The first part of mans wretchednesse or miserable state.

Question.

BY what meanes shalt thou come by the knowledge of thy wretchednesse?

Answere.

By the lawe of God. Rom. 3.20.

Question.

What doth the lawe of God require of vs?

Answere.

That doth Christ in a short summe teache vs. Mathew xxij. & Luke x. Thou shalt loue the Lorde thy God, with all [Page]thy heart, with all thy soule, with al thy thought, & with al thy strength. Luk. 10.27 This is the first, and greatest cōmandement. And the seconde is like vnto this. Thou shalt loue thy neighbour as thine owne selfe. And the whole law and Prophets hang vppon these two commaunde­mentes.

Question.

Canst thou kéepe all these thinges perfectly?

Answere.

No, Rom. 3.10. 23 1. Iohn. 1.8 for I am readie & disposed of nature, to hate God & my neighbor. Rom. 8.7. Ephe. 2▪ 3.

Question.

Did God then make man so vntoward, crooked, and so frowarde?

Answere.

No, Tit. 3 Gen. 1.31. for he made him good, and vn­to the likenesse of his owne selfe, Ge. 1.36.27 that is, endued with true righteousnes and holinesse, that he shoulde rightly know God his maker, and hartely loue him, and liue for euer with him, to that end that he might loue & prayse him. 2. Co. 3.18 Col. 3.10. Ephe. 4.24.

Question.

Then, from whence sprange vp this [Page]crooked frowardnes of mans nature?

Answere.

Of the fall and disobedience of our first father and mother, Adam & Eue, Gen. 3.5. Rom. 5.12.18 19. by whom our nature is made so crooked & naughtie, that we be all conceiued and borne in sinne. Psal. 51.7. Gen. 5.3.

Question.

Are we then all so wounded, that we be vtterly vnsufficiēt to do any good thing, and disposed and readie to all vice and wickednesse?

Answere.

Yes surely Iohn. 3.6 Gen. 6.5 except that we be borne againe by the holie Ghost. Ioh. 3.5.

Question.

Doth not God then do wrong to man, whiles he requireth of him by the lawe to doe those things which he is not able to doe, performe, and fulfill?

Answere.

Noe, Ephe. 4.24. for God made Adam so, that he might fulfil those thinges, but he at the entisement of the diuel, Luk. 10.30. &c. & by his owne stubbornes, both spoyled himselfe and his after commers of those godlye giftes.

Question.

Doeth God let go vnpunished such stubburnes, and departing from him?

Answere.

Nay, he is by horrible meanes angrie, Rom. 5.12. Heb. 9.27. both with our sinns that are grafted in vs by nature, & also with them that we afterwards worke and doe, and the same he punisheth by his moste righte­ous iudgement, with present and euer­lasting punishments, as hee doth pro­nounce. Cursed is euerie man that abi­deth not in all thinges that are written in the booke of the Lawe, to doe them. Deut. 27.26 Gal. 3.10.

Question.

Then is not God also mercifull?

Answere.

He is in déed mercifull, Exod. 34.6. but so that he is also righteous, Exo. 20.5. Psal. 5.5. 2 Cor. 6.14. wherfore his righ­teousnes requireth, y ^e that which is don against the most high maiestie of God, shold be punished with the greatest pu­nishmentes both of soule and bodie.

The seconde part of the deliuerance of man.

A. iiij.

Question.

THen, when as by the right iudgemēt of God, we are in daunger both of e­uerlasting paynes, and of such that la­steth here but for a time: is there yet any way or meanes whereby we may be deliuered from these paynes, and bee brought into fauour againe with God?

Answere.

God will that we shal make amends or satisfactiō vnto his righteousnes, Exod. 25. & 23.7. wherefore we must néeds either by our selues, or by some other, content him Rom. 8.3.4.

Question.

Can we by our selues make amends or satisfaction vnto him?

Answere.

By no meanes at all, but rather frō day to day, to encrease our debt. Iob. 9.2.3. & 15.15. Matth. 6.12.

Question.

Can any creature in heauen or in earth, which is onely a creature, make satisfaction, recompence, or amendes for vs and our sinnes?

Answere.

None at all: For to beginne withall, God will not punish that in any other [Page]creature which is due to be paid by mā, Heb. 2.14. and moreouer it can not (because it is nothing but a creature) abyde the wrath of god against sinne, and deliuer other from the same. Psal. 130.

Question.

What manner of man is to be sought out, to be our mediatour and deliuerer?

Answere.

He which is in déede, a verie right man, and perfectly righteous, and yet more mightie then al creatures, that is he which also is euen verie true god 1. Cor. 15.21. Ier. 23.6. Isai. 53.11. 2. Cor. 5.25 Heb. 7.16. Ies. 7.14. Rom. 8.3. Ier. 33.16.

Question.

Why is it néedefull that hee shoulde be a verie man, & perfectly righteous?

Answere.

Because the righteousnesse of God re­quireth, that y ^e same nature which hath sinned, should pay and make amendes for sinne. Rom. 5.1.15. But he that is a sinner, can not paye and make amendes for other sinners. 1. Pet. 18.

Question.

Why must he also be verie GOD withall?

Answere.

A.v.

That by his godly power he may abide the burthen of gods wrath in his flesh, Isay. 5.8. Act. 2.14. 1 Pet. 3.18. & may get againe and restore vnto vs, the righteousnes and life which we haue lost. 1. Io. 1.2. & 49.10. Act. 20.28. Ioh. 3 16.

Question.

Who is that mediatour which is both verie God and verie man, and perfectly righteous withall?

Answere.

Our Lord Iesus Christ, Math. 1.23. 1 Tim. 3.16. Luk. 2.11. which is made vnto vs the wisedome of GOD, righteousnes, hallower & deliuerer. 1. Cor. 1.30

Question.

Howe knowest thou this?

Answere.

By the Gospel which God did open in Paradise, Gen. 3.15. and afterwarde hath far­ther set it abroade by the Patriarches and Prophets Gen. 22.18. & 49.10.11. Rom. 1.2. Heb. 1.1. Act. 3.22.23 24. & 10.11. Rom. 1.2. Heb. 1.1. Heb. 10.7. & did darkely declare it as it were in a shadow, by the sacrifi­ces and other ceremonies of the law (e) and laste of all fulfilled it by his onely begotten sonne. Rom. 10.4. Gal. 4.4.

Question.

Then is saluation giuen by Christ to all men that perished in Adam?

Answere.

Not to all: but onely to them that by a true faith are graffed into him, & re­ceiue or be partakers of his benefits or good déeds. Ioh. 1.12 & 3.36. Ies. 53.11. Psal. 2.12 Rom. 11.17.19. Heb. 4.2. & 10.39.

Question.

What is faith?

Answere.

It is not onely a knowledge, wherby I do surely assent to al things Heb. 11.1.3 Iac. 2.19, Gal. 2.20. which God hath opened to vs in his word: but also a sure trust Rom. 4.16. &c. Iac. 1.8. Rom. 5.1. kindled in my heart by the holy Ghoste Matt. 16.17 Ioh. 3.5. Ga. 5 2. Phil. 1.1.9. through the gos­pel, Rom. 1.16. Rom. 10.17. wherby I am at peace with god, surely reckning with my self and iudg­ing, that for giuenesse of sinnes, euerla­sting life, and righteousnesse, was giuē not onely to others but also to me Heb. 10.38. Heb. 2.4. Mat 9.2. Eph. 2.7.8.9. Rom. 5.1 & that fréely by the mercie of God, for the deseruing of Christ alone. Rom. 3.24 25. Gal. 2.16.

Question.

What are those thinges that a Chri­stian man must néeds beléeue?

Answere.

All thinges that are promised in the Gospel, Ioh. 20.31. Mat 28.20. the sum wherof is conteined [Page]in the créede, or articles of our faith, wherein is shortely conteined, as in a certaine short summe, the chéefe points of the Catholike and vndoubted faith of all Christians.

Question.

What is the Créede ye speake off?

Answere.

I Beleue in God the Father almighty, maker of heauen and earth. And in Iesus Christ his onely begotten sonne our Lord. Which was conceiued by the holy Ghost, borne of the virgin Mary. Suffered vnder Pontius Pilate, was crucified deade and buried, went down into hell. The thirde day he rose againe from the deade. And went vp into hea­uen, and sitteth there at the right hande of God the father Almighty. Frō thence shall he come to iudge the quick and the dead. I beléeue in the holy Ghost. That there is a catholike church. A commu­nion of Saints. Forgiuenesse of sinnes. The rising againe of the flesh. And the life euerlasting. Amen.

Question.

Into how many parts is this Créede [Page]deuided?

Answere.

Into thrée partes: the first is of the euerlasting father, and of our creation. The seconde is of the sonne, and our re­demption or deliuerance. The thirde is of the holy Ghost, and making of vs ho­ly, and fauing vs from sinne.

Question.

When as there is but one onely sub­stance of God: Deut. 6.4. Ephe. 4.5.6. Why namest thou thrée: y ^e father, the son, & the holy ghost?

