him deny himselfe and take vp his crosse and follow me For whosoever shall saue his life shall loose it and whosever will loose his life for my sake shall find it For what is a man profited if hee gaine the whole world and loose his owne soule And what shall a man giue in exchange for his soule Math. 16.24 Know yee not that they which runne in a race runne all yet one receiveth the prize So runne that you may obtaine And every one that proveth masterie abstaineth from all things and they doe it to obtaine a corruptible Crowne but wee for an incorruptible 1. Cor. 9.24 Therefore indure hardnesse as a good souldier of IESVS CHRIST No man that warreth intangleth himselfe with the affaires of this life that he may please him who hath chosen hâ—m to be a souldier And if a man also striue for a masterie yet is he not crowned except he striue lawfully The husbandman that laboureth must first be partakers of the fruits Consider what I say and the Lord giue thee vnderstanding in all things 2. Tim. 2.3 Math. 10.37 Q. When wee haue done what we can will our well-doing merit Heaven A. Not by workes of righteousnesse which we haue done but according to his mercy he saveth vs by the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which hee shed on vs abundantly through IESVS CHRIST our Saviour that being iustified by his Grace wee should be made heyres according to the hope of Eternall life Tit. 3.5 Ephes 2.8 CHAP. XVIII Of eternall Death Q. YOu haue well satisfied me concerning the happinesse of the Saints after the day of Iudgment shew me also more fully what shall then bee the punishment of the wicked A. They shall see Abraham Isaac and Iacob and all the Prophets in the Kingdome of GOD and themselues thrust out Luk. 13.28 2. They shall be delivered to the tormentors Math. 18 34. who shall bind them hand and foot Math. 22 13. and cast them into a furnace of fire Mat. 13.42 which is vnquenchable Math. 3.12 The place is deepe and large the pile thereof is fire and much wood the breath of the Lord of hosts like a streame of brimstone doth kindle it Isa 30 33. There they shall be scorched with great heat so as they shall blaspheame the name of God which hath power over these plagues There shall be great darknesse and they shall gnaw their tongues for paine Reuel 16.9 10. For they shall drinke of the wine of the wrath of GOD which is powred out without mixture into the cup of his indignation and they shall bee tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy Angels and in the presence of the Lambe And the smoake of their torment ascendeth vp for ever and euer and they shall haue no rest day nor right Reu. 14.10 For their worme shall not dye neither shall their fire be quenched Isa 66.24 Even as Sodome and Gomorrha and the Cities about them in like manner giving themselues over to Fornication and going after strange flesh are set foorth for an example of suffering the vengeance of Eternall fire Iud. v. 7. Iob. 21 30. Math. 13 42. Psal 119.155.9 17. Ier. 17 13. Math. 8 12. Ob. This is but a meere scar-crow and therefore wee will goe on and prosper A. O serpents the generation of vipers how can yee escape the damnation of Hell Math. 23.33 For doe you commit such things and doe you thinke to escape the Iudgement of GOD Rom. 2.3 Haue yee not asked them that goe by the way And doe yee not know their tokens That the wicked is reserved to the day of Destruction they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath Iob 21.29 Ob. It may be the base rabble cannot escape Hell but my greatnesse will beare me out well enough A. Riches profit not in the day of wrath Prou. 11.4 For Dives though rich went to Hell when as Lazarus though poore was caried into Heaven Luk. 16.23 Moreouer Tophet is ordained of old for the King it is prepared Isa 30 33. Therefore Hell hath inlarged it selfe and hath opened his mouth without measure and their glory and their multitude and their pompe and he that reioyceth among them shall descend into it Isa 5.14 For God accepteth not the person of Princes nor regardeth the rich more than the poore for they are all the worke of his hands Iob 34 19. Luk. 10.15 Ob. These teâ—rours may concerne Turkes and Papists and Pagans but for such as liue in the bosome of the Church they shall neuer as I hope be touched with them A. Euen in the Church also there are many called but few chosen Math. 20 16. As in a great house there are vessels not onely of gold and of silver but also of wood and of earth and some to honour and some to d shonour 2. Tim. 2 20. And the children of the Kingdome shall be cast out into outer darknesse Math. 8.12 For the Sonne of man shall send forth his Angels and they shall gather out of his kingdome all things that offend and them that doe iniquitie Math. 13 41. These are the tares which shall be bound in bundles to â—e burnt Math. 13 30.13 47.3.7 8.10 1â— Ob. Lord haue we not eaten and drunken in thy presence and hast thou not taught in our streets Luk. 13 26. And haue not most of thy mighty workes beene done amongst vs Math. 11.20 A. Woe vnto thee Corazin woe vnto thee Bethsaida for if the mighty workes which were done in you had beene done in Tire and Sidon they would haue repented long agoe in sack-cloathand ashes But I say vnto you it shall be more tollerable for Tire and Sidon at the day of Iudgement then for you And thou Capernaum which art exalted vnto Heaven shalt bee brought downe to Hell for if the mighty workes which haue beene done in thee had beene done in Sodome it would haue remained vntill this day But I say vnto you that it shall be more tollerable for the Land of Sodome in the day of Iudgement than for thee Math. 11.21 Ob. But Lord haue wee not Prophesied in thy Name and in thy name cast out Devils Math. 7.22 A. I professe vnto you I neuer knew you depart from me yee workers of iniquitie Math. 7.23 Q. What then may the condemnation of Hell teach vs A. Therefore dearely beloued avenge not your selues but giue place vnto wrath for it is written vengeance is mine I will repay it saith the LORD Rom. 12 19 Math. 7 1. Eccl. 3 17. 2 Knowing the terror of the Lord we perswade men 2. Cor. 5 11 to mortifie their members which are vpon the earth fornication vncleannesse inordâ—nate affection evill concupisence and couetousnes which is idolatry for which things sake the wrath of God commeth on the children of disobedâ—ence 3 Col. 5 And enter yee in at the straight gate for wide is the Gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and
or tender Conscience and of Cauils from the wilfully obstinate I haue Dialogue-wise contriued the same into Question and Answer And such things as in which the Scripture is more plenteous I haue answereâ— one Question with many Scriptures Which the ignorant Reader aduisedly comparing together that is to say the darke and obscure places with those which aâ— more plaine and easie and the Questioâ— with the answer he shall find his Iudgemenâ— also in the vnderstanding of such places something bettered thereby And if in 〈◊〉 doing hee shall find himselfe yet to seek anâ— therfore do say as the Eunuch vnto PHILIP How shall I vnderstand these things withouâ— a guide Act 8.31 Because the Priests lip are to preserue knowledge let him thereforâ— seeke the Law at their mouth Mal. 2.7 â— That by conference with some learned anâ— godly Minister the knots being vnloosed and the hard shell broken to his hand hee may through GODS blessing at thâ— last attaine vnto the sweetnesse of thâ— Kernell which is the true sence of Scripture Which worke now some yeeres past I hauing finished and at the first onset intended for my owne priuate Notwithstanding by the incouragement of somâ— learned and instigation of other Christiaâ— friends I haue yeelded the same as thoâ— seest to the Presse for the vse of many By which my labour if thou findest thy selfe any thing helped in thy ioy or some other way Christianly edyfied leauing the Instrument to vanish in his owne obscurity let thine eyes bee fixed on him who by the mouthes of Babes and Sucklings