There be in number twelve as you may see in Gal. ch 5. Q. What is the first A. Charity whose nature and effects you know already Q. What is the second A. Ioy by which we are enabled to serve God with cheerfull hearts Q. What is the third A. Peace which keepeth us unmoved in our minds amidst the stormes and tempests of this world Q. What is the fourth A. Patience which enableth us to suffer all adversities for the love of God Q. What is the fifth A. Long animity which is an untired confidence of mind in expecting the good things of the life to come Q. What is the sixth A. Goodnesse which maketh us hurt no man and doe good unto all Q. What is the seventh A. Benignity which causeth an affable sweetnesse in our manners and conversation Q. What is the Eighth A. Mildnesse which allayeth in us all the motions of passion and anger Q. What is the ninth A. Fidelity which maketh us punctuall observers of our Covenants and Promises Q. What is the tenth A. Modesty which suppresseth in us all pride and haughtinesse Q. What is the eleventh A. Continency which maketh us not only abstemious in meat and drinke but in all other sensible delights Q. What is the twelfth A. Chastity which keepeth a pure soule in a pure body Q. VVho are they that have these fruits A. The Children of God onely for whosoever are led by the Spirit of God they are the sonnes of God Rom. ch 8. v. 14. CHAP. XV. The Works of Merey Expounded Q. HOw many are the Workes of Mercy Corporall A. Seven 1. To feed the hungry 2. To give drinke to the thirsty 3. To cloath the naked 4. To harbour the harbourlesse 5. To visit the sicke 6. To visite the imprisoned And 7. To bury the dead Q. How prove you that these workes are meritorious of a reward A. Because Christ hath promised the Kingdome of heaven as the reward of them Come O ye blessed of my Father saith he and possesse ye the Kingdome c. for I was hungry and ye gave me to eat c. S. Mat. ch 25. v. 35 36. Q. When are we said to feed and cloath Christ A. As often as we feed and cloath the poore in his Name what ye have done saith he to one of my little ones that ye have done unto me the same ch v. 40. Q. Is the reward of these works a reward of Justice A. It is according to 2 Tim. ch 4. v. 8. I have fought a good fight saith S. Paul there is a crowne of Justice laid up for me which our Lord will render to mee at that day a just Iudge Q. VVhat other proofe have you A. Out of Heb. ch 6. v. 10. For God is not unjust that he should forget the worke and love which you have shewed in his Name who have ministred unto the Saints and do minister Q. How many be the Workes of Mercy Spirituall A. Seven also 1. To give counsell to the doubtfull 2. To instruct the ignorant 3. To admonish sinners 4. To comfort the afflicted 5. To for give offences 6. To beare patiently the troublesome 7. To pray for the quicke and the dead Q. How prove you prayer for the dead A. First out of of the places above-cited for Purgatory Secondly out of 1 S. John ch 5. v. 16. He that knoweth his brother to sinne a sinne not unto death let him aske and life shall be given him not sinning to death i. by finall impenitence therefore it is lawfull to pray for all such as die penitent and confessing their sinnes And in 2 Mach. ch 12. we read It is therefore a wholesome and holy cogitation to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sinnes Q. How shew you these workes to be meritorious A. Out of Dan. ch 12. v. 2. They which instruct others unto Justice shall shine as starres for all eternity CHAP. XVI The eight Beatitudes Q. WHat are the eight Beatitudes A. The summe of them is 1. Poverty of spirit 2. Meeknesse 3. Mourning 4. To hunger and thirst after Justice 5. Mercifulnesse 6. Cleannesse of heart 7. To be Peace-makers 8. To suffer persecution for Justice sake See S. Mat. ch 5. Q. VVhence ariseth the necessity of suffering Persecution A. Because all that will live piously in Iesus Christ shall suffer Persecution CHAP. XVII The kinds of sinne explicated Q. WHy is it necessary for a Christian to know the natures and the kinds of sin A. That so he may detest them and avoid them Q. How many kinds of sinne be there A. Two kinds namely Originall and Actuall sin Q. What is Originall sin A. It is a privation of Originall Iustice which we inherit from our first Parent Adam and are all born in that privation or Originall sin Q. How prove you that A. Out of Rom. ch 5. v. 12. Therefore as by one man sin entred into the world and by sin death and so unto all men death did passe in whom all have sinned Q. What are the effects of Originall sinne A. Concupisence ignorance evill inclinations pronenesse to sin sicknesse and death Q. How is Originall sinne taken away A. By holy Baeptisme Q. Whither goe Infants which die without Baptisme A. To the upper part of hell where they indure the pain of losse though not of sense and shall never see the face of God Q. How prove you that A. Out of S. Iohn ch 3. v. 5. Vnlesse any one be borne againe of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdome of God Q. What is Actuall sinne A. It is a thought word or deed contrarie to the Law of God Q. What is a sin of Omission A. To omit any thing willingly which is commanded by God or by his Church Q. Why is Actuall sin so called A. Because the materiall part of it is commonly some voluntary act of ours Q. Is all sinne voluntary and deliberate A. It is speaking of Actuall sinne for no man sinneth in doing that which is not in his power to avoid Q. VVhat other proofe have you A. Because the whole Gospell of Christ is nothing else but an Exhortation to doe good and avoid evill then which nothing were more vaine if it be not in the free election and power of man as assisted by Gods grace to do or not to do such things Q. What Scripture have you for that A. Out of Gen. ch 4. v. 7. If thou doe well shalt not thou receive again But if thou dost ill shall not thy sinne be forthwith present at the doore but the desire thereof of sin shall be under thee and thou shalt have dominion over it Q. What besides A. Out of Deut. ch 30. v. 19. 20. I call to witnesse this day heaven and earth saith our Lord that I have proposed to thee life and death blessing and cursing choose therefore life that thou maist live Q. What other yet A. Out of 1 Cor. ch 7. v. 37.
