man sinned and man is not man before body and soul be knit together which being conjoyned become together as man partakers of mans fall and corruption Q. In what state was man first created A. In the Image of God that is to say holy and righteous enjoying the favour of God and all happiness Gen. 1.27 Eph. 4.14 Q. How did man fall from this estate that is deface the Image of God and lofe his favour A. By the transgression of our first Parents who eating of the forbidden fruit both themselves and in them all mankind became first guilty of eternal death and liable both to temporal and spiritual miseries Secondly deprived of original righteousness Thirdly corrupt in
pure in soul and body both towards our selves and others VIII Command Q. How many things are forbidden in the either Commandement Thou shalt not steal A. Thrée 1. All desire of any mans goods wrongfully Eph. 5.5.2 All stealing robbing and unlawful getting Lev. 19.11 1 Thes 4.6 3. Vpholding of theft in others by letting them escape unpunished féeding and maintaining of théeves and idle persons Isa 1.23 2 Thes 3.10 Q. How many things are we commanded in it A. Thrée 1. To be content with that portion which the Lord hath sent us 1. Tim. 6.6 2. That we labour for our living in a lawful calling 2. Thes 3.12 3. To be helpful to them that need especially to the poor Saints both by hospitality and alms-déeds Gal. 6.10 Heb. 13.2,16 IX Command Q. What things are forbidden in the Ninth Commandement Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour A. 1. We are forbidden to speak falsely in witness bearing Prov. 19 5,2 2. To backbite or â—lander any Psal 15.3 3. To lye flatter or dissemble Eph. 4.25 Q. What are we commanded herein A. We are commanded in all things to speak and maintain truth as 1. in bearing witness 2. In plain reproving our brethren Lev. 19 12. 3. In defending his good name Phil. 10.11 c. X Command Q. What is required of you in the Tenth Câ—mmandement A. That I be truly contented with my own outward condition resting always thankful to God for my present estate and that I may not once have an unlawful lust or motion in my self or an inordinate desire to any thing that is my neighbours but for ever think good towards him rejoycing in anothers good as in our own Heb. 13.5 Phil. 4.11 1 Thes 5.18 1 Kings 21.2 Acts 26.29 Rom. 12.15 Q. Is any man able to keep the Commandements A. No 1. Because we sin the best of us in many things 2. Our best works do savour of the flesh and are defective Q. To what end serve they then A. 1. To humble us in regard of our miserable estate hereby discovered 2. To be a rule of good life into us 3. To set us awork daily to pray and cry to the Lord for mercy and for strength to live accordâ—… to his laws Q. As you have shewed me the profit of the Law so tell me why we should do good works since they cannot save us A. 1. To shew our love to God our Father in walking as becometh his children John 14.15 2. To shew our love to our selves making thereby our election certain to our selves 2 Pet. 1.10 3 To win our brethren to Christ by our godly life and conversation Mat. 5.6 1 Pet. 3.1 4 To stop the mouths of all blasphemous adversaries 1. Pet. 2.15 1 Pet. 3.16 Q. How â—ay things are principally to be considered in good works A. Thrée 1. that they be commanded in the Law of God Eph. 2.10 2 That they procéed from a heart purged by faith Heb. 11.6 Rom. 14.23 3 That they be done to Gods glory 1 Pet. 4.11 The Fourth Part of the CATECHISME concerning the LORDS PRAYER Qu. WHat is Prayer A. A calling upon God in name of Christ whereby we séek unto him to give the good things we stand in need of and to remove the evil things which our sins deserved and to give him thanks for blessings and mercies received Q. How many principal parts be there of the Lords Prayer A. Thrée 1 A Preface and Introduction to prayer in these words Our Father which art in Heaven 1. The matter of prayer contained in the six petitions 3. An assurance of that we pray for contained in the conclusion For thine is the kingdom the power and the glory for ever Amen Q. What learn you out of the Preface Our Father which art in Heaven A. Thrée things 1. He to whom we must pray is a father and no tyrant to be fled from 2. He