The English Catechism Explained, Table of contents – Illustration
A TABLE OF THE QVESTIONS AND Anſwers added vntounto thoſe of the Catechiſme, handled in this Commentarie.
Queſtion. WHom doe the Articles of your faith concerne?
Anſw. The firſt part of them concernes God: the ſecond, the Church of God. 21
Queſt. In the firſt part concerning God, what learne you to beleeue?
Anſw. Firſt, I learne to beleeue in God the Father; ſecondly, in God the Sonne; thirdly, in God the holy Ghoſt. 21
Queſt. How knoweſt thou that there is a God?
Anſw. Many wayes: but chiefly, by mine owne conſcience, accuſing me for ſecret ſins, which cannot be but vntounto an infinite wiſedome, that knowes the moſt ſecret thoughts of the heart, ſuch as is neither man, deuill, nor Angel, but God alone. 22
Queſt. How many Gods be there?
Anſw. But one onelyonly true God, the reſt are Idols ſet vp by man.
Queſt. VVhat is God?
Anſw. He is a ſpirituall Eſſence, moſt ſimple, infinitly preſent, holy, wiſe, iuſt, mercifull, and mightie; the creator, preſeruer, and onelyonly gouernour of the whole world. 23
Queſt. Into how many Perſons is the God-head distinguiſhed?
Anſw. Into three, the Father, Sonne, and holy Ghoſt. 24
Queſt. If in the God-head there be three perſons, and eueryevery one be God, how ſay you then, that there is but one God?
Anſw. Although there bee three perſons, yet is there but one onelyonly God in ſubſtance, one infinite power, and one eternitie. 25
Queſt. What learne you to beleeue concerning God the father, and in which words?
Anſw. I learne to beleeue that God is my Father, able to doe all things: the creator of the whole world, and the Lord and gouernor of the ſame in theſe words, I beleeue in God the Father almighty, maker of heauen and earth. 26
Queſt. In which words learne you to beleeue in God the Sonne?
Anſw. In theſe; And in Ieſus Chriſt his only Sonne our Lord, &c. From thence he ſhall come to iudge both the quicke and the dead. 32
Queſt. What learne you to beleeue heere concerning God the Sonne?
Anſw. Two things: Firſt, his humiliation; ſecondly, his exaltation.
Queſt. What is the Son of God, who is alſo called Ieſus Chriſt?
Anſw. Hee is perfect God by nature, and one ſubſtance with the Father, and perfect man, made ſo of his owne good wil, that he might become our Redeemer, and thus is he ſubiect to the Father. 33
Queſt. How can this be that God ſhould be made man?
Anſw. Not by turning the God-head into the nature of man, but by taking mans nature vntounto the God-head, that ſo one perſon might be both God and man. 33
Queſt. What need was there that the Sonne of God ſhould thus abaſe himſelfe to become man?
Anſw. Great need on our behalfe, who could not be deliuered by Angels, or by earthly treaſures, but onelyonly by his precious blood. 35
Queſt. Doth ſinne deſerue ſo ill, that wee could not by other ſatisfactorie meanes be deliuered heerefrom, but by the death of the Sonne of God?
Anſw. Yes, it deſerues the infinit curſe of the Law, that is, all iudgements in this world, and euerlaſting damnation in the world to come. 35
Queſt. If he muſt needs be made fit to beare the curſe, why did hee not to this …nd take vntounto him ſome other nature more excellent?
Anſw. Man onelyonly had ſinned, it was moſt agreeable to the Iuſtice of God; to receiue the paiment of the debt of ſinne, in the ſame nature of ſinne, which committed it. 36
Queſt. How came it to be thus with vsus men, were we created ſinners?
Anſw. No, God at the firſt made man righteous, but by yeelding to the deuils temptation, he made himſelfe a ſinner. 37
Queſt. Wherein did man yeeld to the temptation of the Deuill.
Anſw. In eating of the forbidden fruit, and not contenting himſelfe with all other fruits, of which the Lord had allowed him to eate. 37
Queſt. Was God ſo angry, that he would curſe man for eating an apple, or figge, or ſuch like?
Anſw That was not the matter of Gods anger, but his vnthankfulneſſe, pride, diſobedience, and crediting rather the Deuill, then God. 37
Queſt. But though one man did thus, yet all did not, are we all then ſinners, and vnderunder the curſe?
Anſw. We were all in his loynes, and ſo whatſoeu…r hee did, and what eſtate he fell into, it is common to vsus all. 38
Queſt. It ſeemes then, that we are ſinners ſo ſoone as we are borne, before that we hauehave actually done either good or euill.
Anſw. Yes verily, the child that is but new borne, yea, but conceiued, and liuing in his mothers wombe, is a ſinner, and needeth Gods grace. 39
Queſt. I perceiue then that we are all in a miſerable eſtate by nature: but you tell mee of Ieſus Chriſt, that hee was humbled for vsus, wherein ſtandeth this his humiliation, and in which words is it ſet forth?
Anſw. It is ſet forth in theſe words: And in Ieſus Chriſt his only Sonne our Lord, which was conceiued by the holy Ghoſt, borne of the Virgin Marie, ſuffered vnderunder Pontius Pilate, was crucified; dead and buried: and of this his humiliation there bee three degrees. 39
Queſt. Which is the firſt degree, and in which words?
