Why say you that Catechising is a declaring of the Principles of Religion out of the Scripture or Word of God B. Esay 8.20 Acts 17.11 1 Cor. 11.23 2 Tim. 4.2 3. Because nothing is to be deliuered nor receiued for a Principle of Religion or true Doctrine which hath not foundation in this Word or is not contained therein Scripture I. VVHat call you the Scripture or Word of God B. All l Iohn 5 39. Matth. 22.29 Luke 24.27 Ephes 2.20 those Bookes of the Old and New Testament penned by holy m Luke 1.7 Ioh. 16.13 2 Tim. 3 16. 2 Pet. 1.19 20.21 men of God as they were mooued by the Holy Ghost commonly called the Bible I. Which bee the Canonicall Bookes of the Old Testament B. They may be diuided into three orders The first containes Historicall books being narrations of things done which are Genesis Exodus Leuiticus Numbers Deuteronomie the booke of Ioshua Iudges Ruth two bookes of Samuel two of the Kings two of the Chronicles the bookes of Ezra Nehemiah Hester and Iob. The second are Doctrinall bookes teaching diuine Doctrines and Precepts These are the bookes of the Psalmes of the Prouerbes of the Preacher or Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs or the Canticles The third comprehends Propheticall bookes foretelling things to come whereof some are greater namely the Prophecy of Esay Ieremie whereunto belongs his Lamentation Ezekiel and Daniel Some smaller to wit Hosea Ioel Amos Obadiah Ionah Micah Nahū Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah and Malachie all which were written in the Hebrew tongue I. Which bee the diuine Canonicall bookes of the New Testament B. They are distinguished into thrée rankes or orders The first containes Historicall bookes which are fiue The Gospell of S. Matthew Marke Luke and Iohn the Acts of the Apostles The second is of Epistles which are twenty one in number one to the Romans two to the Corinthians one to the Galathians one to the Ephesians one to the Philippians one to the Colossians two to the Thessalonians two to Timothie one to Titus one to Philemon one to the Hebrewes of Iames one of Peter two of Iohn thrée and of Iude one The third one onely Propheticall booke called the Apocalips or Reuelation of Saint Iohn which books were penned in the Gréeke tongue I. Are not Esdras Tobit Iudith and the other bookes commonly ioyned in one volume with the bookes before mentioned and interiected betweene Malachy the last of the small Prophets and the Gospell of Saint Matthew parts of the Canonicall Scripture and Word of God also and of equall authoritie and credit with the rest mentioned B. No surely and therefore are not to be alledged for confirmation of any Doctrine or grounds of our faith though they may bee profitably read for example of life and instruction of manners I. What reasons can you render for the proofe of that you say B. My reasons are these First Luke 16.29 24.27 2 Pet. 1.19 Conferre these Scriptures with the Preface before Ecclesiasticus and 2. Macab 2.23 Also Malachie was the last Propheticall Writer as may bee collected by Malac. 4.5.6 because they were not written by any of the Prophets or such as were immediatly called of God Secondly 2 Tim. 3.16 2 Pet. 1.21 See the Prologue before Ecclesiasticus and 2. Maccab. 2.24.25.26 vnto the end of the Chapter they came not by diuine Inspiration Thirdly there be many o Apocryphall Ester Chap. 12.5 6. 15.7 compared with Canonicall Ester Chap. 6.3 3.1.2 c. and 5.2 Tob. 5.12 and 12.15 Iudith 9.2 conferred with Gen. 49.5 6 7. Eccles 46. ver last with Reuel 14.13 The History of Bell. ver 31. Dan. 6.18 false and some p 2. Maccab. 12.39 40 41 c. and 14.41.42 c. Iudith 9.1 2.11.13 c. impious things contained in them Fourthly throughout the whole New Testament there is not so much as one Testimonie to bee found cited out of any of these bookes either by our Sauiour Christ or his Apostles to giue witnesse or approbation vnto them I. What Arguments are there to assure vs that those bookes of the Old and New Testament are the Scriptures and vndoubted Word of God B. Acts 2.16 17. 2 Tim. 3.16 2 Pet. 1.20.21 First the outward testimonie of themselues for they testifie of themselues that they are so Iohn 14 26. 1 Cor. 2.10 11 12 13. 1 Iohn 2.20.27 Secondly The inward testimonie of the Holy Ghost which doth most effectually perswade our hearts that they be diuine Thirdly their Antiquitie Fourthly the singular Maiestie and sublimitie of stile which euerywhere shineth in them 1 Mac. 1.56 57 Fiftly the miraculous preseruation of them against the rage and fury of aduersaries Gen 15.13.14 compared with Exod. 1.11.13 14 c. Chap. 7. 20. Chap. 8 9 10 11 12. also 14.27 28. Esay 7.14 accomplished Mat. 1.21 22 c. Mich. 5.2 Mat. 2.1 Luke 2.4 5 c. Gen. 49.10 Luke 2 3 c. Gen. 12.2 Exod 1.7.12 Numb 26.4 5 6 7 c. Gen. 3.15 Col 2.14 15. Heb. 2.14 15. Sixtly the precise and wonderfull accomplishment of the Prophecies therein contained in the same manner as they were fortold though many hundred yeeres after comming to passe Seuenthly Reuel 6.9 the constancie of the Saints and holy Martyres of God which haue sealed the same with their bloud Iohn 3.2 Ex. Chap. 8 9 10. Acts 5.12 c. Mark 16.20 Heb. 2.4 Eightly the rare miracles by which God hath confirmed the Doctrine and approoued the Penners thereof to bée immediatly called of him Ninthly Ex. 32.23.24 c. Numb 12.1 2 3. 20.11.12 Psal 51. 73.2 3.13 14. Mat. 26.69 70. c. Iohn 20.25 Acts 15.39 the impartiall faithfulnes of the Penners of them not sparing to record vnto all succeeding ages the faults and blemishes both of themselues and such as were nearest and dearest vnto them Tenthly the n 1 Cor. 14.24.25 Heb 4.12 admirable power and exceeding efficacie they haue in the consciences of men o 2 Tim. 3.16 conuincing p 2 Cor. 3.6 killing q Acts 2.37 24.25 terrifying and amazing some r Psal 19 7.8 119.99.100.104.105 illuminating ſ Psal 19.8 119.111 reioycing t Rom. 15.4 comforting and u Psal 19.7 Acts 26.18 conuerting others c I. What are the properties of these Scriptures B. They haue their whole authoritie from God alone the Author of them and not from the Church I. How proue you this B. Psal 19.7 119.1.2.88 Esay 8.20 First because the Scriptures are the Testimonie of God now that cannot receiue authoritie from men and therefore neither the Scriptures Secondly because the Scriptures are before the Church for it is x Esay 2.2 Mat. 28.19 Acts 1 8.9.10 gathered y Iames 1.13 1 Pet. 1.23 regenerated and z Acts 20.32 c. Ephes 4.11.12 13. Psal 119.9.105 Ephes 2.20 gouerned by them Thirdly
vnhappy forlorne and sinfull wretches obnoxious to the curse and wrath of God in this life and for euermore in the life to come I. Wherein stands that sinfulnesse which you say is in all the children of Adam through his fall B. In that wee are all Gen. 8.21 Iob 14.4 15.14 Psal 51.1 58.3 euen from our mothers wombes miserably defiled with originall sinne and guilty of a numberlesse number of actuall transgressions which through the whole course of our liues wee ceasse not to commit against the most holy precepts of God I. Is there any originall sinne B. Yes Gen. 5.3 Psal 51.5 Iob. 14.4 Ephes 2 3. Rom. 5.12 The Scriptures in many places testifieth that all men are conceiued and borne in sinnes and trespasses I. What is that you call originall sinne B. First Rom. 3.23.7 8. the want of that puritie and holinesse wherein Adam was created and we in him Rom. 5.12.19 Secondly the guilt of his defection and transgression imputed vnto vs. Thirdly an d Rom. 7.18 1 Thes 5.23 The minde is corrupt Ephes 4.22 23. Ephes 2 3. It is coueâ—ed with a sea of ignorance Rom. 2.11 Ephes 4. â—8 It â—s incapâ—ble of spâ—râ—uâ—ll things Iohn 3 9.1â— 1 Cor. 2.14 It is vaine Ephes 4.17 soâ—â—â—sh Pro. 22 15. Tit. 3.3 The memory is exceeding forgetful of good Heb. 13.2 2 Pet. 1.12 13.15 of a marble firmnes for euâ—l 2 Sam. 13 23 c. witnesse iniuries c. the conscience is defiled T it 1.15 Heb 9.14 It is sencelesse Ephes 4.19 1 Tim. 4.2 tormented Gen. 4.13 14. Dan. 5 6.9 Acts 2.37 accusing when it should excuse Marke 10.19.20 Esay 29 13. and contrary excusing when it should accuse Iohn 16.2 The will impotent to good Rom. 5 6. Phil. 2.13 potent to euill and infinitely rebellious to God Ier. 18.12 44.16 1â— The affections altogether irregular and disordered 1 Kings 2 14 22.8 Gal. 5.24 The members of the body are occasions of sinnes conceiuing in the soule Gen. 3.6 2 Sam. 11.2.21 and instruments to put it in execution being there conceiued Rom. 3.13 c. and 6.13.19 vniuersall corruption diffused throughout our whole nature both bodies and soules together with all the parts powers and faculties of either whereby we are e Ro. 7.8.14.23 prone to all manner of actuall sinne whatsoeuer and f Ro. 8.7 Tit. 1.16 auerse and g Rom. 5 6 7.18 wholly disabled to any thing which is good and pleasing to God I. Why is it called originall sinne B. Gen. 3.6 7 c. Because it was from the originall or beginning of the world euen as soone as Adam was fallen Secondly because it is deriued to all mankinde by hereditary propagation from Adam Gen 5.3 Iob 14.4 who is the originall or beginning of vs all Thirdly Gen 8.21 Psal 15.5 Esay 48.8 because it is in all men and women whatsoeuer from their first originall and beginning euen from the first moment of their conception and birth Fourthly Iames 1.14 15. Mat. 12.35 2 Pet. 1.4 because it is the originall and beginning of all actuall sinnes which issue and flow from the same as from a fountaine I. Is this originall corruption in all men B. Yes 1 Kings 8.46 Iob 14.4 Psal 51.5 Rom. 5.12.14 7.24 Ephes 2 3. 1 Iohn 1.8 in euery one that is but a méere man of what sexe age or condition soeuer hee bee both infants and men of yéeres vnregenerate and such as are regenerate and borne anew are infected with this sinne I. But is there no difference betweene the being of this corruption in the regenerate and vnregenerate B. Yes great difference for in the regenerate it is grieued h 2 Sam. 24.10 Psal 51. Rom. 7.22 23 24. for and detested in them it i Rom. 6.11.14 22. 7.15.19.21 22. reignes not is in part mortified and is not at all k Ephes 1.7 1 Iohn 1.7 imputed to any of them but in the l It is not grieuous but sweet vnto the vnregenerate Iob. 15 16. 20.12.13 Pro. 2.14 Secondly in them it reignes c. Rom. 6.17 19 20. 7.5 Ephes 2.1 2 3. Thirdly it is also imputed to them Iob 20.11 Iohn 8.21.24 vnregenerate all is contrary I. Is this originall impuritie in like degree and measure in all by nature B. Yea all men which descend from Adam by naturall generation Ephes 2 3. Pro. 27.19 are equally infected therewith not one more another lesse I. Whence is it then that all men doe not alike breake forth into the same degree of actuall vice and wickednesse B. This comes to passe from Gods m Gen. 20.6 31.24.39 restraining grace in some from his n Gen. 39.7 8.9 10. Ier. 32.40 renewing and sanctifying grace in others as also from other o As feare of punishment from the ciuill Magistrate Rom. 13.3 4. Of Gods temporall iudgements 1 Kings 13.3 4. Of danger from men Marke 11.32 Mat. â—1 46 Acts 5.26 lets and impediments I. What punishment is due to originall sinne Rom. 5.14.17.18 B. The same which is to euery actuall sinne euen eternall death Rom. 6.23 Ephes 2 3. I. What is actuall sinne B. It is euery p Exod. 20.1 2 c. 2 Cor. 5.10 Gal. 5.19 action or q Mat. 3.10 25.30.41 42. c. omission euery r Mat. 5.22 12.36 word Å¿ Gen. 6.5 Mat. 15.19 thought t Exod. 20.17 Rom. 7.7 Gal. 5.17 desire purpose wish or motion of the heart u 1 Iohn 3 4. contrary to any of the Lawes or Commandements of God I How many kindes of actuall sinnes are there B. There is great varietie of them First x 2 Cor. 7.1 some are inward some outward Secondly some immediately against y 1 Sam. 2 25. Leuit. 24.11 God some against our z 1 Sam 2.25 Mat 18.15 neighbour some against our a Tit. 2.12 selues Thirdly some of b Exod 20.1 2. c. 2 Cor. 5.10 commission some of c Mat 3.10 Luke 13.7 omission Fourthly some of d Luke 23.34 Acts 3.17 ignorance some of e Luke 12 47. Rom. 1.32 knowledge Fiftly some are f Iohn 8.34 2 Pet. 3 5. voluntary some are g Rom. 7.7 inuoluntary Sixtly some of h Rom. 7.19 Gal. 6 1. infirmitie some of i Psal 19 1â— presumption Seuenthly some k Psal 19.12 secret some knowne Eightly some are m Ro. 6.12.14 reigning some are not n Rom. 7.20 1 Iohn 3 6.9 reigning Ninthly some o 1 Cor. 6.18 without the body some against it Tenthly some p Gen. 4.10 18.20 21. crying some of q Acts 17.30 tolleration Eleuenthly some simply r All those we commit our selues ours Heb. 10.26 some by Å¿ Ephes 5.7.11 1 Tim. 5.22 2 Ioh. 11. participation Twelfthly and lastly some are t Mat. 12.31 Marke 3.28 29. Luke 12.10 Heb. 6.6 1
Ioh. 5. 16 17. pardonable l 1 Tim. 5 2 4. some for euer u Mat. 12.31 Marke 3.28 29. Luke 12.10 Heb. 6.6 1 Ioh. 5.16 17. vnpardonable namely the sinne against the Holy Ghost I. Are all actuall sinnes of equall or alike guilt c B. No. But some are x Ezek. 16.47 Mat 5.22 7.3 4 5. Iohn 15.24 Iohn 19.11 1 Tim. 5.8 2 Pet. 2.20 21. greater some smaller some in a higher degrée offensiue and more hainous before God some lesse Yet so as that the least that can be committed or named is y Rom. 6.23 Gal. 3.10 Ezek. 18.20 mortall and damnable of it owne nature if it bee not pardoned through Christ I. You said that actuall sinnes were such as are committed against the Commandements of God tell mee therefore which are those Commandements you speake of B. They are those ten recorded in order in the twentieth Chapter of Exodus 1. Thou shalt haue none other gods before mee 2. Thou shalt not make to thee any grauen image nor the likenesse of any thing that is in Heauen aboue c. I. Haue you sufficient power perfectly to keepe and fulfill all the commandements of God as you ought B. No z Eccles 7.22 Psal 19 12. Iames 3.2 in no wise neither any man liuing bee hee neuer so holy but euen the most righteous that are doe breake them euery day in thought word and deede yea in the most a Nehem. 13.22 Esay 6 4.6 Reuel 8 3. perfect and holiest performances that procéede from them they grieuously offend against them I. What punishment doe they make themselues lyable vnto which breake any of these Commandements B. To b Gen. 3.17 18 19. Leuit. 26.14 15 c. Deut. 28.15 c. all the miseries woes crosses plagues and calamities of this present life to c Rom. 5.12.14 1 Cor. 15.55 5 6. death of body in the end of this life and to d Deut. 27.26 Ezek. 18.20 Rom. 6.23 euerlasting and inconceiuable torments both of body and soule after this life in Hell fire All this and no lesse is the deserued punishment of euery euen the lest breach of any of these Commandements though it be but in wish desire or thought and that but once onely and no more during the whole time of our soiourning here in this world I. How can this be B. Because the author and giuer of these Commandements is an e 1 Tim. 1.17 eternall f Gen. 18.14 omnipotent g Psal 139 7.8 c. 147.5 infinite and h Psal 145.3 incomprehensible Maiestie euen God the high i Gen. 14.22 possessor of Heauen and earth the King of k 1 Tim 6.15 Kings and Lord of Lords I. Yea but God is most mercifull gracious and full of compassion he will not nay he cannot therefore punish sinne so extreamely B. It is true indéede God is excéeding l Exod. 34.6 Psal 103.8 Psal 145 9. mercifull yea infinite in mercy and compassion but it is also as true that he is excéeding m Exod 34.7 Iob 34.10.11.12 iust and as infinite in iustice as in mercy and therefore cannot punish sinne with a lesse then an infinite and eternall punishment For this iustice requires that the punishment bee proportionable to the offence which takes it greatnesse not from the person by whom it is done neither from the thing about which it is conuersant nor yet from the time in which it is finished but from the quality dignity and eminency of the person against whom and whose lawes it is committed and by this is to be measured Moreouer God is most n Deut. 32.4 Num 23 19 20 Iohn 14.6 true of his Word yea o truth it selfe hee therefore hauing said that the fore recited punishment all and euery part of it shall be the reward of euery sinne it is as impossible that it should receiue any easier recompence as it is that he p 1 Sam. 15.29 Tit. 1 2. should lie or denie himselfe Of Mans estate of grace by Iesus Christ I. BVt is there no remedy for vs who by the sinne of our first parents and our owne personall originall and actuall transgressions which are innumerable are subiect to all this woe and misery you haue mentioned whereby wee may be deliuered from this dreadfull and damnable condition B. In q Exod 34.7 Ps 49 6 7 8 9. Mich. 6.6 â— Mat. 16.26 1 Pet. 1.18 our selues or any méere creature in Heauen or in earth or ought that wee or they can doe none at all Howbeit God out of his infinite loue to mankind r Iohn 3.16 1 Iohn 4.9.10.11 hath Å¿ Ephes 1.4 1 Pet. 1.20 appointed and in his Word reuealed a most effectuall meanes which whosoeuer make right vse of they shall not onely be saued from all their sinnes and the eternall and infinite wrath of God due vnto the same but also be possessed of a farre more happy estate then euer in t Psal â—30 7.8 Luke 20.36 Iohn 10.10 Rom 5.17 Adam they were created in Mat. 20.28 Iohn 14.6 10 10. Acts 4 10. 20 28. Rom. 3.23.24 Gal. .13 Ephes 2.14 15. Col 1.14.20 1 Tim. 1.15 I. What is that meanes which God hath appointed for this purpose B. Iesus Christ and his merits I. What is this Iesus Christ B. Hee is the u Iohn 1.14 3.16 onely begotten sonne of God the x Mat. 28.19 1 Iohn 1.7 second person of Trinity who of y Gen. 3.15 Luke 1.31 the séede of the z Esay 7. â—4 Mat. 1.20.21 c. Virgin Mary a Mat 1.20 Luke 1.34 35. sanctifyed by the Holy Ghost b Heb. 2.16 17. Phil. 2.6 7 8. assumed and the same personally vnited vnto his Deity a true humane c Iohn 1.14 Heb 10.15 body indued with a reasonable d Mat. 26.38 Marke 14 34. soule and so in e Iohn 3.13 1 Tim. 3.16 one and the same person became true f Esay 7.14 Iohn 1.1 God and true g 1 Cor. 15.21.47 1 Tim. 2 5. Man in all things h Heb 2.17 4.15 like vnto vs i 2 Cor. 5.21 Heb. 4.15 1 Pet. 2.22 sinne onely excepted I. How are the two natures of Christ his Godhead and Manhood vnited together B. In such sort as the one cannot be l Iohn 3.13 Ephes 4.10 11. seuered from the other neither is m Rom. 1.3 4. 9.5 1 Tim. 3.16 1 Pet. 4.1 Luke 2 52. Marke 13.32 Iohn 2.19.24.25 4.6 10 17 18 21.17 Acts 3.21 2 Cor. 13.4 mixed nor confounded with either conuerted into the other but so as both remaine really and truly distinct one from the other both in essence properties wils actions and operations I. Was it necessary that our Redeemer should be thus God and Man in one person B. Yes altogether for otherwise he could neuer haue wrought the worke of our redemption I. For what cause was it
