To the right Honourable Sir Francis VValsingham Knight Principall Secretarie to her Maiestie and of her Highnesse most Honourable Priuie Counsell And to the godlie and vertuous Ladie the Ladie Vrsula his Wife RICHARD SAINTBARB the vnworthie seruant and minister of Christ wisheth great prosperitie in this life with encrease of grace and peace from GOD the Father and life euerlasting through Iesus Christ our life and Redeemer MIght I not Right Honourable seeme ouer bold or might my presumption therein be pardoned I should not only then hold my selfe freed from one of my chiefest cares but also it woulde minister greate ioy vnto my distrustfull and fearefull mind For now I rest doubtfull to make your Honours defenders of these my first fruites simple labours but I cannot on the sudden comfort my timorous and weake spirit with possession of such your fauours and that it were vnmeete that good thinges should be hindred buried for anie perticular respect I wil reserue vnto my selfe the hope of your good and godlie likings and so as one who as well by the report of Gods deere children both of preachers and others as in some measure himselfe hath beene made acquainted with your holie religious dispositions not onely in sauouring good things and the truth of the Gospell which is the power of God to saluation Rom. 1.16 but also in furthering by all good godly meanes the building vp of the beawtifull and precious house of God that the sanctified spouse of Christ Ephes 5. might bee edified and furthered in all sound knowledge and holie faith 2. Pet. 1.5 6 7 8. I wholly therefore depend vpon your fauourable acceptance of the cause I handle which I doubt not but throughlie assure my selfe it shall doe great good in the Church of God and bring singuler profite vnto Gods deare Saintes and thus being resolued that in regard thereof your Honours will vouchsafe to beare with my rasâ—nesse and weakenesse and take to your defence this godlie treatise of the grounds and principall questions of christian Religion my proceeding wherein I leaue to be censurâ—d by your wise and sound iudgments little regarding the carping mate and curious reader either of proud papist secret Heriticke dissembling hipocrite or blind Atheist who neuer with godlie reuerence regard the truth of Christ neither the deuiding of the worde of God aright And thus praying that GOD of his great mercies will blesse your Honours with all his good blessings I humblie take my leaue Kingswood in Wilt. the 2. of September 1589. Your Honours most humblie to commaund in the Lord Jesus Richard Saintbarb Preacher of Gods word ¶ To the christian Reader grace and peace in Jesus Christ. DEere Christians if euer good Dauid had iust cause to crie out say My eies gush out with riuers of waters because they keep not the law Psa 119.136 If the same Prophets heart did tremble and shake for feare of Gods iudgements when he saw the flowing wickednesse of his time and the heauie hand of God for the same for these are his words Thou hast troden downe all them that depart from thy statutes for their deceit is vain Thou hast taken away all the wicked of the earth like drosse therefore I loue thy testimonies my flesh trembleth for feare of thee and I am afraid of thy iudgments Psal 119.118 119 120. Jf euer Lot Ieremie and the godlie men that are recorded in Ezekiel had iust cause to mourne pine awaie with great griefe and zeale in beholding the contempt and despising of Gods sacred lawe the most abhominable life of the people in their daies How much more may the godlie Ministers and all good people weepe and consume themselues away and send foorth euerie daie fountaines of teares to behold and continuallie to see this our age and time which should be a most happie time for knowledge faith and holinesse of life considering how long a season God hath lent vnto vs his holie word and powred his benefites vppon vs which are yet a most crooked and stiff-necked generation for the hearts of the people are not onely become hard and stonie but also their eares as the Prophet Ieremie saith are become vncircumcised that they cannot abide to heare Gods word yea it is a reproach vnto them and they haue no delight therein Iere. 6.10 also how sinne aboundeth J neede not to shew for this our land lieth in sinnes and is frosen in the dregges thereof Zephaniah 1.12 Euen so much that we iustifie Zodama and Gomora Ezeki 16. for iust and holie Cities for such are the sinnes of England and so vile that it maie rather be accounted a polluted Land and a seat of iniquitie for alack how deepelie is she sunken in the sinke of sinne and how abhominablie doth shee send foorth euerie day more more all kindes of Pride Whoredomes Incests Murthers Theftes Couetousnes Oppressions Vsuries Cursings Periuries Blaesphemies and such like in so much that we may saie with the holie good Prophet Hosea Hear the word of the Lord ye childreÌ„ of Israel yea rather ye children inhabitants of England for the Lord hath a controuersie with the inhabitants