Answere.

Because God hath so opened him selfe in his worde, Ies. 16.1. Luk. 4.18. psa 110.1. Math. 3.16.17. & 28.19. 1. Ioh. 5.7. that these thrée sundrie persons are that one, true, and euerla­sting God.

Of the Father.

Question.

VVHat doest thou beléeue, when thou saist, I beléeue in god y ^e fa­ther almightie, maker of heauē & earth?

Answere.

I doe beléeue that the euerlasting fa­ther of our Lorde Jesus Christ, whiche hath made of nothing heauen & earth, [Page]and all things that are therein: Gen. 1.6. Psal. 33.6. and with his euerlasting counsell and pro­uision, vpholdeth and gouerneth all the same Psal. 104. & 115.3. Matth 10.29. Heb. 1 3. Rom. 11.36 for Christes sake, is my god & my father: Iohn. 1.12. Rom. 8.15. Gal. 4.5.6▪7. Ephe. 15. and therefore so trust and rest in him, y ^e I do not doubt but he will prouide for me all things néedeful both for my soule and Psal. 55.23. Matth 6.25. 26. Luk. 12.22. body, and that he wil also turne vnto my saluation, all the e­uilles and troubles that he layeth vpon me Rom 8.28. in this troublesome life, both be­cause hee can doe it, as an almightie God, Rom. 10.12 and will do it, as a gentle Fa­ther. Matth. 6.26 & 7.9.10.11.

Question.

What is the prouision, or prouidence of God?

Answere.

The almightie power of God Matth. 17.25. &c. pre­sent in euerie place, whereby it holdeth vp as it were with a hande Heb. 8.2.3. and go­uerneth heauen and earth and all crea­tures, in so much that those thinges that growe vppon the earth, as raine, also faire weather, and drinesse, plen­teousnesse in bearing, and barreunesse, meate and drinke, Ier. 5.24. Act. 14.17. health and sicke­nesse, [Page] Ioh. 9.5. riches and pouertie: Prouerb. 22.2. to con­clude, all things fall and come vnto vs, not without aduise or by chance, but by his fatherly aduised counsell, will, and purpose.

Question.

What profite haue we by this know­ledge of the creation, and prouidence of God?

Answere.

That in aduersitie we may bee pati­ent, Rom. 5, 3. Iac. 1▪ 3. Iob. 1.21. and in prosperitie thankeful, Deut. 8.10. 1, Thess. 5.18 and in time to come, we may haue a very good hope in God our most faithfull Father, Ro. 5.4.5.6. knowing that there is no­thing that can draw vs away from his loue, Rom▪ [...], 38.39. for all creatures are so in his power that without his will they can not onely doe nothing, but euen not so much as to stir or moue. Iob. 1.12. & 2.6. Pro. 21. 1 Act. 17.25.28.

Of the Sonne.

Question.

WHy is the Son of God called Ie­sus, that is, the sauiour.

Answere.

Because hee saueth vs from all our [Page]sinnes, Matth. 1.21 Heb. 7.25. and as no saluation ought to be craued of any other, [...] there none be found in other, but in h [...]dne. Act. 4.12.

Question.

Then whether doe they beleeue in the onely sauiour Iesus, which séeke happi­nes and saluation of saintes, or of them selues, or of any other thing?

Answere.

No, for although they boaste them­selues, and reidice in him as th [...] savi­our in their wordes, yet for all that, in verie déede they denie the onely saviour Iesus, 1. Cor. 1.13. & 31. Ga. 5.4 for either must Iesus not be a perfect sauiour, or else al they y ^e receiue him with a true faith for a sauiour, haue in their possession in him, al thinges ne­cessarie vnto saluation. Heb. 12.2. Ies. 96. Col 1 19.20. &. 2.10. Iohn. 1.16

Question.

Why is he called Christus; that is, anointed?

Answere.

Because he was ordeyned of the Fa­ther, & was annointed of the holy ghost; Psal. 45.8. Heb. 1.9. the highest prophet and doctour, Deutr. 18.15 Act. 3.22. which opened vnto vs the secret coun­sell, Ioh. 1.18. & 15.15. and all the will of his father concerning [Page]our redemption & deliuerance. And the high Priest, who with one sa­crifice or offering of his bodie and no moe: hath bought vs againe, and conti­nually maketh intercession to his Fa­ther for vs. Rom. 8.34. & 5.9.10. And a King which gouer­neth vs with his worde and his spirite, and defendeth and kéepeth the saluation which we haue gotten by him. Psal. 2.6. Luk. 1.33. Matth. 28.18. Ioh. 10.28.

Question.

But why art thou called a christian?

Answere.

Because through faith I am a member of Iesus Christ, Act. 11.26. 1. Cor. 6.15. and am partaker of his annointing, Ioh. 2.27. Ies. 59▪ 21. Act. 2.17. Ioel. 2.28. so that I confesse his name, Mar 8.38. and giue my self vp vnto him, to be a liuing offering of thankfulnesse, Rom. 12.1. Apoc. 5.8.10. 1 Pet. 2.9 2. Tim 2.12 Rom 6.12 13. Apoc 1.6 in this life to fight against sinne and Sathan with a frée and good conscience, y ^e afterward I may holde and enioy the euerlasting kingdome with Christ ouer all creatures. 1 Ti. 1.1 [...] 19.

Question.

For what cause is Christ called the onely begotten sonne of God, when we are also the sonnes of God?

Answere.

Because Christe is onely the euerla­sting and naturall sonne of the Fa­ther euerlasting, Ioh. 1.14.18. Heb. 1.2 and wee are but sonnes choosen and taken vp of the Fa­ther onely of fauoure for Christes sake. Rom. 8.15. Ephe. 1.6

Question.

Why callest thou him our Lorde?

Answere.

Because he buying againe our bodies and soules from sinne, not with gould nor siluer, but with his pretious bloud, and deliuering them from all power of the diuel: hath claymed vs for his owne proper seruaunts, belonging to none o­ther Lorde or Maister. 1. Pet. 1.18 19. & 2.9. 1. Cor. 6.20. & 7.23.

Question.

What beléeuest thou, when thou saiest: he was conceiued by the holy Ghost, and borne of the virgin Mary?

Answere.

That the sonne of God, which is, Ioh. 1.1. & 17.5. Rom. 1.4. & abideth true and euerlasting God, Rom. 9.5. hath takē the very true nature of man, of the flesh and bloud of the virgin Ma­ry, Ioh. 1.14. Gal. 4.4. by the working of the holy ghost, [Page] Math. 1.18 20. Luk. 1.35 that he might be also with all y ^e true séede of Dauid Psal. 132.12 Rom. 1.3. like vnto his brethren in all thinges, Phil. 2.7 sauing onely in sinne. Heb. 4.15.7.26.

Question.

What profit takest thou of the holy conception and byrth of Christ?

Answere.

That he is our meane or mediator, He. 2 16.17 and with his innocentnes and per­fecte holines couereth my sinnes in the which I am conceiued, to come into the sight of God. Psal. 32.1 1. Cor. 1.30

Question.

What beléeuest thou, when thou say­est he suffered?

Answere.

That he, all the time of his life while hee was here vppon earth, but specially at his last time, did suffer the wrathe of GOD againste the sinne of all man­kinde, 1. Pet 2 24 &. 3.18. Ies. 53.12 that with his passion as one sacrifice once for all, 1. Ioh. 2.2. & 4.10. Rom. 3.25 he should pur­chase mercie, & shoulde deliuer both our bodies and our soules from euerlasting dampnation, & get vs the grace of god, [Page]and righteousnesse, and euerlasting life.

Question.

For what cause did hee suffer vnder iudge Pilate?

Answere.

That he being innocent, and yet con­dempned Luk. 25.14. Ioh. 19.8. before a ciuill iudge, might deliuer vs from the straight iudgement of God which we had deserued, & should haue suffered if Christ had not suffered this sharpe iudgement for vs. psal. 65.2.5 Ies. 53.2. Cor 5.21. Gal. 3.13.

Question.

Is there any other cause beside, why that he shold rather suffer on the crosse, then die any other death?

Answere.

Yes, there is one in déede: for by this thing I am assured that he tooke vpon himsefe the curse which was due vnto me. For the death of the crosse was cur­sed of God. Deut. 21.23 Gal. 3.13.

Question.

Why muste Christ humble himselfe euen vnto the death?

Answere.

Because that the iustice and trueth of God Gen. 2.17. could not be contented and swaged [Page]for our sinnes by any other meanes but by the death of the sonne of god. Heb. 2.9.14 15. Phil. 2.8.

Question.

Why was he also buried?

Answere.

That thereby we should haue sure wit­nesse that he was truely deade, and not feynedly. Act. 13.29. Mat. 27.60. Luk. 23.35. Ioh. 19.38.

Question.

But when as Christ died for vs, why must we also die?

Answere.

