taught mee and said vnto me let thine heart hold fast my words c. The Prophesie which his mother also taught Prou. 31. 1. him What my sonne and what the sonne of my wombe c. giue not thy strength vnto women nor thy waies c. Teach a childe in the trade of his wayes and Prou. 2â— 6. when he is olde he shall not depart from it Precept must be vpon precept precept vpon precept line vnto line heere a little and there Esay 28. 10 a little as the Prophet speaketh in another kinde Luke 2. 42. 22. 23. Marke 10. 15. 16 Psal 78. Matth. 16. 15. 16. The example of our blessed Sauiour throughout the Euangelists is most pregnant and profitable to be considered in this kinde opening his mouth in parables and declaring hid sentences of olde And Philip ran thither and heard him reade the Prophet Esay and said but vnderstandest Act. 8. 30. thou what thou readest And he said how can I except I had a guide And he expounded c. And you fathers prouoke not your children Ephes 6. 4. to wrath but bring them vp in instruction and information of the Lord. For it shal be in the last times saith God I Ioel. 2. 28. Act. 2. 17. 1. Thess 5. 18. will powre out of my spirit vpon all flesh and your sonnes and your daughters shall prophesie Quench not the spirit despise not prophesying preaching and teaching Therefore leauing the doctrines of the beginnings Hebr. 5. 12. Hebr. 6. 3. 1. Cor. 3. 1. 2. of Christ let vs be led forward vnto perfection not laying againe the foundation of repentance from dead workes and of faith toward God of the doctrine of Baptisme and laying on of hands and of the resurrection from the dead and of eternall iudgement Let him that is instructed in the word make Gal. 6. 6. him that hath instructed him partaker of all his goods The instructers of yong Christians in the Primitiue Church were called Catechists and those instructed Catechumenine hearers or young hearers and their teachers teachers of the hearers These appeare to be in the times of the holy Fathers shortly after the Apostles age as Tertullian Cyprian Austin Ierome c. God Almighty the giuer of euery good and perfect gift reuine and continue it in this declining age to his glory Amen A PRAYER TO BE SAID before Catechising as followeth O Lord which openest and none shutteth open our eyes and touch our harts that wee may see and perceiue the wonderfull things of thy Law that our minds being inlightned with true knowledge and our hearts confirmed with vnfeined faith wee may more and more bee conformed to the Image of thy Sonne againe to serue thee in holinesse and righteousnesse keeping faith and a good conscience vntill wee attaine to the end of our faith euen the saluation of our soules through Christ our Lord and only Sauiour Amen A SHORT CATECHISME FOR THE Elder sort of the Children of Christs Hospitall in London To be vsed of them after the small Catechisme which is to be taught and learned of euery Child as is appointed by authority Quest SEING we are yet to speake of God the Soueraigne good and of his word our guide to true happynesse declare vnto vs what God is Ans God is an eternall Spirit almighty holy Iust and mercifull being an infinit perfection whose being is of himselfe giuing being to all without beginning of time or end of dayes one in essence and thrée distinct persones one mighty nature be they the Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost Quest Who is the Creator and gouernor of the world Ans This one almighty God the Father Gen. 1. 1. Ioh. 1. 3. Psal 136 5 Son and holy Ghost Quest Why were the Heauens Angels and celestiall bodies made Ans For the glory of God and seruice of man as the Psalmist saith the heauens declare the glory of God and the Apostle Psal 8. saith the Angels are all ministring spirits Heb. 2. for their sakes that shall be heires of Saluaâ—ion Quest But some Angels are tempters and hurters of mankinde Ans Those are Angels which kept not their first estate of truth and holinesse but through pride against God and mallice to men fell as starres from Heauen being sâ—aunderers of God and enimies to men called the diuell and his Angels reserued 2. Pet. 2. 4. Iude 6. in euerlasting chaines vnder darkenesse vnto the Iudgement of the great day Quest Amongst all the creatures which is the chiefest then Ans Man being considered in Christ Gen. 1. 26. Psal 8. 5. restored to grace Quest Why so Ans Because God hath indued him Gen. 2. 7. Psal 51. 6. with knowledge righteousnesse and true holynesse and giuen him reason to discerne betweene good and euill Quest What is the chiefest end of mans creation Ans To serue and glorifie God their Esay 43. 