Out of S. Matth. ch 28. v. 20. Going therefore saith our Lord teach ye all Nations and behold I am with you all daies even to the consummation of the world Q. What meane you by Vniversality of place A. I meane that the Church shall be spread over all Nations Q. How prove you that A. Out of S. Mat. above-cited teach ye all Nations and out of the 62. Psal v. 2. where we read All the earth shall remember and be converted to our Lord and all Nations whatsoever thou hast made shall come and adore before thee ô Lord. Q. What other proof have you A. Out of the Apoc. ch 7. v. 9. where we read that the Church shall be gathered out of all Nations Peoples Tribes and Tongues Q. Why do we call the Church the Romane Church A. Because since the Translation of S. Peters Chaire from Antioch to Rome the particular Romane Church hath been the Head of all Churches and to her the Primacy hath been affixed Q. What is the Rule of faith by which the Church conserveth her Infallibility A. Apostolicall Tradition or receipt of Doctrine by hand to hand from Christ and his Apostles Q. How prove you that A. Out of Rom. ch 16. v. 17. Therefore I beseech you Brethren saith S. Paul marke them which make dissentions and scandalls contrary to the Doctrine which you have learned and avoid them for such doe not serve Christ our Lord. Q. What other proofe have you A. Out of S. Paul saying But although we or an Angell from heaven Evangelize to you besides that which we have Evangelized to you be he Anathema or besides that you have received be he Anathema Gal. ch 1. v. 8 9. Q. Can the Church erre in faith standing to this Rule and admitting nothing for faith but what is consented by the whole Church to have been so received A. She cannot otherwise the whole Church must either conspire in a notorious lie to damne her self and her posterity or else she must be ignorant what hath been taught her for faith by the Church of the precedent Age which are both grand possibilities Q. How prove you these to be impossibilities in nature A. By the constancy and immutability which is found in the Universality of contingent causes whose particulars may be defective but the universalls cannot Q. Declare that a little A. I explaine it thus because one man or two or three may be borne but with one arme or one eye onely through the defect of their particular causes but that all nature should faile at once and all men should be so borne is totally impossible in nature so in like manner one man or two may conspire in palpable lies to damne themselves and their posterity or be deceived in what hath been taught them for faith from their very cradles but that the whole Church should so farre break with the nature of man which is reason to conspire in such a lie or be so mistaken is as impossible in nature as it is for men to be no men Q. Doth not the learned Richworth alias Blackloe out of whom you have borrowed both these and many other excellent convincing reasons demonstrate the Churches infallibility a little plainer yet A. Yes he doth and chiefely by this argument to move the whole Church to conspire at once in such a palpable and pernitious lie such a force of hopes and feares is necessary but it is totally impossible for such a force of hopes and feares to fall on the whole Church at once as is sufficient to make them break with nature and contradict the very light of reason by such a lie therefore it is totally impossible for the whole Church at once to conspire in such a lie or consequently to erre in Faith Q. May not some errours have been received for faith and crept insensibly over the whole Church no man perceiving or taking notice of them A. No that is as impossible as that the Plague or burning Feaver should infect or spread it selfe over a whole Kingdome for many years no man perceiving it or seeking to prevent it for nothing causes greater notice to be taken then any publike or notorious change in matters of Religion Q. May not the power of temporall Princes or the over-prevalency of humane wit and reason have introduced errours into the Church A. Neither is that possible seeing we are not regulated in things which are of faith either by power o◠any strength of reason but by the rule of Apostolicall Tradition and by inquiring of the whole Church of every Age what hath been taught by our fore-fathers from Christ and his Apostles Q. At least doe not Heretiques say and averre that the Church hath Apostatized and erred in Faith A. They doe indeed but it will not serve their turne barely to say it unlesse they were able also to prove it which they neither are nor ever will be by evident convincing and undeniable proofs Q. How prove you that A. First because the presumption and possession of her integrity and infallibility is on the Churches side and therefore ought not to be yeeded up without clear evidence of her prevarication Q. What other reason have you A. Because he that accuseth his neighbours wife of Adulterie without convincing and manifest proofs thereof is not to be hearkned unto but to be hated of all good men as a most infamous slanderer much more ought they who shall accuse the Church the Spouse of Christ of Errours and Apostacy unlesse their proofes be evident and undeniable to be detested as blasphemous Heretiques Q. What other proof have you yet A. Because if lesse then manifest and convincing evidence be sufficient to prove matters of this high nature it is not possible but very false and shall set dissention betwixt man and wife and stirre up the most faithfull Subjects in the world to a Rebellion against their Princes both spirituall and temporall Q. What meaneth The Communion of Saints A. It