Anſw. Firſt, his Incarnation, ſet forth in theſe words: which was conceiued by the holy Ghoſt borne of the Ʋirgin Mary. 40
Queſt. Which is the ſecond degree, and in which words?
Anſw. He ſuffered the death of the Croſſe, for my ſinnes, ſet forth in theſe words; He ſuffered vnderunder Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. 48
Queſt. Which is the third degree of his humiliation, and in which words?
Anſw. He deſcended into hell, that I might bee deliuered from hell, and euerlaſting death, in theſe words: He deſcended into Hell. 58
Queſt. Is this all the humiliation of the ſonne of God for our redemption, did he no way elſe abaſe himſelfe for vsus?
Anſw. Yes, he became obedient to the law alſo, that by his obedience and righteouſnes, we might ſtand perfectly righteous in the ſight of God. 64
Queſt. In which words is his exaltation ſet downe, and how many be the degrees hereof?
Anſw. In theſe words; the third day he aroſe againe from the dead, and aſcended vp into heauen, there he ſitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty: from thence he ſhall come to iudge the quicke and the dead; and of this be fower degrees alſo. 67
Queſt. Which is the firſt, and in which words?
Anſw. Firſt, he aroſe againe from death to life. 68
Queſt. Which is the ſecond?
Anſw. And he aſcended vp into heauen, in theſe words: the third day he aroſe, &c. 68
Queſt. Which is the third, and in which words?
Anſw. Thirdly, he hath all honour, power, and authority in heauen, and in earth, together with God the Father, in theſe words: He ſitteth on the right hand, &c. 79
Queſt. Which is the fourth degree, and in which words?
Anſw. Fourthly, he ſhall come from heauen, at the end of the world, to iudge all that ſhall then be found liuing, and all that hauehave died ſince the world began in theſe words; From thence he ſhall come, &c. 84
Queſt. What learne we to belieue concerning God the holy Ghoſt, and in which words?
Anſw. That he is God equall with the Father, and the Son, and the ſanctifier of all the elect people of God, in theſe words; I belieue in the holy Ghoſt. 91
Queſt. Which is the ſecond part of your articles of faith, concerning the Church of God?
Anſw. I belieue the holy Catholicke Church, the Communion of Saints, &c. 98
Queſt. What learne you to belieue here concerning Gods Church?
Anſw. Foure things. 98
Queſt. Which is the firſt?
Anſw. Firſt, I learne to belieue that God hath a Church, conſiſting of a certaine number of true belieuers, of whom ſome be in heauen, and ſome bee vponupon earth, and that I my ſelfe am a member of the ſame. 98
Queſt. Which is the ſecond?
Anſw. I learne to belieue, that Gods Church is holy, that is ſanctified and waſhed by water, and the holy Ghoſt, and ſuch as daily groweth in holineſſe, vntill at the laſt it comes to bee preſented before God, without ſpot or wrinkle of ſinne. 118
Queſt. Which is the third?
Anſw. I learne to belieue, that Gods Church is Catholick, conſiſting of perſons of all ſorts, ſcattered all ouer the world, and of all times and ages. 127
Queſt. How may a man certainly know where this Church of God is?
Anſw. By theſe two ſpeciall markes, holineſſe taught and profeſſed, and antiquitie when they goe together. 138
Queſt. Is not the Church of Rome then the …ue Church of God, ſeeing it exceeds in holineſſe, and is moſt ancient.
Anſw. No: It was a true Church indeed in the Apoſtles times, and many yeares after, but now it is neither holy, for great vncleanneſſe is there maintained: nor ancient; for the ancient, for the ancient Religion is defaced with groſſe errours and ſuperſtitions. 138
Queſt. Where then may we find the true Church?
Anſw. In England, and in all other places where theſe corruptions are done away, and Religion is reſtored to the firſt puritie. 138
Queſt. How can this bee, ſeeing the Religion heere profeſſed is but as it were of yesterday, and neuer heard of before Luther and Caluin.
Anſw. This is a meere ſlander, for there was neuer any age ſince the Apoſtles, wherein there hauehave not beene ſome ſtanding to the maintenance heereof, againſt Romiſh corruptions. 138
Queſt. How hapned it then, that the church of Rome ſtill euer preuailed, and was generally accounted for Chriſtes true Church, and thoſe oppugners were neuer of any eſteeme?
Anſw. By the greatneſſe and tyranny of the Romane Biſhops, whoſe chiefe care hath bin moſt euer ſince Conſtantines time, to magnifie their owne Church, and themſelues, and to ſuppreſſe their aduerſaries. 138
Queſt. But is it poſsible, that the Roman Church hauing beene once a true Church, ſhould fall, ſeeing God hath promiſed his ſpirit vntounto his Church, to be alwayes preſent, leading it into all truth?
Anſw. The Lord tieth not his ſpirit to any place, for then the famous Churches in Aſia, ſhould ſtill hauehave beene true Churches, but the ſpirit is alwayes preſent to the faithful in all places of the world. 139
Queſt. Which is the fourth thing that you learne to beleeue concerning the Church?