7. Tit. 2. 11. 12. Creator Quest What rule hath God left vnto vs how he would be serued Ans His holy Law first written in the Of the law Exod. 20. Psal 19. 7. hart and giuen by God consisting of ten Commaundements in two Tables Quest Deuide them Ans In the first foure which is the Dâ—ut 6. 45. Matth. 22 37. first Table is taught our dutie towards God In the latter sixe which is the second Table is contained our dutie to our Matth. 22. 39 Leuit. 19. 18. neighbour Quest Rehearse them Ans I am the Lord thy God which brought â—hee out of the Land of Aegypt out of the house of bondage thou shalt haue none other Gods but me Thou shalt not make to thy selfe c. Quest Shew me the sense of euery Commandement particularly Ans 1 In the first Commandement is set downe whom we should worship that is God only and alone Deut. 6. 13. Mat. 4. 10. 2 In the second how we should worship him namely according to his word in Math 15. 9 Deut 4 15 Act 7 29 spirit and truth without representations 3 In the third the end wherefore we ought to worship him that his name may be hallowed his kingdome inlarged and his blessed will accomplished in all and ouer Leuit 9 12. Esay 65 16 all by his word 4 In the fourth The time and meanes which the Lord hath appointed for his Exod 31 1 Cor 16 2 worship and seruice being the Sabbath day The Preaching of the Word administration of the Sacraments prayers and prayses Which foure precepts are the first Table containing our dutie toward God in hallowing his name In seeking his kingdome and learning his will 5 In the fifth which is the first of the second Table containing our duties towards our neighbours God taketh order for the duties of Inferiours towards their Superiours and Elders and of the Superiours Leuit 20 9 Rom 13 1. 2 to their Inferiours 6 In the sixth of the safety of our brothers life that
for benefits receaued Quest Is there any prescript forme of Prayer left vs in the holy Scriptures Ans Yes that which our Lord Iesus Christ hath taught and is called the Lords prayer containing all heauenly wisdome in Matth. 6. 9. Luke 11. 2. that kind consisting of sixe petitions and a conclusion as followeth Our Father which art in heauen c. Quest To whom must wee pray and in whose name Ans To God only the Father Sonne â—ohn 16. 23. and holy Ghost in the name of Christ Iesus Quest Why do we then name the Father only Ans The word Father in this place is not taken personally but essentially for Iude. 20. Rom. 8. 34. in the action of true prayer the holy Ghost is the first Mouer the Son the Mediator the Father gratiously hearing returneth Psal 22. 24. an answere in due time Quest Why must we pray to the Father in the name of his Son Mediator Ans Because God being displeased for Iohn 14. 6. Rom. 5. 10. sinne we can haue no accesse vnto him but by the meanes of Christ our Aduocate in whom he is well pleased Quest Why must we pray by the working of the holy Ghost Ans Because the holy Ghost assureth Rom. 8. 26. Ephes 6. 18. vs that God is our Father and also teacheth vs how to pray and what to pray for Quest What things are to be obserued of vs in prayer First before the action of prayer 1. We 1. Pet. 1. 17. must truly repent vs of our sinnes and hartely purpose to amend 2 In the action of prayer 1. We must Matth. 21 2â— haue faith in God through Christ â—mes 1 6 â—arke 11 24 â—atth 5. 44. â—d 6 14. 15 3 Loue to our brethren yea towards our enemies and zeale of affection to perseuere And after prayer 1. Wée must bée â—sal 18 21 thankefull for grace Watchfull ouer our affections to better â—pes 6. 18 â—om 8 25 our obedience after and patiently to tarrie the Lords leasure Quest These being obserued before in and after prayer tell me how many parts be there of prayer Ans Thrée parts Confession of sinne Petition for mercy and grace thankesgiuing for blessings receaued Quest How many parts be there of the Lords prayer Ans Two parts first of those which concerne Gods glory secondly of things concerning our selues Quest Which be those that concerne God Ans The Preface and the thrée first Petitions saying Our Father which art in Heauen hallowed by the name thy kingdome come Thy will be done c. Concluding with Kingdome Power and Glory Quest What vnderstand you by the Preface Our Father which art in Heauen Ans That Iehouah our God Iehouah the Father Sonne and holy Ghost is Deut. 6. 