such Petitions as these called by the Latins Obsecrationes A. Because we urge the party of whom we ask by all that is dear to him and in these we commemorate all that our dear Redeemer did for us in his Life at his Death and after his Death and by all the Love he shewed to us by all the Torments he endured for us by all the glorious Things he intends for us we beseech him to deliver us from these Evils Q. Is not this called Conjuration A. Yes Ignorant Malice hath so censured it when it is the most devout and moving Oratory in the World Q. What is the Cross here put for A. Not for the Wood which the Papists superstitiously adore but for the Torments he suffered thereon and his Cross comprehends the pains of his Body his Passion and the Anguish of his Mind All these Arguments devoutly urged have a mighty Force in them Q. When is the season that we pray for Deliverance A. It is expressed in that Petition In all Time of our Tribulation c. Q. Why is that part which we call Intercession used in the Litany A. Because it is commanded by God and in Christian Charity we ought to desire Blessings for all sorts of Men Q. Why do we begin in our Intercessions with the Holy Church Vniversal A. Because we ought to be more concern'd for the good of the Whole than of any particular Part. Q. Why do we beg of God to Rule and Govern All Churches in the right Way which is left out by the Romanists A. Because when these Petitions were first made it is not likely that the Doctrine of Infallibility was maintain'd either in the Roman Church or any other Part of the Christian World and that any particular Church may fall into wrong Ways the very Roman Church which boasts of its Infallibility has demonstrated and by sad Experience we find that no particular Church is free from the possibility of being deceived altho' we believe that God will not suffer the whole Universal Church at once to fall into any grievous Error Q. What do we pray for in those Petitions for the King A. Our first Requests are for the King 's spiritual Good that he may be throughly and sincerely pious from inward Principles which will never fail if he be of the right Faith then the Prayer is for his Confirmation in it and if he be perverted it 's a Prayer for his Conversion 2. We pray likewise that he may be supplied with all Temporal Blessings and kept from all kinds of Evil. And if any be so wicked as to rebel upon any Pretence whatsoever Religion Liberty Property or the like we must wish the Victory may fall always on the King's side Q. Why is the Prayer for the Clergy placed next to that for the Royal Family A. The Jews and Gentiles both reckoned their Chief Priests to be next in dignity to their Kings and so did our pious Ancestors account them next to the King the most considerable Members of the Catholick Church Q. Why are the Clergy distinguish'd here into those three Orders Bishops Priests and Deacons A. All ancient Offices do particularly pray for the Clergy so distinguished which have from the Beginning been ever in the Church Q. What is the Substance of the Prayer A. The Prayer we make for them is the same which Moses made for Levi Deut. 33. 8. Let thy Vrim and thy Thummim be with thy holy One That is Illumination or Enlightning and Perfection which is excellently Paraphras'd in this Prayer Q. What are those three Words in the Litany which comprehend all the Miseries that concern our Bodies A. Danger Necessity and Tribulation All Evils are either future and feared and these are implied in the Word Danger or else they are present and then they proceed from want of some good thing expressed by Necessity or from suffering some evil thing signified by Tribulation and each of these hath its proper Verb suted to it viz. Succour Help and Comfort So that in this one general Request we comprehend our selves and all other afflicted Persons in the whole World Q. There are some who condemn all Antiquity together with our Church as if They and We pray'd for Thieves and Pirates because the word is general for All that Travel c. A. It is a malicious Comment on an innocent Text for He is properly a Traveller who goes about his allowable or ordinary Occasions and it is evident that no other are here meant but Just and Honest Men. Q. Why after so many excellent Petitions presented to our Heavenly Father do we make our Addresses to our Mediatour viz. Son of God Lamb of God A. That he may recommend us and our Prayers at the Throne of Grace beseeching him by his Divinity and by his Sufferings for us to accept of our Petitions and to pardon our Sins and again as he 's our anointed Mediatour that he would procure a gracious Answer to them Q. Why are those Versicles added Lord have Mercy c A. That our Conclusion may be suitable to our Beginning we close up all with an Address to the whole Trinity for that Mercy which we have been begging in so many particulars and this one Word Mercy comprehends them all so that this is the Epitome of the whole Litany Q. When was this last part of the Litany called the Supplications first collected and put into this Form A. When the barbarous Nations began to over-run the Empire about 600 years after Christ Q. Why is the Lord's Prayer again repeated A. To shew the high esteem that pious Antiquity had of it and their mean Opinion of their own Inventions and Composures which receive Life and Value from this Divine Form Q. Why are those words Let us pray here used A. That the People may not think the Duty is ended as soon as the Responses or Answers cease but are admonished in their Heart not with their Voice to join with the Priest still Q. Why is not the Prayer against Persecution concluded with Amen A. To shew that the same Request is continued in another Form and what the Priest begg'd alone there all the People join with him to ask in these alternate Supplications or Prayers in turn Q. Is not the repeating that Petition twice O Lord arise c. a vain Repetition A. No But a Testimony that we are convinced we did wisely and well to ask of God now to arise and help us that so the honour he hath gotten by the wonders of his Mercy may be renewed and confirmed by this new Act of his Power and Goodness Q. Why is the Doxology placed here A. In imitation of Holy David Psal 6. 8. and Ps 22. 25. we having such a God to pray to in the midst of our mournful Supplications do both praise God for his ancient Mercies and also in assurance we shall obtain his Help praise him for his Help beforehand And as he was glorified for