Anſw. That there be certaine ſpeciall benefits belonging to the Church, and to eueryevery true member thereof, viz. The Communion of Saints, the forgiueneſſe of ſinnes, the reſurrection of the body, and the life euerlaſting. 139
Queſt. What meane you by the Communion of Saints?
Anſw. That holy and ſweet fellowſhip, which all the members of Chriſtes Church hauehave one with another, as they all make but one body in Chriſt, ſo communicating all good things vntounto one another, whether ſpirituall or temporall, as their mutuall neceſsities doe require. 139
Queſt. What meane you by the forgiueneſſe of ſinnes?
Anſ. That wonderful grace of God in Ieſus Chriſt, wherby he paſſeth ouer our tranſgreſſions as if they had neuer bin committed, and releaſeth the puniſhment due for them. 148
Queſt. What meane you by the reſurrection of the body?
Anſw. That though the body after death lie rotting in the graue, yet at the laſt day it ſhalbe raiſed by Gods power, and being ioyned to the ſoule, ſhall ſtand before Gods iudgement ſeat, to giuegive account of all that it hath done, whether good or euill, and be rewarded accordingly. 155
Queſt. What maner of bodies ſhall we hauehave in the reſurrection?
Anſw. The very ſame which now we hauehave, onelyonly whereas they be now naturall, they ſhall riſe again ſpirituall, not ſubiect to death any more, nor ſuſtained by naturall meanes, of meats and drinks, and ſleepe, and the like. 159
Queſt. Amongst thoſe that dye, ſome are crooked through age, ſome tender infants, ſome blind, and ſome lame, ſhall their bodies at the reſurrection then be the ſame?
Anſw. No, for all theſe are weakneſſes, which ſhalbe done away to the faithfull, and ſtrength, perfection, and comlineſſe ſhall be to eueryevery one of them. 159
Queſt. What meane you by the life euerlaſting?
Anſw. All that euer-induring happines, and all thoſe ioyes which the Lord imparteth to all his elect in the world to come, which are ſo great, as that the eye hath not ſeen, nor the eare heard, neither can the heart conceiue throughly. 163
Concerning the Law.
Queſt. Thou ſaidſt, that thou wert bound to keepe the Commandements of Almightie God, which be they?
Anſw. God ſpake theſe words, and ſaid, I am &c. 171
Queſt. How many things doſt thou learne out of theſe Commandements?
Anſw. Two things, my dutie towards God, and my dutie towards my Neighbour. 172
Queſt. How are the Commandements diuided?
Anſw. Into two Tables. 189
Queſt. In which Table doe you learne your duetie towards God?
Anſw. In the firſt, containing the foure former Commandements. 191
Queſt. How many bee the parts of euerie of theſe Commaundements?
Anſw. Two, the Commaundement it ſelfe, and the reaſon of it. 191
Queſt. In which wordes is the firſt Commaundement contained, and which is the reaſon?
Anſw. The Commandement is, Thou ſhalt hauehave none other Gods but mee: the reaſon in theſe wordes, I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the Land of Aegypt, out of the houſe of bondage. 196
Queſt. What are we heere commanded?
Anſw. To hauehave the Lord for our God, that is, to louelove him aboue all, to feare him aboue all, to put our whole truſt in him, and to make our prayers to him alone. 196
Queſt. What is heere forbidden?
Anſw. Firſt, Atheiſme, which is the acknowledgement of no God: Secondly▪ …gnorance, which is a neglect of the knowledge of God and of his word: Thirdly, prophanenes, which is a regardleſnes of God and of his ſpeciall ſeruice: Fourthly, inward idolatry, which is the giuing of Gods worſhip vntounto creatures, by praying vntounto them, truſting in them, or by ſetting the heart vponupon them. 201
Queſt. Whence is the reaſon of this command taken?
Anſw. Both from the equitie of it, becauſe hee is the Lord our God and none other, and from the benefites beſtowed vponupon vsus, in bringing vsus out of the bondage and thraldome of the Deuill. 209
Queſt. In which wordes is the ſecond Commandement, and in which is the reaſon?
Anſw. The Commaundement is, Thou ſhalt not make to thy ſelfe any grauen Image, nor the likeneſſe, &c. The reaſon, for I the Lord thy God am a iealous God, viſiting the ſinnes. 212
Queſt. VVhat is here forbidden?
Anſw. All outward Idolatry, which is firſt by making the image of God, or of any creature to be worſhipped: Secondly, by falling downe before any image: Thirdly, by ſeruing God according to our owne phantaſies. 212
Queſt. VVhat are we heere commanded?
Anſw. To performe all outward duties of Gods ſeruice, according to his will reuealed in his word, for the ſubſtance thereof. 223
Queſt. Whence is the reaſon of this Commandement taken?
Anſw. Partly from the puniſhment to bee inflicted vponupon ſuch as breake it, vntounto the third and fourth generation, and partly from the benefits to bee beſtowed vponupon ſuch as keepe it vntounto the thouſand generation. 227
Queſt. Which is the third Commaundement, and which the reaſon?
Anſw. The commandement is, Thou ſhalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vaine, the reaſon, for hee will not hold him guiltleſſe, &c, 229
Queſt. What is here forbidden vntounto vsus?
