were renewed by the spirit vnto righteousnes Secondly we cannot reade in this chapter that Nicodemus was baptised the which if it had been of such a necessitie both he should and would haue béen presently baptised and the Euangelist would haue noted the same Thirdly admit that Christ did speake of Baptisme yet the worde must not bee so vrged that he includeth saluation in water but hee rather ioyneth water with the spirit because hee testifieth and sealeth vnto vs by that visible signe newnes of life which God alone doth work in vs by his holy spirit Question What gather you by this doctrine of the Papists Answere First they are most cruell against poore infants Secondly most wicked to tie God to externall meanes and denie his couenant Thirdly if all be damned that are not Baptised then all are saued if they be Baptised Fourthly by this doctrine although Baptised yet if children die before they eat the flesh and drinke the bloud of Christ they are damned Iohn 6.53 Question May priuate men and women minister the Sacrament of Baptisme Answere No surely for First the Lord hath tied the same vnto his lawfull ministers with the preaching of the word Matth. 28.19 20. 1. Cor. 14.34 35. Secondly if they may administer Baptisme they may as well administer the Sacrament of the Lordes supper and preach the word publiquelie which things are absurde and wicked Question God was pleased with Zipporah her acte in circumcising her sonne with a stone Answere First Almightie God did not approue her facte otherwise we might say that the worshipping which the Gentiles that were brought from Assiria raised vp did please God because the beasts did cease to afflict the people Exod. 4.24 25 26. 2. Reg. 17.41 Secondly that which is particuler ought not to be made a generall example Question Doo wee not sinne most heynouslie if wee walke not according to our promise made vnto God in Baptisme Answere Yes verelie for First we breake our promise with GOD and falsefie our faith with the holy Trinitie Matth. 28.19 Titu 3.4 5 6 7. Secondly wee crucifie a newe our sauiour Christ and tread the bloud of the holy couenant vnder foote Heb. 6.6 and 10.26 27 28 29. Thirdly wee grieue the holy Ghost by whome the elect are sealed vnto the euerlasting redemption Ephe. 4.29 30. Fourthly wee mock and grieue the holy Angels who reioyce at the repentance of a sinner and cause them to bee our enemies to destruction who are appointed of God to be the ministers of the elect vnto Saluation Matth. 18.10 Luke 15.10 Fiftly we giue offence vnto the Church but it had been better that a Milstone had been hanged about our necks and wee cast into the Sea Matth. 8.6 7. Sixtly wee doo not only bereaue our selues of all the spirituall gifts of Gods spirit but also we are murtherers of our owne soules in that we bereaue our selues of Christ who is the very life it selfe Iohn 14.6 Roma 8.9 10 c. Question The signe may not be neglected of Christians may it Answere No God forbid it should for if wee neglect and contemne the Sacrament it is an accursed and wicked kind of dealing in men as namelie the Anabaptists who deny the Sacrament of Baptisme to youg infants wherein they shew their ignorance For first they bee vnder the couenant Exod. 4.24 25 26. Gene. 17.9 10. Secondly the kingdome of God belongeth vnto them Matth. 18. Question Now let vs come vnto the Lords supper when did he institute the same Answere Presently after the eating of the passeouer and also a little before his death thereby First to shewe vnto vs that the Passeouer was ended in him 1. Cor. 5.7 Secondly to put vs alwaies in remembrance of his suffrings Matth. 26.26 27. Question What is the Lords supper Answere It is a holy banquet and a sacrament of publique eating and drinking of Bread and Wine to put in minde all beleeuing Christians which are of a good and a sound discretion how Christ was put to death and did shed his bloud for the remission of their sinnes and so is become their meate and drinke thorough faith to euerlasting life Mat. 29.26 27. 1. Cor. 10.16 1. Cor. 11.23 24 25. Question How many things are to bee considered of in this sacrament Answere Fouer as first Christ and his institution Math. 26.26 c. Secondly the externall signes Bread and Wine Math. 26. Thirdly the promise of redemption and remission of sinnes in Christ 1. Corinth 11.23 c. Fourthly faith in the promise to iustification and euerlasting life Iohn 66.54 c. Question How is our faith nourished and confirmed by the Lords supper Answere First in that our sauiour Christ giueth himselfe vnto vs therein assuring that his bodie was giuen vnto the death of the Crosse and his bloud shed for vs. Matth. 