Our death is not a making of amends for our sinnes: but a dying from Sinne, and a going into euerlasting life. Ioh. 5.24. Phil. 1.23. Rom. 7.24.

Question.

What profite doe we further receiue by the sacrifice and death of Christ?

Answere.

That by the vertue of his death our olde man is crucified Rom. 6.6.7 8.11.12. killed and buried with him, that the euil desires and lusts of the flesh should not afterward raigne in vs, Rom. 6.12. but that we should offer our selues vnto him an offering of thankes­giuing. Rom. 12.1.

Question.

Why is it further saide: he went down into hell?

Answere.

That in my grieuous temptations & assaltes, I might stay & make sure my selfe by this comforte, that my Lorde Iesus Christ by vnspeakable verations and griefs, painful troubles and feares of mind, into the which both before and most of all when he hāged on the crosse, he was caste into hath deliuered mee from the sorrowful griefe and paines of Hell Ies. 53.10. Mat. 27.46.

Question.

What profite haue wee by the rising againe of Christ?

Answere.

First that by his rising againe he ouer­came death, that he might make vs par­takers of his righteousnesse, which hee had purchased vnto vs by his death. 1. Cor. 15.17 45.55. Rom. 4.25. 1. Pet. 1.3 21. Moreouer, we are also stirred vp by his power, vnto a newe life. Rom. 6 4. Col. 3.1.5 Eph. 2.21 And the thirde profite is, that the resurrection of our heade Christ, is a pledge and a per­fect assurance vnto vs that we shall rise againe in glorie. 1. Co. 15.12 Rom. 8.11

Question.

Howe vnderstandest thou this, that he is gone vp into heauen?

Answere.

That Christe (the Apostles looking on) was taken vp from the earth into hea­uen, Act. 1.9 Mat. 28. Mar. 16. Luk. 24. and yet stil is ther for our sakes, Heb. 4.24. & 7.25.9.11 Rom. 8.34. Ephe. 4.10 Col 3.1. & will be vntill he shall come againe to iudge the quicke and the dead. Act. 1

Question.

Shall Christe not then bée with vs vntill the end of the worlde as hee hath promised? Mat. 28.20. Mat. 24.30.

Answere.

Christ is true God and true man, and so according vnto his mans nature, hee is not nowe vppon the earth, Mat. 26 11. Ioh. 16.28. & 17.11. Act. 3.21. but af­ter his Godly nature, maiestie, grace, and spirite, he is neuer away from vs. Ioh. 14.17. &c. & 16.28. & 16.13. Ephe. 4.8 Augustinus Tract. in Io­ann. 50.

Question.

But whether by this meanes are the two natures of Christe pulled in sun­der or no, if Christes manhoode bee not wheresoeuer his godheade is?

Answere.

Nay, for when as the Godheade of [Page]Christe cannot bee inclosed nor holden within anie certeine compasse, and is present in euerie place, Act. 7.49. & 17.28. Ier. 23.24. it must néeds be a good argument that his Godhead is without the nature of his manhoode which he hath taken vppon him, & rea­cheth farther, and yet for all that it is fast in the same, and abideth personally ioyned therevnto. Col. 2.9. Ioh. 3.13. & 11 15. Math. 28.6.

Question.

What fruite haue we by the going vp of Christ into heauen?

Answere.

First that he maketh intercession for vs in heauen, vnto the father. 1. Ioh. 2.1.2 Rom. 8.34. Then that we haue our fleshe in heauen, that thereby we may be surely assured, as by a sure pledge, that hereafter hee will take vs that are his members, vnto him which is our heade. Ioh. 14.2. & 20.17. Eph. 2.6. Thirdly, that he sendeth to vs his spirit in the stede of a pledge Ioh. 14.16. & 20.7. Act. 2.2. Cor. 1.22.2. Cor. 5.5. betwéene him & vs, by whose strong working, we séeke not earthly things, but the things y ^t are aboue, wher he is sitting at the right hand of god. Col. 3.1. Phi. 3.

Question.

Why is it further saide, that he is sit­ting at the right hand of God?

Answere.

Because Christ therefore is gone vp into heauen, to shew that he is the head Ephes. 1.20.21.22.23. & 5 23. Coll. 1.18. of the Church by whō the father go­uerneth all thinges. Matth. 28.18. Ioh. 5.22.

Question.

What profite is this glorie of our head Christ vnto vs?

Answere.

First that through his holy spirit, he powreth into vs, (his mēbers) heauen­ly gifts, Ephe. 4 10. the next is, that he shieldeth and defendeth vs by his might against all our enimies. Psal. 2.9. & 110.12. Ioh. 10 28. Ephe. 4.8

Question.

What comfort hast thou by the com­ming againe of Christ, to iudge y ^e quick and the dead?

Answere.

That in all my persecutions & trou­bles I do look vp to heauen, holding my head cherefully vp for y ^e self same iudge Luk. 21.28. Rom. 8.23.33 Phil. 3.20. Ti­tus. 2.13. which purposedly before did deliuer himself to the iudgment of God for me, and hath taken away al curse from me, which shal cast all his and my enimies into euerlasting paine, 2. Thess. 6.7 1. Thes. 4.16 Matth. 25.41 Matth. 25.34 & shall bringe [Page]mee with all other chosen persons, in­to the heauenly ioyes and euerlasting glorie. Mat. 25.34.

Of the holy ghost.

Question.

VVHat dost thou beléeue, of the ho­ly Ghost?

Answere.

First, that he is a true and euerlasting God, with the euerlasting father and the sonne Gen. 1.2. Ies 48.16.1. Cor. 3.16.1. Cor. 6.19. Act. 5 3.4 Secondly that he is giuen vnto me, Matth. 28 19.2. Cor. 1 21.22. that by true faith hee ma­keth me partaker of Christ, and all his good déedes. Gal. 3.14. 1. Pet. 1.2. 1. Cor. 6.17 And thirdly, comforteth mee, and abideth with mee for euer. Act 9.31. Ioh. 14 16. 1. Pet. 4.14.

Question.

What is thy beliefe concerning the holy and Catholike Church of Christ?

Answere.

I beléeue that the sonne of God doth Ioh. 10.11. gather from the beginning of the world vnto the end) Psal. 71.18 1. Cor. 11.26. out of whole man­kinde Gen. 26.4. a chosen Rom. 8.29.30. Eph. 1.10.11.12.13. 1. Pet 1.20. cōpany by the spirit & y ^e word, Ies. 59.21. Rom. 1.16. & 10.14.17. Eph. 5.26. agréeing together in a true Act. 2.46. Eph. 4.3.4.5. faith, & that he defendeth and saueth [Page]the same, Matth. 19 18. Ioh. 10.28. 2 [...].30. and that I am one liuely members of that cōpanie, 1. Ioh. 3.21. 3. Cor. 13.5 and shall so abide for euer. 1. Ioh. 1.19.1 1. Cor. 1 8.9. Rom. 8.35.

Question.

What meanest thou by the commu­nion, and felowship of saintes?

Answere.

First, that all and euerie one that beleeueth, are in common partakers of Christe and of his good déedes, as his members and parts of his body, 1. Ioh. 1.3 Rom. 8.32. 1 Cor. 12 13 21 1. Cor. 6.17. and then that euerie man ought willingly, readely, and carefully, to bestowe the giftes which hee hath receyued, to the common profite and health of all men. Cor. 13.5 Phil. 2.4.5.6.

Question.

What beléeuest thou of the forgiue­nes of sinnes?

Answere.

That GOD for the satisfaction or full recompence that Christ hath made 1. Ioh. 2.2 Cor. 5.19.21. hath put out the remembraunce of my sinnes, and also of that my crooked nature and wickednesse wherewith I must fighte all my lyfe time, Ier. 31.34 Ps 103.3.10.12 Rom. 7.24.25 Rom 8 1.2.3. and that hee will freely giue vnto mee [Page]the righteousnes of Christ, so y ^e I shall not come at any time to iudgement, to be condempned. Ioh. 3.18.

Question.

What comfort hast thou by the ry­sing againe of the flesh.

Answere.

That not onely my soule (after that it shall departe from the bodie) shall streight way be taken vp vnto Christe her head, Luk. 23.43 Phil. 1.23. but also that this my fleshe (raised vp by this power of Christ) shal be ioyned againe vnto my soule, & shall be made like vnto the glorious body of Christ. 1. Cor. 15.53.54. Iob. 19 25.26. 1. Ioh. 3.2. Phil. 3 21

Question.

What comfort takest thou of the ar­ticle of euerlasting life?

Answere.

That for as much as I féele alreadie, the beginning of euerlasting life in my 2. Co. 5.2.3 hearte, it shall afterwarde come to passe, that after this life, I shal come to full and perfect blessednesse, wherein I may praise God for euer, which blessed­nes neither eye hath séene, nor eare hath hard, neither the thought of man is able [Page]to reach vnto. 1. Cor. 2.9.

Question.

But when thou beleuest all these thinges, what profite hast thou there­by?

Answere.