of the lande because there is no truth nor mercie nor knowledge of God in the lande By swearing and lying killing and stealing and whoring they breake out and bloud toucheth bloud Therefore shall the land mourne euerie one that dwelleth therein shall bee cut off with the beasts of the field and the foules of the Heauen and also the fishes of the sea shall be taken away yet let none rebuke nor reprooue other for thy people are as they that rebuke the Priests Hosea 4.1 2 3 4. and what is the fountaine and cause of these euils and rebellious transgressions suerly infidelitie and ignorance of Gods word as the good Apostle S. Paule affirmeth in these wordes This I say therefore and testifie in the Lord that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk in vanitie of their minde hauing their cogitation darkned and being strangers from the life of God through the ignoraÌ„ce that is in theÌ„ because of the hardnesse of their heart which beeing past feeling haue giuen themselues vnto wantonnesse to worke all vncleannesse euen with greedinesse Eph. 4.17 18 19. I beseech you therefore deare brethren and good Christians by the mercies of God that ye giue vp your bodies a liuing sacrifice holy and acceptable to God which is your resonable seruing of God fashion not your selues like vnto this world but be yee changed by the renuing of your minde that ye may proue what is the good will of God acceptable and perfect Rom. 12.1 2. And this time of ignorance as the same Apostle testifieth God regardeth not but he admonisheth al men euerie where to repent Act. 17.30 Againe Awake thou that sleepest and stand vp froÌ„ the dead and Christ shall giue thee light wherefore be not vnwise but vnderstand what the will of the Lord is
as Loue is the fountain of al those things which belong vnto God comprehended in the first Table euen so the loue of our neighbor is the head of all those things which are due vnto our neighbor and is expressed in the second Table Mark 12.29 30 31. Question Wherfore is the second Table preferred before the first as appeareth by Hos 6.7 Mat. 9.13 12.13 if they be not equal in excellencie Answere First the Lord dooth thereby reproue hypocrites which especially busie themselues with the outward seruice of God but void of all pietie and their manners alienated from all integritie the fruites of charitie and true righteousnesse is farre from them Mich. 6.5 6 7 8. Hosea 6.6 Matth. 9.13 Secondly herein he noteth his great care vnto mutuall loue in vs one towardes another accounting it not to bee his seruice and worship although commanded if the dueties that we owe to our neighbors be neglected 1. Ioh. 3.15 17. 4.7 8 12. Esa 58.3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12. Question May not the two Tables be seperated and plucked asunder Answere No verely for they were ioined of God together therefore not to be seperated Mat. 19.6 Question What gather you thereby Answere First that it is not sufficiēt for vs only to haue a ciuill honestie busie our selues in the second Table but also we must be religious exercise our selues in the first table Deut. 6.5 Eph. 4.24 Tit. 2.12 Secondly not onely religious vnto our God but also we must practise the second table that is to loue our neighbor vse honestie of life Eph. 4.24.25 Titus 2.11 12. Question What if we do the one neglect the other Answere If we doo the first and not the seconde it is but an outward holinesse which is hypocrisie And to doo the second and not the first is but ciuill honestie which is méere Atheisme therefore the one must goe with the other that is true godlinesse and righteousnesse and the second must proceed out of the first or els it is but a counterfet righteousnesse Iere. 7.4 5 6 9 10. Question Why did hee write them in stone and not in parchment or after some other manner Answere First to teach vs that it serueth for al ages as a doctrine of continuance to be a perfect rule of righteousnesse Psal 19.7 8 9. Secondly to shew vs that our heartes are stonie before they are softened by the Spirit of God Ezek. 35.26 27. Thirdly that we must write them in our harts to be our instructers and counsellers Psal 1.2 and 119.24 Fourthly it telleth vs that vnlesse the Lord write them in our harts by the finger of his hand all is but vaine 2. Cor. 3. Question Why was the Law giuen after so fearefull a manner as by thundrings lightnings darknes and shaking of heauen and earth Answere It was to driue not onely the Iewes but all other people of God vnto the end of the world to haue it first in great reuerence Psalm 19.9 Esay 66.2 Secondly to heare it with great attentiuenesse Eccl. 4.17 Matth 13.9 Thirdly to practise it in al obedience 1. Sa. 15. 