is our Father and therefore loveth us 3. Heaven is his Throne and therefore he is able to â—elp Q. Why do you say Our Father and not my Father A 1. Because God is the Father of us all 2. To teach us to pray for others as well as for our selves Q. Why is God said to be in Henven A. Not that he is contained or included there for he fills Heaven and Earth but because his glory is most manifold as in Heaven so from Heaven * For from heaven especially the glory of his power providence and justice mercy and other attributes is declared I. Peti Q How is Gods Name said to to be Hallowed A. By acknowledging the holiness thereof and honouring it accordingly Q. What doth this word Name signifie A. Those things whereby God is made known unto us which are six especially his nature the distinction of the persons in the holy Trinity his Titles his Attributes his Word and his Works II. Peti Q What is meant by Gods Kingdoâ—… A. The peculiar Sovereignty which God hath over his Elect begun here in grace hereafter to be perfected in glory Q. How many things do you pray for in this petition Thy Kingdom come A. Four 1. That he may reign in as our hearts by the Sceptre of his Word 2 Cor. 10.5 2. That by his holy spirit he will govern us Rom. 14.17 3. That Satan and all our lusts may be overthrown Rom. 16.20 1 John 3.8 4. That he would finish these days of sin and receive us into his kingdom of glory Rev. 22.20 III. Peti Q. What do you pray for in the third Petition Thy will be done c A. That as the will of God is done in Heaven readily chéerfully and faithfully so we may faiâ—hfully believe obediently perform and patiently bear the known and revealed will of God here on earth and that in truth and sincerity of affection as it is in Heaven though we cannot in like measure and degree of persection Psal 103.20 Deut. 29.29 Heb. 10.36 2 Cor. 8.12 Q. Why must we pray to do Gods will as the Angels do it A Because one day we shall be like unto them in glory therefore we have cause to desire to be like unto them here in holiness IV. Peti Q. What is meant by this word Bread A. All manner of temporal blessings néedful for the sustentation and preservation of this life as meat drink cloth health peace and liberty c. Q. How is Bread said to be ours A. In regard of a just and true right we have thereunto which right is twofold 1. Spiritual proper to the Saints that believe in Christ 1 Cor. 3.22,23 2. Civil which is agréeable to Iustice and equity and that in the Courts of men Q. What is meant by this word daily A. Ordinary and usual bread whereof we do every day stand in néed being fittest for our nature to preserve soul and body together and to nourish and cherish us here in this life Prov. 30.8 Q. Why do you add this day A. To shew the moderation of our desire
every part and faculty both of soul and body which deprivation and corruption received in and from them is called Original sin Gen. 2.17 Rom. 5.12 Psal 51.5 Rom. 7.18 Eph. 2.3 Q. Which are the temporal miseries A. Gods curse upon the creatures on mans body senses name friends whatsoeever he takes in hand and death it self Rom. 8.20 Deut. 28.15,16 c. Rom. 6.21 Qu. VVhat are the spiritual miseries A Blindness of mind the spirit of slumber and giddiness horror of Conscience hardness of heart a reprobate sense and strong delusions Isa 6.9 Rom. 11.8 Exod 7.2 Rom. 1.28 2 Thes 2.11 Qu. Was God so angry that he would curse man for eating an Apple or such like A. That was not the matter of Gods anger but his unthankfulness pride disobedience and crediting rather the Devil then God 2. Q. Who redeemed you that is delivered you from eternal death and reconciled you unto God A. Iesus Christ the Son of God Q. By what means did Christ redeem you A. By suffering death upon the Cross for my sins and the sins of the whole world 1 John 2.2 Q. How could he suffer death seeing he was the Son of God A. He took upon him the nature of man that is an humane body and soul and therein suffered death upon the Cross for our redemption Heb. 2.16 Heb. 10.5 1 Pet. 3.18 3. Q. Who sanctified you A. The Holy Hhost 1 Cor. 6.11 A. A work of the Holy Ghost by which such as are redeemed are made holy and become new creatures and enabled to do good and holy works 1 Thâ—s 4.3 John 