26.26 27 28. phil 2.8 1. pet 2.24 Secondly the bread and wine which wee take and eate and drinke according to his holy institution doo teach vs that by faith we doo eate and drinke the body and bloud of Iesus Christ as the onely comfort and nourishment of our soules Iohn 6.48 51. Question What is the Analogie betweene the signes and the things signified Answere It standeth in feeding nourishing comforting refreshing in vnion and in fellowship Question As how Shew me Answere First as the bread and wine doo feede nourish and refresh the naturall bodie of man euen so the bodie and bloud of our Lord and Sauior Christ with the merits of his passion doo spirituallie feede nourish comfort and refresh our poore famished and thirstie soules Ioh. 6.32 33.35 1. Cor. 11.24 25 26. Secondly as many cornes and grapes are vnited into one loafe and one wine euen so are wee vnited into one mysticall bodie and haue vnion and fellowship with Christ and bee as members one with another 1. Corin. 10.16 17. Question Then we do not reallie and verelie eat and drinke the naturall flesh and bloud of Christ in the holy supper Answere No for first it fighteth against the nature of a Sacrament for how can it be a signe and the thing it selfe Secondy if we be fed with the accidents of Bread and Wine It should followe that our bodies should be accidentall bodies bodies in shewe and not bodies in deede and of substance Thirdly it were to deny that Christ tooke flesh of the Virgin Marie if the substance of Bread and Wine doo become his flesh or els to say he had a mixte bodie either of which is blasphemie Matth. 1.23 Rom. 1.3 Fourthly it were to make Christ to haue a fantasticall bodie if his naturall bodie bée in euerie place after the words of consecration Fiftly it were to deny Christs Ascension and his sitting at Gods right hand and asmuch as to say the resurrection is past Act. 1.9 10. and 3.21 Sixthly it were to make him subiect to corruption as the Bread and Wine is Phil. 3. 20 21. 1. Timo. 1.17 18. Seauenthly it were to make
hee that beleeueth and is rooted and grounded in the same faith Col. 1.23 and 2.7 Iohn 3.16 Question Where shall we finde this our redeemer and redemption deliuered vnto vs more fullie Answere In the second parte of the articles of our faith which are sixe in number Question Into how many partes may they be diuided Answere Two that is First of the base estate of Christs birth and his humilitie in suffring which the three first articles sheweth Secondly of his exaltation and excellencie in all perfection and glorie in the other three articles The ende of the first parte of the Creede ¶ The second parte of the Creede Question REherse the first article of the second parte of Creede Answere And in Iesus Christ his onely Sonne our Lord which was conceiued by the holy Ghost Question Of how many partes dooth it consist Answere Of fourth That is First Iesus Secondly Christ Thirdly onely sonne Fourthly Lord. Question What dooth this word Iesus signifie Answere A Sauiour Math. 1.21 Question Whome dooth he saue Answere His people Matth. 1.21 Question How dooth he saue them Answere By the sacrifice of himself Heb. 10.10 29 20. Question What is the propiciatorie sacrifice Answere Iesus Christ is the propiciatorie sacrifice for he as the onely good high priest did once giue himselfe for his that repent and beleeue that the wrath of God his father might be appeased and that his people might be both sanctified and saued in him euermore Heb. 7.26 27. 1. Thes 1.10 2. Cor. 5.20 21. Question Who are his people Answere All those that haue his spirite and doo beleeue in him Iohn 1.12 13. Romans 8.9 Iohn 10.26.27 Question From what hath he saued them Answere From sinne sathan death and hell Titu 2.14 Heb. 2.14 1. Iohn 3.8 Question Why The very elect doo sinne continuallie Answere Yea but sinne shall not raigne ouer them much lesse damne them Roma 6.3 4 5 6 11 12 13 14. 1. Ioh. 3.5 6. Question Also wee see how sathan dooth afflict the godlie Answere Although sathan by the permission and will of God dooth afflict the godlie both to try their faith and exercise their patience yet he cannot hold them in captiuitie to deuoure them Ephe. 4.8 Heb. 2.14 15. Matth. 16.18 1. Ioh. 3.8 Question Also the godlie doo die continuallie Answere Although they die yet death is made to them the gate of immortallitie and they are deliuered from eternall death for which cause Christ especiallie died Heb. 9.27 28. Iohn 5.24 2. Cor. 5.1 to 12. 1 Thes 4.15 to the end Question The elect people are also troubled in conscience with the torments of hell oftentimes Answere But those torments are not their eternal portion for a time they suffer that therby they may know both Christ themselues Psa 34.18 20. Esa 54.7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14. 