is able to make perfect his owne praise Vnto whose Grace I commend thee Thine if his owne F. B. The Author would desire the Reader to Correct such escapes of thâ— Presse as 〈◊〉 shall meet withall whicâ— for lacâ—◠〈◊〉 â—â—â—e and leisure coulâ— not bee pâ—â—◠〈◊〉 A Catalogue of Chapters CHAP. 1 THe Preface or Introduction PAGE 1 CHAP. 2 Christ promised PAGE 4 CHAP. 3 Christ exhibited PAGE 7 CHAP. 4 Vnion and Communion with Christ and his members PAGE 18 CHAP. 5 Iustification PAGE 29 CHAP. 6 Reconciliation where of Peace and Iâ—â— PAGE 51 CHAP. 7 Adopâ—â—â—n and Regeneration PAGE 57 CHAP. 8 Godâ—â—â—â—rly d sposition to his PAGE 66 CHAP. 9 God 〈◊〉 Prayers PAGE 72 CHAP. 10 God 〈◊〉 his in their services PAGE 84 CHAP. 11 Go◠〈◊〉 â—eth his in well doing PAGE 87 CHAP. 12 God 〈◊〉 â—uch his in their wayes PAGE 96 CHAP. 13 The 〈◊〉 of Angels PAGE 99 CHAP. 14 Alâ—â—â—â—ngs worke for good to the goâ—â—y PAGE 100 CHAP. 15 Comforts against Death where Of the Resurrection PAGE 102 CHAP. 16 Of the last Iudgement PAGE 112 CHAP. 17 Of eternall Life PAGE 125 CHAP. 18 Of eternall Death PAGE 140 CHAP. 19 Of Sanctification in generall PAGE 146 CHAP. 20 Of Knowledge PAGE 152 Of Faith PAGE 154 Of Trust PAGE 155 Of Hope PAGE 157 CHAP. 21 Of Leite PAGE 159 Of Feare PAGE 160 Of Sorrow PAGE 162 Of Humility PAGE 163 CHAP. 22 Of Zeale PAGE 165 CHAP. 23 Of Charity PAGE 170 Of Iustice PAGE 174 Of Content PAGE 179 CHAP. 24 Of Sincerity PAGE 181 Of Perseverance PAGE 188 CHAP. 25 Of Temptations in generall PAGE 194 Of Temptations of the Flesh PAGE 195 CHAP. 26 Of Temptations of the Deuill PAGE 203 CHAP. 27 Of Temptations of the World PAGE 210 On the left hand Afflictions in generall PAGE 211 CHAP. 28 Of Persecutions PAGE 243 On the right hand CHAP. 29 Of evill Examples PAGE 279 CHAP. 30 Of false Teachers PAGE 282 CHAP. 31 Of outward Prosperity PAGE 294 CHAP. 32 Of the Word of God PAGE 299 CHAP. 33 Of Ministers PAGE 319 CHAP. 34 Of the Sacraments PAGE 339 CHAP. 35 Of Dicipline PAGE 347 CHAP. 36 Of the continuance of these meanes of grace with Gods blessing on them PAGE 351 CHAP. 37 Of Temporall blessings PAGE 356 Long life PAGE 357 CHAP. 38 Of Preseruation from dangers PAGE 361 CHAP. 39 Of Deliuerance out of trouble PAGE 374 CHAP. 40 Of outward Prosperity PAGE 385 CHAP. 41 Of the Land for Possession PAGE 393 Much people PAGE 395 CHAP. 42 Of good Gouernment PAGE 397 CHAP. 43 Of Peace PAGE 417 Of Food PAGE 418 Of Health PAGE 425 CHAP. 44 Of Strength PAGE 42â— Of Beautie PAGE 42â— Of Wisdome PAGE 43â— CHAP. 45 Of Wealth PAGE 43â— CHAP. 46 Of Fauour of men PAGE 44â— Of a good Name PAGE 44â— Of Honour PAGE 44â— Of the vse of Earthly things PAGE 44â— CHAP. 47 Promises concerning the seed of the faithfull PAGE 44â— CHAP. 48 Of the vse of all the Promises PAGE 47â— CHAP. 49 Of the Properties of the Promises PAGE 47â— CHAP. 50 Of the obiects to whom the Promise doe belong PAGE 49â— CHAP. 51 Of the wicked and of their reward PAGE 50â— CHAP. 52 Of the wicked convinced of sinne PAGE 51â— CHAP. 53 Of the wicked convinced of Iudgment PAGE 52â— CHAP. 54 Of the sinner Converted PAGE 54â— GODS Treasurie displayed in his Promises according to their kindes extended to the Faithfull CHRIST Pag. 4. Vnion pag 18. Communion 23. All things Spirituall Iustification pag. 29. Parts Forgiuenesse of sinnes pag. 30. Imputed righteousnesse 41. Fruits Reconciliation where of Peace pag. 51. Ioy. pag. 51. Adoption and so GOD Makes sonnes in Right of adoption 87. Conformity pag. 62. Assurance pag 63. Giues prerogatiues Exercised by Loue. p. 66 The fâ—uites in regâ—rd of persons Esteeming of Pag. 66 Delighting in Pag. 67 Caring for pa. 68 actions by accepting of Prayers pag. 72 Workes pag. 84 Expressed Present doing good by himselfe to Reward p. 87 Guide p. 96 Angels to guard pag. 99 causing all things to worke for good pa. 100 Future in Time Death pag 102 Resurrection 103 Last judgement pag. 112 Eternity pag. 125 Sanctification the Grace wrought in them in Generall pag. 146. Speciall pag. 151. Knowledge Pag. 152 Faith pag. 154 Trust pag. 159 Hope pag. 157 Loue. pag. 159 Feare pag. 160 Sorrow pa. 162 Humility p. 163 Repentance Pag. 164 Zeale pag. 165 Charity p. 170 Iustice pag. 174 Content p. 179 Sincerity Pag. 181 Perseuerance pag. 188 working by them in withstanding the Flesh pag. 294. Deuill pa. 203. World p. 210 Frowning 211. Fawning 279 Meanes Word 299 Sacraments 239 Discipline 347 Temporall In Generall pag. 356 Speciall Life pag. 357 comforts of Life Freedome from euill pag. 361 Fruition of good Generall pag. 386 Speciall Land for possession pag. 393 Much people p. 395 Good gouernment pag. 397 Peace pag. 417 Food pag. 418 Health pa. 425 Strength pag. 427 Beauty pag. 429 Wisdome pag 430 Wealth pag 436 Fauour with men pag 440 A good Name Pag. 442 Honour pag 442 Seed Hauing Children pag. 449. Blessing on children p. 453. Circumstances Properties as Made True pag. 474. Free pag. 479. Generall pag. 485. Executed Speedy pag. 489. Constant pag. 490. Vnresistable pag. 495. Obiects Threatnings Propound pag. 505 Illustrated whereby the sinner is Conuinced of Sinne. pag. 513 Iudgement pag. 522. Conuerted pag. 540. GODS TREASVRY Displayed
before vs whâ—ch hope we haue as anker of the soule both sure and stedfast and which entreth into that which is within the vaile whether the fore-runner is for vs entred Heb. 6.17 Q. Shew me then some marks wherby I may discerne whether or no my selfe am one of that number which shal be saued A. 1. This is life Eternall that wee know him to be the onely true God and IESVS CHRIST whom he hath sent Ioh. 17.3 2. GOD so loued the world that hee gaue his onely begotten Son that whosoeuer beleeueth in him should not perish but haue euerlasting life Ioâ— 3.16 These things I write vnto you that beleeue in the name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye haue eternall life 1. Ioh. 5.13 Ioh. 5.24.3.36 Acts 16.31 3. It shall be that whosoeuer shal call on the name of the Lord shall be saued Act. 2 21. 4. We know that we are passed from death to life because we loue the brethreÌ„ 1. Io. 3.14 5. Whosoeuer shall humble himselfe and become as a little child the same is great in the Kingdome of GOD. Mat. 18.4 Mat 5.3.19.14 6 The Kingdome of Heauen suffereth violence and the violent take it by force Mat. 11.12 and for ioy thereof depart and sell all that they haue to purchase it Mat. 13.44 5.10 7. There shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth nor whosoever worketh abomination or that maketh a lie Reu. 21.27 For without are dogs and Sorcerers and Whoremongers and Murtherers Idolaters Reu. 22.15 Neither shall any that worketh abhomination enter into the Kingdome of GOD. Reu. 21.27 The sinners in Zion are afraid fearefulnesse shall surprise the Hypocrites Who among vs shall dwell with the devouring fire who among vs shall dwell with the everlasting burnings He that walketh righteously and speaketh vprightly he that despiseth the gaine of the oppressions that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes and stoppeth his eare from hearing of blood and shutteth his eyes from seeing of euill hee shall dwell on high Isa 33.14 And to him that ordereth his conuersation aright will I shew the salvation of GOD. Psal 5â— 23.15.1.119.155 Math. 5.19 Ier. 17.13 Ob. These things in some measure I doe find to be in my selfe yet my griefe is that I can be no more sencible of this happinesse A. 1. Now wee see through a glasse darkly but then face to face Now wee know in part But then shall wee know even as also wee are knowne 1. Cor. 13.12 2. We are saved by hope but hope that is seene is not hope For what a man seeth why doth hee hope for it But if we hope for that we see not then doe we with patience waite for it Rom. 8.24 As well as IACOB who said I haue waited for thy salvation O LORD Gen. 49.18 1. Pet. 1.9 3. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seene Heb. 11.1 Whom hauing not seene you loue in whom though you see him not yet beleeuing you reioyce with ioy vnspeakable and full of glory receiuing the end of your faith the saluation of your soules 1. Pet. 1.8 4. For this end pray saying Restore vnto mee the ioy of thy salvation and vphold me with thy free spirit Psal 51.12 And then with ioy shall you draw water out of the wels of saluation Isa 12.3 Ob. I am beset with so many enemies that my feare is I shall fall short of Heauen A. We are kept by the power of GOD through faith vnto saluation ready to bereuealed in the last times 1. Pet. 1.5 When Christ shall put downe all rule and all authority and power For he must reigne till he haue put all his enemies vnder his feet the last whereof that shall be destroyed is death For hee hath put all things vnder his feet but when hee saith all things are put vnder him it is manifest that he is excepted which did put all things vnder him 1. Cor. 15.24 Q. Seeing GOD haâ—h prouided for vs such an inheritance what therefore are we to doe A. 1. We are bound to giue thankes alwayes to GOD because GOD hath from the beginning chosen vs to saluation through sanctification of the spirit and the beliefe of the truth Whereunto hee called vs by the Gospell to the obtaining of the glory of the Lord IESVS CHRIST 2. Thes 2.13 1. Pet. 1.3.4 2 Because the Scriptures are callâ—d the Word of the Kingdome Mat. 13.19 Search the Scrâ—ptures for in them ye thinke to haue eternall life Ioh. 5.39 In which because some things are hard to be vnderstood 2. Pet. 3.16 Let euery man be swift to heare Iam. 1.19 For after that in the Wisedome of GOD the World by Wisedome knew not GOD it pleased GOD by the foolishnes of Preaching to saue them that beleeue 1. Cor. 1.21 3. Seeing wee here haue no continuing City but we seeke one to come Heb. 13.14 And the time here being short it remaineth that both they that haue Wiues be as though they had none and they that weepe as though they wept not and they that reioyce as though they reioyced not and they that buy as though they possessed not and they that vse this world as not abusing it for the fashion of this World passeth away 1. Cor. 7.29 And wee according to his Promise looke for new Heauens and a new earth where dwelleth Righteousnesse 2. Pet. 3.13 Ioh. 6.27 4. Make you friends of the Mammon of vnrighteousnesse that when yee faile they may receiue you into everlasting habitations Luk. 16.9 Sell that yee haue and giue Almes and prouide your selues Bags which waxe not old and treasures in Heaven that faile not Luk. 12.33 Matth. 6.19 5. Hauing therefore these promises let vs cleanse our selues from all filthines of flesh and spirit perfecting holinesse in the feare of GOD 2. Cor. 7.1 And let vs feare left a promise being left vs of entring into his rest any of you should seeme to come short of it Heb. 4.1 Wherein we ought to giue the more earnest heed to the things which wee haue heard least at any time wee should let them slip For if the Word spoken by Angels was stedfast and every transgression and disobedience receiued a iust recompence of reward how shall wee escape if wee neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the LORD and was confirmed to vs by them that heard him Heb. 2.1 Wherefore the rather brethren giue diligence to make your calling and election sure for if yee doe these things yee shall never fall For so an entrance shall be ministred to you abundantly into the everlast ng Kingdome of our Lord and Saviour IESVS CHRIST 2. Pet. 1.10 11. Râ—u 22.14 Heb. 12 28. 1. Cor 15 34 Râ—m 13.11 1. Cor. 6.9 Tit. 2.11 Q You tell me of Heaven and if these bee the condâ—tions of attaining it how shall I â—e animated to come there A. If any man will come after me let
Rom. 3.23 by the Law comes the knowledge of sinne Rom. 3.20 Whereby sâ— many as are of the workes of the Law arâ— vnder the curse Gal. 3.10 Whereupon the Gentiles which followed not righteousnes haue attained to righteousnes euen the righteousnesse which is of faith But Israel which followed after the Law of righteousnes hath not attained the Law of righteousnes wherefore because they sought it not by faith but as it were by the workes of the Law For they stumbled at the stumbling stone Rom. 9.30 And if Abraham were iustified by workes he hath whereof to glorie but not before GOD Rom. 4.2 Seeing then it is one God which shall iustifie the circumcision by faith and vncircumcision through faith Rom. 3.30 Therefore wee conclude that a man is iustified by faith without the deeds of the Law Rom. 3.28 1 Cor. 4.4 Rom. 3 21 22. Gal. 2.16 3.8.4.3.2 Ob. But there rose vp certaine of the sect of the Pharises which beleeued saying That it was needfull to circumcise them and commanded to keepe the whole Law of Moses Acts 15.5 A. Men and brethren you know how that a good while agoe God made choyce among vs that the Gentiles by my mouth should heare the Word of the Gospell and beleeue now therefore these men did but tempt God in putting a yoke vpon the necke of the Disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to beare Acts 15.7.10 Ob. Moses himselfe describeth the righteousnesse which is of the Law that the man which doth those things shall liue by them A. But the righteousnesse which is 〈◊〉 faith speaketh on this wise Say noâ— thou in thine heart Who shall ascenâ— into Heauen that is to bring downe CHRIST from aboue Or who shalâ— descend downe into the deepe that is to bring CHRIST from the dead But what saith it The Word is nigh thee euen in thy mouth and in thine heart that is the Word of faith which wee preach And which with the heart wee beleeue vnto righteousnesse Rom. 10.6 Q. Is the Law then against the promise A. GOD forbid For if there had beene a Law giuen which could haue giuen life verily righteousnesse should haue beene by the Law but the Scripture hath concluded all vnder sinne that the promise of the faith of IESVS CHRIST might bee giuen to them that beleeue Gal. 3.21 Q. If righteousnesse be not by the Law why was it exhibited The Law was added because of transgressions till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made Galathians 3.19 And it was our Schoolemaster to bring vs to Christ Gal. 3.24 Moreouer the Law entred that the offence might abound but where sinne abounded grace did much more abound that as sinne had reigned vnto death so might grace reigne through righteousnesse vnto eternall life by IESVS CHRIST our Lord Romanes 5.20 21. Ob. But if while wee seeke to bee iustified by CHRIST wee our selues are found sinners Is therefore Christ the minister of sinne Gal. 2.17 A. GOD forbid For if I builde againe the things which I destroyed I make my selfe a trespasser For I through the Law am deade to the Law that I might liue vnto GOD Gal. 2.17 You therefore are as free anâ— not vsing your liberty for a cloke of maliciousnesse but as the seruants of God 1 Pet 2.16 But if ye are lead by the spirit ye arâ— not vnder the Law Gal. 5.18 The fruitâ— whereof is loue ioy peace long-suffering gentlense goodnes faith meeknes teÌ„perance against such there is no Law Gal. 5.22 Q. You haue well satisfied me in the article of iustification tell me therefore what vse I am to make thereof A. 1 Let the wicked forsake his way and the vnrighteous man his thoughts and let him returne vnto the Lord for hee will haue mercy vpon him and to our God for hee will abundantly pardon Isai 55.7 and will blot out their sinnes when the time of refreshing shall come Acts 3.19 But if they will not obey his voyce let them beware of him for hee will not pardon their transgressions Exo. 23.21 But the soule that doth presumptuously shall be cut off from among his people Numbers 15.30 31. 