15.3 Q. What be the parts of sanctification A. Two Mortification and Vivification Rom. 6.11 Q. What is Mortification A. The killing of our natural corruption and weakning of sin in us Rom. 6.6 Q. What is Vivification A. The quickning up of Grace and Holiness in our souls Rom. 6.4 Q. Wherefore did God create redeem and sanctifie you A. To glorifie and serve him Luke 1.74,75 Q. In what manner must we serve God A. As he hath prescribed in his Word and that must be done in spirit and truth * spiritually that is with our hearts and souls as well as our bodies and truly that is sincerely and heartily without hypocrisie John 4.24 Q. What is the word of God which doth prescribe the manner of Gods worship A. The word of God is contained in those Books which are called the Canonical Scriptures Q. Why are they called Canonical A. Because they are the Canons that is the rules of Gods worship according to the which men must frame their faith and manners Isa 8.20 Psal 119.9 Q. How do you know that every part of the Scripture was delivered by Divine Inspiration and so is indeed the Word of God A. By many firm arguments but especially six 1. By the express testimony of the Scripture 2 Pet. 1.19,20,21 2 By the inward testimony of the Holy Ghost in my heart 1 John 2.27 1 Cor. 2.15 3. By the wonderful majesty of the Scriptures delivered yet in great simplicity 1 Cor. 2.14 4. By the mighty power of it in converting souls Psal 19.7 2 Cor. 10.4 5 By the matter which altogether savoureth of headenly wisdom 6. By the continual consent of all the Scriptures being written by so many in time so different Q. To what purpose or use doth the Scripture or Word of God serve man A. To make him wise to salvation and perfect to all good works four manner of ways 1. By teaching the truth 2 By confuteing falshood 3. By correcting vice 4. By instructing in righteousness 2 Tim. 3.16 The Second Part of the CATECHISME expounding the CREED Qu. HOw many Articles are there of the Faith and which are they A. Twelve I believe in God the Father c. Qu. What is Faith A. Faith is a belief of the Gospel joyned with a resolute casting of ones self upon Christ alone for remission of sins and salvation 1 Cor. 15.11 Acts 16.31 Rom. 4.5 Q. What is the ground of Faith A. The frée promises of God made in Christ concerning the forgiveness of sins and eternal righteousness Rom. 4.18 Heb. 11.1 I. Arti. Q. why do you say I believe and not we believe A. Because another mans prayer may help me but it must be mine own and not another mans Faith that must save me Q. What is the meaning of this I believe in God A. I believe him to be my God and put my whole trust and confidence in him Rom. 10.11 Q. Why is God called the Father A. Because he is the Father of all by creation and of Christ by nature and eternal generation and in him my Father I being one of Christs members Q. What doth the Title Almighty import A. That he hath all sufficiency in himself and that he is able to do whatsoever he will Gen. 17.1 Psal 115.3 Q. How know you that God is Almighty A. 1. By creating all things 2. By upholding and governing all things created by his continual providence Q. Of how many sorts are the creatures that God made A. Of two sorts visible and invisible Q. Which are the invisible creatures A. Angels and Souls of men Q. Of how many sorts are the Angels A. Of two sorts as good and bad Q. What are the bad Angels called A. Devils Q. Did God make the Devils A. Yes he made the Devils but he did not make them Devils he made them Angels of light they made themselves Devils by sin Jude 6. Q. Whereof did God create the world A. Of nothing to shew his might and power by his Word Heb. 11.3 Q. In what time made he the world A. In six days that we might more particularly consider of the creatures Q. When made he man A. Last of all because he was made Lord of all and might find all things ready for him Gen. 1.26 II. Art Q. Why is Christ called Jesus A Because he saveth his people from their sins neither is there salvation in any other Mat. 1.21 Acts 4.1 Q. Why is the second person in the Trinity called Christ A. In regard of the offices whereunto he was ordained by God the Father and anointed by the Holy Ghost Acts 10.38 Q Which are the offices of