Q. Why is that necessary A. That as Christ was openly rejected so he may there be openly acknowledged to the great joy and glory of his friends as also to the confusion of his enemies Q. How prove you that in this Judgment all men shall receive according to their works A. Out of 2 Cor. ch 5. v. 10. We must all be manifested saith S. Paul before the judgment-seat of Christ that every one may receive the proper things of the body according as he hath done whether good or evill Q. What other proof have you A. Out of S. Matth. ch 16. v. 27. The Sonne of Man saith our Lord shall come in the Glory of his Father with his Angells and then he will render to every one according to his works Q. Is there any merit in our good works A. There is according to Apoc. ch 22. v. 12. Behold I come quickly saith our Lord and my reward is with me to render to every man according to his works Q. In what place shall this Judgment be made A. In the valley of Iehosaphat betwixt Hierusalem and Mount Olivet Q. What signe shall go before it A. The Sun and Moone shall lose their light there shall be Warres Plagues Famines and Earthquakes in many places Q. In what manner shall Christ come unto it A. In great power and Majesty begirt with Legions of Angels Q. Who are they that shall be judged A. The whole Race and Progenie of man Q. What are the things that shall be judged A. Our thoughts words and works even to the secrets of our soules Q. Who will accuse us A. The Devills our own guilty consciences and above all the Books of life and death in which all our actions are recorded and shall be then laid open to the whole world Q. How shall the just and reprobate be placed A. The just shall be on the right the reprobate on the left hand of the Judge Q. What shall be the sentence of the just A. Come ô ye blessed of my Father and receive ye the Kingdome which is prepared for you for I was hungry and ye gave me to eat I was thirsty and ye gave me to drink c. S. Matth. ch 25. v. 35 36. Q. What shall be the sentence of the reprobate A. Goe ye accursed into eternall fire which hath been prepared for the Devill and his Angells for I was hungry and ye gave me not to eat I was thirsty and ye gave me not to drink c. the same chap. v. 41 42 43. You see of what weight good works will be at that day Q. Why is it added The quick and the dead A. To signifie that Christ shall judge not onely such as are living at the time of his coming but likewise all such as have been dead from the Creation of the World as also by the quick are understood Angells and Saints by the dead the Devills and the damned soules The eighth Article Q. What is the eighth Article A. I believe in the Holy Ghost Q. Of what treateth this Article A. Of the third Person of the B. Trinity in whom we also believe and put our trust who proceedeth from the Father and the Sonne and is the self-same God with them distinct in nothing but in person Q. How prove you that A. Out of 1 S. John ch 5. v. 7. There be three saith he which give testimony in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three be one Q. Why is the Name of Holy Ghost appropriated to the third Person since Angells are also Spirits and holy A. Because he is such by excellency and by essence they onely by participation Q. At least why should it not be common to the other two Persons A. Because they are knowne by the proper Names of Father and Sonne but we have not any proper Name for the Holy Ghost Q. In what formes hath the Holy Ghost appeared unto men A. In the forme of a Dove to signifie the purity and innocence which hee causeth in our soules in a bright Cloud and fiery Tongues to signifie the fire of Charity which he produceth in our hearts as also the gift of Tongues and hence it is he is painted in these formes The ninth Article Q. WHat is the ninth Article A. I believe in the holy Catholike Church the Communion of Saints Q. What understand you by this Article A. I understand that Christ hath a Church upon earth which he established in his own Blood and that he hath commanded us to believe that Church in all things appertaining unto Faith Q. What kind of Faith must we believe her with A. With the same Faith that we believe her Spouse the Sonne of God that is with divine Faith but with this difference that wee believe in God though we onely believe the Church but not in her Q. What is the Church A. It is the Congregation of all the faithfull under Christ Iesus their invisible head and his Vicar upon earth the Pope Q. What are the essentiall parts of the Church A. A Pope or Supreme head Bishops Pastors and the Laity Q. How prove you that Bishops are of divine Institution A. Out of Act. ch 20. v. 28. where we read take heed unto your selves and to the flock wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you Bishops to rule the Church of God which he hath purchased with his owne blood Q. How prove you S. Peter and the Pope his Successor to be the visible Head of the Church A. Out of S. John ch 21. v. 16 17 18. where Christ for a reward of his speciall faith and love gave S. Peter absolute power to feed and governe his whole flock saying feed my Lambs feed Lambs feed my Sheep therefore the rest of the Apostles were his sheep and he their Head or Pastor Q. What other proof have you A. Out of S. Mat. ch 16. v. 18. where Christ saith thou art Peter and upon this Rocke will I build my Church Therefore the rest of the Apostles were built on him and hence also it is that as often as they are named in Scripture S. Peter is still named first Q. What are the markes of the true Church A. Unity Visibility Sanctity Universality and Infallibility Q. How declare you its Unity A. Because all the members of it make but one mysticall body and are governed by one Supreme Head Q. How prove you that A. Out of 1 Cor. ch 10. v. 18. being many saith S. Paul we are one bread one body all that participate of one bread Q. What other proofe have you A Because all the members of it live under one Law obey the same Magistrates professe the same faith even to the least Article and use the same Sacraments and Sacrifice Q. Why may not a well meaning man be saved in any Religion A. Because there is but one God one Faith one Baptisme Eph. ch 4. v. 5. And without that one Faith it is impossible to please God
