4. 25. secondly as by his obedience to death he is our Sauiour in merit so by this hée is our Sauiour in efficacie l 1. Cor. 15. 45 Thirdly it is a pledge of our owne resurrection to glory m 1. Cor. 15. 20. 21. Q. How vnderstand you this Hee ascended into heauen A. That Christ in the sight of his Disciples was taken vp into heauen n Act. 1. 9. and yet is there for our sakes and will be vntill his comming againe to iudgement o Act. 3. 21. Q. What fruit doth Christs ascension into heauen bring vs A. First he doth there make intercession for vs p Heb 9. 24. Secondlie he sendeth from thence the holie ghost on vs q Ephes 4 10. Thirdlie his ascension is a pledge of our ascension in our very bodies r Ioh 14 2 3. Q. What is meant by Christs sitting at the right hand of God A. That hee hath all power giuen him by the Father and all things ſ Phil 2. 9. and doth gloriouslie execute the office of Priest and King for vs t Math 28. 10. Q. What speciall benefits haue wee by this glorious estate of our Lord in heauen and by his office of Mediatorship there performed for vs A. First we haue hereby a bringing out of vnbeliefe wherein by nature we were shut u Rom 11 32. vnto true sauing faith x ◠Pet 2. 9. Secondlie a continuall pardon of our sinnes y 1 Ioh 2 12. Thirdlie the sending downe of the holie ghost on vs with all needefull graces z Ephes 4 8. Fourthlie defence against all our enemies whatsoeuer a Ephes 1 12. 13. Q. What comfort hast thou by Christs comming againe to iudge the quicke and the dead A. I am hereby frée from all feare of condemnation sithence he shall bee my Iudge who suffred himselfe to be condemned for me a Rom 8. 34. Also I am certaine that his comming shall be to lift mee vp to the fruition of eternall glory with him b 1 Thes 4. 16. 17. Of the holy Ghost Q. What beleeuest thou concerning the holy Ghost A. First that hee is very God coeternall with the Father and the Son c Act 5. 3. 4. Secondly that hee is giuen mee to make mee through faith partaker of Christ and all his benefits d Rom. 1 9. Also to comfort me and to abide with mee for euer e Ioh 14. 16. Of the Holy Catholique Church Q. What beleeuest thou concerning the Holy Catholique Church A. I beléeue that the Son of God doth in all ages f 1 King 19. 18. by his Word and Spirit gather gouerne and defend a company chosen to eternall life g 2 Tim 2. 19. and that I am a very member of the same and so shall remaine for euer Q. What meaneth the communion of Saints A. First that all true beléeuers are partakers in common of Christ and all his benefits h Gal 3. 27. 28. Also that euery one might cheerefully bestow their gifts to the mutuall good of each other i Act 4. 32. Q. What beleeuest thou concerning forgiuenesse of sinnes A. That God for the satisfaction of Christ hath put out of his remembrance all my sinnes originall and actuall k Ephes 4. 32. Also that hee counteth me fully iust in the righteousnesse of his Son imputed to me l Rom 4. 5. Q. What comfort hast thou by the resurrection of the body A. That not only my soule presently on the departure out m Luk 23 45. of my body shall be taken vp into Paradise but that this my body shall by the power of Christ be reunited to my soule and made like the glorious body of Christ n 2 Cor 15. 42. 43. Q. What comfort hast thou by the article of life euerlasting A. That whereas at this present I beginne the enioying of life eternall o Ioh 6. 47. I shall at length haue the same perfected with all fulnesse of felicitie p 1 Cor 2 9. Q. What benefit hast thou by thy beliefe of the Gospell A. I am thereby righteous before God q Rom 8 1. and heire of life eternall r Heb 11. 7. Q. How art thou righteous before God A. Only by faith in Christ ſ Phil 3 9. whereby his perfect satisfaction righteousnesse and holinesse are made mine as if I had performed the same in mine owne person t Rom 8. 3 4. Q. How saist thou that thou art righteous by faith onely A. Not that I please God through the worthinesse of my faith u Mark 9 24. but because the only satisfaction righteousnesse and holinesse of Christ is my righteousnes before God x Cant 2 16. And for that I cannot take hold of it and applie it to my selfe any other way then by faith alone y Rom 4 16. Q Why cannot our good workes go for righteousnesse or some part of it before God A. Because that righteousnesse which must stand before the iudgement of God must be perfect and in all points agreeable with the law of God z Gal 3. 