That I am righteous in Christ be­fore God, and an heire of euerlasting life. Heb. 2.4. Rom. 1.17. Ioh. 3.36.

Question.

Howe art thou rightuous before God?

Answere.

Onely by faith or beléefe in Iesus Christ, Rom. 2.3.21.22.24. Gal 2.16. Eph. 2.8 9. Phil. 3.8.9. in somuch that although my concience did accuse me, that I haue sinned grieuously against all the com­maundements of God, and haue kepte perfectly neuer a one of them, Rom. 3.9. &c. & am also readie and disposed yet still to all e­uill, Rom. 7.23. yet for al that (so that I can re­ceiue all these good déeds of Christ by a true faith of my mind) the perfecte sa­tisfaction or amends making, the righ­teousnesse and holynesse of Christe, is counted and giuen vnto me by the only mercy of God, Rom. 3.22. Ioh. 3.18. Tit. 3.5. Deut. 9.10. Ezech. 36.22. Rom. 3.24 Ephe. 2.8.1. Ioh. 2.2.1. Ioh. 2.1. Rom 4.4.2. Cor. 5.19. euen as though I had [Page]neuer doe any sinne, neither any spot shoulde cleaue vnto mee: and further­more, as though I had fulfilled in mine owne person, the obedience whiche Christ hath fulfilled and performed for me 2 Cor. 5.21

Question.

Why doest thou holde that thou art made righteous by faith alone?

Answere.

Not because I doe please God with the worthinesse of my faith, but because the amendes making or satisfaction, righteousnesse and holinesse of Christ, are my righteousnesse before god, 1. Cor. 1.30. &c. & I cannot take holde thereof, and apply the same vnto me by any other means, then by faith alone. 1. Ioh. 5.10.

Question.

Why are not our good workes accounted righteousnesse: or at the least some parte of righteousnesse before God?

Answere.

because that righteousnes that must stande faste before the iudgement of God, must be in all pointes perfect and [Page]agréeing with the word of God, Gal. 3.10. Deut. [...]7.26 and all our good workes (euen the most holy & perfectest workes that we do in this life) are vnperfecte and defiled with sinne. Ies. 64.6.

Question.

Howe doe our good workes deserue nothing, when as God doth promise that hee will giue a rewarde for them, both in this life, and in the life to come?

Answere.

That rewarde is giuen not of deser­uing, but of fauour. Luk. 17.10

Question.

Doth not this learning make men to be carelesse, Godlesse, and of a loose life?

Answere.

No, for it is not possible but that they that are grafted into Christe through faith, shall bring forth good and thank­ful fruites. Matth. 7.18. Ioh. 15.5.

Of the Sacramantes.

Question.

THen, séeing that onely faith maketh vs partakers of Christ & of his good [Page]déedes, from whence commeth this faith.

Answere.

From the holy Ghost, Ephe. 2.8. & 6.23. Ioh. 3.5. Phil. 1.29. who kind­leth it in our heartes through the prea­ching of the Gospell, and strengtheneth the same by the vsing of the Sacra­mentes. Matth. 28. 1 [...] 20. 1 Pet. 1.22.23.

Question.

What are the Sacramentes?

Answere.

They are holy signes and seales set be­fore our eyes, ordeyned of God for that cause, that by them he might open vnto vs, and settle or confirme more largely the promise of the Gospell: that is to witte, he giueth fréely forgiuenesse of sinnes, and life euerlasting, not onely to the number of beléeuers, but to euery one that beléeueth, for y ^e onely sacrifice of Christ, which he made perfect vppon the crosse, Gen. 17.11 Rom. 4.11. Deut. 30.6. Leui. 6.25. Heb 9.8.9.24. Ezech. 20.12. 1. Sam. 17 36. Ies 6.6.7. & 54.9.

Question.

Then whether do both the worde and Sacraments tend to that end, that they may leade our faith vnto the sacrifice of Christ fully ended on the crosse, as vnto [Page]the ground of saluation?

Answere.

It is so in déede, for the holy Ghoste teacheth by the Gospell, and assureth vs by the Sacramentes, that all our saluation standeth in the onelye sacri­fice of Christe, offered for vs vppon the crosse. Rom. 6.3. Gal. 3.27.

Question.

How many Sacraments hath Christ ordeined in the newe testament?

Answere.

Two, Baptisme, and the holy supper.

Of Baptisme.

Question.

HOwe art thou warned and assured in Baptisme that thou art partaker of that onely sacrifice?

Answere.

Because Christe commaunded the outwarde washing, Matth. 28.19 Act. 2.38. putting to this promise: Marc. 16.16 Matth. 3.11. Rom. 6.3. that I am assuredly washed (by his bloud & the holy Ghost) frō al the vncleannes of my soule, y ^t is, from all my sinnes, as I am outwardly washed with water, Mark. 1.4 Luk.3 3. wherby all the filthines of the [Page]body is scowred away.

Question.

What is it to be washed with the bloude and spirite of Christ?

Answere.

It is to receiue of God forgiuenesse of our sinnes freely for Christes bloude sake, which he shed for vs in his sacrifice vpon the crosse, Heb. 12 24 1. Pe. 1.2. Apo 1.5. & 22.14 zach. 13.1. E­zech. 36.25. and also to be made newe men by the holy Ghost, and by his making of vs holy to be made members of Christ, that thereby we may die from sinne more and more, and may liue holi­ly and vnblamedly. Iob. 8.33. & 3.5. 1. Cor. 6.11.12.13. Ro 6.4. Col. 2.12

Question.

Where promised Christe that hee would so surely wash vs with his bloud and spirite, as we are washed outward­lye with the outwarde water of Bap­tisme?

Answere.

In the xvi. of saint Marke, where as he first ordeined Baptisme, whose wordes are these. Goe and teach all nations, and Baptise them in the name of the father, and of the sonne, and of the holy Ghost. Math. 28.19 And he that will beléeue [Page]and be baptised, shall be saued, but he y ^t will not beléeue shalbe dampned. Mat. 16.16 and this promise is rehearsed again wheras the scripture nameth Baptisme the bath of the newe birth, Tit. 3.5. and washing away of sinnes. Act. 21.16.

Question.

Is not the outwarde baptising with water, the washing away of our sinnes?

Answere.

It is not: Matth. 3.12 1. Pet. 3.21. Ephe. 5.26. for onely the bloude of Christ maketh vs cleane from all sin. Iob. 17. 1. Cor. 9.11.

Question.

Then why doth the holy Ghost call baptisme the bath of the newe birth, and washing away of sinne?

Answere.

God not without a great cause speaketh so: to wit, not onely to teach vs y ^e as the filthines of our bodies is scoured away with water, so likewise are our sins wa­shed & scowred away with the bloud and spirite of Christ: Apoc. 1.5. & 7.8. 1. Cor. 6.11. but also much more, y ^t he might sicker & assure vs by his goodly token & pledge, that we are as surely washed from our sinns inwardly by the inward washing, as we are outwardly washed with the outwarde and seable [Page]water. Mark. 16. [...]6. Gal. 3.17.

Question.

Ought all yong speachlesse children in be baptised?

Answere.

Yea in any case, for when as they be­long as well vnto the couenaunt or promise, and to the Church of GOD, as they doe that are fully growne and are perfect men and women, Gen. 17.7. & when as forgiuenesse of sinnes Mat. 16.14 and the ho­ly Ghost the Luk. 1.14.15. Psal. 22.11. Esa. 44.1.2 Act. 2 36. worker of faith, is as well promised to them through the bloude of Christ, as to them that are full growen men and women: they are to be grafted into the Church by baptisme, and are to be knowen from the children of vnbeléeuers or infidels, Act. 10.47. as in the owe Testament, the children of them, that beléeued were knowen from them that beléeued not, by circumcision. Gen. 17.14 In whose place and stéede (it now being ta­ken away) Baptisme was appoin­ted. Col. 2.12.13

Of the Supper of the Lord.

Question.

HOwe art thou in the Supper of the Lorde warned, assured, and sicke­red, that thou art partaker of that one­lye one sacrifice of Christ offered vppon the crosse, and of all his good déedes?

Answere.

Because Christe hath commaunded me and all faithfull men, to eate of this breade that is broken, and to drinke of this cup that is reached vnto me in the remembrance of him, with promise put thereto, Matth. 26.27.28. Mark. 14 22.23.24 Luk. 22.19.20 1 Cor. 1.16 17. & 11.23.24 25. & 12.13. that first his body was assu­redly broken on the Crosse and offered for me, and his bloud as surely shed for me, as I sée the breade of the Lord bro­ken vnto me, and the cuppe of the Lorde reached vnto me.

More ouer that my soule is as wel fed vnto euerlasting life with his body which was crucified for vs, and with his bloud whiche was shed for vs, as I re­ceiue with the mouth of my bodye the bread & the wine (which are tokēs of the body & bloud of our Lord) at the handes of my shéepherd or elder of the Church.

Question.