2. Take vnto you words and turne vnto the Lord and say vnto him Take away all iniquity and receiue vs graciousty Hosea 14.2 Pardon I beseech thee mine iniquities according to the greatnesse of thy mercies Numb 14.19 And enter not into iudgement with thy seruant for in thy sight shall no man liuing be iustified Psal 143.2 and 41.4.51.1 c. 25.11 3 Because when you haue thus praied the Lord wil say I haue pardoned according to thy words Num. 14.20 therfore hope in the Lord for with the Lord there is mercy and with him is plentifull redemptionâ— Psal 130.7 131.3 4 Say Who is a God like vnto thee that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgresions of the remnant of his heritage he retaineth not his anger for euer because he delighteth in mercy Micah 7.18 Psal 103.1 c. Isa 44.23 5 Say Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods children It is God that iustifieth who is he that condemneth It is Christ that is dead yea rather that is risen againe who is euen at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for vs Rom. 8.33 For in the Lord shall the seed of Israel be iustified shall glory Isa 45.25 61.10 6 Account therefore all things but losse for the excellent knowledge of Christ Iesus your Lord. For whom Paul also suffered the losse of all things and did account them but dung that he might winne Christ and be found in him not hauing his owne righteousnesse which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousnesse which is of GOD through faith Phil. 3.8.9 and 3.3 c. 7 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free and be not intangled againe in the yoke of bondage Gal. 5.1 8 What shall wee say then shall wee continue still in sinne that grace may abound God forbid Rom. 6.1 2. And shall wee sinne because we are not vnder the Law but vnder grace God forbid For brethren you haue beene called vnto liberty onely vse not your liberty for an occasion to the flesh Gal. 5.13 Romanes 7.5 6 2 Cor. 5.14 15. 1 Peter 4.1 c. Rom. 7.1 c. 8.12 9 Be ye kind one to another tender hearted forgiuing one another euen as God for Christs sake hath forgiuen you Eph. 4.32 For if you forgiue men their trespasses your heauenly Father will also forgiue â—ou But if you doe not forgiue men their trespasses no more will your heauenly Father forgiue you your trespasses Math. 6.14.15 Col. 3.13 Mat. 18.22 Math. 18.33 CHAP. VI. Reconciliation Q. YOu hauing thus dispatched the promise of iustification tell me what grace is that which doth next and immediately flow from it A. Beeing iustified by faith wee haue peace towards God through our Lord Iesus Christ
for our good Iob 34.14 Eccles 3.18.11.8.9.10 1 Kings 2.10 Acts 13.36 Iohn 8.52 Gen. 3.19 2 Sam. 3.38 Iob 9.25.14.5 Psa 90.10.103.15.144.4.39.12.39.4 5. 1 Chron 29.15 Isa 40.6 Prou 19.20 Numb 23.10 Acts 22 9. A. Man indeed is not Lord ouer the Spirit to retaine the Spirit neither hath he power in the day of death Eccles 8.8 Yet the day of death is better than the day of ones birth Eccles 7.1 For I heard a voyce from heauen saying vnto mee write Blessed are the dead which dye in the Lord from hencefoorth yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labours Reuel 14.13 For the wicked haue there câ—aseâ— from their tyranny and there they that laboured valiantly are at rest The prisoners rest together and heare not the voâ—ce of the oppressour and the seruant is free from his master Iob 3.17 Peace shall then come they shall rest in their beds euery one that walketh before him Isa 57.2 2 Though they die yet their works die not but doe follow thâ—m Reuel 14.13 And when the wicked by death are driuen away in his wickednesse yet the righteous hath hope in his death Prou. 14.32 Rom 14.8 Prou 11.7 Q. Why can these dead bones liue Ezech. 37.3 A. Thy dead men shall liue together with my dead body shall they arise Isa 26 19. For since by man came death by man came the resurrection of the dead And as in Adam all dye so in Christ shall all be made aliue 1 Cor 15.21 And therefore we haue hope towards God that the resurrection shall be of the iust and vniust Acts 24.15 Ezech. 37.5 Psalm 90.3 Q. There is no article of faith doth more stagger mee than this of the resurrection and therefore I pray helpe to confirme me in it A. Meruaile not at this for the houre is comming in the which all that are in the graues shall heare his voyce and shall come forth Iohn 5.28 Now that the dead are raised vp euen Moses sheweth at the bush when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham the God of Isaack and the God of Iacob for hee is not the God of the dead but of the liuing for all liue vnto him Luke 20.37 Why then should it be thought an incredible thing with you that God should raise the dead Acts 26.8 Q. Make the certainty of the resurrection further to appeare by some examples of such as haue beene raised vp from the dead A. The sonne of the Shunamite being dead was by the Prophet Elisha restored vnto his mother aliue 2 Kings 4.32 A dead man also being let downe into the sepulcher of Elisha hee reuiued and stood vpon his feet 2 Kings 13.21 And when Christ with a loude voyce said vnto Lazarus arise and come forth then he that was dead came forth bound hand and foot with the graue clothes Iohn 11.43 Likewise at the death of Christ the graues were opened and many of the bodies of the Saints which slept arose and came out of the graues after his resurrection and went into the holy Citty and appeared vnto many Math. 27.52 Remember also that Iesus Christ made of the seed of DAVID was raised againe from the dead according to my Gospell 2 Tim. 2.8 Now if Christ be preached that hee rose from the dead how say some among you that there is no resurrection from the dead 1 Cor. 15.12.1.15.4 Acts 10.40 Reueâ— 1.18 Acts 13.30 Gal. 1.1 Acts 26.23 Q. What doth it concerne me thâ—â— Christ is raised from the dead A. Very much for Christ being râ—sen from the dead is become the first fruite of them that sleepe 1 Cor. 15.20 Aâ— this is a faithfull saying that if we be deâ— with him we shall also liue with him 2 Tim 2.11 For God that hath raised vp thâ— Lord will raise vp vs by his owne poweâ— 1 Cor. 6.14 who by him doe beleeue iâ— God that raised him vp from the dead anâ— gaue him glory that your faith and hopâ— might be in God 1 Pet. 1 2â— 2 Corin. â— 14. Rom. 8.11 Ob. But death is called the King 〈◊〉 terrours Iob. 18.14 who then caâ— ouercome it A. I am saith Christ the resurrectioâ— and the life he that beleeueth in me thougâ— hee were dead yet shall hee liue Iohn 11 25. I will ransome them from the poweâ— of the graue I will redeeme them from deatâ— O death I will be thy plague O graue will be thy destruction The sting of death sinne and the strength of sin is the Law â—t thankes be to God which hath giuen â—s victory through our Lord Iesus Christ Cor. 15.55 Psal 68.20 Hosea 13.14 Ob. I may be drowned in the sea and â—euoured of fishes A. The sea shall giue vp the dead which â—ein it and death and hell shall deliuer â—p the dead which were in them Reuel 20. â—3 Ob. Though I should be buried in â—he earth yet amidst so many bodies â—onsumed to dust and so confusedly â—ixed my body may be lost A. This is the Fathers will which hath â—ent mee that of all which he hath giuen me should loose nothing but should raise it vp â—gaine at the last day Ioh. 6.39 Ob. The same bodies for number â—hat dyed may bee raised from the dead but not the same in identitie of bodies A. I know my Redeemer liueth and that hee shall stand the latter day vpon the earth and though after my skinne worâ— destroy this body yet in my flesh shall see God whom I shall see for my selfe aâ— mine eyes shall behold and not anotheâ— though my reines be consumed within mâ— Iob 19.25 Iohn 11.24 Q. How are the dead raised vp and wiâ— what bodies doe they come 1 Cor. 15.35 A. Thou foole that which thou sowest not quickned except it dye and that whiâ—â— thou sowest thou sowest not that body thâ— shall be but bare graine it maybe chaâ—â— wheate or some other grain But God giueâ— it a body as it pleaseth him and to euery seâ— his own body c. So also is the resurrectiâ—â— from the dead It is sowne in corruption is raised in incorruption It is sowne in diâ—honor it is raised in glory it is sowneâ— weaknesse tt is raised in power it sowneâ— naturall body it is raised a spirituall bodâ— 1 Corin. 15.36 Q. You say that all shall be raysed wherein then will stand the difference betweene the Elect and reprobate at that day A. As with Pharaohes chiefe butler and chiefe baker whose heads were both lifted vp but the one vnto his butlership the other vnto the gallowes to be hanged vp Gen. 40.20 So all both good and bad shall come forth They that haue done good vnto the resurrection of life and they that haue done euill vnto the resurrection of damnation Ioh. 5.29 Dan. 12.2.13 Q. What shall become of them who shall be found aliue at the generall resurrection A. Behold I shew you a mystery we shall not all sleepe but we shall all be changed in a moment in the twinkling of
