or tempters will but set on it to tempt the soule and seeke the subversion of the same 34. And this is a necessary consideration Yes and a good preparation to repentance but faith the principall and most necessary matter yet preferred and the rather for that in that one word I beleeve is necessarily included the forsaking of all these things and so that first part of the promise thus else overpassed is yet thereby as effectually as possibly may bee intimated The second part of the Catechism Wherein of the Creed in generall SECT 1. Quest. 5. The Creed of the Apostles and why so called How it is the Symboll or note of a Christian and so called the Symboll or token of their faith and unity in it The twelve Apostles composers of it by tradition and so partition of it into 12. Articles The authority of this Creed and compared with others received of the Church this being the most ancient and summe of them They the illustration of this and all the rule of faith and unity and so with the description of faith premised is set forth and declared How and why first propounded with the nature of saith and the severall sorts of it both historicall faith temporary faith and degrees thereof Faith of miracles and lastly true and saving faith which is onely properly called faith with the extent root and fruit of the same The substance also and degrees of this faith and difference from the others seene by the root fruit and continuance The wsake faith yet be true saith and how it is to be strengthned The strongest faith yet imperfect requiring increase and divers good effects of it How faith is else diversly in holy Scriptures taken with the causes whence produced the efficient God he giver Instrumentall the word and Sacraments Naturall and formall in our apprehension and application finall cause in Gods glory and our jestification The value of workes and of generall ana speciall Or explicate and implicise faith The effects of true and saving faith and how are need both iâ— and workes for a testification of the same both to our selves and our owne soules The comfort assurance of the true faith above the vaine arrogancy and presumption of the others the meanes of preserving it and parts of Creed 1. REcite the Articles of thy Beleefe I beleeve in God the Father Almighty c. 2. What is here contained Summa credendorum the summe of our faith or Christian beleefe 3. How are these Articles usually called Either the Symboll of the Apostles Symbolum Apostolorum or The Apostles Creed 4. Why so called Because it summarily containeth the principall points of Religion handled and propounded in the doctrine and bookes of the Evangelists and Apostles 5. Is there any other reason rendered Yes as though by some compiled by the Apostles themselves yet wheresoever dispersed over the whole world in preaching or propagating the Gospell as an abridgement thereof this holy Symboll might be a rule to their Disciples and a token of their agreement in the one onely and true faith 6. To what end Both by the analogy thereof to direct the doctrine of the teachers and right understanding of the hearers in these principall points of faith and so consequently any heresies arising by these as a touchstone tryed found drosse might be rejected and so thereby to know a true Christian. 7. Js it then thought composed by the Apostles themselves So Saint Augustine and others have beene of opinion but whether by themselves or their disciples out of their writings and preachings it is assuredly found to be most Orthodox and even from their times Most Anciently Universally received 8. Why called a Symboll As a token or badge of their faith and also as jointly compiled by them as aforesaid and so thought according to the number of the 12. distributed into 12. Articles by Saint Augustine and others remembred 9. In what manner To each of the 12. Apostles as to the compilers thereof an Article assigned viz. 1. To Saint Peter I beleeve in God the Father c. 2. John Maker of heaven and earth c. 3. Iames And in Jesus Christ his onely Sonne our Lord c. 4. Andrew Which was conceived c. 5. Philip He suffered under Pontius Pilate c. 6. Thomas He descended into hell the third day c. 7. Bartholomew He ascended into heaven and sitteth c. 8. Matthew From thence he shall come to c. 9. Iames Alph. I beleeve in the holy Ghost c. 10. Simon Zelot The communion of Saints c. 11. Judas Iacobi Forgivenesse of sinnes resurrection of c. 12. Matthias Life everlasting Or thus 1. I beleeve in God c. 2. And in Jesus Christ c. 3. Which was conceived c. 4. He suffered under c. 5. The third day he rose c. 6. He ascended into heaven c. 7. From thence he c. 8. I beleeve in the holy Ghost c. 9. Holy Catholique Church the communion of c. 10. Forgivenesse of sinnes c. 11. Resurrection of bodie c. 12. Life everlasting 10. Of what authority is this Creed If it were penned by the Apostles then as Canonicall Scripture indeed but howsoever of greatest authority next to them above and before all others as most anciently and universally received 11. Are there any other Creeds then Other in forme of words according to severall occasions of the times and compilers but one and the same in substance and matter and so may seem expositions of this former 12. Who were those compilers of them Some of them Generall Councels some others worthy and reverend Fathers lights of the church in those times and for the most part occasioned by heresies arising for the plainer discerning and confutation of the same 13. Which are they The Nycene Creed composed by the Fathers in that Councell Constantine the great Emperor being present and President to explaine the Apostles Creed and extirpate Arrius impiety Athanasian Creed compiled by Saint Athanasius persecuted by the Aâ—ians for a testimony of his sincerity in the truth and to instruct and confirme others Ephesine Chalcedon Agathen and others the like in severall Councels on the like occasions set forth 14. How should I then know and rightly understand which to receive and embrace In receiving this one of the Apostles wee receive all for they are but expositions upon severall occasions or explanations of this former 15. What use of this and those others Divers and sundry uses and no lesse manifold then excellent both for a 1. Rule of faith 2. Preservative from and against heresie 3. Meanes of distinguishing true Christians from heretiques 4. Briefe memoriall at entrance into Christianity to know thereby what 1. To have continually before their eyes for profession 2. To stand in defence of it even to the death 3. To answer at Baptisme 16. In what forme was the Creed first propounded In forme of an answer as that of
of the Lords Prayer 2. Sacraments And so much of the title name matter and division of the Catechisme now followeth the first part of it the Introduction 55. Which call you the Introduction All conteined in the foure first questions and answers of the Catechisme reaching to the Creed SECT 2. Of the Introduction and first of the Question What is your Name The first Question How meane and triviall soever it seemes An Entrance and making way to the greatest matters of the divine truth our salvation Of the truth of Religion and the fountaine of it Christ the truth it self The way and life And meanes of our salvatiō In whose schoole these meanest questions not to be contemned of names the several sorts and use of them our Christian name And use thereof for our remembrance To stirre us up to devout meditation and all other godly duties whence and the forgetfulnesse of many herein taxed The holy and religious use of names And whether lawfull to alter them and by whom Or in what grounds how ancient And how farre usuall unlawfull and so the practice and example of ancient and later times with the unlawfulnesse of them according to the good or bad intention of such change or concealment The good use that wee ought to make of them And their remembrance Quest. 