meaneth First that the faithfull do all communicate in the same Faith and Sacraments in the same Sacrifice and also in the merits of one another Q. How prove you that A. Out of 1 Cor. ch 12. v. 25. where we read And if one member suffer any thing all the members suffer with it or if one member do glory all the members rejoyce with it You are the Body of Christ and members of a member Q. What else meaneth it A. It meaneth also That the faithfull on earth do communicate with the Angells and Saints in Heaven we by praising and praying to them they by praying for us Q. How prove you this Communion A. Out of S. Luke ch 15. ver 10. where we read That there is joy before the Angells of God upon one sinner that doth Penance Q. How prove you that the Saints have any power to do us good A. Out of the Apoc. ch 2. v. 26 27. where Christ hath promised them power above us To him saith he
Orders and Confirmation to preach and governe the Church Q. How prove you that A. To confirme out of the Acts ch 8. above cited where we read That two Bishops were sent to confirm the Samaritans Q. How prove you that Bishops are of Divine Right and have Authority from God to rule the Church A. Out of Acts ch 20. v. 28. Take heed unto your selves and to the flocke wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you Bishops to rule the Church of God Q. How prove you that Bishops only can ordaine Priests A. Out of Tit. ch 1. v. 5. For this cause left I thee in Creet that thou shouldest reforme the things that are wanting and ordaine Priests by Cities he was a Bishop Q. What sinne is it therefore to oppose Hierarchy and Episcopacy either in the whole Church or in particular Cburches for private ends A. It is sinne of Rebellion and high Treason against the peace and safety of Christs spiritual Common-wealth the Church Q. How declare you that A. Because no Law can subsist without guards and lookers to it since therefore Christ hath ordained Bishops to be the Guards and Teachers of his Law they who strike at Bishops strike also at the whole Law of Christ and safety of the people Q. Why is it requisite that Bishops and Pastors should have such great Revenewes A. Because they beare a considerable charge and office in the Common-wealth therefore ought to have a competence for the performance of it Secondly that they may give the Laity an example of the true use of riches And finally that it may breed a due respect both of their persons callings in such as they are set to governe who cannot alwaies judge of their internall qualities Q. What is the office of a Priest A. To offer Sacrifice and administer the rest of the Sacraments excepting Holy Order Confirmation Q. How prove you a Sacrifice in the new Law A. Because there is a Priesthood as you have heard and an Altar according to that We have an Altar saith S. Paul whereof they have no power to eat who serve the Tabernacle Heb. ch last v. 7. Q. What other proofe have you for it A. Out of Mal. ch 1. v. 11. where he foretold the Sacrifice of the new Law saying From the rising of the Sunne even to the going downe great is my Name amongst the Gentiles and in every place there is sacrificing and there is offered to my Name a cleane oblation saith the Lord of Hosts Q. What other yet A. Out of S. Luke ch 22. v. 19. and 20. where Christ who is high Priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech offered the Sacrifice of his owne Body and Blood under the formes of Bread and Wine saying this is my Body which is given for you it was given for us you heare at his last Supper this is the Chalice the new Testament in my Blood which Chalice according to the Greek text is shed for you Q. Is it lawfull for Priests to marry A. It is not there is a Precept of the Church against it descending to us by Apostolicall tradition neither did any of the Apostles ever company with their wives after their calling to the Apostleship Q. What other reason have you A. Because every one that is made a Priest taketh at his Ordination a voluntary oath of perpetuall Chastity Q. Why is it requisite that Priests should live chast and unmarried A. Because of all pleasures the carnall most affecteth sensible nature causing the greatest extremities in man and is the greatest binder of man to earthly things Wherefore it is an imployment little beseeming those who are obliged by their very callings to draw the people from this clod of earth and elevate their hearts to heavenly things Q. What are the lesser Orders of the Church A. Acolyte Lector Exorcist and Porter according to the 4. Councell of Carthage Can. the 6. Q. Is it lawfull for women to Preach or to be Priests A. It is not according to 1 Cor. ch 14. v. 34. Let women hold their peace in Churches for it is not permited them to speake but to be subject as the Law saith Q. Is it lawfull for any man to usurp and take upon him Priestly power without the Ordination of the Church A. It is not according to Heb. ch 5. v. 1. and 4. For every high Priest taken from amongst men is appointed for men c. That he may offer gifts and Sacrifices for sinnes Neither doth any man take the honour to himselfe but he that is called of God as Aaron Q. What other proofe have you A. Out of S. Iohn ch 10. v. 1. Amen I say unto you he that entreth not by the doore Holy Order into the fold of the sheepe but climbs up another way he is a Theefe and a Robber Q. What if any man pretend an extraordinary calling A. He must prove it by miracles or else be esteemed an Impostor Q. What examples have you against the usurpation of Priestly Power A. That of King Oza who was strucke dead in the place for laying but his hand upon the Ark to save it from falling the 2. of Kings ch 6. v. 6. 