guiltlesse innocent and holy man B. No thing lesse in as much as Christ tooke vpon himselfe to bee our pledge and surety Heb. 7.22 to make satisfaction to God for our sinnes Secondly because he was no way compelled to vndergoe the penaltie due vnto vs but most fréely Mat. 16.21 22 23. 20.28 willingly and of his owne accord did suffer and submit himselfe thereunto Thirdly Rom. 9.5 Tit. 2.13 Heb. 7.24 25.26 because he being not onely man but God also and consequently of infinite power hee was able to beare the full wrath of God incensed against vs to winde out of the same and ouercome it I. But how can this bee that Christ being but one single man that his obedience and sufferings which were also but for a short space should be of that merit and efficacie as to make satisfaction for the sinnes of so many innumerable men and women when as euery particular sinne euen the least vngodly thought deserues no lesse then euerlasting destruction both of body and soule B. Because the obedience and passions of Christ are not the obedience and passions of a meere man alone but of him who in vnity of person is God as well as Man and therefore of infinite Glory and Maiestie Now as himselfe is infinite so must needes his obedience and sufferings be of no lesse then infinite and vnlimited force value and efficacie I. What meane you by the actiue obedience or righteousnesse of Christ B. Mat 1.20 Mark â—4 Luke 1.35 First the innocencie sinlesnesse and most perfect holinesse of his conception he being conceiued and borne most pure without the least staine of sinne Secondly the actuall obedience of his life Mat. â—â—7 Iohn â— â—9 46. Iohn 4.34 whereby on our behalfe hee fully and most perfectly euen to his death kept all the Commandements of God shunning with detestation all and euery sinne forbidden and performing with all alacrity and ioyous gladnesse all and euery good worke required by the same I. What is the benefit we receiue by this actiue obedience or righteousnesse of Christ B. By this wee haue right to eternall life and happinesse 1 Cor. 1.30 2 Cor. 5.21 Rom. 10.4 God of his infinite goodnesse imputing the same vnto and accepting it on our behalfe as if wee our selues had perfectly fulfilled the Law in our owne persons I. Is then the actuall obedience of Christ necessary to our saluation as well as his passiue obedience and sufferings B. Yea certainely because his sufferings doe but onely r Rom. 4.25 1 Iohn 1.7 Reuel 1.5 expiate and make satisfaction for our sinnes and deliuer vs from hell and damnation the wages thereof but it Å¿ Leuit. 18.5 Mat. 19.17 Rom. 10.5 is the imputation of his righteousnesse which inuests into and giues vs title vnto the Kingdome of Heauen there being no possibilitie nor hope of entring thereinto without fulfilling the whole Law of God I. And is Christs pure and sinlesse conception necessary for vs as well as the obedience of his life B. Yea we haue néede of both of the one to answer for the t Psal 51.5 Ephes 1.2 3. impuritie of our polluted conception and births of the other for the sinfulnesse of our wicked u Eph. 2.1 2 3. Iames 3.2 liues and actions I. But Christ was bound to performe obedience to the Law for himselfe was he not B. No. Because from the first moment of his conception his Manhood was personally vnited vnto the second person of the most holy Trinity x Mat 1.20 Luke 1.25 and consequently was not only Man but God and therefore was not bound to any Law neither stood in néede of any legall righteousnesse being already endued with a farre more excellent and exact righteousnes euen the righteousnesse of God so that the only end for which he fulfilled the law was that the same might bee z Rom. 4.6 9.30 Phil. 3 9. imputed to vs and we thereby indued with such an absolute and perfect righteousnesse as might entitle vs to eternall life Luke 17.7 8 9 10. Exod. 20.6 Moreouer had Christ béene bound to performe obedience to the Law as a duty from and for himselfe due to God his obedience though neuer so exact could not haue beene meritorious at all no not so much as for himselfe I. What are we yet further taught in the Scriptures concerning Christ our Sauiour B. That hee is the sole and onely a 1 Tim 2 5. Heb. 9.15 mediator betweene God and the Elect to b 2 Cor. 5.19 Col. 1.19 20 21 reconcile them for euer to obtaine from God and effectually conferre vpon them c Iohn 10.28 17.2.22.24 eternall life and glory with d As remission of sinnes Mat. 9.6 Regeneration Mat. 3.11 Iohn 1.33 The graces of Gods Spirit Iohn 4.10.14 Iohn 1.14.16 Adoption c. Iohn 1.12 all things whatsoeuer are requisite thereunto I. How many are the offices of Christ as he is our Mediator B. They are thrée to wit his e Deut. 18.15 Acts 3 22. 3.37 Propheticall f Psal 110.4 Heb. 2.17 Priestly and g Esay 9.7 Iohn 18.33 34 36 37.39 Kingly office in respect of which hee is called h Psal 2.2 Acts 4.27 Rom. 1.1.3 Christ that is to say Annoynted I. What are the functions of his Propheticall office B. Esay 16.1 Mat. 11.27 Iohn 1.18 Luke 24.25 Acts 16.14 Marke 9 24. Luke 17.5 Heb. 12.1 First to reueale vnto vs the will of God his Father Secondly to illuminate our mindes to know and vnderstand it Thirdly to worke our hearts to beléeue and obey the Doctrine which is taught I. VVherein stands the office of his Priesthood B. First in i Heb. 6 7.26.27 c. and 9.13.14.26 offering vp himselfe k Heb. 9.12.25 26 c. 1 Pet. 3.18 once for all an l Gal. 3.13 1 Iohn 1.7 2.1 2. Rom. 8.34 Heb 7.5 all-sufficient propitiatorie and expiatorie sacrifice for the sinnes of Gods Elect. Secondly in making continuall intercession for them to his Father in Heauen I. How doth Christ make intercession for vs B. First by m Heb. 9 24. presenting himselfe and the infinite merit of his oblation vnto God his Father with a continuall * Iohn 17.24 desire that for the same we may for euer be reconciled vnto him abide in his fauour and be made heires of eternall glory Rom. 8.26 Secondly by stirring vp in vs by his holy Spirit sighs and grones which cannot be expressed Thirdly Reuel 8.3 4. by offering vp our prayers and thankesgiuings to God his Father making them howsoeuer stained with many weakenesses and imperfections as they procéede from vs pleasing and acceptable vnto him I. You thinke not then that Christ prostrates himselfe vpon his knees to his Father and makes any vocall prayers or supplications vnto him in our behalfe doe you B. No in no wise This is but a fantasticall conceit and
foolish dreame of such as cannot distinguish betwéene earthly and heauenly things betwéene Christ in his humiliation and in the height of his glorious exaltation yea it is no lesse then an execrable blasphemie against the sacred person of our Sauiour so to affirme I. Proceede wee now to the Knigly office of Christ and tell me how he doth execute that B. Hee executeth his Kingly or Regal office two wayes one in respect of his Elect the other in respect of his and their enemies I. How doth hee execute it in respect of his Elect B. First in n Acts 18.9 10 11.26.18 Mat. 28.19 20. collecting them out of this world and kingdome of Satan to become the members of his Church Secondly in ruling and gouerning them being so collected by his o Esay 2 3. Ephes 4.11 12. c. Word and p Rom 8 9. 1 Iohn 2 27. Spirit Thirdly by q Ioel. 2.28 Acts 2.16 17 18. 1 Cor. 12.8 9. c. powring vpon them the Gifts and Graces of the Holy Ghost Fourthly in r Psal 34 9 10. Mat 6.25 26. Rom. 8.31 prouiding for them so farre as hee sees expedient the blessings of this life Fiftly in defending them against their enemies both Å¿ Mat. 18.10 Acts 5.19 18 9 10. corporall and t Iohn 10.28 17.11 12. Iude 1. spirituall and lastly possessing them of u Mat 25.34.46 Iohn 10.28.29 Luke 10.18 19. Acts 9.3 4. c. and 13.8 9. c. eternall glory and happinesse I. How doth hee execute this kingly office in respect of his and their enemies B. In x curbing repressing and y Exod. 7.19 c. and 8 and 9 and 10 and 11. Chap. Act 13.11 plaguing them in this life Secondly in z Psal 2.9 destroying and confounding them which hee doth partly in this a Exod. 14.27 28. Acts 12.22 23. world but especially in the day of b 1 Cor. 25.24 25. 2 Thes 1.6 7 8 9. iudgement when he shall be the full and finall perdition of them c 2 Pet. 2 4. Iude 6. Rom. 16.20 all and shall tread downe d Rom. 16.20 Satan himselfe our arch and capitall enemy vnder his féete I. But is he that person whom we professe and beleeue to bee the true Sauiour of the world indeed and hee on whom we are solely and wholly to rely for eeternall life and saluation B. He is vndoubtedly Acts 2.36.17.3 18.28 2.36 Iohn 11.27 1 Pet. 1.20 Acts 2.23 there is not the least scruple to be made of it I. How prooue you him so to be B. First because God before the foundations of the world ordained him and none other to be the Sauiour of mankind Secondly Iohn 3.17.34 17.4.18 Gal. 4.4.5 God hath sent him into the world vnto this end and purpose to accomplish the worke of our redemption Thirdly the properties of a true Sauiour are to bee found in him and in him alone I. What are the properties of a true Sauiour B. First that hee bee very Man These particulars are proued before Secondly a holy Man Thirdly God as well as well as Man And lastly God and Man in one person All and euery of which are truly accomplished in this Iesus in whom wee beléeue and neuer were are or shall bee in any else I. What other reason can you giue to prooue him to bee the true and onely Sauiour of the world B. It was prophesied of him that should be the Messiah and Sauiour of the world that he should come of the seede of Dauid Ier 23 5 and 33.15 So did Iesus Mat. 1.16 Luke 2.4 and 3.24 That he should be borne at Bethelem Mich 5.2 So was Iesus Mat. 2. â— Luke 2.6 7 c. That his birth should be when the Scepter wa departed from Iudah Gen. 49.10 Then was Christ borne Luke 1 2 c. That he should be the Sonne of a Virgin Esay 7.14 So was Iesus Mat. 1.23 c. Luke 1.34 2.4 That he should be of a meane and poore condition Zach. 9.9 So was Iesuâ— Luk. 2.7 Mat. 8.20 2 Cor. 8 9. That he should bee contemned reiected vilified c. Psal 22.6 Esay 53.3 So was Iesus more then euer any before or since Mat. 26.67 68. 27.39 40. c. Marke 15.17 18 c. and 6 c. 29 30 c. Luke 22.62 63 c. That one should goe before him to prepare his way Esay 40.3 Malach. 3.1 so had Iesus Mat. 3.1 Marke 1.4 c. Luke 3.3 c. That he should come riding on an Asse Zach. 9.9 So did Christ Mat. 21.1 2 c. Mark 11.1 c. Luke 19.29 c. That he should be grieuously afflicted Esay 53. So was Christ Mat. â—â— 38 and 27.46 Marke 14.34 and 15.24 Luke 22.42 43 c. That the Iewes and Gentiles should conspire to destroy him Psal 2.2 So they did against Christ Mat. 26.34 Marke 15.1 Acts 4.25 26 27 c. That he should be prized at thirty peeces of siluer Zach. 11 12 13. So was Christ Mat. 27.3 That he should be betrayed of one neere vnto him Psal 41.9 So was Christ Mat. 26.49 27.34 Marke 14.43 Luke 22.21.48 That he should be numbred with transgressors Esay 53.12 So was Christ Mat. 27.15.17 38. Marke 15 6 7. 6.27 27. Iohn 18.39 40. That hee should be spit vpon buffeted c Esay 50.6 So was Christ Mat. 27.30 Marke 14 65. That his hands and his feet should be pierced with nayles Psal 22.16 So was Christ serued Mat. 27.35 Marke 15 24 â—ohn â—9 18 20.25 26 27. Acts 4.10 That in his thirst and agonie Vineger should be giuen him to drinke Psal 69 21. So to Christ c. Mat. 27.48 Marke 15.23.36 Iohn 19 29 30. That they should diuide his Garments and cast lots on his vesture Psal 22. â—8 So Christs c. Mar. 27.35 Marke 15.24 Iohn 19. â—3 24. That he should be put to death Esay 53 12 c. So was Christ Mat. 27.50 Marke 15.37.44 45. Iohn 19.33 That he should rise from death Psal 16.10 So did Christ Mar. 28.6 Marke 16.6 Luke 24.6 7. Acts 4 10. That he should ascend into Heauen Psal 68.18 So did Christ Iohn 20.17 Acts 1.9 10 11. Eph. 4.8 9 That he should sit downe at the right hand of God Psal 110.1 So Christ Acts 7.56 Ephes 1.20 21. Col. 3.1 Beside all that hath already bin alleadged This also doth most vnanswerably euince him to be because all those seuerall and almost innumerable things which were prophecied by God in the Old Testament concerning that person that should bee the Messiah and Sauiour of the world doe all concurre and are most exactly fulfilled in him and in no other Of Faith I. SHall there bee a generall and vniuersall saluation of all men and women by this Iesus Christ his merits B. d Mat. 7.13 14 21 22. 20.16 2 Thes 1.8 9. No. Though his obedience and sufferings be of e Acts