an eye at the last trumpe for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed 1 Cor. 15.51 Q. Now I know that wee shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day Ioh. 11.24 What therefore would you thence inferre A. 1 Concerning them that sleepe that ye sorrow not euen as others without hope For if we beleeue that Iesus died and rose againe euen so them also which sleepe in Iesus wâ— God bring with him 1 Thes 4.13 2 Though I walke in the valley of tâ—â— shaddow of death I will feare no euill foâ— thou art with mee thy â—od and thy staâ— comfort mee Psalm 23.4 Therefoâ—â— also my heart is glad my glory reioycetâ— my flesh also shall rest in hope for thou wiâ—â— not leaue my soule in hell Psal 16.9 3. Let vs therefore which haue the firâ— fruites of the spirit groane within our selueâ— waiting for the adoption to wit the redemâ—tion of our bodies Rom. 8.23 4 Let none of vs liue or die to our selueâ— for whether wee liue wee liue vnto thâ— Lord or whether we dye we dye vnto thâ— Lâ—â—â— For to this purpose Christ dye◠〈…〉 and reuiued that he might be the Lord both of the dead and liuing Rom 14.7 Wherefore labour we that whether present or ahsent wee may be accepted oâ— him 2 Cor. 5.9 Q. When this dust returneth to thâ— earth Eccle. 12.7 who knoweth the spiriâ— of a man that goeth vpward and the spirit oâ— the beast that goeth downeward to the earth Eccles 3.21 A. Wee know that if this earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolued wee haue a building of God an house not made with hands but eternall in the heauens 2 Cor. 5.1 For the spirit shall returne to God that gaue it Eccles 12.7 and shall bee with Christ in Paradise Luke 23.43 And with Lazarus in Abrahams bosome Luke 16.22 Q. How stand you affected with this A. I am in a straite betwixt two hauing a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Pbil. 1.23 For in this wee groane earnestly desiring to be clothed vpon with our house which is from heauen if so be that being clothed wee shall not be found naked For we that are in this tabernacle doe groane being burdened not for that we would be vnclothed but clothed vpon that mortality might be swallowed vp of life 2 Cor. 5.2 Therefore wee are alwaies confident knowing that whilest wee are at home in the body wee are absent from the Lord for wee walke by faith and not by sight wee are confident I say and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord 2 Corin. 5.6 Math. 17.4 CHAP. XVI Of the last iudgement Ob. WHat we shall haue after death I cannot say but in these daies of my vanity I haue seen there is a iust man that perisheth in his righteousnesse and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickednesse Ecces 7.15 yea the tabernacles of robbers prosper and they that prouoke God are secure for into their hand God bringeth abundantly Iob 12.6 Behold these are the vngodly who prosper in the world they increase in riches verily I haue cleansed my heart in vaine and washed my hands in innocency For all the day long I haue been plagued and chastened euery morning Psal 73.12 13. Ier. 5.27.12 1. Eccl. 8.14 A. God hath appointed a day in which he will iudge the world in righteousnesse by that man whom hee hath ordained whereof he hath giuen assurance vnto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead Acts 17.31 So that we shall all stand before the Iudgement seat of Christ Rom. 14.10 Who shall iudge his people Heb. 10.30 Vnto whom they also must come to giue an account 1. Pet. 4.5 Heb. 9.27 Psal 96.13.98.9 Eccles 11.9 Ob. Where is the promise of his comming For since the Fathers fell a sleepe all things continue as they were from the beginning 2 Pet. 3.4 A. This you are willingly ignorant of that by the Word of GOD the Heauens were of old and the earth standing out of the water and in the water whereby the world that then was being ouerflowed with water perished But the Heauens and the earth which are now by the same word are kept in store reserued vnto fire againsâ— the day of Iudgement and perdition of vngodly men But beloued be not ignorant of this one thing that one day is with the Lord as â— thousand yeares and a thousand yeares a one day The Lord is not slacke concerning his promise as some men couâ— slacknesse but is long suffering to vs ward not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance 2. Pet. 3.5 Q. Tell vs then when these thing shall be and what shall be the signes oâ— the end of the World Mat. 24.3 A. 1 Before the end come many shall come in CHRISTS name saying I am CHRIST and many false Prophets shall arise Mat. 24.5.11 2 The day shall not come except there come a falling away first 2. Thes 2.3 and many be deceiued Mat. 24.5.11 3 That man of sinne shall first be reuealed the sonne of perdition who opposeth and exalteth himselfe aboue all that is called GOD or that is worshipped 2. Thes 2.3.4 4 You shall heare of warres and rumors of warres for Nation shall rise against Nation Kingdome against Kingdome but the end shall not be yet Mat. 24.6.7 5 Because iniquity shall be increased the loue of many shall waxe cold Mat. 24.12 6 This Gospell of the Kingdome shall be preached in all the world for a witnesse vnto all Nations and then shall the end come Mat. 24.14 7 When the fulnesse of the Gentiles is come in all Israell shall be saued as it is written The deliuerer shall come out of Sion and shall turne away vngodlinesse from Iacob Rom. 11.25 8 As it was in the dayes of Noah so shall it be also in the dayes of the Sonne of Man they did eate they dranke they married wiues they were given in marriage vntill the day that Noah went into the Arke and the Flood came and destroyed them all Likewise also as it was in the dayes of Lot they did eate they dranke they bought they sold they planted they builded but the same day that Lot went out of Sodome it rained fire and brimstone from heauen and destroyed them all euen thus shall it bee in the day when the Sonne of man is reuealed Luke 17.26 And when they shall say peace and safety then sudden destruction commeth vpon them as trauell vpon a woman with child 1. Thes 5.3 Or as a thiefe by night 2. Pet. 3.10 Reuel 16.15 Math. 24.38 Now learne a parable of the Fig tree when his branch is yet tender and putteth foorth leaues ye know that summer is nigh Math. 24.32 And when ye see a cloud rise out of the West straite way yee say a shower commeth and