7. Q. What besides A. The example of Core Dathan and Abiram who for usurping the Office of the High Priest though they were Priests themselves and true believers in all other points were swallowed up alive by the earth Numb ch 16. v. 32. and two hundred and fifty others who were offering Incense with them were consumed with fire from heaven v. 35. with fourteen thousand and seven hundred more which were also burnt with fire from heaven for onely siding with them v. 49. Matrimony Expounded Q. WHat is the seventh Sacrament A. Matrimony Q. Where was that first ordained A. In Paradice by Almighty God when he gave Eve to Adam for a wife saying Wherefore a man shall leave his Father and his Mother and shall cleave unto his wife and they shall be two in one flesh Gen. ch 2. v. 22. Q. Where was it made a Sacrament of the new Law A. Either at the Wedding of Cana in Galilee where Christ was present and wrought his first Miracle by turning Water into Wine S. Iohn ch 2. or else in S. Matth. ch 19. v. 6. where he saith Therefore now they are not two but one flesh what God hath joyned let not man separate Q. Why was it requisite that Marriage should be made a Sacrament A. Because it is the maine hinge whereupon hangeth the chiefe happinesse of a married life and therefore ought to be ranked in the highest Order of those Actions which Christ hath sanctified for the use of man Q. What other reason have you A. Because on it dependeth both the restraint of sinfull concupisence the good of posterity the well-ordering of our Domesticall affaires and the education of our Children in the feare and service of God Q. How prove you Marriage to be a Sacrament A.
Q. Why is that necessary A. That as Christ was openly rejected so he may there be openly acknowledged to the great joy and glory of his friends as also to the confusion of his enemies Q. How prove you that in this Judgment all men shall receive according to their works A. Out of 2 Cor. ch 5. v. 10. We must all be manifested saith S. Paul before the judgment-seat of Christ that every one may receive the proper things of the body according as he hath done whether good or evill Q. What other proof have you A. Out of S. Matth. ch 16. v. 27. The Sonne of Man saith our Lord shall come in the Glory of his Father with his Angells and then he will render to every one according to his works Q. Is there any merit in our good works A. There is according to Apoc. ch 22. v. 12. Behold I come quickly saith our Lord and my reward is with me to render to every man according to his works Q. In what place shall this Judgment be made A. In the valley of Iehosaphat betwixt Hierusalem and Mount Olivet Q. What signe shall go before it A. The Sun and Moone shall lose their light there shall be Warres Plagues Famines and Earthquakes in many places Q. In what manner shall Christ come unto it A. In great power and Majesty begirt with Legions of Angels Q. Who are they that shall be judged A. The whole Race and Progenie of man Q. What are the things that shall be judged A. Our thoughts words and works even to the secrets of our soules Q. Who will accuse us A. The Devills our own guilty consciences and above all the Books of life and death in which all our actions are recorded and shall be then laid open to the whole world Q. How shall the just and reprobate be placed A. The just shall be on the right the reprobate on the left hand of the Judge Q. What shall be the sentence of the just A. Come ô ye blessed of my Father and receive ye the Kingdome which is prepared for you for I was hungry and ye gave me to eat I was thirsty and ye gave me to drink c. S. Matth. ch 25. v. 35 36. Q. What shall be the sentence of the reprobate A. Goe ye accursed into eternall fire which hath been prepared for the Devill and his Angells for I was hungry and ye gave me not to eat I was thirsty and ye gave me not to drink c. the same chap. v. 41 42 43. You see of what weight good works will be at that day Q. Why is it added The quick and the dead A. To signifie that Christ shall judge not onely such as are living at the time of his coming but likewise all such as have been dead from the Creation of the World as also by the quick are understood Angells and Saints by the dead the Devills and the damned soules The eighth Article Q. What is the eighth Article A. I believe in the Holy Ghost Q. Of what treateth this Article A. Of the third Person of the B. Trinity in whom we also believe and put our trust who proceedeth from the Father and the Sonne and is the self-same God with them distinct in nothing but in person Q. How prove you that A. Out of 1 S. John ch 5. v. 7. There be three saith he which give testimony in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three be one Q. Why is the Name of Holy Ghost appropriated to the third Person since Angells are also Spirits and holy A. Because he is such by excellency and by essence they onely by participation Q. At least why should it not be common to the other two Persons A. Because they are knowne by the proper Names of Father and Sonne but we have not any proper Name for the Holy Ghost Q. In what formes hath the Holy Ghost appeared unto men A. In the forme of a Dove to signifie the purity and innocence which hee causeth in our soules in a bright Cloud and fiery Tongues to signifie the fire of Charity which he produceth in our hearts as also the gift of Tongues and hence it is he is painted in these formes The ninth Article Q. WHat is the ninth Article A. I believe in the holy Catholike Church the Communion of Saints Q. What understand you by this Article A. I understand that Christ hath a Church upon earth