and a Sacrament that is to say a solemne oath by which Souldiers bound themselues to their Emperour or Generall I. Wherein doth this semblance or agreement consist B. In these particulars First as Souldiers by this forme of oath called Sacrament did addict vow and binde themselues to serue and obey their Generall and to fight couragigiously and faithfully vnder his banner in defence of him and his Common-wealth So wee that are Christians by the vse of these holy mysteries doe addict vow and for euer bind our selues as it were by a solemne oath in the presence of God himselfe Men and Angels to serue and obey him in all things and like valiant Souldiers manfully to fight vnder his Banner against his and our enemies the World the Flesh and the Diuell vnto our liues end Secondly as Souldiers at their taking of this oath receiued their Emperours Cognisance that thereby they might declare themselues to be as it were consecrated to him and his onely seruice In like manner we Gen. 17.11 Mat. 28.19 when we publikely participate in these sacred ordinances of God the Sacraments doe as it were put vpon vs the Cognisance and Armes of Christ our Lord King and Emperour declaring and professing to the world thereby that wee haue and doe consecrate and dedicate our selues to him and his onely seruice for euer I What conditions are required to a true Sacrament B. These six First an g Mat. 3.11.13 16. externall visible signe Secondly an h Mat. 26 27 28. Acts 2.38 internall inuisible thing signified thereby Thirdly an apt i August If Sacraments had not a similitude of the things whereof they are Sacraments they should bee no Sacraments at all Hence it is that the name of the thing signified is attribuâ—ed to the signe Act. 22 1â— and Mat. 26.26.27 Tiâ— 3.5 correspondence and agreement betweene them both Fourthly that their institution be of k Mat. 28.19 1 Cor. 11.23 God not of man Fiftly that their vse bee warranted by Gods l Gen. 17.9 10 c. Mat. 28.19 Commandement Sixtly that there bee a m Marke 16.16 1 Cor. 10.16 11.24 25. promise passed from God concerning them to ascertaine vs that the the things signified and represented shall in our lawfull partaking of them bee communicated vnto vs where all or but any one of these be wanting there can be no true Sacrament I. Are the Sacraments necessary to saluation B. Necessary they are in respect of Gods n Mat 28.19 Luke 22.19 Acts 22 16. Commandement who chargeth vs to receiue them and as they are o Mat. 28.19 Rom. 4.11 meanes appointed of God for the confirmation and increase of our faith which hath néede of all p Mat. 6.30 Mat. 9.24 helpes to support and strengthen it But simply and absolutely necessary they are q Marke 16.16 Luke 1.15 and 23.43 The children of Israel not Circumcised for forty yeeres space in the Wildernesse Ioshua 5.2 3 c. not so as that whosoeuer partakes not of them must of necessity perish for not the want of the Sacraments when they cannot but the prophane wilfull and irreligious r Gen. 17.14 Luke 7.20 contempt of them when they may be enioyed is that which is damnable in the sight of God I. You doe not hold then that grace is tyed to included or shut vp in the Sacraments or that they of themselues by vertue of the worke done conferre grace remission of sinnes regeneration iustification c. B. By no meanes they haue no such power or force in them I. Shew your reasons B. First the Sacraments are onely Å¿ Gen. 17.11 Rom. 4.11 signes seales tokens and pledges not causes workers conueying vessels Pipes or Conduits as it were of grace Secondly it is proper to t Marke 1.8 Rom. 3.30 God alone to conferre and bestow these things Thirdly the u 1 Cor. 3 4 5. Iames 1.18 preaching of the Word conferres not grace of it selfe neither can doe and therefore neither the Sacraments Fourthly some haue receiued remission of sinnes béene iustified c. x Rom. 4.11 Acts 10.47.48 before the vse of the Sacraments others y So many baptized in their infancie long after the vse of them others that z Luke 23.43 So the Emperour Valentine neuer were partakers of them Also many haue béene partakers of the Sacraments yet neuer at all of the a Iohn 17.12 Mat. 7.22 1 Cor. 10.1 2 3. things signified thereby but haue dyed in their sinnes and euerlastingly perished I. When are the Sacraments vsed in an holy and lawfull manner B. When they are vsed according to the b Rom. 14.23 1 Cor. 11.20.23 2 Chro. 35.6.13 institution of Christ by the c Acts 8.37 38. Marke 16.16 Heb. 11.28 faithfull for whom and to d Mat. 3.6.11 Acts 2.38 those ends for which they were ordained I. What are the ends for which God hath ordained Sacraments B. First that thereby our communion with Christ and all his benefits Acts 2 38.41 Rom. 4.11 6. â— 1 Cor. 12 13. Gal. 3.1.27 1 Cor. 10.16 might be as it were in liuely pictures most euidently declared as also more and more scaled and ratified vnto vs and our faith in the through perswasion of these things strengthened and the more confirmed Secondly to bee testimonies and e Gen. 17.1.7 8 9. c. Acts 7.8 Exod. 12 13. pleadges of the f Exod. 19.5 Deut. 7 12. Ier. 31.32 33 34. Heb. 8 9 10 c Exod. 24.3.7 couenant betwéen God and vs of his binding himselfe to become and for euer remaine our God and to giue vs remission of all our sinnes his spirit of sanctification and eternall life through his Sonne Iesus Christ and on the contrary of our binding our selues to become and for euer remaine his people to g Acts 8.37 Mat 28.19 beléeue his promises and to obey all his Commandements Thirdly Gen. 34.14 Exod. 12 43 44 Ephes 2.11 12. c. to bee outward markes and characters of our Religion to distinguish vs the true Church and people of God from all other Sects Professions and Societies of men whatsoeuer which beléeue not in Iesus Christ Fourthly Ephes 4.3 4 5. 1 Cor. 10.17 12.12.13 to be bands and meanes of mutuall loue concord and brotherly amity betwéene the faithfull Fiftly Marke 1.4 Mar. 28.19 Acts 20 7. 1 Cor 11.18.20.23 to occasion holy assemblies of Gods Children and be a meanes of preseruing and propagating the Gospell and publike ministery thereof to the worlds end I. Where ought the Sacraments to be administred B. 1 Cor. 11.20 In the publike place of Gods worship the people of God being there met together B. Who are to administer them I. Mat. 28.19 Mark 16.15 16 Heb. 5.4 Onely such as bee lawfully called to be Ministers of Gods Word I. How if a priuate person take vpon him to administer the Sacraments B. Hee shall greatly incense
Ephes 2.2 Therefore called a strong men Mat. 12.29 and Lyon 1 Pet. 5 8. and Dragon Reuel 12.3 4. and Leuiathan Esay 27.1 and Prince of the world Iohn 12.31 14.30.16.11 and the God of the world 2 Cor. 4.4 wonderfull great yet so m Iob 1.12.2.5 6. 1 Kings 22.21 22. Mat. 8.31 32. Reuel 7.2 limited and restrained as they cannot doe what they would nor the least thing of all without the will and permission of God and therefore which is a singular comfort to all the Saints it is impossible that they should euer preiudice the n Mat. 24.24 Luke 22.31 32 saluation of any of Gods Elect yea or doe them so much as the o Iob 1 12.2.6 7. Marke 5.12 13. least euill in any kinde which God their heauenly Father will not haue befall them Of Prouidence I. VVHat is the third worke of God which you said wee are especially to learne out of the Scriptures namely his Prouidence B. The prouidence of God is a most p Heb. 1.3 powerfull action of God whereby according to his q Ephes 1.4 1 Cor. 2.6 7. eternall r Psal 147.5 Rom. 11.33 most wise Å¿ 2 Chron. 19.7 Nehem. 9.33 iust and t Psal 33.11 Heb. 6.17 immutable u Ier. 50.45 Acts 2.23 decrée he x Psal 36.6.40.2 Acts 17.25.28 preserues y Psal 104.14.27 28. Mat. 6.26.28 29.30 cares for and z Pro. 16.33 Mat. 10.29 30. gouernes the whole world all and euery thing in the same together with their a Gen. 26.50.19 20. actions disposing all to their foreappointed ends for his owne b Exod. 9.16 Rom. 9.22 23. glory and the c Gen. 45.7.50.19.20 Rom. 8.18 saluation of the Elect. I. Are the sinfull and wicked actions of men disposed and gouerned also by the prouidence of God B. Yes d Gen. 45.5 Acts 12.23 4 28. certainely for being omnipotent it is c Rom. 9.9 Ephes 1.11 impossible that any thing should come to passe which hee will not haue to be I. But will not this make God to bee the cause and author of sinne B. No. For hee f Rom 9.14 Iames 1.13 cannot sinne himselfe neither doth hee g Deut. 18.12 Psal 5.5 6 7. Esay 1.13 14. c. and 66.3 4 c. will approue or command sinne neither tempt perswade allure helpe prouoke or compell vnto it nor yet instils wickednesse into any but forbids extreamely hates detests and h Deut. 28.15 c. Leuit. 26.14 15 c. punishes the same Onely the i Acts 17 18. Ephes 1.11 action and as it tendeth to or hath some k Gen. 45.5 50.19 20. Acts 4.27 28 good adioyned with it is from God but the l Iames 1.13 14 15. 1 Iohn 2.16 euill and sinfulnesse thereof is from the wicked will of man m Gen. 20.6 Psal 119.10 destituted of Gods grace and giuen ouer to his n Psal 81.12 Rom. â— 24.26 owne corrupt lusts and the power of Satan the tempter o Ephes. 2.2 2 Tim. 2.26 Of Man I. VVHat are we to learne out of the Scriptures concerning man B. His fourefold estate or condition Of confection defection refection perfection First of innocencie by creation Secondly of misery by his fall Thirdly of grace by Iesus Christ And lastly of glory being immediately after death in his soule consummate both in body and soule againe reunited after the generall resurrection I. Who were the first parents of all mankinde B. Their names were Adam and Eue. Gen. 2.20 3.20 1 Tim. 2.13 I. Of what parts did they consist B. Of a body Gen. 2.7 Mat. 20.28 and an immortall soule I. Of what matter was the body of Adam formed Gen. 2.7 Eccles 12.7 Gen. 2.21 22 23. 1 Cor. 11.8 Gen. 2 7. Zach. 12.1 B. Of the dust of the ground I. Of what was Eues body formed B. Of one of Adams ribs I. Whereof were their soules made B. God inspired them of nothing I. How may the soule of man be described B. Thus. The soule is an p Gen. 2.7 Mat. 10.28 immortall q Eccles 12.7 Acts 7.59 spirit or a spirituall substance endued with r Gen. 2.20 Nehem. 8.8 vnderstanding Å¿ Deut. 15.15 Eccles 12.1 memory t Rom. 2.15 Heb. 13.18 conscience u Iohn 8.44 Rom. 7.19.21 will and x Deut. 6.5 1 Sam. 1.10.15 Mat. 26.38 Luke 1.47 affections y Gen. 2.7 Eccles 12.7 Esay 57.16 created out of nothing and immediately infused of God into the body to z Gen. 2.7 Acts 5.5.10 quicken it fit it for actions and together with the same to make the a Gen. 46.26 Exod. 1.5 person of a man Of mans first estate of Innocencie by Creation I. IN what estate were our first Parents created B. Gen. 1.27 Psal 8.5.49.20 In a most glorious and happy condition euen according to the image of God himselfe I. In what respects were they created after Gods image B. First in b Gen 2.7 Zach. 12.1 Exod. 1.5 Acts 7.14.59 respect of their soules in that as God is so are they of a spirituall simple intelligible incorporeall immortall inuisible nature also as he is but one in Essence yet diuers in persons so the soule of man is but one yet hauing sundry faculties Secondly Gen. 2.19 20.23 1 Chron. 28.9 Rom. 1.19.20.21 2.15 Col. 3.10 in respect of the diuine gifts and graces they were adorned with to wit singular wisedome and knowledge so that they rigthly and perfectly knew both themselues and God their Creator as also his will and workes euen the seuerall natures dispositions and properties of all his creatures Deut. 6.5 Eccleâ— 7.31 Mat. 22.37 38 39. Ephes 4.24 Also perfect righteousnesâ—e and holinesse so that neither in their mindes they did conceiue neither in their hearts desire nor with the members of their bodies act or commit during the time of their integritie any thing but that which was most consonant and agréeable to the will of God their maker Thirdly in respect of their dignity Gen. 1.28 9.2 Psal 8.6 in that they had soueraignty and lordship giuen them ouer all other creatures I. In what other things did their happinesse consist B. First Gen. 1.28 in that the loue and fauour of God was set vpon them Gen. 1.28 29. Ephes 4.18 Secondly in that blessed communion and fellowship they had continually with him Thirdly in their bodies which were indued with perfect health Gen. 1.31 2.25 9.2 Psal 8.5 49.20 1 Cor. 12.23 strength agilitie impassibilitie immortalitie with a princely maiestie most incomparable beauty and in a word with all perfections that might giue grace or glory to them the image of God though properly seated in their soules yet illustrating and most gloriously shining in their bodies also by the effects thereof Gen. 2.8 Fourthly in the place of their abode which was Paradise where they enioyed
shall bee graciously passed by and forgiuen of God in Iesus Christ I. How many wayes doth God heare the prayers of men B. Two wayes first in mercy and fauour as when hee giues them such things as be x 1 Sam. 1.17.20 Luke 1.13 14. good for them Secondly in y 1 Sam. 8.5 6. c. Psal 78.29 30 31. Mat. 27.25 wrath and indignation as when hee sends the euils and mischiefes which they sinfully wish vpon themselues I. How many wayes doth hee heare the prayers of his children B. Two wayes also first by giuing them what they z 2 Kings 20.2.5 Exod. 14 15 16 c. desire according to his will Secondly in not giuing them that but a better a Mat 26.39 Heb 5.7 2 Cor. 12.8 9. and more expedient for them hearing them according to their weale although not according to their will I. Why doth God many times deferre to heare the prayers of the faithfull B. First to try them Secondly to exercise their faith and patience Mat. 15.22 23 c. Marke 10.46 47. Psal 22.1 2. 69.3 Thirdly to cause them to be more frequent and feruent in their prayers Fourthly to conuince them more throughly of their owne disabilities to helpe themselues that so he may kéepe them from sacrificing to their owne Nets and make them acknowledge that the blessings they receiue come wholly and solely from the hands of his prouidence Fiftly to prepare the heartier welcome and more thankefull entertainements for his benefits at their hands Sixtly because he sees it expedient for vs to delay the granting our Petitions or finally for some other reason best knowne to himselfe I. Why doth God many times not heare mens prayers at all B. Either because they aske such things as they b Acts 8.19 Mat. 20.20.21 ought not to aske or though good in themselues yet hurtfull to them or els because they aske c Iames 4.3 1 Iohn 5.14 15 Esay 1.15 59.1 2 3 c. amisse not in that manner nor for those ends nor with that religious obseruation of the due conditions and circumstances of holy prayer spoken of before as they ought I. May we vse a prescript or set forme of prayer B. Yea doubtlesse for as much as such prayers are not onely d Mat. 6.1 2. c. Psal 92. Obserue the Title of it and the Title of Psal 102. 2 Chron. 29 30. Luke 11.1 approued of but also e Num. 6.23.24 25 c. Luke 11.2 Hosea 14.2 enioyned and commanded in the Word of God Howbeit euery Christian ought to labour to get himselfe so furnished with the f Zach. 12.10 Spirit of supplication as that hee may be able to deliuer his owne Ambassages and preferre his owne petitions to the Lord in g 1 Kings 8.22 23 c. Ezra 9.7 8 c. Iacob Gen. 32.9 10 c. 1 Sam 1.10 c words of his owne conceiuing I. How many kindes of prayers bee there B. Two h Luke 2.37 Acts 3.1 publike which is performed in the publike assemblies of Gods children in which the Minister or Pastor in a i 1 Cor. 14. knowne tongue with plainnesse of spéech and an audible voyce is to goe before as the mouth of all the rest and the whole Congregation with silence in their hearts and affections to follow and in conclusion with conioyned voyces by saying k It is a fault in many Congregations Let the Minister pray neuer so loud the people are mute to say Amen contrary to the laudadle practise of the Primitiue Church whose Amen was like a clap of thunder as Hierom witnesseth Amen to testifie their communion in their prayers their assent vnto the same their earnest desires to haue them heard and assured confidence that they shall so bee through Iesus Christ Secondly Priuate which is performed either by l Mat 6.5 6. 1 Kings 14.42 our selues alone or together with m Act. 1.13.14 12.12 16.25 others in any priuate or secret place I. Are Christians bound to vse both these kindes of prayers publike and priuate B. They are neither the n Psal 35. Mat. 21.13 Luke 2.37 one nor the o Mat. 5 6. 14.23 Acts 1.13 14. other may bee neglected of any that desire to liue like Christians and men fearing God especially the publike which is most to bee p Psal 26.8 84 1 2. c. Acts 3.1 set by and esteemed of euery man I. Is the vse of the voyce necessary to prayer B. To publike prayer it is which q 1 Cor. 14. alwayes ought to be vocall that the people in whose name they are conceiued may answer Amen but in priuate prayer it is not simply r Exod. 1 4 15 1 Sam. 1.13 Rom. 8.26 necessary so that the ſ Psal 25.1 Lam. 2.19 Iohn 4.24 heart and affections be lifted vp to God howbeit it is helpefull for the t Psal 130.1 3. 141.1 142.1 kindling of our affections stirring vp and continuing our deuotion kéeping our mindes in order and restraining them from wandring In which respects it is vere fit and conuenient to vse the voyce euen in priuate prayer as also because in so doing wee doe in a specall manner consecrate our u Iame. 3.9 Psal 51.14.16 145.21 tongues to the end for which God gaue them vs namely to honor and glorifie him withall I. In what place is this duty of prayer to be performed of vs B. Iohn 4.21 1 Tim. 2.8 In x any without difference or exception yet for order sake it is fit that publike prayers bee made in y Esay 56.7 Psal 134.2 Acts 3.1 publike places appointed for the publike worship of God and priuate in places z Dan. 6.10 Mat. 6.6 Acts 10.9 priuate as our houses chambers c. I. Ephes 6.18 Col. 4.2 1 Thes 5.17 When are Christians to pray B. At all times and vpon all occasions I. What especiall times are there in which euery one ought to giue himselfe to set and solemne prayer B. Ordinarily euery a Psal 88.13 92.1 2. Marke 1.35 morning after our rest before wee enter vpon the duties of our personall callings Secondly at all our b 1 Tim. 4 5. Acts 27.35 Marke 6.41 repasts when we are comforting ourselues with the good creatures of God Thirdly euery c Dan. 6.10 Psal 55.17 Psal 92.2 night when we betake our selues to sléepe d Rom. 12.12 Ephes 6.18 Extraordinarily at all other times whensoeuer occasion is offered especially in the e Psal 50.15 Iames 5.13 14. Psal 18.6 time of trouble and affliction I What helpes of prayer are there B. f Luke 21.36 Ephes 6.18 Watchfulnesse g 1 Pet. 4.7 sobrietie h gestures and i Mat. 17.21 Acts 10.30 fasting The thrée first whereof are to bee vsed at all times the latter especially vpon extraordinary occasions I. What gestures must wee vse in prayer B. There are