4. Marke 1â— 29. one and become our Father by the death and mediation of Christ his Son in whose name if wée approach vnto him with faith Iohn 20. 7 16. 27. and reuerence he will make manifest that he is both willing and able to heare and helpe vs. Quest What more Ans That being in Heauen hée requireth of vs heauenly mindes and affections to worship him in spirit and truth without any superstition of representation Math. 6. 5. Ioh. 4. 24. 25. or wil-worship according to carnal reason as it is forbidden in the first and second Commandements of the first Table Quest What vnderstand you by the first Petition Hallowed be thy name Ans That the glorious names and attributes of God his wisedome power Psalme 99. 3. Exodus 34. 6. Psalme 138. Psalm 145. â— word mercy iustice and workes may be honored and sanctified of vs in our thoughts words and workes which is the end of our creation and redemption the contrary whereof is forbidden in the third commandement of the first Table thou shalt not take the name of thy God in vaine 2 Q. What by the second Thy kingdome come A. That righteousnes peace and ioy in the holy Ghost may be increased in vs by Dan 7. 14. Luke 1. 33. Psalme 145. 11 12 13. the regiment of his Word and Spirit that Christ may raigne and dwell in our hearts by faith driuing out all aduersarie power of sinne and darknes that being his obedient subiects in the kingdome of grace we may speedâ—ly be fitted and suted with all his Elect in the kingdome of glory 3 Q. What by the third Thy will be done A. That God would subdue in vs by his grace all things repugnant to his word 1 Thessa 4. 3. Rom. 12. 2. will that with all holy desire diligence and integrity resembling his holy angels in heauen we may do his will as in his word he hath manifested it vnto vs being the perfect rule of faith and obedience for the Colos 1. 9. 10. 1 Pâ—ter 4. 2. honor and hollowing of his name the power increase and accomplishment of his kingdome are vnited to the doing of his will according to his word Q. By this wee may see that these three Petitions answere to the foure first Commandements of the first Table A. Yea for in them we learne our duty to God as concerning his worship faith feare and loue which in this wee pray fer grace to practise 4 Q. What vnderstand you by the second parts of this prayer and namely the fourth Petition Giue vs this day our dayly bread A. That God would vouchsafe to giue vs all such things as are needfull for vs and the place where we liue that we may liue without destresse of minde and pride of hart that honoring our Superiours and Parents we may liue a peaceable life in all godlynes and honesty abandoning all excessiue care for earthly things being content Math. 6. 24. 25. Philip. 4. 6. 1 Tim. 6. 8. with sufficient obtained by our lawfull labors that so it may go well with vs as it is promised in the first Commaundement of the second Table where it is said Honor thy father and thy mother that it may go well with thee 5 Q. What by the fifth Petition in the second part of this prayer Forgiue vs our trespasses as we forgiue them that trespasse against vs A. That confession of sâ—nnes must goe Prou. 28. 13 before remission because they seperate vs from God till they haue found free pardoâ— through faith in the merits of Christ the Mediator of the new Couenant who hath made reconciliation for sinne and purchased Dan. 9. 24. euerlasting righteousnes therefore for his sake we desire mercy for our sinnes and the punishments due to bee remoued because Exod. 34. 6. 7. they are pledges of Gods fauour declaring himselfe to be our God and Father Q. Why is this reason added As wee do forgiue others that trespasse against vs A. Lest we should presume to aske forgiuenes of God except we be free from hatred Matth. 6. 14. 15. Marke 11. 25 26. and malice as it is said If yee forgiue others God
will forgiue you therefore we pray that God who is infinite in mercies would pardon vs for we being wretched sinners hauing not one drop of grace yet through his grace are willing to forgiue others that Prouâ—â—b offend vs For if it be the glory of a man to passe by infirmities much more of God Q. What learne you by the last Petition And leade vs not into temptation A. In the former Petition wee desired pardon for sinnes past and heere wee pray for grace to resist sin in time to come that we may be supported and preserued in that â— Pet. 2. 9. Mat. 26. 41. state of grace whereunto wée are restored â—nd called by Christ Therefore wée pray â—hat we be not hardned with the deceitfulâ—es Luke 22. 40. Esay 1. 