Hebr. ch 11. v. 6. Q. What other reason have you for it A. Because as in a naturall body that part which hath not a due connection to the heart or root presently dieth for want of continuity so in the Church the mysticall body of Christ that member which hath not a due subordination and connection unto the head and Common Counsells thereof that is the Pope and Generall Counsells from whence under Christ we have our spirituall life and motion as wee are Christians must needs be dead and not a living member of that body Q. Who I beseech you are those dead members which you speak of A. All such as are not in the unity of the Church by a most firme beliefe of her Doctrine and due obedience to her Pastors Q. What if a Protestant should tell you that the differences betwixt them and us are not differences in fundamentalls or in faith but in opinion only and therefore do not exclude them out of the unitie of the Catholique Church A. I would answer That he contradicted his owne Tenets for they accuse us of Sacriledge of robbing God of his honour and committing Idolatry because we believe Priestly absolution from sinnes adore the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist and pray to Saints which are no matters of indifferency but high Fundamentalls of the Catholike Faith Q. How doe you prove all obstinate Novellists to be Heretikes A. Because they appeale from Masters to Schollers and from the Pastors and Generall Counsells of the Church unto the Layetie for the decision of points controverted which is the proper nature of Schisme and Heresie Q. What other reason have you A. Because they wilfully stand out against the definitive sentence of the Church of God and will not submit to any Judgement or Tribunall which Christ hath left on earth for the deciding of such doubts as they themselves are pleased to move but will be tried onely by their own idle braine and the dead letter of the Scripture Q. Why may not the letter of the Scripture be a decisive Judge of Controversies A. Because it never hath as yet been able from the first writing of it to decide any one as the whole world doth experience all Heretikes pretending equally unto it for the defence of their Novelties and Heresies and no one of them ever yeelding to another Q. What other reason have you A. Because resting in the dead letter onely we can have no assurance or morall certainty of any one Text or Chapter of the whole Bible that it hath come to us uncorrupted or what the meaning of it is or that it is the very word of Christ so great are the corruptions which have crept into it and so innumerable are the Languages Translations and Copies through which the Bible hath passed since the first writing of it Q. How then are we assured of these things A. By the infallible authority definition and proposition of the Catholike Church Q. What other reason have you yet for this A. Because the Scripture was never ordained for that purpose all the Books thereof being either Poeticall as the Psalmes Historicall as the Gospels Epistolarie as the Epistles or Allegoricall as the Apocalyps and Prophets and therefore as appeareth by their very names are no way fitting for the deciding of Controversies Q. For what end then was the Scripture written A. The writing or committing of it to dead letters was onely for superabundant consolations and that by a sensible and common reading of it without any criticall or controversiall libration of words we might be able to know that God is and what he is as also that there is a heaven and a hell rewards for virtue and punishments for vice with examples of both all which we find in the Letter of the Scripture by a plain and ordinary reading of it Q. How declare you the Churches visibility at all times A. Because it consisteth essentially of a visible Hierarchy which can never faile Q. How prove you that A. Out of Ephes ch 4. v. 11 12. where we read that Christ gave some Apostles some Evangelists some Doctors some Pastors to the consummation of the Saints to the edifying of the body of Christ and to the worke of the Ministerie untill we all meet in the unity of faith Q. What other proof have you A. Out of S. Mat. ch 5. v. 14. 15. where Christ saith of his Church you are the light of the world a City seated on a Mountaine cannot bee hid Q. Why then would Protestants have the Church to be invisible A. Because we have convinced them that there were no Protestants to be seen or heard of in the world before Martin Luther Q. Why is it said the holy Church A. Because she hath a holy faith a holy Law holy Sacraments and is guided by the Holy Ghost to all truth and holinesse Q. How else prove you her Sanctity A. Because Christ gave himselfe for his Church that he might sanctifie it cleansing it by the laver of water in the Word that he might present it to himselfe a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle but that it might be holy and unspotted Ephes ch 5. v. 26. 27. Q. Why are we bound to believe the Church A. Because she is the Pillar and ground of truth 1 Tim. ch 3. v. 15. Q. What other proofe have you for her Infallibility A. Out of S. Matth. ch 16. v. 18. where Christ saith upon this Rocke will I build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevaile against her Q. What other yet A. Out of S. Joh. ch 14. v. 16. But the Paraclete saith he the Holy Ghost he shall teach you all things whatsoever I shall say unto you and ch 13. v. 16. But when the Spirit of Truth cometh he shall teach you all Truth Q. How declare you that the definitions of a Councell perfectly Oecumenicall that is a Generall Councell approved by the Pope be infallible in matters of Faith A. Because such a Councell is the Church Representative and hath the same Infallibility that the Church diffused or spread over the world hath Q. What other reason have you A. Because the Definitions of such a Councell are the Dictates of the Holy Ghost according to that of the Apostles defineing in Councell it hath seemed good unto the Holy Ghost and to us c. Act. ch 15. v. 28. Q. What thinke you then of such as accuse the Church of Errours in Faith and Idolatrie A. Truly I thinke them to be Hereticks or Infidells for our Lord saith He that will not hear the Church let him be unto thee as a Heathen or a Publican S. Mat. ch 18. v. 18. Q. What understand you by the word Catholique A. I understand that the Church is Universall both for time and place Q. How for time A. Because it hath been from Christ unto this time and shall be from hence unto the end of the world Q. How prove you that A.
