Abraham his father Heb. 7.9.10 Q. Proue that mankinde is becomâ— most wretched and miserable A. The wretched and miserable estate of all mankinde may appeare by that lamentable outcry of the Apostle Romans 7.24 O wretched man that I am who shall deliuer me from the body of this death Q. Proue that all men are conceiued and borne in sinne A. It is euident by the confession of Dauid Psal. 51.5 Behold I was borne in iniquity and in sinne hath my mother conceiued me And it is said Ioh. 3.6 That which is borne of the flesh is flesh and that which is borne of the spirit is spirit Q. How then could Christ bee free from sinne seeing hee was true man A. Christ Iesus was true man descended of Adam as we are in all things like vnto vs but yet sin excepted For he was not a mâ—ere man but was also God and againe as he was man he was not so by naturall generation as we are but by the supernaturall worke and power of the holy Ghost was conceiued in the wombe of the virgin Mary Q. Proue that all men are corrupted with sinne A. It is written Rom. 3.9 That all both Iewes and Gentiles are vnder sinne 1 Kings 8.46 There is no man that sinneth not And 1 Ioh. 1.8 If we say we haue no sinne wee deceiue our selues and the truth is not in vs. And this corruption of sinne is nâ—t by example or by imitation only or meerely of some euill custome but by propagation and naturall generation all men being conceiued and borne in sinne as is shewed before Q. Proue that all are corrupted both in soule and body A. It is euident by the Apostles prayer 1 Thes. 5.23 The very God of peace sanctifie you throughout and I pray God that your whole spirit and soule and body may bee kept blamelesse vnto the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ. For what need he to pray for the sanctification of the whole man both soule and body if all and euery part were not corrupted Q. Proue that man by nature cannot perceiue any good thing A. The Apostle doth expresly auouch so much in 1 Cor. 2.14 That the naturall man perceiueth not the things of the spirit of God for they are foolishnesse vnto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned And 2 Cor. 4.4 he saith That the God of this world hath blinded the mindes of the infidels that the light of the glorious Gospell of Christ which is the image of God should not shine vnto them Q. Proue that man by nature cannot thinke a good thought A. It is written Gen. 6.5 God saw that the wickednesse of man was great in the earth and that euery imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only euill continually Therefore the Apostle taketh it for granted 2 Cor. 3.5 That we are not sufficient of our selues to thinke any thing as of our selues but our sufficiency is of God Q. Proue that man cannot will desire or effect any good thing by nature A. It is manifest in that it is said Rom. 8.7 That the wisdome of the flesh is enmity against God for it is not subiect to the law of God neither in deed can be Whereupon it is inferred verse 8. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God Therefore it is that the Apostle saith Phil. 2.13 It is God which worketh in you both to will and to doe of his good pleasure Q. Proue that man cannot by nature speake any good thing A. Saint Paul noteth so much speaking of all men in the corruption of nature Rom. 3.13.14 Their throat saith he is an open sepulchre with their tongues they haue vsed deceit the poyson of Aspes is vnder their lips Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitternesse Q. Proue that man cannot do any good thing by nature A. It is euident by that which we read in Psal. 14.1.2.3 where it is said They are corrupt they haue done abominable works there is none that doth good The Lord looked downe from heauen vpon the children of men to see if there were any that did vnderstand and seeke God They are all gone aside they are altogether become filthy there is none that doth good no not one Which texâ— the Apostle citeth Rom. 3.10 to proue that all men are vnder sinne Q. Proue that hereupon all men are subiect to sinne A. That all men are subiect iâ— sinne as very seruants or slaues is plainely proued by the Apostle Rom. 6.16.17 Know yee not that to whom yee yeeld your selues seruants to obey his seruants ye are to whom ye obey whether of sinne vnto death or of obedience vnto righteousnesse But God bee thanked that yee were the seruants 〈◊〉 sinne but yee haue obeyed from the heart that forme of doctrine which was deliuered you And our Sauiour saith Ioh 8.34 Whosoeuer committeth sinne is the seruant of sinne For as it is in 2 Pet. 2.19 Of whosoeuer a man is ouercome euen vnto the same is he in bâ—ndage Q. Proue that man is by naâ—ure coâ—rupted become subiect to Satan A. It is euident in that Satan is called Ephes. 