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
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
an heauen vpon earth euen whatsoeuer might giue content or delight Gen. 3.17.19 Fifthly in that their labour was without any the least paine griefe or wearisomnesse that can be imagined Of Mans estate of misery by his fall I. DId they continue in this glorious and happy estate B. No alas they did not Gen. 3.1 2 c. Psal 49.20 but soone lost the same and fell away from God that had giuen it them I. How came that to passe B. By their voluntary and wilfull disobedience to the commandement of God Gen. 3.6 Eccles 7.29 in eating of the forbidden fruit of the trée of knowledge of good and euill I. By what meanes were they drawne to eate of this fruit contrary to Gods commandement B. By the temptation of the Diuell Gen. 3.2 3 c. who by his wily subtilty beguiled the woman making her beleeue that it would redound to the great good both of her and her husband to eate thereof by which perswasion she being ouercome tooke of the fruit and did eate and gaue of the same to her husband who did eate also I. What was the good which the Diuell bore the woman in hand they should gaine by their eating B. Wisedome and Knowledge Gen. 3.5 6. I. What befell them for this transgressing Gods Commandement B. They were instantly stript of Gen. 3.7.8.10.17 18 19. 23 24 2.17 Leuit. 26.14 15 c. Deut 20.15 16 c. and 27.26 Iob 14 1. Psal 49 last Rom. 6 23. Gal 3.10 Tit. 3 3. that glorious and happy estate of their creation and moreouer made obnoxious to innumerable legions of sorrowes in this life to death of body and to the neuer-ending wrath of God in body and soule in the life to come I. But doe you not thinke that God herein inflicted too great a punishment vpon them for their sinne B. No vndoubtedly he did not I. Why so B. Because thereby they transgressed the commandement of him who is an infinite Maiestie to the breach of whose least Commandement there can bee no lesse due then an infinite weight of vengeance Secondly because this was no small or petty sinne as it may séeme to be if wee looke no further then the basenesse of the externall obiect but a most grieuous horrible and capitall crime euen in the highest degrée I. This sinne may well bee called with the wicked spirit in the Gospell Legion because it was a combination of many execrable sinnes together in one Gen. 2.17 How make you this to appeare B. First because it was not one simple and single sinne alone but a composition and as it were a concourse and conglobation of many seuerall and those most hainous sinnes together I. Which were they First damnable infidelitie in that they beleeued not God menacing death vnto them if they disobeyed his Commandement Secondly fearefull contempt of the sacred Maiestie of God Gen. 3 4 5 6.17 in that they giue credit and yéeld obedience to the voyce of the Diuell rather then to his Thirdly detestable couetousnesse Gen. 3.6 in that not satisfied with those most excellent and glorious prerogatiues they were indowed withall they gape after more and séeke for a higher estate then God was pleased to confer vpon them Fourthly Satanicall pride Gen 3.5 in that they most insolently aspire to an equalitie with God himselfe Fiftly intollerable ingratitude in that when God had made them the principall and noblest of all his creatures yea Gen. 3. their soueraigne Lords and Kings and further dignified them with his owne image all this is forgotten vilified and made of no account with them vnlesse they may be his fellowes and equalles also in that they so soone let slip the memory of those manifold vnspeakable fauours bestowed vpon them Gen. 2.17 Sixtly sacrilegious theft in that they put forth their hands to that which is none of theirs but anothers and expressely interdicted them Gen. 3.6 Seuenthly itching curiositie in that they affect greater wisedome then God had giuen them and other knowledge then he had reuealed Gen. 3.1 2 3 c. Eightly horrible blasphemie in that they subscribe and giue consent to the saying of Satan in which he had charged God with lying and enuie Gen. 3.6 Ninthly epicurish intemperancie in that they must néedes gratifie and please their palate though Heauen it selfe be incensed and displeased for it Rom. 5.12 1 Cor. 15.22 Tenthly cruell vnnaturall and most bloudy murther in