1. Cor. 10.13 Heb. 12.5 to 24. Reu. 3.19.20 Question Why is he called Christ Answere Because he was anoynted of his father Psal 49.6 7. Heb. 1.9 Question What was his annointment Answere The fulnes of his Godhead Col. 1.19 and 2.3.9 Iohn 3.34 Question What parte was anointed Answere Not his deuine but humaine nature Iohn 3 34. Heb. 1.9 Question Why was he anointed Answere To be our prophet priest king Re. 19.16 Psa 2.6 De. 18.15 Act. 37. Psa 110. He. 55. Question How is he our Prophet Answere First in that he spake by his spirit in the Prophets 1. Pet. 1.10 11 12. 2. Pet. 1.21 Secondly in that he hath fulfilled all Prophecies and promises that were foreshewed of him 2. Cor. 1.20 Matth. 5.17 Thirdly because he hath reuealed the wil of his father vnto vs. Iohn 18. Question How is he our priest Answere First in that he offered a sacrifice for vs his people Heb. 9.25 25 and 10.10.12 Secondly in that hee doth cōtinually teach vs his people by his word and spirit Ioh. 15.26 Iohn 14.26 Thirdly in that he maketh continuall intercessiō vnto his father for vs. ro 2.34 he 7.25 Question How a King Answere First in that he hath cōquered sin satan death hel 1. cor 15.54 to 57. he 2.14.15 1. Iho. 3.8 Secondly in that he maketh his subiects cōquerors ouer sinne sathan death and hell Col. 1.12 13. 1. Cor. 15.54 to 57. Thirdly in that hee ruleth and gouerneth his people by his lawes Psalm 2.10 11 12. Ioh. 10.27 28. Fourthly in that he will giue his people a spirituall and eternall kingdome 1. Pet. 5.10 11. Reuel 1.5 Reuel 22.1 2 3 4. Question How is he the onely sonne of God Answere By nature of the substance of his father from euerlasting Iohn 1. Question Why We are the sonnes of God also Answere It is true but it is by adoption thorough the grace of God in Christ Rom. 8.15 16. Ga. 4.4 5 6. Question What is adoption Answere This that God adopteth vnto himselfe his elect not for that he had not another sonne for he had his only begotten sonne Christ in whom he was well pleased but for that in all the nature of man he had yet no children for in Adam wee were all become the children of the diuell and the vessels of Gods wrath wherefore God sent his naturall and legittimate Sonne Christ into the World that thorough his rich grace hee might adopte vnto himselfe many children out of our kinde Matth. 3.17 Rom. 8.15 16. Gal. 4.4 5 6. Question What is grace Answere The free fauour of God not only pardoning the sinnes of his elect children but also in cladding them with innocencie and righteousnes of Christ to their euerlasting iustifications Rom. 3.24 1. Cor. 5.2 Titu 2.11.14 Question What gather you by this word Lord Answere First how Christ hath brought his people with a precious price that is with his death and bloud 1. Cor. 6.20 and 7.23 Secondly how he will deliuer and defende his people from the power of sinne sathan eternall death and hell Matth. 16.18 Thirdly how his people must yeeld obedience to him and his lawes Act. 3.23 1. pe 5.14 15. Fourthly how he is God and Lord of the whole world Iohn 1.1 2 3 4 5 c. Question What learne you in the third article which was conceaued by the holy Ghost borne of the Virgin Mary Answere First that hee is verie man of the flesh of the Virgin his mother Matth. 1.21 22. Luke 1.31 32. Rom. 4.3 4. Secondly that his birth was pure and frée from all infection of sinne and the corruption of nature in that he was not conceiued after the common manner of men but by the power and mightie operation of the holy Ghost Luke 1.35 Iohn 17.19 Thirdly that hee was conceiued in the wombe of the virgin by the holy Ghost onely because he might be First an vndefiled priest Heb. 7.26 27. Secondly a pure sacrifice for the redemption of his people Heb. 10.10 1. Pet. 1.19.20 Thirdly that he might sanctifie his people in all holines Iohn 17.19 1. Pet. 2.22 c. 1. Iohn 3.2 Fourthly
Christ subiect to sinne for the Bread and Wine becommeth our substance Eightly they most blasphemouslie affirme by this their opinion that Christ should returne into our draught O monstrous blasphemie Matth. 