16. of sinne nor lead into ouer-hard triâ—ls against which our weakenes is not able to resist but that with the temptation 1 Cor 10. 13. â—he would giue the issue for his glory and our good Q. What vnderstand you by this But deliuer vs from euill A. That is from the diuell the author of al 1. Ioh. 3. 8. â—uill for we pray not simplie against temptation but against the euill of temptation that wee may haue grace and strength to tread Sathan sinne all aduersarie power Mat. 4. 3 4. Ioh. 17. 15. opposing it selfe to our saluation vnder feet through our Lord Iesus the séed of the woman who hath already triumphed ouer them and by whome wée hope and assure our selues we shall be perfect in his heauenly kingdome Q. What vnderstand you by the conclusion For thine is the Kingdome the Power and Glory for euer and euer A. The summe of all contained in the 1. Tim. 1. 17. rest because he is the immortall King inuisible and Almighty God only wise wee 1. Kingdome pray to serue him as his subiects in this 1. Peâ— 1. 5. life for the soueraignty of heauen earth is his and to bee preserued by his poweâ— 2. Power through faith vnto the life to come for he is all sufficient to performe that hée would glorifie his great name by all these means for all glory honor and praise is due tâ— 3. Glorie Psalme 145. 11. 12. him in Christ Iesus for euermore Q. Then the beginning and end of ouâ— prayers ought to be the praise and glorie oâ— God A. Yes for he is not worthy to receiuâ— new benefits who will not be thankefull Psal 103. 2. for former receiued Q. Why conclude you with Amen A. To shew our earnest desire and assured hope to obtaine our lawfull requestâ— through Christ the faithfull and true wiâ—nes Reuel 3. 14. in whom all the promises of God aâ— yea Amen Q. Then belike these three last Petitionâ— answere to the sixe last precepts of the teâ— Commandements of the second Table of the Law A. Yea verily for in them we learn ouâ— dutie towards men and héere we pray foâ— Psal 19. 7 8 9 10 11 12 13. grace to practise them that wée may liue â— peaceable life in all godlines and honestiâ— till wée bée fitted and ready for the life â— come in heauen Q. Are we sure to be heard praying according to these rules A. Yes certainly as the Scriptures of Psalm 138. 3. 145. 18. 19 God do abundantly teach vs. Q. But wee see God doth not alwayes graunt the Petitions of his children A. That is because God hath otherwise Ezek. 14. 14. 1. Psal 135. 6. Iames 3. 2. 2 3 4 first decréed with him self secondly because they aske amisse thirdly because in his profound wisdome he séeth it not good for them fourthly because he trieth their faith loue patience and constancie Q. Tell me now what is a Sacrament psal 33. 10. 2. Cor. 12. 9. Luke 19. 7. Iam. 3. 8. Of the Sacraments A. A seale of that righteousnes which is giuen by faith in the merits of Christ Iesus Q. How many seales or Sacraments of that kinde hath God left vnto his Church A. But two Sacraments of the new Gen. 17. 11. Rom. 4. 11. 1 Cor. 10. 1 2 3. Couenant as there were but two in the old figuring righteousnes giuen by faith Q. Which be they A. Baptisme and the Lords Supper answerable to Circumcision the Passeouer 1. Cor. 12. 13. 1. Cor. 10 16. and succéeding in their places Q. How many parts be there of a Sacrament A. Two the outward signe and the inward 1 â—et 3. 21. grace signified â— Pet. 3. 21. Q. What is the outward signe in Baptisme A. Water accompanied with the Word Math. 28. 19. Q. What the inward grace signified A. The washing away of sinne by faith in the blood of Christ and the reuiuing and sanctifying vnto true righteousnes by his Actâ— 22. 16. Titus 3. 5. spirit sealing vnto the heart the assurance of fra forgiuenes of sins by Christ Iesus Q. What further vse and end hath Baptisme A. To expresse that wée are admitted and incorporated into the house of God his Acts 15. 9. 1. pet 3. 20 21. Genis 17. 1â— Church whereof the Arke was a figure and receaued into the Couenant of grace heretofore figured in the seale of Circumcision Q. What doth God promise vnto vs in this Couenant of Baptisme A. Christ Iesus with all the benefits of his death buriall resurrection and ascention Rom. 6. 1. peâ— 3. 21. to the full assurance of the frée forgiuenesse of sinnes to iustification and life eternall Q. What is the condition that the partie baptised is to keepe and performe A. To repent and beleeue that is to renounce and forsake sinne Satan the world Marke 1. 4. 1. Ioâ— 1. 