42. Q. What other yet A. Out of Acts ch 8. v. 29 38. where the Ethiopian Eunuch going on Pilgrimage to Hierusalem was in his return converted and baptized on the way by S. Philip so pleasing was his Pilgrimage to God Finally because it was foretold by the Prophets that those places which Christ sanctified by his Passion should be places of great Pilgrimage and adoration We will adore saith David in the place where his feet have stood Psal 131. And in Isa ch 11. v. 10. we read To him shall the Gentiles pray and his sepulcher shall be glorious Q. How do you prove it lawfull to goe on Pilgrimage to the Shrines of Saints A. Because as you have heard already their Reliques are holy and venerable things and God is pleased to work great Cures and Miracles by them for such as are devout honourers of them Q. Is there any power now in the Church to do Miracles A. There is according to that unlimited promise of Christ Them that believe in me these signes shall follow in my name they shall cast out Devills they shall speake with new tongues they shall lay hands upon the sicke and they shall be whole S. Mat. ch 19. v. 17 18. Q. Have these things beene done in latter Ages A. They have and are as you may see in the unquestionable Histories and Records of all Catholique Countries where many great Miracles wrought by the Servants of God and especially at the Pilgrimages and Shrines of Saints are yearly registred under the Depositions of eye-witnesses men above all exceptions which cannot be denied unlesse we may deny all Historie Q. Why then do the pretended Reformers say that Miracles are ceased A. Because they and their Sect-Masters have never yet beene able to do any in confirmation of their Errours Q. Why are so few done here in England A. By reason of the incredulity of Sectaries Q. What necessity is there of the Beliefe of Miracles A. Doubtlesse very great because the Beliefe of Miracles well grounded makes men extremely apprehensive of the presence of God and his immediate Government of humane affaires so that he who absolutely denieth miracles is to be suspected of not believing particular Providence which is the maine string on which all Christianity dependeth The second Commandement Expounded Q. WHat is the second Commandement A. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vaine Q. What is forbidden by this Precept A. All false rash and unnecessary Oaths Q. What kind of sinnes are false and rash Oaths A. Mortall sinnes if they be voluntary and deliberate because by such Oaths we call God to witnesse to a lie or at least to that which is uncertaine Q. What are the necessary conditions of a lawfull Oath A. Truth that we hurt not Gods Honour justice that we wrong not our neighbour and judgement that we sweare not vainly Q. What is a just cause of an Oath A. Gods Honour our owne or our neighbours lawfull good and defence Q. If a man Sweare to do that which is evill is he bound to keepe his Oath A. No He is bound not to keepe it for an Oath is no bond of iniquity Q. How prove you a vaine or jesting Oath to be a sinne A. Out of S. Matth. ch 5. v. 34. It was said of old saith our Lord Thou shalt not commit perjury But I say unto you not to sweare at all that is without just cause Q. What other proofe have you A. Out of S. Iames. ch 5. v. 12. But above all things saith he sweare ye not neither by Heaven nor earth nor any other Creature But let your talke be yea yea no no that yee fall not under judgement Q. What else is prohibited by this Precept A. All cursing and blaspheming Q. What is commanded by it A. To speake alwayes with reverence of God and of his Saints Q. How else doe men sinne against this Precept A. By breaking lawfull Vowes and by making or keeping unlawfull ones Q. What is a Vow A. It is a diliberate and voluntary promise made to God of some better good Q. How do you prove it lawfull to make Vowes A. Out of Esa ch 19. v. 21. They shall make Vowes unto our Lord saith he and shall pay them The third Commandement Expounded Q. WHat is the third Commandement A. Remember thou keepe holy the Sabbath day Q. When began the Sabbath to be kept A. From the very Creation of the world For then God blessed it and rested on it from all his works Gen. 2. 2. Q. When was this Commandement renewed A. In the old Law when God gave the Commandements to Moses on Mount Sinai written with his owne finger in two Tables of stone Exod. ch 20. Q. Why was the Iewish Sabbath changed into the Sunday A. Because Christ was borne upon a Sunday rose from the dead upon a Sunday and sent downe the Holy Ghost upon a Sunday workes not inferiour to the Creation of the world Q. By whom was it changed A. By the Church by the Apostles who also kept it for S. Iohn was in Spirit on a Sunday Apoc. ch 1. v. 10. Q. How prove you that the Church hath power to command Feasts and Holy Daies A. By this very act of changing the Sabbath into the Sunday which Protestants allow of and therefore fondly contradict themselves by keeping Sunday so strictly and breaking most other Feasts commanded by the same Church Q. How declare you that A. Because by keeping Sunday they acknowledge the Churches power to ordaine Feasts and to command them under sin and by not keeping the rest by her commanded they again deny in fact the same power Q. What other proof have you A. Out of S. Iohn ch 10. ver 22. where we read That Christ himselfe was present and kept the Dedication of the Temple in Hierusalem a Feast ordained by Iudas Machabaeus 1 Machab ch 4. Q. What other yet A. Out of Acts ch 2. v. 1. where the Apostles keeping the Feast of Pentecost were all filled with the Holy Ghost Neither do Protestants as yet dissent from this though some have lately prohibited and prophaned both it and the most holy Feast of the Resurrection Q. What command have you from God for obedience to the Church in things of this nature A. Out of Acts ch 15. v. 4. where we read that S. Paul went about confirming the Churches and commanding them to keep the precept of the Apostles and the Ancients And out of S. Luke c. 10. v. 16. He that heareth you beareth me and he that despiseth you the Church despiseth me Q. May Temporall Princes and the Laity make a Holy Day A. With consent and approbation of the Church they may otherwise not because that is an act of spirituall Jurisdiction Q. For what end doth the Church ordaine Holy Dayes A. For the increase of piety and in memory of speciall benefits received from God Q. If keeping the Sunday be a Church-precept why is