15.17 Ninthly if it were the very body of Christ that the Apostles did eate at the last supper then where was the body that must suffer for our sakes a fantasticall bodie could not redeeme vs. And if they did eate but halfe of the bodie and left the other halfe to suffer we could not be redeemed by halfe Herein therefore wee may see how foolish a doctrine Poperie is Question Our sauiour Christ who is verie trueth and cannot lie saieth take eate this is my bodie and therefore his verie bodie Answere Our Sauiour Christ calleth himself a doore a vine a waie and is also called a rocke compared to a theefe and saide to bee the daye Starre Iohn 10.7 and 15.1 14.6 1. Cor. 10.4 Re. 22.16 Is Christ therefore a way a vine a rock theefe and a day Sarre O no it were most foolish and wicked so to reason and conclude He is in deed the onely doore thorough whome we must enter into saluation the onely waie to eternall life the onely tree and roote from whence we must drawe all heauenly and comfortable graces the sure rocke to builde on to saluation the theefe to come sodainely vpon the wicked to destruction and the glorious wisdome of his father to inlighten our hearts to knowe God to saluation And euen so he calleth the bread his bodie because it is a sacrament of his bodie that is it sheweth how his bodie was crucified and put to death and the wine his bloud because it is a signe how his bloud was shed Question Dooth the wicked and vnbeleeuing person receiue the benefit of Christs death in receiuing the externall signe Answere No for First they haue not faith Titus 1.1 2. 1. Thes 3.2 Secondly they haue not the spirit of Christ which things should make them worthie receiuers of the benefits of Christs death to the remission of sinnes and euerlasting life Rom. 8.7 8. Question In receiuing the sacramental signes do they not bring great hurt to themselues Answere Yes verely for first they are herein guiltie of the body and bloud of Christ 1. Corin. 11.27 Secondly they eate and drinke their owne damnation 1. Cor. 11.29 Question How can they bee guiltie of the bodie and bloud of Christ to their condemnation vnlesse they eate the verie flesh and drinke the verie bloud of Christ 1. Cor. 11. Answere To be guiltie of the body and bloud of Christ and to eate vnworthelie to condemnation is to come rashely without due examining of themselues also to come like doggs in their vomit and hoggs in their filthie mier making no account of the holy supper and sacramental signes so that this verie contempt reacheth vnto the author himselfe namely Iesus Christ and his death and bloud shedding Question What dooth the bread broken and the wine powred foorth signifie Answere The breaking of the bodie and the shedding of the bloud of Christ 1. Corinthians 10.16 Question What doo you gather thereby Answere First what horrible and vile sinners we are Pro. 20.9 1. Iohn 1.1.10 Secondly how wee deserue the horrible and intollerable tormentes of hell fier euerlastinglie Romans 6.23 Ephesians 2.2 3. Thirdly the great loue of GOD in sending his sonne to take vpon him our nature and to die for vs to our redemption Iohn 3.16 1. Iohn 4.9 10. Fourthly the great loue of Christ and his humilitie to humble himselfe vnto the cursed death of the Crosse and tormentes of hell for our saluation Phil. 2.5 6 7 8. Ioh. 10.11 Question What thinke you of the Papistes which deliuer not the holy supper after the institution of Christ Answere They deale First iniuriouslie against Christ Secondly wickedly against the people in that they bereaue them of such notable vses in the breaking of the bread and powring foorth of the Wine Question How shal we come worthelie to receiue the holy supper Answere First by repentance Mark 1.15 Secondly by faith Ephe. 3.16 17. Thirdly by loue 1. Cor. 10.17 Fourthly by thankesgiuing Luke 22.24 Question How may a christian assure himselfe that he commeth in true repentance Answere If hee bee truely touched with his sinnes and inwardly grieued for them loathing sinne from the bottome of his heart With a true confession vnto GOD and with a full purpose to amende and liue in the feare of GOD Then he hath truely repented Psalme 51.17 Ioel. 2.12 13. Esay 1.16.17 Romans 12.1 2. Question How may he perswade himself that he hath a liue lie faith Answere If he feele effectuallie in his heart the benefits of Christs death to the remission of sinnes and his saluation and confesseth Gods mercies herein hee hath a true and liuelie faith Romans 3.24 Galathians 2.20 Collos 1.21 22 23. Question How in true loue Answere If he hartelie forgiue his neighbours for the offences and iniuries done against him also if he be ready to doo good vnto all especiallie vnto the house of the faithfull and finally if hee haue a care to instruct and teach his family and neighbours in the trueth of GOD and the faith of Christ then he may perswade himselfe he hath true loue Rom. 12.20 21. Eph. 4.1 2 3 4. col 3.12 13 14 15. Question How in thanksgiuing Answere If from the heart both in word and workes he giue all praise and glorie to GOD through Christ for the benefites of saluation and not attribute them to his owne wisedome power and riches neither yet to burie them in the pit of forgetfulnesse and finally doo not turne the grace of God to wantonnesse Psa 103.1 2 3 4 5 c. Iere. 9.23 24. Rom. 15. Iud. 4. Rom. 6.1 Question Let vs come vnto the third meane whereby our faith is increased and mainteined by discipline and tell me what discipline is Answere Discipline is the comely order of holy gouernment appointed of Christ in his Churth to be exercised and vsed of his Ministers and Elders to keep in the good and to punish the wicked and that to be done in great loue and pittie Matth. 