Christ A. Thrée 1. His Prophetical office to teach us and instruct us in all things Mat. 17.5 2. His Priestly office to reconcile us * by offering up even himself a Sacrifice upon the Cross for our sins Heb 9.24,25,26 3. His Kingly office to reign over us by his Word and Spirit Luke 1.33 Q. VVhat benefits hast thou by the offices of Christ A. Both I and all the elect people of God are made spiritual Kings Priests and Prophets 1. Kings in bearing rule over our own hearts and mastering our rebellious thoughts wills and affections Rom. 6.12 2. Priests in offering up to God our spiritual Sacrifices of Prayer of Thanksgiving of Almes of a contrite heart of our own souls and bodies for the service of God Psal
of these earthly things and of our care for them and our dependance on Gods providence from day to day Quest But is it not lawful to provide for the time to come A. Yes so it be with due moderation without distracting or distrustful thoughts or fears having our man dependance still upon God and his blessing Mat. 6.25 Prov. 16.3 Q. What needs the rich man daily to pray for daily bread who hath enough in store for many years A. 1. He is to pray for the poor as for himself 2. His substance and dainties can do him no good without Gods blessing Q. How many benefits be there of Gods blessing A. Thrée 1. By the blessing of God it shall satisfie our natures Hag. 1.6 2. By the blessing of God it shall content our minds Prov. 13.25 3. Having eaten and béen refreshed by the blessing of God we shall use our health and strength to the service of God and not to the service of the world the flesh and the Devil Deut. 32.15 Ezek. 16.19 V. Pet. Q. Why are our sins called debts and trespasses A. 1. Trespasses because by them God is offended II. Debts 1. Because we deny hiâ— by sin the obedience we owâ— him 2. Because we are bounâ— over by sin to satisfaction oâ— punishment Q. What pray you for in this fifth Petition A. 1. That God would forgive us ouâ— trespasses 2. That we may be directed by him tâ— forgive one another Q. How many Lessons learn you ouâ— of it A. Four 1. That all men are sinners 2. Man must seek for forgiveness for he cannot satisfie Job 1.3 3. None can forgive sins but God Luke 5.21 4. To the envious man there is no forgiveness Mat. 6.15 IV. Peti Q. What kind of temptation is here meant A. Any provocation or inducement to sin whether it arise from Satan our selves op other men or from any ourward accident or thing whatsoever Q Is temptation to sin simply evil A. No not in the party tempted if he yield not thereto but resist it for Christ who was frée from all sin was tempted unto sin Mat. 4.9 Q. How is God said to lead men into temptation A. When he bringeth them into the lists with Satan but especially when he leaveth them to themselves to try it out by their own strength Q. What is comprised under this word Evil A. 1. Satan the principal Author of evil A. 2. All other kind of evil Q. How may one be delivered from evil A. Divers ways 1. By kéeping away that evil which is ready to fall upon him Exod. 14.13 2. By assisting him on whout the evil is fallen so as he is not overwhelmed and overcome therewith Psal 69.14.15 3. By altering the nature of the evil and turning it to a mans good Gen. 50.20 4. By taking away the force of the evil Dan. 3.27 Mat. 16.18 5 By removing the evil clean away 2 Sam. 24.25 6. By taking one away from the evil to come 1 Kings 14.13 2 Kings 22.20 Isa 57.1 Q. What doth the conclusion For thine is the kingdom the power and the glory for ever Amen contain in it A. Arguments of assurance to the conscience of him that prayeth that he shall obtain that which is best for him for if the Kingdom be the Lords then he will protect us and do us good as subjects If the power be his then he can do it If the glory be his then for his great names sake he will never forsake us but will always do us good unto the end and in the end especially séeing his Kingdom power and glory are established and do continue for all eternity Even so be it yea and so it shall be Q. Doth he not sometimes delay us when yet he purposed to answer us A. Yea he doth 1. Because he loves to hear the voice of his own spirit in us Rom. 8.26,17 2. Because the suit may be good and yet the season not so meet for us Acts 1.7 Luke 18.1 3 He takes pleasure in our constancy being a fruit of faith and fervency Mat. 15.27,28 4. Because such blessings as are won by long and strong prayer are always estéemed very highly received in humility enjoyed in sobriety and employed faithfully for mans good and Gods glory 1 Sam. 2.20,22 1 Chron. 