Anſw. All abuſing of the Name of God, which is firſt by blaſpheming, or giuing occaſion to others to blaſpheme: Secondly, by ſwearing falſely, deceitfully, raſhly, commonly, or by creatures: Thirdly, by curſing and banning: Fourthly, by vowing things impoſſible or vnlawfull, or by neglecting of our lawfull vowes: Fiftly, by lightly vſing the holy name of God or his word: Sixtly, by vaine proteſtations and aſſeuerations. 230
Queſt. What are we heere commanded?
Anſw. To glorifie the name of God, in all that we doe, thinke, ſpeake and deſire, and to labour that others may bee wonne by our meanes to doe the ſame. 240
Queſt Whence is the reaſon of this Commandement taken?
Anſw. From the fearefull eſtate of ſuch as any way abuſe the name of God, the Lord holdeth them as guiltie of diſhonour done vntounto his name. 244
Queſt. If there bee ſuch danger in ſwearing, may a man lawfully ſweare in any caſe whatſoeuer?
Anſw. Without doubt a man may ſometimes lawfully ſweare, either for the confirming of a truth which cannot otherwiſe be knowne, and yet neceſſary, or for the ſtrengthening of honeſt Leagues made betwixt men; or laſtly, a man being called thereunto before a lawfull Magiſtrate. 246
Queſt. What elſe is required, that our ſwearing may be lawfull?
Anſw. Theſe fower things. Firſt, we muſt ſweare only to ſuch a truth as we know to bee ſo. Secondly, according to knowne intent of him vntounto whom, or before whom wee ſweare. Thirdly, this being a part of Gods worſhip, we muſt doe it with great reuerence. 248
Queſt. What if a man ſhall ſweare to performe an vnlawfull thing, is he not bound notwithſtanding to performe his oath?
Anſw. In no wiſe, for ſo he ſhould adde vntounto his ſinne of ſwearing vnlawfully, a further ſinne of doing vnlawfully. 249
Queſt. Which is the fourth commandement?
Anſw. Remember that thou keepe holy the Sabbath day, &c. 250
Queſt. What is the duty here commanded?
Anſ. To keepe holy the Sabbath, and to bee mindfull of it. 250
Queſt. How may this be done?
Anſw. By aſſembling together to pray vntounto God, and to praiſe him, to heare his holy Word, and receiue the bleſſed Sacraments. 250
Queſt. Is this all that is required to the right keeping of the Sabbath day?
Anſw. No, but we muſt prepare our ſelues by praier, and emptying our hearts of ſin, and meditate vponupon Gods works, and the word which we hauehave heard, ſuffering it ſo to work in vsus, as that we may be furthered in all holines of life. 250
Queſt. Js there no duty to be done towards our neighbour for the hallowing of this day?
Anſw. Yes, it is a ſpeciall time of exerciſing mercy, by helping againſt ſudden dangers, by collecting and diſtributing to the poore, by viſiting the ſicke, and reconciling diſſentions amongſt neighbours. 254
Queſt. Is there any ſet day vnderunder the new Teſtament thus to be kept holy?
Anſw. Yes, the day which is commonly called Sunday, but in the Scripture the Lords day, or the firſt day in the week, is thus to be kept without alteration to the end of the world. 260
Queſt. When doth the Lords day begin and end?
Anſw. It beginneth in the morning at the dawning of the day, and endeth next morning likewiſe. 272
Queſt Are we bound to do the holy duties of Gods worſhip all this time without ceaſing.
Anſw. No, for we may refreſh our ſelues with eating and drinking, ſinging and muſicke, and with any honeſt delight whatſoeuer, whereby the mind is cheared vp, and ioy and gladneſſe befitting the Lords holy day expreſſed. 276
Queſt. Is this all that we are bound vntounto, to keepe the Sabbaths our ſelues, in ceaſing from labour, and doing the duties thereof?
Anſw. No, but who ſo hath Sonne or Daughter, Man ſeruant or Maid-ſeruant, Cattell or ſtranger within his Gates, is alike bound to prouide as much as in him lyeth, that they all obſerue this day in their kind both man and beaſt. 278
Queſt. Doth the Lord onelyonly take care for the right ſpending of this day, and leaue vsus to our ſelues vponupon the ſixe dayes?
Anſw. No doubtleſſe, but it is his will and commandement alſo that wee ſhould vponupon the ſixe dayes abſtaine from idleneſſe, and diligently labour in the workes of our callings. 279
Queſt. Is it not lawfull then to forbeare working, to attend vponupon God and his worſhip, vponupon the ſixe dayes?
Anſw. Yes, it is not onelyonly lawfull but neceſſary for eueryevery one, to do the duties of Gods worſhip eueryevery day of the week in priuate and in publike, when iuſt occaſion is offered. 282
Queſt. How can this ſtand with the command of working vpan the ſixe dayes?
Anſw. Yes, very well, becauſe that howſoeuer God is to be ſerued vponupon the ſixe dayes, yet they are for the moſt part to be ſpent in the works of our callings. 286
Queſt. What more ſpeciall rules are wee to follow in our weekely deuotion?