22 23. Iere. 7.23 Question Why would not wee els regard the Lawe of God Answere No verelie for such is the corruption of our nature that those things which are first most easie secondlie familiar and thirdly not carrying with them a Maiestie and power are contemned in our eyes for which cause God séeing the crookednesse of our Nature did magnifie both his Lawe and Gospell with wonderfull miracles and fearefull signes hauing fixed in them great power and sharpnesse to terrifie and strike downe the froward and rebellious Mark 16.20 Heb. 2.4 2. Cor. 10.4 5 6. Actes 2.5 9 10. and 24.26 Question By whom was the Lawe giuen Answere By the Angels as the holie Apostle Saint Paule witnesseth wherein wee may see a notable commendation of the Lawe to teach vs al holy obedience Acts. 7.39 Gal. 3.19 Question Rehearse those commandements Answere God spake these words and said I am c. Question Is the first which is comprehended in these words God spake c. a commandement Answere No but a preface or introduction to the lawe of God Question What learne you out of the same Answere First that God is the author of the lawe and therefore the same to be obeyed and loued Ioh. 14.23 Psalm 119.97.103.136 Secondly how it is spirituall and therefore it teacheth vs to bee spirituallie minded Ro 7.7 14. Matth. 5.28 Iohn 4.24 Thirdly the might and maiestie of God is set foorth in the same to teach his children to reuerence him with feare and to terrifie the rebellious Actes 5.5 Iere. 10.6 10 to 14. Exod. 20.18 19. Deut. 4.10 Fourthly the goodnes of God is expressed in the children of Israell their and our deliuerance theirs temporal frō a fleshlie Pharao but ours a spiritual Pharao the diuel the eternal bondage of hell al which teach vs true thankfullnes Exod. 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14. cha Ephe. 4.8 Heb. 2.14 15. 1. Iohn 3.8 Question What learne you in the first commandement thou shalt haue no other Gods but me Answere First that there is but one onely true God to witt the father of our Lord Iesus Christ Deu. 6.4 1. Cor. 8.4 6. Ephe. 4.5 6. Secondly that I must worship him in spirit and trueth onely in the mediatour Iesus Christ Iohn 4.24 Iohn 17.3.1 Timo. 2.5 Thirdly wherein this worship of God doth consist that is to say First in louing him Deut. 6.5 and 30.16 Secondly in fearing him reuerently Psal 34.9 1. Pet. 1.17 Thirdly in calling on him and praising him continuallie Psal 50.14 15. Math. 6.9 Fourthly in yeelding him an holy obedience 1. Sam. 15.22 23. 1. Pet. 1.14 15 16. Fifthly in putting my whole trust in his iustice mercy and power Ieremy 17.7 8. Actes 17.25 26. Question What is loue towards God Answere It is a burning zeale proceeding from a pure heart in desire to aduance the glory of God in thought word and works according to his will commanded in his word Exod. 32.32 Psalm 69.9 Iohn 2.17 Deut. 6.4 5 6. Question What is reuerent feare Answere It is a sonnelike reuerence kindled in the harts of the faithfull consisting vpon the reuerence of God being most iust and the loue of him being most merciful which is lightned by faith Psal 130.4 Psalme 119.53 Iob. 1.2 Acts. 10.2 Question What is obedience Answere It is a faithfull submission of the minde whereby the word and will of the commander is obeyed without gainsaying according to the strength and ability both in wll in eare in word and deede 1. Sam. 15.22 23. Psal 40. Heb. 10. Ioh. 4. Matth. 7. Phil. 2. Question What is the end of this commandement Answere The Lorde sheweth vs how hee alone will haue the preheminence among his people Question Whie is it set in the first place Answere This precept is not by order onely the first but also such as
Iudg. 9.23 24.25 psal 46.9 Then to mouing creatures of other kindes as First al manner of cattle as oxen horses sheepe c. Gen. 2.19 20. 7.1 to 11. Secondly lions 1. Reg. 13.24 Thirdly beares 2. Reg. 2.24 Fourthly frogges Exod. 6.12 Fiftly flies Exod. 8.22 Sixtly lice Exod. 8.17 Seuenthly wormes Ioel 1.4 Iona. 4.7 Eightly serpents Num. 21.6 Ninthly hornets Iosh 24.12 Tenthly rauens and sparrowes 1. Reg. 17.4 Now for al creatures that grow and are vnmoouable hauing their being on in the earth I will touch them but first beginning with the Earth it selfe for which this is my proofe Gen. 1.12 13. Secondly trees Matth. 19.19 20. Iona. 4.6 7. Thirdly hearbes flowers grasse corne Psal 104.14 Matth. 6.28 29 30. Question Proceede now vnto the third point and tell me how thou canst proue that all plagues and punishments come from God Answere The holy scripture sheweth how that there commeth no euil vnto a Citie vnlesse that God doo sende the same it is hee that killeth and giueth life and bringeth downe vnto the graue he maketh poore and bringeth lowe yea neither the pestilence consumption feauer burning ague feruent heat mildeaw sword blasting bocches emeroides scabbe itch madnes blindnes a mans wife defiled a mans house vineyeard taken away dearth famine captiuitie grashoppers worms to destroy the fruits of the earth hunger thirst nakednesse to eate the fruites of the wombe and such like nor anie else can happen except the Lord send them so that they neither come by chance or through ouersight or anie other way but by Gods prouidence and appointment Leuit. 