16.19 Iohn 20.20 Math. 18.15 16. Rom. 12.3 4 6 7 8. Matth. 18.17 Gal. 6.1 2 3 c. Question Wherein standeth it Answere First in exhortations and admonitions 1. Thess 5.13 14. Secondly in threatnings and corrections 2. Tim. 4.2 3 4 c. Thirdly in excommunications casting foorth the great offenders that will not be amended by these procéedings out of the fellowship of the faithfull and from the partaking at the Lords Table 1. cor 5.12 1. tim 5.20 Matt. 18.17 Tit. 3.10.11 Question What are the endes of excommunication Answere First that a wicked liuer to the great reproach of God and his Gospell be not suffered among Christians 1. cor 5.4 5. 1. Tim. 1.20 Secondly that the good may not be corrupted through the continuall familiaritie of the wicked 1.
2.21 Thirdly it fighteth against faith Ga. 2.16 Question Yea but the Apostle saith God will reward euerie man according to his workes Ro. 2. Answere It is true God promiseth rewards for good deedes not for the worthines of them but for the grace wherewith God dooth imbrace the beleeuers and doth crowne his own gifts in them also to incourage vs to walke obediently and fruitefullie in all holines before him and his people Matth. 25.33 c. Rom. 2.6 7. Question The Apostle S. Paul biddeth vs to worke out our saluation with feare and trembling Phil. 2.22 Answere The same Apostle on the other side telleth vs that saluation faith and good works are the free gifts of God Ephe. 2.10 Titus 3.4 5. Question Why then dooth hee bid vs doo the same if we haue not power to doo it Answere The Apostle in these words seeketh to take away all careles securitie from Christians and least that Christians shoulde take too much vpon them he setteth downe in the next verse following that God must worke both the wil and deede and that of his owne good pleasure without merit withal in these words he ministreth a comfort to his people in shewing them where they may haue a remedy to helpe their weaknes and inhabilitie Phil. 2.13 Question If our sinnes deserue eternal death then our good works deserue eternall life Answere This is no good conclusion for if a man should reason thus This man can kill himself therefore he can giue himselfe life may we not thinke him madde But this obiection Paul the Apostle answereth thus The wages of sinne is death but the gift of GOD is eternall life through Iesus Christ our Lord withal al good gifts proceed frō God euil things from vs. Euill things are perfectlie euill our good works are imperfect and maimed The reward of the best of which is death Ro. 6.23 1. Cor. 13.9 Question What then doo you conclude Answere First that eternall life is the free gift of God by his mercies Eph. 2.8 Ti. 3.3 5. Ro. 6.23 Secondly that by Christs death and obedience we purchase it Ro. 5.6 to the end Thirdly by faith as the instrument to apprehend the same Iohn 3.16 Gal. 2.16 Fourthly that we must glorifie God in all good works for our saluation Matth. 5.16 1. Pet. 2.12 ¶ A Praier before Catechising O Gratious GOD and deare Father we most humbly and earnestly intreate thee for thy infinit mercies sake in thy beloued and onely sonne Iesus Christ our free redeemer and sauiour that thou wouldest blesse this thy worke commanded and deliuered vnto vs thy poore and miserable seruants in thy holy word make the same profitable vnto vs that wee may bee fruitful in al knowledge strong in faith and sanctified in our life and conuersation that thereby thy name may by vs bee glorified thy children comforted and our soules and bodies in Iesus Christ saued graunt vs these things O mercifull father for Christs sake Amen A Praier after Catechising O Good God and louing father who art full of mercie vnto the sinfull sonnes of men and most gratious vnto thy elect people which thou hast chosen freely in Christ Iesus we thank thee in that thou hast drawne vs out of ignorance and blindnes and called vs vnto the vnspeakeable light and excellent knowledge of thy self as a deare and rich father in Iesus Christ our redeemer wee beseech thee increase our knowledge more and more and make our hearts which are by nature stony and hard so soft and pliable both to heare receiue obey thy waies in all reuerence and faithfulnes vnto our liues ende that we may praise thy euerlasting mercies in Iesus