15. now our workes euen the best of them are imperfect and defiled with sinne a Es 64 6. Q. How doe our workes merit nothing sithence God promiseth a reward for them both in this life and that to come A. That reward is giuen not out of merit but of grace and frée fauour b Coloss 3 24. Q. Doth not this doctrine make men secure and prophane A. No because those who are incorporate into Christ by faith cannot but yéelde forth the fruits of thankefulnesse c 2 Cor 5 14. Of the Sacraments Q. Sithence then that Faith onely maketh vs partakers of Christ and his benefits from whence doth this faith proceede A. From the Holy Ghost d Gal 5. 22. who begetteth it in vs by the preaching of the gospell e Rom 10. 14. and confirmeth it by the same f 1 Thes 3. 2. and by vse of the Sacraments g Act 2. 42. Q. What are Sacraments A. They are visible signes and seales from God h Rom 4 11. to declare and seale vnto vs the promise of his gospell i Math 28. 19. that not onlie to beléeuers in generall but to euerie such one in particular k Rom 4. 11. hée giueth free remission of sinnes and life eternall for that onely sacrifice of Christ which he offered on the crosse l Luke 22. 19. Q. Doth not then both the word and the Sacraments tend to this end to lead our faith vnto the sacrifice of Christ finished on the crosse as to the onely ground of our saluation A. Yea for the holy ghost teacheth vs by the gospell m 1 Cor 2. 1. and assureth vs by the Sacraments that all saluation is grounded on the only sacrifice of Christ offered for vs on the crosse n 1 Cor 11. 24. 25. 26. Q. How many
A CATECHISME OR BRIEFE INstruction in the Principles and Grounds of the true Christian Religion VVith a short Treatise premised concerning the profit and necessitie of Catechizing PSAL. 34. 11. Come children hearken vnto mee I will teach you the feare of the Lord. LONDON Printed by EDVVARD GRIFFIN for HENRY FETHERSTONE 1617. TO CHRISTIan Parents House holders Schoole-masters and such as haue charge of youth E. B. wisheth the fruition and encrease of all-sauing Grace and true blessednesse IT is one speciall dutie my good brethren which is required of Christians to be performed by them that they admonish and stirre vp one another to matters which concerne Piety and godlinesse Exhort one another saith the Apostle 1. Thes 5. 11. and edifie one another euen as yee doe and Hebr. 10. Let vs consider one another to prouoke vnto loue and to good workes Let vs exhort one another and that so much the more because the day draweth neere Through this amâ— bold to impart an admonition to you and this concerning a duety of most great and high importance-to wit of Catechizing And I suppose there cannot bee a more needfull thing spoken of and concerning which admonition should be rather giuen then this partly by reason of the great benefit and profit which commeth by it and partly through the great contempt and neglect which is had of it and partly for that a great number of these by whom this duty is to be performed put it off from them as a busines impertinent and with which they stand not chargeable I meane this last of House and Schoole-gouernours I shall therefore labour breefly to informe you of three things the first is teaching the profit of it secondly I shall endeuour to remoue the contempt of it thirdly I shall prooue that you my brethren aboue mentioned doe in some sort though not so fully as certaine other stand chargeable therein Touching the first my reasoning shall be onely by allegation of the seuerall benefits which flow from it now Catechizing is of exceeding aduantage as in respect of the preaching it is not vnknown how great the number is of these who enioy the preaching of the worde and are nothing or very slenderly bettered by it this is most certainely one mayne cause thereof the want of Catechizing in that persons come vnskilled thereto in the principles of religion and therefore this is a special course to be taken of him that would be a good proficient by preaching that he be seen in the grounds before mentioned Secondly concerning the Sacrament of Baptisme wherein wee enter into solemne Couenant with Gods maiestie how commeth it to passe that so many thousands who haue thus solemnely bound themselues yet are so farre from keeping it that they scarcelie thinke of such a matter Proceedeth not this of neglect of Catechizing And therefore as any one tendreth to receiue the comfort of his baptisme it standeth him vpon to submit himselfe to this kind of instruction Thirdly concerning the Sacrament of the holy Supper is not this generally to be held of all Christians that the same appertaineth not to all commers but onely to prepared guests therefore the holy Ghost plainely affirmeth of the other sort that they eate and drinke their owne iudgement now can it bee denied that this is one special good helpe of preparation to bee well lessoned in all the ground points of the christian doctrine Fourthly what a speciall matter is it to bee frequent in the reading of the sacred Scriptures