in Cattell and Goods and had much contention with the Philistims about digging of Wells 4 In his old Age he blessed Iacob and Esau he dyed and was buried by his Sonnes Q. 6. What canst thou say of Iacob 1 A. He fled into a strange land for feare of his brother Esan 2 In his Travells being once benighted and lodging all night in the field he had a sweet dreame wherein he saw a ladder that reached from Earth to Heaven the Angells of God descending and ascending 3 He vowed a vow and is entertained by his Unkle Laban to have the care and oversight of his Cattell 4 He had many troubles with his Unckle whose two Daughters Leah and Rachell he married 5 He had twelve Sonnes and one Daughter and grew rich by Gods blessing upon him 6 He returned to his Fathers house with all he had gotten at his Unckles and by the way in his returne he met with shrode troubles 1 His Unckle pursued after him and charged him with theft 2 His brother Esau came with an Army against him 3 His Wife Rachel died in Childbed 4 His Daughter Dinah is ravished 5 His Sonnes Simeon and Levi committed Murther 6 His eldest Sonne committed Incest and his sonne Iudas whoredome After he came home and was setled his troubles about Ioseph began In his Old Age he removed with all his Family into Egypt and died there and his body was brought back into the land of Canaan end buried Q 7. What canst thou say of Ioseph Ioseph is a worthy patterne of Piety and Holinesse he feared God and took great care for his old Father Iacob and for all his family He was sold into Egypt by his own brethren and was there wrongfully imprisoned but by Gods wonderfull providence he is advanced to great honour and became the Father and preserver of the Land in time of Famine 3 He was married in Egypt and had two Sonnes he dyed and is embalmed EXODUS Q. 1. WHY is this Book called Exodus A. Because it containeth the History of Israels going out of the Land of Egypt by the mighty hand of God Q. 2. What became of Iacobs posterity after the death of Ioseph 1 A. They were miserably oppressed by the Egyptians 2 By command from the King all the male children were drowned as soon as they were borne the Midwives shewed much pitty towards them 3 Moses an Infant is miraculously preserved and bred up by King Pharao's own Daughter 4 Moses and Aaron are called and sent to the King to let Israel depart quietly out of the Land 5 Pharao hardned his heart and refused to let them goe for which he is punished with Nine plagues which are these 1 All the waters of the Land were turned into bloud God gave them bloud to drink for their cruelty towards the Israelitish Infants 2 God punished the land by Froggs 3 By Lice 4 By noysome Flyes 5 Murraine on Beasts and Boyles on Men. 6 By terrible haile thunder and lightning 7 By Locusts 8 By dreadfull darknesse 9 By killing the first Borne Q 3. What became of Israell 1 A. None of those Plagues touched them 2 They goe out of Egypt in hast 3 The Passeover is instituted 4 They come to the Red Sea Q. 4. What did God doe for them there and afterwords 1 He divided the Sea for them and they went on foot through it and the Egyptians following the waters returned and drowned them all 2 He led them by Moses into the Wildernesse and gave them the Law on Mount Sinai and there they having grievously finned by committing Idolatry at Moses his prayer for them are pardoned 3 He commanded them to set up the Tabernacle and gave them Lawes about Sacrifices Q. 5. How were they maintained in the Wildernesse 1 A. God gave them Manna from heaven and water out of a Rock 2 Their shooes add Garments did not weare out for Forty years Q. 6. How did Moses governe such a multitude in the Wildernesse 1 A. He appointed Magistrates and Officers under him by the counsell of his Father in Law 2 God usually appeared to Moses to direct him 3 He had the Oracle of Vrim and Thumim to ask counsell of God by 4 The Lord went along with his people and led them by a cloud by day and by a Pillar of Fire by night LEVITICUS The Question WHy is this booke called Leviticus A. Because it containeth the Lawes and dutyes of the Levites or Ministers of God under the Law before the comming of Christ in the flesh Read often the 26. chapter of this booke NUMBERS Q 1. WHy is this booke called Numbers A. 1. Because all the Males from 20. yeares and upward among the Israelites were numbred in the wildernesse by Moses at Gods command 2. Because Israels murmurings and punishments in the wildernesse are here set downe in order 3. Because their severall stations and removalls in the wildernesse are here numbred Q 2. Which were the great Rebellions of Israel in the