many k Some of Gods children haue prayed kneeling as Salomon 1 Kin. 8.54 Dan. 9 10. Our Sauiour Christ Luk. 22.41 Steuen Act. 7.60 and others Some fallen on their faces as Moses and Aaron Num. 16.22 Ezekiel Chap. 9.8 Some lying as Dauid 2 Sam. 12.16 Ezekiah Esay 38.2 Some sitting as Iacob Gen. 48.2.15 c. Some standing as the Publican Luke 18.13 Some with eyes eleuated or lifted vp as Dauid Psal 121. Some with eyes deiected or cast downe as the Publican Luke 18.13 Some with hands spread abroade as Moses Exod. 9.29 Some with hands lifted vp as Moses Exod. 17.11 and Dauid Psal 28.2 Some smiting their breasts as the Publican Luke 18.13 described but none precisely prescribed to vs in Scripture Notwithstanding wee must be carefull in all our prayers to vse such as be graue sober and beséeming so sacred and diuine an exercise and may best serue both to expresse and excite stirre vp and further the reuerence deuotion humility seruencie and holy affections of our hearts I What is fasting which you say is an helpe of prayer B. It is a l Hest 4.16 2 Sam. 12.16 17.20 voluntary and m Hest 4.16 2 Sam. 12.16 17.20 generall abstinence from all meates and drinkes as also from n 1 Kings 21.27.29 Dan. 10.3 Ionah 3.6 7. all other comforts and delights of life for a conuenient time not preiudiciall to o Hose 6.6 Leuit. 23.32 2 Sam. 1.12 3.35 health or nature that thereby the p 1 Cor. 9.27 flesh may bee subdued our q Ioel 2.12 13. Ezra 8.21 Nehem. 9.1 2. humiliation and vnfained r Esay 58.5 6 c. Ionah 3.8 repentance for sinne testified and furthered and our selues better fitted for Å¿ 1 Cor. 7.5 Luke 2.37 Act 10.30 Ier. 36.9 10. prayer and the seruice of God I. Are Christian bound to fast B. As this exercise of fasting is a t Ioel. 2.12 13. testification of and a furtherance to humiliation and repentance for sinne Secondly a u 1 Cor. 9.27 meanes to represâ—e and mortifie our rebellious flesh and a x 1 Cor. 7.5 helpe to make vs more feruent and deuour in prayer and other religious seruices of God it is a y Ioel 2.12 c. duty when time and occasion requires of Christians not to bee neglected yea it is vtterly a z Esa 22.12 13. fault that the vse thereof is no more frequent among vs there being a As Gods iudgements vpon vs and hanging ouer our heads Our vnbridled Iusts so much needing mortification The impious and hellish crimes which euery where raigne c. so many occasions publike and priuate that daily call and prouoke vs thereunto Howbeit in it selfe simply considered without relation to these holy ends for which it ought to bee obserued it is but a thing b Mat. 9.14 15. Rom. 14.17 18. indifferent and no part of diuine worship much lesse may it bee estéemed c Ioh. 19.28.30 Heb. 10.14 Luke 17.10 1 Ioh. 2.1 2. 10.14 satisfactory for sinne or meritorious of temporall or eternall benefits as the Papists most blasphemously teach and affirme I. When is fasting especially to bee vsed B. When we our d 1 Sam. 7.6 Nehem. 9.1 2. selues or e 1 Cor. 5.12 any that appertaine vnto or liue among vs haue dishonoured God and scandalized the Gospell by falling into any notorious crime Secondly when we or they haue any fearefull iudgement of God either already f 2 Sam. 12.16 Nehem. 1.4 lying vpon vs or g 2 Chron. 20.2 3. Hest 4.3.16 hanging ouer our heads Thirdly when h Ezra 8.21.22 23. Mat. 17.21 Acts 13.2 3. we desire to obtaine some speciall and singular benefit at the hands of God I. What are the kindes of fasting B. They are two first priuate when a man is i Dan. 10.2 3. 2 Sam. 12.16.20 alone by himselfe or with those of his k Zach. 12.11.12 c. Hester 4.16 family or some other his especiall l Iob 2.11.12 13 friends or neighbours for some of the premised causes giues himselfe to this exercise the second is publike when by the m Ezra 8.21 2 Chron. 20.3 Ioel 3.7 appointment and proclamation of such as are in authoritie men publikely n 2 Chron. 20.4 5. Ioel 1.13 14. assemble together thus to humble and afflict their soules in the sight of God I. What patterne hath God prescribed vs to frame our prayers by in Scriptures B. That most diuine and heauenly prayer Mat. 6.9 c. Luke 11.2 c. which our Sauiour Christ in the dayes of his flesh taught his Apostles and in them all Christians commonly called the Lords prayer I. May wee vse no other forme of prayer but that B. For o Iohn 14.13 Mat. 26.41 and conferre Mat. 6.11 and Luke 11.3 also Mat. 6.12 and Luke 11.4 and you shall find a difference for words in their very recitall of this prayer phrases and words we may as both the p Iacob Gen. 32.11 Moses Psal 90. Iehoshaphat 2 Chro. 20.6 c. Dauid in the Psalmes the most wherof are prayers The Apostles Act. 4.24 c. Act. 2 24 25. faithfull recorded in Scripture and our q Mat. 26.39 c. Iohn 12.27 28. and Chap. 17. Sauiour Christ himselfe hath done But for r Mat. 6.9 Luke 11.2 matter and substance we may not but must euer conforme all our prayers thereunto All things to bee prayed for either concerning the glory of God our owne or others present or future good being in a most exquisite and exact order and breuitie therein fully comprehended Of the Sacraments in generall I. YOu affirmed the Sacraments to be another meanes appointed of God for the confirmation and increasing of our faith let mee know of you therefore what a Sacrament is B. A Sacrament is a holy outward or visible Å¿ Gen. 17.10 11 Rom. 4.11 signe and t Rom. 4.11 Mat. 26.28 seale u Gen. 17.10 Exod. 12.1 2 3 c. 1 Cor. 11.23 c. instituted of God to be ioyned to the x Mat. 28.19 Acts 20.7 preaching of his Word to y 1 Pet. 3.21 1 Cor. 11.26 declare and z Rom. 4.11 Mark 16.15 16 Acts 2.38 confirme vnto euery a Marke 16.16 Acts 8.37 beléeuer that for the onely merits of Christ b Acts 4.12 10.43 his Sonne he bestowes remission of sins and life eternall vpon themselues in c Iohn 20.28 Gal. 2.20 particular as well as any other by receiuing whereof wee also promise couenant and bind our selues to d Acts 8.37 Mat. 28.19 beléeue his promises in Christ and to walke in all dutifull e Gen. 17.1 c. Rom. 6.4 5 6. Mat. 3.11 obedience to his will all the dayes of our liues I. VVhy are these signes called Sacraments B. They had this name imposed vpon them by ancient worthy Diuines in regard of the semblance and agréement betwéene them
the wrath of God against him for presuming to meddle with his holy things 2 Sam. 6 7. 2 Chron. 26.16 17. hauing no calling thereunto and as for his action it is wholly voide the Sacraments administred by him are no Sacraments but meere nullities I. How if the Minister which deliuers the Sacrament be a prophane vitious wicked man a scandalous liuer an hypocrite c. may the Sacraments neuerthelesse be effectuall and profitable to the receiuer B. Phil. 1.15 16 17 18. Mat. 23.2 3. Iohn 3.5 1 Cor. 4 4.6 7. Yea doubtlesse no lesse then if they were dispensed by one that is truly religious godly and faithfull so that we for our parts participate of them as we ought and as God requireth for the vertue and efficacie of the Sacraments depends not vpon the holinesse and worthinesse of the Minister but wholly and solely vpon the institution promise and blessing of God the author and ordayner of them I. Can any Minister giue the things signified by the Sacraments as remission of sinnes regeneration c B. No assuredly Mat. 3.11 Luke 3 16. Deut. 30.6 1 Cor. 3.6 7. Iohn 6.32 be he neuer so holy zealous or religious of neuer so rare and singular gifts and graces of God yet hee can onely conferre the outward signes and elements and whosoeuer receiueth any thing els hee hath it not from the Minister but immediately from God himselfe I. Is it necessary that the Word of God be alwayes preached when the Sacraments be administred B. It is h Mat. 28.19 Mark 16.15 16 very fit and méete that preaching should alwayes accompany the Sacraments and greatly to bee wished that as our Sauiour Christ ioyned the Commandements of them both together so that they might bee alwayes ioyned in their administration as wee also reade in sacred Writ both i Marke 1.4 Iohn the Baptist the Apostles to k Acts 2.41.42 10.34 c. and 20.7 haue done Howbeit there is no such absolute necessitie thereof as that the Sacraments being administred without preaching should become either no Sacraments at all or not effectuall and auaileable to the worthy partakers of them I. How many bee the Sacraments of the New Testament I. Two only and no more namely l Mat. 28.19 Baptisme which succéeded m Col. 2.11 12 Circumcision and the n Mat. 26.26 1 Cor. 11.25 Lords Supper which came in place of the Passeouer o Mat. 26.26 1 Cor. 11.25 Of Baptisme the first Sacrament of the New Testament I. VVHat is Baptisme B. It is the p Therefore administred immediately after conuersion Iohn 4.1 Acts 2.41 16 14 15.3 first Sacrament of the New Testament ordained by our q Mat. 28.19 Marke 16.16 Sauiour Christ wherin by the outward r Marke 1.5.9 10. Iohn 3.23 dipping Å¿ Heb. 10.22 1 Pet. 1 2. sprinkling or t Acts 22.16 Ephes 5.26 washing with u Mat. 3.6.11 Acts 10.47 water in the x Mat. 28.19 name of the Father Sonne and Holy Ghost is signified and sealed to the parties baptized y Marke 1.4 Acts 2.38 remission of all their sinnes by the z Ephes 1.7 Col. 1.14 bloud of Chrst a Mat. 3.11 Iohn 3.5 Ephes 5.26 sanctification by his b 1 Cor. 6.11 Iohn 3.5 6.8 Spirit their c Rom. 6.3 Gal. 3.26 27. into Vnion and Communion with him and all his d Marke 16.16 1 Pet. 3.21 benefits their e Hence men immediately baptized as soone as conuerted c. Mat 28.19 Acts 8.12.36 c. admission into the Church grace fauour and fellowship of God and on the contrary they that are baptized doe promise protest vow and binde themselues to f Marke 16.16 Acts. 19.4 beleeue in God feare g Mat. 28.19 3.11 Rom 6.3 4. Hence so frequently called the Baptisme of Repentance honor worship serue and obey him in all things as their onely Lord renouncing all vngodlinesse and all wordly lusts and liuing soberly righteously and godly in this present world I. What is the outward signe in Baptisme B. The Element of h Acts 11.16 Water together with the action of i Heb. 10.22 sprinckling k Iohn 3.23 dipping or washing the body therewith l T it 3.5 I. May not Baptisme bee administred with some other Element as well as with Water B. No in no case because this is directly contrary to the m Iohn 1.33 institution of Christ and practice of n Mat. 3.11 Iohn the Baptist the o Act. 8.36 c. and 10.47 Apostles and Primitiue Church and with p Leuit. 10.1 2 Nadab and Abihu to offer strange fire vnto the Lord such as hee neuer commanded which cannot bee but a fearefull prouocation of his wrath and excéeding dangerous to whomsoeuer shall presume so to doe I. What manner of Water is to bee vsed B. None other but pure simple naturall and ordinary Mat. 3.13 Iohn 3.23 Heb. 10.22 not waters compounded mixt or artificiall either with addition of any other Element whatsoeuer I. What is the thing signified in this Sacrament B. The q Heb. 9.14 1 Iohn 1.7 bloud and r Mar. 3.11 Luke 3.16 Spirit of Christ together with our Å¿ 1 Cor. 6.11 Mar. 1 4. iustification t Iohn 3.5 regeneration or sanctification and communion u Rom. 6.3 Gal. 3.26 27. with him and his merits through the same I. What is the correspondence or agreement between the water and sprinkling or washing therewith and the Bloud and Spirit of Christ our Sauiour B. That euen as the filth and vncleannesse of our x Marke 7.4 bodies y Nehem. 4.23 clothes c. is purged and washed away with the Element of Water so the filth and vncleannesse of our soules through sinne is purged and washed away by the bloud that is to say the z Rom 4.25 5.8 9 10. merit of his death and sufferings and by the Spirit of Christ our Sauiour the one fréeing vs from the a Reuel 1.5 guilt and b Rom. 8.1 1 Iohn 5.24 condemnation of sinne the other from the c Rom 6.11.12.22 Tit. 3.5 dominion and reigning power thereof causing vs to dye vnto sinne and liue vnto righteousnesse I. Doth the outward visible washing of the body with Water and the inward inuisible washing of the soule with the bloud and Spirit of Christ alwayes goe together B. d Rom. 2.28 29 Acts 8.13 c. No. No Reprobate e Ioh. 13.10 11 14.17 is euer partaker of the inward washing though he be â—â—the outward but onely the f 2 Thes 2.13 1 Pet. 1.2 Elect and they not alwayes at the very instant of their baptisme but some of them g Rom. 4 11. Acts 2.41 before some h As many Infants so Paul long after Circumcision Phil. 3.5 Acts 9.4 5 c. after according as it pleaseth God before or after to worke in their hearts the
grace of i Gal. 3.26 27. Acts 15.9 10 43. faith and thereby to incorporate them into his Sonne Iesus Christ I. Doth Baptisme being duely administred and receiued of the faithfull purge them from all their sinnes B. 1 Cor. 6.9.10 11. Ezek. 36.25 Acts 22.16 1 Iohn 1.7 And hence the Scripture which is worthy our obseruation doth apply the saluation wee haue through faith in Baptisme to all times of our liues both past present and to come to the time past 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hath saued vs Tit. 3.5 present 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doth saue vs 1 Pet. 3.21 the time to come 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 shall be saued Marke 16.16 Yes both from originall and all their actuall sinnes flowing from the same whether past present or to come whensoeuer howsoeuer or whersoeuer committed that is to say it seales and assures the frée and full remission of them all to euery beléeuer I. But is originall sinne vtterly taken away and abolished in Baptisme B. As touching the k Acts 3.38 1 Iohn 1.7 guilt and l Rom. 8.1 Iohn 3.36 punishment it is abolished in euery regenerate person as also in respect of the dominion of it for it neither doth nor can m Rom. 6.6.11.14 1 Iohn 3.8 9. reigne in them any more But touching the vice matter contagion and corruption thereof it n Rom 7.13 14 15 c. 23 24 25. Gal. 5.17 remaines in them euen after Baptisme yea till death though o 2 Cor. 4.16 daily mortified more and more and is truly and properly p Rom 7.17 18.20 23. Heb. 12.1 sinne and in it selfe worthy of eternall q Rom. 6.23 7.23 24 c. Gal. 3.10 damnation but that it is fréely r Acts 10.43 Rom. 7.24 25 c. remitted together with all their actuall transgressions the cursed fruits of the same through Iesus Christ I. What are the ends of Baptisme B. To signifie seale and assure vnto vs our blessed Å¿ Rom. 6.3 1 Cor. 12 13. 1 Iohn 1.3 vnion and communion with Christ and through him with the whole Trinity our t Mat. 28.19 Iohn 4.1 admission into the couenant fauour and Church of God u Acts 2.38 remission of all our sinnes x regeneration and y Marke 16 16 Tit. 3.5 eternall life Secondly to admonish vs of and prouoke vs vnto z Rom. 6.3 4 c. z Marke 16.16 Acts 8.37 faith a Ro. 6.1 2 c. Mat. 3.11 Col. 2.12 repentance new obedience and holinesse of life whereunto by the vse of this Sacrament wee solemnely oblige and binde our selues Thirdly Iohn 4.1 Gen. 17.14 Mat. 28.19 to bee a badge of our Religion and as it were a publike note to distinguish vs from Turks Iewes Pagans Infidels and all such as call not vpon nor worship God according to his Word Fourthly to bee a meanes of publike b Mat. 28.19 Marke 1.4 méetings in the Church as also of vnfained c 1 Cor. 12 13. Ephes 4.3 4 5. loue and charitie among Christians who by Baptisme are all knit together into one body and made members one of another I. Who are to haue the Sacraments of Baptisme administred vnto them B. First d Marke 16.15 16. Acts 2. â—8 41 10.47 48. men and women of yéeres which are instructed in the Principles of Christian Religion and make profession of their faith and vnfained repentance for their sinnes Secondly infants of e 1 Cor. 7.14 one or both beléeuing and baptized parents I. How prooue you that Infants as well as men of yeeres ought to bee baptized B. Gen. 17.7 1 Cor. 7.14 First because they are within the couenant of grace Secondly Circumcision in whose f Col. 2.11 12. place Baptisme is succéeded and is iâ— substance effect ends and signification one 〈◊〉 the same with it was administâ—â—s vnto g Gen. 17 1â— Leuit. 