1. THis seemes a poore Question indeed what is your Name Yet what richer treasure to be found indeed then it is or greater wisedome can be shewne or better purchase to bee made then in getting a good name 2. Yet it is a small question But leading to the consideration of great matters 3. T is a question though that every child can tell Every one should though none duely consider if not a child of God 4. But it is the least question that can be But making way to the greatest matters that can be considered or thought of 5. It seemes a triviall question Yet as the way leading to the Church doore this to the minding of the high and holiest things 6. It seemes though too meane a one Nothing too meane that may be a meanes to godlinesse and salvation 7. But is it not a simple and contemptible one Not so simple and contemptible to the eye of the foolish as worthy the consideration of the wisest and leading to the knowledge and consideration of the greatest question that ever was put forth by or to any mortall 8. What question was that What is truth 9. How was that the greatest As Concerning The truth of Religion Truth it selfe Christ who is the Way Truth Life Put forth by the greatest earthly Judge that ever sate in Judgement to the wisest that ever was on earth 10. How so By him that sate Judge on him that was indeed Judge of the whole world to him that was the wisedome and Son of God Truth it selfe and therefore appointed and pre-ordained Judge over both quick and dead 11. Who were they Pilate to Christ himselfe 12. How answered As Uncapable of the Mysterie Unworthy of the Mercy Unmeet for the Grace he had No answer at all daigned him and such are all they that thinke amisse of the little ones in Christs schoole or of the meanest question there propounded since the weaknesse of God is stronger then the power of men and the foolishnesse of God wiser then the wisedome of the world and these meane questions make way to the greatest matters of all 13. What then is a Name The note of a thing to shew the nature so neere as can be and whereby it is knowne and called 14 What name is here meant The Christian name 15. How many sorts of names have we Two usually the Christian name received at Baptisme and surname which wee have of our parents 16. What use of the surname To distinguish our earthly kindred and the family we come of 17. What use of our Christian name As the other name mindeth me of my earthly parents kindred and consanguinity so this may of my heavenly Father and spirituall affinity and consanguinity with Christ and his holy Saints and Angels 18. How meane you that The Consanguinity with Christ our brother in the flesh and all his holy Saints of the same blood and in him with God the father more neerely now from whom else by sin we were falne Affinity as Christ the Spouse of our soules and his whole Church so contracted with all Angels and Spirituall substances the sons of God in Christ more neerely to us combined and in the Sacraments spiritually to be conceived and by our Christian name received in Baptisme So not unfitly remembred 19. Why should we remember these things As ready to take any good occasion being else very forgetfull in all matters pertaining to God and godlinesse 20. But who can forget these things Many Christians that seem more forgetfull then Messall Corvinus that forgot his owne name as these their Christian name and profession 21. Can any forget their names Yes and which werse their duties so forgetting Both God Themselves And others 22. How meane you that They forget or seeme to forget this Christian name that follow unchristian and lewd courses and so more especially 1. Their Father forgetting to pray and invocate Our father which art in heaven c. as they ought 2. Their faith forgetting to professe I believe in God the Father c. so often as Christianly they should 3. Their charity when they not forgive offences as they should but remember malice more then they should 4. Their duty to all their spirituall kindred and affinity with the Saints in heaven and earth and so Their 1. Mother the Church and her Sabbaths Service Orders and Authority 2. Brother 's both 1. Christ and his merits and mercies by ungodlinesse 2. Men by uncharity 3. Sisters daughters of Sion the Communion of Saints the servants of God those that excell in vertue by their sin and vices that sever the soule from God and break the bond of peace and that communion 23. But were names imposed for any such memoriall of holy things Yes and even by God himselfe as Adam earth to remember his originall Eva mother of living and so have been altered for such holy purposes as in Abram called by God Abraham father of many Nations Sarai Sarah Jacob Israel 24. Is it lawfull then to alter names Yes upon any good occasion and to a good end but not for any evill intention or purpose 25. How meane you that As God upon a blessing intended changed Abrams name so men upon better and holier causes and designes have altered their names whence Saul named Paul and Simon called also Peter but upon any evill intention or designe farre otherwise 26. It is then usuall Yes and ancient as we see in Abraham Jacob Salomon and others and generally used among all as well ancient as moderne both Christians and others Jewes Heathens Turkes and Infidells to this day 27. As how As we see how 1. Nebuchadnezzar changed the
for some temporary or other respects more servent and faire in outward appearance to the world then the weaker faith though a true faith of the elect but for the most part discovered at last by the want of the Root love Fruit good workes Continuance to the end 37. How may wee know the true though weake faith By many good signes in ones selfe longing after God and proficiency in grace and especially by this one grace of God of unfained desire not onely of salvation which the wicked and gracelesse may desire but of reconciliation with God in Christ. 38. Is this a true signe of true faith It is and onely peculiar to the elect proceeding out of a touched and humbled heart for sinne and whosoever have it have in themselves the ground and substance of true and saving faith which afterwards may grow to greater strength and so Blessed are they that hunger and thirst c. Matth. 5. 6. 39. How many wayes may faith be weake Either by want of due Knowledge of the Gospell Application to the soule Though in that measure of knowledge that may else seeme sufficient 40. How is it to be strengthened By using diligently the meanes appointed of God the Word and Sacraments so humbly walking before God it is knowne to bee a true faith and daily encreased 41. What is a strong faith That whereby a man so apprehendeth and applieth the promises of God in the Gospell that hee can distinctly and truly say of himselfe hee is fully resolved in conscience that hee is reconciled to God in Christ and so not neglecteth to finde all godly signes and shew the fruits of the same in his cheerfull service of God 42. Js there any faith perfect No for howsoever it may be strong and stronger then others yet it is alwayes imperfect and requiring encrease and confirmation for which we must pray and strive for so also our knowledge is and will bee so long as wee live in this world as mingled with ignorance unbeleefe and sundry sorts of doubting 43. Have not all sorts of saving faith their fruit following Yes according to their degrees more or better all in some acceptable degree obedience to the will of God and willing profession of the truth and more particularly confession of the faith of Christ. 44. Why must we confesse it For divers reasons these especially that 1. With the mouth outwardly confessing wee may glorifie God and doe him service both in body and soule 2. By confessing of the faith we may sever our selves from all false Christians hypocrites and seducers whatsoever 3. We may incite confirme and strengthen others in the same 45. Js there any other acceptation of this word faith It is sometimes taken for the doctrine of the truth as 1 Tim. 3. 9. and 4. 