wildernes A. Their Rebellions against God against Moses and Aron were many but three of them are most remarkable 1. That of Miriam for which she is punished with leprosy 2. That of all the people upon the returne of the spies out of the land of Canaan 3. That of Corah Dathan and Abiram whom the earth swallowed up and all their company Q 3. What became of Aaron the first high Priest under the Law A He dyed and was buried in the wildernesse and his Sonne Eleazar succeeded him Q 4. What warrs had Israel in the wildernesse A They had warres with the Amalekits and with the Midianites where we have the history of Balaam and of the zeale of Phineas and of a great plague among the Israelits for committing whoredome Q 5. What other memorable things have you in this booke A 1. The 72 Elders prophesyed 2. The brazen Serpent is set up 3. The Levits are numbered and divers cases in law determined as that of Zelophehads daughters 4. Moses is forewarned of his death and his successor is named to wit Ioshua 5. The two Tribes and a halfe obtaine the land on this side Jordan for an inheritance but with this condition to assist the other Tribes till they also could be setled in their inheritances DEUTERONOMY WHat canst thou say of this booke 1. This booke is called Deuteronomy that is to say a second law because it contains a repetition 1. Of lawes formerly given 2. Of mercyes formerly received 2. This booke is full of sweet admonitions and exhortations to Israel to be sincere and constant in Gods worship and service 3. This booke containeth Moses his swan-like song his blessing and prophecy his death and buriall and Iosbua's succession JOSHUAH The Question WHat readest thou in this booke A 1. The history of the warres of Canaan 2. The history of Israels going over Jordan as on dry land the waters giving way to them in a wonderfull manner 3. The Circumcision in Gilgall 4. Christ
THE PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION In Twenty Questions and Answers Whereunto is Added A Compendious History of the most Memorable passages of HOLY SCRIPTURE by way of Questions and Answers for the use and benefit of the Inhabitants of the Parish of WOTTON in Oxford shire By JOHN HOFFMAN B. D. Minister of Gods word 1 TIM 4.8 Godlinesse is Profitable to all things OXFORD Printed by L. Lichfield 1653. TO My Beloved Neighbours and Parishioners the Inhabitants of the Towne and Parish of WOTTON In Oxford-shire Beloved in the Lord 1. IT hath been my greatest care and constant endeavour ever since by Gods providence I was called to be your Pastour how I might withstand and hinder the growth of sinnes Prov. 14.34 Ioh. 17.3 which are a reproach to any People and how to build you up in the saving knowledge of Iesus Christ which is eternall life To which purpose in the ordinary course of my Ministry as you know I have gone over the principles of Religion by way of Catechizing more then once that so I might with the Lords assistance and blessing upon my labours lay a sure and a sound foundation in the tender hearts of the yonger sort of people who are so sweetly exhorted by Solomon â—ccles 12. to know and to remember their Creator now in the daies of their youth 2. It hath of late much troubled my spirit what good course I might take in these evill and unsetled times to settle and establish you in the Truth of the Gospell â—evel 3.1 to hold fast that which you have received that no man may take your Crowne and how to Preach the Word unto you that all may profit and upon my seeking of God in private to direct mee and after much selfe-disputing I resolved at last to look beyond all discouragements and frivolous exceptions of persons disaffected to Truth and Holinesse and in the integrity and simplicity of my heart to adventure upon this plaine and easy way First to Compose and Print a short Catechise containing the fundamentalls of our Christian Religion which being known and understood will enable you to give an account to every man 1 Pet. 3.15 that shall aske you a reason of the hope that is in you with meeknes and feare Sermons without the knowledge and understanding of fundamentall Truths are as if you should set a Browne Loafe and a Cheese Heb. 5.13.14 before Infants that call for Milke Secondly for as much as it is a sad thing to consider how many heare Gods word it may be every Lords day yet understand little and remember lesse having never been acquainted with the Historicall part of the Scripture to any purpose I have therefore very briefely contracted and set downe the most memorable Historicall passages thereof the knowledge whereof will I am confident be very helpfull unto