12.3 Infants in the old Teâ—â—â—â—nt and that by the expresse â—â—mmandement of God Mat. 28.19 Thirdly God enioynes the baptizing of all Naâ—â—â—ns iâ— generall without â—xception of sexe or age Fourthly Acts 16 14.1â—.33 1 Cor. 1.16 Acts 18.8 the Apostles baptized whole families and housholds in which who can or dare say there were no infants Fiftly the promises of grace Acts 2.39 Luke 1.14 15. Mat. 19.14 18.2 3 c. remission of sinnes sanctification and eternall life belongs to them Sixtly because our Sauiour Christ in the dayes of his flesh Mat. 19.13 14. Luke 18.15 16. commanded little children to be brought vnto him most graciously entertained them being brought and openly professed that the Kingdome of Heauen belonged euen to them in particular I. What fruit or profit can there bee of Baptizing children which are destitute of knowledge and vnderstanding and haue not the vse of reason B. First it is exceeding and maruailous comfort to all beleeuing parents Gen. 17 18. Acts 2.39 who thereby haue it confirmed and ratified as it were vnder the broade seale of heauen that God loues not them alone but their children also and that he will be the God not of themselues onely but of their séede and posterity to protect succor guide blesse sanctifie and saue them euen to a thousand Generations Secondly the Infant hath an vnspeakable blessing conferred vpon it in that so soone as hee enters into the world hee is made partaker of Christ his sauing graces and benefits receiued into the loue fauour couenant fellowship family and Church of God and is instated as it were into the Kingdome of Heauen The consideration whereof when hee comes to yéeres of discretion will be a most effectuall motiue to make him loue feare honor worship and serue with all willing and carefull obedience that God who from his Mothers wombe hath done such great things for him Gen. 17.7 Acts 2.39 Thirdly hereby God promotes his owne glory in approouing himselfe true of his Word and Promise of shewing mercy to the faithfull and their séede I. When are infants to be baptized B. Acâ—s 22.16 The Scripture hath not expressely prescribed or limited vs vnto any certaine time or day notwithstanding it is the duty of all Christian Parents to offer and present their children to be baptized with all conuenient spéede they may I. Why so B. Because in so doing Gen. 17.23.24 they shall testifie their reuerent estéeme of the Lords Sacrament and their ready willingnesse to performe obedience to his Ordinances Secondly they shall thereby declare their loving affection to their children and their desire to haue them partakers of Christ Rom. 4.11 6.3 Mark 16.15 16 of his spirituall blessings and heires with themselues of euerlasting life which things are sealed and assured by the holy vse of this Sacrament Thirdly because the Apostles h Acts 2.38.41 8.12.36 37. c. and 10.47 48. instantly without any delay baptized such as gaue any probable euidences of their belonging
God and Man OR A Treatise Catechisticall wherein the sauing knowledge of God and Man is plainely and breifely declared whereby such as are ignorant may be helped to heare Sermons with profit to reade the Bible or other bookes with iudgement to receiue the Lords Supper with comfort to discerne betweene truth and error with vnderstanding and to giue an answere to their Minister or any other that shall aske them a reason of their faith with readinesse Collected out of the sacred Scriptures and the most Orthodoxe and best approued Diuines ancient and moderne for the good of such as desire to be made wise to saluation and heires of eternall life By I. B. Preacher of the Word LONDON Printed by N. O. for Samuel Man and are to be sold at his shop in Paules Church-yard at the signe of the Swanne 1623. TO THE RIGHT VVorshipfull his very good Patrone Mr. Henry Hall Esquire one of his Maiesties Iustices of the Peace and Quorum in the County of Kent and to the truely Pious and Religious Gentlewoman Ms. Iane Hall his Wife All Felicitie Internall Externall Eternall THE saying of one Right Worshipfull is most true a French hist 1187. Compare vice with vice and euill with euill Ingratitude is the most odious and the worst Vitium omnium b Theodoric dom 14. post trin p. 2. d. 3. Ingratum si dixeris omnia dixeris teterrimorum teterrimum of all foulest vices the most foule admitting no paralell And yet notwithstanding it is the common vice of this vicious and flagitious age of ours a Gangrene that hath diffused it selfe farre and neere c Para. in Gen. 1970. b. Turpissima ingratitudine plerique omnes obliterare solent beneficia accepta It is the guise of the most with filthy ingratitude to obliterate receiued fauours Iniuries are engrauen in brasse but benefits are written vpon the waters And d Gen. 40.23 Pharaohs Butler hath but too many consorts who remember not but forget their Iosephs their benefactors My desire is not to be found in this list And therefore I am bold to present you with this poore oblation A poore present I confesse to gratifie them withall to whom I am so deepely engaged T' is but a silly mite I owe you many talents yea as e Hieron Sophron. Hierom sometime sayd to one quae possum quae non possum both what I can and what I cannot make tender of And such are your merits towards mee that as f Effecisti vt viuerem morerer ingratus Senec. lib. 2. de benef cap. 25. Furnius once to Caesar I must liue and die ingrate Howbeit whatsoeuer it is be pleased to vouchsafe it your fauourable acceptation as a Symboll and Testimony of my gratefull mind and dutifull respect towards you both for your great vndeserued fauours In confidence whereof not meaning to tire you with a tedious incult Epistle I humbly take my leaue and rest Your Worships most obliged and in the Lord euer to be commanded Iohn Boughton God Man Iacob WHat is Catechising Beniamin It is a plaine a 1 Cor. 3.1.2 14.19 Nehem 8.8 familiar and briefe declaring by liuely voyce of the b Heb 5.12 6.1 Principles of Christian Religion out of the c Acts 18.28 28.23 2 Tim. 4.2 Exod. 12 26 13.8 Deut. 6.6 c. 2 Pet. 1 21. Scripture or Word of God I. Who was the author of this forme of teaching B. Euen God himselfe I. Hath it beene of any long continuance in the Church of God B. Yes surely it was diligently vsed in the times of the d Gal 6.6 The originall word is Catechise Heb 5 12 13. 6.1 1 Pet. 3.21 Primitiue Church and in the dayes of the Apostles themselues yea euen the e Gen. 19 19. Exod 12 26. Deut. 6 7 8. Fathers of the first world long before Christs Incarnation after this manner instructed their families and such as were vnder their tuition charge and gouernement I. What profit or benefit doth there arise from this kind of teaching B. The benefit which may bee reaped hereby is very great and manifold 1 Pet. 3.15 For first it will inable vs to giue a ready answer to any man that shall aske vs a reason of our Faith Heb. 5.12 Secondly it will greatly helpe vs to vnderstand remember and profit by the Scriptures Our people for the most part are rude and vncatechised and therefore they profit little or nothing by Sermons A Sermon to such persons is like a great loafe ser before a Childe M. Perk. in Gal. c. 4 v. 20. 1 Thes 5.21 Heb. 5.14 1 Iohn 4.1 1 Cor. 11.29 Thirdly to heare the Word of God preached with much more fruit and commoditie to our soules then otherwise we should doe Fourthly to try what we heare or reade and readily to discerne true Doctrine from that which is false and erroneous Fiftly it will much further our due and worthy receiuing the Lords Supper to the which none ought to be admitted before they bee skilled in the grounds of our holy Faith neither without some competent knowledge thereof can any with comfort be partaker of it Sixtly it is the high and ready way to bring to sound and setled knowledge to the which Heb. 5.11 12. 2 Tim. 3.7 whosoeuer is vncatechised in the Principles of Religion can neuer attaine but will be euer learning and euer ignorant Lastly 1 Chron. 28.9 Deut. 17 18. Pro. 22.6 Matth. 22.29 Acts 3.17 Rom 3.11.12 Ephes 4.17 18 19. it is a soueraigne preseruatiue against all infection of errour impietie and prophanenesse and a most effectuall meanes to maintaine the puritie of sound Doctrine I. Is this exercise necessary onely for children and youth B. No but also for men of yeeres and aged persons who either through their f Deut. 20.18 19. c. owne default in their youth or g Pro 22.6 Ephes 6.4 Gen. 18 19. Deut. 4.10 theirs that should haue seeene them better brought vp are oftentimes but h 1 Cor 3.2 15.34 Heb. 5.11 12. Ioh. 3.10 children yea babes in vnderstanding and such as haue neede of milke not of strong meate scarce knowing one foote of the way to Heauen when almost both their feet are in the graue I. Is it not therefore the duty of euery Minister diligently to vse this holy exercise among his people as well as Preaching B. Yes questionlesse and greatly it is to be wished that i Gal. 6.6 1 Cor. 3.2 Heb. 5.12 6.1 al of that sacred function would make conscience constantly so to doe the neglect hereof being one maine principal reason why many of rare and most worthy gifts though they preach often and with great zeale yet sée little or not fruit of al their trauell for who can erect a building where k Luk. 6.48.49 14.29 1 Cor. 3.10 the foundation vpon which it should stand is not first firmly layd I.
because the Church it selfe doth depend vpon the Scriptures and borroweth all her authoritie from them being built vpon the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles I. Rehearse the second propertie of the Scriptures B. All things necessary to saluation Deut. 12.32 Psal 19.7 2 Tim. 3.16 Reu. 22 18.19 both concerning faith and manners are therein fully comprehended I. What is the third propertie of the Scriptures B. Psal 19.7 119.105.130 All points or Articles of faith needefull to bee knowne vnto saluation are plainely and cleerely set forth in them 2 Cor 4.3 2 Pet. 1.19 I. What are we further to know concerning the Scriptures B. That they are the onely a Esay 8.20 Deut. 17.8 9 10 18 19. Iohn 5.39 Acts 17.11 iudge of controuersies and rule of faith and manners Secondly that there is but one b Nehem. 8.8 true and genuine sence of euery place of Scripture which is the litterall expressed sometimes in proper and sometimes in borrowed or figuratiue spéeches Thirdly that they are to bee interpreted c Nehem. 8.8 Luke 24.27 by and out of themselues Fourthly that they are d Luke 16.29 2 Tim. 3.16 Rom. 15.4 necessary and e Psal 12.6 Prou. 30.5 Ps 119.9.7 5.86.106.113.128.142.160 Mat. 22.29 Iohn 17.17 Pro. 8.8 pure being f frée from all vanitie folly iniustice error or falsehood in the least degree I. For what ends and vses were the Scriptures written B. To teach all truth and sauing Doctrine 2 Tim. 3.16 17. Rom. 15.4 Psal 119.23.50 81.92 to instruct in righteousnesse and vertue to correct all sinne and wickednesse and to comfort in all distrosses and perplexities I. To whom doth the knowledge of the Scriptures appertaine B. Deut. 17.18 19. Psal 119.9 2 Tim. 3.15 Iohn 5.39 Deut. 6 7 8. Col. 3.16 To all men of what age condition qualitie ranke or degrée whatsoeuer Yea all sorts of men without exception are bound to get the knowledge thereof I. But how shall all men attaine to knowledge and vnderstanding of them since they were written in Greeke and Hebrew which are languages which but a very few are acquainted with B. They ought to bee g 1 Cor. 14.18 19. Acts 2.4 5 c. 1 Iohn 4.1 translated into all Languages and h Nehem. 8.8 c. Luke 24 27. plainely expounded to the capacities of the vnlearned I. What are wee especially to learne out of the Scriptures B. The sauing knowledge of God of Man and of him that is both God and Man the onely and all-sufficient Sauiour of mankind Iesus Christ Of God I. IS there any God B. Ps 14.1 90.2 Esay 41.4 That there is euer hath bin and euer shall bee a God is a thing so conspicuously apparant that it ought not once to bee called into question especially among Christians and the i Psal 79 6. Ierem. 10.25 cruellest death is too gentle a punishment for any that shall deny it I. You say true Howbeit because there haue k Diagoras Theodorus Cyrenaeus beene and yet are many such Monsters as feare not to deny it let mee heare what arguments you could bring were you to deale with such an one to conuince him of this truth B. This most glorious frame of heauen and earth Iob 12.7 8 9. Psal 19.1 Rom. 1.20 with the innumerable multitudes of admirable creatures in them both doth most euidently euince against all the Atheists in the world that there must néedes be some intelligent nature of infinite wisedome and power which is God from and by whom all these things should exist For it were most absurd and absonous from reason to thinke that they either came by chance could create themselues or were from euerlasting Secondly Iob 38.5 6 7 8 c. Mat. 6.26 A s 14.17 the continuall preseruation and most wise and powerfull gouernement of the world and al things created in the same doth argue no lesse Thirdly all Nations the k Ionah 1.5 6. Acts 1◠23.28 Gal 4.8 most sauage that can bee named haue euer had this perswasion ingrauen in their hearts by light of nature that there is a supreme Power and Deitie whom they ought to serue and adore which most manifestly appeares in this in that all of them euen the most barbarous Pagans haue euer worshipped some thing or other for their god yea euen sencelesse l Ps 115.4.5.6 c. 135.15 c. Dan. 5.4.23 stocks and stones rather then they would bee thought to haue no god at all Fourthly the fearefull iudgements which are inflicted vpon vngodly men euen the greatest of them Exod. 14.27 28 Iudg. 1.4 5 6 7. Dan. 4.31 32 33. Acts 12.23 and that such many times as doe so liuely resemble the sinnes whereby they haue offended as that they may bee as it were in Capitall letters read in their plagues is also an vndoubted argument of a Deitie ruling the world and taking notice of the actions done by men Gen. 4.14 Dan. 5.5 6. Mat 27.3 4 5. Rom. 2.15 Humane Histories abound with examples of this kinde Theodorick King of Goths Nero Caligula Richard the third of this Kingdome c. Fiftly the insufferable terrors of conscience those hellish twitchings and tortures wherewith the wicked of this world euen those of highest place and such as haue therefore no cause to feare any man whatsoeuer are often tormented and racked for their crimes euen in secret committed This must needes bee an argument inuincible to prooue the certainty of a God before whose tribunall they must one day bee conuented to answer and receiue sentence of deserued punishment for their wickednesse I. What is God B. What God is in his diuine Essence and nature Iohn 1.18 Iob. 11.7 1 Cor. 2.10.11 it passeth the capacities of all the men in the world either to expresse or conceiue only what manner of one he is he hath reuealed in his Word out of which some description may be giuen of him to distinguish him from all false and fayned gods and all creatures but no true and perfect definition I. How may he be described B. Thus God is an m Psal 90.2 vncreated n Iohn 4.24 Spirit o Exod. 3.14 Rom. 11.36 hauing his being of himselfe most p Deut. 6.4 simple q Mat. 5. last perfect r Ps 139.7 8 c infinite ſ Reuel 1.8 eternall t Iames 1.17 immutable u 1 Tim. 6.16 immortall x Gen 17.1 omnipotent y 1 Iohn 3.20 omniscicient most z Psal 147.5 wise a Psal 33.5 good b Exod. 34.6 gracious c Iohn 3.16 louing d Psal 86.15 patient e Luke 6.36 mercifull f Leuit. 11.44 holy g Reu. 6.10 true h Gen. 18.25.11.1 iust i Ephes 1.11 frée and k Psal 104.1 glorious the l Gen. 1.1.2 3 c. Creator m Mat. 6.26.30 10 29 30. Gouernor and n