Christ Amen A Praier before meales THE Lorde bee thanked and giue vs grace to be thankefull the Lord bee mercifull vnto vs and forgiue vs our sinnes the Lord sanctifie these his good creatures for our vses and sanctifie vs vnto his holy Maiestie through a liuely and pure faith in Iesus Christ our onely sauiour Amen A thankesgiuing after meales TO thee O good God who hath created vs by thy wisdome and power redeemed vs when we were lost by thy rich mercie and sanctified vs when wee were poluted and defiled in sinne by thy free holines and hast presently fed vs by thy plentifull and vnspeakeable goodnes bee all honour glorie and power in Iesus Christ Amen ⧠Faultes escaped in the Printing Fol. 9. a line 12. where read were Fol. 11. a. line 9. not onely Angels read not Angels Fol. 47. b. line 19. ought to tie read ought not to tie Fol. 59. a. line 20. brought read bought FINIS
Iudg. 9.23 24.25 psal 46.9 Then to mouing creatures of other kindes as First al manner of cattle as oxen horses sheepe c. Gen. 2.19 20. 7.1 to 11. Secondly lions 1. Reg. 13.24 Thirdly beares 2. Reg. 2.24 Fourthly frogges Exod. 6.12 Fiftly flies Exod. 8.22 Sixtly lice Exod. 8.17 Seuenthly wormes Ioel 1.4 Iona. 4.7 Eightly serpents Num. 21.6 Ninthly hornets Iosh 24.12 Tenthly rauens and sparrowes 1. Reg. 17.4 Now for al creatures that grow and are vnmoouable hauing their being on in the earth I will touch them but first beginning with the Earth it selfe for which this is my proofe Gen. 1.12 13. Secondly trees Matth. 19.19 20. Iona. 4.6 7. Thirdly hearbes flowers grasse corne Psal 104.14 Matth. 6.28 29 30. Question Proceede now vnto the third point and tell me how thou canst proue that all plagues and punishments come from God Answere The holy scripture sheweth how that there commeth no euil vnto a Citie vnlesse that God doo sende the same it is hee that killeth and giueth life and bringeth downe vnto the graue he maketh poore and bringeth lowe yea neither the pestilence consumption feauer burning ague feruent heat mildeaw sword blasting bocches emeroides scabbe itch madnes blindnes a mans wife defiled a mans house vineyeard taken away dearth famine captiuitie grashoppers worms to destroy the fruits of the earth hunger thirst nakednesse to eate the fruites of the wombe and such like nor anie else can happen except the Lord send them so that they neither come by chance or through ouersight or anie other way but by Gods prouidence and appointment Leuit. 26. Deut. 28. Exod. 8.9 10. chap. 1. Sam. 2.6 7 8. Amos 3.6 Question Proceede vnto the 4. point that God ruleth all the creatures in the sea Answere I will and therein proue that he ruleth First the sea it selfe Exod. 14 16. Iosh 3.14 15 16 17. Secondly the fishes in the sea Iona. 1.17 2.10 Matt. 17.27 Luk. 5 6 7 8. Thirdly the foules thereof Gen. 7. 8. Question Proceede vnto the 5. and last point tel me how ye proue that God ruleth the diuels of hel Answere I will effectually doo the same for First these places of Scripture doo affirm and proue his dominion and rule ouer them and of them Iob. 1. and 2. 1. Sam. 16.14 1. Re. 21.20 to 23. Ma. 8.31 32. Act. 16.18 Secondly if he were not tied by the power of God he would soone destroy and deuoure vs. 1. Pet. 5.8 Question Thou saist that God ruleth the planets and the firmament with all things therein Answere It is most true Question Yea but doo they not serue for times and seasons to rule dispose man in all his affairs as sicknesse health life and death in al good lucke and bad lucke besides Answere Farre be it from all good Christians once to thinke so but much more to beleeue affirme the thing for it is very sorcerie and soothsaying Question What els is it when Moses saith they are appointed for times seasons daies yeres Answere It is most true that he saith so but he meaneth nothing lesse than such a cursed astrologie his meaning is onely for things belonging to naturall and politicke order Question What meanest thou by this word naturall Answere Winter and summer sowing time reaping planting graffing gardening mowing and all tilling Question What meanest thou by this word politique Answere The reckoning of yeares daies months as some from the creation of the world some from Christes incarnation and some from one daie and some from another Question Yea but earthly things inferiour bodies haue a kinde of affinitie and kindred with the course of the starres and so come by their disposition and qualitie and so may be tolde because they are ruled by thē what shall become of them and what things shal happen vnto thē by the planets and starres Answere Although it be granted that there is such affinitie and kindred yet to conclude therefore that we may gather