that they plunge themselues and their posteritie with them into death both of body and soule I. What other circumstances are there which may aggrauate this sin of theirs and euidence the hainousnesse of it B. First Gen. 1.27.9 9 1 Cor. 11.7 because they had power and abilitie giuen them not to haue sinned if they would but to haue kept the Commandement of God Secondly Gen. 1.29.2.16 17. because the Commandement giuen them was so easie to haue beene obserued Thirdly Gen. 1.29 2.16 17. the great reason they had to kéepe it namely the innumerable and inestimable benefits of God towards them and in particular his great bounty in giuing them frée liberty to eate of all other the trées and fruits in the Garden whereof there were great aboundance and all most delectable this one onely and no more among them all being excepted and forbidden them I Had Eue who was first in the transgression and the meanes to draw her husband to transgresse Gods Commandement no greater punishment inflicted on her then Adam B. Yes Gen. 3.16 For besides all the things before specified wherein she had equall share with him as a further plague and punishment God laide vpon her extreame sorrow and bitter anguish in conceauing and bearing children as also subiection to the will and rule of her husband I. But what thinke you did this happy condition we haue spoken of wherein Adam was created or that wofull misery and wretchednesse wherein by his disobedience hee plunged himselfe any whit concerne his posteritie and such as are descended of him B. Yes questionlesse both the one and the other concerne euery one of vs which are come out of his loynes I. How so B. Rom. 5 12.18 â—9 1 Cot. 15.22 Gen. 5 3. Iob. 14 4. Psal 51.5 Iob 14.1 â—en 3.27.19 Esay 30.33 Maâ— 25.41 Mâ—â—k 9 43 44. Reuel 19 20 21.8 Because by the most iust appointment of God Adam was not a priuate man but a publike person representing all mankinde and euery particular person to descend from him in whom all were as in a common Roote and Stocke and therefore euery man in him receiued the Image of God and all those inualuable gifts graces and priuiledges which he was enâ—bled withall to haue possessed and inioyed them for euer had hee remained in his integritie and kept them and he sinning and losing them we al likewise sinned and lost the same in him and together with him became most
needefull he should be God B. First the greatnesse of the euill that oppressed vs. Secondly the greatnesse of the good we stood in néed of necessarily required it so to be I. In what things consists the greatnesse of our euill B. The n Ezra 9.5 6 7 Psal 40.12 Tit. 3.3 horriblenesse of our sins Secondly the infinite o Gen 2.17 Ezek. 18.20 Gent. 26 27. wrath of God due vnto the same Thirdly by the p Rom. 5 14. 6.23 dominion of death Fourthly the q Ephes 2.2 2 Tim. 2.26 tyrannie of the Diuell from r Psal 49.6 7 8 9. Esay 43.11 Mat. 16.26 all or ſ Not from wrath c. Deut. 4.24 Nahum 1.6 Reuel 19.15 Not from sinne Esay 43.25 Marke 2.7 Not from death Hos 13.16 1 Cor. 15.57 Not from the Diuell Rom 16 20. Reuel 1.18 any of which no meere creature was possibly able to deliuer vs. I. What are the good things wee stood in neede of B. First t Esay 43.25 Marke 2.7 remission of our sinnes Secondly u 1 Cor. 15.54 55.56 57. Rom. 16.20.38.39 40. Rom. 8.35 36. c. 1 Pet. 1.5 Rom. 6.23 Mat. 25.34 Luke 12.32 deliuerance from death and Satan Thirdly x Psal 51.10 Ezek. 36.26 27. restitution of Gods image Fourthly y Ierem. 32.38 39.40 Rom. 8.35 c. defence against sinne the World Diuell and Hell Fiftly z eternall life and happinesse neither of which we could attaine vnto but by him who is truly and essentially God I. Why was it necessary he should be Man B. Ezek. 18.20 Rom. 5 17 18 19. 