Psal 36.6 Acts 17.25.28 Preseruer of Heauen and earth and of all things in them visible and inuisible I How many Gods be there B. 1 Cor 8.4 5 6. Gal. 3.20 1 Tim 2.5 No more but one onely I. What reasons can you giue beside Scripture to prooue the onenesse or vnitie of God B. There can be but one thing most perfect but one omnipotent one omnipresent one all-sufficient one first last and chiefest good But God is all and euery of these therefore it is impossible that there should be more then one onely Besides many Heathens by light of nature haue séene and acknowledged this truth I. 2 Cor. 1. â— 13 14. 1 Iobn 3.7 But the Scripture makes mention in many places of three namely the Father the Sonne and the Holy Ghost and affirmes each of them to bee God it seemes therefore that there are three Gods and not one as you affirme B. It is true indéede that as the Scripture witnesseth euery one of these you haue named both the Father the Sonne and the Holy Ghost are very God yet notwithstanding they are not thrée but one God B. How can they bee three and yet but one B. They are thrée in persons Gen. 1.26 3 22. Mat. 28.19 3.16.17 15.26 but one and no more in essence I. But if there bee three persons among men propounded whereof euery one is a man as for instance Peter Iames and Iohn can it be truly affirmed of them all that they are but one man B. No. But wee must beware of measuring the profound things of God by the leaden rules of mans hollow reason especially this Trinitie in Vnitie and Vnitie in Trinitie which of all other is a mysterie of mysteries and a secret to be adored but not curiously inquired into I. You said that God is one in essence and three in persons tell mee what these words import B. Exod. 3.14 Psal 9â— 2 Rom. 1.20 The Offence of God is the Deitie or Godhead it selfe by which God from and by himselfe absolutely is and existeth and is distinguished from all other things whatsoeuer I. What is a person of the Deitie B. Heb. 1.3 Iohn 1.1 5.19.37 14.9 16. Col. 2.9 It is a subsistence in the diuine Essence hauing in it by nature the whole Godhead or diuine Essence but distinct from the other persons by a peculiar and incommunicable propertie I. How many persons are there in the Godhead B. p Mat. 28.19 1 Iohn 5.7 Thrée neither more nor fewer and those truly and really q Iohn 1.14.18.32 33 34. 5.17 18 19. Rom. 8.11 distinct one from onother the Father the Sonne and the Holy Ghost I. What is the Father B. The r Mat. 28.19 1 Ioh. 5.7 first person of the Deity hauing originall of none existing from himselfe and not from any other who of Å¿ Iohn 1.14 himselfe from t Pro. 8.22 23. Iohn 1.1 2 3. 8.58 euerlasting hath u Psal 2.7 Heb. 1.5 begotten his x Iohn 1.14.18 3.16.18 onely Sonne and y Ioh. 14.26 Ioh 15.26 together with his Sonne sendeth forth the Holy Ghost I. Why is he called the Father B. First in respect of Christ who is his z Heb. 1.2 Mat. 3.17 Sonne by nature Secondly of the faithfull who are all his a Ephes 1.5 Rom. 8.14 15. Sonnes by grace of adoption I. What is the Sonne B. He is the b Pro. 8.22.23 5.26 Mat. 11.27 second person of the Deity that in the c Iohn 10.30 17.21 22. vnitie of Essence is from all d Pro. 8.22 23. eternitie e Heb. 1.3.5 begotten of the f Rom 8.32 substance of the Father and together with g Iohn 15.26 Rom. 8.9 him sendeth forth the Holy Ghost and so hath done from euerlasting I. Why is he called the Sonne B. Because hee is begotten of the substance of God the Father Heb. 1.3 Phil 2.6 I. Why is he called the Word B. First because nothing in the world serueth so fitly to resemble and shadow forth vnto vs the manner of his eternall generation of his Fathers substance as doth the conceiuing of a word in the mind of man Secondly Iohn 1.18 because as men reueale their mindes one towards another by their words so the Father from the beginning of the world hath reuealed his mind and will concerning mans duty and saluation by his Sonne Iesus Christ Acts 10.43 Luke 24.27 Iohn 5.39.46 Thirdly because hee is the maine and principall subiect of the whole written word of God I. What is the manner of his eternall generation B. Deut. 29.29 This is a mysterie that cannot be comprehended and therefore may not be pryed into by the dimme eye of humane reason I. How prooue you that the Sonne is God B. The g He is called God Esay 9.6 Tit. 2.13 Lord Rom. 6.8.9 Lord of glory 1 Cor. 2.8 Prince of the King of the earth Reuel 1.5 King of Kings Lord of Lords Reuel 19.16 Lord of all Acts 10.36 The Prince of Life Acts 3.15 Iudge of quicke and dead Acts 10.42 He is also called Gods owne Sonne Rom. 8.32 and his onely begotten Sonne Iohn 3.16 c. names or titles the essentiall h Hee is said to bee infinite Mat. 28.20 Eternall Iohn 1.1 Reuel 1.11 Immutable Heb. 1.10 11 12. Omnipotent Reuel 1.8 Omniscient Iohn 21.17 c. Of most free power Mat. 10. and 5.21 properties i We are to beleeue and trust in him Iohn 3.14 15 16. To pray to him for things wee neede Acts 7.57.60 1 Cor. â— 2. To bee baptized in his Name Mat 28.19 Acts 2.38 To giue him thankes for benefits receiued 1 Tim. 1.12 The Angels themselues worship him Heb. 1.16 honor workes k First the Creation of the world is ascribed to him Iohn 1.3 Colos 1.16 Secondly the preseruing and gouerning the same Iohn 5.17 Colos 1.17 Thirdly working of true miracles Mark 16.20 Acts 3.6 7. Fourthly instâ—tution of baptisme Mat. 28.18 19. Fiftly institution of the holy Supper Mat. 26.26 Mark 14.23 c. Sixtly Redemption of the world Mat. 1.21 Luke 2.11 Seuenthly Regeneration Mat 3.11 Iohn 1.33 Eightly Iustification Esay 53.11 Ninthly Remission of sinnes Mat. 9.6 Tenthly raising of the Dead Iohn 5.21.22 23. 6.39 40. Eleuenthly iudging the world Iohn 5.22 23. Rom. 14.9 10 11. Twelfthly giuing eternall life Iohn 10.27 28 30. Phil. 3.20.21 and actions of God are attributed to him in Scripture I. What is the Holy Ghost B. The l Mat. 28.19 third m Iob 33.4 Acts 20.28 Person of the Trinitie eternally n Iohn 14.26 15.26 Gal. 4.6 proceeding from the Father and the Sonne I. What is the manner of the proceeding of the Holy Ghost B. This is as the generation of the Sonne a secret inconceiuable I. Is there any difference betweene the generation of the Sonne and the proceeding of the Holy Ghost B. Yes doubtlesse
there is some difference betweene them but what it is Rom 11.33 is one of the vnsearchable things of God and a way of his past finding out I. What reasons haue you to prooue the Holy Ghost to be God B. The o Hee is called God 2 Sam. 23 2 3. Acts 5.3 4. names titles essentiall p He is eternall Gen. 1.2 Infinite Psal 139.7 8. Omniscient Esay 11.2 Iohn 16.13 Omnipotent Esay 11.2 properties q We are baptized in his Name Mat. 28.19 honor r It is affirmed of him that he created the world Gen. 1 2 3. Iob 26.13 He preserues the same Gen 1 2. Gouernes it Act. 16.6 Rom. 16.25 Workes miracles 1 Cor. 12.4.10 Calles Prophets and Ministers Act. 13.2 20.28 Reueales Gods will c. Iohn 14.26 1 Cor. 2.9 10. Distributes diuine gifts at his pleasure 1 Cor. 12.11 Leades into all truth Iohn 16.13 Foreshewes things to come Iohn 16.13 11.28 Regenerates Iohn 3.5 Gal. 5.22 Comforts Iohn 14.28 Acts 9.5 Iustifies 1 Cor. 6.11 workes and operations of God are attributed to him as well as to the Father or the Sonne in Scripture I. Why is the Holy Ghost called Spirit more then the Father or the Son since they are Spirits as well as he B. He is termed Spirit not onely because of his spirituall nature which is equally common to all the thrée persons but for that hee is spired and as it were breathed forth from the Father and the Sonne hee procéeding from them both I. Why is this title holy giuen to him more then to the other Persons who are of no lesse puritie and holinesse then himselfe B. 1 Cor. 6.11 2 Thes 2.13 1 Pet. 1.12 Because hée immediately sanctifies the elect and children of God I. What things are common to these three Persons B. The Essence all ſ As Eternity Immensity Immutability Omnipotency c. the essentiall properties and outward t As Creation Preseruation workes of the Diety respecting the creatures I. How are they distinguished among themselues B. First by their names the first person being called the Father Mat 28 29. the second the Sonne and the third the Holy Ghost Secondly by their order for the Father is the first Person because hee is the fountaine of the Diuinitie of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost The Sonne is the second Person because the Deity is communicated vnto him of the Father by an incomprehensible generation The Holy Ghost is the third Person Mat. 28.19 1 Iohn 5.7 because the Deity is communicated vnto him from the Father and the Sonne by an incomprehensible spiration I. Is not then one of these Persons before another B. Yes in manner of existence but not in time there is an order among them but no priority or inequality but they are all Coessentiall Coeternall and Coequall I. Is not this order of Persons kept also in their outward workes B. Iohn 1.3 14. 2◠15.26 ◠19. Col. 1.16 Heb. 1.2 It is so for though all outward workes are done by the common will and operation of the whole Trinity yet so as the Father of himselfe worketh by the Son and the Holy Ghost the Sonne from the Father by the Holy Ghost the Holy Ghost from the Father and the Sonne I. How are these three Persons distinguished among themselues B. By an internall incommunicable propertie I. What is the incommunicable propertie of the Father B. That he being of none hath from euerlasting begotten his Sonne consubstantiall to himselfe I. What is the incommunicable propertie of the Sonne B. That hee is begotten of the Father from all eternitie by an incomprehensible and vnspeakeable generation I. What is the incommunicable propertie of the Holy Ghost B. That from all eternity hee procéedeth from the Father and the Son I. What are wee further bound to know out of the Scripture concerning God B. His Workes especially his Predestination Creation and Prouidence Of Predestination I. IS there any Predestination Mat. 20.16 Iohn 10.26 28 29. Ephes 1.4.11 Iude 4. B. Yes certainely the Scripture in many places teacheth vs so I. Ought the Doctrine of Predestination to be taught B. Yea surely First because it is a thing u Deut. 29.29 Rom. 15.4 reuealed in Scripture Secondly it makes much for the x Rom. 9.22 23 Ephes 1.6.12 illustration of Gods glory Thirdly for the y 1 Thes 5 9 10 11. Luke 10.20 2 Tim. 2 19. consolation of the faithfull and fourthly for stirring them vp to z Rom. 12.12 Ephes 1 2 3 4. thankefulnesse to God in word and déede I. What is predestination B. It is the a Ephes 1.4 2 Thes 2.13 2 Tim. 1.9 eternall b Rom. 9.11.15 18.20 c. Ephes 1.5 frée c Rom 11.33 1 Cor. 1.25 wise d Mal. 3.6 Rom. 11.29 immutable and most e Deut. 32.4 Gen. 18.25 iust f 1 Thes 5.9 Rom. 9.11 decrée of God whereby before g Ephes 1.4 Iude 4. the foundations of the world were laid he hath h Rom. 9.22 33. 1 Pet 2.8 appointed all men to an euerlasting i Psal 16.11 Mat. 25 46. estate either of happinesse or k 2 Thes 1.9 Reuel 14.11 misery to the glory of l Rom. 9.17.22.23 Ephes 1.6.12 his mercy and iustice I. What bee the parts of Predestination B. Rom. 9.23.20 1 Thes 5 9. Two Election and Reprobation I. What is Election B. It is the decrée of God whereby he hath k Rom 8.30 Ephes 1.4 ordained some men to euerlasting life and the l Rom. 8.30 2 Thes 2.13 meanes that bring thereunto for the glory of his m Rom 9.23 Ephes 1.6.12 grace and mercy I. Why did God elect some to life B. Rom. 9.15 16. 18 c. 11.5 Luke 13.32 Onely for the meere good pleasure of his will I. Did hee not elect men for their foreseene faith and workes B. No. n Rom. 9.16 For election is the cause of o Acts 13.48 Tit. 1.1 faith and p Rom. 8.29 Ephes 1.4.2.10 workes in whomsoeuer haue them I. Are not all men elect B. No. Mat. 20.16 Iohn 13.18 Rom. 11.7 For then there should bee no election at all I. Can the Elect be certaine that they are predestinated to eternall life B. They q Luke 10.20 Rom. 8.16 38. c. 2 Tim. 4.8 can and ought to bee r 2 Cor 13.5 2 Pet. 1.10 giuing all diligence to make their election sure I. VVhat are the signes of an elect vessell whereby one may be infallibly assured that he is such an one B. The vndoubted fignes hereof are ſ Acts 13.48 2 Thes 2.13 Tit. 1.1 faith and constant t Ephes 1.4 Mat. 10.22 1 Cor. 15.58 holynesse of life which whosoeuer are in truth indued withall may yea and ought to be as certainely perswaded of their election as if God by some extraordinary reuelation or by his owne voyce from heauen
should make knowne the same vnto them I. VVhat if a man find not these graces in himselfe B. Hee is not therefore to despaire of his saluation or to iudge himselfe a Reprobate and cast-away u Rom. 10.8 1 Cor. 3.5 Iohn 15.3 Acts 26. â—8 but must diligently labour in the vse of the meanes ordayned of God that they may be wrought in him remembring that God calles at x Mat. 20.1 2 3 4 c. Luke 23.40 41 42. all houres I. Tell mee now what is Reprobation B. It is the decrée y Rom. 9.18.21 22. 1 Pet. 2.8 2 Tim. 2.20 of God wherby he hath from all eternitie ordayned not to haue mercy on some men and women in Christ nor to make them z Mat. 11.25 Acts 13.48 Iohn 8.47 partakers of the meanes of saluation but to passe them by a Iohn 8.21.24 leaue them in their sinne and for them iustly to condemne them to perpetual torments in Hell b Pro. 16.4 Rom. 9.17.23 for the glory of his power and iustice I. VVhat is the mouing cause of Reprobation B. Rom. 9.18 19 20. Ephes 1.11 None other but the good pleasure of Gods Will. I. VVere not foreseene Infidelitie and other sinnes the cause why some are Reprobates B. No. God c Iohn 3.18.36 Iohn 16.9 Mark 16.16 condemnes none but for their infidelitie and d Iohn 8.21.24 Rom. 2.8 6 3â— c. sinne but these were not the causes of his reprobating any for then none should haue beene Elect but all Reprobates in as much as hee fore-saw all men of e Psal 51.5 Rom. 6.17.20 3.9 10 c. Ephes 2.1 2 3. themselues would bee alike vnbeléeuers and sinfull I. But will not this argue God of iniustice for his will sake to reprobate men B. No. Gen. 18.25 Nehem. 9.33 Rom. 9.14 Because whatsoeuer God wills is therefore iust because he wils it his will being the supreme rule of all iustice and righteousnesse I. Is there a certain and definite number of Elect and Reprobate B. Yea vndoubtedly Iohn 13.18 10.3.14.27 2 Tim. 2.19 with God there is so as the same can neither bée augmented nor diminished or hee which is once Elect become a Reprobate nor any Reprobate of the Elect. But to vs men the number both of the one and the other is altogether vnknowne I. VVhich number is the greatest of the Elect or of the Reprobate B. The number of the Elect considered in themselues is very f Mat. 8.11 20.28 Reuel 7.9 great but in comparison of the Reprobate and such as shall bee damned it is but g Luke 12.32 small and little I. Are the Elect so certaine of saluation as that they cannot perish and on the contrary the Reprobate of damnation as that none of them can be saued B. Yes assuredly it is impossible for any one of Gods h Mat. 24.24 Iohn 10.27 28 29. 2 Tim. 2.19 chosen to misse of eternall life or so much as i Reuel 20.15 21.27 one reprobate to escape euerlasting death I. But will it not follow if the case be so that neither the Elect can perish nor the Reprobate be saued whatsoeuer they doe that it matters not then how men liue or demeane themselues in this world B. God predestinates none to the end but he predestinates them also to the meanes conducting to that end No. God forbid that any should make such a heilish and diuellish conclusion from so diuine and heauenly a doctrine For it is most certaine that whomsoeuer God hath elected he purifies their hearts by k Acts 15.9.26.18 faith and l 1 Cor. 1.30 6.11 2 Thes 2.13 so sanctifies them by his renewing spirit at the time of their effectuall calling as that afterwards they m Rom. 6.4 5 6.14 8.1 Ephes 1.4 cannot but leade an holy and godly life and n Ier. 32.40 Phil. 1.6 perseuer so to doe vnto the end And as for the Reprobate God so leaues them to their owne o Psal 81.12 Acts 14.16 Rom. 1.24.26 corruption and to the will of p Rom. 11.8 Ephes 2.2 2 Tim. 2.26 Satan the tempter as that they q Ier. 13.23 Mat. 7.16 17 18. Iohn 8.34.45 cannot but liue and continue in infidelitie and sinne till their dying day I. What is the inference then that men should make from the certainty of the Elects saluation and the Reprobates damnation B. Surely this which is cleane contrary to the other namely That it stands euery man and woman vpon to endeauour with all their power to auoyd sinne and to walke in holinesse and righteousnesse before God and so resolue with themselues at all times to doe that by this meanes they may get assurance to their soules that they are of the number of Gods Elect whose saluation is so sure and not of the Reprobate whose damnation is so vnauoydable an holy and vnblameable conuersation being the r 2 Pet. 1.10 Ephes 1.4 marke wherby the one is discerned from the other as also the Å¿ Pro. 10.17 12.28 15.24 meanes and way to attaine euerlasting life Of Creation I. VVHat is Creation the second speciall worke of God as you affirmed that we are to informe our selues of out of the Scriptures B. It is a most t Esay 40.26 Rom. 1.20 powerfull u Gen. 2.2 worke of x Esay 44.24 Iob 38 4 5 6. c. 1 Cor. 8.6 God the Father the y Iohn 1.3 Col. 1.13 Sonne and the z Gen. 1.1.26 Iob 35.10 Holy Ghost by which in the a Gen. 1.1 Pro. 8.22 23. Iohn 1.1 c. beginning in the b Gen. 1. Gen. 2.1 2 3. space of six dayes by his c Gen. 1.3.6 c. Ps 148.5 Word onely out of d Pro. 8.22 23. Rom. 4.17 Heb. 11.3 nothing he made the e Psal 19.1.103.22 Pro. 16.4 Heauens and the earth with all things in them visible and inuisible to the f Rom. 11.36 Reuel 4.10 11. praise of his infinite power wisedome and goodnesse I. How did God create all things B. Gen. 1.31 Excéeding good I. How can it be said that God made all things exceeding good since wee see that there are so many noysome venemous and hurtfull beasts herbes and other things in the world as also wicked and vncleane spirits namâ—â— the Diuels B. No creatures were hurtfull by Gods creation but they became so by the e Gen. 1.17 sinne of man for a punishment to him for the same And as touching the f Iude 6. Iohn 8.44 2 Pet. 2.4 Diuels God made them good holy and happy but of their owne will they rebelling against God fell from that excellent estate they receiued by Creation and so became euill c. as they are I. You said that God created the world with the creatures therein in the space of six dayes tell me what he created the first day B. The earth waters and