concerning which the commandement of our heauenly master is expresse for all Iohn 5. Search the Scriptures for in them ye thinke to haue eternall life and they are they which witnesse of me hereby we are made wise vnto saluation 2 Tim. 3. now certaine it is that without Catechizing the Scriptures will be as a sealed booke and therefore as we haue in regard the reading of Gods booke to receiue edification and comfort by it it is needfull we be skilled in the principles before Fiftly can there bee a more notable preseruatiue to keepe vs safe from the multitude of seducers and impostors in the world as Iesuites and Seminaries How many are peruerted by them for they compasse sea and land to make of their profession that they may make them the children of hell like themselues I will not say two-fold worse for that I suppose cannot be witnesse their many treacheries and conspiracies and especially that gunne-powder businesse which argue their attainment to perfection in this kind If false Prophets may be knowne by their fruits which is the rule of our master Matth. 7. then it is no hard matter for these who will apply themselues to discerning of spirits the which we are counselled 1. Iohn 4. 1. to finde out of what spirit they are but concerning these that haue beene subuerted by them hath there beene a more chiefe cause then neglect of instruction in the grounds of the true religion Sixtly what a rich treasure is the feare of God the want whereof Abraham perceiuing in a country where hee was soiourning doubted of villanies to bee done him and his wife Surely said hee the feare of God is not in this place and they will slay me for my wiues sake Gen. 20. This is it which keepeth the subiect from disloyaltie against his Prince and Soueraigne 1. Sam. 26. 9. 10. 11. which is the ground of dutifulnesse in children towards their parents Ephes 6. 1. Children obey your parents in the Lord. This is the chaine that tieth seruants to due obedience to their masters Ephes 6. 5. 6. 7. 8. This is it that holdeth persons from breaking forth into lewdnesse of behauiour How can I said Ioseph being tempted by his ill mistresse doe this great wickednesse and so sin against God Gen. 39. 9. Now is it possible that this treasure of Gods feare can be except there be knowledge going before and is there againe a more direct way for this then instruction in the principles of Christianitie Seuenthly what is catechizing in the very nature of it but as it were a taking of any one by the hand to lift him vp out of the dungeon of darknesse and to bring him into the light and sight of Christ crucified the which alone doth yeeld iustification Esa 53. 11. and life eternall Ioh. 17. 3. So that catechizing is a most speciall pole to lift vp the brazen Serpent the onely beholding of which perfectly cureth that deadly wound which that fiery Serpent of hell gaue vs Iohn 3. If therefore the knowledge of Christ crucified be in price and account with vs the which Paul esteemed of such excellencie that all things of this world herewith compared hee reckoned them to bee dung and filth Phil. 3. then ought this exercise to be in request with vs as being without all controuersie greatly requisite to the getting and procuring of that worthy science There may be added an eighth benefit The doctrine of the Gospell is a mysterie Ephes 3.
and called ones of his purpose through a grace that was giuen vs through Christ before the world was that wee may bee made perfect in all good workes to doe his will working in vs that which is pleasant in his â—ight through Iesus Christ to whom be praise for euer and euer Amen A CATECHISME or briefe instruction by way of Question and Answer in the principles and grounds of the true Christian Religion Question WHat is thine onely comfort in life and death Answer Mine onely comfort in life death is this that both in soule and body whether I liue or die I am not mine owne but Iesus Christs my most faithfull Lord and Sauiour a Rom. 14. 8. 9 who hath both liued and died and risen againe for my iustification b Rom. 4. 25. and maketh me partaker of his spirit c Matth. 3. 11. whereby I may liue the life of God and godlinesse d 2. Pet 1. 3. by which also hée ascertaineth mée of a raising vp to eternall glory e Eph 4. 30. Q. How many things are necessary to be knowne of thee that thou maist enioy this comfort and consequently maist both liue and die blessedly A. Thrée things first what is the greatnesse of my sinne and miserie f Mat. 9. 12. 13 secondly by what meanes I may haue deliuerance from that sinne and miserie g Iohn 8. 21. thirdly what the thankfulnesse is which I owe vnto God for the same h Rom. 12. 1. The first part of the Catechisme which is of mans sinne and miserie Q. How doest thou know thy miserie A. By the Law of God i 〈◊〉 3. 