is forbidden and so on the other side where a Sin is forbidden there the contrary Duty is commanded Q. Why doth the Minister rehearse the Commandments Standing A. To shew his Authority here is God speaking by the Priest Q. Why do the People kncel all the time and beg mercy A. Because they have offended against all the Commandments therefore they kneel down as Criminals ought to do and earnestly beseech Pardon and that we may never commit the like again we pray that the Lord would incline our hearts to keep these Laws and so the Law may be a means of our Repentance and Reformation Q. Why do we pray for the King immediately after the Commandments A. Because he is Custos utriusque Tabulae the Defender of both Tables Q. Why is the Prayer for the King just before the daily Collect A. Because that when we have prayed for outward Prosperity to the Church the consequent of the King's Welfare we may in the Collect pray for inward Grace to make it compleatly happy Q. How long have the Collects been fixed to those very Sundays on which we now use them A. Above Twelve Hundred Years Q. Why is the Epistle read first A. As being the Word of the Servant appointed to personate the Law preceding the Gospel Q. Why doth the Gospel follow A. As being the Word of our great Master therefore when the Minister is about to read all the People stand up to express a more than ordinary reverence to it and to give Glory to God before it 's read and Thanks to God after Q. Why is that Creed which is rehearsed after the Gospel called the Nicene Creed A. Because it was for the most part framed at the great Council of Nice the same in substance with the Apostles Creed but doth more largely condemn all Heresies therefore is fitly enjoin'd to be recited before the Sacrament Q. Why are those Sentences used at the beginning of the Communion A. To stir us up more effectually to give bountifully Q. How is our Charity to be express'd A. Three Ways viz. by Giving Praying and Forgiving Q. Where have we Directions for each of these A. For Giving in the Sentences For Prayer in the Prayer for the Church Militant For Forgiving in the general Warning Q. How often ought we to receive A. It seems very probable from the Institution of this Sacrament that our Saviour design'd it should be part of God's Service in all the solemn Assemblies of Christians And we shew our Love by coming freely and frequently as often as we have an Opportunity for Publick Worship is very lame and imperfect without it Q. What is the Design of the Exhortations and of the Invitation before the Sacrament A. The former is to increase the Number and the latter to rectifie the Dispositions of the Communicants In the Invitation the Guests being prepared the Priest invites them to come near with Fear and Faith and that God may accept them he repeats those Graces with which they must be adorned viz. Repentance Charity and Holy Purposes shewing them what is the first Duty to be done viz. making an humble Confession upon their Knees Q. Why is this Confession here used A. Since Christ's Sufferings are here remembred we must own our Sins which were the Cause of them And since we hope for Pardon we ought with Shame and Sorrow first to own our Transgressions Q. Why is this Form of Absolution here used A. Lest our Guilt should terrifie us from coming to this Holy Table the Priest pronounceth Absolution in Christ's Name in the Form of a Prayer or Benediction which ought to be received with Faith and Gratitude Q. Why are those Sentences of Scripture used A. The Church hath chosen these Sentences to confirm the Faith and revive the Hope of poor Penitents and they are those very Promises on which the foregoing Absolution is grounded so that unless they doubt the Truth of God's Word they must believe these Promises of Mercy Q. Why are the Responses Prefaces and Trisagium here appointed to be used A. This Sacrament is a Feast of Joy and Thanksgiving and the Nature of the Eucharist requires some Acts of Praise and Gratitude 1. Here the Priest admonisheth us to Praise God in the Responses 2. And gives the Reason of it in the Prefaces 3. And joins with us in doing of it in the Trisagium which because the Word Holy is Thrice repeated was by the Greeks so called Q. Why are the Angels mentioned in this Hymn A. Because the Christian Church believed the Angels were present in Christian Assemblies therefore thought it sit that Men should join with them in this Heavenly Song over the Memorial of our Redemption Q. Why doth the Priest on great Festivals add other Prefaces A. They contain proper Reasons for our Thanksgiving on those special Occasions and the Decay of Devotion letting fall the Primitive and Apostolical Life of Weekly Communions and the People receiving but at the great Festivals the Church therefore added to the General Prefaces some special ones relating to the peculiar Mercy of that Feast on which they did communicate â— What