1. as well as that habit or Theologicall vertue thence and by the gift of God produced in the minde of which wee spake before also where a dead faith false and fained faith hypocriticall faith and the like they are understood to be want of faith or a temporary onely or historicall faith as faith to be healed Matth. 8. under faith working miracles 1 Corinth 18. of all which before 46. What is else necessary to be knowne concerning faith To observe the causes and effects of this true faith 47. What causes The Efficient cause matter form and end of this true faith how wrought and formed in us 48. What efficient cause Either principall or instrumentall What principall God 1. The Father Ioh. 6. 29. this the work of God that ye beleeve in him whom he hath sent 2. The Son Heb. 12. 2. the author and finisher of our faith Jesus 3. The holy Ghost 2 Cor. 4. 14. the Spirit of faith and former of it in us without our preparation or workes 49. What the instrumentall cause The word of God and Sacraments and comfortable learning and using of them What the matter of faith In respect of the Subject Understanding to apprehend Will to assent and apply Conscience to make use of the promise and grace of God Object referred to the 1. Understanding the truth of Gods promise 2. Will grace of God manifested in Christ. 3. Conscience joy and comfort in the holy Ghost 50. What is the forme of faith 1. To beleeve or to seeke to apprehend and know the mercies of God with our best understanding 2. Receive and apply to our soules the free mercies of God in Christ with our whole heart and will 3. Make use of it in our conscience to the Purging and rooting out of dead workes and sin Bringing forth good workes fruits of a living faith 51. What the end of faith In regard of God his glory in his mercies Us our justification by his free mercies in Christ. 52. What is justifying or our justification To be Discharged before God of our guilt Approved before him free and innocent Accepted of God and allowed his favour and presence 53. Doth faith doe this Faith is said to doe it as the instrument whereby we apprehend apply and take benefit of Christ and his merits the very originall and principall cause of this as in whom only and alone we are Discharged and acquitted Approved innocent and accepted God is well pleased and reconciled 54. But Saint James saith we are justified by workes Saint James doth not there speake of our justification as the cause whereby we are justified inwardly before God which is only faith in Christ but of the outward justification as the testification approving thereof to our consciences to the world that we have faith seen by the fruits thereof 55. What of the distinction of generall and speciall explicite and implicite faith Generall and implicite faith are indeed no faith or not true faith explicite and speciall may be as they may be rightly understood the same with our faith and the saving and true faith 56. What are the effects of faith Many or at least by many names stiled and called in holy Scripture and may be reduced to These two 1. Putting off the old 2. Putting on the new Man or this one word encluding both repentance 57. How else called or described Either Workes of the Spirit Gal. 5. 22. death to sin and life to righteousnesse Rom. 6. walking not in the flesh but the spirit Rom. 8. Renewing the minde Ephes. 4. 22. True holinesse and righteousnesse ibid. 23. A new creature Gal. 6. 15. Generally good works Jam. 2. Tit. 2. c. 58. But if these workes doe not justifie us what need we doe them and why For divers reasons especially these 1. Because they are good and so to be done 2. They are for the glory of God and his Gospel and nothing more against God then the works of sin 3. They are to the good of the Church and faithful 4. They testifie our faith James the 2. 5. They confirme our election Jo. 4. 12 13. 6. They win others to the Gospel 1 Pet. 3. 7. They
adorne the Gospel 8. There is a reward for the righteous God will crowne these his workes and us though not through desert of the workes but of his grace and according to the workes with eternall glory Heb. 6. 10. Athanasius Creed 59. Can none be saved without good works No for though not for the workes yet neither without the workes can we be safe for they testifie we are in Christ justified and have Gods Spirit with us working our sanctification and so cannot be idle but fruitfull in him whence it is true the works are via regni not corona regnandi which is only Christ and the Instrument faith 60. What followeth of these fruits effects of faith Manifold comforts As 1. Peace of conscience 2. Joy in tribulation 3. Increase of hope 4. Hearty love to Gods house and children 5. Assurance of election 6. Joyfull waiting for a Crowne of glory and many other the like which are and may be true tokens of our true faith and signes to examine it by the more the better both for our owne good and confirmation of others 61. Can any then be assured of true faith Yes by the testimony of Gods Spirit to the heart soule and conscience and the signes and tokens aforesaid duely examined 62. But many feares and doubts will arise Yes but true faith and love of God casteth out feare and vanquisheth all doubts at the last which feares and doubts may indeed proceed from weaknesse of flesh and blood but Gods Spirit crying in our hearts Abba Father comforteth and strengthneth us against them all and giveth us assurance 63. Is it not arrogancy or presumption to assure ones selfe he shall be saved Nothing lesse done as it ought to be for it is true humility rightly to assure himselfe he shall be saved by Jesus Christ since so he renounceth himselfe and whatsoever is in man or other creature and cleaveth to Gods mercy humbled in his owne eyes 64. By what means is faith preserved and increased By the same meanes that as first it was caused and wrought in us at first viz. Inwardly the Spirit of God Outwardly reverent Hearing reading meditating on the Word of God Receiving and using the Sacraments and prayer 65. In a word then what is faith A resting upon Christ alone for salvation as Psal. 2. 12. Acts 16. 31. c. 66. Is this expressed in the Creed It is and so principally insisted on and especially described in the same 67. Of how many parts consisteth the Creed Vulgarly accompted of the twelve parts before rehearsed the twelve Articles as to every Apostle as compiler thereof was attributed his Article usually else as in the Catechisme Of three parts concerning God the 1. Father in the first Article 2. Son in the next six Articles 3. Holy Ghost in the 5 last Articles Or otherwise four parts concerning 1. God the Father in the first Article 2. God the Son in the six next 3. God the holy Ghost in the 〈◊〉 4. The Church or Gods people 〈◊〉 four last Hitherto the generall division and consideration of the Creed now followeth the particular explication of the same SECT 2. The particular Explication of the Creed I believe in God the Father c. Our beleefe in God and the parts thereof in respect of his essence and persons for his essence gathered from the booke of nature and reason confirmed by the grounds of all true and good Philosophy as also from other Bookes of Gods judgements and his justice and equity The Booke of prophesie and revelations shewing the divine power and very heathen Oracles confessing and confirming the same The consent of Nations and Bookes of Scripture and Conscience proving and acknowledging the verity of the true God who is but one proved also by all grounds of reason and religion as well authority both divine and humane what God is and what his Essence subsistence Attributes and actions whereby wee learne to â—â— know him Of his existence and therein considered the manner of it and persons in the Trinity showne and proved by many places of holy Scripture and other reasons and similitudes whereby more illustrated to our capacity and how all three persons are one onely true God with the relation betweene themselves and to the creature Where also their unity in their actions and operations ad extra and their unity in the personall proprieties and therewith determination of such their actions is further ilustrated with divers similitudes and comparisons to that purpose whereby the eye of reason more elevated toward the higher pitch of the eye of saith may in 〈…〉 some sort though but darkely and as in a glasse or far off take a view of the same or be humbled herein 1. WHat is here comprehended in these Articles The summe of all things necessary to be known and believed unto salvation 2. What and how many things Two concerning 1. God the principall and main taske and best knowledge of a Christian. 