iudgement Eccles 11.9 2. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolued what manner of persons oughâ— yee to be in all holy conuersation and godlâ—nes Looking for and hasting vnto the comming of the day of the Lord. And seeinâ— yee looke for such things be diligent thâ— ye may be found of him in peace withoâ—â— spot and blamelesse 2. Pet. 3.11 12 14. And seeing the day of the LORD shall come as a Thiefe in the night 1. Thes 5.2 Blessed are those Seruants whom the Lord when he commeth shall firâ— watching Luk. 12.37 Watch ye therefore and pray alwayes that yee may bee counted worthy to escape all things whicâ— shall come to passe and to stand before thâ— Son of man Luk. 21.36 1. Thes 5.4 Reu. 3 11.16.15 Mar. 25.19 2. Thes 13.5 3 Therefore iudge nothing before the time vntill the Lord come who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkenesse and will make manifest the Councels of the hearts and then shall euery man haue praise with God 1. Cor. 4.5 And say not I will recompense evill but wait on the Lord he shall saue thee Pro. 20.22 Mat. 7.1 Eccl. 3.17 Rom. 12.19 CHAP. XVII Of Eternall Life Q. YOu haue said that after the day of Iudgment GOD will giue Eternall life vnto his children But is â—here any certaintie thereof A. This is the promise that he hath â—romised vnto vs euen Eternall life and â—his life is in his Sonne Ioh. 1.2.25.1.5.11 Vnto whom he hath giuen power ouer all flesh that he should giue Eternall life to as many as GOD his Father hath given him Ioh. 17.2 That whosoeuer liueth and beleeueth in him should neuer die Iob. 11.26 For this corruptible shall put on incorruption and this mortall shall put on immortalitie 1. Cor. 15.53 That as sinne had â—aigned vnto death euen so might Grace â—aigne through Righteousnesse vnto Eâ—ernall Life by IESVS CHRIST our Lord. Rom. 5.21 Ioh. 6.40.47 â— 14.15 Rom. 6.9.6.23 Heb. 9.12 â— 24 Reu. 20.6 Mark 16.19 Psal 133 â— Gen. 5.24 2. King 2.11 Pro. 14 2â— 15.24 Q. Whereunto shall wee bee thâ— like A. Wee shall then be as the Angels GOD. Mat. 22.30 And be made coâ—formable to the Image of his Sonne Roâ— 8.29 When he shall first haue change our vile bodies and made them like vnâ— his glorious body Phil. 3.21 For as the earthly such are they that are earthly and as is the heauenly such are they thâ— are heauenly And as wee haue borne tâ— image of the earthly we shall also beare the image of the heauenly 1. Cor. 15 48. Hauing bodies shining as the brighâ—nesse of the Firmament and as the starreâ— Dan. 12.3 Yea as the Sunne for evâ—â— and ever Matth. 13.43 Exod. 3â— 30.35 Q What manner of dwelling shaâ— we then haue A. Full glorious things are spoken of this Citie of GOD. Psal 87.3 For it is such a City as Abraham looked for whose builder and maker is GOD. Heb. 11.10 The same is a great Citie hauing the glory of GOD whose light is like vnto a stone most precious euen like a Iasper stone cleere as Christall It hath a wall great and high with twelue Gates and at the Gates twelue Angels And the wall of the Citie hath twelue foundations and the Citie lyeth foure square and the length is as large as the breadth twelue thousand furlongs and the length and the bredth and the height of it are equall And the building of the wall it is Iasper and the Citie pure gold like vnto cleere glasse and the foundations of the wall of the Citie are garnished with all manner of precious stones Reuel 21.10 c. Q. What good company shall wee there haue A. 1 All the faithfull for wee shall sit downe with Abraham Isaac and Iacob in the Kingdome of Heauen Maht 8.11 Luk. 13.28 2 CHRIST with whom wee shâ— appeare in glory Col. 3.4 and shâ— for euer be with the Lord 1. Thes 4 17â— who dyed for vs that whether we awake or sleepe we should liue together with him 1. Thes 5.10 And therefore hee gone to prepare a place for vs who wâ— come againe and receiue vs vnto himself to the end that where he is there we mâ— be also Iob. 14.3 to behold his glorâ— Ioh. 17.24.12.26 3 GOD himselfe for I heard great voyce from Heauen saying beholâ— the Tabernacle of GOD is with man anâ— he will dwell with them Reuel 21.3 â— Who shall be as Moses vnto whom thâ— Lord spake face to face as a man speaketâ— to his friend Exod. 33.11 Matth 5.8 Q. But is this house large enough to hold so much company A. In my Fathers house are many mansions if it were not so I would haue tolâ— you I goe to prepare a place for you Ioh 14.2 Q. Shall we then and there be subiect to any more miserie A. The voyce of weeping shall be heard no more there nor the voyce of crying Isa 65 19. For God shall wipe all teares from your eyes Reu. 21.4 You shall hunger no more nor thirst any more neither shall the sonne light on you nor any heate Reuel 7.16 For there is the tree of life the leaues whereof are for the healing of the nations and there shall be no more curse Reu. 22.2 Isa 54 4. Reuel 7.17 14.13 Heb. 4 6. Q. Shall we then haue the benefit of all our earthly comforts and delights we now inioy A. In the resurrection they neither marrie nor are giuen in marriage Math. 22.30 Moreouer there is no temple there Reu. 21.22 they need no candle neither light of the Sunne Reuel 22.25 The Sunne shall be no more a light by day neither for brightnesse shall the Moone giue light vnto them Isa 60.19 Q. What then shall our prouisioâ— bee A. Since the beginning of the world men haue not heard nor perceiued by thâ— eare neither hath the eye seene what GOD hath prepared for them that waiteth foâ— him Isa 64.4 For the Lord GOD Almighty and the Lambe are the Templâ— in it Râ—u 21.22 Who also shall giuâ— them light Râ—u 22.5 and shall bee their glory Isa 60.19 And theâ— shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatnesse of his house and shall bee made tâ— drinke of the Riuers of his pleasures Psal 36.8 For in his presence is fulnesse of ioy and at his right hand there are pleasures for euermore Psal 16.11.17.15 Reuel 22.1.2 1. Cor. 2.9.2.12.2 Ob. This were a large Patrimony if there were any assurance to bee has thereof A. He which stablisheth vs with you in CHRIST and hath anointed vs iâ— GOD who hath also sealed vs and giuen vs the earnest of the spirit in our hearts 2. Cor. 1.21 Wherein GOD willing more aboundantly to shew vnto the heires of Promise the immutability of his Counsell confirmed it by an oath that by two immutable things in which it was not possible that GOD should lye we might haue strong consolatâ—on who haue fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set
written in the Prophets and they shall be all taught of God Every man therefore that heard and hath learned of the Father commeth vnto me Ioh. 6 45. Who then is PAVL And who is APOLLO But the Ministers by whom yee beleeved even as the Lord gaue to euery man I haue planted APOLLO watered but GOD gaue the increase So then neither is hee that planteth any thing neither hee that watereth but God that giueth the increase 1. Cor. 3 5. So that your Faith standeth not in the wisedome of men but in the power of God Howbeit wee speake wisedome among them that are perfect yet not the wisedome of this World nor of the Princes of this world that commeth to nought but we speake the wisedome of God in a mysterie even the hidden wisedome which God ordayned before the World vnto our glory â—â— Cor. 2 4. Whereunto I also labour â—â—â—iving according to his working which 〈◊〉 â—â—th in me mightily Col. 1 29. For 〈◊〉 â—use also thanke wee God without ceaâ—â—â—cause when ye received the Word of God which yee heard of vs yee received it â—ut as the word of men but as it is in truth â—â—e word of God which effectually also worâ—â—th in you that beleeue 1 Thess 2 13. â—lessed therefore art thou Simon Bar-loâ—â—â— for flesh and blood hath not revealed 〈◊〉 vnto thee but my Father which is in Heaven Mat. 16 17. Mark 17 20. 2. Tim. â— 16. 1 Cor. 1 18. Act. 15 17.10 44. Gal. 2 â— 1.11 12. Mâ—cha 3 8. Q. But is euery part of the Word for â—he working of grace of like efficacie A. This onely would I learne of you received you the Spirit by the workes of the Law or by the hearing of Faith Gal. 3 â— For which cause I am not ashamed of â—he Gospell of CHRIST for that is the â—ower of God vnto Salvation to every one that beleeueth Rom. 1 16. For if the ministration of death written and ingraâ—â—n in stones was glorious so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold thâ— face of MOSES for the glory of his countenance which glory was to bee done â—way how shall not that ministration of the Spirit bee rather glorious For if the ministration of condemnation bee glory much more doth the ministration of Righteousnesse exeeed in glory For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect by reason of the glory that excelleth For if that which was done away was glorious much more that which remaineth is glorious 2. Cor. 3.7.1.1.21 Q. What in lieu of this Word doth God require of vs A. Because he hath shewed his word vnto Iacob and his Statutes and his iudgements vnto Israel and hath not dealt so with every Nation and for his iudgments they haue not knowne them therfore praise ye the Lord Psal 147.19 Q. Why doe all such as haue the Word reape benefit thereby A. No for GOD shall smite the Earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips hee shall slay the wicked Ia. 11.4 And we are vnto God a sweet savour of CHRIST in them that are saved and in them that perish To the one we are the savour of death vnto death and to the other the savouâ— of lâ—fe vnto life 2 Cor. 2.15 Q. Hath the word one and the same entertainement among all them that perish A. No for when PAVL disputed of Righteousnesse and Temperance and of the Iudgment to come Faelix trembled Acts 24 25. 