What is it to eate the body that was [Page]crucified, and to drinke the bloude that was shed?

Answere.

It is not onely to imbrace and receiue the whole Passion and death of Christe with a sure trust of minde, and to get by it forgiuenesse of sinnes and life euerla­sting: Ioh. 6.35.40.47.48.50 51.53.54. but also to be so ioyned vnto his holy body more and more through the holy ghost which dwelleth in Christe and in vs, Ioh. 6.55.56 that although he be in hea­uen Act. 3.21 Act. 1.9.1. Cor 11.26. and we in earth, yet for all that we are fleshe of his fleshe, and bones of his bones, 1▪ Cor. 6.15 17.19.1. Ioh. 3.24. & 4.13. Eph. 3.17. and as all the members or limmes of a mans body are quickned or haue life of one soule, so are we quickned & gouerned and haue life with one spi­rite. Ioh. 14.23. Ioh. 6.56.57 58. Ioh. 15.1.2.3.4.5.6. Eph. 4 15.16

Question.

In what place▪promised Christ that he woulde as surely giue his body and bloude to be eaten and dronken to them that beléeue, as they doe eate the breade that is broken and drinke the wine out of the cup?

Answere.

In the place where he did first ordaine [Page]his supper in these words. 1. Cor. 11.23. &c. Marh 26.26. &c. Mark. 14.22. &c. Luk. 21 19. &c. Our Lorde Iesus Christe in that night he was be­trayed tooke the breade, and after he had giuen thankes he brake it and said: take eate, this is my bodie which is broken for you, doe this in the remembrance of me. And so likewise after supper hee tooke the cup, saying: this cup is the new testament in my bloude, Exod. 24.8 Heb. 9.20. doe this as oft as yée shal drink, in my remēbrance, Ex. 13.9. For as oft as ye shall eate this bread and drinke of this cup, ye shall shewe the death of the Lorde till be come. i. Cor. xi. This promise is rehearsed againe by S. Paule. i. Cor. x. where. he saith: The cup of thākesgiuing wherw ^e we giue thāks is it not the pertaking of Christs bloud? is not the bread that we breake, the par­taking of the body of Christ? Because we being many are one breade & one body, 1. Cor. 10.16.17. for we are al partakers of one bread.

Question.

Are then bread and wine made the very body and bloud of Christ?

Answere.

No but as the water of baptisme is turned into the bloude of Christe, nei­ther [Page]is the washing away of sinne, but onely a token and pledge of those things that are sealed vnto vs in baptisme, e­uen so is not the breade of the Lordes supper the very body of Christ. Math. 16.29. Mark. 14.24.1. Cor. 11 26.27. &c. 1. Cor. 10.16 17. Not­withstanding, after the manner of spea­king of Sacramentes, and the accusto­med fashion of speaking of the holy ghost of these things: Gen. 17.10 14.19. Exod. 12.27.43 48 & 13.9. Act. 7.8. Ex. 24.8. & 29.36. Leuit. 16 10. &. 7.11 11 Es. 6.6.7. Titus. 3.5. Act. 22.6. 1. Pet. 3 2. 1. Cor. 10.1.2 3.4. bread is called the body of Christ.

Question.

Why then doth Christ call bread his body, and the cup his bloude, or the new Testament through his bloude. And Paul calleth the breade and wine, the communion or partaking of his body & bloud?

Answere.

Christ speaketh so, not without great consideration: to wit, that he may not only teach vs, that euen as bread & wine hold vp and kéepe in the life of the body, so his crucified body and his bloude that were shedde, are the very true meate and drinke of our soule, whereby it is nourished into euerlasting life: Ioh. 6.51.55 but al so much more he speaketh so, to assure & [Page]sicker vs with this visible token and pledge, that we are as truely partakers of his body and bloude by the working of the holy Ghost, as wee haue receiued these holy tokens in the remembrance of him, with the mouth of our body: 1. Cor. 10.16.17. and also that his passion or suffering, and his obedience or keeping of the whole lawe, are as surely ours, as though wee had suffered our owne selfes for our sinnes, and had made amendes to GOD for them.

Question.

What difference is there betwéene the supper of the Lorde, and the popishe Masse?

Answere.

The supper of the Lorde witnesseth, that all our sinnes are forgiuen vs through that onely one sacrifice that he once made on the crosse, Heb. 7.27. & 9.12.26.28 & 10.10 12.14. Ioh. 19. Mat. 26.28.19.20 and that we are all through the holy ghost graf­ted into Christ 1. Cor. 6.17 & 10.16. & 12.13. who after his mans nature is only in heauen at y ^e right hand of the father, Heb. 1.3. & 8.1. and will be worshipped there of vs. Ioh. 4.21 22. &c. & 20.17. Luk. 24.52. Act. 7.55, 56. Col. 3.1. Phi. 3.20. 1. The. 1.10. But in the Masse it is denied that the quicke and the dead haue [Page]forgiuenesse of sinnes through the passi­on of Christ alone, excepte Christ bee of­fered euerie day for them, by the sacrifi­cing Masse priestes. Moreouer it is taught in the Masse, that Christ is bodi­lie present vnder the likenesse of bread & wine, and is therefore to bee worship­ped in them. In Can. Missae, item de consecrati­one distinct. 2 And so the foundation of the Masse, is nothing else but a deniall of that onely sacrifice and passion of Ie­sus Christe and cursed Idolatrie, mau­metrie, and worshipping of by gods be­side the liuing God.

Question.

Who ought to come to the supper of the Lorde?

Answere.

Onely they that repent, and are verie sorie that they haue angried God with their sinnes, and yet trust that they are forgiuē them for Christes sake, and that the rest of their weakenesse and vnper­fectnes is couered with his deth & passi­on, who also desire to goe forwarde and growe more and more in holy life & con­uersation. But hypocrites false feigners of holinesse, and they that repente [Page]not and will not amende their liues, eate and drinke their owne damnation. 1 Cor. 10.21 & 11.28. &c.

Question.

Ought we also to allow them to this supper which shewe themselues to bee faithles and vngodly, both in their own confession and naughtie life?

Answere.

No, for so is the couenaunt of God vnhallowed, and the wrathe of God is stirred against the whole Churche. 1. Cor. 11.20.34. Esa. 1.11. &. 66.3. Iere. 7.21. &c. Psal. 50.16. Wherefore the Church of God (accor­ding to the appointment of Christe and his Apostles) vsing the keyes of the kingdome of heauen, ought to hold back such from the Lords supper, vntill they repent and amend their manners.

Question.

What are the keyes of the kingdome of heauen?

Answere.

The preaching of the Gospell, and correction or discipline of the Churche, whereby the kingdome of heauen is ope­ned to them that beléeue, and is shut vp [Page]against them that beléeue not.

Question.

Howe is the kingdome of heauen o­pened and shut by the preaching of the Gospell?

Answere.

Where at the commaundemente of Christ we openly declare and shew, that all and euerie mans sinnes are forgiuen them by God, for the onely deseruing of Christe, as often as they receyue with a true faith and beléeue the promise of the Gospell. Of the contrarie parte, it sheweth vnto all them that beléeue not, and to all hipocrites, feigners of holy­nesse that are wicked within, that the wrath Ioh. 20.21.22.13. Math. 16.19. of God, and euerlasting dam­nation hangeth ouer their heads, accor­ding to which witnesse of the Gospell, God will iudge as well in this life as in the life to come.

Question.

Howe is the kingdome of heauen shut to, or opened by the correction or disci­pline of the Church?

Answere.

When as according vnto the com­mandemēt [Page]of Christ, they y ^e are Christen men in name, but shewe themselues both in learninge and life farre from Christe, Rom. 12.8 1. Cor 12.21. 1. Tim. 5.17. 1. Cor. 5.4. 2 Cor. 2.6. after that they haue beene certaine times brotherly warned to for­sake their errours, and leaue their euill déeds, and are presented or shewed to the Church, or to them that are appointed of the Churche vnto that office, and will not obey their warning: they are shutte out by the same, from the vse of the sa­craments, and from comming to the fe­lowship of Christes Church, from God himselfe, and the kingdome of Christe. But againe, if they promise to amende their liues, and doe so indéede, they are receiued into the Church againe as mē ­bers of Christ, and of the Church. Matth. 18.15 16.17.18. 1. Cor. 5. 2. Th. 3.14.15 2. Ioh. 10.11. 2. Cor. 2.6.7.10.11.

The thirde part is of thanke­fulnesse.

Question.

WHen as we are deliuered from all our sinnes and wrechednes with­out any deseruing of vs, by the onely mercie of God for Christes [...]e: why [Page]shoulde we then doe good workes?

Answere.

Because that after Christ hath bought vs againe with his bloude, and maketh vs newe men by his holy spirit, like vn­to the image of himselfe, that we hauing receyued so many good turnes, shoulde shew our selues all our life time thank­ful to God, Rom. 6.13. &. 12.12. 1. Pet. 2.5.9 10. 1. Cor. 6.10. and that hee may bee ho­noured. Math. 5.19 1. Pet. 2.12. After that we euerie man, may be assured of his faith by his fruits. 1 Pet. 1.10. Math. 7.17. Gal. 5.6.22. Laste of all y ^t we may win other, vn­to Christ by our honest and sober life, or good example of liuing. 1. Pet. 3.1.2 Rom. 14.19.