m Rom. 14 1. 1 Thes 5 14. receiue the weake in faith and with all louing affection to tender them c. Himselfe therefore whose n Exod. 34.6 Esay â—9 15 Psal 36.5 compassions infinitely surpasse all mens in the world cannot be lesse gracious c. I. May one then that hath but a small measure of faith content himselfe therewith and rest in it B. No by no meanes but must heartily be o Marke 9.24 grieued for the weakenes and infirmity of it vnfainedly p 1 Pet. 2.2 Marke 9.24 desire increase and earnestly labour in the vse of all good q 1 Pet. 2.2 Luke 17.5 Acts 2.4.2.46 meanes ordained of God to get it strengthened and augmented Yea whosoeuer hath in truth attained to the least dramme or graine of this sauing grace hee will doe all these things as also be changed and renewed both in r Acts 15.9.26 18. 2 Cor. 5.17 Iames 2.18 Tit. 3.8 heart and conuersation I. Is it not the duty of euery man to prooue and examine himself whether he be endued with this gift of faith or no B. 1 Cor. 11 28. 2 Cor. 13.5 Yes surely and it greatly concernes euery man to haue an especiall care so to doe I. May a man then know whether he haue saith or no B. Acts 8.37 1 Cor. 2.12 2 Tim. 1.12 Yea surely euery true beléeuer knowes he doth beléeue I. What are the markes or notes whereby one may know and bee assured that he is a faithfull person B. Rom. 5.1 Rom. 8.15 16. Gal 4.6 First true beléeuers haue peace of Conscience Secondly the Spirit of God testifieth to their spirits that they are his children Thirdly Rom 7.23 24. Gal. 5.17 Acts 2.21 9.11.14 Rom. 8.16 10.14 Iob. 2.3 27.8 9 10 Psal 119.109.141.143.157 Reu. 22.17.20 Rom. 8.23 2 Tim. 4.8 they féele a conflict within themselues betweene the flesh and the spirit corruption and grace Fourthly they religiously exercise themselues in prayer Fifthly they continue to feare loue obey and serue God in aduersitie as well as in prosperitie Sixtly they desire the comming of Christ to iudgement Seuenthly they desire and indeauour to bring Å¿ Esay 2 3. Luke 22.32 Iohn 1.41 42.45 46. others especially those vnder their t Gen. 18 19. Iosh 24 1â— A s 10.2 Iob 17.9 Iohn 15.2 2 Thes 1.3 charge to the faith knowledge and seruice of God and to further the saluation of others as well as their owne Eightly they grow and increase in grace Ninthly they heartily and vnfainedly loue the u Psal 15.4 Act 4.34 35. c. Gal. 5 6. 1 Iohn 3.14 15.23 Col. 1.4 children the x Psal 119.103.111.113.167 c. 1 Pet. 2.2 word and faithfull y Mat. 10.41 Acts 16.15.33 Rom. 1â— 4 Ministers of God Tenthly their constant care study Psal 119.94 Iohn 15.5 Iam. 2 18 19 20 and labour is to keepe all the Commandements of God being fruitfull in all good morkes Rom. 8.1 1 Iohn 1.7 to the praise of his great and glorious name I. Is faith then alwayes accompanied with good workes B. Yea certainely they are euer inseparable companions Acts 9.36 Luke 23.40 41 42. Luke 19.8 so as the Sun can no more bee without light or the fire voyd of heate or a good trée in the season thereof destitute of fruit then faith can be without workes Of good Workes I. VVHat doe you call good Workes B. They are actions z Deut 12.32 Esay 29.13 Mat. 15.9 commanded of God and done by persons a Gen. 4.4 Mat 7.18 Iohn 15.4 5. regenerate and ingrafted into Christ in b Rom. 14.23 Heb. 11.6 faith c 1 Cor. 13.1 2 3. 1 Tim. 1.5 loue d Luke 17.10 18. 11. humilitie e 1 Sam. 15.22 obedience to God and for his f Mat. 5.16 1. Cor. 10.31 glory I. Are any able to doe good workes of themselues B. 2 Cor. 3.5 Phil 2 13. Iohn â—5 5 No. Wee cannot so much as thinke one good thought but by the grace of God I. Are the good workes done by the faithfull in this life perfect and without blemish B. No Eccles 7.20 Esay 64.6 but euen the best and holiest that proceede from them are full of infirmities and greatly defiled with sinne I. How comes this to passe B. Because their regeneration Rom. 7.23 24. Gal. 5.17 Marke 19.24 Mat. 14.31 1 Pet. 2.2 c. faith and loue of God and their Neighbours which are the rootes from whence all good workes doe spring and grow are euer imperfect in this world I. If the workes of the faithfull bee so imperfect and defiled with sinne how then come they to bee acceptable and pleasing to God B. Through Christ Mat. 3.17 17.5 1 Pet. 2.5 with whose righteousnesse as with a Mantle all their imperfections and defilements are couered and for his sake are fully pardoned and remitted them I. Doe good workes iustifie B. No. Rom. 3.20.28 4.4 5. Phil. 3.9 A man is iustifyed by faith onely without the déedes of the Law I. Why cannot workes iustifie B. First Ephes 1.6 7. 2.7 8. because then Christ should be but an imperfect Sauiour Psal 143.2 Phil. 3.8 9. Secondly because the Saints of God haue renounced their workes in the matter of Iustification 1 Kings 8.46 Pro. 20.9 Acts 15.10 Ioh. 15.2.4 5. Gen. 4 4. Mat. 3.17 Thirdly because no man can perfectly fulfill the Law Fourthly because we must bee iustifyed before wee can doe any good worke at all I. Doe the good workes of regenerate persons or beleeuers merit euerlasting life B. No in no wise I. What are your reasons B. First because no workes of the most sanctified can bee absolutely good Esay 64.6 Eccles 7.20 Iames 2.10 but euen the best they doe haue many wants and faylings in them néeding mercy and forgiuenesse Luke 7.10 1 74 75. Rom. 8.12 Ephes 2.10 Iob. 22.2 35.7 8. Psal 16.2 Rom. 8.18 2 Cor. 4.17 18. Secondly what good workes soeuer they doe or possibly can doe are due to God from them Thirdly they can be no way profitable or beneficiall to God Fourthly there is no proportion at all betwéene them and eternall life or saluation I. But hath not Christ merited that our workes might merit B. Hee hath merited to make our g Ephes 1 6 2 â—â— 14 â—5 16.18 persons and h â— Pet 2.5 workes acceptable to God his Father but that hee should merit to make our i Rom. 4.4 11 6. Gal. 2.21 5.3 4. workes meritorious is a brainesicke conceit and new-found deuice of such as be enemies to him and his merits I If good workes can neither iustifie nor merit ought at Gods hands why then should we doe them Leuit. 19.2 Mat. 5 16 48. 1 â—et 1.15 16.17 B. First because God commands them Secondly that thereby wee may testifie our thankefulnesse to him for his
k Iosh 32.6 Confer with the Verse before and 24.14 with Verse 5. Esay 1 2 3. Rom. 2.4 gracious benefits especially our l Luke 1 74 75. Rom. 12.1 1 Pet. 1.17 18. redemption from euerlasting woe and misery Thirdly that wee may m Mat 5.16 Iohn 15.8 glorifie him Fourthly edifie the n 1 Cor. 10.33 faithfull Fiftly winne the o 1 Pet 2.12 3.1 2. faithlesse Sixtly giue no * Luke 17.1 2. 1 Cor. 10.32 offence to any Seuenthly p Tit. 2.10 adorne the Gospell Eightly q Phil. 2.15 1 Thes 5.4 5 6. beautifie our profession Ninthly r Tit. 2.8 1 Pet. 2.12.15 stoppe the mouthes of Å¿ Mat. 7.18 Iames 2.17 c. 26. vngodly men that séek all occasions to defame vs. Tenthly that we may get assurance of the truth of our s faith 11. t 1 Cor. 6 11. Iames 2.24 25. Iustification 12. u 1 Iohn 3.9 5.4.18 Regeneration 13. x 1 Iohn 3.10 Rom 4.14 Adoption 14. and y Ephes 1.4 2 Pet 1.5 6 c. to 11. Election 15. z Leuit. 26.15 16 Deut 28.15 16 c. escape Temporall 16. and a Mat. 7.19 Rom. 8.13 eternall punishments 17. and obtaine the blessings of b Deut 28.1 2 3 c. 1 Tim. 4.8 this life 18. and of that which is to c Ezek. 18.5 6. Psal 1 2. and 15. all come I Doe you hold then that good workes are necessary to saluation B. I doe so and it is most certaine that they are as a d Pro. 11.18 19 10.17 way to come vnto it or as e Rom. 8.1 Heb. 12.14 Psal 24.3 4 5. signes and markes of such as shall be saued or as inseparable f Gal 5 6. Iames 2.14 c truits and consequents of true sauing faith whose g 1 Pet 1.9 end is saluation or as qualities which God hath decréed all shall be indued withall h Ephes 2.10 1.4 that shall be made heires of his Kingdome but in no wise as any i Ephes 2.5.8 Tit. 3 5. Iohn 14.6 causes or merit thereof I. But Christ hath freed vs from the k Iohn 8.36 Rom. 7.6 Law how then can there be such a necessitie of the workes of the Law to saluation as you affirme or we at all bound to doe them B. Christ hath fréed vs from the Law indéede in respect of the l Mat. 11.30 1 Iohn 5.3 Acts 15.10 rigorous exaction thereof whereby it imposeth vpon euery man without exception a necessitie of perfect obedience euen to the least title or tote of it as also in respect of the m Gal. 3.13 Rom. 8.1 curse and malediction thereof for transgressing the same But as it is a rule of righteousnesse and holy n Psal 119.5 Mat. 5.19 20. c. and 13. obedience so he hath fréed nor released none from it but chargeth all that wil be saued carefully and conscionably to conforme their liues and actions thereunto I Proceede we now in the doctrine of Faith and tell mee is this grace euer lost or vtterly taken away from any that are truly indued with it B. No vndoubtedly It may bee and often is euen in Gods dearest children through the violent stormes of temptations and their grieuous falles sorely o Psal 42.5 6.11 77.7 8 9 10. Psal 51.11 12. Mat. 26.71 c. shaken obscured and so buried as it were in their hearts like fire in the ashes as that they haue little or no féeling of it at all for a time but it is not nor euer can bee totally and finally p Psal 1.3 Ier. 32.39 40. Hos 2.19 20. extinguished in any to whom God hath vouchsafed the same in any though the least measure I. Shew your reasons B. Rom. 11.29 Iohn 13.1 First because the gifts and calling of God are without repentance Luke 22 â—2 Iohn 17.11.15.17.20 Secondly Christ hath prayed for euery one of the faithfull that their faith may neuer faile Thirdly nothing is able to separate any true beléeuer from the loue of God in Iesus Christ Rom. 8.38 39. Esay 54 10. Phil. 1.6 Fourthly God will perfect that good worke which hee hath once begâ—â—â—ne in his Elect to the end â—iftly God is both q Iohn 10.29 Rom. 16.25 able and r Mat. 12.20 Mat. 18.14 Iohn 10.28 willing to vphold confirme and strengthen the faith of all his children vntill they attaine to the end of their faith to wit the euerlasting saluation of their soules I. Is the faith of any of Gods Elect perfect in this life B. No certainely but euen they which haue it in fullest measure haue much Å¿ Mat. 6.30 Marke 9.19.24 Iohn 20.25 1 Cor. 13.9.12 weakenesse ignorance and doubting mingled with it and therefore t Marke 29.24 2 Pet 3.18 must euer bee labouring to get their faith strengthened and increased more and more I. What are the meanes which God hath appointed vs to vse for the strengthening and increasing of our faith B. First u 1 Pet. 2.2 2 Pet. 3.18 Acts 20.32 2 Thes 4.11 12 13 14 reading of his sacred Word 2. and especially x hearing the same preached or Catechised 3. y Luke 17.5 Iude 20. Mat 7.7 frequent and feruent prayer 4. religious and conscionable vse of the z Gen. 17.11 Rom. 4.11 1 Cor. 11.23 24 c. Sacraments I. How are wee to reade the Word of God that we may be edified thereby B. With a Psal 25.4 5. and 119.12.26.27 Iames 1.5 prayer 2. b and Psal 119 161. Heb. 12.28 reuerence 3. c Luke 1.1.3 Acts 11.4 order 4. d Heb. 4.2 Iohn 5.46 47. faith 5. e Psal 25.9 Iames 1.21 méekenesse 6. f Pro. 11.2 Iames 4.6 humility 7. g Iob 23.12 Psal 119.16.48.167 loue to it 8. h Psal 119 4. 1 Pet. 2.2 desire after it 9. i Rom. 15.4 1 Cor. 11.28 application 10. k Psal 45.10 Mat. 24.15 consideration 11. l Psal 1 2. Iosh 1 8. meditation 12. m Iohn 5.39 Acts 8.30.31 care to vnderstand 13. n Deut. 6.6 7 8. Psal 119.93 remember 14. o Deut. 6 7. Col. 3.16 conferre of 15. p Deut. 4.1.5 29.9 Reuel 1.3 and practise what wee reade vsing 16. q Psal 1.2 Deut. 17.19 20. a daily diligence herein yet euer with such a wise and discréete moderation as that we at no time 17. r Mat. 9.13 Eccles 5.12.13 neither tire our spirits before we giue ouer or 18. Å¿ Exod. 20.9 Ephes 4 28. neglect the duties of our personall and particular callings I. How are wee to heare the Word preached or catechised B. Of euery one that desires to heare so as to bee profited by his hearing three sorts of duties are carefully and conscionably to be practised I. Which be they B. Some are to goe before some to accompany some to follow after our hearing I. What