20. Q. What doth the Law of God require of vs A. This is briefly taught by our Lord in the 22. of Matthew Thou shalt loue the Lord thy God with all thine heart with all thy soule and with all thy minde and thou shalt loue thy neighbour as thy selfe k Matth. 22. 37. 38. 39. Q. Art thou able perfectly to keepe this A. Nothing lesse for by nature I am prone to the hatred of God and of my neighbour l Tit. 3. 3. Q. What Did God create man thus peruerse and corrupt in the beginning A. Not so yea contrariwise God made man good and after his owne image that is endued him with knowledge and true holinesse m Gen. 1. 27. Q. How then came this corruption into mans nature A. This corruption of our nature came by the fall and disobedience of our first Parents Adam and Eue in Paradise n Gen. 3. 7. Q. What is our corruption such that wee are altogether vnmeet to doe what is good and onely prone to that which is euill A. Yea certainly except we be new borne by the Holy Ghost o 1. Cor. 2. 14. Q. Doth not God then iniurie vnto man in requiring of him in the Law what he is not able to performe A. No truly for God created man able to performe it but man through abuse of his frée will and the Deuils instigation did depriue himselfe and all his progenie of these diuine gifts p Gen. 3. 6. 7. Q. Is it so then that God will leaue vnpunished this disobedience and sinne in man A. Nothing so but contrariwise God is most angry both for the sinne wherein we were conceiued and borne and also for these which wée actually commit q Iob 15. 16. Q. But is not God also mercifull A. God indéed is mercifull yet is he also iust r Exod. 34 7. wherefore his iustice requireth that as his infinite Maiestie is offended by sinne so the punishment of it be according The second part of the Catechisme which is of mans freedome and deliuerance Q. Sithence then through the iust iudgement of God wee are liable vnder temporall and eternall punishment is there any meanes whereby wee may bee deliuered from it and get reconcilement with God A. God will haue his iustice satisfied Å¿ Gen. 2. 17. and therefore it must néeds be that either by our selues or by some other this satisfaction be made Q. Are wee able to satisfie Gods iustice by our selues A. In no respect t Esa 59. 16. yea rather wée increase the debt day by day Q. Can any of the creatures in heauen or in earth which is only a creature make satisfaction for vs A. Not any at all u Heb. 12. 29. for first God will not punish mans offence in any other creature secondly not any thing being but a creature is able to sustaine Gods wrath against sinne and frée other from the same Q. What kinde of Mediator and Redeemer is then to be sought for vs A. Such a one who is indéed very man x Gen. 3. 15. but perfectly iust y Exod 12. 5. and withall more mighty then all creatures that is also very God z Esay 9. 7. Q. Why is it necessary that this Mediator must be very man and that also perfectly iust A. Because Gods iustice doth require that as in mans nature the sinne was committed so in the same the punishment should be suffered a 1. Cor. 15. 21 now hée who is himselfe a sinner cannot vndergoe the same for other Q. Why is it necessary that he be also very God A. Because hée might thereby sustaine in his flesh the burden of Gods wrath and also recouer vnto vs the righteousnesse and life which wée had lost b 1. Pet. 3. 18. Q. But who is that Mediator who is both very God and very man and withall perfectly iust A. That onely is Iesus Christ c 1. Tim. 2. 5. who is made vnto vs of God wisdome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption d 1. Cor. 1. 30. Q. How doest thou know this A. I know this by the Gospell e Col. 3. 16. which God did first preach in Paradise f Gen. 3. 15. and afterward by the Patriarkes g Gen 18. 18. and Prophets h Esay 53. Iohn 6. 35. and last of all by his only begotten Sonne Q. Is it so then that saluation by Christ is granted vnto all that haue perished in Adam A. Not so but vnto those only who are ingraffed into Christ by true faith and doe beléeue in him Iohn 3. 16. and 18. Q. What is this true faith A. True faith is a perswasion in my heart i Iob 19. 25. grounded on the word of God k Eph. 2. 2. wrought by the holy Ghost l Gal. 5. 22. through the preaching of that word m Rom. 10. 14 whereby I beléeue that Iesus Christ is not only a Sauiour for other but euen my Sauiour also n Gal. 2. 20. and thereupon doe put all my trust in him Q. What is that which euery one must necessarily beleeue that would bee accounted to haue true faith in him A. True faith although it be a firme assenting to all things reuealed in Gods word o Act. 26. 27. yet properly it