Question.

Can they then not be saued which dee vnthanksfull, and abide still carelesse in sinne, and are not turned to God from their wickednesse?

Answere.

In no case, for the scripture beareth witnes that no vnchast persons, neither worshipper of straunge Gods, neither horemaister or aduoulterers, neither co­uetous men, neither Théeues, nor drun­kardes, neither scolding raylers, neither robbers, shal enter into y ^e kingdō of god. e. Cor. 6.9 10 Eph. 5.5.6 1. Ioh. 3.14.

Question.

In what part standeth the turninge of a man to God?

Answere.

In the killing or putting downe of the olde man Ro. 6.4.5.6. Ephe. 4.22.23.24. Col. 35.6.8.9.10. 1. Cor. 5.7. 2. Cor. 7.11 and the quickening and rai­sing vp of the new man.

Question.

What is the killing of the old man?

Answere.

It is truely and with all thy hearte to be sorie that thou hast angred GOD with thy sinnes, and euerie day more & more to hate them & to flye from thē. Rom. 8.13. Ioel. 2.13. Ose. 6.1.

Question.

What is the quickening or raysing vp of the [...]ewe man?

Answere.

True gladnes or God through Christ, Rom. 5.1 & 14.17. Ies. 57.15 and an earnest and readie desire of a man to order his life according to the will of God, in doing of all manner of Good workes. Rom. 10.11 Gal. 2.20

Question.

What are good workes?

Answere.

Onely they y ^e are done in faith, Rom. 14.23 accor­ding [Page]to the lawe of GOD 1 Sam. 15.22. Ephe. 2.10. & 6.17. and are wrought for that ende that God may be honoured therby, 1. Co. 10.13 and not they that are deuised by vs, and in our opinion (without the worde of God) séene to be good. Deut. 12.32 Ez. 20.18 19 Ies. 29.13. Math. 15.9.

Question

Which is the lawe of God?

Answere.

God hath spoken all these wordes. Exod. 20. Deut. 5.

The tenne Commandementes.

I. I am the Lorde thy God whiche hath brought thée out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt haue no other Gods in my sight.

II. Thou shalt make to thée no grauen image, nor the likenes of any thing that is in heauen aboue, or in the earth be­neath, nor in the water vnder the earth. Thou shalt not bowe downe to them nor worshippe them: for I the Lorde thy God am a ielouse God, and visite the sinnes of the fathers vppon the chil­dren, vnto the third and fourth genera­tion [Page]of them that hate mee, and shewe mercie vnto thousandes in them that loue me and kéepe my cōmaundements. The III. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lorde thy God in vaine, for the Lorde will not hold him giltles that ta­keth his name in vaine.

The IIII. Remember thou kéepe holye the Sabboth daye. Sixe dayes shalte thou labour and doe all that thou haste to do, but the seuenth day is the Saboth of the Lorde thy God, in it thou shalt do no maner of worke, thou and thy sonne and thy daughter, thy man seruaunt and thy maide seruant, thy cattell, and the straunger that is within thy gate. For in sixe dayes the Lord made heauen and earth, the sea & al y ^t is in them, and rested the seuenth day: wherefore the Lorde blessed the seuenth day and hallowed it.

The V. Honour thy Father and thy Mother, that thy dayes may be long in the lande whiche the Lorde thy God gi­ueth thée.

The VI. Thou shalte doe no mur­ther.

The VII. Thou shalt not do aduoutrie.

The VIII. Thou shalt not steale.

The IX. Thou shalt not beare false witnesse against thy neighbour.

The X. Thou shalt not couet thy neigh­bours house, nor his wife, not his ser­uaunt, nor his maide, nor his oxe nor his Asse, nor ane thing that is his.

Question.

Howe are these commaundementes deuided?

Answere.

Into two tables; Exo. 34.28. Deut 4.13. & 10.3.4. of the which the former teacheth in it, foure commaun­dements, how that we shall behaue our selues towarde God. The seconde table teacheth in it sixe cōmandements, what duetie, good deedes, and gentlenesse, we owe vnto our neighbour. Math. 22.38

Question.

What requireth God of vs, in the first table?

Answere.

That euen so dearely as I loue the saluation of my soule, so earnestly should I shunne and flye Idolatrie, 1. Cor. 6.9.10. & 10.7.14 Maume­trie or worshipping of false gods, witch­chraft, Leuit. 18.13 Deut. 18.11. [Page]Sorcerie, Enchauntmentes, su­perstition or worshipping of God, by other meanes then hee hath taught in his worde, calling for helpe of Saintes or any other creatures Mat. 4.10. Apo. 19.10. & 22.8.9. But that I should rightly confesse and acknowledge the only and true God, Ioh. 17.3. and only trust in him, Ier. 17.5. and should with great lowli­nesse 1. Pet. 5.5.6 submitte my selfe vnto him, Heb. 10.36. Col. 1.11. Rom. 5.3.4. 1. Cor. 10.10. Phi. 2.14. and looke for all good thinges of him a­lone, Psa. 104.27.28.29.30. Esa. 45.7. and that with all my heart and withal y ^e desires of y ^e same I should loue him Deut. 6.5. Math. 22.37. and with reuerence worship & ho­nour him so much, Deut. 6.2. Psal. 111.10. Pro. 1.7. Math. 10.18. Math. 4.10. Deut. 10.20. that I had leauer forsake all creatures, then to doe anye thing contrarie to his will. Math. 5.29 30. & 10.37. Act. 5.29.

Question.

What is idolatrie?

Answere.

It is in the stede of one God, or beside him that is the true God, who hath ope­ned and shewed himselfe plainely and clearely in his worde, to feigne, make or haue any thing, wherein thou beléeuest or puttest thy hope in. Eph. 5.5 1. Par. 16.26. Phil. 3.19. Gal. 4.8 Ephe. 2.12. 1. Ioh. 2.23. 2. Ioh. 9.

Question.

What requireth the second commaun­dement?

Answere.

That we shoulde not shewe, set out, or expresse god, by any Image or figure, Deut. 4.15. &c. Ies. 40.18 Rom. 1.23. Act. 17.29 neither shoulde we worshippe him any other wise then he hath commaun­ded in his word himselfe to be worship­ped. Sam. 15 23 Deut. 12.30 Math. 15.9.

Question.

Whether then ought any images or, likenesse of thinges to be made?

Answere.

God neither ought, neither can by a­ny meanes bee counterfetted, shewed, or declared, by any caster, Founder, Kar­uer, or Painter. And although they bee suffred to expresse creatures, as herbes, trées, fishes, and birdes, and such like: yet GOD forbiddeth their images to be made or had, that through them wee should worshippe or honour God, or giue to them any worship, or outwarde reuerence. Exo. 33.24. & 34.13. Num. 33.52. Deut. 2.5. & 12.3. & 16.22 [...]. reg. 18.4.

Question.

Whether ought images to be suffered to stand in Churches to bee lay mens bookes or nor?

Answere.

No no. For it is not séemely that we should be wiser then God, who willeth that his Church should bee taught with the liuely preaching of his word, 2. Timo. 3.16.17. 2. Pet. 1.19. and not with dumme images. Ier. 10.8 Hab. 2.18.1 [...]

Question.

What doth God ordayne in the third commandemente

Answere.

That we should not onely, not vse his name spitfully & vnreuerently in ban­ning, cursing, forswearing, Leui. 24.11 &c. Le 19.12 and rash­ly without a iust cause in any manner of swearing at all, Mat. 5.37 Iac. 5.12. neither should we he partakers of those horrible and wic­ked sins, either by holding of our peace, or in wincking at them, but that wee should vse that holy name of God no o­therwise, but with deuotion, reuerence, and worship Esay. 45.23 y ^t he may be worshipped & honoured in all our wordes and deeds Rom. 2.24 1. Tim. 6.1 Col. 5.16. with a true & stedfast comessione Mat. 10.32 & inuocation or 1. Tim. 2 8. calling vpon his name.

Question.

Is it then so gréeuous a sin, to dishonor the name of God in swearing & in cur­sing, that God is also angrie with them [Page]that will not asmuch as lyeth in them) hinder, forbid, and let it?

Answere.

Surely it is the most gréeuous sinne, Leu. 5.1. neither is there any that angreth and displeaseth him more, then the spightfull misusing of his name. Wherfore it was his wil y ^e it shold be punished w ^t deth. Leu. 24.15.16.

Question.

May not a man sometime godly and lawfully, sweare by the name of God?

Answere.