you to understand Gods mind delivered in those comfortable Doctrines which upon the explication of any Text are by worthy Ministers of Christ commended unto you Thirdly because without the Lords blessing nothing can doe us good I have therefore in the latter end of this little Manuall set downe a short direction for younger Christians to pray by There are Foure holy duties which I heartily commend unto you and intreat you to practice 1. To read Gods word much in private and to pray with your Families the blessing of God is upon such Families 2. To take heed of prophaning the Lords Day and instead of unnecessary worldly works or sinfull recreations to call your Children and Servants after Dinner together before the second Sermon to give you an account of some part of the Catechise and of the History of the Bible which will put yours and their hearts into a holy posture for the publique exercises of the Church 3. I would intreat you to examine all your Doctrines you heare by the Word of God it is a way very pleasing to God as we see in the Example of the Noble Bereans 4. I would desire you to search after and to be well setled in the Doctrine of justification and of the Sacraments Other duties there are I should speake of but I would willingly be as short as I could Now the Lord Jesus blesse you and yours and so appeare upon you and my labours amongst you that in the day of judgement we may not be ashamed but stand with comfort before the Tribunall seat of Christ and receive an Fuge well done good and faithfull servants enter into your Masters joy Which shall be the daily prayer of Your most affectionate Friend and Pastour to serve you in Christ. JOHN HOFFMAN From my study at Wotton Feb. 16. 1653. A Short Catechisme OR Twenty Questions and Answers Containing the first Elements or Principles of our CHRISTIAN RELIGION The 1. Question WHAT is every one by Nature The Answer Every one by Nature is a poore miserable sinner not able of himselfe to doe any thing pleasing to God Rom. 7.24 Q. 2. How came wee to be so wretched A. 1. By the guilt of the first sinne commited by Adam and Eve in Paradise 2. By originall sinne which is not only a want of Gods image consisting in holinesse and righteousnesse but also a pronenesse and inclination to all sinnes 3. By our daily Actuall transgressions in thought word and deed Psal 51.5 Rem 5.12 Q. 3. What is sinne A. Sinne is a breach of Gods Law making us guilty of Gods curse and heavy judgements temporally and eternally 1 Ioh 3.4 Gal 3.10 Q. 4. How may wee be freed from this miserable condition A. Only by Jesus Christ the alone Mediator 'twixt God and Man 1 Tim 2.5 Q. 5. What is God A. God is a spirit infinite in power justice and mercy distinguished into three Persons God the Father God the Sonne and God the Holy Ghost and these three are one 1 Ioh 5.7 Q. 6. What believest thou concerning God the Father A. I believe that he created me and all the World out of nothing and that by his Almighty providence he upholds and most wisely disposes of all things to his own glory and the good of his Church Heb 11.3 Math 10.29 Prov 16.33 Q 7. What believest thou concerning Iesus Christs A. I believe that he being God from everlasting took mans Nature upon him in the fulnesse of time being conceived by the Holy Ghost borne of the Virgin Mary That he fulfilled the Law of God for mee and suffered much misery the death of the Crosse and Hells Torments That he was buried and rose againe the third day That he ascended up into Heaven to the highest glory and that he shall ere long come in great glory to judge the quick and the dead Phil 2.7 8 9. Q. 8. How many Natures hath Christ and how many Offices did he undertake for us A. Christ hath two Natures the humane and the Divine Nature Ioh 1.14 1 Tim 3 16. And he undertook three Offices for us 1 To be our Prophet to teach
Jeroboam and two only to Solomons Sonne Q. 7. How many Kings raigned only over the two Tribes that were Kings of Judah A. The Kings of Judah were twenty whose names are these 1 Rehoboam 2 Abiam 3 Asa 4 Jehosophat 5 Jehoram 6 Ahaziah 7 Queen Athaliah 8 Joash 9 Amazia 10 Azariah called also Vzziah 11 Jotham 12 Ahaz 13 Hezekiah 14 Manasseh 15 Amon 16 Josiah 17 Jehoaaz 18 Jehoiachim 19 Jehoiakin 20 Zedekiah Q 8. How many Kings Raigned over the Ten Tribes of Israel A. The Kings over Israell were Nineteene and none of them good their names are these 1 Joroboam 2 Nadab 3 Baasha 4 Elah 5 Zimri 6 Omri 7 Ahab 8 Abaziah 9 Jehoram 10 Jehu 11 Jehoahaz 12 Jehoash 13 Jeroboam 14 Zachariah 15 Shallum 16 Menahem 17 Pekaiah 18 Pekah 19 Hoshea Q. 9. What is said of the first King of Juda Rehobean 