A Catechism.

That is to say,

An Instruction to be learned of every
person before he be brought to
be confirmed by the Bishop.

¶ The Curate of every Parish, shall diligently upon Sundayes, and Holy-dayes, after the second Lesson at Evening Prayer openly in the Church instruct, and examine so many children of his parish sent unto him, as he shall think convenient in some part of this Chatechism.

¶ And all fathers, Mothers, Masters, and Dames, shall cause their chi1dren, servants, and Prentices (which have not learned their catechism) to come to the Church at the time appointed, and obediently to hear, and be ordered by the Curate, until such time as they have learned all that is here appointed for them to learn.

¶ So soon as chi1dren are come to a competent Age, and can say in their mother Tongue, the Creed, the Lords Prayer, and the ten Commandments, and also can answer to the other questions of this short Catechism; they shall be brought to the Bishop; And every one shall have a Godfather, or a Godmother as a Witnes of their Confirmation.

¶ And whensoever the Bishop shall give knowledge for children to be brought unto him for their Confirmation, the Curate of every Parish shall either bring or send in writeing, with his hand subscribed thereunto, the Names of all such persons within his Parish, as he shall think fitt to be presented to the Bishop to be confirmed, And, if the Bishop approve of them, he shall confirm them in the manner following.
 

The Order of Confirmation,

or laying on of hands,

upon those, that are baptized,
and come to years of Discretion.

¶ Upon the day appointed, all that are to be then confirmed, being placed, and standing in Order before the Bishop: he (or some other Minister appointed by him) shall read this Preface following.

To the end that Confirmation may be ministred to the more edifyeing of such as shall receive it, the Church hath thought good to order, That none hereafter shall be confirmed, but such as can say the Creed, the Lords Prayer, and the ten Commandments, and can also answer to such other questions, as in the short Catechism are conteined: which order is very convenient to be observed, to the end, That Children being now come to the years of discretion, and having learned what their Godfathers and Godmothers promised for them in Baptism, they may themselves, with their own mouth and consent, openly before the Church, ratifie and confirm the same, and also promise that by the grace of God they will evermore endeavour themselves faithfully to observe such things as they by their own Confession have assented unto. 

¶ Then shall the Bishop say.

Almighty, and everliving God, who hast vouchsafed to regenerate these thy servants by Water, and the holy Ghost; and hast given unto them forgiveness of all their sins: Strengthen them, we beseech thee, O Lord, with the holy Ghost the Comforter; and daily increase in them thy manifold gifts of grace; the spirit of wisdom and understanding; the spirit of Counsel and ghostly strength; the spirit of knowledge, and true godliness; and fil them, O Lord, with the spirit of thy holy fear, now and for-ever. Amen.

¶ Then all of them in order, kneeling before the Bishop, he shall lay his hand upon the head of everyone severally, saying.

Defend, O Lord, this thy Childe [or this thy servant] with thy heavenly grace; that he may continue thine for ever: and daily increase in thy holy spirit, more and more, until he come unto thy everlasting Kingdom. Amen.

Our Father which art in heaven. Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be don in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread,. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us, And lead us not into temptation: but deliver us from evil. Amen.

¶ And this Collect.

Almighty and everliving God, who makest us both to will and to do those things that be good and acceptable unto thy divine Majesty: We make our humble supplications unto thee for these thy servants, upon whom (after the example of thy holy Apostles) we have now layed our hands to certifie them (by this sign) of thy favour and gracious goodness towards them. Let thy fatherly hand, we beseech thee ever be over them; let thy holy spirit ever be with them, and so lead them in the Knowledge and obedience of thy word, that in the end they may obtain everlasting life, through our Lord Jesus Christ; who with thee, and the holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth ever one God world without end. Amen.

O Almighty Lord, and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to direct, sanctifie, and govern both our hearts and bodies in the wayes of thy laws, and in the works of thy Commandments, that through thy most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul, through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Then the Bishop shall bless them, saying thus.

The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost, be upon you, and remain with you, for ever. Amen.

¶ And there shall none be admitted to the holy Communion, unti1 such time as he be confirmed, or be ready and desirous to be confirmed.
 

The Form of Solemnization of

Matrimony.

First, the Banns of all that are to be married together, must be published in the Church three severall Sundayes, or Holy-dayes in the time of divine service, immediatly before the sentences for the Offertory: the Curate saying after the accustomed manner. [I publish the Banns of Marriage between M. of      and N. of     If any of you know cause, or just impediment why these two persons should not be joyned together in holy Matrimony, ye are to declare it: This is the first [second, or third] time of asking.]

¶ And if the Persons that are to be married dwell m divers Parishes, the Banns must be asked in both Parishes; and the Curate of the one Parish shall not solemnize Matrimony betwixt them, without a Certificate of the Banns being thrice asked from the Curate of the other Parish.