workes A. There is a thréefold cause why being thus deliuered wée should doe good workes One is that wée may declare our thankfulnesse to God a Matt 3. 16. a second that we may haue assurance of the trunesse of our faith b Gal 5. 6. a third is that by our good conuersation wée may winne other vnto Christ c 1. Pet 3. 1. 2 Q Cannot they then be saued who are vnthankfull and remaine still in their sinnes and iniquities A. By no meanes for as the Scripture witnesseth neither fornicators nor Idolaters nor extortioners nor theeues nor drunkards shall inherit the kingdome of God d 1 Cor 6. 9. 10. Q. Wherein consisteth the conuersion of man vnto God and whence also floweth it A. It doth arise of a godly sorrow through our foolishnesse in offending God e 2 Cor 7. 10. and hath with it an after wisedome in leauing our former follie and turning vnto God f Psal 2. 10. 11. 12. Q. What are the kindes of this conuersion A. Two one is in séeking vnto God for pardon of our sinnes this may be tearmed the conuersion of humiliation g Esay 5. 6. 7. the other is vpon the obtaining of that pardon this may be tearmed the conuersion of thankfulnesse h Rom 12. 1. 2 Q. Sithence this latter appertaineth to this place we shal more specially consider of it shew mee therefore wherein this conuersion which is of thankfulnesse doth consist A. It consisteth in the mortifying of the old man and liuing according to the new i Rom 6. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Q. What is the mortifying of the old man A. This is when acknowledging our sinnes whereby we haue offended Gods Maiestie we are heartily sorry for them and daily more and more doe hate and eschew them k 1 Pet 3. 11. Q. What is the liuing according to the new man A. This is when vpon the knowledge of Gods mercy which is promised to all that sorrow for their sinnes and beléeue in Christ l Ioh 6. 47. we haue in vs an earnest desire of liuing after Gods will m 1 Pet 4. 1. â— with a serious endeuour of doing good workes n Tit 2. 14. Q. What are good workes A. Only these which through true faith o Rom 14 23 are done according to the word and Law of God p Ps 117. 105. and are referred to the glory of him alone q 1 Cor 10. 31. Q. What is the Law of God A God spake all these words saying Exod 20. I am the Lord thy God who brought thée out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage I. Thou shalt haue none other Gods before mee II. Thou shalt make thee no grauen Image neither any similitude of things that are in heauen aboue neither that are in the earth beneath nor that are in the waters vnder the earth Thou shalt not bow downe to them nor serue them for I am the Lord thy God a iealous God visiting the iniquitie of the Fathers vpon the children vnto the third generation and vnto the fourth of them that hate mee and shewing mercy vnto thousands to them that loue mee and keepe my Commandements III. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vaine for the Lord will not hold him guiltlesse that taketh his name in vaine IV. Remember the Sabboth day to keepe it holy six dayes shalt thou labour and doe all thy worke but the seuenth day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not doe any worke thou nor thy sonne nor thy daughter thy man-seruant nor thy maid-seruant nor thy beast nor thy stranger that is within thy gates for in six dayes the Lord made the heauen and the earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seuenth day therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it V. Honour thy father and thy mother that thy dayes may be prolonged vpon the Land which the Lord thy God giueth thee VI. Thou shalt not kill VII Thou shalt not commit adulterie VIII Thou shalt not steale IX Thou shalt not beare false witnesse against thy neighbour X. Thou shalt not couet thy neighbours house neither shalt thou couet thy neighbours wife nor his man-seruant nor his maid nor his oxe nor his asse neither any thing that is thy neighbours Q. How are the Commandements diuided A. Into two Tables r Exod 32. 15 16 the former whereof deliuereth in foure Commandements how we ought to behaue our selues towards God the latter in six what duties wée owe to our neighbour Å¿ Matt 32. 37. 38. 39. Q. What doth God require in the first Commandement A. That I abandon all idolatrie t 1 Cor 6. 9. 10. inchantments u Deut 18. 11 sorcerie x Ierem 17. 7 and the like and that acknowledging the true God as he hath reuealed himselfe in his word I doe onely trust in him pray vnto him y Psal 50. 15. and worship him z Matt 4. 10. also that I loue and feare him aboue all a Matt 10. 28. and in euery thing submit my selfe vnto him with all humilitie b Iames 4. 7. Q. What doth the second Commandement require A. That wée should not represent God by any image c Ioh 4. 