29.14,15 Q What things are requisite in Prayer A. Divers 1 That we pray to God through Christ John 16.23 2 With assurance through faith to be heard James 1.6 3. That our prayers do flow from the heart and be fervent 1 Cor. 14.15 James 5.16 4. That we be in charity when we pray 1 Tim. 2.8 5. That we leave sin and endeavour to live according to Gods will Psal 66.18 The Fifth Part of the CATECHISME touching the SACRAMENTS Qu. HOw many Sacraments hath Christ ordained in his Church A. Two only as generally necessary to salvation that is to say Baptism and the Supper of the Lord. Q. What difference is there between Baptisme and the Supper of the Lord A. Besides the difference in the signs and Sacramental rites there is this difference betwéen them Baptism is a Sacrament of our new birth of entrance into covenant with God of Incorporation and engrafting into Christ and of Admission into the Church of God and therefore we are once only baptized Tit. 3.5 Gen. 17.11 Rom. 6.3 But the Supper of the Lord is a Sacrament of confirmation of faith of renewing Gods covenant with us and of ours with God and of further nourishing of our Souls to eternal life and therefore we are often partakers of it 1 Cor. 10.2,3,4 1 Cor. 11,24,25,26 Q. What necessâ—… 〈◊〉 there of being partakers of the Sacrament of Baptisme A. Not an absolute but a respective necessity For the Infants of believing parents dying unbaptized are not deprived of Salvation through Gods promise and mercy yet it is required 1. As a requisite means and instrument the contempt whereof is fearful and damnable in such as refuse or neglect it where according to Gods ordinance it may lawfully be had 2. In regard of our weakness who have néed of all helps to strengthen our faith Q. Are Infants to be baptized A. Yes 1 Because Children in the Law were circumcised Gen. 17.12 2. They have interest to the thing signified the Kingdom of Heaven much more to the sign Mark 10.14 3. All nations are bidden to be baptized whereof Infants are a part Mat. 28.19 Q. What meanest thou by this word Sacrament A. I mean an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual Grace given unto us ordained by Christ himself as a means whereby we receive the same and a pledge to assure us thereof Q. Why is Christ the only Author of these Sacraments A. 1. Because he is God and the Author of salvation and therefore he only may appoint the means as the Word and Sacraments 2. Because Christ only can make the Sacraments effectual by his Spirit 3. Because his heavenly wisdom knew best how and whereof to
institute the Sacramental signs or elements 5. Because Christ is the only Lord to whose Laws alone the Church is and may be tyed Q. How many parts be there in a Sacrament A. Two the outward visible sign and the inward spiritual grace Q. What is the outward visible sign in Baptism A. Water wherein the person baptized is dipped or sprinkled with it In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q. What is the inward and spiritual grace A. A death unto sin and a new birth unto righteousness for being by nature born in sin and the children of wrath we are thereby made the children of grace Q. Why hath Christ ordained Baptism A. That being out of Christ by nature we might by the Sacrament of our new birth be engrafted into his Mystical body again Tit. 3.5 John 3.5 Q. What instruction doth the Sacrament of Baptism teach us A. As by water the filthiness of the flesh is washed and done away so by the vertue of Christs blood the filthiness of the soul should be washed away * For the blood of Christ that is the force of his death and the Spirit of Christ serve to cleanse the soul of a right receiver of Baptism from the filthiness of sin 1 John 1.7 Ezek. 36.25 Q. What is required of persons to be Baptized A. Repentance whereby they forsake sin and faith whereby they stedfastly believe the promises of God made to them