2. His Church a profitable and thence dependant consideration 3. What concerning God is to be learned These two principles 1. What God is in his Essence in unity one God 2. How distinguished in his existence in Person in Trinity Father Son and holy Ghost to us manifested 4. What learne you first concerning God and his essence To know 1. That there is a God 2. That there is but one God 3. What or who that one God is 5. How know you there is a God By the 1. Bookes of nature and reason 2. Booke of Gods judgements 3. Revelation of prophesies 4. Consent of all Nations 5. Booke of Scripture and 6. Booke of Conscience 6. How by the Booke of Nature All creatures by a secret instinct acknowledging and confessing the same by their subjection excellent order frame and continuance arguing a workman the heavens and world an excellent Author time a beginning since eternity places ascending to Gods throne above all places causes shewing a supreme cause above all every thing as it were signifying there was a supreme goodnes which gave it al things else their being not able to have it of themselves or give it to themselves but of a much more excellent being and beginning then themselves which is and must needs be good 7. How doth reason confirme this By her best and purest power surveying the creature the order course and causes of things in nature and their excellencies findeth a supreme cause above all other causes and being above all other beings and goodnesse above all finite things inhabiting a place above all finite places and time beyond finite time and so findeth God in heaven and eternity by the grounds of true Philosophy 8. Explaine this more fully Many letters cast together could never make a booke without the hand or head of some wise and learned composer how much lesse could all the creatures and heaven and earth themselves bee made or come together in that excellent order and frame they are
of the great King as the place of all felicity 25. How of the wicked In the same power but by the hands of those wicked and infernall spirits executing Gods judgment and heavie anger against sinners so tumbling them headlong into hell into that dungeon of eternall misery and confusion where is weeping wailing and gnashing of teeth the worme that never dyeth and fire that never goeth out death gnawing on them alwayes dying never put out of that paine but so eternally miserable 26. Js this the end Yes this is the end of the judgement though of the joyes or torments no end eternity being confirmed to both and by this meanes the equity of sentence of that most just Judge eternally manifested rendring to every one according to his workes 26. Are then the workes considered Yes and they that have done well goe to life everlasting and those that have done evill into everlasting fire 27. Is life then for the workes given No but rendred according to the workes whereby the faith vertue and graces of the godly given by God were approved to the eye of God and the world and now seene by it that verily there is a reward for the righteous there is a God that judgeth the earth 28. How is his mercy then seene In giving those graces that faith that apprehendeth the Saviour Christ and charity that so covereth and satisfieth all defects so in mercy imputeth that righteousnesse that now in justice according to his goodnesse bringeth their absolution whiles the wicked wanting these are taken in the workes of their owne hands and condemned 29. The wicked are then judged and condemned for their workes Yes and that in justice as without mercy who neither loved sought nor exercised mercy but the godly in justice also but according to their works testifying their faith so not for their works nor yet without workes as they are via Regni non causa regnandi as before was declared 30. Is there no other judgement Yes there is a particular judgement for every one at the day and houre of death wherein as the world leaveth us so judgement findeth us and the soule then separated from the body receiveth particular sentence of mercy or condemnation but at the last day both men and Angels beholding body and soule joyned together shall publiquely in the sight of all to the manifestation of Gods justice to all receive the sentence to their farther joy or griefe and to the consummation thereof which is the generall judgement 31. What learne we hence Divers good duties befitting Christians and their Christian conversation 1. As vigilancy in our callings as expecting the Lords comming to call us to account for our workes 2. Care of keeping a good conscience which is an onely comfort and assurance of our soules in Christ when all bookes and so that booke withall are opened 3. Avoiding rash judgement and censure of others leaving the judgement to the Lord who shall justly judge both us and them 4. Judging our selves in time and condemning what is ill that we may so by penitence avoyd the judgement and condemnation of the Lord. 5. Raising and rousing up our selves to all good workes especially prayers and praises to God for all his gifts and graces in the joyfull expectation of his comming and reward 32. What profit hence 1. Our chiefest and best comfort that in all afflictions there shall bee an end and for all good sufferings a reward 2. Joy in all good actions that shall then receive the crowne of praise and blessednesse 3. Preparation of our soules for heaven in expectation of the Lords comming and our rendring our account 33. It is then good to remember judgement An onely meanes to avoid sin by often remembrance as of God and heaven and hell so of this judgement and the account to be made and if it were possible as it were to have alwayes the trumpet of God and voice of the Archangell sounding in our eares his Surgite mortui venite ad judicium 34. VVhat followeth The eighth Article of the Creed concerning the third person in the Trinity our beliefe in God the Holy Ghost SECT 10. The eighth Article and third part of the Creed Concerning the Holy Ghost The Analysis of the eighth Article how wee beeleve in the holy Ghost and what concerning his essence God person and name the holy Spirit and why so called As also the manner of his existence and order in the Trinity his personall ppoprieties actions and operations to him attributed for the guidance and good of the Church and so how comfort is particularly ascribed to him and he called the Comforter his gifts and graces how distinguished and distributed among the members of the Church for the good of the same how also to be retained or said to be revised or quenâ—â—ed 〈…〉 us and what sinne against the holy Ghost is and how vnpardonable So what chiefly hence to be learned for our use and comfort 1. VVHat is the third person in Trinity God the Holy Ghost called the holy Spirit of God 2. How prosesse you your beleefe in him In these words I beleeve in the Holy Ghost 3. What therein to be considered The action or duty to beleeve in or put my trust and confidence in him as was before declared The object in respect of his essence God person the holy Spirit the third person in Trinity 4. VVhat concerning his essence That he is one God in unity of essence with the Father and the Sonne who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified who spake by the holy Prophets as is explained in the Nicene Creed so very one God with them working in unity with them as was before declared onely distinguished in the propriety of person 