26. Deut. 28. Exod. 8.9 10. chap. 1. Sam. 2.6 7 8. Amos 3.6 Question Proceede vnto the 4. point that God ruleth all the creatures in the sea Answere I will and therein proue that he ruleth First the sea it selfe Exod. 14 16. Iosh 3.14 15 16 17. Secondly the fishes in the sea Iona. 1.17 2.10 Matt. 17.27 Luk. 5 6 7 8. Thirdly the foules thereof Gen. 7. 8. Question Proceede vnto the 5. and last point tel me how ye proue that God ruleth the diuels of hel Answere I will effectually doo the same for First these places of Scripture doo affirm and proue his dominion and rule ouer them and of them Iob. 1. and 2. 1. Sam. 16.14 1. Re. 21.20 to 23. Ma. 8.31 32. Act. 16.18 Secondly if he were not tied by the power of God he would soone destroy and deuoure vs. 1. Pet. 5.8 Question Thou saist that God ruleth the planets and the firmament with all things therein Answere It is most true Question Yea but doo they not serue for times and seasons to rule dispose man in all his affairs as sicknesse health life and death in al good lucke and bad lucke besides Answere Farre be it from all good Christians once to thinke so but much more to beleeue affirme the thing for it is very sorcerie and soothsaying Question What els is it when Moses saith they are appointed for times seasons daies yeres Answere It is most true that he saith so but he meaneth nothing lesse than such a cursed astrologie his meaning is onely for things belonging to naturall and politicke order Question What meanest thou by this word naturall Answere Winter and summer sowing time reaping planting graffing gardening mowing and all tilling Question What meanest thou by this word politique Answere The reckoning of yeares daies months as some from the creation of the world some from Christes incarnation and some from one daie and some from another Question Yea but earthly things inferiour bodies haue a kinde of affinitie and kindred with the course of the starres and so come by their disposition and qualitie and so may be tolde because they are ruled by thē what shall become of them and what things shal happen vnto thē by the planets and starres Answere Although it be granted that there is such affinitie and kindred yet to conclude therefore that we may gather what shal befall vnto man either in good lucke or badde health or sicknesse life or death and what qualities and disposition he shall be of and what death he shall die it is most wicked for these things belong onely to God and are most vncertaine to men Question What reasons moueth thee thus to thinke 〈…〉 These first for the one of their chiefest grounds is vncertaine as the time of bearing to the time of conception as First it is a thing altogether impossible to haue a certaine knowledge of the verie time of begetting Secondly the time of birth is not onely oftentimes sooner than it should be thorough some occasion offred but also through weaknes of the woman shee oftentimes continueth a longer time or thorough long labour shee misseth often times not a minute but houres yea dayes so that in the meane time there is a very great inclination and moouing of the heauens and Starres Secondly seeing they that are borne at one minute and the selfe same instant of time are commonly altogether First vnlike in nature and manners Secondly doo die one before another some one death some another some are poore and some rich and some in authority and some of lowe degree Thirdly that the force of seed which is the matter whereof the childe is begotten and bred in the wombe is greter than the force of Starres concerning the framing of man to manners and nature as we may see children to imitate their parents in naturall things seeing this I say it cannot bee rightly attributed to the nature of the Planets and courses of Starres Question What euills doo they commit by these their southsayings in attributing the gouernement of man vnto the Planets and constellation of Starres Answere First if good lucke hang vpon the Starres then our holy obedience vnto God doth depend vpon them too for this is the proper cause of that and so we shall make the holy Ghost a lyer for he saieth that euery good and perfect gifte commeth of God Secondly if the kinde of death and euill luck as they cal it do hang vpon the starres then shall sinne depende vpon them too for of sinne commeth all punishments which is altogether foolish and wicked to bee so attributed for it commeth of the diuell and of our selues Math. 15.19 1. Ioh. 38. Thirdly they herein make the starres partakers of the diuine nature and power of God in that they say they gouerne and beare rule ouer mankinde to direct them in al their affaires and life and death Iob. 14.5 Fourthly in this they both rashly enter into the secrets of God and also as Gods they determine what shall come to passe Fiftly they are deceiuers and bewitchers of the people that so teach and therefore God will set himselfe against them and they are worthie to die the death Le. 20.6.27 Deut. 15.7 Esay 44.25 Mala. 3.5 Question Can the diuell and his inchanters raise vp windes stormes lightnings and raine when