2 Herod he heard Iohn gladly and did many things Mark 6 20. Vnto others the Word of the Lord is a reproach they haue no delight in it Ier. 6.10 3 The Princes and people of Israel when they heard the Word of the Lord let their Servants goe free but afterwards repented Ier. 34 10 11. 4 When IEREMIAH preached the Word of the Lord to the Iewes that went downe into Aegypt to soiourne there they would not at all hearken to him Ier. 44 16. And from the preaching of Zachariah they pulled away the shoulder and stopped their eares that they should not heare yea they made their harts as an Adamant stone least they should heare the Law and the words which the Lord of Hosts hath sent in his spirit by the ministery of the Prophets Zach. 7 11. Ier. 6 16.44 3.4.32.23 2 Chron. 24 19 2 33 10. Hos 7 1. Ezek. 33 30. 5 Oâ—hers mocking said these men are full of new wine Act 2.13 And with their mouthes make Iests Ezek. 33.31 Ier. 20.7 8 9. Acts. 17 32 17 18.2 Chron. 36 16. 6 And the multitude of the Iewes when they heard PAVL cryed and said Away with such a fellow from the earth for it is not fit that he should liue and as they cryed out they cast off their cloathes and threw dust in the Ayre Acts 22 22. And when PAVL sent into Macedonia Timothius and Erastus there arose no small stir also about that way Acts 19 22 And when the Iewes heard Steven they were cut to the heart and they gnashed on him with their teeth Acts 7.54 7 Others make a man an offender for a word and lay a snare for him that reprooveth in the Gate and turne aside the iust for a thing of nought Isa 29 21. Mat. 10.34 Q. What are the reasons of so much prophane and vnprofitable hearing of the Word A. Some it profiteth not because it is not mixed with faith in them that heare it Heb. 4 2. Acts 28 24 19.9 2 Herod would not part with Herodias and therefore IOHN touching him vpon that sinne he cast him into prison Mark 6 17. And so every man that evill doeth hateth the light neyther commeth to the light least his deeds should bee reprooved Ioh. 3 20. Ezek. 33 31. 3 They are but naturall not having the spirit Iud. 19. And the naturall man perceiveth not the things of the spirit of God because they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2 14.1 Cor. 2 11.1 2 6 7.8 Hos 8.12 Ier. 6 10. Act. 17 20. Math. 11 27 13.11 11 25 26. 4 God hath given them the Spirit of slumber eyes that they should not see and eares that they should not heare vnto this day Rom. 11.8 For it is written I will destroy the wâ—sedome of the wise and will cast away the vnderstanding of the prudent saith the LORD 1 Cor. 1 19. Isa 6 10 44.18 5 If our Gospell be hid it is hid to them that are lost whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them that beleeue not that the light of the glorious Gospell of Christ which is the image of God should not shine vnto them 2 Corinth 4 â— 6 Some are hindred by the pride of theyr outward greatnesse and therefore not the rich but the poore receiue the Gospell Mâ—t 11.5 For saith Amazia vnto Amos O thou Seer goe flee thee away into the Land of Iudah and there eate bread and Prophesie there But Prophesie not againe any more at Bethel for it is
that â—well in the land of the shadow of death â—pon them hath the light shined Isa 9.2 For God who commanded the light to shine out of darknesse hath shined in your hearts to giue the light of the knowledge of God in the face of IESVS CHRIST 2 Cor. 4 6. I haue indeed spoken vnto you in Proverbes but the time commeth when I shall no more speake to you in proverbes but I shall shâ—w you plainely of the Father Ioh. 16 25. In that day shall the deafe heare the words of this Booke and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscuritie and out of darknesse Isa 29 18 35 5 32 2 50 4. Prou. 1 1 4 8 9. 1 Cor. 2 10 12. Nehem. 8 8. Luk. 24 45. Tit. 1 3. Mal. 2.7 Deut. 17 8.9 Reu. 5.5.8 Now therefore thankes bee vnto God which alwayes maketh manifest the sauour of his Knowledge by vs in every place 2 Cor. 2.14 For there is Gold and a multitude of precious Stones but the lips of Knowledge are a precious iewell Prou. 20.15 Neh. 8.12 Math. 11.25 Ob. But I am so hard-hearted that I can not be affected with the Word A. I will put a new Spirit within you and I will take the stony heart out of thy flesh and I will giue thee an heart of Flesh Ezek. 11.19 As well as to the Iewâ—s who wept when they heard the words of the Law Neb. 8.9 For is not my Word lâ—ke a fire saith the Lord and like a hammer that breaketh the Rockes in pieces Ier. 23 29.26.18 Ioh. 5.25 Act. 2.37 16.29 2 His wordes were found and I did eate them and they were vnto me the ioy and reioycing of my heart Ier. 15 16. I will therefore delight my selfe in his Statutes Psal 119.16 How sweet is his Word vnto my taste Yea sweeter then honey to my mouth Psal 119.103 Therefore my Sonne eate thou honey because it is good and the honey combe which is sweet to thy tast So shall the knowledge of wisedome be vnto thy soule when thou hast found it Prou. 24.13 Act. 15.31.13.48 Iob 23.12 Act. 2.41 Psal 119.16.17.111.174.162 verses Luk. 24.32 Ob. I am no sooner gone from the Word but all is forgotten A. The Comforter which is the holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoeuer I haue said vnto you Ioh. 14.26 Wherby MARY kept all those things in her heart which were told her by the Shepheards Luk. 2.19 Neither did I forget Gods word Psal 119.16 2. Pet. 1.12.13 Ob. The hardest taske is yet behind to wit to put in practise what we heare A. I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not I will leade them in the pathes that they haue not knowne I will make darknesse light before them and crocked things straight saith the LORD Isa 42.16 Who hath opened mine eares and I was not rebellious neither turned away backward Isa 50.5 Yea I haue refrained my feet from every evill way that I might keepe his word Psalm 119.101 So that when hee said seeke yee my face my heart said vnto him thy face LORD will I seeke Psal 27.8 For this is the loue of GOD that we keepe 〈◊〉 Commandements and his commandements are not grievous 1 Ioh. 5 3. Hag. 1 12. Psalm 119 15 48 57 104 â— 68. Math. 13 8.23 Col. 1 6. Luk. 1.5 â— 2. Chron. 17 6. CHAP. XXXIII Of Ministers Ob. YOu tell me of the Word and the great benefit thereof but how â—â—ould I either know or doe what the Word teacheth without a guide Act. â— 31. A. When CHRIST ascended vp on high he gaue guifts vnto men c. and he gaue some Apostles and some Prophets â—nd some Euangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the worke of the Ministerie for â—he edifying of the Body of CHRIST till we all eome in the vnity of faith and of the knowledge of the Sonne of God vnto a perfect man vnto the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ Eph. 4.8.11 And therefore though the LORD giue you the bread of Adversitie and the water of Affliction yet thy Teachers shall not be removed into a corner any more but thine eyes shall see thy Teachers Isa 30.20 For the Lord giveth the Word great is the company of Preachers Psal 68.11 Ier. 33.18 Leuit. 