24. much lesse that we worship any image or God thereby d Deut 4. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. but only that we hold our selues to that forme of worship which himselfe hath prescribed in his word e Esay 18. 20. Q But may not Images be tolerated in Churches to serue for the peoples vse A. No for it is not séemely that we should be wiser then God who will haue his Church to be taught by the Act 10. 28. Habac 2. 18. 19. liuely preaching of his word and not by dumbe Images Q. What doth God require in the third Commandement A. That not onely we abondon the abusing of Gods glorious name by cursing f Leuit 24 11. 12. 13 â—4 or forswearing g Leuit 19. 12 but also by rash swearing h Ier 4. 2. though the matter be true neither should by silence or conniuence partake with other therein i Ephes 5. 12. Also that euermore his sacred name be vsed by vs with all due reuerence k Matt 6 9. Q. Is it lawfull to sweare by Saints or other creatures A. No l Deut 6. 13. for a lawfull oath is an inuocating of God as the only searcher of the heart m Ier 17. 10. to witnesse the truth and punish the swearer if wittingly hée sweare falsly now this honour agréeth to no creature n Iam 5. 12. Q. What doth God require in the fourth Commandement A. That I carefully on the Sabbaths frequent the solemne assemblies o Matt 18 19. and there diligently heare his word read p Act 15 21. and preached q Rom 10 14 15
profits which come by catechizing and also that there is no vilenesse in it so as any one may despise it but contrariwise to bee had in great regard by any persons whatsoeuer There remaineth now this third to be showne which is that you my brethren who are Parents Masters and Schoole-gouernours haue an interest in this businesse I meane that in some sort you stand chargeable for the practise of this dutie of catechizing Farre be it from mee to lay any yoke on your neckes or burden on your backes other then that which is Christs to which euery one must submit himselfe Matth. 11. 29. especially sithence his yoke is easie and burden is light Matth. 11. 30. He is that great yea and only Law-giuer to the conscience and therefore these that desire to bee in the number of his good subiects must not denie him obedience as in other so in this dutie Now how shall this appeare Euen easily if wee acknowledge that all the whole Scripture is only his word according as is said Col. 3. Let the word of Christ dwell plenteously in you meaning thereby the whole doctrine of the Scripture But let vs goe to the matter And first I reason thus Euery Christian is by his calling a Prophet Act. 2. 12. and certaine it is that if we partake with Christ in his two greater offices to wit Priesthood and Kingdome Ren 1. 6. we partake in the lesser also which is of Prophecie Now then if euery common Christian ought to bee a Teacher how much more you whose callings though not publike yet are more speciall then ordinary Secondly thus I argue The husband oweth this dutie to teach the wife as is plaine by 1. Cor. 14. 35. If they will learne any thing let them aske their husbands at home now she is a person of superioritie in a familie then much more is this dutie to be performed to those that are simply the inferiours Thirdly the expresse commands of God are many and diuers for this dutie Deut. 6. These words which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart and thou shalt rehearse them continually vnto thy children and shalt talke of them when thou tarriest in thine house Likewise vers 20. If thy sonne shall aske thee in time to come saying What meane these testimonies and ordinances c. then thou shalt say vnto thy sonne c. And Psal 78. God established a testimonie in Iacob and ordained a Law in Israel which he commanded our Fathers that they should teach their children that the posteritie might know it and the children which should be borne should stand vp and declare it to their children And in the new Testament very pregnant is that which is Ephes 6. Ye Fathers prouoke not your children to wrath but bring them vp in instruction and information of the Lord. Fourthly I thus argue You that are Parents and Schoole-gouernours owe loue vnto your children and Pupils for this is a common debt which we owe vnto all Rom. 13. 8. much more vnto them Now this loue must be in deed 1. Ioh. 3. 18. and can there bee a more speciall worke of loue then to helpe them to that science which yeeldeth for its benefit life eternall Ioh. 17. 3. Fiftly those that professe the Christian faith are by their calling Abrahams children Gal. 3. 7. Now they that will be Abrahams children must necessarily as Truth it selfe hath affirmed doe the workes of Abraham Ioh. 8. 