Reason for the Vse of the Address or the Collect which â—â—ns thus We do not presume to come to this thy Table c A. The nearer we come to God the more Holy we ought to be and when we are just going to make so immediate Approaches our very Joy must be tempered with Humility and we must excuse our own Unworthiness Q. Why is the Prayer of Consecration used A. In Imitation of our Lord and Saviour and his Apostles all the Churches in the World have used such a Form We do not eat our common Food without first praying for a Blessing on it which Pious Custom is so universal that it is certainly a piece of natural Religion much more then are we obliged before we eat and drink this Bread and Wine which Christ designed to set forth the Mystery of his Death to consecrate and set it apart by a solemn Prayer Q. What Words are they which properly make the Consecration A. The Words of our Saviour's Institution pronounced by a lawful Priest Q. Why do the People join with the Priest in saying Amen A. In Testimony of their Faith that the Elements are become what Christ made and intended them to be that they have the Merits of his Sacrifice annexed to them by his own Institution Q. Why do the Communicants receive the Holy Symbols kneeling A. To express their Humility and the Sense they have of their own Unworthiness and that they may be in a posture of Prayer Q. Of how many Particulars do the Words consist which the Priest useth when he delivereth the Bread and Wine A. Three 1. Instruction declaring what it is viz. The Body of our Lord c. The Blood c. 2. Prayer desiring this Communication of them to us may preserve our Bodies and Souls unto everlasting Life 3. Direction what we are to do
in the Temple and though we cannot see our Saviour with our bodily Eyes as he did yet he 's by the Writings of the Apostles daily presented to the Eyes of our Faith and if we were as much concern'd for Heaven and as loose from the Love of the World as old Simeon was and as we ought to be we might upon the View of Christ in his holy Word by Faith be daily ready to sing this Hymn Of the LXVII Psalm THIS Psalm is parallel to the former Evangelical Hymn David prayed for that saving Health which old Simeon rejoiced to see and both of them praised God upon the Foresight they had that it would be made known to us as it is this day by the Voices of the Apostles Of the Apostles Creed Quest WHY is it called the Apostles Creed A. It is called a Creed from the Latin word Credo to believe because it contains such Points of Christian Doctrine as are most necessary to be believed 2. It 's called the Apostles Creed partly because of the Apostolical Doctrine contained in it but rather because it was composed by the Apostles or at least in or near the Apostolical Times and it consists also of Twelve Articles according to the number of the Twelve Apostles Q. Why did the ancient Councils make new ones A. They declare they did not make new ones only largely expound such Articles as Hereticks disputed against Q. If this be a genuine and true Composure then is it not of equal Authority with the holy Scriptures A. 'T is the same thing in a Compendium or short Way and differs only in Form not in Sense Q. Why is the Creed placed after the Lessons and before the Prayers A. We confess that Faith which the Lessons teach 2. It 's the Foundation of all our Petitions for we cannot call on him on whom we have not believed Q. Why is the Creed often repeated A. Because we had need look well to our Faith and be careful to keep that intire by often rehearsing we guard our Souls with it 2. It 's a plighting our Faith and Fidelity to God and Confession is as necessary to Salvation as believing Q. Why must we repeat it with an audible Voice A. Because by so doing every one gives his positive and particular Assent and by it evidenceth to the Church his sound Belief Q. Why is it repeated standing A. By this Gesture we signifie our readiness to profess and our resolution to adhere and stand to this Faith and earnestly contend for it And in our daily use of this Sacred Form let us devoutly apply every Article to be both a ground for our Prayer and a guide to our Lives Q. Why do we Bow at the Name of Jesus A. The mentioning of the Name of Jesus puts us in Mind of him we owe all manner of Reverence to which we express by Bowing Bishop Stillingfleet Q. Why do we say Amen after the rehearsing of it A. To testify our stedfast belief of it and our desire to live as those that heartily believe it Q. What is meant by the word I Believe A. As with a certain and full perswasion I assent so with a fix'd and undaunted resolution I profess and with this Faith in my Heart and Confession in my Mouth in respect of the whole Body of the Creed and every Article I sincerely readily and resolvedly say I Believe Q. How may we know when we rightly believe in God the Father A. When we love him fear him and serve him as our great Creator and merciful Preserver Q. How may we know when we rightly believe in God the Son A. When we submit to him trust in him and obey him as our only Lord and Saviour Q. How may we know when we rightly believe in God the Holy Ghost A. When we follow his Directions and make use of his Assistance as our Guide Sanctifier and Comforter Q. Why is God the Son said in the Catechism to redeem me and all Mankind when the greatest part perish without the benefit of his Redemption A. The price of his Blood which he paid was sufficient for the Ransom of the whole World and is available to as many as God in his abundant Goodness and Mercy shall judge worthy to be Partakers of the Inheritance with the Saints in Life but to none of those that do profess to be the Disciples of the Holy Jesus but such as observe the Conditions viz. Faith and Repentance required in his Blessed Gospel Q. How is the Holy Ghost said to Sanctify all the Elect People of God A. By calling them out and separating them from the rest of the World which is properly to Sanctify as well as by putting good Motions and Affections in them and inspiring them with Holiness by which they become God's choice and peculiar People Q. What may we mean when we say Christ descended into Hell A. The word Hell is a Saxon word which is as much as covered or hidden and in the Original Propriety both of the Greek and English it signifies no more than the place which is unseen or removed from Men's sight so that the meaning may be When all the Sufferings of Christ were finish'd upon the Cross and his Soul separated from his Body altho' his Body was dead his Soul dy'd not but underwent the condition of the Souls of such as die being he dy'd in the Similitude of a Sinner his Soul went to the place where the Souls of Men are kept who die for their Sins and so did wholly undergo the Law of Death contenting himself during his three days of Humiliation with the imperfect Happiness which the Souls of Holy Men are under till the general Resurrection from the Dead Bishop Pearson Q. Why is the Church call'd Holy and Catholick A. It is call'd Holy because it is joined to God in Covenant and the true Members of it are sanctified by the Spirit of Holiness 2. And it is call'd Catholick or Universal because it is spread over all the World and not confined as it was among the Jews to one particular place Q. What may we understand by the Communion of Saints A. That such Persons as are truly sanctified in the Church of Christ have fellowship with God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Ghost as dwelling with them and taking up their Habitations in them that they partake of the Care and Kindness of the blessed Angels that beside the external fellowship which they have in the Word and Sacraments with all the Members of the Church they have an intimate Union and Conjunction with all the Saints on Earth as living Members of Christ and have fellowship likewise with all the Saints departed in the true Faith and Fear of God Bishop Pearson 2. If this Answer be too mystical and obscure embrace this pithy and plain one The Christian Church or Society of Believers as one Body is United by a participation of all Spiritual things as Word Sacraments
and 19. after Trinity 5. If for the Success of our Hearing Reading and Fasting See St. Barth St. Luke 2. Ad. 1. Lent If for Success of our Prayers 10. and 23. after Trinity 6. If for Grace in general to convert us from Sins See 1. Adv. 1. after Easter St. Andrew James Matthew If to deliver us from Temptation 4. Adv. 4. after Easter 18. Trinity If to enable us to do good 5. after Easter 1 9 11 13 17 25. after Trinity If to bring us finally to eternal Glory Epiph. 6. after Epiph. 7. If for the particular Graces of Regeneration See Christmas-Day If for Charity See Quinquages Sunday If for Mortification See Circumcision East Even For Contrition See Ash-Wednesday For the Love of God See 3. and 4. after Easter For Heavenly Desires See Ascension-Day For a Right and Firm Faith Trinity-Sunday 7. after Trinity and St. Thomas St. Mark For Grace to imitate Christ 6. Lent 2. after East For Grace to imitate his Saints See St. Stephen St. Paul St. Philip and Jacob St. John Baptist All Saints and Innocents If we would pray for Temporal Blessings 1. For God's Providence See 2 3 4 20. after Trinity and St. Michael 2. For Deliverance from Enemies and Judgments See the 3. of Lent Sexag Septuages 3. For Support under Afflictions 4. of Lent 4. For Defence 3 4. after Epiphany For Supply of all good things 6. 15. after Trin. If we would pray for Body and Soul both 2 5. of Lent For those without the Church See Good-Friday For those within that the People may have Truth Unity and Peace 5. after Epiph. Good-Friday St. John Simon Jude and the 5 16 22. after Trinity That the Ministers may be fit diligent and successful See St. Matthias St. Peter 3. of Advent Q. Why in the Collect for Peace do we pray That God would defend us in and not from the Assaults of our Enemies A. Because the latter is more than ever he promised or we can expect but in the former we pray tho they attack us they may not be able to hurt us Q. What Difference do you observe betwixt the Collect for Peace in the Morning and that in the Evening A. We beg outward Peace in the Morning to secure us against the Troubles of the World in which the Business of the Day engageth us and in the Evening we beg inward Peace to comfort and quiet our Minds when we are to take our Rest Q. What pray we for in these Words Lighten our Darkness A. That our Understandings may be enlightned with the Knowledge of God's Providence and our Hearts cheared with the Assurance of his Protection 2. If that answer be too Allegorical thus That God by the Light of his Countenance and Favour would protect us in this disconsolate time of Darkness and chear us with the assurance of his Protection Q. By whom was the Prayer for the King made and what doth that Expression mean The only Ruler of Princes A. The First Reformers of the Church of England made the Prayer and by that Expression we declare that Kings are only accountable to God therefore we have the more need to pray for them that he would direct them to do well and guide them who are to rule us that this their mighty Power may be our Safety and our Peace for if it should be otherwise we neither will nor can oppose them having no other Arms against our Prince but Prayers and Tears Q. Why is that Expression in the Prayer for the Clergy used viz. who alone worketh great Marvels A. Because to make a Church and to bestow miraculous Gifts on it to gather it out of Infidels and to protect it from its Enemies is an Act of as great Power and a greater Miracle of Love than to create the World therefore the Preface is very suitable Q. Who are meant by Curates in the Prayer for the Clergy A. Priests and Deacons to whom the Bishop commits the Care of Souls Q. What is meant by that word Expedient in the Prayer of St. Chrysostom A. Lest we have ignorantly asked any thing unfit we put in this caution That God will fulfil our Petitions so as may be most expedient for us that is How When and Which of them he pleaseth and sees will be for our good Q. Why is the Blessing pronounced by the Bishop if present A. For the Honour of his Authority Heb. 7. 7. Q. What doth the Blessing contain and in what Posture ought we to receive it A. It contains the whole Order of our Salvation the First for our Justification the Second for our Consolation and the Third for Sanctification which ought to be received by us on our Knees for it's God that blesseth us by the Mouth of his Minister Of the Litany Quest WHAT doth the Name signifie Answ An humble and earnest Supplication made to God in Adversity Q. When were these Forms first brought into the Church A. About Four Hundred Years after Christ in Times of great Calamity for the appeasing of God's Wrath. 2. Others think the Practice is derived from the Apostles and the Custom of their Times Q. By what Motives are your Addresses urged A. By Two Because we are miserable and because we are Sinners Q. Why do the People answer to every Petition A. By these Suffrages their Devotion is excited quickned and exercised and every Word is significant for there 1. We declare we ask every thing with Humility and Earnestness by the word We Beseech 2. With Faith by calling him we pray unto Good Lord. 3. We declare we seek not to Saints or Angels to hear us but to our God alone We beseech Thee c. All which shews the stupidity and baseness of those who are Mute at this part of this excellent Litany whose Bodies are present but their Souls it is to be feared are absent from this Service for whosoever would perform it with a present Mind cannot be better helped by any Means than by carefully attending When and How he ought to say this Devout Answer We Beseech c. Q. Why is the Litany broke into so many short Ejaculations and not one continued Prayer A. That the Intention and Devotion which is most necessary in Prayer may not be dulled and vanish as in a long Prayer it 's apt to do but be quickned and the nearer to the End the shorter and livelier are the Expressions strengthning our Devotion by raising in us an Apprehension of our Misery and Distress and therefore crying out O Lamb of God c. Q Why is the Litany ordered to be read on Sunday Wednesday and Friday A. Upon Sunday in Honour to that Day it being the Chief Service and on Wednesdays and Fridays because they are Days of publick Assemblies and Fastings and commanded more particularly to be said by the Minister those Days weekly tho' they be not Holy-days Canon the 15 th Q. Why do we repeat the First Four Verses intirely after the Minister
A. Because it is as well a Confession of Faith as an Epitome or Sum of the whole Litany Q. Why do we pray to every Person in the Holy Trinity apart A. Because as we acknowledge every Person by himself to be God and Lord so we worship each Person apart Q. What is meant by a Person in the Holy Trinity A. Person is a distinct Subsistence of the whole Godhead There are Three Divine Persons which are not Three several Substances but Three distinct Subsistences or Three divers Manner of Being of one and the same Substance and Divine Essence which Divine Essence is neither divided nor distinguish'd But the Three Persons in the Divine Essence are distinguish'd among themselves by their Names by their Order and by their Actions or Properties Q. Why is the Divine Essence sometimes call'd Unity and sometimes Trinity A. Because the Divine Essence common to all the Three Persons is but One we call the same Vnity But because there be Three distinct Persons in this one indivisible Essence we call the same Trinity Q. Why is the Third Person named the Holy Ghost A. Because He is Spiritual without a Body 2. Because He is Spired and as it were breathed from both the Father and the Son that is Proceeding from them both And He is call'd Holy both because He is Holy in his own Nature and also the immediate Sanctifier of all true Believers Q. Why is the Second Person called God the Son and not the Son of God A. In Opposition to the Arrian Heresie who denied the Divinity of the Son therefore we own him to be God equal with the Father and give him the same Worship Q. Sith no Church in the World hath so compleat a Form pray instruct us in that curious and comprehensive Method A. It 's introduced with an Invocation of the Blessed Trinity severally and conjunctly in the Four first Verses 2. It contains Deprecations for Forbearance v. 5. For Deliverance from Spiritual Temporal and Eternal Evils v 6 7 8 9 10. Noting also the Means by which v. 11 12. and the special Time when we should be delivered v. 13. 3. It contains Intercessions for the whole Church v. 14. For this Church and in it for the King and His Royal Family v. 15 16 17 18. And for the Clergy v. 19. For the Nobility and Magistrates v. 20 21. and the People v. 22. For all Estates of Men we beg Peace v. 23. and Grace v. 24 25 26 27. For the Comfort of the Afflicted v. 28 29 30 31. and for Forgiveness of our Enemies v. 32 and we pray for our selves that we may have Plenty v. 33. and Grace v. 34. 4. It contains Supplications 1. To press the former Petitions in Addresses to the Son of God and the whole Trinity and to prevent or remove evil in the Lord's Prayer in the Prayer against Persecution and the Alternate Requests and to sanctifie evil not removed in the last Collect. Q. Why do we begin to ask with these Deprecations A. Because Deliverance from Evil is the First Step to Felicity and the proper Business of Litany Q. Why in the Petition for Forbearance do we pray That God would not remember the Sins of our Fathers A. When God punisheth Sin he 's said to remember them and we know there is a vast Heap of our own and our Fathers Sins unrevenged and God may justly punish us for them when we make them ours by Imitation Q. What is the Sum of all these Deprecations A. Deliverance from the Evils of Sin and Punishment comprehended in those two general Words Evil and Mischief which signifie Wickedness and Misery Q. Why in the First Place do we pray to be delivered from the Evil of Sin A. Because it is the First greatest and only real Evil and the sole Cause of all the Mischiefs that do befall us and by it the Church teacheth us that they begin at the wrong End that pray against Affliction rather than Sin Q. What is the occasion of drawing us into this evil A. The Grafts and Assaults of the Devil Q. What are those Sins mentioned which concern our selves A. Blindness of Heart Pride Vain-Glory and Hypocrisie Q. What are those Sins against our Neighbours A. Envy Hatred Malice Vncharitableness Q. What mean we by Fornication and all other deadly Sins A. Fornication is not to be restrained to the defiling of single Persons but comprehends all Acts of Uncleanness Q. Is any Sin Venial or Pardonable in its own Nature A. No But yet with St. John we affirm as to the Event there is a Sin unto Death and there is a Sin not unto Death and it 's from those open and grievous Sins of Presumption which keep Men from Repentance and usually end in Damnation which we pray to be delivered from under the Name of Deadly Sins of which we have a Catalogue 1 Cor. 6. 9 10. Q. What do the Deceits of the World Flesh and Devil comprehend A. All other Kinds of Sin and because all Sin is managed by those Three Enemies therefore they are mentioned Q. What do we pray against in that Petition from Lightning and Tempest c A. For the Removal of the Effects viz. Judgments Q. What mean we by Sudden Death A. Either an untimely Death before the Term which Nature allots or a violent Death by stabbing burning drowning o. or else it signifies the dying in a Moment of Time Q. Why are all these kind of Deaths to be prayed against A. Because they leave our Relations without Comfort 2. They leave our worldly Concerns unsettled 3. They deprive us of the necessary preparative Ordinances for Death 4. They give us no Time to fit our Souls for our great Account The Frequency and fearfulness of Earthquakes gave the First occasion to this Prayer against Sudden Death as Dr. Hakewell tells us but tho' this sort of Calamity be more rare in this than in some other Countries and less dreadful now than in former Ages so that this Petition at least as to us may seem less needful upon that account yet how many are the Casualties and Dangers we are continually exposed to that may put a sudden Period to our Lives which to beg the Divine Protection to be preserv'd and delivered from a Judicious Author looks upon as the most proper and direct sense of this Petition and let that Man alone saith he who judgeth this unsit condemn and reject this Petition against Sudden Death Q. What 's comprehended in that Petition from Sedition c A. We pray against the Causes of those sad Effects which such Evils may bring upon the Kingdom and Church Q. Why was Rebellion and Schism added since King Charles II's Happy Restauration A. Because Rebellion and Schism did murder one of the best of Kings and Thousands of his loyal Subjects and also pull'd the Church to pieces Q. What are the means we pray to be delivered by A. His Holy Incarnation c. Q. Why are
this solemn Act and that others may be put in mind of their Vow and because thus they are admitted Members of our Religious Assemblies in the proper place VVhat is the meaning of the word Baptize A. It comes from a Greek word which signifies to Wash and is apply'd to this Sacrament of Baptism because that is an outward Washing Q. Why must Parents and Friends be so careful to get their Children baptized A. Because by this Ordinance their Original Sin is wash'd away and they grafted into the Body of Christ so that if they die before they have committed actual Sin they are undoubtedly saved Q. VVhat if it be neglected by the Fault of the Parents A. They must answer for putting their Childrens Salvation on so great a Hazard but it is the contempt and not bare want of the Sacrament which makes it damnable and so cannot be imputable or prejudicial to the Child Q. VVho must answer for them of riper years A. They themselves must make the Covenant with their own Mouths and the Godfathers c. are only Witnesses to the Fact and must be Monitors to them to live according to their Vow Q. VVhy doth the Priest ask if the Child have been already baptized A. Because St. Paul saith there is but one Baptism and as we are born but once so we are born again but once Q. Is not that Baptism commanded in the Holy Gospel to be understood only of the Inward and Spiritual Baptism not with Water but the Holy Ghost A. No by no means because Acts of inward Faith are and ought to be often repeated therefore Baptism which cannot be repeated cannot be the inward but the outward Baptism To Baptize with the Holy Ghost is peculiar to Christ alone for none can Baptize with the Holy Ghost but he who can send and bestow the Holy Ghost which is Blasphemy to ascribe to any Creature Q. VVhy are Godfathers or Sureties injoined A. This Custom gives security to the Church that the Child shall not be an Apostate and provides a Monitor both for the Child and its Parents to mind them of this Vow Q. VVhy do the Godfathers c. promise in behalf of the Child A. In Baptism we are making a Covenant God hath given the Promises which are his Word and therefore good Reason we should give our Word for the performance of the Conditions on our part And since that Infants cannot make a Covenant themselves the Church lends them the Feet of others to bring them and the Tongues of others to promise for them Q. Doth the Godfather's Promise oblige the Child A. Yes For by the wisest Law in the World Guardians may contract for Minors or Pupils who are bound to perform what their Guardians have undertaken Q. What Reason may be given why Christ appointed this Form A. Since the Belief of the Trinity is the peculiar and distinguishing Article of the Christian Religion therefore Christ appoints they shall be made Christians by being thus baptized in the name of the three Persons of the Trinity A. 2. This solemn naming of three Persons is a kind of calling them to witness from Heaven that we may as it were profess before these three Witnesses our unfeigned Faith and so we have the same for Witnesses of our Faith who make us the Promises of Salvation and sure we shall never dare fall off who have seal'd our Profession in the presence of the Father Son and Holy Ghost Q. What is meant by being Baptized in the Name of the three Persons in the Trinity A. That the Minister doth this in God's Name and by his Power and Commission and that the Baptized Person is dedicated to and engaged to Worship and Serve the Holy Trinity Q. Why doth the Priest Sprinkle and not Dip A. The Efficacy of the Sacrament depends not on the Quantity of Water but on the Grace of God 2. The Coldness of our Climate hath made this Custom almost necessary Q. Why is the Child sign'd with the Sign of the Cross on the Forehead A. For the clearer Manifestation that this Child now belongs to Christ the Church sets his Sign and peculiar Mark upon it a Custom by which the Primitive Christians declared their Religion 2. And it 's signed in the Forehead because that this is the feat of Blushing and Shame that we may not be ashamed Q. Ought not the Priest and all the People heartily to say Amen when the Mystery is ended A. Yes to shew they believe the Child to be rightly Baptiz'd and to desire God may ratify that in Heaven which is done upon Earth Q. What is the Effect of Baptism A. Salvation Of Confirmation Quest WHY is Confirmation appointed Answ To confirm and ratifie with our own Mouths the Promise made by our Godfathers and to receive new Strength by the Blessings and Prayers of the Bishop Q. Is Confirmation a Sacrament and appointed by Christ A. No But a Holy Rite which the Church observes in Imitation of the Apostles Practice Q. Why had not this Rite a Positive Institution by our Lord Jesus A. Because the Holy Ghost which is herein to be communicated was not given till after Christ's Ascension John 7. 39. yet in his promising the Holy Spirit to his Disciples and to Remain with his Church for ever Joh. 14. 16. he seem'd to suppose that there should be some Rite instituted by them for the perpetual Collation or bestowing of the Spirit Q. When did this Office of Confirmation begin A. The first Converts whom the Apostles Baptized were confirm'd by the immediate Hand of God and He by his Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Ghost sealed their Baptism and attested the Religion into which they had entred But it was not long before the Apostles were appointed to minister in giving the Holy Spirit to the newly Baptized and then they instituted the Rite of laying on of Hands and God was pleased so far to approve their Institution that he did actually give wonderful Measures of the Spirit to those on whom they laid their Hands thereby honouring the Governours of his Church and engaging all the Members thereof to be Subject to them and to be at Peace one with another Q. How prove you this out of the Holy Scripture A. From that famous instance Acts 8. 14 15 16. When the Samaritans had been converted and baptized by Philip the Deacon they did not receive the Holy Ghost until St. Peter and St. John had confirm'd them from whence the Fathers generally deduce this Practice St. Paul did in like manner lay his Hands upon some baptiz'd Persons at Ephesus Acts 19. 6. of which he minds them Eph. 1. 13. And when the Fundamentals of Religion are reckon'd up Heb. 6. 1 2. among them is plac'd the laying on of Hands which in regard it follows Baptism and is a Doctrine to be taught young Beginners it is most likely to be meant of Confirmation and is so interpreted by the Fathers Q. Was not this