which he established in his own Blood and that he hath commanded us to believe that Church in all things appertaining unto Faith Q. What kind of Faith must we believe her with A. With the same Faith that we believe her Spouse the Sonne of God that is with divine Faith but with this difference that wee believe in God though we onely believe the Church but not in her Q. What is the Church A. It is the Congregation of all the faithfull under Christ Iesus their invisible head and his Vicar upon earth the Pope Q. What are the essentiall parts of the Church A. A Pope or Supreme head Bishops Pastors and the Laity Q. How prove you that Bishops are of divine Institution A. Out of Act. ch 20. v. 28. where we read take heed unto your selves and to the flock wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you Bishops to rule the Church of God which he hath purchased with his owne blood Q. How prove you S. Peter and the Pope his Successor to be the visible Head of the Church A. Out of S. John ch 21. v. 16 17 18. where Christ for a reward of his speciall faith and love gave S. Peter absolute power to feed and governe his whole flock saying feed my Lambs feed Lambs feed my Sheep therefore the rest of the Apostles were his sheep and he their Head or Pastor Q. What other proof have you A. Out of S. Mat. ch 16. v. 18. where Christ saith thou art Peter and upon this Rocke will I build my Church Therefore the rest of the Apostles were built on him and hence also it is that as often as they are named in Scripture S. Peter is still named first Q. What are the markes of the true Church A. Unity Visibility Sanctity Universality and Infallibility Q. How declare you its Unity A. Because all the members of it make but one mysticall body and are governed by one Supreme Head Q. How prove you that A. Out of 1 Cor. ch 10. v. 18. being many saith S. Paul we are one bread one body all that participate of one bread Q. What other proofe have you A Because all the members of it live under one Law obey the same Magistrates professe the same faith even to the least Article and use the same Sacraments and Sacrifice Q. Why may not a well meaning man be saved in any Religion A. Because there is but one God one Faith one Baptisme Eph. ch 4. v. 5. And without that one Faith it is impossible to please God
Hebr. ch 11. v. 6. Q. What other reason have you for it A. Because as in a naturall body that part which hath not a due connection to the heart or root presently dieth for want of continuity so in the Church the mysticall body of Christ that member which hath not a due subordination and connection unto the head and Common Counsells thereof that is the Pope and Generall Counsells from whence under Christ we have our spirituall life and motion as wee are Christians must needs be dead and not a living member of that body Q. Who I beseech you are those dead members which you speak of A. All such as are not in the unity of the Church by a most firme beliefe of her Doctrine and due obedience to her Pastors Q. What if a Protestant should tell you that the differences betwixt them and us are not differences in fundamentalls or in faith but in opinion only and therefore do not exclude them out of the unitie of the Catholique Church A. I would answer That he contradicted his owne Tenets for they accuse us of Sacriledge of robbing God of his honour and committing Idolatry because we believe Priestly absolution from sinnes adore the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist and pray to Saints which are no matters of indifferency but high Fundamentalls of the Catholike Faith Q. How doe you prove all obstinate Novellists to be Heretikes A. Because they appeale from Masters to Schollers and from the Pastors and Generall Counsells of the Church unto the Layetie for the decision of points controverted which is the proper nature of Schisme and Heresie Q. What other reason have you A. Because they wilfully stand out against the definitive sentence of the Church of God and will not submit to any Judgement or Tribunall which Christ hath left on earth for the deciding of such doubts as they themselves are pleased to move but will be tried onely by their own idle braine and the dead letter of the Scripture Q. Why may not the letter of the Scripture be a decisive Judge of Controversies A. Because it never hath as yet been able from the first writing of it to decide any one as the whole world doth experience all Heretikes pretending equally unto it for the defence of their Novelties and Heresies and no one of them ever yeelding to another Q. What other reason have you A. Because resting in the dead letter onely we can have no assurance or morall certainty of any one Text or Chapter of the whole Bible that it hath come to us uncorrupted or what the meaning of it is or that it is the very word of Christ so great are the corruptions which have crept into it and so innumerable are the Languages Translations and Copies through which the Bible hath passed since the first writing of it Q. How then are we assured of these things A. By the infallible authority definition and proposition of the Catholike Church Q. What other reason have you yet for this A. Because the Scripture was never ordained for that purpose all the Books thereof being either Poeticall as the Psalmes Historicall as the Gospels Epistolarie as the Epistles or Allegoricall as the Apocalyps and Prophets and therefore as appeareth by their very names are no way fitting for the deciding of Controversies Q. For what end then was the Scripture written A. The writing or committing of it to dead letters was onely for superabundant consolations and that by a sensible and common reading of it without any criticall or controversiall libration of words we might be able to know that God is and what he is as also that there is a heaven and a hell rewards for virtue and punishments for vice with examples of both all which we find in the Letter of the Scripture by a plain and ordinary reading of it Q. How declare you the Churches visibility at all times A. Because it consisteth essentially of a visible Hierarchy which can never faile Q. How prove you that A. Out of Ephes ch 4. v. 11 12. where we read that Christ gave some Apostles some Evangelists some Doctors some Pastors to the consummation of the Saints to the edifying of the body of Christ and to the worke of the Ministerie untill we all meet in the unity of faith Q. What other proof have you A. Out of S. Mat. ch 5. v. 14. 