himselfe performe this duty of prayer as he ought Zach 12.10 Rom. 8.15 26. B. No none of what gifts or graces soeuer can pray as he ought without the help and assistance of Gods Spirit I. To whom must we direct our prayers B. Neither to l Col 2.18 Reuel 22.9 Angels nor m Esay 63.16 Iohn 14.6 Saints nor any other n Deut 4.19 2 Kings 21.2 3. Esay 42.18 creature whatsoeuer but onely to o Psal 5.2 3. 77.2 3. A s 10.2 God the p Mat. 6.9 Iohn 16.24 Father q Acts 7.59 Reuel 1.5 Sonne and Holy r 2 Cor. 13.14 Reuel 1.4 Ghost I. Why must we pray onely to God B. Because hee onely is ſ 1 Kings 8.27 Psal 139.7 8. euery where present to heare vs all t Gen. 18.14 Ephes 3.20 sufficient omnipotent and u Psal 24.6.9 10.15.18 50 15. Mat. 7.7 8. willing to helpe and giue vs what we craue also he onely knowes our x 1 Chro. 28.9 Psal 139.1 2. hearts and is alone to be y Iohn 14.1 Rom. 10.14 Ier 17.5 beléeued in I. In whose name are wee to offer vp our prayers vnto God B. Onely in the name of z Iohn 14.13 14. Col. 3.17 Iesus Christ who is the onely and perpetuall a Iohn 14.6 Rom. 8.34 1 Tim. 2.5 mediator betwéen God and Man not of redemption and propitiation alone but also of intercession I. What is it to pray in the name or mediation of Iesus Christ B. To intreate God to vouchsafe vnto vs the things wee pray vnto him for not for any b Dan. 9 7.8.18 Ezra 9 6 7.15 merit or worthinesse in our selues or any other creature in heauen or in earth but onely for the worthinesse intercession and merits sake of c Dan 9.17 Heb. 10.19 20 c. Rom. 8 32. Iesus Christ his Sonne in and through whom alone he is well d Mat. 3.17 17.5 pleased I. What things are we to pray for B. Onely for such as are agréeable to the e Psal 19.14 1 Iohn 5.14 Will of God reuealed in his Word which are of thrée sorts First such as concerne the f Mat. 6.9 10. Luke 11 2. glory of God Secondly the g Mat. 6.12 13. Luke 11.9 saluation of our soules Thirdly our h Mat. 6.11 Pro. 30. corporall good and well-fare in this present lise I. How are wee to pray for these things B. The two first kindes namely the things belonging to the i Mat. 6.9 10.33 Psal 51.1 2 7. glory of God and our saluation are principally and in the first place to be craued of vs as also absolutely without any condition or limitation at all but the last to wit the things of this life with condition of k Mat. 6.10 Mat. 26.42 Rom. 1.10 Gods will their making for his l Mat. 6.33 1 Cor. 10.31 glory and our owne and brethrens good and m Pro. 30.8 Mat. 16.26 saluation I. For whom must we pray B. For all men of what qualitie n 1 Tim. 2.1 Ephes 6.18 rancke or condition soeuer either now liuing or hereafter for to o Iohn 17.20 21. Psal 90.16.1 liue such only excepted who are apparantly knowne to haue committed the vnpardonable sinne against the p Iohn 5.16 1 Sam. 16.1 2. Ier. 7.16 Holy Ghost I. May wee not also pray for the dead B. No in no wise I. Why so B. Because we haue no warrant so to doe either by commandement from God Rom. 14.5.23 or approoued example of any of the faithfull recorded in Scripture which haue done it or by promise to be heard if we doe it or threatning to be punished if we doe it not I. VVhat other reason can you render against praying for the dead B. It is a méere vaine and friuolous thing to pray for any departed this life they being either such as dyed in the faith and are consequently for euer r Reuel 14.13 2 Cor. 5.1 2. Phil. 1 23. blessed in heauen and therefore néed not our prayers or such as dyed in their sins and so are irrecouerably damned in ſ Luke 16.23 24 c. Reuel 21.8 Hell to whom our prayers can doe no good neither for procuring their full and finall redemption nor so much as the least t Luke 16.23.24 c. intermission or mitigation of their torments VVhat conditions are required in our prayers that they may be acceptable to God and graciously heard of him B. Vnfained u Iob 11.13 14 Psal 26.6 Iohn 9.31 repentance x Mat. 5.23.24 1 Tim. 2.8 loue y Gen. 18.27 Psal 5.7 Heb. 12.28 reuerence z Dan. 9.3 Mat 14.23 mindes purified from all cares carnall worldly and wandring thoughts a Nehem. 9.34 34 35. Dan. 9.4 5 c. confession of sinnes b Psal 17.1 Heb. 10 22. sincerity c Gen. 32.10 Luke 18.13 humility d 1 Cor. 14 15. vnderstanding e Phil. 1.4 wisedome f Phil. 1.4 ioy g Ezra 9.6 7. Mat. 11.28 Psal 86.1 Esay 26.16 liuely féeling of our sinnes and wants h Col. 4.12 Iames 5.16.17 feruent desires to haue them supplyed crauing things for righteous and holy i Iames 4.3 Mat 6.13 ends namely the glory of God the furtherance of our owne and brethrens saluation Moreouer k Heb. 11.6 Rom. 10.14 sauing faith l Marke 11.24 Iames 1.6 confidence to be heard m Luke 18.1 Ephes 6.18 perseuerance in case wee haue not present audience humble n Psal 51.18 Lament 3.26 Mat. 6.10 Luke 22.42 Psal 78.41 Psal 40.1 submission to the good pleasure of God both for the things themselues we sue for as also their quantity quality manner and time how and when it shall please him to bestow them on vs neither conditioning with nor limmiting him to any circumstances but méerely referring all to his most wise and fatherly dispose who knowes what is best for vs a religious o Pro. 2 3.4 Nehem. 4.9 care to frame our practise according to our prayers ioyning thereunto the vse of all sanctifyed meanes for obtaining the things we pray for Lastly all our prayers must euer bee accompanied with our p 1 Tim. 2.1 Phil. 4.6 heartiest praises and thankesgiuings for blessings receiued not being like the nine but that one Leper Luke 17.12.18 as ready euer to glorifie God for his mercies obtained as forward to begge the obtaining of them I. Is it necessary that these conditions be obserued of vs in perfection No neither can they so bee of any Psal 80.40 Esay 64.4 Rom. 8.26 Reuel 8.3 4. how holy soeuer but of all that desire a blessed successe of their prayers they must bee obserued in sincerity and truth with sorrow repentance desire of pardon for faylings with earnest striuing also to their vttermost power to come as néere perfection as possibly they can which whosoeuer doe all blemishes infirmities and imperfections
Rom. 14.8 9. Lord. Secondly of the end because it is celebrated in Å¿ 1 Cor. 11.24 25. remembrance of him his death and passion Thirdly it may also not vnfitly bée so called in respect of the time when it hath been and yet is accustomed to be administred namely for the most part on the t Acts 20.7 Lords day or Sabboth Fourthly as also of the foode we partake of in it which is the Flesh and Bloud of our u 1 Cor. 11.24 25. Iohn 6.54.56 Lord Iesus Christ I. What are the outward visible signes in this Sacrament B. Bread and Wine Mat. 26.26 27 28. 1 Cor. 11.24.25 as also all the rites and actions about them both in Ministers and Communicants as breaking giuing receiuing c. I. What are the things signified by these signes B. The x Mat. 26.26 27 28. 1 Cor. 11.24 25 Body of Christ crucified and his Bloud shed with his y Iohn 6.27.51 52. giuing and our receiuing or spirituall z Iohn 6.53 54 c. eating and drinking the same through a â—ohn 6.29.35 40.47.51 faith that is to say our b 1 Cor. 10.16 1.24 25. vnion with him euen his whole c 1 Cor. 1.9 Iohn 6.56 person God and man and our communion with all his merits gifts and benefits d â—ohn 6.53 15.5 1 Cor. 1.30 flowing from the same I. What is the correspondence or agreement betweene these signes and things signified B. It is this As the e Pâ—al 104.15 Bread and Wine which wee eate and drinke doe nourish confirme and preserue our bodies in this naturall life so the Body and Bloud of Christ crucified that is to say the merit of his f Rom. 5.9.10 He. 9.15.27 28. death and passion applyed vnto vs by the hand of g Iohn 6.47.54 faith doe as certainely and effectually h Iohn 6.51.53 54 56 c. nourish and preserue our soules vnto that eternall life which is to come I. Why did our Sauiour Christ of all other things in the world select and consecrate Bread and Wine to bee the Symboles and representations of his Body and Bloud B. In regard of the excellent analogie and likenesse that is betwéene the one and the other in their seuerall properties and effects I. Wherein standeth the analogie and likenesse betweene the Bread and Body of Christ I. In these particulars all worthy obseruation First as Bread by i Gen. 18.6 Leuit. 26.26 Esay 28.28 water and fire as also with many pressings and breakings is prepared to be corporall foode for vs So the Body of Christ by the water and fire as it were of k Esay 53.3 4 5 6 c. Mat. 26.37 38.39.42.44 27.46 1 Cor. 11.24 broken for you afflictions with many pressures miseries and bitter torments was prepared to bee spirituall foode for vs. Secondly as bread doth l Gen. 42 2. 43.8 Iudges 8.5 nourish sustaine m Gen. 18.5 Psal 1â—4 15 strengthen the body n Esay 58.7 Pro. 27 2â— expell hunger o Pro. 27.7 Luke 15.15 16. delight and benefit those which are hungry but none whose stomacks are already p Pro. 27.7 Luke 15.15 16. full So the Body of Christ doth q Iohn 6.51 52. c. nourish sustaine and strengthen the soule asswage the hunger thereof delight and benefit such as r 1 Iohn 6.35 Luke 1.53 hunger after grace and righteousnesse but nothing at all any Pharisaicall Å¿ Mat. 9 1â— Luke 18.9 1â— 11 c. Iusticiaries which are filled and puffed vp with presumptuous conceits of their owne righteousnesse and féele no neede of the t Rom. 3.22 righteousnesse of God which is by faith in Iesus Christ Thirdly as bread is the u Hence so often in Scripture bread is put for al other meates c. as Gen. 39.6 43 31 37. and in many other places see Eccles 29.21 chiefe and principall of all nourishments appointed for man and so necessary as that without it all other would be x Gen. 27.17 2 Sam. 6.19 vnfit vnsufficient and vncomfortable So the y Iohn 6.27 28 29. Phil. 3.7 8. merit of Christs Body it is the y Iohn 6.27 28 29. Phil. 3.7 8. chiefe and principall of all things which wee ought to séeke after in this life and so necessary for vs as that without it z Mat. 16.26 Phil. 3.7 8 9. Luke 2.25.29 c. all other things whatsoeuer â—e vnfit and vnsufficient to yéeld vs any true sound soâ—e comfort or benefit or to bring vs vnto c eternall life Fourthly as bread is the most b Mat. 6.11 common and ordâ—â—â—â— oâ— meates enioyed of poore a Iohn 3.16 Acts 4.12 as well as rich of c Luke 11.3 2 Sam. 9 7. daily and continuall vse with all yet not wearying not cloying any but is sauory and welcome still to euery healthy palate when other things though of d Nâ—m 11.6 swéetest relish please not long but soone bréede lothing Euen so the body of Christ and merit thereof is a common e Mat. 11.28 Iohn 3.14 15 16. 7.37 Iames 2.5 spirituall meate to all sorts and conditions of men that beléeue without exception to the poorest Dungeon-Captiue as the mightiest Sceptred-Monarch on the earth and is f Ephes 3.17 daily and continually fed vppon by all that haue faith yet not wearying or cloying any but remayning alwayes g Ioâ—n 6.34 most swéet pleasant and delightsome to euery faithfull soule yea is euer the more h Marke 9.24 Luke 17.5 Cant. 2 3 4 5. eagerly hungred after and desired the more often and frequently it is tasted and eaten Fiftly as bread parted and broken among many persons is a testimonie of i Psal 41.9 2 Sam. 9 7. loue and vnitie among them So the Body of Christ broken with most grieuous k Esay 53.3 4 5 6 c. 1. Cor. 11.24 torments and sacrificed for many vpon the Crosse is a most illustrious testimonie of Christs l Iohn 3.16 15 13. infinite loue to vs and of the m 1 Cor. 10.16 17. loue vnitie and concord wherewith our hearts and soules ought to bee glued one to another Lastly as one Lease of bread 1 Cor. 10.16.17 12.27 is made of many graines of Corne so of vs which are many partaking of one bread is made one Body of Christ I. In what things consists the Analogie and likenesse betweene the Wine and Christs Bloud B. In these specialties 1. As Wine quenches the n Pro. 9.5 Dan. 1.5 thâ—â—st quickens the o spirits p Zach. 10.7 cheeres she heart and beautifies the q Psal 104.15 face so the Bloud of Christ quenches our r Iohn 6.35.54 55. 4.14 7.37 Ephes 1.7 thirst after righteousnesse and remission of sinnes it Å¿ Acts 2.46 16.34 1 Pet. 1.8 Ephes 2.13 c. glads our fainting hearts and reuiues our drooping spirits
20.28 2 Cor. 5.19 sufficient price to redéeme all men in the world yea of ten thousand thousand worlds if there were so many yet onely such shall effectually be saued by him as f Habak 2.4 Marke 16.16 Iohn 3.14 15 16 17 18.26 beléeue and by a true and liuely faith make application of his merits to themselues I. What is a liuely faith B. It is the g Rom. 12.3 Ephes 4.9 and 2.8 Phil. 1.29 gift of God wrought in h Mat. 20.1 2 3 4 c. his appointed time by the i 1 Cor. 12.9 2 Cor. 4.13 holy Ghost in the k Acts 8.37 Rom. 10.9.10 hearts of his l Acts 13.48 Tit. 1.1 Elect by the m Rom. 10.17 1 Cor. 3.5 preaching of the Word n Mat. 18.6 19.14 Luke 1 15. ordinarily whereby they are made to o Esay 53.11 Iohn 4.36 10 38. know and vnderstand the doctrine of saluation by Christ and his merits to p Iohn 17.8 Iames 2.19 assent to it for truth and to make peculiar q Iob 19.25 Iohn 20.28 Gal. 2.20 application thereof vnto themselues being perswaded that Christ and all his merits belong vnto their owne persons in particular so as whatsoeuer hee hath done or suffered for the saluation of any he hath done and suffered the same for their saluation and that for the same their sinnes are forgiuen them they are accounted righteous before God and shall eternally bee saued as well as any other I. Is not the knowledge of the Scripture and the mysteries of saluation therein contained and beleeuing the same to be true sufficient to eternall life without particular application thereof vnto euery mans owne person B. No verily But beside this particular application or affiance is necessary to a true sauing iustifying faith yea the principall part thereof the very soule as it were the forme pith and marrow of it I. Let me heare your reasons B. First because many r Mat 7 23. Iohn 17.12 2 Pet. 2.20 21. Reprobates which shall neuer bee saued yea the very ſ Iames 1.19 Diuels themselues that are irrecouerably damned know the Scriptures and beléeue the Articles of faith and the Word of God to be true Secondly Iob 19.25 Iohn 20.28 the Saints already glorified haue béene saued by no other but this particularizing Faith Thirdly we are to pray for remission of our t Mat. 6.12 Luke 11.4 sinnes and the imputation of Christs merits for our selues therefore also u Marke 11 24 Iames 1.5 6. particularly to beléeue the same Rom. 5.1 Fourthly it is onely this particularizing faith which giues to a man true peace of Conscience I. By what degrees doth God worke this sauing Faith in the hearts of his Elect B. First hee reueales vnto them their x Deut. 27.26 Rom. 6.23 cursed and damnable estate through sinne by the knowledge of the Law thereby y Mat 11.28 Acts 2.37 Rom. 7 9 10. humbling and terrifying them with the dread of death and damnation Secondly he z Acts 2.38 39 c. and 16.31 32. makes knowne vnto them the swéet promises of the Gospell concerning Christ Iesus and thereby brings them to an hope that their sinnes are curable and pardonable Thirdly hee a Mat. 5 6. Acts 2.37 16 30. bréedes in them an eager hungring and thirsting after the righteousnesse and merits of Iesus Christ euen as one almost famished hungers and thirsts after meate and drinke Fourthly most b Hos 14.2 Psal 51.12 c. Luke 18 13. feruent and importunate prayer for the pardon of their sinnes and imparting to them the merits of his Sonne Lastly after the particulars mentioned to the c 1 Pet. 1.8 vnspeakable comfort of their soules hee imprints in their hearts a d Mat. 7.7 and 9.2 Gal. 2.20 particular perswasion that their sinnes are remitted their persons iustified and shall eternally bee saued by and through Iesus Christ I. Is euery beleeuer indued with a like measure of faith B. No in some it is weaker in some stronger some haue a greater Luke 17.5 Rom 1.17 and 12.3 and 14.1 some haue a lesser measure of it according as it pleaseth God the author and giuer of the same to deale to euery man I. What is a weake faith B. When a man out of true e Mat. 11.18 9.13 humiliation for his sinnes and f Gen. 4.13 perswasion of the pardonablenesse of them doth g Mat. 5.6 Reuel 21.6 Luke 1.53 hunger and thirst after Christ and his merits crying h Psal 10.17 145.19 Luke 18 13. to God in his heart with i Rom. 8.26 sighes and grones which cannot be expressed to haue the same imputed to him that his sinnes may bee pardoned and his person reconciled to him I. What is a strong faith B. It is a plerophorie and full assurance of the heart whereby one makes sure and resolute account Psal 23.6 Rom. 4.20 21. 8 38 39. Heb. 10.22 that the merits of Christ appertaine vnto him that God loues him in particular hath pardoned all his sinnes is reconciled to him and will most certainly possesse him of euerlasting life I. Rom. 4.21 8 38 39. Cannot a man be saued vnlesse hee haue a strong faith such as was in Abraham and Paul B. Mat. 12.20 Marke 9.24 c. Iohn 20.27 Yes The least measure of faith though it bee but as a graine of Mustard séede if it be in truth and sincerity is effectuall to saluation I. What reasons beside Scripture can you giue for further confirmation of this point B. Mat. 6.30 8.26 Marke 9.24 First because the least measure of faith that can bee named is true faith as well as the greatest euen as the least droppe of water is as truly water and as the smallest sparckle of fire is as truly fire and haue the nature of water and fire in them as well as the whole Ocean or greatest flame Secondly faith saues not as it is a k 1 Cor. 13.9.12 Ephes 4.13 2 Pet. 3◠8 qualitie grace or vertue of the mind either in respect of any dignity merit or worthinesse in it selfe but as it is an l Iohn 1.12 Gal. 2.16 Phil. 3.9 instrument and as it were the hand of the soule to apprehend and apply the merits of Iesus Christ Now this the weakest faith doth as truly though not so firmely and powerfully as the strongest euen as the féeble hand of a young infant can hold a piece of Bread as well and truly though not so stably and steadfastly as the strongest and stoutest Sampson or Goliah Thirdly Marke 16.16 Iohn 3.14 15 16.18 36. Acth 10.43 16.31 the promises of God are made indefinitely to all beléeuers whosoeuer and no where appropriated to such as haue a strong faith and therefore the weake in faith haue interest in them as well as the strong Fourthly God commandes vs not to reiect but to