what shal befall vnto man either in good lucke or badde health or sicknesse life or death and what qualities and disposition he shall be of and what death he shall die it is most wicked for these things belong onely to God and are most vncertaine to men Question What reasons moueth thee thus to thinke 〈…〉 These first for the one of their chiefest grounds is vncertaine as the time of bearing to the time of conception as First it is a thing altogether impossible to haue a certaine knowledge of the verie time of begetting Secondly the time of birth is not onely oftentimes sooner than it should be thorough some occasion offred but also through weaknes of the woman shee oftentimes continueth a longer time or thorough long labour shee misseth often times not a minute but houres yea dayes so that in the meane time there is a very great inclination and moouing of the heauens and Starres Secondly seeing they that are borne at one minute and the selfe same instant of time are commonly altogether First vnlike in nature and manners Secondly doo die one before another some one death some another some are poore and some rich and some in authority and some of lowe degree Thirdly that the force of seed which is the matter whereof the childe is begotten and bred in the wombe is greter than the force of Starres concerning the framing of man to manners and nature as we may see children to imitate their parents in naturall things seeing this I say it cannot bee rightly attributed to the nature of the Planets and courses of Starres Question What euills doo they commit by these their southsayings in attributing the gouernement of man vnto the Planets and constellation of Starres Answere First if good lucke hang vpon the Starres then our holy obedience vnto God doth depend vpon them too for this is the proper cause of that and so we shall make the holy Ghost a lyer for he saieth that euery good and perfect gifte commeth of God Secondly if the kinde of death and euill luck as they cal it do hang vpon the starres then shall sinne depende vpon them too for of sinne commeth all punishments which is altogether foolish and wicked to bee so attributed for it commeth of the diuell and of our selues Math. 15.19 1. Ioh. 38. Thirdly they herein make the starres partakers of the diuine nature and power of God in that they say they gouerne and beare rule ouer mankinde to direct them in al their affaires and life and death Iob. 14.5 Fourthly in this they both rashly enter into the secrets of God and also as Gods they determine what shall come to passe Fiftly they are deceiuers and bewitchers of the people that so teach and therefore God will set himselfe against them and they are worthie to die the death Le. 20.6.27 Deut. 15.7 Esay 44.25 Mala. 3.5 Question Can the diuell and his inchanters raise vp windes stormes lightnings and raine when
where and against whome it shall please them Answere No verely for it is the Lord onely that hath power of these things for they are in his treasure house and at his beck and commandement either to defend and preserue his people or to punish and destroy the wicked and reprobate Psal 104.4 Exod. 9.23 24 25 26. Question It is written in Iob that the deuill did cause Lightnings and raised vp winds Iob. 1.16 19. Answere It is true but it was Gods permission for when as God worketh by sathan and vseth his seruice the diuell worketh by the lightnings and windes and that by the iust iudgement of God to deceiue and harden the hearts of the people because they will not beleeue and receaue the truth also herein a notable crafte of satan may be seen in that he conueyeth himself into winds and tempests therby to make the world beléeue he is the author thereof otherwise God is the author of all windes tempest and lightnings as we haue already prooued 2. Thes 2.10.11.12 Question What saiest thou of the inchanters of Egipt which did great wonders merueilous things Answere If the sequell of their actions and their confessions be marked we shal see that neither they themselues nor their great master satan can do more than God doth giue them leaue Question Why what maketh thee so to say Answere The knowledge of these things that First they could not turne the dust into lice as Moses did but confessed that it was the power of God Exod. 8.17 18 19. Secondly they could not stand before Moses the seruant of God Thirdly whē they had done their false miracles in shewe they could not vndo them againe Ezod 7.21 to the end and 8 7 8. Fourthly neither could they vndo the true and powerfull miracles of Moses but Moses himself was faine with praier to vndo them Exod. 8.12 13. c. Question Why could not these inchāters turne the dust into lice as