in that Sacrament Q. Why then are Infants baptized when by reason of their tender age they cannot perform them A. Yes they do perform them by their sureties who promise and vow them both in their names which when they come to age themselves are bound to perform Q. What other reason can you shew why Infants are baptized seeing they do not yet actually believe A. Because the covenant and promises of God do belong unto them Gen. 17.7 Acts 2.38 Mat. 19.14 Rom. 11.16 Q. Seeing we are baptized only in Infancy how hath Baptism â—ffect to wash away sins afterwards commâ—…ted A. Baptism hath this effect during our whole life and is a perpetual fountain ever washing us while we with a lively faith do look unto the shedding of Christs blood Zach. 13.1 Heb. 10.10,14 Q. Why was the Sacrament of the Lords Supper ordained A. For the continual remembrance of the Sacrifice of the death of Christ and the benefits we receive thereby Q. Why is it called the Lords Supper A. Because Christ ordained it at his last Supper Q. What is the outward part or sign of the Lords Supper A. Bread and Wine which the Lord hath commanded to be received Q. Why be there two representing signs in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper A. 1. That we might know that in Christ we have whole and perfect spiritual nourishment and whatsoever is requisite to Salvation 2. For a more lively representation of his death and passion wherein his body and blood were separated Q. What is the duty of the Minister in the administration of the Sacrament A. To consecrate it by declaring the institution thereof and prayer joyned with thanksgiving as also to break the Bread and afterwards to deliver the Bread and Wine to the people Q. What is hereby signified A. The action of God the Father offering Christ to all and bestowing him effectually upon the worthy receiver 1 Cor. 10.16 Q. What is the duty of the receiver A. To receive the Bread and Wine delivered and to eat and drink thereof Mat. 26.26,27 1 Cor. 11.23,24 Q. What is signified hereby A. Our receiving and féeding upon Christ by faith Q. What is the inward part or thing signified A. The Body and Blood of Christ which are verily and indéed taken and received of the faithful in the Lords Supper Q. By what means do we eat Christs Body and drink his Blood in the Sacrament A. Spiritually by faith while in those outward signs we do behold Christ crucified for us John 6.35,47 â— Christ is truly and spiritually present in the Sacrament exhibited to the faith of every worthy receiver but not corporally united to the bread and wine in respect of place Acts 3.21 compared with Mat. 28.6 John 16.18 Q. Is the bread and wine turned into the Body and Blood of Christ A. No for so 1. the unbelievers should eat Christs Body and drink his Blood 2. We should destroy the nature of the Sacrament by taking away the outward sign 3. We should destroy the truth of his natural body by depriving it of the true properties thereof Heb. 2.17 Q. What difference is there between our common bread and wine which we receive for our bodily sustenance and the bread and wine in the Sacrament A. There is no difference in their nature and substance but only in the use and end * for that elements before common are now consecrated to the signs of things spiritual and holy And therefore they are called holy Mysteries because they lively set forth and seal unto us the Mystery of our redemption purchased by Iesus Christ Q. What are the benefits whereof we are partakers thereby A. The strengthening and refreshing of our souls by the body and blood of Christ as our bodies are by the bread and wine Q. In respect of this benefit What is the Lord Supper A. It is a Sacrament whereby our continuance nourishment and growth in Christ is sealed unto us Q. What special benefits shall we have by receiving the holy Communion A. 1. We have hereby communion and fellowship with Christ and through him with the Father set forth by our taking eating and inward digesting the bread and wine that become nourishment unto us and are united to the substance of our bodies 2. Communion with one another and with all the faithful in all ages set forth by the same bread being made of many grains of Corn and by the same wine