5. VVhat considerable in his person The name and reason thereof The manner of existence in the Trinity The order action and propriety of person 6. VVhence the name of spirit From that similitude to other spirits and spirituall natures the fountaine as it were and beginning of divers hidden secret and invisible motions and actions 7. How many sorts of spirits Some causes and substances the principall other onely effects and accidents So there are spirits Heavenly ones Increate so both Essentially we say God is a Spirit Personally the spirit of God Created Angels good and bad Soules of men all causes in one sort or other and producers of admirable effects Earthly ones as Spirits in the arteries of the body Winde and motion of the Ayre are moved and divers meteors So called of their secret and imperceptible beginnings and motion 8. VVhat else spirits The effects of the former spirit both Good motions as the spirit of fortitude gentlenesse understanding and other gifts of Gods Spirit Evill motions spirit of anger giddinesse cavillation contentions c. 9. VVhat then meant by the name Spirit In generall any hidden nature secretly with force stirring or moving any thing and as wee see sometimes the
first taken that we doe not murther 3. What manner of Commandement A negative inferring his opposite affirmative viz. thou shalt not only doe no murther or any thing prejudiciall to the life or health or person of thy neighbour or seeke his bloud but by all meanes wish well unto him and seeke the good and preservation of his health life and welfare 4. What the negative part and what here forbidden All murder or injury and hurt to life offered in thought word or deed by plotting wishing counsell or practise against ones 1. neighbour 2. own selfe and that either outwardly in body or inwardly in soul. VVhat the affirmative part or here commanded All preservation or saving of life or benefit to it afforded whether by welwishing counsel or helping hand and so in heart word or deed afforded to ones neighbour or selfe in respect of body or soule 5. How the opposite parts herein seene or opposed As by murder all hurt and injury to life all kindes of it and meanes of procuring thereof to ones owne or neighbours body or soule are to be understood and as to murther and destroying of life is opposed the saving of life and the preservation of the same And as to hurt and injury offered unto it the benefit and helpe in any kinde or by any meanes whether thought word or deed for the saving ones owne or neighbours life of soule or body 6. What things in particular then understood forbidden Murder in the full extent in all the kindes means and occasions thereof with the being accessory or consenting to the same or any kinde thereof and so 1. Anger a short madnesse 2. Hatred a continued and inveterate anger 3. Malice offering to shew it selfe with despite and all uncharitablenesse that are inward murders committed in the soule and often occasions of externall quarrells contentions and murder it selfe 4. Reviling quarrelling brawling slandering and backbiting are murders by the ill and lewd tongue set on the fire of hell setting on foot and often causing further murders 5. Contentions fighting offering wrong doing violence and taking away life murders committed in act c. all which are forbidden here as being murders of the 1. heart and thought 2. tongue and word 3. hand deed the third sort 7. VVhat is murder in the foulest sense The barbarous and actuall taking or making away of ones owne or neighbours life and unjust shedding of bloud 8. VVhat is the hoynousnesse of it A most inhumane and barbarous fact and most to be abhorred as most opposite to the goodnesse of God the giver and preserver of life as is also shewed in the severe punishment bloud for bloud 9. VVhat is to be thought of the former branches thereof As participating of the foulenesse and abomination thereof and tending thereunto to be abhorred of men and be accounted actuall murder before God as who seeth the heart and often accepteth or accounteth the will for the deed 10. VVhence floweth it Usually from the heart and shewing it selfe in the tongue is acted in the deed and by the suggestion of the divell who was the first murderer or a murderer from the beginning a murderer of soules as his eldest sonnes in other murder Cain the murderer of his innocent brother 11. VVhich are the steps to actuall murder 1. Those cruell and poisonous passions in heart of unjust anger hatred malice and the like as the second in 2. Raylings revilings quarrellings and the other abuses of the tongue to uncharity and thirdly 3. The open wrong violence and contentious actions whence murder produced either fully in foulest degree or at least even in the very least degree to uncharity and thereby the murder of the soule whose life in grace and in God is love 12. VVhy say you unjust anger To distinguish it from holy and just anger which is also called godly zeale used to be against sinnes as Moses for the Israelites Idolatry Because God is offended and for his honour as zeale of his glory Seen reconciled after repentance herein seene arising fromlove the love of God by desire of his glory Love of our neighbour and guided by love with desire of his amendment c. 12. How is unjust anger knowne 1. By the groundlesse unadvisednesse thereof often on no just cause but rashnesse and sometimes so habituated that not only ira but iracundia given over to hasty anger 2. Extent 1. in fury immoderate so a short madnesse orrage 2. In continuance growing inveterate to hatred or malice 13. VVhat the fruit of this anger Envy and despitefulnesse or desire and purpose of revenge often breaking out into more bitter flames of evill words and worsedeeds 14. VVhat the opposite duty required Both holy and just anger against sinne and for Gods glory and else long suffering mildnesse and goodnesse by being 1. Slow to anger 2. Ready to forgive 3. Ready to 1. passe by an offence 2. Forget it and 3. Requite good for evill to the offenders by 1. Helping or 2. Praying for them 15. VVhat is hatred An inveterate anger or uncharitablenesse conceived against our neighbour his person or else 1. Whether for evill received or supposed suspected or doubted 2. For no cause but want of love 3. Evill thou hast done to him in unjustice and so fearest requitall 4. His goodnesse and justice most unjustly as Abel hated by Cain for being good and Aristides not loved or favoured for his being just 16. VVhat the fruits The same with the fruits of anger or a more eager desire of revenge and other further mischiefe so budding into open hostility enmity and implacablenesse 17. VVhat the opposite duty required or commanded The hatred of the sinne but love and good esteeme of thy neighbours vertues and person and with readinesse to cover and passe by offences and requite good for evill or to be reconciled 18. VVhat is malice A kinde of violent hatred more obvious to the sense and ready to shew it selfe in action or as it were hatred of the heart shewing it selfe more openly with the bitter sting of desire of revenge or other open and further mischiefe which whiles it is smothered is accounted hatred when it beginneth to worke malice and so the fruits or effects of inhumanity and churlishnesse and opposite duties of humanity and curtesie may be better understood by those of hatred in some sort amplyfied or extended more to the sight and outward appearance 19. VVhat is uncharitablenesse Generally the want of love in any degree and shewing it selfe on any occasions against all sorts of persons whether in prosperity or adversity Whether friends or foes Whether neighbours or strangers or under our command 20. How against those in prosperity and adversity Against those in prosperity by 1. Envy against Superiours as Pompey against Cesar. 2. Emulation against equalls as Cesar against Pompey 3. Disdaine of inferiours as Haman set against Mordecai Against those in a dversity by 1. Contempt in poverty 2. Hardheartednesse in want 3.