39. Now this was one of his workes as may bee seene Gen. 18. 19. of which also God did take especiall notice Sixtly it is your desire that at the appointed times especially at Easter they should come to the Sacrament and partake thereof now in comming vnprepared what other doe they then eat and drinke vnto themselues iudgement 1. Cor. 11. and should not you take pitty on them in this respect and apply your best endeuours that they may not turne vnto their bane which by Gods ordinance is appointed the food to life eternall Seuenthly you that are Parents and Masters desire greatly to haue your children dutifull and obedient also your seruants faithfull and diligent and can there be a more notable means then catechizing for the effecting of this whereby their hearts may bee seasoned with grace and consequently fit fruits will be following Lastly what is a Christian familie but a little Church so is it tearmed in diuers places as Rom. 16. 5. and Philem. verse 2. To the Church which is in thy house therefore such a speciall holy exercise as is Catechizing should not be as a stranger therein I omit further allegations beloued brethren concerning this catechizing dutie to be performed by you it is God only that hath the perswasiue power Gen. 9. 27. I will onely satisfie a demand or two and so I will end One is wherefore I am silent concerning the Ministers for the executing of this catechizing businesse I answer for that generally it is held for a dutie whereto they are bounden whereas concerning other it is not And hence it is strange to mee that all those who make conscience of preaching doe not also of catechizing which is equally commanded and rather more then lesse profitable Secondly That if the Ministers doe their duties there may be no more required then their care to present them to the Minister I answer that except they doe something in priuate the profit by the publike may bee endangered but if this be neglected in the publike then it standeth you the more vpon that your selues be labourers in the worke If here it be said the matter is too difficult to be done by you I answer if you only command your companies to learne these principles and to vtter the same to you this is a small matter and then there are so many helpes by those who haue written vpon the grounds of Religion that at the least some of those being procured there may bee something with great facilitie performed I shall briefly specifie something concerning this Treatise which here is put forth and so I will end I haue for the method altogether followed the Palatine Catechisme for the matter I haue vsed libertie therein as other haue done before me in the selfe-same booke The points here set downe I hope haue euery one of them good warrant There are some persons for whom I haue done it who I know will make vse of it and indeed for them I tooke this businesse such as it is in hand Yet I haue beene bold to hang out a garland because this kinde of mine howsoeuer good is in small request I meane of catechizing in generall Now I desire you good brethren to take my former admonitions and exhortations in good part and to accept these my poore endeuours in the forwarding of this so needfull an exercise And so I commend you to Gods gratious inclining and directing you for all his good ordinances and I heartily beseech him to vouchsafe to all vs his elect
Sacraments hath Christ ordained in the new Testament A. Two Baptisme o Math 1. 18. 19. and the holie Supper p Luk 22. 19. Of Baptisme Q. How art thou admonished and assured by baptisme that thou art partaker of Christ and his righteousnes A. Because Christ hath commanded the outward washing with water q Math 28. 19. with this promise that I am so certainly washed by his bloud and spirit from all vncleanenesse of sinne r 1 Cor 12. 13 as I am outwardly washed with water by which the filthinesse bodily is clensed Q. What is it to be washed with the blood and spirit of Christ A. To be washed with Christs bloud is to receiue of God forgiuenes of sinnes fréely for the blood of Christ shed for vs ſ Ephes 1 7. To be washed with his Spirit is to be sanctified by the holy ghost whereby I am made a member of Christ and receiued vnto holines Q. Where doth Chrrist promise that hee will wash vs as certainely with his bloud and spirit as wee are washed with the water of baptisme A. In the institution of it Math. 28. 19. and in Marke 16. hee that shall beléeue and be baptized shall be saued also where the Scripture calleth Baptisme the washing away of sins t Act 2 38. and the washing of the new birth u Tit 3 5. Q. Is then the outward Baptisme of water the very washing away of sins A. It is not for the bloud of Christ alone cleanseth vs from all sinne x Ioh 2. 