¶ At the day and time appointed for solemnization of Matrimony, the persons to be married shall come into the Body of the Church with their Friends and Neighbours: And there standing together, the Man on the right hand, and the Woman on the 1eft; the Priest shall say.

Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this Congregation, to joyn together this Man, and this woman in holy Matrimony, which is an honourable estate, instituted of God in the time of mans innocency, signifying unto us the mysticall union that is betwixt Christ and his Church: which holy estate Christ adorned, and beautified with his presence, and first miracle that he wrought in Cana of Galilee, and is commended of St. Paul to be honourable among all men, and therefore is not by any to be enterprized, nor taken in hand unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, to satisfie mens carnall lusts, and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God, duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordeined.
First, it was ordeined for the procreation of children to be brought up in the fear, and nurture of the Lord, and to the prayse of his holy Name.
Secondly, it was ordeined for a remedy against Sin, and to avoid fornication; that such persons as have not the gift of Continency, might marry, and keep themselves undefiled members of Christs body.
Thirdly, it was ordeyned for the mutuall Society, help, and Comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity, and Adversity: Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joyned. Therefore, if any man can shew any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace.

¶ And also speaking unto the persons that shall be married, he shall say.

I require and charge you both (as ye will answer at the dreadfull day of Judgement, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disc1osed,) that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully be joyned together in Matrimony, ye do now confess it; For be ye well assured, that so many as are coupled together otherwise then Gods word doth allow, are not joyned together by God, neither is their Matrimony lawfull.

¶ At which day of Marriage, if any man do allege and declare any impediment why they may not be coupled together in Matrimony by Gods law, or the laws of this Realm, and will be bound, and sufficient sureties with him, to the parties, or else put in a Caution (to the full value of such charges, as the Persons to be married, do thereby sustain) to prove his Allegation; then the Solemnization must be deferred until such time as the truth be tryed.

¶ If no impediment be alledged, then shall the Curate say unto the Man.

N. wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together, after Gods ordinance, in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her. honour and keep her, in sicknes and in health? and forsakeing all other, keep thee only unto her so long as ye both shall live?

¶ The man shall answer.

I will.

¶ Then shall the Priest say unto the Woman.

N. wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband to live together after Gods ordinance, in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him, in sickness, and in health, and forsakeing all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?

¶ The Woman shall answer.

I will.

¶ Then shall the Minister say.

Who giveth this woman to be marryed to this man?

¶ Then shall they give their Troth to each other in this manner.

¶ The Minister receiving the Woman at her Fathers, or friends hands, shall cause the Man with his right hand, to take the woman by her right hand, and to say after him as followeth.

I N. take thee N. to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness, and in health, to love and to cherish till death us do part, according to Gods holy ordinance, and thereto I plight thee my troth.

¶ Then shall they loose their hands, and the woman with her right hand takeing the man by his right hand, shall likewise say after the Minister.

I N. take thee N. to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness, and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey till death us do part, according to Gods holy ordinance i And thereto I give thee my troth.

¶ Then shall they again loose their hands, and the Man shall give unto the woman a ring, laying the same upon the book, with the accustomed duty to the Priest and Clerk. And the Priest taking the ring, shall deliver it unto the man, to put it upon the fourth finger of the womans 1eft hand. And the man holding the Ring there, and taught by the Priest, shall say.

With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost. Amen.

¶ Then the man leaving the ring upon the fourth finger of the womans left hand, they shall both kneel down, and the Minister shall say.
 

Let us pray.

O etemall God, creatour and preserver of all mankind, giver of all spirituall grace, the Author of everlasting life, send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man, and this woman, whom we bless in thy Name, that as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, (whereof this ring given and received is a token and pledge) & may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Priest joyn their right hands together, and say.

Those whom God hath joyned together, let no man put asunder.

¶ Then shall the Minister speak unto the People.

Forasmuch as N. and N. have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God, and this Company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to other, and have declared the same, by giving and receiving of a ring, and by joyning of Hands: I pronounce that they be man and wife together, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost. Amen.

¶ And the Minister shall add« this Blessing.

God the Father, God the Son, God the holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favour look upon you, and soe fill you with all spiritual benediction, and grace, that ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come, ye may have life everlasting. Amen.

¶ Then the Minister or Clerks going to the Lords Table, shall say or sing this Psalm following.
 

    Blessed are all they that fear the Lord: and walke in his wayes.
    For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands : O well is thee, and happy shalt thou be.
    Thy wife shall be as the fruitfull vine : upon the walls of thy house.
    Thy children like the Olive branches : round about thy table.
    Lo thus shall the man be blessed : that feareth the Lord.
    The Lord from out of Sion shall so bless thee: that thou shalt see Jerusalem in prosperity, all thy life long.
    Yea, that thou shalt see thy childrens children: and peace upon Israel.
    Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the holy Ghost.
    As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen.