wel as to turn their rods into serpents the riuers into bloud and to bring forth froggs it being a base thing in comparison of the other Answere First in that they did the former things it was by permission of God to harden the heart of Pharao and to deceiue him with his people that they might not let Israell goe without the mightie hand of God to their own destruction Exod. 9.16 Rom. 9.17 Secondly that the power of God in their destruction might be made knowne and manifest vnto the whole world and his faithfulnes might be declared vnto all ages Gene. 15.13 14 15 16. Mica 5.3 4 5. Thirdly that God might after a while in suffering them to doo great miracles in shew confounde their wisdomes in base and vile things that the world might see the falsehood wickednes of inchanters sorcerers Mal. 3.5 Question What think you of this opiniō that the deuil inchanters haue no power vpon that bodie or substance which is lesse than a barley come Answere I think the same to be most vaine and cleane against reason for if they haue power ouer great things they haue also power ouer small things but not the contrarie as because they haue power ouer small things therefore they haue power ouer great things but in that they could not haue power ouer the dust to make lice it was because neither the diuell nor his instruments haue power of themselues to do any thing more than the will of God dooth permit and suffer Question In thy proofe of the definition of Gods prouidence thou saiest that God ruleth al the actions of men not onely the good but also the euill wherein what els doost thou But make God the author of euill which may not be Answere God forbid we should say that God were the author of sinne for there is no euill with him neither yet loueth he wickednes Psalm 5.4 for perfect is the worke of almightie God for al his waies are iudgement God is true without wickednes iust and righteous is he Deut. 42.4 Question Why then what dost thou meane when thou saiest that God ruleth the euil actions of men Answere We say that sathan and our flesh are the authors of sinne but yet on the other side wee affirme according to the Scriptures that euen sathan and the wicked are so bridled and ruled by the power and prouidence of God that they doo not nay cannot doo that euill when where and against whom they would for they all shal come to naught and to ruin but what the Lords will appointment is that cōmeth to passe whose will they execute in their wicked doings Iob. 1. Gene. 50.20 1. King 13.4 2. Sam. 17.14 23. Question Why then God is the author of their sinne and they without fault Answere Nay not so but he is most iust and perfect righteous and yet they wicked and vnholy in doing the same Question How so Answere By reason of the diuers ends and purposes Question As how Answere God doth it to set forth his glory to bring forth the malice of his enemies to shew it to all the world that he may be iustified in his righteous and holy iudgements vpon them also to exercise his children by them and such like but the wicked and sathan dooth the same of set malice wilfully presumptuously against God and his saints and not willingly and obediently to satisfie the counsell and purpose of God Question Canst thou giue mee examples out of the Scripture for this matter Where both GOD and the wicked haue delt in the same action so that God is said to haue done that which notwithstanding the wicked do Answere Yea verely as First of Iob who confesseth that his calamities come of the Lord yet Sathan the Sabaeans did worke in this action Iob. 1. Secondly Dauid who confessed that God stirred vp Shimei to curse him yet he did the same by the instigation of Sathan and of a malicious purpose 2. Sam. 16.10 11. Thirdly it is saide that God did stirre vp Dauid to number the people yet it is said in another place that Satan prouoked him 2. Sam. 24.1 1. Chro. 21.1 Fourthly it is said that God sent into the mouthes of the false prophets a lying spirit to deceiue Achab yet we may see both the willingnesse of Sathan to lie and deceiue also how the false prophets did most wilfully and stubbornly mainteine their lying prophecies 1. King 22.21 24. Question What saiest thou to the example of Christ in this thing Answere In this example we may see First how he gaue his son to death Ioh. 3.16 Secōdly how Christ did most willingly giue himselfe to death Ioh. 10.15 13.12 Phil. 2. Thirdly how Iudas his seruant betraied him for money Matth. 26.48 Fourthly how the Scribes Priests Pharisies most gladly gaue money and reioyced therein Luke 22.5 Fiftly how Pilate deliuered him to death for feare Iohn 19.12 13. Sixtly how satan sought the same brought it to passe by his instruments Iohn