1. A. He neglected the good Counsell of old men and so lost the greatest part of his Kingdome 2 For his sinnes and the sinnes of the land the King of Egypt came with an Army and robbed the Temple which Solomon had built and beautified 3 He dyed and was little lamented Q. 10. What is said of Abiam the second King of Juâ—…s A. He was very wicked he Raigned but three years and died Q. 11. What canst thou say of Asa 1 A. He was a Godly King and reformed Religion 2 He prospered in his Warres against Baasha and against the Ethiopians 3 He and his Subjects entred into a strict Covenant to serve God according to his word 4 Two sinnes are laid to his charge 1 His unkindnesse to the Prophet Hanani 2 His looking more after Physitians then God 5 He fell sick of a disease in his feet and died Q. 12. What is said of Jehosaphat 1 A. He like his Father Asa maintained true Religion 2 He is blamed for keeping friendship with Ahah 3 He walked in the first wayes of David being zealous 4 He caused the Priests to goe from Towne to Towne to Catechise the people 5 In a time of Warre he seekes God and gets a great victory he Reigned gloriously and died peaceably Q 13. What is said of Jehoram A 1 He was wicked and Idolatrous for which he is reproved in a letter from the Prophet Eliah but he despised it 2 For his sinnes God smote him with an incurable dsease and paine in his bowells where of he dyed 3 His death was not lamented neither was he buried among the Kings of Juda. Q 14. What is said of Abaziah A He was a very wicked King he reigned but one yeare and going to see the King of Israel is slaine there by Jehu Q 15. What readest thou of Queen Athaliah A 1 She being the Queenes mother undertaks to reigne killeth all the Royall seed excepting one yong Prince Joash who was secretly carried away and preserved by his Aunt Jehoshebah the wife of Jehoiadah the high Priest 2 This Queene was afterwards slaine by the command of the high Priest and Joash the yong Prince succeded Q 16. What is said of Joash A 1 Joash is made King by Jehoiadah the high Priest and did well so long as this Priest lived taking great care for the repairing of the Temple 2 After the death of his Uncle the high Priest he groweth very wicked and being reproved by his Uncles sonne then the high Priest he caused him to be killed an ill requitall to his Uncle who had saved his life preferred him to the Crowne 3 Jehoiadah dying is buried among the Kings 4 Joash by a conspiracy is slaine by his Courtiers Q 17. What canst thou say of Amaziah A 1 He was a religious Prince and revenged his Fathers Murther 2 He challenged Jehoash King of Israel to fight with him but he is worsted by him 3 He hired souldiers out of Israel for an 100 shekells of silver but being advised by a Prophet to let these Souldiers goe backe againe to their own homes because they were wcked Idolaters he obeyed and is content to loose the mony God is able saith the Prophet to give thee much more then this mony commeth to 4 He fights with the Edomites and having conquered them worshippeth their ldole Gods for which beingreproved by a Prophet he continued obstinate and at last growing proud he is killed by a conspiracy Q 18. What read we of Azaria or Vzziah A 1 He was good King and reigned 52 yeares 2 He overcame the Philistians in Battell 3 He was a Lover of Husbandry and Cattell 4 At last he medling with the Priests Office he is smitten with leprosy and dyed Q 19. What is said of Jotham A There is little said of him only he executed his Fathers Kingly office after his Father was leprous Q 20. What is said of Ahaz A 1. He was very wicked the Scripture saith this is that Ahaz to shew the greatnesse of his sinnes and wickednesse he offered his sonne to the Idole Molech in the fire 2 He lost part of his Cuntery and hired the King of Assyria to helpe him against the Syrians 3 He put up an Idolatrous Alter after the forme of that he saw in Damascus and made great changes in Religion for the worse and dyed Q 21. What do we read of Hezekiah A 1 He was one of the best Kings of Juda and reformed Religion and brake the brazen serpent set up by Moses in the Wildernesse 2 He kept a stately passover and perswaded all his subjects to binde themselves by a vow to serve the Lord. 3 God delivered him and Jerusalem from the Army of Senacharth an Angell from Heaven fighting for them 4 He fell sick and upon his prayer God added 15 yeares to his life 5 He was a great builder and became exceeding famous 6 He offended God by shewing his Treasures on t of vaine glory to the Ambassadors of the King of Assyra and dyed Q 22. What is said of Manasseth A 1 He was one of the most