8.3 First because the iustice of God required that the same nature which had offended should also bee punished and that in no other but in that in which his Lawes were violated satisfaction for the breach of them should be made Secondly because the person that should be our Sauiour was to suffer z Mat. 16.21 22 23 20 1◠18 19. Heb. 2.10 many things yea a Marke 10.34 Heb. 2.9 death it selse and to shed his b Heb. 9.18 19 c. Mat. 26.28 1 Iohn 1.7 bloud for vs without which wee could not be redéemed I. Why must he be God and Man in one person B. First that so he might be a fit mediator betwéene God and Man as it were an indifferent person to both Ephes 1.10 Col. 1.20 1 Tim. 2.5 and alike affected to either partie both offending and offended being as it were as néerely allyed to the one as to the other and on either side both of them to him Secondly Acts 20.28 2 Cor. 5.19 1 Iohn 1.7 that the workes performed by him in his Manhood might be of infinite merit and so consequently sufficiently auaileable to make expiation for our sinnes by which no lesse then an infinite Maiestie was offended I. In the description of Christ our redeemer you said he was in all things like vs sinne onely excepted shew me therefore how it came to passe that he descending from the corrupt and sinfull stocke of Adam as well as others yet should bee free from sinne when as it is contrary with al other men beside that come from him Ephes 2.1 who are all from their mothers wombs most lamentably infected therewith and euen borne dead in sinnes and trespasses B. The reason is because though Christ came from Adam as all other men doe Mat. 1.20 Luke 1.35 yet his conception and birth were not after the common ordinary manner of other mens but after a peculiar extraordinary and miraculous he being formed of the séede of a most pure Virgin which neuer knew man by the wonderfull and ineffable power of the Holy Ghost who in the very first moment of her conception sanctified that séede of hers and seuered it from all euen the least defilement of sinne which can bee imagined I. VVas it necessary that hee should bee so holy and righteous without any staine of sinne at all B. Yea certainely c Heb. 7.26.27 1 Pet. 3.18 2 Cor. 5.21 most necessary for otherwise his workes and sufferings could haue béene of no merit or efficacie to saue vs from the guilt and punishment of our sinnes but hee d Ezek 18.20 Rom. 6.23 Gal 3 10. himselfe should haue néeded a Sauiour for his owne redemption Secondly because his humane nature was to bee perpetually and personally vnited to the Godhead it selfe Psal 5.4 2 Cor. 6.14 which could neuer haue beene had it so much as in the least degree that can possibly bee conceiued beene polluted with sinne I. By what meanes hath this Iesus Christ effected the worke of our redemption B. Partly by his passiue obedience or sufferings and partly by his actiue obedience or righteousnesse I. VVhat vnderstand you by the passiue obedience or sufferings of Christ B. His most e Ioh. 10.17 18 Heb. 10.9 voluntary and willing vndergoing and bearing in our f Esay 35.4 5.6 c. Rom. 4.25 behalfe both in his g 1 Pet. 2.24 body and h Esa 53.10 11 Mat. 26.36 37 38. soule the i Esa 53.3 4 5.6 c. Luk. 22.24 c. Gal. 3.13 Phil. 2.8 full punishment and wrath of God which by our sinnes we had deserued to endure for euer and euer I. VVhat benefit doe wee reape by this passiue obedience or the sufferings of Christ B. Rom 3 24 25. 5.9 0 8.1 Col 1 14. T it 2.14 The iustice of God is thereby fully satisfieded for all our sinnes so that we are for euer cleered from them and the whole punishment due vnto them God of his endlesse mercy imputing the merit thereof vnto vs and so accounting and accepting of it as if we our selues had made most exact satisfaction for them I. How comes it then since Christ hath borne the burden of our sinnes and satisfied the iustice of God for them that notwithstanding the faithfull are so k Psal 73.14 34 9. 1 Cor. 15.19 grieuously afflicted in this life and also subiect to l may 57.1 Heb. 9 27. death in the end thereof B. The miseries and afflictions the faithful endure in this life are not properly punishments neither may they so be termed but louing and m 1 Cor. 11.32 Heb. 12.5 6 7. fatherly chastisements of God that they may not perish with the children of this world And as for death it is no n 1 Cor. 15.55.56 Num. 23.10 curse no euill to them but contrarywise the greatest blessing and good which can befall them for it frées them from all o Rom. 7.24 Ephes 5.27 Col. 1.22 sinne and p Reuel 14.13 2 Cor 4.17 2 Kings 22.20 misery and immediately q Phil 1.20.23 2 Tim. 4.7 8. Reuel 14.13 possesses them of vnspeakable and euerlasting happinesse in Heauen B. But is not this iniustice and cruelty in God to lay the punishment of vs who are the offenders and transgressors of his Law vpon Christ a most
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
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