Precept A. Back-biting Flattery and Detraction Q. What is Back-biting A. It is to breake friendship betwixt others by speaking ill of one unto the other behind his back Q. What is Flattery A. To attribute to another some perfection which he hath not or to praise him for that which is not worthy praise Q. What is Detraction A. It is a secret staining and blotting of anothers good name Q. What is he bound to that hath hurt his neighbour in any of these kinds A. To make him satisfaction and restore him his good name Q. How for example A. If he have told a hurtfull lie of him he is bound to unsay it or if he have revealed his secret sinne he is bound to speak well of the same party and to mitigate the matter all he may Q. Is it a sinne to hearken to detraction A. To doe it willingly and with delight or so as to incourage the detractor it is for by so doing we cooperate with the detractor Q. How then must we behave our selves amongst detractors A. If they be Inferiours we must reprehend them if Equalls or Superiours we must shew our selves at least not pleased with that discourse Q. What is rash Judgement A. That which is grounded on meere hear-sayes jealousies and surmises without any morall certainty or great probability Q. When is a lie a mortall sin A. When it is any great dishonour to God or notable prejudice to our neighbour otherwise if it be meerly officious or jesting it is but veniall sinne The ninth and tenth Commandements Expounded Q. VVHat are the ninth and tenth Commandements A. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours wife thou shalt not covet thy neighbours-goods nor any thing that is his Q. What is prohibited by these Commandements A. The inordinate will or desire of unlawfull lust especially Adultery and of all Theft Q. What else A. Not onely all deliberate desire or consent but likewise all voluntary delight and complacence in covetous or impure thoughts Q. How prove you that unchast desires are mortall sinnes A. Out of S. Mat. ch 5. v. 28. 29. where we read It was said of old thou shalt not commit Adultery but I say unto you that whosoever shall see a woman to lust after her he hath already committed Adultery in his heart Q. How prove you covetous desires to be great sinnes A. Out of 1 Tim. ch 6. v. 9. where we read They that will be made rich fall into temptation and the snâ—â—e of the Devill and many desires unprofitable and hurtfull which drowne men into destruction and perdition Q. Is there any sinne in those motions of concupiscence which we feâ—â—e and suffer against our wills A. There is not for nothing is sinne which is not voluntary and deliberate Q. What think you now of this second Table of the Law is here any thing that savoureth of impossibility to be kept A. No certainly for here is nothing commanded us which the very Law of nature and right reason doth not dictate to us And therefore ought to bee observed and done although it were not commanded us Q. Is here any thing but what every man expecteth and desireth to have done unto himselfe by others A. There is not therefore we must doe the same to others according to that All things whatsoever you will that men doe unto you doe ye also to them for this is the Law and the Prophets S. Mat. ch 7. v. 12. Q. Why then do Novellists pretend and teach that the Commandements are impossible to be kept A. Because they are not willing to oblige themselves to the observance of them but had rather make God the Author of sin by commanding impossibilities a most high blasphemy and justifie their owne iniquities by saying they cannot help then humbly acknowledge and confesse their sinnes with purpose to amend by an acceptance of the Law of God CHAP. IX The Commandements of the Church Expounded Q. HOw many be the Commandements of the Church A. There be six principall ones Q. What is the first A. To heare Masse on all Sundayes and Holy Dayes if we have oportunity to doe it and there be no just cause unto the contrary Q. Why on all Sundayes A. In a Thanksgiving for the benefits of the week past as also to sanctifie the present day Q. For what other reason A. In memory that the same Christ which is offered upon the Altar in the blessed Sacrament for our sinnes was borne rose from the dead and sent down the Holy Ghost upon a Sunday Q. Why on all holy dayes A. Either in memory of some speciall benefit or else for a commemoration of some peculiar Saint so to move our selves to imitate his example Q. How prove you that the Church hath power to ordaine and command Feasts A. By the example of the Church in the Apostles time which ordained the Feast of Christ-Masse in honour of the Nativity of Christ the Feast of Easter in honour of his Resurrection Whitsontide in honour of the coming of the Holy Ghost in Tongues of Fire Q. What other proof have you A. Out of S. Clement the Disciple of S. Peter in his eighth Book of Apostolicall Constitutions where he witnesseth That the Apostles gave order for the celebrating of S. Stephens and some other of their fellow-Apostles dayes after their deaths Q. What other yet A. Out of Col. ch 3. v. 4. We have confidence of you in the Lord saith S. Paul that the things which we command you both do and will do And ver 14. If any obey not our word doe not ye companie with him that he may be confounded Q. What other yet A. Out of Thes ch 4. v. 8. where speaking of the Precepts which he had given unto his Brethren Paul saith He that despiseth these things despiseth not man but God who also hath given his holy Spirit in us See what was said above in the third Commandement of God The second Church-Commandement Expounded Q. WHat is the 2d. Commandement of the Church A. To fast Lent Vigills commanded Ember Dayes and Fridayes also by custome of England with abstinence from flesh on Saturdayes Q. Why Lent A. In imitation of Christ our Lord who fasted forty dayes and forty nights in the Desart for our sins without once eating or drinking Q. Can we fast in that manner A. We cannot but we must do at least what we are able Q. How prove you Fasting to be a pious Practice A. By the example of Christ and his Saints and out of S. Luke ch 2. v. 37. where we read That Anne the Prophetesse departed not from the Tempte serving day and night by Fasting and Prayers Q. How prove you Fasting to be meritorious A. Out of S. Matth. ch 6. 16 17 18. Where we read And when you fast be not yee sad like the hypocrites but when thou dost fast annoint thy head and wash thy face that thou appeare not to men to fast but to thy Father which is in secret