made of many grapes 3. Strength of faith for the death of Christ received and applyed by faith in the Sacrament doth strengthen our faith and comfort our consciences in the pardon of our sins 4. All other graces and blessings are thereby conveyed unto us And all the marits of Christs passion and whatsoever is in him is verily become ours Rom. 8.38 Q. What is required of them that come to the Lords Supper A. To examine themselves whether they repent them truly of their former sins stedfastly purposing to lead a new life have a lively faith in Gods mercy through Christ with a thankful remembrance of his death and be in charity with all men Q. That a man may know how to examine himself what is he to know touching the Lords Supper A. He must be able to discern the Lords Body Q. How is the Lords body discerned A. Two ways 1. In our understanding when we know what this Sacrament is the Author the end and use thereof 2. In our practice Q In how many things ought every one principally to examine himself A. In thrée things 1 Faith 2 Repentance 3. Charity Quest What faith is here required of you A. A special and peculiar faith that applyeth to my soul and conscience the body and blood of Iesus Christ crucified and shed for me as truly as my mouth receiveth the bread that is broken and the wine that is poured out Quest Why is faith required A. Because well we may eat the bread and drink the wine without faith but we cannot eat Christs body and drink his blood without faith Q. What if a man find himself weak in faith and full of doubting A. He must bewail his unbelief pray for faith séek to have his doubts resolved and so receive to be further strengthened in believing because the Sacraments are given us of God for the confirmation and strengthening of our faith Mark 9.24 Judg. 6.37 A. Chiefly thrée things 1. Confession that we acknowledge our selves sinners 2. Contrition that we be heartily and sincerely sorry for our sins 3. Purpose of amendment that we fully resolve and purpose with our selves never to commit them nor the like again but to lead the rest of our lives according to Gods holy Will and Commandments Q Why is repentance so necessary A. Because this Sacrament is the seal of the remission of sins in Christs blood which cannot be had without repentance Q. How many offices be there of love A. Thrée 1 To do our neighbour no wrong 2 To do him good if we can 3 If he doth us wrong to forgive him Q. Why is charity so necessary A. Because this Sacrament is a seal as of our union with Christ so of our Communion and fellowship with our brethren the members of Christ Q. Why ought every one to examine himself A. 1. Because the unworthy receiver is guilty of the body and blood of Christ 1 Cor. 11.27 2. He provoketh the Lord to wrath and so eateth and drinketh his own damnation 1 Cor. 11.29 Q. How ought a mans heart to be affected in receiving the Sacrament A With reverence Ioy and comfort meditating on the outward signs and what they signifie of the wonderful love of God and of Christ herein of our Communion with Christ his graces and faithful people Lastly we ought to stir up our hearts to be excéeding thankful for so precious benefits Exod. 3.5 Gen. 28.17 1 Kings 8.66 Q. How ought every Christian to behave himself after the receiving of the Sacrament A. He must endeavour to find an encrease of faith in Christ and of his love to all Gods children a greater measure of dying to sin and a greater care to live in newness of life abounding more and more in well doing Prov. 4.18 Ezek. 47.12 FINIS Books Printed and are to bâ— Sold by Richard Thrale under St. Martin Outwich Church in Bishops-Gate Street near the Post-house COntemplation of Death and Immortality A short Narrative of the late dreadful Fire in London together with certain considerations remarkable therein The Mirror which flatters not concerning the contempt of the world or Meditation of the Death of Philip King of Macedon Soladine the Magnificent Conqueror of Asia and Monarch of the whole East Adrian the Emperor of Rome Alexander the Great that conquered the world A true Notion of the worship of God on a vindication of the service of the Church of England Posie of godly prayers by â—ich Themilthorp Carminum Proverbialium