wicked Idolatrous Kings of Juda and dealt with Devills and wizzards and spilt much innocent bloud 2 He is led away captive into Babylon and upon his repentance he is restored againe to his Kindome and dyed Q 23. What is said of Amon A He was very wicked and is slaine by his own servants in his house Q 24. What do we read of Josiah A 1 He was one of the best Kings of Juda and being very yong when his Father was slaine he was by the care of his Mother the high Priest religiously bred up 2 The Prophetesse Huldah foretells Gods Judgements upon the land and a Blessing upon him for humbling himselfe at the reading of the Law 3 He kept a most solemne Passover and destroyed the Idolatry of Juda and Israel 4 He goeth contrary to Gods command to war against Pharao Necho and is there unfortunately slaine whose death was lamented by all specially by the Prophet Jeremy Q 25. What is said of Jeboahaz A He is taken captive by
Of the Holy Prophets of the Old Testament Q. 1. HOw many Prophets have left us their Books in the Old Testament A. Sixteene whereof the foure first are called the greater Prophets and the other twelve are called the lesser Prophets because they have not written so largely as the foure greater have done Q 2. What saist thou of the Prophet Esay 1 He and Jeremy Preached before the Babylonian captivity Ezekiel and Daniel Prophecyed in the captivity 2 Esay speaks so sweetly and plainly of Christs Nativity and Passion as if he had seen it and is therefore called a Propheticall Evangelist JEREMY LAMENTATION Q. 1. WHat saist thou of Jeremy 1 A. He was called to be a Prophet when he was young 2 He Preached in Jerusalem when the City was besiedged and he often intreated King and People with much importunity to hearken to Gods word and to preserve the Citty and Temple from burning and themselves from bitter bondage For which good Counsell this Prophet is hated and continually kept in wofull prisons 3 At last Jerusalem is taken by the Galdeans and destroyed whereupon Jeremy hauing his liberty granted by the Caldean Generall laments over the sad ruine of his Country in the Booke of the Lamentations EZEKIEL Q WHat canst thou say of Ezechiel A He preached to the Jewes at Babylon in their captivity convinced them oâ— Gods just judgments upon them for their sinnes and assured them of future deliverance and of the rebuilding of Jerusalem and of the rebuilding of the Temple for which purpose he hath many visions DANIEL Q WHat is said of Daniel A 1 He for his singular wisdome and Faithfulnesse is prefered to very great honour under those three Emperours especially Nebucadnezar Beltshassar and Darius 2 Three of his fellow captives are throwne into a fiety Furnace and Daniel himselfe is cast into a Lyons den but are all preserved they trusting in God 3 God declared much of his minde to Daniel concerning things to come by visions Angells he speakes of the Resurrection and the day of Judgment in the last Chapter The twelve lesser PROPHETS Q. WHat saist thou of them A 1 Of the twelve lesser Prohets some preached before the Captivity some in and some after it 2 Their maine businesse was to perswade people to repentance and to threaten the impenitent with Gods wrath and to comfort the penitent 3 The last Prophet was Malachy who Prophecyed of John the Baptist and of the Comming of Jesus Christ the Sonne of Righteousnesse APOCRYPHA Q. 1. WHat saist thou of the Apocripha Books usually bound up with the Canonical Books of Scripture The Apocrypha Books are not the pure infallible word of God Because 1 They containe many fabulous things as the History of Susanna of Bel and the Draggon of Judith and the like 2 Because they were not written by Prophets immediately inspired by the Holy Ghost For the Author of the Books of the Maccabes in the latter end asketh pardon if he have not done well which aâ—… greeth not with the Majesty of holy Scripture 3 Because these Books containe many things contrary to the Truth as diverse passages in the Book of Tobit and the rest testify 4 Because they were not written in the Hebrew Language as the Canonicall books of the Old Testament were Neither is any of them mentioned by Christ or his Apostles in the New Testament We may read them and take notice of some passages concerning the people of God in those daies we may also see in the reading of them the difference twixt the writings of meere men and those that are written by holy Prophets inspired by the Holy Ghost 2 Pet. 1.19 The New TESTAMENT Q. 1. WHY is it called the New Testament A. Because it doth discover to us the free Grace and Mercies of God promised in the Covenant of Grace For God