7. and all the workes of the flesh and to liue in holines and righteousnes according to the Spirit beginning his new birth and life in God to die to sinne and rise vp vnto Rom. 6. 3. 4. â— righteousnes of conuersation Q. Why are Infants baptised which can make no confession of faith repentance A. Because they are the séed of the faithfull and within the outward couenant vnto whom belong the promises of grace and Rom. 4. 12. 26. Mark 10. 14. of such is the kingdome of heauen though not of all but wée must leaue the hidden things to God the reuealed are for vs and our children to do them Deut. 29. 29 Q. What be the outward signes in the Lords Supper A. Bread and wine according to our Sauiours institution Q Which be the inward graces signified and sealed vnto vs by them A. The bodie and blood of Christ Iesus our Paschall Lambe without blemish offered Mat. 26. 26. 1. Cor. 10. 16. 1. Pet. 1. 18. 19. Rom. 4. 25. for vs working full redemption and iustification for all true beleeuers sealing vnto them his righteousnes to be theirs by frée imputation Q. What further vse hath the Lords Supsper A. To teach vs that our Couenant in
or pleasure Fourthly to be silent and secret not answering againe rudely and saucily nor reuealing their secrets abroad therefore it is wittily said by one that a good seruant should haue the back of an Asse to beare patiently the snout of a Swine to feed homely the tongue of a sheepe to keepe silence gently Or thus To haue large eares to heare readilie a short tongue speaking seldome and truly light feete swift in seruice and message cleane hands void of pilfering and cousenage Take pains in youth while strength dost last Then rest in age when health is past Be loath to offen be diligent to please Be willing to amend of sufferance comes ease Good paineâ— breedeth honor true â—ertue getteth fame Sloth bringeth miserie and vice â—ternall shame A youth void of industrie An age void of honestie Where vice in youth doth beare the sway There vertues will in age decay A youth well instructed Makes an age welâ— disposed Hâ— that in youth by reasâ—â— guides his daies In age shall keepe his footsteps from decayes SHORT SAYINGS FOR FVRther instruction of dutie towards God and man 1. Towards God LEarne to know God in his word Beleeue in God and his promises Feare God in his iudgements Loue God in his mercies Pray to him for grace Praise him for his goodnes Reade and heare his Word diligently Loue and reuerence his Ministers Frequent the places of prayer Be careful often to heare the word preached Quench not the spirit dispise not prophesing Feare God keepe his Commandements 2. Towards our Superiours Honor the King Obey good lawes Loue reuerence pray for the Magistrates Pay all duties to thy power Speake well of them in authoritie If they be good thanke God for them If they be euill pray for their amendement Princes are as the glasse the schoole the booke where subiects eies do reade do learne do looke Kings on earth are Images of God in heauen 3. Towards our Parents Honor thy Parents Reuerence their good counsell Obey their good Commandements Be subiect to their corrections Be humble reuerent and dutifull to them By good behauiour make them glad By ill demeanor make them not sad Deserue and seeke for their blessing Deserue not their curse Pray daily for them Releeue them if they be in want 4. Towards the aged Reuerence the aged Be dutifull to thy betters Be humble and lowly to them Be kinde and curteous to all 5. Of familiaritie Be friendly and familiar with the good Keepe no company with the euill Try before thou trust Hinder no mans good name Reioyce not in anothers crosse Beare with others infirmities that others may beare with thee Reioyce with those that reioyce Mourne with them that mourne Be geÌ„tle curteous to al offensiue to none Of Anger Be angrie against sin but sin not Appease debate absteine from hate If anger arise let not sin surprise Be not hard to be appeased Be mercifull and pitifull Be gentle and courteous 6. Of Speech Be slow to speake especially euill Be swift to heare good things Thinke before thou speake Speake aduisedly and truly Speake not vainely and skurrillously Answere aptly and mannerly Keepe counsell committed vnto thee Reueale not thy masters secrets Reueale not thine owne to euery friend Promise aduisedly pay thy debts truly Performe constantly Be not rash and foole-hardie Be not wise in thine owne conceipt Be not arrogant Striue not with thy ouer-match Be at peace with vertue warre with vice 7. Of learning and knowledge Loue vertue and knowledge Hate vice and ignorance