house that prospered in all that was under his hand 2. As the keeper of the prison that committed all to his charge seeing it so to prosper 3. As Pharaoh and his whole house and servants that so honoured him 4. As the whole land of Egypt preserved by him and his wisdome God blessing him 5. As his father also and whole family preserved from fury of the famine and destruction by his hand and God working by him 6. And so good to the whole Church of God then comprised in them being faithfull Abrahams family 47. How then was Polygamy being but a kinds of pollution allowed to the Jewes 1. As a peculiar priviledge of that people only then in expectation of the Messias and blessing of many children 2. As a dispensation of the Law and for the hardnesse of their hearts more truly alledged 3. As a connivencie to the hardnesse of their hearts rather then full allowance by such tolleration or making it lawfull and yet where many wives allowed the same law for adultery in full force and with death to be punished 48. What can be said then more in detestation and of the heinousnesse of those crying sins There needs no more for full manifestation thereof unlesse we say with S. Gregory lib. 31. Mor. or Tho. secunda secundae q. 153. art 5. that the sequell or eight infernall daughters that follow them may seem to make them shew more detestable which are reckoned to be 1. Blindnesse of minde 2. Precipitancie 3. Inconsideration 4. Inconstancie 5. Self-love 6. Love of this world 7. Feare of the future 8. And hate of God Which though the off-spring of all or many other sins more often especially from this spring for as saith Navar sum do Luxuria cap. 23. sect 113. Hoc vitium inclinando mentem ad delectationem venerorū quae est omnium vehementissima occupat partem animae inferiorem in appetendo procurandoilla rursus rapit ad idem superiorem sibi valde cognatam quasi vim inferendo ut non permittat illi circa ult ad alium debet finem intendere nec media ad ille illum deligere at impellet ad se mundumque hunc minis amandum futurumque horrendum tandemque ad deum ultorem odio habendum quo fit ut eo longius ab hoc vitio excaecante abesse debeam contemplationi addicti literis dediti gubernatores duces judices quo Lucidiori prudentiâ sapientia consilio circumspectione constantia indigent tam ad prefigendas sines scopos quem ad diligendum media quibus cos assequantur 49. What is the best course to be taken to avoid so horrible a sin Surely even 1. To avoid even the first motions or occasions and so lesse endangered to fall into the enormousnesse thereof 2. To make conscience of the least sinnes so more easily to avoid more crying sins a good course in all sins and all degrees of them 3. To avoid the causes of sin especially and apply all lawfull remedies 50. Which are they in this sin Remembred before under the names of occasions or meanes of falling opposite to the meanes of preserving chastity and may be thus marshalled as the causes of this sin with their remedies in this order As 1. Naturall corruption 2. Excesse and riot 3. Idlenesse and ease 4. Soft apparell and delicacie 5. Unstaidnesse of minde 6. Wandring sences 7. Evill occasions of all sorts and especially evill company To which may and ought to be opposed as remedies 1. Prayer 2. Abstinencie 3. Honest labours 4. Temperance 5. Sobriety and modesty 6. Restraint of senses 7. Shunning of occasions and especially evill company 51. Explane it further Naturall corruption that bringeth forth sinne and that death Ja. 1. 15. continually abideth and buddeth forth in us which is to be restrained by grace sought for and obtained by prayer Ja. 1. 5. Secondly excesse and riot is the shop of lust against which abstinencie is to be opposed for else as Gregory Nazian saith who pampereth his belly and would overcome the spirit of fornication is like him that would quench a flame with oile and so Prov. 23. 33. Thirdly idlenesse is the opportunity that Satan and lust desireth to enter by opposite to which honest labour in a calling that cutteth the throat of that fiend otia si tollas periere c. Fourthly soft apparell minstralsey and delicacie are the bellowes that blow the fire and nurse of idlenesse and lust as temperance of chastity and all vertues Fifthly unstaid and wandring thoughts usher in loosenesse and wontonnesse that sobriety modesty and staidnesse of minde seeke to expell Sixtly eyes wandring and eares open to evill whisperings of lust and Satan are the windows to let in sinne that such fit restraint of the senses should avoid and lastly shunning evill company is to avoid many especiall and pregnant occasions or causes of much evill 52 What say you then of marriage A remedy also and so appointed that they that have not the gift of continencie may marry and so keep themselves und efiled members of Christs body and which ought to be done in the Lord and with an especiall care of divers circumstances and things therein 53. What speciall care to be had then in marriage Principally to observe as neare as can be and have respect unto I. The equality of the parties in 1. Religion 2 Cor. 6. 14. and 1 Cor. 7. 39. 2. Age. 3. Parentage 4. Condition and the like things II. The ends for which marriage ordained 1. Avoiding incontinencie 2. Mutuall helpe comfort and society spirituall temporall 3. Increase of a faithfull and blessed seed in the Church III. The nearnesse of degrees or impediments by law prohibited to shunne them IV. The consent of Parents Deut 7. 3. 1 Cor. 7. 38. Parties themselves and their mutuall love and affection as Gen. 24. 27 c. Opposite to which as in generall to marriage the forbidding or ungodly restraint thereof unlawfull divorces and marriages so in particular the neglect of these cautions in the contracting of marriage it selfe which is intended to be a furtherance to godlinesse honesty and chastity but in the neglect may prove but a gap to incontinencie and evill of all sorts as well as adultery or fornication 54. What to be said of incest As a detestable offence and the heynousnesse gathered by the punishment death Levit. 20. 10. and the odiousnesse since forbidden also seene in the dishonour of bloud and holy societies as well as the breach of Gods Commandements and so the Apostle reproveth it as a sinne scarce heard of among the Gentiles to take the fathers wife 1 Cor. 5. 1. 55. What of sodomy and the like As a most abominable unnaturall monstrous and bestiall offences even if possible not to bee named among Christians and if perpetrate though death appointed no punishment grievous enough for the sin and so Sodome and Gomorah as well as some other places recorded in Histories have been
heart have a law prescribed to make them holy and acceptable unto the Lord. 3. What manner of Commandement A negative inferring his opposite affirmative viz. not speake untruth or make lyes in uncharitable manner against our neighbour but to preserve truth and charity among all men 4. What the negative part Not to speake or broach untruth in uncharity to the hurt or infamy of our neighbour or our own honest estate credit or good name 5. What the affirmative part To speake and utter truth in charity to the good of our neighbour or our owne honest estate credit and good name 6. How are the parts seene opposite or opposed As truth opposite to untruth Charity to uncharity The good to the hurt or infamy of our neighbour or ones honest estate credit and good name 7. What manner of vice is it forbidden Maledicentia evill and untrue language or lying or abuse of the tongue Whose root an evill heart and thought Whose blossome and branches evill words Whose fruit evill deeds not onely infamy lyes and slander but sometimes reaching as far as the breach of the other Commandements in theft cousenage fraud oppression yea mischiefe of spilling bloud and murder as well by being the fuell of fury in quarrels and contentions as betraying innocent bloud so that an evill tongue the occasion of much evill and hence said set on fire of hell Iam. 3. 