made two Covenants with the World 1 A Covenant of Workes which is Doe this and thou shalt live 2 A Covenant of Grace and that is Believe and thou shalt live as it is in the Gospell Q 2. What is the Gospell A. The Gospell declareth the glad tidings of Salvation by Jesus Christ where â—…ote that The Old Testament speaks chiefely of the Acts of God the Father The foure Gospells set forth the workes of God the Sonne The Acts and Epistles of the Apostles shew forth the workes and wonders of God the Holy Ghost after Christs ascention into Heaven Q. 3. Which are the chiefe Sermons of Christ a Christian should often read and learne to understand A. There are foure especially First Christs Sermon upon the Mount iâ—… the 5 6 and 7. Chapters of S Matthew Secondly his Sermon to the Ministers of the Gospell in the 10. Chapter of S Matthew Thirdly his Sermon of the day of judgement and the end of the world in the 24 and 25. Chapter of S. Mathew Fourthly his farewell Sermon to his Disciples in the 14 15 and 16. Chapters of S Iohn To which Sermons adde Christs Heavenly Prayer for the Church the 17. Chapter of S. Iohn S. MATTHEW Q. WHat saist thou of S. Matthew 1 A. He was called by Christ from the receipt of custome to be an Apostle and he was willing to forsake all and to follow him 2 His Gospell containes Christ's Nativity his life death and Resurrection 3 S. Matthew writes some things which other Evangelists have not as 1 The genealogy of Christ from Abraham downeward to Joseph and Mary 2 The History of the Wise Men. 3 Josephs purpose to forsake his espoused Wife upon a mistake 4 Christs fleeing into Egypt from the fury of King Herod 5 The bloudy murther of the Infants of Bethlehem 6 Some Parables which the other Evangelists have not S. MARK Q WHat canst thou say of S. Mark 1 A. S. Mark was no Apostle but an Evangelist and a Disciple of S. Peter with whose help he wrote the History of Christs Life Death Resurrection and Ascension 2 This Evangelist is more large in the description of Christs Miracles then in other passages of Christs Life and Death S. LUKE Q. WHat say you of his Gospell and of him 1 A. S. Luke by profession a Physitian was one of the 70 Disciples employed by S. Paul in the planting of the Gospell 2 He observeth many things which other Evangelists have omitted as 1 The History of Zachary and Elizabeth and the Nativity of John the Baptist 2 The Angell Gabriells salutation to the blessed Virgin Mary 3 The History of old Simeon and of Anna the Prophetesse 4 Christs disputing with the Doctors when he was but twelve years old 5 The time of Christs Nativity namely in the Reigne of Augustus the Emperour of Rome 6 The manifestation of Christs Nativity by Angells to the Sheapheards 7 Christs Circumcision the eight day 8 The Genealogy of Christ upward to Adam 9 The Parable of Dives and Lazarus and of the Prodigall sonne c. 10 Christs praying whole nights in desert mountaines alone 11
us 2 Our High Priest to dye and to pay for us 3 Our Heavenly King to rule us by his word and spirit Apoc. 1.5 Q 9. What believest thou concerning the Holy Ghost A. I believe that the Holy Ghost is God and that he is sent to mee and to all Gods Children to guide us to teach us to make us Holy and to comfort us in all our afflictions Ioh 14.26 Q 10. How may we get God to be our God and Father A. By Faith in Jesus Christ alone Ioh 3.16 Q 11. What is Faith A. A precious gift of God whereby I perswade and assure my selfe that God for Christs sake hath justified mee and will accept of mee imputing Christs righteousto mee and imputing my sinnes to him 2 Cor 5.21 Q 12. How may we get and increase Faith A. 1. By the hearing of Gods word of true and faithfull Preachers Rom 10.17 2. By Prayer asking of God in the name of Jesus Christ things lawfull and needfull for soule and body according to the Lords prayer 3. By the Sacraments Q 13. What is a Sacrament A. An outward signe and seale of the Covenant of Grace Rom 4.11 What the Covenant of Grace is see Heb â—0 16 17. Q 14. How many Sacraments have we Christians A. Two only Baptisme and the Lords Supper 1 Cor 10.2,3 To these Sacraments all those have right to whom the promises are made upon this ground wee Baptize the Infants of Christian Parents and when afterwards they come to the years of discretion and can examine themselves wee also admit them to the Lords Supper Act. â—… 39 1 Cor 11.28 Q 15. What is required of one that will receive the Communion A. He that will receive the Communion must not be utterly ignorant nor scandalous in his life but must carefully examine and try aforehand 1. His knowledge of Christ 2. Faith 3. Repentance which