He may. Either when the Magistrate Gods officer requireth or commandeth a man to swear, or otherwise when néed requireth, that by this meane a mā may get credit, and the trueth may be proued and stablished therewith, that thereby God may be glorified and praised, & men may be holpen thereby. For such a law­ful othe is approued as holy by the word of God, Deu. 6.13. & 10.20. Esay, 48.1. Heb. 6.16. and therfore it was wel vsed of the fathers both in the olde and newt Testament. Gen. 21.24. &. 31.53. Ies. 9.15.19. 1. Sam. 24.23 2. Sam. 3.25. 1. Reg. 1.29. Rom. 1.9.

Question.

Is it lawfull for a man to sweare by saintes or other creatures?

Answere.

Noe, for a lawfull othe is the calling vp­pon, or inuocation of God, that he (as onely the knower of the secretes of the heart) may giue witnesse vnto the truth and punish the swearer (if wittingly he sweare falsely) 2. Cor. 1.13. but this honour is to be giuen vnto no creature. Math. 5.34.35.36. Iac. 5.12.

Question.

What hath God commaunded in the fourth commaundement?

Answere.

First that the seruing in the office of preaching and ministring of the sacra­mentes, and that the scholes should bee kept, mainteined and prouided for, Titus. 1.5. 1. Ti. 3.1. Cor 9.11.13.14. 2. Tim. 2.2. & 3.15. 1. Tim. 4.13. & 5.17. that I on the hollyday and at other times when the Church is (for some necessarie cause gathered together.) shoulde ioyne my selfe vnto that holy fellowshippe, to heare the word of God diligently & héed­fully 1. Cor. 14.19 2 [...].31. and to vse the sacraments, 1. Co. 11.31 Psal. 68.27 & 40.10.11. Act. 2.42.46. & wyne my praiers with y ^e cōmon praiers, 1. Tim. 2.1.2 3.8.9. 1 Cor. 14.15. & giue somthing according to my rit­ches to y ^e poore 1. Cor. 16.2 & afterward for all my life time, kéepe holliday and forbeare from all ill déedes, giuing place, and [Page]graunting vnto God that throughe his holy spirite, he may work his workes in me: and so may beginne the euerlasting Sabboth or holy day in this life. Ies. 66.23.

Question.

What inioyneth God vs to do in the fift commaundement?

Answere.

That we should giue due honour, and shewe faithfulnesse to our fathers and mothers, and to all that are gouernours ouer vs, and should submitte our selues with all conuenient obedience, vnto their faithfull commaundementes and chastening Ephe. 6.2.5 &c. Col. 3.18.20.22.23.24 Ephe. 5.22. Pro. 1. [...]. & 4.1. & 15.20 & 20.20. Exo. 21.17 Rom. 13 and that we should suffer & be are with their vices and maners Prou 23.22 Gen. 9.25. 1. Pet. 2.18 euer thinking this in our minde, y ^e God wil gouern & guide vs by their hand Ephe. 6.4.9 Col. 3.19 Rom. 13.21. Math. 22.21.

Question.

What doeth God require in the sixte commaundemente

Answere.

That I shoulde do no iniurie wrong or reproch to my neighbour neither with my wordes, gesture or outwarde beha­uiour, either by my selfe, or by anye o­ther man, hate him, hurte him, or kill [Page]him, Math. 5.21 22 Gen. 9.6. Matth. 26.52. but to leaue and giue ouer al the desire of reuenging Eph 4.26. Rom. 12.19. Matth. 5.25 & 18.35. vnto god: neither that I shoulde hurt my selfe, nor cast my selfe wittingly into any ieoperdie. Rom. 13.14 Co. 2.23. Syr. [...] 27. Mat. 4.7. Wherefore God hath armed the Magi­strate his officer with the sworde, that there should no murder be done. Gen. 9.6. Exod. 21.14. Matth. 26.52 Rom. 13.4

Question.

Doth this commaundement onely forbid manslaughter?

Answere.

Almightie God by forbidding of mur­der, teacheth that he hateth [...] roote and beginning of murder: anger, Iac. 1.20. Gal. 5.20. enuy, Rom. 1.29. hatred, 1. Io 2.9.11. and desire of wreaking or re­uenging, and that hee taketh all these thinges for murder. 1. Ioh. 3.15.

Question.

Is it ynough for vs to kill no man, by those meanes that are before rehear, sede.

Answere.

Is it not ynough? For when as God forbiddeth anger, enuie, and hatred: hee requireth y ^e we shoulde loue our neigh­bours as our selues, Matth. 22 39 &. 7 12. shoulde vse to­warde them gentlenesse, Rom. 12.10 mildnes, Eph. 4.2. Gal. 6.1.2. Matth. 5.5. Rom. 12.18. [Page]méekenesse, patience and mercy, Math. 5.7. Luk. 6.36. and to turne away or stop (asmuch as lyeth in vs) such thinges as may be hurtefull vnto them. Exo. 23.5. And finally that wes shoulde be so minded toward them, that we should bee good euen vnto our ene­mies. Matth. 1.44 45. Rom. 12.20.21.

Question.

What is the meaning of the seuenth commaundement?

Answere.

That God defieth all filthinesse, Leuit. 18.27.28. and therefore we ought also to hate it, & vtterly to defie it, Iuda. 23. and that we should liue contrarie vnto all vncleanesse tem­peratly, soberly and chastly 1. Thess. 4.34.5. both in holy wedlocke and also in single lyfe. Heb. 13.7. 1. Cor. 7.

Question.

Doth God forbide no more in this commaundement, but aduoultrie, forni­cation and such kindes of filthinesse?

Answere.

When as our bodyes and soules are the Churches or Temples of the Holye Ghost, the will of GOD is, that wée shoulde kéepe them both cleane, and hal­lowed [Page]vnto him, and therefore vtterly forbiddeth all déedes, signes, tokens, ge­stures, and words, or Eph. 5.3.4. 1. Cor. 6.18.19.20. filthy desires Math. 5.28 and what soeuer intiseth a man there­to. Eph. 5 18. 1. Cor. 15.33.

Question.

What doth God forbid in the eighte commaundement?

Answere.

Not onely such theftes 1. Cor. 6.10. and robbe­ries 1. Cor. 5.10 as the common officers doe pu­nishe: Luk. 3 14 1. Thess. 4.6. but he vnderstandeth vnder the name of theft, all craftie fetches, driftes, subtile meanes and wayes, whereby we hawke & ly in wait, to take other mens goods from them, or laboure to conuaye them vnto vs, either by might or violēce or by any false pretence of righte, as though we had a iust title to them, & yet haue none at al. Such meanes are false weights, Prou. 11.1. & 16.11. false yeardes, elles, and false measures, Exech. 45. [...] &c. counterfeite and vnlaw­full ware, counterfeite and vnlawefull money, vsurie, Deut. 25.1 [...]. &c. Psal. 15.5 Luk. 6.35. and all vnlawefull meanes and wayes that God hath for­bidden to get mans liuing withal. Here­vnto may be put & ioyned al couetuous­nesse [Page] 1. Cor. 6.10 and vnthriftie and prodigall powring out, and spending and wa­sting of Gods gifts, and euil vsing of the same. Prou. 5.16.

Question

What are those thinges which God commaundeth here?

Answere.

That as much as is possible, I should helpe and increase the goods and profite of my neighbour. And that I shoulde do so vnto him, as I woulde he shoulde doe vnto me, Matt. 7.7.12 and that I shoulde doe my worke earnestly, truely and faithfully, that I may thereby he able to reléeue & helpe them that haue néede. Eph. 4.28.

Question.

What requireth the ninth comman­dement?

Answere

That I shall not beare false witnesse against any man, Pro. 19.5.9. & 21.28. neither falsly turne the meaning of any mans wordes, Psal. [...].5.3. neither shall backebite any man, or spitefully raile againste any man, Rom. 1.18.30. neither shall rashly without the show­ing of a lawefull cause, condempne any [Page]man. Matth. 7.1. &c. Luk. 6.37 But with all the meanes that I can, I shall flye and eschewe all kinde of lyes and deceiptes, Prou. 12.22 & 13.5.1. Cor 13.6. as the proper workes of the diuell, Ioh. 8.44. except I be dis­posed to stirre vp against mee, the gree­uous wrath of God. In iudgements and other matters I shall followe it that is true, and stedfastly and fréely tell and confesse the matter as it is in déede, Eph. 4.25. and moreouer I shal (as much as I can) defend and increase the good name, fame, and credite of my neighbours. 1. Pet. 4.8.

Question.

What forbiddeth the tenth comman­dement?

Answere.

That our heartes should not be mo­ued or stirred vp, with so much as with the least thought or desire, against anye of Gods commandements, but that we shal hate and defie at al times al kind of sinne, & shal delite our selues in all righ­teousnesse. Rom. 7.8.

Question.

Can they that are turned to GOD kéepe perfectly, and fully, these comman­dementes?

Answere.

No, for euen the holyest amongest all men (as longe as they liue here) haue but small beginnings of this obedience, 1. Ioh. 1.8. Rom. 7.14.15 &c. Eccl. 7.21 But yet go so farre, that they earnest­ly (with no feigned desire) begin to liue not onely according vnto some of these commaundementes, but accordinge to all the commaundementes of God. Rom. 7.22. Iac. 10.