so as nothing remaines of either but the bare formes shewes likenesses or apparances of them onely B. By no meanes but contrariwise I condemne and reiect it for a most grosse and palpable absurditie contrary to Scripture to reason to the truth of Christs humane Body to diuerse Articles of our faith to the nature end and vse of a Sacrament to the iudgement of our senses of ancient Fathers of whole Churches and holy Martyrs who haue sealed the contrary by their dearest bloud yea it is an inuention so infinitely monstrous as that the very Patrons and defenders of it are contrary one to another about it sighting like the Midianites each against his fellow and can no better agrée together then the false witnesses suborned against our Sauiour Christ I. What then will you make to be the meaning of those words when hee affirmes of the Bread that it is his Body and of the Cup that it is his Bloud B. They are not to be vnderstood neither substantially as if the Bread should be the very Body or the Wine the very Bloud of Christ neither may they bee vnderstood consubstantially as if the Body of Christ were included in the Bread and his Bloud in the Wine but they are figuratiue spéeches in which the names of the things signified are attributed to the signes thereof And the meaning of them is in effect thus much as if our Sauiour had said Those visible Elements of Bread and Wine doe signifie and represent vnto you my Body crucified and my Bloud shed for remission of your sinnes and are pleadges scales and assurances vnto you that as verily as you receiue these creatures of Bread and Wine into your bodies to their comfoâ—t and nourishment So you are as certainely made partakers of my very Body and Bloud spiritually by faith to the eternall comfort and saluation of your soules I. How doe you prooue that this exposition which you haue giuen is the true and genuine meaning of these words B. Because the e 1 Cor. 10.16 It is the vsuall Language of the Scripture speaking of Sacraments to call the signe by the name of the thing signified as Gen. 17.10 11. Rom 4.11 Exod. 12 11.13.27 1 Cor. 10.4 Tit. 3.5 1 Cor. 11.25 Scripture it selfe and ancient f Tertul. Lib. 4. cont Marc. Aug. cont Adimant Cap. 12. and Epist 23. Fathers so expound them Secondly this Exposition doth well consent with the g Luke 22.19 words of Institution with the h Concerning the truth of Christ his humane nature his Ascension session at the right hand of God c. Articles of our Faith and the i Which euer necessarily requires an outward visible signe and an inward inuisible thing signified thereby both which by this Exposition are ratified and confirmed to the Eucharist nature of Sacraments I. What are the actions to be performed by the Minister in the administration of this Sacrament I. Mat. 26.26 27. Luke 22.17 18.19 20. First to take the Bread and Wine into his hands Secondly to blesse and consecrate them Thirdly to breake the one 1 Cor. 11.23 2â— 25. and powre forth the other Fourthly to giue them both into the hands of the Communicants I. Is the action of breaking the Bread an indifferent rite so as it may be admitted or omitted vsed or not vsed at the pleasure of the Minister B. No but it is a necessary Ceremonie not to bee neglected or passed ouer I. Why B. Because Christ himselfe the author and ordayner of this Sacrament Mat. 26.26 Marke 14.22 whose example we must k Mat. 11.28.29 follow gaue not the Bread whole but first brake it and then gaue it to his Disciples Secondly Luke 22.19 he expressely commands the breaking of it Thirdly the l 1 Cor. 10.16 Apostles and Pastors of the Church m As by the writings of the Fathers and Ecclesiasticall Histories doth appeare for many hundred yéers after them did euer obserue this Ceremonie Fourthly the whole seruice of celebrating the Lords Supper hath his denomination from this action Acts 2.42.46 20.7 and is often in the Scripture called breaking of Bread which certainely should not haue béene were it not a necessary rite that might not be omitted Fiftly it is a liuely and most effectuall representation of the breaking of the Body of Christ 1 Cor. 11.24 Gal. 3.13 Heb. 9 26 c. and of the bitter death and infinite torments he endured for our sinnes on which the whole hope and comfort of our soules depends and for memoriall and representation whereof this Sacrament was ordained I. What are the actions to bee performed by the Communicants or Receiuers B. Mat. 26.26 27. 