Haunt wise mens company Shunne foolish society Praier hearing and reading increase knowledge without knowledge the mind is not good 8. Of thine estate Maintaine thy selfe iustly Liue in order Liue within thy compasse Be content with thine estate Pouerty is no hinderance to vertue Contented meane is greatest wealth 9. Of Apparell Be comely and cleane in thine apparell Be not proud and curious Be not slouenlike and rude Be sober in gesture and gate Be not idle and vaine 10. Of Diet. Take heed of all excesse for that is sinne Be temperat in diet Drinke moderatly and eate soberly Surfeting and drunkennes is a deadly sin Abstinence is good for soule and body 11. Of Recreation Vse moderate exercises Play not in any thing exceeding modestie and measure Redeeme the time and leese it not No greater losse then time and nothing lesse accounted of Neglected time is follies chiefest signe 12. Of the end The true and best ende of all is the feare of God When vertuous daies do end they are not done But liue two liues where others haue but one In all beginnings remember the end For to begin well is good but to end well is better Leud life is losse good death felicity The chiefest gaine the end of misery For that 's not death to change the life and die But that is death which doth all ioyes deny Then happy he who doth in time prepare To die to liue the end of worldly care The end of all things is at hand be sober therefore and watch vnto prayer A PRAYER TO BE SAID EVErie morning and euening by the I hil dren in their seuerall Wards And first remember that Without knowledge the mind is not good Without faith no pleasing of God Without nurture no attaining to vertue Without praier no hope of grace Therefore Euery one that is godly will pray in time conuenient â—sal 34. 14. 6. â—sal 31. 7. 8. â—sal 14. 9. â—0 â—sal 145. 18 â—sal 138. 6. But the wicked call not vpon God The Lord is nigh all them that call vpon him in truth and faithfully For though the Lord be high yet hath he respect vnto the lowly As for the proud hee beholdeth them a farre off O Eternall God and mercifull Father in Christ Iesus we humblie beseech thee to haue mercy vpon vs thy poore children and pardon all our sinnes committed against thy Diuine Maiestie at any time of our life heretofore either in omitting or committing any thing against thy blessed word and holy will and graunt vs thy grace O Lord that we may be truly repentant for them and hartily thankfull vnto thee for all thy vndeserued mercies and fauours bestowed vpon vs and the state and place wherein we liue beseeching thee for Christ his sake to continue and increase them euer hereafter both in soule and body vnto vs and also to receiue vs all into thy blessed protection that neither sinne nor Sathan assaile or preuaile against vs to hurt the peace of our soules or health of our bodies but that being blessed and protected by thee O Lord we may be better able and more carefull to serue thee in our seuerall places callings to become thy faithfull seruants instruments of thy glory for the good of thy Church Common-weale of our countrie wherin we liue O Lord blesse and defend our Soueraigne King the Queene and the Prince their Son with the rest of their Royal Progenie blesse his Maiesties honorable Counsellors and Nobles direct them all in office in the Church and State vnder him especially to aduance true religion and vertue and to punish sin and impiety Continue thy mercie and protection O Lord towards these his Maiesties Dominions of great Britaine and countries annexed and thy people and Churches in them increase the number of faithfull and painefull Preachers amongst them that so thy most holy name may be hallowed thy kingdome inlarged and thy blessed will accomplished in faith and loue in verity vnity O Lord blesse and defend this Citie with the Gouernors and gouernment thereof together with this house and whole societie and all those from whom we receaue this comfortable maintenance reliefe and godly education increase thy spirituall graces in them and multiplie thy temporall blessings vpon them O Lord that they neuer want will and meanes to go forward in performing the good workes thou hast begun for the aduancement of thy glorie the comfort of vs and others thy poore distressed ones the increase of their owne comfort in the assurance of thy mercy in Christ Iesus These mercies and all other blessings needfull O blessed God of grace and mercy we pray thee to graunt vnto vs and the rest of thy Church euen for Chrisâ—