Anſw. Firſt, we muſt pray eueryevery day morning and euening: Secondly, before and after the vſe of Gods creatures. Thirdly, the more our neceſſities vrge vsus, pray the oftner, and more inſtantly. Fourthly, let no day paſſe without ſome reading, and diuine meditation. Fiftly, neglect not the publike preaching in the weeke dayes, where opportunity is offered to come vntounto it. 286
Queſt. What is to be thought of whole dayes ſet apart to publike duties in the weeke, as Saints dayes and dayes of thanksgiuing?
Anſw. All this may lawfully be done, and is commendable by Gods word, & therfore we are reuerently to conforme our ſelues to the ordinance of authoritie herein. 287
Queſt. What is the ſin by this Commandement forbidden?
Anſw. All prophaning of the Sabbath day, which is, firſt, by doing worldly works that are not of preſent neceſsity, by iourneying about worldly affaires, idle reſting, or abſenting our ſelues from the publike duties of Gods worſhip: ſecondly, by forgetfulneſſe of the Sabboth vponupon the ſix dayes, by which we often bring vponupon our ſelues a neceſſity of prophaning the ſame: thirdly, when being parents or gouernors, we leaue our children, pupils, or ſeruants to their owne libertie vponupon this day. 291
Queſt. VVhat be the reaſons of this Commandement?
Anſw. They are partly infolded in the Commandement, and partly expreſſed in theſe words; For in ſix dayes the Lord made heauen, and earth &c. 295
Queſt. VVhat are the reaſons infolded in this Commandement?
Anſw. Three: Firſt, becauſe the law of the Sabbath is ancient, and was in force in Paradiſe, before mans fall. Secondly, becauſe it is moſt equall, the Lord allowing vsus ſix dayes for our worldly affaires, and requiring but one of ſeauen for the worke of his worſhip: thirdly, becauſe the ſeuenth is the Lords peculiar day, ſo that without ſacriledge wee cannot any way prophane it. 296
Queſt. What are the reaſons expreſſed?
Anſw. Two, firſt, from the Lords owne example, who reſted vponupon the ſeuenth day from all his workes of creation: ſecondly, from his bleſſing inſeparably linked to the hallowing of this day, ſo that he which keepeth it holy, ſhall find it to his comfort, vntounto him a bleſſed day. 298
Queſt. Which is the first Commaundement of the ſecond Table, or the fifth of the Law?
Anſw. Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy dayes may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giueth thee. 299
Queſt. In which Commandements doe you learne your dutie towards your neighbour?
Anſw. In the ſix latter commandements which be of the ſecond Table. 299
Queſt. Which is the first of theſe Commandements?
Anſw. Honour thy father and mother. &c. 301
Queſt. What are we heere commanded?
Anſw. To honour, that is, to louelove, reuerence, cheriſh, and obey our naturall parents, the parents of our countrey, and our Fathers in Chriſt. Secondly, to carry our ſelues lowly, and reuerently towards our maſters, being ruled by them in the Lord, and toward the ancient, and all our betters: Thirdly, if we be ſuperiors, to walk worthy the honor due vntounto vsus from our inferiors, & to vſe all gentlenes toward them. 303
Queſt. What is here forbidden?
Anſw. All irreuerence toward thoſe that be in place and authoritie aboue vsus, and churliſh behauiour in ſuch towards thoſe that be of a low degree. 317
Queſt. VVhence is the reaſon of this Commandement taken?
Anſw. From the promiſe of long life, if God pleaſe not to preuent vsus with the bleſſing of eternall life. 325
Queſt. VVhichWhich is the ſixt Commandement, or the ſecond of the ſecond Table?
Anſw. Thou ſhalt doe no murder. 328
Queſt. VVhat is here forbidden?
Anſw. All murdering of our ſelues, or others and all approbation hereof in others, either by command, counſel, conſent, or concealment. Secondly, all iniurious actions tending to the preiudice of our neighbours life: thirdly, all rayling and reuiling ſpeeches: fourthly, all murdrous deſires and affections of the heart, as of anger, malice, hatred, and enuie: fiftly, all crueltie towards the creature, which ſheweth a murdrous mind in vsus. 328
Queſt. What are we heere commanded?
Anſw. Out of the louelove which we beare to our neighbour, as much as in vsus lieth, to preſerue his life and health, and ſpecially the life of his ſoule, by good counſell, exhortation, and admonitions. 343
Queſt. Which is the ſeuenth Commandement?
Anſw. Thou ſhalt not commit adultery. 347
Queſt. What is here forbidden?
Anſw. Firſt, all outward vncleane actions of adultery, fornications, &c. Secondly, all filthy and vncleane ſpeeches, ſinging of wanton louelove-ſongs, and reading of Books & Ballads of this ſort. Thirdly, all incontinent thoughts and luſts of the heart. Fourthly, whatſoeuer is vſually an occaſion of vncleanneſſe, as being preſent at filthy ſtage-playes, putting on apparell of another ſex, mixt laciuious dauncing, ſurfetting, drunkenneſſe, idleneſſe, &c. 347
Queſt. What are we here commanded?
Anſw. To liue in temperance, chaſtitie, and ſoberneſſe, and ſo to keepe my body holy and pure, as a temple of the holy Ghoſt. 357
Queſt. Which is the eight Commaundement?