15. where Christ saith of his Church you are the light of the world a City seated on a Mountaine cannot bee hid Q. Why then would Protestants have the Church to be invisible A. Because we have convinced them that there were no Protestants to be seen or heard of in the world before Martin Luther Q. Why is it said the holy Church A. Because she hath a holy faith a holy Law holy Sacraments and is guided by the Holy Ghost to all truth and holinesse Q. How else prove you her Sanctity A. Because Christ gave himselfe for his Church that he might sanctifie it cleansing it by the laver of water in the Word that he might present it to himselfe a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle but that it might be holy and unspotted Ephes ch 5. v. 26. 27. Q. Why are we bound to believe the Church A. Because she is the Pillar and ground of truth 1 Tim. ch 3. v. 15. Q. What other proofe have you for her Infallibility A. Out of S. Matth. ch 16. v. 18. where Christ saith upon this Rocke will I build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevaile against her Q. What other yet A. Out of S. Joh. ch 14. v. 16. But the Paraclete saith he the Holy Ghost he shall teach you all things whatsoever I shall say unto you and ch 13. v. 16. But when the Spirit of Truth cometh he shall teach you all Truth Q. How declare you that the definitions of a Councell perfectly Oecumenicall that is a Generall Councell approved by the Pope be infallible in matters of Faith A. Because such a Councell is the Church Representative and hath the same Infallibility that the Church diffused or spread over the world hath Q. What other reason have you A. Because the Definitions of such a Councell are the Dictates of the Holy Ghost according to that of the Apostles defineing in Councell it hath seemed good unto the Holy Ghost and to us c. Act. ch 15. v. 28. Q. What thinke you then of such as accuse the Church of Errours in Faith and Idolatrie A. Truly I thinke them to be Hereticks or Infidells for our Lord saith He that will not hear the Church let him be unto thee as a Heathen or a Publican S. Mat. ch 18. v. 18. Q. What understand you by the word Catholique A. I understand that the Church is Universall both for time and place Q. How for time A. Because it hath been from Christ unto this time and shall be from hence unto the end of the world Q. How prove you that A.
42. Q. What other yet A. Out of Acts ch 8. v. 29 38. where the Ethiopian Eunuch going on Pilgrimage to Hierusalem was in his return converted and baptized on the way by S. Philip so pleasing was his Pilgrimage to God Finally because it was foretold by the Prophets that those places which Christ sanctified by his Passion should be places of great Pilgrimage and adoration We will adore saith David in the place where his feet have stood Psal 131. And in Isa ch 11. v. 10. we read To him shall the Gentiles pray and his sepulcher shall be glorious Q. How do you prove it lawfull to goe on Pilgrimage to the Shrines of Saints A. Because as you have heard already their Reliques are holy and venerable things and God is pleased to work great Cures and Miracles by them for such as are devout honourers of them Q. Is there any power now in the Church to do Miracles A. There is according to that unlimited promise of Christ Them that believe in me these signes shall follow in my name they shall cast out Devills they shall speake with new tongues they shall lay hands upon the sicke and they shall be whole S. Mat. ch 19. v. 17 18. Q. Have these things beene done in latter Ages A. They have and are as you may see in the unquestionable Histories and Records of all Catholique Countries where many great Miracles wrought by the Servants of God and especially at the Pilgrimages and Shrines of Saints are yearly registred under the Depositions of eye-witnesses men above all exceptions which cannot be denied unlesse we may deny all Historie Q. Why then do the pretended Reformers say that Miracles are ceased A. Because they and their Sect-Masters have never yet beene able to do any in confirmation of their Errours Q. Why are so few done here in England A. By reason of the incredulity of Sectaries Q. What necessity is there of the Beliefe of Miracles A. Doubtlesse very great because the Beliefe of Miracles well grounded makes men extremely apprehensive of the presence of God and his immediate Government of humane affaires so that he who absolutely denieth miracles is to be suspected of not believing particular Providence which is the maine string on which all Christianity dependeth The second Commandement Expounded Q. WHat is the second Commandement A. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vaine Q. What is forbidden by this Precept A. All false rash and unnecessary Oaths Q. What kind of sinnes are false and rash Oaths A. Mortall sinnes if they be voluntary and deliberate because by such Oaths we call God to witnesse to a lie or at least to that which is uncertaine Q. What are the necessary conditions of a lawfull Oath A. Truth that we hurt not Gods Honour justice that we wrong not our neighbour and judgement that we sweare not vainly Q. What is a just cause of an Oath A. Gods Honour our owne or our neighbours lawfull good and defence Q. If a man Sweare to do that which is evill is he bound to keepe his Oath A. No He is bound not to keepe it for an Oath is no bond of iniquity Q. How prove you a vaine or jesting Oath to be a sinne A. Out of S. Matth. ch 5. v. 34. It was said of old saith our Lord Thou shalt not commit perjury But I say unto you not to sweare at all that is without just cause Q. What other proofe have you A. Out of S. Iames. ch 5. v. 12. But above all things saith he sweare ye not neither by Heaven nor earth nor any other Creature But let your talke be yea yea no no that yee fall not under judgement Q. What else is prohibited by this Precept A. All cursing and blaspheming Q. What is commanded by it A. To speake alwayes with reverence of God and of his Saints Q. How else doe men sinne against this Precept A. By breaking lawfull Vowes and by making or keeping unlawfull ones Q. What is a Vow A. It is a diliberate and voluntary promise made to God of some better good Q. How do you prove it lawfull to make Vowes A. Out of Esa ch 19. v. 21. They shall make Vowes unto our Lord saith he and shall pay them The third Commandement Expounded Q. WHat is the third Commandement A. Remember thou keepe holy the Sabbath day Q. When began the Sabbath to be kept A. From the very Creation of the world For then God blessed it and rested on it from all his works Gen. 2. 2. Q. When was this Commandement renewed A. In the old Law when God gave the Commandements to Moses on Mount Sinai written with his owne finger in two Tables of stone Exod. ch 20. Q. Why was the Iewish Sabbath changed into the Sunday A. Because Christ was borne upon a Sunday rose from the dead upon a Sunday and sent downe the Holy Ghost upon a Sunday workes not inferiour to the Creation of the world Q. By whom was it changed A. By the Church by the Apostles who also kept it for S. Iohn was in Spirit on a Sunday Apoc. ch 1. v. 10. Q. How prove you that the Church hath power to command Feasts and Holy Daies A. By this very act of changing the Sabbath into the Sunday which Protestants allow of and therefore fondly contradict themselves by keeping Sunday so strictly and breaking most other Feasts commanded by the same Church Q. How declare you that A. Because by keeping Sunday they acknowledge the Churches power to ordaine Feasts and to command them under sin and by not keeping the rest by her commanded they again deny in fact the same power Q. What other proof have you A. Out of S. Iohn ch 10. ver 22. where we read That Christ himselfe was present and kept the Dedication of the Temple in Hierusalem a Feast ordained by Iudas Machabaeus 1 Machab ch 4. Q. What other yet A. Out of Acts ch 2. v. 1. where the Apostles keeping the Feast of Pentecost were all filled with the Holy Ghost Neither do Protestants as yet dissent from this though some have lately prohibited and prophaned both it and the most holy Feast of the Resurrection Q. What command have you from God for obedience to the Church in things of this nature A. Out of Acts ch 15. v. 4. where we read that S. Paul went about confirming the Churches and commanding them to keep the precept of the Apostles and the Ancients And out of S. Luke c. 10. v. 16. He that heareth you beareth me and he that despiseth you the Church despiseth me Q. May Temporall Princes and the Laity make a Holy Day A. With consent and approbation of the Church they may otherwise not because that is an act of spirituall Jurisdiction Q. For what end doth the Church ordaine Holy Dayes A. For the increase of piety and in memory of speciall benefits received from God Q. If keeping the Sunday be a Church-precept why is
and thy Father which is in secret will repay thee Q. How prove you abstinence from certain meats A. Because it was prescribed by an Angell to S. Iohn He shall be great saith he before the Lord Winâ— and Cicer he shall not drinke S Luke ch 1. v. 15. and in S. Matth. ch 3. v. 4. we read that His meat were Locusts and wild Honey Q. For what is Fasting availeable A. For the remission of sinnes and the appeasing of the wrath of God according to that Be ye converted unto me in your whole heart in fasting weeping and mourning Ioet ch 2. v. 12. Q. For what else A. To mortifie the lustfull desires of the flesh and it hath also speciall force against the Devill This kind of Devill saith our Lord can goe out by nothing but by Prayer and Fasting S. Marke ch 9. v. 24. Q. Why Vigills A. To prepare our selves for a devout keeping of the Feasts that follow Q. Why Ember Dayes A. Because on those dayes the Church giveth holy Orders and ordaineth Priests and for that cause hath dedicated them to publike Prayer and Fasting Q. What ground have you for that A. Out of Acts ch 13. v. 2 3. where we read And as they the Apostles were ministring unto our Lord and fasting the Holy Ghost said separate ye me Saul and Barnab as unto the work whereto I have taken them then fasting and praying and imposing hands upon them they dismissed them Q. Why Fridayes in England A. In memory that Christ suffered for us upon a Friday drinking gall and vinegar upon his Crosse for our gluttonous excesse but specially by custome which is as good as Law Q. Why abstinence on Saturdayes A. To prepare our selves for a devout keeping of the Sunday as also in honour of