is a change from worse to better upon true sorrow for sinne 4. Love and Charity 5. His obedience and thankfulnesse Q 16. What is it to eate the flesh and drink the bloud of Christ in the Sacrament A. To believe and to assure my selfe that what the Lord Jesus hath done or suffered he hath done it also for my soule and that I am really spiritually united unto him Joh 6.54 63. Q 17. What is expected of us after we have received the Lords Supper A. 1. To try what spirituall strength and comfort we have gotten by it 2. To pay our vowes 3. To increase daily in Grace 4. To praise God that we have a place in Gods Church among his people Psal 116.12 13. Q 18. What dost thou meane by the Church A. The company of all Gods Elect that have been are or shall be called out of the World to be Saints Acts 2.47 Q 19. What are the true Christians constant exercises A. 1. To keep a good Conscience Act 24.16 2. To be much in Prayer and Fasting 3. To read and heare Gods word 4. To keep the Lords day 5. To doe good to all but specially to Godly Christians 6. To doe as I would be done by according to the Morall Law the Ten Commandements which are the Rule of mans life 7. To repent daily of our daily failings and in all these duties to believe that God will accept of me for Christs sake alone without whom our best performances are sinfull and abominable Rom. 14.23 Heb 11.6 Q 20. What are the Christians priviledges A. 1. T is a great priviledge to be a Member of the true Church 2 To have Union Communion with Christ and his Church 3 To have the forgivenesse of my sinnes sealed to me in the bloud of Christ 4 To dye in the Faith of Christ 5 To be raised up at the last day to eternall Glory 6 To stand at Christs Right hand and to judge the World and Angells 7 That when the wicked shall goe away with the Divells to Hell Fire for ever I shall with all Gods Elect follow Christ into Heavenly Glory to see God Face to Face singing Hallelujah to him that sits upon the Throne and to the Lamb for ever more Math 25.46 Ioh 5.28 Glory be to the Lord. AMEN The History of the Bible in Questions and Answers GENESIS The 1. Question WHAT is contained in this first Book of Scripture The Answere A. In Genesis is contained the History of the three first Patriarks Of Adam before the floud Of Noah in the floud Of Abraham after the floud And the History also of the other Three great Patriarks Isaak Iacob and Ioseph Q 2. What was done before the Floud 1 A. God created Heaven and Earth Adam and Eve and all things in Six daies out of nothing and rested the seaventh day 2 God prepared Paradise for our first Parents and put them therein and for sin turned them out againe 3 Adam in the state of Innocency according to the Wisdome bestowed upon him gave fit names to all Creatures 4 Cain killed his brother Abel 5 Henoch walked with God and was taken up into Heaven 6 The rest of those lesser Patriarks invented diverse Arts cap 5. Q 3. What was done in the daies of Noah 1 A. The whole World was drowned by a floud 2 The cause was man's sinne and want of Repentance upon warning given by Noah 3 Noah and his Family with some Beasts of all kinds were preserved in the Ark. 4 The Raine-bow was given for a Token that God would never destroy the World by Water any more 5 The building of the Tower of Babel iâ— undertaken by some and punished Q. 4. What canst thou say of Abraham 1 A. Abraham was called by God out of his owne Country to sojourne in the Land of Canaan which God afterwards gave to him and to his posterity for an Inheritance 2 He entertained Angells unawares and prayd for Sodom and Gomorah and hath a Sonne by Sarah 3 He met with many afflictions in his Travells to and fro with his Wife Sarai his maid Hagar and his kinsman Lot 4 He fought a great Battell with the assistance of his own Servants against the heathen Kings wherein he obtained the victory and recovered his kinsman Lot that had been taken captive and at his returne Melchisedeck blesseth him to whom Abraham paid Tithes of the spoyles taken in that war 5 Abraham built many Altars to God is carefull to teach his Family the knowledge of God and is willing to sacrifice his sonne Isaak 6 He had many troubles about Ismaell Hagars sonne 7 He purchased a piece of land to be a burying place for his family and there Sarah was buried 8 He took great care to have his sonne Isaak married in a Godly way 9 After the death of Sarah he Married againe and had divers children 10 He dyed and was honourably buried Q. 5. What canst thou say of Isaak 1 A. Isaak feared God as Abraham his father had done 2 He loved Rebecca his Wife 3 He was a great man among the Philistims rich