CHAP. XI Of the Sacraments in generall Q. HOw many Sacraments be there A. Seven Q. How call you them A. Baptisme Confirmation Eucharist Penance Extreme Vnction Holy Order and Matrimony See the Councell of Trent Sess 7. Cannon 1. Q. How prove you the necessity of 7. Sacraments neither more nor fewer A. Out of the proportion which is betwixt spirituall and corporall life Q. In what consisteth that proportion A. In this that as in corporall and naturall life there be seven principall or chief necessities so be there likewise in spirituall to which the seven Sacraments do correspond Q. What is our first corporall necessity A. To be born into this world And to this Baptisme correspondeth by which we are regenerate to God and borne the Heires of God Coheires of Christ Q. What is the second corporall necessity A. To be confirmed in our strength and growth without which we can never be made men And to this answereth Confirmation by which we are made strong and perfect Christians able to professe our Faith before our enemies Q. What is our third corporall necessity A. That being now made men we have a competence of daily food and sustenance To which the B. Eucharist correspondeth by which our soules are fed with divine grace as often as we worthily receive it or offer it with the Priest upon the Altar Q. What is our fourth necessity of the Body A. That we have Physicke when we are sick and wounded And to this answereth the Sacrament of Penance by which our maladies and sores of sin are healed Q. What is our fifth necessity of the Body A. That we have Cordialls and Restoratives against the agonizing fits and pangs of death And to this correspondeth Extreme Vnction by which our soule is strengthened in her last agony against the violent onsets of the Devill Q. What is the sixth corporall necessity A. That we be governed by Lawes and Magistrates so to avoid iustice and confusion And to this correspondeth holy Order by which we are provided of spirituall Magistrates to guide and governe us Q. What is the seventh corporall necessity A. That we be multiplied in a lawfull manner And to this correspondeth Matrimony by which we are not only multiplied in a naturall but in a holy and Sacramentall way Q. What is a Sacrament in generall A. It is a visible signe of invisible grace divinely instituted by Christ for our sanctification Q. How doe you prove that Christ ordained them all A. Because it is not in the power of any pure creature to give infallible vertue to cause grace to sensible and materiall things such as the Sacraments are According to the Councell of Trent Sess 7. Can. 1. Q. From what have the Sacraments their force and efficacy A. From the Bloud and Passion of Christ which they apply unto our Soules Q. How prove you that A. Out of Rom. ch 6. v. 3. Are you ignorant saith S. Paul that all we which are baptized in Christ Iesus in his death we are baptized Q. What other proofe have you A. Out of Rom ch 5. v. 9. Much more therefore now saith he being justified in his bloud shall we be saved from wrath in him Q. For what end did Christ ordaine the Sacraments A. To be externall and visible marks and professions of his holy Faith by which the faithfull might be known from Infidells and Heretikes Q. For what other end A. To be effectuall meanes of our salvation and certaine remedies against sinne Q. What things are essentiall to a Sacrament A. Matter and forme Q. Doe all the seven Sacraments give grace A. They doe according to the Councell of Trent Sess the. 7. Q. What is grace A. It is a certain speciall participation of the divine Nature by which we are made like to God in some degree as Iron is made like to fire by heat Q. How many of the Sacraments give a Character A. Three Baptisme Confirmation and Holy Order Q. What is a Sacramentall Character Q. It is a spirituall marke in the Soule by which we are marked for the servants of God which can never be blotted out Q. In what manner doe the Saoraments give and cause Grace A. Instrumentally onely for God is alwaies the principall cause thereof Q. Who is the ordinary Minister of a Sacrament A. A Priest excepting Holy Order and Confirmation which are reserved unto Bishops only Q. Why did Christ tie the administrations of the Sacraments to the Hierarchie and to Priests only A. To give them a super-eminent Power Credit and Authority with the people Q. Why was that necessary A. Because if the Clergy be not held in great reverence by the Laiety it cannot cause that effect in them for which it chiefly was ordained to wit credulity in things above Nature together with a prompt obedience to hazard lives and fortunes when they shall say the Law of God requires it And if this be not done the Law of Christ will not be kept nor can Salvation be had Q. Is the intention of the Minister to doe what Christ ordained a condition without which the Sacrament subsisteth not A. It is as also the intention of the receiver to receive what Christ ordained if he be at yeares of understanding Q. Why said you If he be at yeares of understanding A. Because for Infants in the Sacrament of Baptisme the intention of the Church and of their Godfathers and Godmothers sufficeth Baptisme Expounded Q. WHy is Baptisme the first Sacrament A. Because before it a man is not capable of any other Q. What is Baptisme A. It is an exteriour ablution or washing of the body under a set forme of words Q. What is the necessary matter of Baptisme A. Naturall water only for artificiall water will not suffice Q. What is the forme of it A. I Baptize thee N. N. in the Name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost Q. What if a man leave out the word I Baptize or any one of the three Persons A. Then the Baptisme is invalid Q. Where did Christ expresse the forme of Baptisme and give us a command to Baptize A. In S. Math. ch 28. v. 19. Going therefore saith he teach ye all Nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost Q. Can a man be saved without Baptisme A. He cannot unlesse he have it either actually or in desire with contrition or be baptized in his owne Blood as the Holy Innocents were which suffered for Christ Q. How prove you that A. Out of S. Iohn ch 3. v. 5. Vnlesse any one be borne againe of Water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdome of God Q. Can no man but a Priest baptize A. Yes in case of necessity any Lay-man or woman may doe it but not otherwise Q. What is a case of necessity A. When a child is in danger of death and a Priest cannot be had Q. What are the effects of Baptisme