the blessed Virgin Mary who stood firme in faith on that day the Apostles themselves wavering The third Commandement of the Church Expounded Q. WHat is the third Commandement of the Church A. To confesse our sins at least once a year Q. Why was that commanded A. Because otherwise Libertines would not have done it once in many years The fourth Commandement of the Church expounded Q. WHat is the fourth A. To receive the blessed Sacrament at least once a yeare and that at Easter or thereabouts Q. Why at Easter A. Because Christ instituted the blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist at his last Supper on the Thursday before Easter day Q. Why is it said or there abouts A. Because it will satisfie the Precept if it be done any time betwixt Palme Sunday and Low Sunday The fifth Precept of the Church expounded Q. VVHat is the fifth A. To pay Tythes to our Pastors Q. Why so A. Because they feed us spiritually and therefore it is fit that we should feed them corporally Q. How prove you that A. Out of Gal. ch 6. v. 6. Let him that is catechized in the word saith S. Paul communicate to him that catechizeth him in all his goods And in another place he that serveth the Altar let him live of the Altar The sixth Commandement of the Church expounded Q. WHat is the sixth A. Not to celebrate Marriages on times prohibited that is from the first Sunday of Advent untill Twelf-day be past nor from Ash-Wednesday till Low-Sunday be past Q. Why so A. Because those are times of speciall piety and penance therefore not to be spent in feastings and carnall pleasures Q. What sin is it to breake any of these Church-Commandements A. A mortall sinne of disobedience according to that he that will not heare the Church let him be unto thee as a Heathen or a Publican S. Matth. ch 18. v. 18. CHAP. X. The Councells of Christ and his Church Expounded Q. HOw many Councells bee there A. There be three principall ones Q. What is the first of them A. Voluntary Poverty which is a willing leaving all things to follow Christ Q. How prove you that to be a worke of Perfection A. Out of S. Matth. ch 19. v. 21. If thou wilt be perfect goe and sell the things which thou hast and give to the poore and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven and come and follow me Q. How prove you this to be meritorious A. Out of the same chap. v. 28 29. where when S. Peter had asked Christ saying Behold we have forsaken all things and followed thee what therefore shall be our rewards Our Lord answered him Every one that hath left his house or his Lands or his Brethren or his Sisters for my Name sake be shall receive a hundred fold commodity and possesse everlasting life The second Councell Q. WHat is the second Councell A. Perpetuall Chastity which is a voluntary abstaining from Marriage and all carnall pleasures for the love of God Q. Is this also a worke of Perfection A. It is for Christ himself was born of a Virgin and counselleth Virginity though he command it not Q. How prove you that A. Out of S. Mat. ch 19. v. 12. There be Eunuchs saith he which have gelded themselves for the Kingdome of heaven he that can take it let him take it Q. How prove you that Virginity is a more perfect state then Marriage or that it is lawfull to vow Virginity A. Out of 1 Cor. ch 7. v. 37 38. He that hath determined in his heart being setled not having any necessity but having power of his owne will to keep his Virgin doth well therefore he that joyneth his Virgin in Marriage doth well and he that joyneth her not doth better Q. Who was the first that taught Marriage to be better then Virginity and perswaded Priests and Nunns to marry A. Jovinian an old condemned Heretike according to S. Augustine in his booke of Heresies Heresie the 82. and in his second book of Retractations he calleth him a Monster for it and saith the Church stoutly resisted him Chap. 22. Q. What other proof have you A. Out of 1 Tim. ch 5. v. 5. But she that is a Widdow indeed that is a vowed Widdow and desolate let her hope in God and continue in prayer and obsecrations day and night And. v. 11 12. But the younger Widdowes avoid for they when they shall be want on in Christ they will marry having damnation because they have made void their first Faith that is their Vow of Chastity according to the fourth Councell of Carthage Canon 104. and all the Fathers on this place The third Councell Q. WHat is the third Councell A. Obedience which is a voluntary submission to anothers will in all that is not sin Q. What warrant have you for that A. The example of Christ himselfe who was obedient to our Lady and S. Ioseph And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject to them S. Luke ch 2. v. 51. Q. What other proof have you A. Out of Hebr. ch last v. 17. Obey your Prelates and be subject to them for they watch being to render an account for your soules
Offerings thrice with the signe of the Crosse A. To signifie the three houres which Christ hung living on the Crosse and all the griefes susteined in them Q. Why then opening the Chalice doth he crosse it five times with the Hoast A. His uncovering the Chalice is to signifie that at the death of Christ the veile of the Temple was rent asunder the three Crosses made over the Chalice signifie the three hours which Christ hung dead upon the Crosse The two Crosses made at the lip of the Chalice signifie the Blood and Water flowing from his side Q. Why is the PATER NOSTER said with a loud voice A. To signifie the mystical words which Christ spake upon the Crosse with a loud voice Q. What meaneth the Priest laying downe of the Hoast upon the Corporall and covering the Chalice againe A. It signifies the taking our Saviour downe from the Crosse and his Buriall Q. Why then is the Priest silent for a time A. To signifie our Saviours rest in the Sepulchre on the Sabboth Q. VVhy after that doth he raise his voice againe saying PAX DOMINI SIT SEMPER VOBISCUM The peace of our Lord be alwaies with you A. To signifie the joy of the resurrection and that frequent voice of Christ to his Disciples PAX VOBIS peace be unto you Q. Why is the Hoast divided into three parts A. To signifie the division of our Saviours soule and body made on the Crosse and that his Body was broken or divided in three principall parts namely his hands his side and feet Q. Why after this doth he yet make the signe of the Crosse saying PAXDOMINI c. The peace of our Lord be alwaies with you A. To signifie that triple peace which he hath purchased for us by his Crosse namely Externall Internall and Eternall peace Q. Why then is a particle of the Hoast put into the Chalice A. signifie the reuniting of our Saviours Body Blood and Soule made at his Resurrection as also to signifie that we cannot partake of the blood and merits of Christ unlesse we also partake of his cup of sufferings Q. VVhy is the AGNUS DEI or Lamb of God which takest away the sinnes of the world said with a loud voice A. To commemorate the glory of our Saviours Ascention and signifie that he was slaine like an innocent Lamb to take away our sinnes and give us peace Q. Why is the PAX or kisse of peace given before Communion A. To signifie that peace and charity which ought to be amongst the Faithfull who do all eat of one bread of the Eucharist and are all members of one mysticall body Q. VVhat meanes the DOMINE NON SUM DIGNUS c. A. It signifies O Lord I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roofe c. and is the poore Publicans prayer by which he descended justified into his house and we are taught not to approach unto this Sacrifice but with an humble and a contrite heart Q. VVhat meane the praiers after the Communion A. They are a thanksgiving to God for having made us worthy to partake of this unbloody sacrifice of the Altar and by it also of the bloody sacrifice of the Crosse Q. VVhat meane the words ITE MISSA EST A. They signifie that the Hoast or Offering is now sent to heaven for us and represent the voice of the Angell dismissing the Apostles and Disciples when they stood looking up after Christ ascended into heaven with O yee men of Galite what stand you here looking up into heaven Q. What meaneth the Priests lifting up his hands and blessing the people A. It signifies the blessing which Christ gave to his Apostles and Disciples at his Ascention with his hands lifted up Q. What signifies the Gospell of S. Iohn A. It signifies the preaching of the Gospell to all Nations made by the Apostles CHAP. XXIII The Office of our blessed Lady expounded Q. WHo composed the Office A. The Church directed by the Holy Ghost Q. Why is the Primer so called A. From the Latin word PRIMO which signifieth first of all so to teach us that Prayer should be the first work of the day according to that seeke yee first the Kingdome of God and all these things shall be given to you Q. Why is the Office divided into Hymnes Psalmes Canticles Antiphones Versicles Responsories and Prayers A. For order beauty and variety sake Q. VVhat warrant have you for that A. Out of Col. ch 3. Sing yee in your hearts unto our Lord in spirituall Psalmes Hymnes and Canticles Q. Why should the Laity pray out of the Psalmes which they little understand A. 1. Because by so doing they pray out of the mouth of the Holy Ghost 2. Because if they doe it with devout and humble hearts it is as meritorious in them as in the greatest Clarkes For a Petition hath the same force whether it be delivered by a learned or an unlearned man so hath also Prayer 3. Because a Psalme is of the same value in the sight of God from the mouth of a child or a woman as from the mouth of the most learned Doctor Q. Why is the Office divided into seven severall houres A. That so it might be a daily memoriall of the seven principall parts and also of the seven houres of our Saviours Passion Q. What ground have you for that A. Out of Zach. ch 12. At that day I will powre out upon the house of David and the Inhabitants of Hierusalem the spirit of grace and prayer and they shall looke up at him whom they have pierced Q. What meaneth at that day A. The Law of grace the New Law Q. What meaneth hee by the House of David and the Inhabitants of Hierusalem A. The Church of Christ Q. What meaneth he by the spirit of grace and prayer A. The Holy Ghost which dictated the Office and powreth forth the grace of God into our soules by vertue of it Q. What meane those words And they shall looke up at him whom they have pierced A. They signifie that the whole order scope and object of the Office should be Christ crucified Q. How shew you that the seven houres are a memoriall of the Passion of Christ A. Because seven houres were consumed in his Passion for three houres he hung living on the Crosse other three houres he hung dead upon the Crosse the seventh houre was spent in nailing him to and taking him from the Crosse Q. VVhat do we commemorate by the Mattins and Lauds A. His bloody sweat and binding in the Garden as also his dragging from thence unto Hierusalem Q. VVhat by the Prime or first houre A. The scoffes and indignities which he sustained whilst they led him through the streets early in the morning unto the Princes of the Jewes as also the false accusations which were then brought against him Q. What by the third houre A. His whipping at the Pillar his crowning with Thornes his cloathing with a purple