1 Cor. 11.23 24 25. First to take the Bread and the Wine into their hands Secondly to eate the one and drinke the other to the nourishment of their bodies I. Is the Wine then to be administred to the People and they to drinke of the same as well as to receiue and eate the Bread B. Yes doubtlesse for Christ in the institution of this Sacrament Mat. 26 27. Luke 22.17 deliuered the Cup as well as the Bread to all his Disciples in that action holding the place not of Pastors but of the people and commanded them all to drinke the same Secondly the Apostle Paul not by any priuate motion 1 Cor. 11.28 but guided by the Spirit of God enioynes all Christians to communicate in both kindes Thirdly it is a part of Christs Will and Testament Luke 22.20 1 Cor. 11.25 ratified by his death and bloud-shed which by no meanes ought o Gal. 3.15 Heb. 9.16 17. to be violated that the people should partake of the Wine as well as of the Bâ—ead Fourthly because els the people should haue but an halfe and insufficient See Iohn 6.54.55 66. not a full and perfect nourishment of their soules by Iesus Christ resembled and sealed to them in this Sacrament for our perfect and compleate bodily nourishment consists not in meate onely but in meate and drinke both together Fiftly the p 1 Cor. 10.21 11.26 27.29 12 13. Primitiue Church administred the Communion vnder both kindes to the people and it hath béene the constant custome of the Christian Churches so to doe for the space of more then a thousand yéeres together after the times of the Apostles Sixtly 1 Cor. 10.4 the Israelites dranke of the Rocke in the Wildernesse which in effect was the same Sacrament with ours Seuenthly the Bloud of Christ and Merit thereof appertaines no lesse to the people Acts 2â— 28 1 Pet. 1.18.19 Mat. 20.26 being beléeuers then to the Pastors and Ministers and therefore the signe and seale thereof which is the Cup or Wine may be no more denyed vnto the one then to the other I What is it to eate the Flesh or Body of Christ and to drinke his Bloud B. Not to receiue and féede vpon his Body and Bloud
his sauing merits I. VVhat is our eating of the Bread and drinking of the VVine to cause vs to meditate on B. Euen vpon that most néere and streight vnion thereby signified that is betwéene Christ Iesus our selues and euery true beléeuer that hee is no lesse néerely and straightly ioyned to vs and we to him as also to one another then the Bread and Wine which we receiue 1 Cor. 10.16.17 and 12.12 13. eate and drinke are to our bodies I. What duties are wee to performe after wee haue receiued this Sacrament B. We ought euery one according to our abilitie chéerefully and willingly to consecrate some portion of that which God hath blessed vs with 1 Cor. 16.2 Nehem. 8.10 Heb 13.16 towards the reliefe of our poore and niedy Brethren among vs. I. Is the receiuing of this Sacrament a thing arbitrary or indifferent so as wee may communicate or not at our owne pleasures B. No but all such as are baptized being of yéeres and fitnesse to examine and prepare themselues Mar. 26.26.27 1 Cor. 11.24.25 and not hauing any iust impediment are bound to partake of it I. How may that appeare B. First because God hath expressely inioyned and commanded it Luk. 22.19.20 2. Chron. 30.8 confer with the verses preced Secondly it is a part of his publike diuine worship Thirdly the neglect of it is a very heynous and grieuous sinne Numb 9.13 Gen. 17.19 Ex. 4.24.25.26 greatly prouoking the wrath of God against such as are guilty of it Fourthly it is one of the meanes appointed of God to preserue cherish and increase in vs our faith and other spirituall graces Rom. 4.11 1 Cor. 10.16 11.24.25.26 Fiftly this Sacrament is one of the badges and cognisances and as it were the armes of our Lord and Master Iesus Christ by receiuing whereof his pleasure is that wee should make publike profession of being his Disciples and Seruants Exo. 12.43 44. Gen. 17.11 c. Acts 2.41.42 Acts 20.7 and bee knowne and distinguished from all other Sects and professions in the world I. How oft are wee to celebrate and partake of the Lords Supper B. We may not content our selues to come to it at Easter or once or twice in the yéere as if that were sufficient