Question.

Why will God then that his lawe shoulde be so earnestly and sharply prea­ched when there is no man in this lyfe, that is able to keepe it?

Answere.

First, that all the time of our life we shall confesse and acknowledge 1. Ioh. 1.9 Psal. 32.5. howe greately we are disposed of nature to sin, and so thereby that we more gréedelye, and with agreater desire, call for the forgiuenesse of our sinnes, Rom. 7.24 25. and that we shoulde alwayes be occupied in this, that we alwayes bee hinking and re­cording with our selues of Godlinesse, and call vppon the Father for the grace of the holy Ghoste, that we may bee re­newed [Page]and fashioned to the likenesse of God euerie day more and more, vntill at the length, after that we bee departed out of this life: we may with ioye and gladnesse get the full perfectnesse, that is proposed, set foorth, and required of vs. 1. Cor. 9 2.4 Phil. 3.11.12.13.14.

Of prayer.

Question.

VVHy is prayer necessarie for a Christian man?

Answere.

Because it is the chiefe part of that thankefulnesse that God requireth of vs. Psal. 50.14 15. And also because God onely giueth them his grace and holy spirite, who with true vnfeigned growninges are of him things necessarie, & giue him thanks for such benefites as they haue recei­ued. Matth. 7 Luk. 11.13 Math. 13.12. Psal. 50.15.

Question.

What thinges are required in that prayer which shall please God, and bee heard of him?

Answere.

That wee shoulde aske of the onely true God which hath opened himsefe in his worde Ioh. 4.22 all those thinges which he hath commaunded to bee axed, with a true desire of the hearte, Rom. 8.26. 1. Ioh. 5.14 Ioh. 4.23.24. Psal. 145.18 1.2. Par. 20.12 and an in­warde féeling of our geggerly néede and wretchednesse, (c) and cast our selues downe humbly and lowly in the sight of Gods maiestie, Psa. 2.11. & 34.19. Ies. 66.2. & leane to this sure foundation, Rom. 10.14 & 8.15. Iac. 1.6 that although we be vn­worthie, yet we shall surely be heard for Christes sake Ioh. 14.13.14.15. &. 15.16 & 16.23. Dan. 9.17.18 as he hath promised vs in his worde. Matth. 7.8. Psal. 143.1.

Question.

What are those thinges that he com­maundeth to be axed of him?

Answere.

All thinges that are necessarie both for bodie and soule, Iac. 1.17. Matth. 6.33. which our Lorde Iesus Christe conteineth in his prayer that he hath taught vs.

Question.

What is that prayer?

Answere.

OVr Father Mat. 6.9. &c. Luk. 11.2. &c. which arte in heauen, halowed be thy name. Thy king­dome come. Thy will be done in earth [Page]as it is in heauen. Giue vs this day our dayly bread. And forgiue vs our dettes, as we forgiue our debters. And leade vs not into temptation. But deliuer vs from euill. For thine is the kingdome, the power and the glorie, for euer and e­uer. Amen.

Question.

Why doth Christ commaund that we should call God our father?

Answere.

That he might stirre vp in vs euen in the verie beginning of our prayer, such reuerence as is méet for the sonnes of God, and a bolde trust toward GOD, which is, to be the ground of our prayer, to wit, that God through Christ is made our father, and will much lesse deny vn­to vs those thinges that we aske of him with a true faith: then our earthly fa­ther will deny vnto vs earthly thinges Matth. 7.9.10.11. Kuk. 11.11.12.13

Question.

Why is it sayd further, which art in heauen?

Answere.

That we shoulde not thinke to vylely, [Page]basely, or earthly, of his heauenly maie­stie, Ier. 22.23.24. Act. 17.24.25.27 and that we should looke for, and waite of his almightines, for all things whatsoeuer are necessary for our soules and bodyes. Rom. 10.12

Question.

What is the first petition or asking?

Answere.

Halowed be thy name, that is to say: at the beginning graūt vs that we may rightly knowe thée, Ioh. 17.3 Ier. 9 23.24 & 31.33.34. Math. 16.17. Iac. 1.5. Psal. 105.119. & worship, praise, and honour thy almightinesse, thy wise­dome, righteousnesse and gentlenesse, thy mercie and thy trueth Psa. 119.137 Luk. 1.49. &c 68. &c. Psal. 145.8.9.17. Exod. 34.67. Psal. 143.1 2 10.11.12. Ier 31.3. &. 32.1. 19.40.41. & 33.11.20. Mat. 19.17. Rom. 3.3.4. &. 11.22.33.1. Tim 2 19. and after­warde purpose and driue all our life, our thoughtes wordes and déedes vnto this end, y ^e thy most holy name be not blasphemed or euill spoken of for vs, but ra­ther be highly honoured and praysed. Psal. 115.1. & 71.8.

Question.

Which is the seconde peticion?

Answere.

Thy kingdome come. That is, go­uerne vs so with thy worde and spirite that we may humble and submitte our selues more and more vnto thée, Math. 6.33 Psal. 119.5.142.10. kéepe & increase thy church, Psal. 51.20. & 122.6. destroye [Page]she workes of the diuell, and all power that litteth it selfe against thy maiestie: disapoint and make voide and of none effect, all the counselles that are taken against thy worde, 5. Ioh. 3.8. Rom. 16.20. vntill thou maist (at the length) reigne and rule full and perfectly Apo. 22.17 20. Rom. 8.22 23. whē thou shalt be al in al. 2. Cor. 15.28

Question.

Which is the thiroe petition?

Answere.

Thy will be done in earth as it is in heauen. That is, graunt that we and all men renouncing and forsaking our owne willes Mat. 26.24. Tit. 2.12. may be obedient, redily bent, and without any grudge vnto the kéeping of thy will which is onely holy, Luk. 22.42. and that so euerie one of vs, may ful­fill and doe the office that is appointed vnto vs, faithfully and cherefully, 1. Cor. 7.2 as the Angels do in Heauen. Psal. 103.20 [...]1.

Question.

Which is the fourth peticion?

Answere.

Giue vs this day our daily breade. That is, giue vnto vs all thinges which are néedful and necessarie for this life, Psal. 145.25. & 140.2. &c. Mat. 6.25. &c. that through thē we may acknowledge [Page]and confesse that thou art onely the well out of the which all goodnes doth spring, Act 17.27. Deut. 8.3. &. 14.17. and that all our care & labour, & also thy owne giftes are vnlucky & noysome vnto vs, except thou do blesse them and giue them increase. 1. Cor. 15. Deut. 8.3. Psal. 27.16.37. Wherfore grant vs to turne away our trust from all creatures, and to put it onelye in thée. Psal. 6.11. &. 55.23.

Question.

Which is the fift petition?

Answere.

Forgiue vs our debttes, as we for­giue our debters. That is, for Christe­bloude sake, lay not to our charge that are wretched sinners, all our sinne, and y ^t crooked frowardnesse which cleaueth in vs stil Psal. 51▪ 1. &c. 143.2. 1. Ioh. 2.1.2. euē as we doe féele this wit­nes of thy grace in our harts, that we in­tende and purpose stedfastly to forgiue vnfeignedly with our minde all them y ^t haue hurte or gréeued vs, or haue done vs any wrong. Ma. 6.14.15

Question.

Which is the sixt peticion?

Answere.

Leade vs not into tēptation. But deli­uer [Page]vs from euill. That is, because wee are so féeble and weake of nature, that we cannot, one minute of an houre with out helpe stand stedfastly and not bee o­uerthrowne, and our most gréeuous e­nemies, the diuel, 1. Pet. 5.8. Eph. 6.12 the world, Ioh. 15.19 and our owne slesho Rom. 7.23. Gal. 5.1 [...]. vnseassably do fighte against vs. Thou O our almightie Fa­ther hold vp and stay vs, and strengthen vs by the might of the holy Ghost, that we fall not down and be ouercommed in this spirituall fight, Math. 26.41 Mark. 13.33. but so long wee may stoutly withstand them, vntill that we may get at length, the whole victo­rie 1. Thess. 3 13. & 5.23

Question.

Howe maketh hee an ende of this prayer?

Answere.

For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glorie for euer. Amen. That is to say, we aske all these thinges of thée, because thou art both our king, and art almightie, and both will, and can giue al these thinges vnto vs, Rom. 10.11 12.2. Pet. 2 9 and these thinges doe we therefore craue of thée, that by them, al honour, glorie, and wor­ship, [Page]should come vnto thy holy name & not to vs. Ioh. 14.13 Psal. 11.5.1. Ier. 33.8.9.

Question.

What meaneth this worde amen?

Answere.

That the matter is sure and out of al doubt, & that my prayer is much more surely harde of God, then I doe féele in my hart, that I desire it to be graunted. 2. Cor. 1.20 2. Tim. 2.13.