Anſw. Thou ſhalt not ſteale. 361
Queſt. VVhat is here forbidden?
Anſw. All ſtealing, which is firſt by violence, or ſecret taking away that which is our neighbours. Secondly, by oppreſſion and tyranny of the rich toward the poore. Thirdly, by deceit in buying and ſelling. Fourthly, by vſing any vnlawfull trade, or way of gaine or gaming, fortune-telling, or ſelling drinke vntounto drunkenneſſe. Fiftly, by prodigality, for thus doe men rob their children and poſteritie. 361
Queſt. What more is heere forbidden?
Anſw. All couetouſnes, and vnmercifulnes, the robbing of God in things dedicate, tithes and offerings. 370
Queſt. What are we here commanded?
Anſw. To do to all men as I would they ſhould do vntounto me, and by diligent paines-taking, to get mine owne liuing, in that eſtate of life, to which it ſhal pleaſe God to call me. 379
Queſt. VVhichWhich is the ninth Commandement?
Anſw. Thou ſhalt not beare falſe witneſſe againſt thy neighbour? 383
Queſt. What is here forbidden?
Anſw. All falſe witnes-bearing; firſt, by falſely accuſing, and witneſſing againſt our neighbor before a Iudge. Secondly, by ſlandering and backbiting, and by readineſſe to hearken to ſuch falſe reports. Thirdly, by flattering, or ſoothing any for aduantage againſt the truth. Fourthly, by lying, or telling an vntruth againſt our conſciences. 383
Queſt. What are we here commanded?
Anſw. As much as in vsus lieth, to preſerue the good name of our neighbour, and our owne good name, ſtopping our eares againſt falſe reports, and ſuppreſſing them, & alwaies whatſoeuer comes of it ſpeaking the truth. 393
Queſt. Which is the tenth Commandement?
Anſw. Thou ſhalt not couet thy neighbors houſe, &c. 396
Queſt. What is heere forbidden?
Anſw. All firſt motions of the mind vntounto ſinne, though no conſent be yeelded vntounto them. 396
Queſt. What are we commanded here?
Anſw. To keepe our very hearts and minds free from euill thoughts againſt any of the commandements of God. 399
Queſt. Is any man able to keepe all theſe Commandements?
Anſw. No man vponupon earth hath, or euer can be able to keep them perfectly, Adam only excepted in the ſtate of innocencie, and Chriſt who was both God and man. 401
What is the breach of the law, and the puniſhment of it?
Anſw. It is ſinne, which if it be but once committed only, and that but in thought, it makes a man ſubiect to Gods eternal curſe, which is euerlaſting death in hell fire, the torments whereof are vnſpeakable without end or eaſe. 404
Queſt. Is it not iniuſtice to appoint ſo great a puniſhment for eueryevery ſinne, yea euen for the leaſt?
Anſw. It is very iuſt and meet for the Lord to adiudge the leaſt ſinne to hell fire, becauſe his mark, which is perfect holineſſe, ſet vponupon man in his creation, is hereby remooued, and a marke with the Deuils brand is made vponupon the ſoule of the ſinner, for which it is iuſt that the Deuil, and not God ſhould now hauehave ſuch a ſoule. 405
Queſt. If no man can perfectly keepe the Law, wherefore ſerueth it?
Anſw. Firſt, to humble vsus in regard of our miſerable eſtate heereby diſcouered; ſecondly, to be a rule of good life vntounto vsus. 406
Queſt. How may we be ſaued from our ſinnes?
Anſw. OnelyOnly by the bloud of Ieſus Chriſt laid hold vponupon by a true and liuely faith. 407
Queſt. How is faith firſt begun and wrought in the heart?
Anſw. Ordinarily by the preaching of the Goſpel, the holy ſpirit inwardly opening the heart to beleeue thoſe things that are outwardly preached to the eare. 410
Queſt. How doth faith exerciſe it ſelfe, and get more ſtrength?
Anſw. By prayer, the exerciſes of Gods holy word, and by receiuing the Sacraments.
Concerning Prayer.
Queſt. What is Prayer?
Anſw. It is a lifting vp of the heart vntounto God, only in the name of Ieſus Chriſt according to his will, in full aſſurance to be heard and accepted at his gracious hands 412
Queſt. What need is there that the faithfull ſhould pray, ſeeing they are in Gods fauour, hee knoweth their wants, and hath pardoned all their ſinnes?
Anſw. By how much the more we are in Gods fauour, by ſo much the more needfull is it that wee ſhould cheerefully pray, both to pay the dutie that wee owe vntounto God, to obtaine the bleſsing promiſed, and to renew our aſſurance of the pardon of ſinne daily renewed through our great weakneſſe. 416
Queſt. What times are ſpecially to be ſpent in Prayer?
Anſw. It is neceſſary, that eueryevery Chriſtian make his prayers vntounto God eueryevery morning and euening, ſitting downe and riſing vp from meale, and at other times, as the ſpirit mooueth, or occaſions and other neceſsities require to hauehave the heart lifted vp in prayer. 418
Queſt. How, and according to what Prayer ought we to pray?
Anſw. The patrerne and forme for our direction is the Lords Payer. Our Father, &c. 422
Queſt. How many be the parts of this Prayer?