but we must receiue it as often as fit opportunitie is offered and as with conueniencie we may I. VVhy are wee to receiue it often B. First because our Sauiour Christ commands the frequent vse of it 1 Cor. 11.25 Acts 2.41.42 and 20.7 1 Cor. 11.26 Secondly the Apostles did often administer it Thirdly it was the constant practice of the Christian Churches long after the Apostles time to communicate often of some as often as they met together to heare the Word of God of some euery Lords day of some euery day in the weeke of all many times in the yeere Fourthly because our Sauiour Christ departing this world inioyned vs to celebrate this Sacrament Luk. 22.19 1 Cor. 11.24.29 in remembrance and in testimonie of our vnfayned thankfulnesse for his bitter death and passion which hee endured for our sinnes It must néedes bee therefore horrible ingratitude not to doe it often Fiftly because it is a meanes ordayned of God for the preseruing Rom. 4.11 1 Cor. 10.16 nourishing and increasing of the spirituall life of our soules and the sanctifying graces of the holy Ghost euen as hee hath ordained his creatures for preseruation and nourishment of our corporall life As therefore wee doe often feede vpon these so ought wee in like manner often to recâ—iue the other Sixtly to neglect receiuing of it when it is administred in that congregation whereof we are members vnlesse by sicknesse or some other necessary impediment we be hindered is a fearefull contempt of Gods sacred ordinances and seales of grace as also of those inualuable benefits which in the same are proffered and confirmed vnto vs Gen. 17.14 Num. 9.13 1 Cor. 10 16. and 11.24.25 which cannot be but a most hainous sinne and greatly incense the wrath of God against vs. I. I will propound but one question more vnto you concerning this Sacrament and so passe from it VVhat thinke you may we with comfort of conscience and benefit to our soules receiue this Sacrament with those congregations wherin notorious sinners and scandalous impenitent liuers are permitted to communicate and so as not to be partakers of their sinnes B. Doubtles we may in as much as euery one is inioyned to examine himselfe 1 Cor. 11.28 and not others when hee comes to this blessed banquet Secondly because the sinne and penalty of vnworthy receiuing is limited and appropriated by God 1 Cor. 11.29 only to the persons selfe vnworthily communicating Thirdly because the Esa 1 2 3 c. Iere. 6.13 c. and 8.10 c. and 5.1 Hos 4.1 2. read obserue the other Prophets also Prophets the g Luk. 24.53 Act. 2.46 3.1 Apostles yea our most innocent and holy h Luk. 4.16 and 19.47 22.53 Iohn 18.20 Sauiour himselfe for whom it was impossible to erre or sin liuing in most prophane godlesse and irreligious times when all wickednesse and impietie reigned and abounded among all sorts of men yet none of them did separate from or forsake the assemblies of the people but ioyned euen with the vngodly themselues in the publike exercises of Religion and the commanded duties of Gods worship Of the state of Man after this life I. VVHen men haue liued a while here vpon earth Iob 4 19.20.2â— and 14.10 Gen. 35.18 Iob 27.8 Eccle. 12.7 what befalles them then B. They die I. What is death B. It is the separation of the soule from the body I. Shall all men taste of death B. Yes surely euery i Iosh 23.14 Heb. 9.27 man and woman of what ranke or condition soeuer whether k Ps 82.7 and 146.3.4 noble or l Luk. 16 2â— base m â—ob 3. â—9 â—0 â—â—â— â—9 â— 7 8 â— rich or n Luke 16.22 poore c. o Rom. 8.10 11 Reu. 14.13 elect or p Iob. 21.32 27.8 reprobate beléeuer or vnbeléeuer must die those onely excepted whom Christ at his second comming shall finde aliue vpon the earth q 1. Cor. 15.51.52 1. Thess 4.15 who in a moment and twinckling of an eye at the last Trumpe shall be changed of mortall being made immortall which change to them shall be in stead of death I. What becomes of men when they die B. The soules of the r Eccle. 12.7 Luk. 16.22 and 23.43 faithfull and godly are by the elect Å¿ Luke 16.22 Angels t Luke 23.43 Reu. 14.13 immediately carryed vp into Heauen there forthwith to be made partakers of a most vnspeakable glorious and blessed condition with Iesus Christ I. VVhat becomes of the soules of the wicked and vnbeleeuers B. So soone as they are seuered from their bodies they are instantly