8. What manner of duty commanded Good and gracious language or the right use of the tongue that excellent instrument of the soule well used and occasion of much good both to body and soule especially by truth learning and instruction 9. What is truth 1. In the minde a conformity of the minde to the truth of things as they are and so to the mind of God by which they are and were created 2. In the words a conformity of the words to the truth in the minde conceived and so to the things 3. In the deed conformity of actions and deeds to the words and profession of the truth by the tongue 4. In the will a love desire and study of truth which is called veracitas opposite to which is lying and falshood and an unconformity of the Minde to the things as they are or to the minde of God and conformity to the devill the father of lyes Words to the minde or things in truth Deeds to the words or minde in simplicity Will to the love or desire of truth and so a dedication of minde and speech deeds and will to the devill the enemy of God and truth and author of mischiefe whence proceedeth and appeareth commonly the malice of untruth in uncharity 10. What are the parts of the vice here forbidden In opposition to truth and honesty or charity found especially 1. All false witnesse bearing and accusation the maine sin here forbidden 2. All false slanders calumniation and backbiting 3. Tale-bearing and lending the tongue or eare to heare tell or carry false reports 4. Flattering and soothing any for subtilty or advantage 5. Lying and equivocation any untruth against knowledge or conscience of our selves or others in vainglory boasting depraving or diminishing truth or good name 11. How false witnesse bearing In testimonies whether 1. Publique in face of judgment as of the Judge Notaries Lawyers and parties themselves or witnesses Out of judgement but for elections or like publique businesse 2. Private in regard of the authority not appearing or wanting to sight though else publique defamation or libell as else all other private defame or lying 12. How in the Judge to be found In false evill judgment or proceeding therin 1. As rash judgement either The cause not well understood One party onely heard not the other Witnesse of one alone in capitall causes 2. Perverse judgement when the wicked absolved and just condemned as commonly if he be a taker of bribes accepter of persons 3. Being accessory to the offences of others by Admitting needlesse suits Protracting suits Rash imposing oathes Allowing or setting and admitting of false courses or witnesses as in Naboths case and Christs condemnation 13. What then required of the Judge Due proceedings without respect of persons or bribes to the full examination of the truth and giving sentence according to Truth Justice Equity to the Righting of wrong Punishment of vice Maintenance of vertue 14. How false testimony in the Notaries In the Notaries dealing falsly in writing preserving reciting of the Records thereby corrupting them and wronging of right in which they ought to deale truly and justly 15. How in Lawyers 1. By entertaining and promoting evill causes 2. Animating the followers of evill causes and contention as amicos curiae 3. Using false accusations and calumniations against the adverse party 4. Being unfaithfull to the helping a bad or betraying a good cause 5. Taking of fees ambidexter-wise on both hands and betraying the client 16. What their duty then To entertaine or promote no cause they know to be evill To maintaine the good cause with good conscience truly faithfully How false dealing in the parties In going to law for stomacke malice and contention In dealing untruly by 1. Forging false accusations and calumniations false Instruments or Deeds 2. Suborning false witnesses whose duty were that truth charity and right might take place 17. How the offence in the Plaintife or Defendant more in particular In the Plaintife in 1. All causes to seeke the molestation of his neighbour 2. Criminall causes Calumniari to urge untrue and uncertaine matters or crimes Praevaricari making only a show of accusation Tergiversari to fly from his accusation In the Defendant to Deny the truth Appeale without just cause Not submit to judgement lawfully given 18. How the offence of witnesses Either not to give testimony to truth Or give false testimony and that by witnessing what hee knoweth not to be true doubteth or knoweth to be false 19. What their duty then 1. To give testimony when on just occasion required When hee seeth innocency oppressed though unrequired 2. To testifie the truth only wholly Pro 14. 25 What other publique testimonies Out of the place of judgement by publique speeches as Orations writings testimonials for elections or any other advancement that onely truth and worthy persons be allowed not falshood spread and unworthy persons promoted 20. What other private testimonies 1. In reprehension or dispraising of vertues or commendable things or extenuation of the same 2. In extolling or praising vices and bad things with undue and untrue testimony contrary to honesty and charity and if in presence is flattery or derision or else reviling and contumely in absence growing towards slander or mocking howsoever evill cursed speaking Opposite to which wee ought constantly on all occasions to praise and acknowledge vertue and discommend vice 21. What is slanders and backbiting A false testimony behinde ones backe to the wrong of the good name dear as life or credit so a kind of murder and also a blasphemy against
men and against the truth of God and his honour 22. What is the heynousnesse of it Not onely lying but evill and cursed speaking with malice in the heart poison in the tongue and dart in the lips wounding the speaker the hearer and the party wronged three at one blow a sharp rasour of the devills razing out a mans name and worthy to be razed out of the booke of life 23. How is it used Either by privy whispering defamatory libels and sowing and spreading publicke rumours and calumniations in any sort to the devouring of a man in his good name and credit and raising an ill name so as he that hath an ill name halfe hanged as the proverb is these may seem the divells hangmen as their tongues indeed set on the fire of hell and the poison of aspes under their lips poisoneth that pretious ointment of a good name 24. What tale-bearing A kinde of slander usually understood in small matters for if it be with foule defamation it is grosse slander to which are accessory the receivers of false reports for as there could not well bee theeves if no receivers so no tale-carriers if there were not tale-receivers giving encouragement to the same 25. What is the subject of it Commonly detraction calumny or scorne and so the soule water of malediction tendeth to the wrong of the neighbour and uncharity howsoever used or sprinkled if in his 1. Presence by reviling and derision 2. His absence by slander in backbiting c. Whisperers and tale-bearers to his disparagement and disgrace 26. What the heinousnesse Next to the slanderer and blasphemer both they that tell and receive tales that love to tell and heare lyes theeves to their neighbours good name and enemies to truth and charity and as they blot his good name theirs to be blotted out of the Booke of life and they rooted out of Gods City and holy Hill Psal. 15. 27. What of flatterers Next to those long tongued tale-bearers and raisers of rumors and false reports or sharpe tongued slanderers with poison of aspes under their lips these smooth tongued trencher-flies and parasites whose words are smoother then oile yet very swords and not farre from sycophants whose words may melt like butter yet war in the heart and oalumny in the libell all of them abusing the tongue in lying and untruth these to flattery and fraud 28. What is flattery A deceitfull and false praise or per fallacem laudem seducionem a beguiling by false praise and so an abuse of the truth and the flattered person to his face as a falshood and deceitfull lye in the flatterers tongue so with the flatterers were busie mockers and commonly used lying and colloguing Gnathos and base fellowes to smooth up vaine-glorious Thrasos and Braggadoches of skil or valour in their vaine humour when what ever the one will boastingly say the other will be ready lyingly and blasphemously to sweare 29. How is it else seen Either by 1. Salutation and smoothing with them we meane to hurt as Joab that saluting slew Abner 2 Sam. 3. 27. 2. Commendation beyond measure for our profit or advantage as to get our living by this trade of lying so parasites 3. Disparaging of any to please others as whisperers liars and tale-bearing flatterrs 4. Soothing men in vices contrary to vertue and honesty extenuating their foule sinnes and calling their other sinnes none or vertues so if Preachers sow pillowes under sinners elbowes and do not plainly shew sin Gods judgements Generally in all belying the truth in any degree to the soothing of others in sinne or but dissembled holinesse or shew of goodnesse whether to insinuate himselfe or sucke advantage as calling the prodigall liberall the Machiavil-like politicians discreet or even quite opposite the foolish wise and prudent or the prophane devout and godly the base and degenerous noble as sometimes above measure alwaies fainedly extolling and deceiving them with smooth words for sinister ends 30. What of lying and equivocations The direct abuse of truth and so in some degree of charity whether against a mans knowledge or with doubting of the truth as every lye or with an intent to deceive as equivocation a cunning and subtill couched lye 31. What sorts of lying or falshood Either in 1. Jest as the jesting lye mendacium jocosum to sport our selves withall or others and as alwaies vaine often ill as tending to others hurt or disparagement so jesters over witty rake-hells and travellers spreaders of newes and such surrilous wits not seldome