Anſw. The Preface, Our Father: The Petitions, Hallowed be thy name: and the concluſion, For thine is the, &c. 429
Queſt. In the Preface why call you God Father?
Anſw. Becauſe he is ready as a louing Father to heare me calling vponupon his name, whence I learne with boldneſſe and confidence to come vntounto him with prayer. 429
Queſt. Why doe you ſay Our Father, and not my Father?
Anſw. Becauſe I ought to pray for all other the Children of God as well as for my ſelfe. 432
Queſt. Why adde you in the Preface, which art in heauen?
Anſw. Not for that I belieue God to be in heauen onelyonly, for he is eueryevery where: but becauſe to bee in Heauen, is an Argument of great glory: whence I learne with reuerence to pray vntounto him, being my Father moſt glorious. 434
Queſt. How many be the Petitions of this Prayer?
Anſw. Sixe, whereof the three former concerne Gods glory the three latter concerne our ſelues. 435
Queſt. Which be thoſe three concerning Gods glory?
Anſ. Firſt, Hallowed be thy name. Secondly, Thy Kingdom come. Thirdly, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heauen. 437
Queſt. In the firſt of theſe, what deſire you?
Anſw. That the name of God may be glorified in the vſe of his Titles, Word, and all his Workes. 437
Queſt. In the ſecond Petition what deſire you?
Anſw. That the number of true belieuers may be daily increaſed, that Gods Kingdome of grace being inlarged, his Kingdome of glory may be haſtened. 443
Queſt. In the third Petition what pray you for?
Anſw. That I and all the people of God vponupon earth may as readily obey Gods will, as the Angels and Saints in Heauen. 452
Queſt. Which be the three Petitions concerning our ſelues?
Anſw. The firſt, GiueGive vsus this day, &c. 2. Forgiue vsus our treſpaſſes. 3. Leade vsus not into temptation, &c. 459
Queſt. What pray you for in the firſt of theſe Petitions?
Anſw. For all things neceſſary for this preſent life, and therefore we aske but for bread, and but for this day. 460
Queſt. What pray you for in the ſecond of theſe Petitions?
Anſw. That God would freely forgiue vsus all our ſinnes, as we doe from our hearts forgiue the offences of men againſt vsus. 471
Queſt. What pray you for in the third of theſe Petitions?
Anſw. That the Lord would not ſuffer vsus to be carried aaway by the temptations of the world, fleſh or Deuill, to the committing of ſinne, but that he would deliuer vsus from the euill of all temptation, both ſinne and damnation. 480
Queſt. Wherefore ſerueth the concluſion, For thine is, &c.
Anſ. It is added as a reaſon of all the Petitions, to ſtrengthen our faith, that God being both able and willing, doth certainely yeeld to our requeſts made vntounto him, therfore we adde a note of confidence and ſay, Amen. 487
Queſt. What is the other exerciſe of the faithfull?
Anſw. The right receiuing of the Sacraments. 518
Of the Sacraments.
Queſt. The benefits being ſhowed, which we are to craue at Gods hands by prayer, what further meanes hauehave we for the better aſſuring to our ſoules the promiſes of all ſpirituall bleſsings in Chriſt.
Anſw. The Sacraments of the new Teſtament, which are the pledges of the Couenant betweene God and his people. 492
Queſt. Wherein ſtands true repentance?
Anſw. In three things. Firſt, in knowledge and acknowledgement of our ſinnes paſt. Secondly, in godly ſorrow and griefe of heart for them. Thirdly, in a godly purpoſe to forſake all ſin, and to lead a new life for all time to come. 505
Queſt. What is faith?
Anſw. It is a certaine perſwaſion of the heart, wrought by the Spirit of God, grounded vponupon his promiſes; that al my ſinnes are forgiuen me in Chriſt Ieſus. 508
Queſt. What is required in ſuch as come to the Lords Supper?
Anſw. To be rightly diſpoſed before, and at the receiuing hereof. 532
Queſt. What ought a man to doe before his comming?
Anſw. To examine himſelfe for his faith in Chriſt. 532
Queſt. How may a man know whether he hath true faith, or no?
Anſw. By two ſpeciall fruits thereof, repentance for all his ſinnes, and louelove towards his neighbour. 534
Queſt. Wherein ſtands true repentance?
Anſw. In affection, when it is the ſame towards our neighbour, that it is towards our ſelues, void of malice, hatred, and enuy, and deſirous of his good as of our owne: and in action, when wee are readie to doe good vntounto others, as vntounto our ſelues, and to keepe away hurt, as from our ſelues. 537
Queſt. What ſhall he doe that finds not theſe things in himſelfe after due examination?
Anſw. Hee may not keepe away from the Lords Supper, for this were a prouoking of God to wrath, neither can hee come vntounto it without offending in a higher degree. 539
Queſt. What may a man doe then in this caſe?
Anſw. Hee muſt humbly ſue vntounto God for the pardon of his ſinnes, to ftrike his hard hart, that he may melt into teares for them, and conſtantly cleaue to his commandement, and if there be any diſſention, he muſt goe and bee reconciled to his brother. 540
Queſt. What ought a man to doe at the Lords Supper?