who come to the House of Prayer Q. Why is the Time generally in the Night A. The first Christians were forced so to Bury and later Ages imitated them only adding divers Lights to shew their Hope of the Party 's being gone to Light everlasting Q. Why do Friends follow the Corps to the Grave A. To mind them that they must shortly follow the deceased in the same Path of Death Q. Why doth the Priest meet at the Church gate in his Surplice A. To allay the Sorrow which naturally seizeth on us when we follow a dear Friend to the Grave the Priest meets us in white the Colour of Joy in imitation of the Angels who go out in white Garments to receive the Soul so doth he to receive the body of the faithful A. 2. This is the Attire which is appointed for the Minister in the Performance of all his Publick offices Q. Why are those Sentences said in the Way A. To excite the Company to Faith Patience and Thankfulness Q. Why is the Body brought into the Church A. To shew the Party died in the Communion thereof Q. What is the meaning of those words in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to Eternal Life A. This is not spoken of the Party deceased but of the belief of the Standers by of this Article themselves and therefore we say afterward who shall change our vile body and not of the Party deceased Q. Why are Prayers said at the Grave A. Since the sight of that Place and of the Corps now ready to be put into it is wont to make great Impressions on us the Church takes this occasion to fit us with Devotions at the Grave 2. To shew the peculiar hope of the Church of the Resurrection of the Dead In the manner of dumb Funerals what one thing is there whereby the World may perceive we are Christians there being in those dumb Shows nothing but what Heathens and Pagans do Of the Churching of Women Quest WHY is the Woman ordered to come to Church and offer up her publick Praises Answ The Birth of Man is little less than a Miracle and lest the Frequency should diminish our Sense of it the Woman who hath received this wonderful Mercy is ordered to come to Church and offer up her publick Praises Q. What Reason for this Command of the Church A. The Original is from the Law of Moses Levit. 12. which commands all Women after they had born a Child to come to the House of God within a certain number of days and with a Sacrifice to praise God for this great Mercy and although the Ceremonial Reason be ceased yet the Obligation to make a publick Acknowledgment of so eminent a Favour remains still and in all Ages Christian Mothers have observed this holy Rite Q. Why is the Church the Place appointed to do this in A. It must be done thus publickly 1. For God's Honour 2. To satisfy the Womans Duty who is bound to let God's Goodness be shewed forth that others may learn to trust in him 3. By this means many are brought to join in God's Praises for so publick a Mercy and therefore to do this in a private House is absurd and contrary to the main end of the Office Of the Commination Quest WHAT was the Reason and Occasion of composing this Office A. To supply the want of Primitive Discipline that every Man may judge himself since the Church now judgeth so few Offenders Q. Why are those Sentences of God's Cursing against impenitent Sinners read A. In Imitation of the Jews who were appointed by God yearly to observe this Office Q. Doth not he that says Amen wish a Curse to himself A. It is no Adverb of Wishing it signifies no more than an Assent to the truth of that to which it is added Q. What Vse may we make of this Office A. It may be useful to make us flee such Vices and repent of them which here are mentioned since we acknowledge the Curse and Vengeance of God doth deservedly follow such Sins and Sinners Q. What Days in the Week are set apart for Publick Worship throughout the World A. Sunday or the Lord's Day is observ'd by Christians Monday by the Grecians Tuesday by the Persians Wednesday by the Assyrians Thursday by the Egyptians Friday by the Turks Saturday by the Jews An Account of the Titles of all the Books of the Old and New Testament and why they are stil'd Canonical and the meaning of the Word Apocryphal which Title is given to those Books which are not Received into the Canon Of the Old Testament or Covenant THE Books in Holy Scripture are call'd Canonical because according to Rule and Order they have been received into the Canon that is into the Number of those Writings which are unquestionably acknowledged to be the Writings of the Prophets and Holy Men inspired in the Old Testament or Covenant And of the Apostles and Disciples of Christ in the New Testament or Covenant The Word in Greek which is translated Testament signifies both a Covenant and a Testament Both the Words in the Title of the Holy Bible may be used 1. That of Covenant as being most agreeable to the use of the Word in the Sacred Dialect and most agreeable to the Nature of the Gospel which is the Law of Faith 2. That Word of a Testament also wherein the Christian's Inheritance is sealed to him as to a Son and Heir of God's and wherein the Death of Christ as of a Testator is set down at large by way of Story and as it is applicable to our Benefit Of the Pentateuch THE Five first Books in the beginning of the Holy Bible viz. Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy were Penned by Moses and called the Pentateuch which word signifies a Volume of Five Books Of Genesis This First Book of Moses contains the History of the Creation of the World particularly of the Making of Man with which it begins and the Genealogy of the Patriarchs down to the Death of Joseph where it ends with relation whereunto it is very fitly called Genesis that Greek word very properly expressing the Original or first Formation of these things It comprehends an History of 2369 Years or thereabout in the Judgment of many Learned Writers Exodus This Book hath its Name from the Principal Subject of it viz. The Departure of the Children of Israel out of Egypt For so the Greek word signifies Going out or Departing from one place to another It contains an History of about 145 Years from the Death of Joseph to the Building of the Tabernacle for it treats of several things which went before their departure and which followed after it but they all Relate to that and depend upon it Leviticus Levi was the Third Son of Jacob from him his Posterity had the Name of Levites Aaron who with his Sons was called to the Priesthood was from him called a Levite and the Priesthood that was setled in that