A19564:105
Catechismus, that is to say, a short instruction into Christian religion for the singular…Catechismus, that is to say, a shorte instruction into Christian religion for the synguler…
Catechismus, that is to say, a short instruction into Christian religion for the singular commodity and profit of children[n] and young people. Set forth by the most reverend father in God Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury, primate of all England and MetropolitanCatechismus, that is to say, a shorte instruction into Christian religion for the synguler commoditie and profyte of childre[n] and yong people. Set forth by the mooste reuerende father in God Thomas Archbyshop of Canterbury, primate of all England and Metropolitane
printed for Gwalter Lynne, 1548
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
[figure]1
- 1Gene. lx.
This good children is the first and chief commandment of the second table, which doeth teach us, how we ought to behave our selves toward our neighbour. And this commandment speaketh of the most excellent and most dear personages unto us that live upon the earth, as of our parents and rulers of the common wealth, and ⟨p. xxxix⟩it teacheth how we should order our selves towards them, that is to say, to honour and dread them. It entreateth of no small or trifling things, but containeth matters of very great importance, and it giveth great wisdom to all them that do rightly understand it. Wherefore good children listen to it diligently, that you may know the true meaning thereof. And first of all ye shall understand, that God did give us these ten commandments for this cause that by them we might learn what doth please him. For this is a doctrine most certain, that we upon earth can enterprise or work nothing that may better please him, than to keep his commandments. And they be most fools of all, that go about to serve God and win ⟨image 63⟩his favour with such works as he himself hath not commanded. For of such Christ sayeth in the xv. chapter of Matthew. They worship me in vain with the commandments of men.1 But this we may be sure of, that it pleaseth God that we should honour our father and mother and obey them. And for this cause, all the works also which they command us to do, do please God, yea the most vile works that they appoint us unto, as to sweep the house, to pour water into the laver and such like. Now this is a very great comfort for us to know for a surety that these small & drugging works do highly please god, because in doing them we obey our parents. Contrariwise those kinds of worshipping God, those ceremonies and works