Anſw. He ought thankfully to remember the inward graces of God towards him, by ſeeing the outward ſignes. 541
Queſt. What are theſe graces?
Anſw. Firſt, the Lords giuing of his ſonne Ieſus Chriſt to death for vsus, ſet forth by the Miniſters taking of the bread & wine, breaking & powring out, & offering them to vsus all. Secondly, our neare vnion vntounto Chriſt, and how wee hauehave all our ſpirituall food from him, ſet forth by our taking, eating, and inward digeſting the Bread & Wine that become nouriſhment vntounto vsus. Thirdly, the neare vnion that God hath made by Chriſt betwixt all the faithful, ſet forth by the ſame bread, being made of many graines of corne, and by the ſame wine made of many grapes. 541
Queſt. What is to be done after the receiuing?
Anſw. We muſt meditate of the couenant of new obedience, renewed by this Sacrament, that we may more carefully performe it, and flie ſinne and vice all the dayes of our life. 543
Appendix.
Queſt. What is the Word of God?
Anſw. Whatſoeuer is contained in the Bookes of the old and new Teſtament, and not any other Bookes, or writings whatſoeuer. 545
Queſt. How many, and which are theſe Bookes?
Anſw. The Books of the old Teſtament are ſeuen & twenty; Geneſis, Exodus, Leuiticus, Numbers, Deuteronomie, Ioſhua, Iudges, Ruth, the firſt and ſecond of Samuel, the firſt and ſecond Kings, the firſt and ſecond of the Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Eſter, Iob, Pſalmes, Prouerbs, Eccleſiaſtes, Canticles, Iſaiah, Jeremiah, Ezechiel, Daniel, and the Booke of the twelue ſmall Prophets. The Bookes of the new Teſtament are 26. Matthew, Marke, Luke, Iohn, the Actes of the Apoſtles, the Epiſtle to the Romans, firſt and ſecond to the Corinthians, Galathianss Epheſians, Philippians, Coloſsians, and two to the Theſſalonians, and two to Timothy, to Titus, the Hebrewes, the Epiſtle of Iames, and two of Peter, firſt, ſecond, and third of Iohn, of Iude, and the Reuelation of Iohn. 545
Queſt. Are not the Apocrypha Bookes part of the word of God?
Anſw. They are not, neither hauehave been euer ſo accounted in the Church of God, but are annexed, as being full of good inſtructions and hiſtories, declaring Gods wonderfull Prouidence ouer his people Iſrael. 546
Queſt. What proofe is there, that the other are Gods Word?
Anſw. It is proued by their antiquity, ſome of them being before all other bokes, ſundry times oppugned and ſought to be burnt vp by perſecutors, and yet wonderfully preſerued, and by miracles from Heauen confirmed, which ſhewes that they came from heauen, and are not of mans inuention. 547
Queſt. Hauing this word written, is it not ſufficient for our ſaluation, without any helpe by preacking.
Anſw. It is not ſufficient, but it muſt alſo bee ſet forth by preaching, that the hard places may bee rightly vnderſtood, we may be kept from errors, and hauehave our dull hearts ſtirred vp to embrace it. 551
Queſt. What is the Preaching of the word of God?
Anſw. It is properly the expounding of ſome part thereof, teaching hence, the duties to be followed, and the ſinns to be auoided, and exhorting to do accordingly. 553
Queſt. Who may preach the Word of God?
Anſw. OnelyOnly ſuch as are outwardly ſent of God, ordinarily, and when extraordinary neceſsity doth require, all ſuch as are inwardly ſtirred vp, and inabled by Gods Spirit. 555
Queſt. What is required to the right hearing of the Word?
Anſw. To prepare a mans ſelfe by prayer and holy meditations, and by emptying the heart of corrupt affections, to attend diligently and reuerently at the preaching of the Word, and laying it vp in the heart, to doe accordingly all the dayes of his life. 557
Gentle Reader, I hauehave here noted vntounto thee the moſt remarkeable faults; ſome ſmall literall faults if thou meet withall, I pray thee to amend.
ERRATA.
PAge 6. line 36. for Chaſtenings, read Chriſtenings. pag. 7. l. 1. for labor, read Lauer. pag. 12. l. 18. for contention, read contempt, pag. 58. l. 15. for was wont, read was not wont. pag. 356. l 30. read yet this did coſt John Baptiſts head. pag. 356. l. 34. read by the houſe falling downe vponupon them.
If other faults hauehave paſt, they are but ſmall,
And as the Printer hopes, but litterall.
Yet pardon, though in words he did offend,
For, moſt of vsus, I feare, hauehave deeds to mend.
TO THE READER.
COurteous Reader, hauing been much deſired and importuned to print theſe Questions, and Anſwers alone by themſelues, in regard this great Booke is too large to be learned by heart; I hauehave condeſcended to their Requeſts, and printed them, for the futher helpe and benefit of Miniſters in their Churches, of Schoole-maſters in their Schooles, and Houſholders in their Families, and it is called, The Engliſh Teacher, or, The A. B. C. enlarged; and are to be ſold by IOHN MARRIOTT, at his Shop in Saint Dunſtons Churchyard in Fleetſtreet. 1622.
HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE