AN ABSTRACT OF THE Scripture-Catechism Accommodated by the Author to the Use of Children and Ignorant People Newly Corrected by the Author himself S. MARK 10.14 Suffer little Children to come unto me for the Kingdom of God is for such With Approbation Printed in the Year 1675. The ABC ✚ A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P Q R S T U W X Y Z. ✚ A a b c d e f g h i k l m n o p q r s s t v u w x y z Amen ✚ A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P Q R S T U W X Y Z. ✚ A a b c d e f g h i k l m n o p q r s s t v u w x y z Amen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100. CHAP. I. What a Christian is and of the Blessed Trinity Q. CHild What Religion are you of A. Sir by the Grace of God I am a Christian Q. Whom understand you by a Christian A. Him that inwardly believes and outwardly professes the Faith and Law of Christ Q. When we are obliged to make 〈◊〉 outward profession of our Faith A. As often as Gods honour our own or neighbours good reâ—â—ireth it For if we deny Christ â—efore men he will deny us before â—â—s Father S. Mat. 10. Q. In what doth the Faith and 〈◊〉 of Christ chiefly consist A. In two principal mysteriâ— namely the Vnity and Trinity 〈◊〉 God the Incarnation and Deâ—â—â— of our Saviour Q. What means the Unity 〈◊〉 Trinity of God A. It means that in God theâ—â— is but one only Divine Natuâ—â— though there be three Persons 〈◊〉 Father Son and Holy Ghost Q. Why are there but three Pâ—â—sons only A. Because the Father hath 〈◊〉 beginning and proceedeth fâ—â—â— no other Person the Son proceâ—â—eth from the Father the 〈◊〉 Ghost proceedeth from the F … and the Son and more proce … in God there cannot be Q. Why are the three Person 〈◊〉 one God A. Because they have bu◠〈◊〉 and the same Nature one a … 〈◊〉 same Goodness one and the same Wisdom Q. What means the Incarnation and Death of our Saviour A. It meaneth that the second Person of the most blessed Trinity was made man and died upon the Cross to save us Q. In what are these two mysteries contained A. In the sign of the Cross as it is made by Catholicks Q. How shew you that A. Because when we put our right hand to our head saying In the name we signifie one God and when we make the sign of the Cross saying Of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Amen we signifie Trinity or three Persons Q. How does the sign of the Cross represent the Incarnation and Death of our Saviour A. By putting us in mind that he was made man to die upon the Cross for us CHAP. II. Faith expounded Q. WHat is Faith A. It is the gift of God infus'd into our Souls by which we firmly believe all those things which God hath any way revealed to us Q. Why must we firmly believe aâ—â— matters of Faith A. Because God hath taught them who neither can deceive not be deceived Q. How are you sure that God hath taught them all A. By the testimony of the holy Catholick Church Q. It is enough to believe all that is written in the Bible A. No it is not for we must also believe the Creed and Apostolick Traditions which are not there Q. What Faith will suffice to save a man A. Faith working by charity Galat. chap. 5. ver 6. Q. What Vice is opposite to Faith A. Heresie which is an obstinate errour in matters of Faith CHAP. III. The Creed expounded Q. WHat is the Creed A. It is the sum of our belief Who made it A. The twelve Apostles Q. What does the Creed contain A. The chief things which we are bound to believe of God and his Church The first Article Q. VVHat is the first Article of the Creed A. I believe in God the Father Almighty Creator of Heaven and Earth Q. What signifies I believe in God A. It signifies that I most firmly hold there is a God and am piously affected to him as to my chiefest good and last end with hope in him Q. What signifies the word Father A. The first Person of the blessed Trinity who is by nature the Father of the second by Adoption the Father of all good Christians and by Creation of all Creatures Q. What means the Word Almighty A. It means that God is able to do all things which he pleases and as he pleases and therefore we must doubt nothing that he teacheth us Q. What signifies Creator of Heaven and Earth A. It signifies that God made Heaven and Earth with all things in them of nothing by his holy word Gen. 1. Q. Why did God make the Angels A. To be partakers of his glory and be our Guardians their Angels saith Christ which are in Heaven always see the face of my Father which is in Heaven Mat. 18. ver 10. Q. When and to what likeness did God make man A. On the sixth day and to his own Image and likeness Gen. 1. Q. In what doth that likeness consist A. In this that as God is an intellectual and immortal Spirit so is the man in his Soul And as in God there is but one Nature and three Persons so in man there is but one Soul and three Powers Will Memory and Understanding Q. Why did God make man A. To serve him in this life and to enjoy him in the next Q. Why did he make all other things A. For mans use and benefit The second Article Q. WHat is the second Article A. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord. Q. What means this Article A. It means that we also believe and put our trust in Jesus Christ true God and Man the second person of the blessed Trinity Q. Why was he made man A. To redeem and save us Q. What signifies the Name Jesus A. A Saviour S. Mat. ch 1. v. 21. Q. Is any special honour due to this Name A. There is In the Name of Jesus every knee shall bow Phil. 10. Q. What signifies the Name Christ A. Anointed Q. With what was he anointed A. With all the fulness of Divine grace Q. What mean you by his only Son A. I mean that Jesus Christ is the only natural Son of God born of his Father without a Mother as he is God Lord of us all things The third Article Q. WHat is the third Article A. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary Q. What understand you by this Article A. I understand that God the Son took flesh of the blessed Virgin Mary not by humane generation but by the work of the Holy Ghost Q. What means born of the
Vergin Mary A. It means that Christ was born of her in Bethlehem on Christmass-day she still remaining a pure Virgin Q What doth the birth of Christ avail us A. It perfecteth us in Faith Hope and Charity The fourth Article Q. WHat is the fourth article A. Suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified dead buried Q. What understand you by this A. I understand that Christ after a most painful life of three and thirty years suffered most bitter torments under the wicked President Pontius Pilate Q. What were these torments A. His bloody sweat his whipping at the pillar his purple Garments his crowning with thorns his scepter of a Reed his carriage of the Cross c. Q. What means the word was crucified A. It means that he was nailed to a disgraceful Cross betwixt two Thieves for our offences on Good-Fryday Q. What signifies dead buried A. It signifies that Christ sufferred for us a true real death and was buried with honour as the Prophet Isaiah foretold The fifth Article Q. WHat is the fifth Article A. He descended into Hell the third day he rose again from the dead Q. What meaneth He descended into Hell A. It means that as soon as Christ was dead his blessed Soul descended into Limbo to free the holy Fathers that were there Q. What signifies On the 3d. day he rose again from the dead A. It signifies that when Christ had been dead part of three days on the third day being Easter-Sunday he raised up his blessed body from the dead Q. What benefit have we by this belief A. It comfirms our faith and hope that we shall also rise again from death by and with Jesus The sixth Article Q WHat is the sixth Article A. He ascended into Heaven sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty Q. What means he ascended into Heaven A. That when Christ had conversed forty days on earth with his Disciples after his Resurrection then he ascended triumphant into Heaven in their sight Q. On what day A. On ascention Day and from the top of Mount Olivet Q. Why is it said into Heaven A. To draw our hearts to Heaven after him Q. What understand you by siteth at the right hand of God A. Not that God the Father hath any hands for he is a pure spirit without body but that Christ as God is equal to his Father in all things The seventh Article Q. WHat is the seventh Article A. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead Q. What understand you by this A. I understand that Christ shall come from Heaven at the last day to judge all men according to their works Q. Why is a general judgment requisite seeing every one receiveth his particular Judgment at his death A. That as Christ was rejected by many so he may be glorified before all Q. In what manner will he come to Judgment A. In great power and Majesty tended by many Legions of Angels Q. What are the things that he will judge A. All our thoughts words and works Q. Who will accuse us A. The Devils and our own guilty consciences Q. What will be the sentence of the reprobate A. Go ye cursed into eternal fire which hath been prepared for the devil and his Angels Q. What shall be the sentence of the Elect A. Come O ye blessed of my Father and receive ye the Kingdome which is prepared for you c. Mat. c. 25. v. 34. The Eighth Article Q. WHat is the eighth Article A. I believe in the Holy Ghost Q. What means this Article A. It means that we also believe and put our trust in the third Person of the blessed Trinity who proceedeth from the Father and the Son being the same God with them and descended to us on Whitsunday in fiery Tongues The nineth Article Q. WHat is the ninth Article A. I believe in the Holy Catholick Church the communion of Saints Q. What understand you by this A. I understand that Christ hath a Church on earth that this Church is but one and that we are bound to believe her in all things belonging to faith Q. Why are we bound to believe her A. Because God hath commanded it and she is the Pillar and ground of truth 1 Tim. 3. nor can she erre in Faith Q. Why may not a well-meaning man be saved in any Church or Religion A. Because there is but one Lord one Faith one Baptism the 4th to Ephes 5. Q. What is the Church A. It is the Congregation of the Faithful under Christ Jesus their invisible Head and his Vicar on earth the Pope Q. What are the marks of the Church A. To be one to be holy to be always visible and to be Apostolical Q. What think you then of such as accused the Church of God of Idolatry and errors in faith A. I think them to be Hereticks or Infidels He that will not hear the Church let him be unto thee as a Heathen or a Publican St. Mat. c. 18. v. 18. Q. What means the word Catholick A. It signifies as much as Vniversal and that the true Church hath continued from Christ to this time and shall continue to the end of the world mauger the Devil Q. What else A. That the true Church hath shall be spread over all Nations Q. What means the Communion of Saints A. It means that Catholicks do all Communicate in the same Faith Sacraments and Sacrifice as also in the merits of one another Q. What else A. That the faithful on Earth Communicate with the Saints and Angels in Heaven we by praising and praying to them and they by praying for us There shall be joy before the angels of God for one sinner doing penance St. Luke 15. v. 10. Q. Is it no dishonour to God for us to pray to Saints and Angels A. No it is not for by so doing we honour God in them his creatures Praise ye the Lord in his Saints Psal 150. The Tenth Article Q. WHat is the Tenth Article A. The forgiveness of sins Q. What understand you by this A. I understand that God is able and willing to forgive us our sins if we be heartily sorry for them and confess them both by himself and by his Sacraments The Eleventh Article Q. WHat is the eleventh Article A. The Resurrection of the flesh Q. What means this Article A. It means that these very bodies in which we now live shall at the day of Judgment be raised from death to life by the command of God Q. What are the qualities of a glorified body A. Impassibility Agility Subtility and Clarity Q. What benefit have we by this belief A. It emboldens us to suffer persecutions and death it self in hope of future glory The twelfth Article Q. WHat is the twelfth Article A. And life everlasting Amen Q. What understand you by this A. That such as live well and dye in state of Grace shall live with God in everlasting Glory Q.
HOw many and what are the Commandments of the Church A. There be six principal ones 1. To hear Mass upon all Sundays and Holy-days if we have opportunity 2. To fast Lent Vigils commanded Ember-days and Fridays also by the custom of England with abstinence from flesh on Saturdays 3. To confess our sins at least once a year 4. To receive the blessed Sacraments at least once a year and that at Easter or thereabouts namely betwixt Palm-Sunday and Low-Sunday 5. To pay Tythes to our Pastors 6. Not to solemnize Marriage at forbidden times that is from the first Sunday in Advent till Twelfth-day be past not from Ashwednesday until Low-Sunday be past Q. Are we bound under sin to keep these Commandments of the Church A. We are He that will not hear the Church let him be unto thee as a Heathen or a Publican S. Mat. 18. v. 18. CHAP. X. The Councils of the Church expounded Q HOw many and what are the Councils of the Church A. There be 3. principal ones 1. Voluntary poverty If thou wilt be perfect go and sell all thou hast and give to the poor and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven S. Mat. 3. v. 21. 2. Perpetual Chastity which is a voluntary abstaining from all carnal pleasures He that gives his Virgin in Marriage does well but he that gives it not does better 1 Cor. 7. v. 40. 3. Obedience which is voluntary subjection to anothers will in all that is not sin Obey your Prelates and be subject to them for they watch as being to render an account for your souls Heb. 13. v. 17. CHAP. XI Of the Sacraments in general Q. HOw many Sacraments be there A. Seven Baptism Confirmation Eucharist Penance extream Vnction Holy Order and Matrimony Q. What is a Sacrament in general A. It is a visible sign of invisible grace instituted by Christ our Lord for our sanctification Q. From whence have the Sacraments their force and efficacy A. From the Blood Passion of Christs merits which they apply to our souls Q. What things are essential to a Sacrament A. Matter and Form Q. Do all the Sacraments cause Grace A. Instrumentally they do Q. How many of them give a character A. Three Baptism Confirmation and holy Order and therefore these can be given but once Q. Who is the ordinary Minister of them A. A Priest excepting holy Order and Confirmation which are reserved to Bishops only Baptism Expounded Q. WHat is Baptism A. It is a Sacrament by which we are born a new to God and consisteth in an outward washing of the body under a set form of words Q. What is the necessary matter of it A. Natural water only for artificial water will not serve Q. What is the form of it A. I Baptize thee N. in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q. What if the word I Baptize or any one of the three Persons be left out A. Then the Baptism is not valid Q. Can a man be saved without Baptism A. He cannot unless he have it either actually or in desire with contrition or be Baptized in his own blood by Martyrdome Q. Can no man but a Priest Baptize A. Yes in case of necessity when a Priest cannot be had any Lay-man or Woman may do it Q. What intention is necessary in him that giveth Baptism A. To what the Church does and Christ ordained Q What are the effects of Baptism A. It makes us the Children of God by remitting Original sin and infusing justifying grace into the soul with habits of Faith Hope and Charity Q Why have we one God-father and one God mother in Baptism A. That if our Parents neglect it or it be prevented by death they may instruct us in the Faith of Christ Q. How can Infants be Christned who have no actual faith A. In the Faith of the Church and their Godfathers and Godmothers unless any one be born again of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God S. John 3. v. 5. Q. Why are so many Ceremonies used in Baptism A. To stir up reverence to the Sacrament and signifie the inward effects thereof Confirmation expounded Q. WHat is Confirmation A. It is a Sacrament which makes us strong and perfect Christians able to profess our faith before tyrants and persecutors Q. What is the matter of it A. Oyl mingled with balm blessed by the Bishop Q What is the form of it A. I sign thee with the sign of the Cross I confirm thee with the Chrisome of salvation in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q. What Scripture have you for this A. The second to the Corinthians c. 1. v. 24. And he that confirmeth us with you in Christ and hath annoyled us God who also hath sealed us and given the pledge of the spirit in our hearts Q. Who is the Minister of this Sacrament A. Bishop only Q. What sin is it not to receive this Sacrament when we may have it A. A mortal sin if it be done out of contempt or any gross neglect especially in a persecuting Country as ours is The blessed Eucharist expounded Q. WHat is the blessed Eucharist A. It is the body and blood of Jesus Christ true God and true Man whole Christ under the likeness and outward shape of bread Q. In what manner is Christ A. By the true and real presence of his divine and humane nature and not figuratively only as Hereticks would have it Q. How prove you that A. Because when Christ ordained it at his last supper He took bread blessed brake and gave it to his Disciples saying This is my Body and he also blessed the Cup saying This is my blood of the New Testament which shall be shed for many for the remission of sins St. Mat. 26. v. 26. Q. By what means is that which was before Bread turned into the Body of Christ and that which was Wine made the Blood of Christ A. By the most holy and powerful words of Consecration ordained by Christ and spoken by the Priest Q. Is the body of Christ hurt or broken when we divide and break the Sacrament A. No it is not for Christ is now immortal and impassible he cannot dye nor suffer any more Rom. 6. v. 9. Q. How can the same thing be in many places at once A. By the omnipotency of God by which he himself is in all and every of his Creatures at one and the same time Q. What is the matter of this Sacrament A. Wheaten Bread and Wine of the Grape Q. What is the form of it A. This is my body this is my blood Q. What disposition is required in him that receives the B. Eucharist A. That he have first confessed his sins and be in state of grace For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself 1 Cor. 11. v. 29. Q. What are the effects of this Sacrament A. It
increaseth grace and nourisheth our souls in spiritual life He that eateth of this bread shall live for ever S. John 6. Q. What is the Mass A. It is the unbloody sacrifice of the body and blood of Christ which he himself ordained at his last supper Q. For what is the Sacrifice available A. For the remission of sins and the obtaining of all gifts and graces Penance Expounded Q. WHen did Christ ordain this Sacrament A. After his rising from the dead when he breathed on his Disciples saying Receive ye the Holy Ghost whose sins ye shall forgive they are forgiven and whose sins ye shall retain they are retained St. Joh. 20. v. 23. Q. What is the matter of this Sacrament A. The sins and confession of the Penitent Q. What is the form of it A. I absolve thee from thy sins In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q. What are the effects of it A. It reconcileth us to God and either restoreth or increaseth grace Q. How many parts hath it A. Three Contrition Confession and Satisfaction Q. What is required to a good Confession A. That we seriously examine our Consciences 2. To be heartily sorry for our sins 3. To confess them faithfully to the Priest with a firm purpose to amend Q. What if a man knowingly leave out any one mortal sin A. He commits a great sacriledge by lying to the Holy Ghost and makes his whole Confession nothing worth Q. What is Indulgence A. Not leave to commit sin or a pardon for sins as Protestants slander but only a releasing of temporal punishments due to such sins as are already forgiven us by Contrition and Confession Extream Vnction expounded Q. WHat warrant have you for this Sacrament A. In the 5th of S. James v. 13. we read Is any man sick amongst you let him bring in the Priests of the Church and let them pray over him annointing him with Oyle in the Name of our Lord and the prayer of Faith shall save the sick man and our Lord will lift him up and if he be in sins his sins shall be forgiven him Q. Who is capable of this Sacrament A. Every Christian that is in mortal danger of death by sickness except infants fools and such as art alwayes mad Q. What is the Matter of this Sacrament A. Oyle blessed by the Bishop Q. What is the form of it A. By that annoyling and hâ—â— own most pious mercy let our Lord pardon thee whatsoever thou hast sinned by thy seeing c. and so of all the other senses Q. What are the effects of thiâ— Sacrament A. It comforts the soul in her last agony against dispair it remits venial sin and the reliques of sin and restoreth health if it be expedient Holy Order Expounded Q. WHen did Christ Ordain this Sacrament A. At his last Supper where he made his Apostles Priests saying Do ye this in remembrance of me St. Luke 22. v. 19. Q. What did he then give them power to do A. To consecrate and offer the unbloody Sacrifice of his own body and blood which he had there ordained and offered under the outward likeness of Bread and Wine Q. Why did he say for a commemoration of me A. Because the unbloody Sacrifice of the Mass is a commemoration of the bloody Sacrifice made on the Cross Q. What are the effects of holy Order A. It gives men power to consecrate the body and blood of Christ to administer the Sacraments and to preach Q. What sin is it therefore to oppose the Government of Bishops A. A sin of Rebellion against the peace and safety of Gods Church for Christ hath appointed Bishops to be Guards and Teachers of his Law Matrimony expounded Q. VVHere did Christ ordain this Sacrament A. Either at the wedding of Cana in Galilee S. John ch 2. or when he said Now therefore are not two but one flesh That which God hath joyned together let no man seperate S. Mat. 9. v. 6. Q. How prove you Marriage to be a Sacrament A. Out of St. Paul This is a great Sacrament but I say in Christ and in the Church Ep. 5. v. 32. Q. What is the matter of this Sacrament A. The mutual consent of the parties and delivery of their bodies Q. What is the form of it A. The words or signs which signifie the said present consents Q. What are the effects of Matrimony A. It gives special grace to the material couple to love be faithful and bear with one another as also to bring up their Children in the fear of God Q. How great is the bond of Marriage A. So great that it can never be broken but by death CHAP. XII The Cardinal Virtues Q. HOw many Cardinal Vertues be there A. 1. Prudence 2. Justice 3. Fortitude 4. Temperance and they are called Cardinal-Vertues because they are the fountains and as it were the hinges of all moral good works The gifts of the Holy Ghost Q. WHat how many are thâ— Gifts of the Holy Ghost A. Seven 1. Wisdom 2. Vnderstanding 3. Counsel 4. Fortitude 5. Knowledge 6. Piety 7. The fear of our Lord. The Fruits of the Holy Ghost Q. HOw many are the Fruits of the Holy Ghost A. They are in number twelve 1. Charity 2. Joy 3. Peace 4. Patience 5. Longanimity 6. Goodness 7. Benignity 8. Mildness 9. Fidelity 10. Modesty 11. Continency 12. Charity Gal 5. CHAP. XIII The works of Mercy Corporal and Sâ—iritual Q. HOw many are the works of mercy corporal A. Seven 1. To feed the Hungry 2. To give drink to the Thirsty 3. To cloath the Nakâ—â— â— To harbour the Harbourless 5. To visit the Sick 6. To visit the Imprisoned 7. To bury the dead Q. How prove you these works to be meritorious of a reward A. Because he that giveth a cup of cold water only to a Disciple in the name of a Disciple he shall in no wise lose his reward Mat. 10. And Christ hath promised Heaven as a reward to such as do these things S. Mat. c. 25. v. 35. Q. How many are the works of Mercy spiritual A. Seven also 1. To give counsel to the Doubtful 2. To instruct the Ignorant 3. To admonish Sinners 4. To comfort the Afflicted 5. To forgive offences 6. To bear patiently the troublesome 7. To pray for the quick and the dead Q. Is it lawful to pray for the dead A. Yes It is a wholesome and a holy cogitation to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins Machab. 12. Q. Is there also a reward give to these works A. Yes For they who instruct others unto Justice shall shine likâ— stars for all Eternity Dan. 12. ver 2. The eight Beatitudes Q. WHat are the eight Beatitudes A. 〈◊〉 â—overâ—â— of spirit 2. Meekness 〈◊〉 Mâ—â—â—ning 4. To Hungeâ— and Thirst af … â—usticâ— 5. Mercifulness 6. Cleanness of heart 7. T 〈…〉 Peace-makers 8. To suffeâ— Persecution for justice-sake CHAP. XIV Q. HOw