7. Q. Why then doth the holy Ghost call Baptisme the washing away of sins and the washing of the new-birth A. God speaketh this not onely to teach vs that as the filth bodily is cleansed by water so our soules are by the bloud and Spirit of Christ but also to assure vs by this diuine pledge that we are as verilie washed from our sins inwardlie as wee are outwardly by water y 1 Pet 3 21. Q. Are infants also to be baptised A. Yea for fithence they belong to the couenant of grace z Gen. 17. 7. and church of God a Phil 2. and sith remission of sinnes is promised also to them b Gen 17 7. they are to haue the seale thereof c Rom 4 11. and to be distinguished from the children of Infidels d 1 Cor 7. 14. as in the old Testament was done by circumcision e Col 2 11 12 to which Baptisme hath succéeded f Col 2. 11. 12 Of the holy Supper Q. How art thou in the holy Supper admonished and warranted that thou art partaker of Christ crucified with all his benefits A. Because Christ hath commaunded me to eate of this bread broken and to drinke of this cupp g Luk 22 19. with promise that so certainely as I behold this with my eies so was his body broken and bloud shed for me h 1 Cor 11. 24. 25. Also that I am fréed by the same to life eternall so surelie as I receiue into me these signes thereof i 1 Cor 12. 13. Q. What is it to eate the body of Christ crucified and to drinke his bloud that was shed A. It is not onlie to embrace with sure confidence the whole passion of k Gal 3. 27. Christ but also by the holie ghost who l 1 Cor 6. 17. dwelleth both in Christ and vs to bee more and more vnited to him that wee be quickned and guided by one and the same Spirit Q. Where hath Christ promised that he will as certainely giue his body and bloud to be eaten and drunke as we eate this bread broken and drinke this cuppe A. In the institution where it is said Christ tooke bread and brake it and gaue to them saying this is my bodie which is giuen for you likewise he tooke the cuppe saying this cuppe is the new Testament in my bloud which is shed for you m Math 26. 26 27. 28. Q. Are then the bread wine made the very body and bloud of Christ A. No verilie but as the water of Baptisme is not turned into the bloud 1 Cor 11. 26. 27. 28. of Christ so the bread and wine of the holy Supper are not the naturall substance of Christs bodie and bloud but the signes and pledges onlie k Rom 4. 11. Q. Why doth Christ then call the bread his body and the cuppe his bloud and Paul calleth the bread and wine the Communion of the body and bloud of Christ A. Christ speaketh this to assure vs that through the holie ghost wee do as verilie pertake his bodie and bloud as we bodiliwise receiue into vs the signes thereof l 1 Cor 10 3. 4. And that his obedience and passion are so certainly our owne as if that had béene done in our owne persons m Rom. 5 19. Q. Who are to come to the Lords Table A. Those onely who doe truely sorrow for their sinnes n Math 11. 38 yet trust in Christs satisfaction o Ioh 6. 35. who also desire encrease in faith and holinesse p Heb 12 14 But the other sort eate and drink to themselues iudgement a 1 Cor 11. 19 Q. Are they to bee admitted to this Supper who in confession and life declare themselues to be Infidells and vngodly A. No b Math 7. 6. for Gods couenant is thereby prophaned c Psal 50. 16. and his wrath kindled against the whole congregation d 1 Cor. 11. 30 wherefore the Church vsing the keyes of the kingdome of heauen receiued from Christ ought to kéep such from this Supper till they repent e Math. 18. 18. Q. What are the keyes of the kingdome of heauen A. The preaching of the gospell f Math 16. 19. and Ecclesiasticall discipline g Math 18. 19 by which heauen is opened to beléeuers and penitent ones h Math 16 19. and shut to the contrarie i Math. 18. 18. Q. How is the kingdome of heauen opened and shall be by the preaching of the Gospell A. When in Christs name it is publiquely taught that all their sinnes are pardoned who truely beléeue the gospell k Ioh 20. 23. and vnto the vnbeléeuers and impenitent there is denounced condemnation the which testimonie is ratified in heauen Q. How is the kingdome of heauen opened and shut by Ecclesiasticall Discipline A. When according to the rule of Christ they that shew themselues aliens from him in doctrine l Tit 3. 10. or life m 1 Cor 5. 4. 5. are by the Church after refusall of admonition suspended from the Sacrament or barred from the holy assemblies Also when vpon due profession of amendment they are receiued in againe n 2 Cor 2. 7. The third part of the Catechisme which is of gratitude or thankfulnesse Q Sithence we are deliuered from all our sinnes and miseries by the only mercie of God for Christs sake why are wee to doe good