10 11. Isa 41.27 Isa 62.6 Q. But shall wee haue such Pastors as will deale faithfully with vs A. I will giue you Pastors according to mine owne heart which shall feed you with knowledge and vnderstanding Ier. 3 15. Who will very gladly spend and bee spent for you 2. Cor. 12.15 As Moses who was faithfull in all his house Heb. 3.5 And as of Leui it was said the Law of truth is in his mouth and iniquity was not found in his lips he walked with me in peace and equitie and did turne away many from iniquitie Mal. 2 6. Moreover yee know from the first day that Paul came into Asia after what manner he hath beene with you at all seasons serving the Lord with all humblenesse of mind and with many teares and temptations which befell him by the lying in wait of the Iewes and how he kept backe nothing that was profitable vnto you Act 20.18 And you know the proofe of Timothie that as a Sonne with the Father he hath served with Paul in the Gospell Phil. 2 22. And for the worke of Christ he was nigh vnto death not regarding his life Phil. 2 30. And dayly in the Temple and in every house the Disciples ceased not to teach and to preach IESVS CHRIST Acts 5 42. These are not as many which corrupt the Word of God but as of sincerity but as of God in the sight of God speake they in Christ 2 Cor. 2 17 11 23 1 9 27 1 9.19.2 Chron 17 9 8 13. Col. 4 7 10 11 1 7. Act 20 23.30 31 18 24. Ezek. 34 23. Hag. 1 13. 1 Thes 5 6 7. Ier. 23 4 4 19. 8 21 9 1 3 17. Ezra 7 6 10. 1. Sam. 3 21. Q. Wherefore are these promises recorded in Gods word concerning his Ministers A. 1. That they may be apt to teach 1 Tim. 3.2 And therefore giue attendance vnto reading 1. Tim. 4 1â— And study to shew â—heÌ„selues workmen that need not to be ashamed dividing the Word of truth aright 2 Tim. 2 â—5 For every Scribe taught vnto the Kingdome of Heaven is like vnto a man that is a housholder which bringeth forth out of his treasurie things both new an old Math. 13 52. 2 That they be diligent to know the state of their flockes and to looke well to their heards Prou. 27 23. Taking the oversight thereof 1 Pet. 5 2. For they are set for a defence and fortresse among the people that they may know and try their wayes Ier. 6 27. 3 That they feed the flocke of GOD which is among
vse of these meanes Grace it selfe may decay A. In all places where GOD doth record his Name hee will blesse thee Exod. 20 24. The Lord shall blesse thee out of Zion Psal 128.5 So that thou shalt flourish like a Palme tree and like a Cedar in Libanon Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the Courts of our GOD they shall bring foorth fruit in old age they shall be fat and flourishing to shew that the Lord is vpright he is my rocke and that there is no vnrighteousnesse in him Psal 92 12 84 7 65 4. 1 Cor. 15 10. Math. 13 â—1 32. Isa 61 11. Q. What is required of vs to the â—nd that these meanes of Grace may be thus continued with successe A. 1 Get Davids appetite after them â—aying As the heart panteth after the waâ—â—r brookes so doth my heart pant after â—hee O GOD. My Soule thirsteth for God for the living God when shall I come â—nd appeare before God Psal 42 1. My Soule longeth yea even fainteth for the Courts of the Lord my heart and my flesh â—rieth out for the living God c. For a â—ay in his Courts is better than a thousand 〈◊〉 had rather be a doore keeper in the house â—f my God than to dwell in the tents of â—ickednesse Psal 84 1 10. verses 63 1 2 137 5 6. 2 A delight in them Reioyce with Ieâ—usalem and bee glad with her all you â—hat loue her reioyce for ioy with her â—ll you that mourne for her that yoâ— may sucke and bee satisfied with the breasts of her consolation that you may milke out and be delighted with the aboundance of her glory Isay 66 10. 3 Pray saying O send out thy light and thy truth let them leade mee let them bring mee vnto thy holy Hill and to thy Tabernacles Psalm 43 3. Send mee helpe from thy Sanctuary and strengthen mee out of Zion Remember all my offerings and accept my burnt Sacrifice Psalm 20 2 3. 134.3 4 Keepe thy foot when thou enterest into the house of God and be more neere to heare than to giue the Sacrifice of fooles Eccl. 5 1. For which end wash thy hands in innocencie and so compasse the Altars of God Psal 26 6. 5 When you come to worship the LORD in the beautie of holinesse Psal 96 9. Worship the Father in spirit and in truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him GOD is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and truth Iob. 4.23 6 Remember the Sabbath day to keepe it holy for the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it Exod. 20.8 11. Wherefore if thou turne away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy will on my holy day and call the Sabbath a delight and consecrate is as glorious to the LORD and shalt honour him not doing thine owne wayes not seeking thine owne will not speaking a vaine word then shalt thou delight in the LORD and I will feed thee with the hreitage of IACOB thy Father For the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it â—â—a 58 13. Blessed is the man that doth this and the Sonne of man which layeth hold on it Isa 56 2. And embraceth my Covenant him will I bring vnto my Holy Mountaine and make him ioyfull in mine house of Prayer Isa 56 6.7 Reu. â— 10. Q. If I should forbeare my worke on the Sabbath day I should come to beggery at the last A. See for that the LORD hath given you the Sabbath therefore hee giveth you on the sixt day the bread of two dayes therefore abide you every man in his place let no man goe out of his place on the seaventh day Exod. 16 29 16 5. CHAP XXXVII Of Temporall Blessings and in particuler of long life Q. ALl these promises you haue mentioned are of singular vse vnto the Soule but what provision shall we haue for the body A. You shall inherit the earth Math. 5 5. For as CHRIST so the world is yours 1 Cor. 3 22. Ob. What will the world profit vs if wee bee taken away by Death and be accounted among them that goe downe into the pit Shall Gods loving kindnesse bee declared in the Graue Or his faithfulnesse in destruction Psalm 88 4 11. A. If thou forget not my Law and thy heart keepe my Commandements length of dayes and long life shall they adde vnto thee Prou. 3 1. And the yeares of thy life shall be many Prou. 4.10 And there shall old men and old women dwell in the streets of Ierusalem every man with his staffe in his hand for very age Zach. 8 4. There shall bee there no more an Infant of dayes nor an old man that hath not filled his dayes for the Child shall dye an hundred yeares old For as the dayes of a Tree are the dayes of my people Isa 65 20 22. And with long life will I satisfie them Psalm 91 16. For they shall see their Childrens Children Psal 128 6. And come vnto their Graue in a full age like as a shocke of Corne commeth in due season into the Barne Iob. 5 26. As well as ABRAHAM who dyed in a good old age an old man and full of yeares Gen. 25 8. Psal 33 18 19. Ier. 45 5 39 17. Gen. 15 15 35 29 47 28 50. 23. Iudg. 8 32. 1 Chron. 29 28 2 24 15. 1 Sam. 25 29. Q. Is long Life a blessing of any worth A. The hoarie head is a Crowne of Glory if it be found in the way of Righteousnesse Prou. 16 31. For as the beauty of young men is their stregnth so the glory of the aged is their gray head Prou. 20 29. Q. Is this promise of long life a blessing common vnto all A. No for GOD shall bring the wicked downe into the pit of destruction the bloudy and deceitfull man shall not liue ouâ— halfe his dayes Psal 55.23 His confidence shall he rooted out of his Tabernacle and it shall bring him to the King of terrors Iob. 28 14. As the whirlewind passeth so is the wicked no more onely the righteous is an everlasting foundation Prou. 10.25 For as righteousnesse tendeth vnto life so he that pursueth evill pursueth it to his owne death Prou. 11 19 10 27. Psal 145 20. Ob. But doe you not see many of the wicked how theyr dayes are prolonged A. The woman that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth 1 Tim. 5 6 And men living â—ruitlessely are as trees twice dead and plucked vp by the rootes Iud. 12 And therefore though a sinner doe evill an hundred times and his dayes be prolonged yet surely I know that it shall bee well with them that feare GOD which feare before him Ecc. 8 12. Q What would you hence inferre A. Therefore bee thou not overmuch wicked neither bee thou foolish for why shouldest thou dye before thy time Eccl. 7 17. But set your hearts vnto all thâ— words which I testifie among you this day