A. It maketh us the children of God and remitteth both originall and actuall sinne if he that is baptized be guilty of it Q. What else A. It infuseth justifying grace into the Soule with habits of Faith Hope and Charity and all supernaturall gifts and virtues Q. How prove you that A. Out of Gal. ch 3. v. 27. As many of you as are baptized in Christ have put on Christ. Q. What other proofe have you A. Out of 1. Cor. ch 6. v. 10. where speaking of Fornicators Idolaters Theeves Adulterers and Liers These things saith S. Paul ye were but yee are washed but yee are sanctified but yee are justyfied in the Name of our Lord Iesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God Q. What other yet A. Out of Titus ch 3. v. 6. and 7. He hath saved us by the Laver of Regeneration and Renovation of the Holy Ghost whom he hath abundantly powred out upon us by Iesus Christ our Saviour that being justified by his Grace we may be Heires according to the hope of life everlasting Q. What other effect hath Baptisme A. It maketh a spirituall mark or character in the soule which shall remaine for ever either to our great joy in Heaven or our confusion in hell Q. What sinne is it to baptize a man twice A. A mortall sinne of sacriledge Q. How prove you that A. Out of Heb. ch 6. v. 4. 5. and 6. It is impossible for those who have beene illuminated and made partakers of the Holy Ghost to wit by Baptisme and are fallen c. To be renewed againe unto Penance c. viz. by a second Baptisme Q. What if a man die for the Faith before he can be baptized A. He is a true Martyr and baptized in his owne blood Q. Why have we a Godfather and a Godmother in Baptisme A. That if our Parents should neglect it or be prevented with death they may instruct us in the Faith of Christ which obligation lieth on them Q. How many Godfathers may we have A. But one Godfather and one Godmother at the most since the Councell of Trent Q. Why so few A. To prevent the too great extent of spirituall affinity which is contracted betwixt them and their Godchildren and his Father and Mother which is an impediment not only making Marriage unlawfull but also invalid betwixt the parties Q. How can infants be christened which have but actuall Faith A. In the Faith of the Church and of their Godfathers and Godmothers Q. Why do we use so many Ceremonies in Baptisme A. To stirre up reverence to the Sacrament and signifie the inward effects thereof Q. What meaneth the Priests breathing on the childs face A. It signifies that by Baptisme the evill spirit is cast out and the Spirit of God is given to him Q. Why is the child signed on his brest and forehead with the Signe of the Crosse A. To signifie that he is there made the servant of Christ crucified Q. Why doth the Priest lay spettle on his ears and nostrils A. Because Christ by so doing healed one that was both deafe and dumb as also to signifie that by Baptisme his eares are opened to the Word of Faith and his nostrills to the good Odour of all Christian vertues Q. Why doth the Priest ask the child if he renounce the Devill and his Pomps A. To signifie that he which will be the child of God cannot be the child of the Devill Q. What meane the severall Annointings of the child A. They signifie the interiour Annointing or Vnction of divine Grace given to the Soule in Baptisme Q. What meane they in particular A. He is annointed on the Head to signifie that by Baptisme he is made partaker of the Kingly dignity of Christ on the Shoulders to signifie that he must beare his Crosse couragiously on the Brest to signihe that the heart is there strengthened with grace to fight against the Devill Q. What signifies the white Chrisome given to the child A. The purity and innocence which he there receiveth Q. What signifies the hallowed Light given to the child A. The light of Faith and fire of Charity with which his soule is there inflamed Confirmation Expounded Q. WHat is the second Sacrament A. Confirmation Q. When did Christ ordaine this Sacrament A. At his last Supper Q. What proofe have you for that A. An Apostolicall Tradition Q. What is the matter of this Sacrament A. Oyle mingled with Balme blessed by a Bishop Q. What is the forme of it A. I signe thee with the Signe of the Crosse I confirme thee with the Chrisome of Salvation in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q. What Scripture have you for this Sacrament A. 2 Cor. ch 1. v. 22. And he that confirmeth us with you in Christ and hath annoyled us God who also hath sealed us with the spirituall Character and given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts Q. What other place have you A. Acts ch 8. v. 14 15 16. where wee read that when Philip the Deacon had converted the City of Samaria to the Faith the Apostles who were at Hierusalem sent two Bishops S. Peter and S. John to confirme them who when they were come saith the Text prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost for he was not yet come upon any of them but they were only baptized in the Name of our Lord Jesus then did they impose their hands upon them and they received the Holy Ghost Q. What other yet A. Out of Act. ch 19. v. 5 6. where we read that S. Paul baptized and confirmed twelve of S. Johns Disciples Hearing these things saith the Text they were baptized in the Name of our Lord Jesus and when Paul had imposed hands upon them the Holy Ghost came upon them Q. Why is Oyle used in this Sacrament A. To signifie that the principall and proper effect of it is to make us strong and perfect Christians men able to professe our Faith before persecuting Tyrants Q. Why is Balme used in it A. To signifie the good odour of a Christian Name according to that We are a good Odour of Christ to God Q. In what appeareth the force of Confirmation A. In the undaunted confidence and suffering of the Apostles Martyrs and Saints of God after they had received it Q. When were the Apostles confirmed A. On Whit-sunday in an extraordinary manner the Holy Ghost descending upon them in Tongues of Fire Q. Doth Confirmation give a Character A. It doth according to 2 Cor. ch 1. v. 22. above cited where we read who also hath sealed us that is to say with a Character Q. Who is the Minister of this Sacrament A. A Bishop onely as appeareth by Act. ch 8. above cited where two Bishops were sent unto Samaria to give it Q. Is there any necessity of this Sacrament A. There is a morall necessity of it according to the Councell of Laodieaea Can. the 48. in