offend 2. Earnest as the Officious lye Officiosum Mendacium Pernitious lye Maliciosum Varnished lye Fucosum Boasting lye Ventosum Equivocating lye Ingeniosum 32. How the officious lye In great necessities used as by Abraham saying Sarah was his sister for feare not telling the truth or all the truth by Isaac so of Rebecca Jacob saying he was Esau by his mother commanded not to be allowed of though God turned it to a good end 33. What of the pernitious lye Wanting all colour or excuse void of all good nesse and by whomsoever used tradesmen or others as out of malice or to the hurt and prejudice of others shewing them that use it children of the Divell the adversary of truth and charity and father of lyes and deceit 34. What of the varnishing lye A colourable excuse of some fraud in or towards others flattery towards ourselves Adams fig-tree leaves to hide shame but such excuses never serve the turn but rather make it more odious Gehazi punished with leprosie and Ananias and Saphira with death in their colourable excuse or varnished lye to cover their offence 35. How of the boasting lye A vaine-glorious lye full of windy vanity cousening our selves most as plainly seene of others though dissembled and so accompanied with a double fraud of vaine-glory and dissimulation 36. What of equivocation A subtill and ingenious lye and though often used and practised by her most subtill masters professed and patronised or defended so the ilnesse apparant by the shame to protect it though the witinesse may countenance it as that and all mentall reservations blindefold the truth pretended to save themselves from danger which if it were in a good cause came neare an officious lye which is not yet approved of but in an ill matter is apparant falsity and dissimulation joyned with offence 37. How is it so ill then In the falsity opposite to truth and to blinde the same In the end to smoother the truth and deceive In the manner of it dissimulation and fraud In the authour the divell who equivocating with Adam in paradise in counselling him to the making of himself like to the Gods or Angells but evill ones and so usually in his Oracles by equivocations deceiving the simple and his servants as Julian Valens Hildebrand c. By sayings doubtfully to be interpreted divers waies Aio te Eacida Romanos V. D. and many others the like And thus taken up upon trust by those that
not exepect forgivenesse nor any other blessing for want of true charity for we 1. Are hereby unfit to pray as we ought Unfit to receive any blessings 2. We desire no forgivenesse because we forgive not others 3. We desire rather a curse and God will not forgive us because we forgive not and so in effect we pray for our owne condemnation 32. May we not leave this petition then Yet neverthelesse Christs sentence remaineth true except we forgive we shall not be forgiven and we pull downe condemnation upon our soules or if we thinke to pray other prayers no prayers are accepted without charity or not regulated by this nay our prayers will be turned into sin and a curse and snare to our soules and but a mocking of God without this charity 33. Who then can forgive sins God only originally and totally but 1. The Church authoritative from him and ministerialiter 2. Man also partially and fraternialiter for his part what lyeth in him 34. But how can men forgive sin That part which pertaineth to him in the offence as 1. The want of charity or breach of brotherly love 2. The wrong or injury for which he oweth satisfaction 35. When man hath forgiven is the sin acquitted Not except God also forgive and wash out the offence in his mercy for the least part of sin even against men is that offence against man and the greatest part against God 1. The blot of the soule 2. The blemish of Gods Image in the same 3. The breach of his command and so contempt of his Majesty which is the foulest part rightly conceived of all sin and the poyson of it 35. What if man doe not or will not forgive Yet God may to the truly penitent and he bee fully absolved though man refuse it if he be asked forgivenesse since both the offendor and the offended person are but clay in Gods hand and they both wholly his and all that they have and he may dispose of them and theirs absolutely at his pleasure and if they stubbornly refuse to forgive he both can and will forgive 36. What need we aske forgivenesse then of men or give it them 1. To shew our charity or brotherly love 2. To maintaine love and charity and emutuall duty 3. To exercise our piety and faith and gaine peace of conscience 4. To expresse and 5. To signifie Our desire to be forgiven at Gods hand Our obedience to Gods Commandements c. 37. What forgivenesse of our brother then required To forgive him alwaies the breach of charity By forgetting of offences By not seeking revenge By not taking opportunity to revenge By not bearing malice c. To forgive him sometimes the very offence and debt or satisfaction if the party unable to make satisfaction If in that case desire it numbly Offer any satisfaction he can in part or in penitence 38. How is it forgiven if satisfaction required If all malice and remembrance of injury be put away and all desire or seeking revenge bee laid aside the chiefest and best part performed and yet in many cases satisfaction may be required lawfully as where there is ability yea and sometimes commanded if for publicke testimony of good name the truth or the like and otherwise though the debt or satisfaction be forgiven and malice not removed or not done in charity the best part of forgivenesse is not performed but happiest he that can forgive both which meant of forgiving forgetting and being in perfect charity 39. Who offend against this All such as either will 1. Not forget wrongs and injuries 2. Amplifie them beyond measure or the truth 3. Not be courteous towards others imperfections or weaknesse 4. Not forgive being humbly and penitently desired 5. Curse or revile their trespasses 6. Study revenge or to hurt them again 7. Continue in malice hate or desire of revenge and so out of charity 40. What then of David Moses or others that cursed or punished offences severely It was done of them both 1. For the publicke glory of God 2. By his particular command and direction 3. Not without the spirit of prophesie 4. Against the noted and open enemies of God 5. As publicke Magistrates 41. How of the Magistrate that punisheth and not forgiveth It is to be considered and so distinguished between a private and publicke person the publicke in the place of God and for the good of the Common-wealth and therefore set to execute his office and punish the offendor and it were cruelty for him and the place of judgement to acquit the guilty as well as punish the innocent which were to set open the doore to all impiety though as a private person he may commiserate the person though not the offence and for his private selfe forgive that part of the offence though punish the person and so in place of judgement hee must execute justice and give sentence according to right and only in some cases after upon hope of amendment may extend mercy or grant pardon but not to the encouragement of any vice or wrong 42. But who is so faithfull and charitable that can as we ought so truly and fully forgive If we desire truly to forgive and forget wrongs and onely imbecility of the flesh striving against the good Spirit of God in us making us have a sense of our owne weaknesse it is a good signe of that Spirit working in us that will effect his good worke and that such our desire is accepted and God will more perfect it for it is not said as we forgive or meant either 1. In that measure that God forgiveth us 2. As a meanes or cause of merit in us 3. As a paterne for Gods imitation of our imperfection in forgiving 4. In that extent God forgiveth totally c. But to testifie the truth and sincerity of our heart in this desire and the charity wee be are in our heart unfainedly to our brother though wee cannot perfectly doe what wee desire and that we may consider how gracious before God even such good desire is that he preseribeth it here for a condition 43. How doth the Church forgive sinnes As by Gods power and commission given to it or the power of the keyes in foro interiori acquitting the truly penitent and in foro exteriori or facie Ecclesiae testifying the same where if men out of hardnesse of heart will not forgive when required yet God as by himselfe by men also his Ministers will both forgive and quiet their conscience and acquit the guilt if with unfained repentance desired as to whom power over all doth belong and who doth and can doe it powerfully as men his servants ministerially whatever men not his servants recalcitrate or kicke against it so what in foro conscientiae cleered and in facie Ecclesiae published as in aede soli his Church acquitted shall in arce poli his Temple and throne of justice in Heaven bee so acknowledged and we have his Word and record