¶ Or this Psalm.
 

    God be mercifull unto us, and bless us: and shew us the light of his Countenance, and be mereiful1 unto us.
    That thy way may be known upon earth: thy saving health among all Nations.
    Let the people prayse thee, O God: yea, let all the people prayse thee.
    O Let the Nations rejoyce, and be glad: for thou shalt judge the folke righteously, and govern the nations upon earth.
    Let the people praise thee, O God, : yea, let all the people praise thee.
    Then shall the earth bring forth her increase : and God, even our own God, shall give us his blessing.
    God shall bless us : and all the ends of the world shall fear him.
    Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the holy Ghost.
    As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen.

¶ The Psalm ended, and the man and the Woman kneeling before the Lords Table, the Priest standing at the table and turning his face towards them, shall say.

    Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be don in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation : But deliver us from evil. Amen.

O God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, bless these thy servants, and sow the seed of eternall life in their hearts, that whatsoever in thy holy word, they shall profitably learne, they may indeed fulfill the same. Look, O Lord, mercifully upon them from heaven, and bless them. And as thou didst send thy blessing upon Abraham and Sarah, to their great comfort; so vouchsafe to send thy blessing upon these thy servants, that they obeying thy will, and alway being in safety under thy protection, may abide in thy love unto their lives end. through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ This Prayer next following shall be omitted, where the woman is past chi1d-bearing.

O mercifull Lord, and heavenly Father, by whose gratious gift mankind is increased: we beseech thee assist with thy blessing these two persons, that they may both be fruitfull in procreation of Children, and also live together so long in godly love and honesty, that they may see their children christianly and virtuously brought up, to thy praise and honour through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

O God, who by thy mighty power hast made all things of nothing, who also (after other things set in order) didst appoint, that out of man (created after thine own Image, and similitude) woman should take her beginning: and knitting them together didst teach, that it should never be lawfull to put asunder those whom thou by Matrimony hadst made one: O God who hast consecrated the State of Matrimony to such an excellent Mystery, that in it is signified, and represented the spiritual Marriage and unity betwixt Christ and his Church; look mercifully upon these thy servants, that both this man may love his wife according to thy word, (as Christ did love his Spouse the Church, who gave himselfe for it, loving and cherishing it even as his own flesh) and alsoe that this woman may be loving and amiable, faithfull and obedient to her husband, and in all quietness, sobriety, and peace, be a follower of holy and godly Matrons. O Lord bless them both, and grant them to inherit thy everlasting Kingdome, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Priest say.

Almighty God who at the beginning did create our first parents Adam and Eve, and did sanctifie and joyn them together in marriage: pour upon you the riches of his Grace, sanctifie and bless you, that ye may please him both in body and soul, and live together in holy love unto your lives end. Amen.

¶ After which if there be no sermon, declaring the duties of man and wife, the Minister shall read as followeth.

All ye that are married, or that intend to take the holy estate of Matrimony upon you, hear what the holy scripture doth say, as touching the duty of husbands towards their wifes and wives towards their husbands.

Saint Paul in his Epistle to the Ephesians, the fifth Chapter doth give this commandment to all married men. Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave himselfe for it; that he might sanctife, and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. That he might present it to himselfe a glorious Church, not having spott or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives, as their own bodies; he that loveth his Wife, loveth himselfe. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourisheth, and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the Church. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joyned unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great Mystery: but I speake concerning Christ and the Church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife, even as himselfe.
    Likewise the same saint Paul writing to the Colossians, speaketh thus to all men that are married; Husbands love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
    Hear also what Saint Peter the Apostle of Christ. who was himselfe a married man, sayth unto them that are married. Ye husbands dwell with your Wives according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindred.
    Hitherto ye have heard the duty of the husband toward the wife. Now likewise, ye wives, hear and learn your dutyes toward your husbands, even as it is plainly set forth in holy Scripture.
    Saint Paul in the aforenamed Epistle to the Ephesians, teacheth you thus: Wives submitt your selves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the Church: and he is the Saviour of the body. Therefore as the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. And againe he saieth, Let the wife see that she reverence her husband.
    And in his Epistle to the Colossians, Saint Paul giveth you this short Lesson; Wives submitt your selves unto your own husbands as it is fitt in the Lord.
    Saint Peter also doth instruct you very well, thus saying, Ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, that if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the Conversation of the wives, while they behold your chaste conversacon coupled with fear. whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of Apparell, but let it be the hidden man of the heart in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this matter in the old time, the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands. Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord; whose daughters ye are as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement,

¶ It is convenient that the new married persons should receive the holy Communion at the time of their marriage, or at the first opportunity after their Marriage.