Offerings thrice with the signe of the Crosse A. To signifie the three houres which Christ hung living on the Crosse and all the griefes susteined in them Q. Why then opening the Chalice doth he crosse it five times with the Hoast A. His uncovering the Chalice is to signifie that at the death of Christ the veile of the Temple was rent asunder the three Crosses made over the Chalice signifie the three hours which Christ hung dead upon the Crosse The two Crosses made at the lip of the Chalice signifie the Blood and Water flowing from his side Q. Why is the PATER NOSTER said with a loud voice A. To signifie the mystical words which Christ spake upon the Crosse with a loud voice Q. What meaneth the Priest laying downe of the Hoast upon the Corporall and covering the Chalice againe A. It signifies the taking our Saviour downe from the Crosse and his Buriall Q. Why then is the Priest silent for a time A. To signifie our Saviours rest in the Sepulchre on the Sabboth Q. VVhy after that doth he raise his voice againe saying PAX DOMINI SIT SEMPER VOBISCUM The peace of our Lord be alwaies with you A. To signifie the joy of the resurrection and that frequent voice of Christ to his Disciples PAX VOBIS peace be unto you Q. Why is the Hoast divided into three parts A. To signifie the division of our Saviours soule and body made on the Crosse and that his Body was broken or divided in three principall parts namely his hands his side and feet Q. Why after this doth he yet make the signe of the Crosse saying PAXDOMINI c. The peace of our Lord be alwaies with you A. To signifie that triple peace which he hath purchased for us by his Crosse namely Externall Internall and Eternall peace Q. Why then is a particle of the Hoast put into the Chalice A. signifie the reuniting of our Saviours Body Blood and Soule made at his Resurrection as also to signifie that we cannot partake of the blood and merits of Christ unlesse we also partake of his cup of sufferings Q. VVhy is the AGNUS DEI or Lamb of God which takest away the sinnes of the world said with a loud voice A. To commemorate the glory of our Saviours Ascention and signifie that he was slaine like an innocent Lamb to take away our sinnes and give us peace Q. Why is the PAX or kisse of peace given before Communion A. To signifie that peace and charity which ought to be amongst the Faithfull who do all eat of one bread of the Eucharist and are all members of one mysticall body Q. VVhat meanes the DOMINE NON SUM DIGNUS c. A. It signifies O Lord I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roofe c. and is the poore Publicans prayer by which he descended justified into his house and we are taught not to approach unto this Sacrifice but with an humble and a contrite heart Q. VVhat meane the praiers after the Communion A. They are a thanksgiving to God for having made us worthy to partake of this unbloody sacrifice of the Altar and by it also of the bloody sacrifice of the Crosse Q. VVhat meane the words ITE MISSA EST A. They signifie that the Hoast or Offering is now sent to heaven for us and represent the voice of the Angell dismissing the Apostles and Disciples when they stood looking up after Christ ascended into heaven with O yee men of Galite what stand you here looking up into heaven Q. What meaneth the Priests lifting up his hands and blessing the people A. It signifies the blessing which Christ gave to his Apostles and Disciples at his Ascention with his hands lifted up Q. What signifies the Gospell of S. Iohn A. It signifies the preaching of the Gospell to all Nations made by the Apostles CHAP. XXIII The Office of our blessed Lady expounded Q. WHo composed the Office A. The Church directed by the Holy Ghost Q. Why is the Primer so called A. From the Latin word PRIMO which signifieth first of all so to teach us that Prayer should be the first work of the day according to that seeke yee first the Kingdome of God and all these things shall be given to you Q. Why is the Office divided into Hymnes Psalmes Canticles Antiphones Versicles Responsories and Prayers A. For order beauty and variety sake Q. VVhat warrant have you for that A. Out of Col. ch 3. Sing yee in your hearts unto our Lord in spirituall Psalmes Hymnes and Canticles Q. Why should the Laity pray out of the Psalmes which they little understand A. 1. Because by so doing they pray out of the mouth of the Holy Ghost 2. Because if they doe it with devout and humble hearts it is as meritorious in them as in the greatest Clarkes For a Petition hath the same force whether it be delivered by a learned or an unlearned man so hath also Prayer 3. Because a Psalme is of the same value in the sight of God from the mouth of a child or a woman as from the mouth of the most learned Doctor Q. Why is the Office divided into seven severall houres A. That so it might be a daily memoriall of the seven principall parts and also of the seven houres of our Saviours Passion Q. What ground have you for that A. Out of Zach. ch 12. At that day I will powre out upon the house of David and the Inhabitants of Hierusalem the spirit of grace and prayer and they shall looke up at him whom they have pierced Q. What meaneth at that day A. The Law of grace the New Law Q. What meaneth hee by the House of David and the Inhabitants of Hierusalem A. The Church of Christ Q. What meaneth he by the spirit of grace and prayer A. The Holy Ghost which dictated the Office and powreth forth the grace of God into our soules by vertue of it Q. What meane those words And they shall looke up at him whom they have pierced A. They signifie that the whole order scope and object of the Office should be Christ crucified Q. How shew you that the seven houres are a memoriall of the Passion of Christ A. Because seven houres were consumed in his Passion for three houres he hung living on the Crosse other three houres he hung dead upon the Crosse the seventh houre was spent in nailing him to and taking him from the Crosse Q. VVhat do we commemorate by the Mattins and Lauds A. His bloody sweat and binding in the Garden as also his dragging from thence unto Hierusalem Q. VVhat by the Prime or first houre A. The scoffes and indignities which he sustained whilst they led him through the streets early in the morning unto the Princes of the Jewes as also the false accusations which were then brought against him Q. What by the third houre A. His whipping at the Pillar his crowning with Thornes his cloathing with a purple