2.2 The spirit that work thâ—in the children oâ— disobedience And 2 Tim. 2 26. it is said That they may recouer themselues out of the snare of the Deuill Who are taken captiue by him at his will Againe 2 Cor. 4.4 hee is called The God of this world that hath blinded the mindes of them which beleeue not Q. Proue that man is by nature subiect to the wrath of God A. The Apostle saith Ephes. 2.3 That wee all were by nature the children of wrath as well as others And Ioh. 3.36 it is said That he that beleeueth not the Sonne shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Q. Proue that man is by sinne subiect to the curse of God A The curse was pronounced vpon Adams first sinne Gen. 3.17 It was repeated against the breach of the Law of God Deut. 28.15 Mal. 2.2 And is noted by the Apostle Gal. 3.10 Cursed is euery one that continueth not in all things which are written in the booke of the Law to doe them Vnder this burden of the curse vpon man for sinne euery creature is said to groane Rom. 8.22 Q. Proue that all men are subiect to death by reason of sinne A. So saith the Apostle Rom. 5.12 By one man sinne entred into the world and death by sinne and so death passed vpon all men for that all men haue sinned And Rom. 6.23 The wages of sinne is death Q. Proue that all men are subiect to eternall damnation for sinne A. It is manifest by that which is said 2 Thes. 1.8.9 That they that know not God and that obey not the Gospell of our Lord Iesus Christ shall be punished with euerlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his
the tree of the knowledge of good and euill thou shalt surely die And by the speciall sentence of bodily death Gen. 3.29 Dust thou art and vnto dust shalt thou returne So Ro. 5.12 it is said by one man sinne entred into the world and death by sinne And Ro. 6.23 The wages of sinne is death Q. Proue that the soule is of spirituall substance immortall in its selfe A. That the soule of manâ—s of spirituall substance immortall in its selfe by nature existing as well out of the body as in the body and giung life to the body it is euident both in the creation Gen. 2.7 where it is said That God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a liuing soule As also by the parting of soule and body in death Eccles. 12.7 Then shall the dust returne to the earth as it was and the spirit shall returne to God who gaue it Else Christ could not haue said of the Patriarchs deceased Matth. 22.32 God is not the God of the dead but of the liuing And Matth. 16.26 What shall it profit a man though hee should winne the whole world if hee lose his owne soule Q. Proue that man was made a most excellent creature aboue all others excepâ— the Angels A. That next to the Angels man excelled all other creatures in the world see Psal. 8.4.5 What is man that thou art mindfull of him or the sonne of man that thou visitest him for thou hast made him a little lower then the Angels and hast crowned him with glory and honour Q. Proue that man was created in the image of God A. That God made man in his own image and liknesse is specially noted in the creation more then onee as it is written Gen. 1.26 God said Let vs make man in our image after our likenesse And verse 27. So God created man in his owne image in the image of God created he him male and female created hee them Q. Proue that man had dominion and rule ouer all other creatures A. It is granted to man in his first creation Gen. 1.26.28 To haue dominion ouer the fish of the sea and ouer the fowle of the aire and ouer euery liuing thing that moueth vpon the earth And the grant is humbly acknowledged Psal. 8.6 Thou madest him to haue dominion ouer the workes of thy hands thou hast put all things vnder his feete K Of the image of God wherein man was created Q. Rehearse the Letter K A. KNowledge righteousnesse and true holinesse are the chiefe things wherein the image of God doth consist For otherwise the word of God would not call vpon vs to renew this image in Christ and without these graces man had not beene fit to rule the creatures nor yet himselfe Q. Proue that the image of God doth consist in knowledge A. The Apostle noteth so much Col. 3.9.10 where speaking of the Christians renewed estate iâ— Christ he saith Ye haue put of the old man with his deeds and haue put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the Image of him that created him Q. Proue that it doth also consist in righteousnesse and true holinesse A. That the image of God in man doth not onely consist in knowledge but also in iustice and in sanctity or holinesse may appeare by that of Saint Paul to the Ephesians 4.24 Put on the new man which after God is created in righteousnesse and true holinesse Q. How is man said to bee thus made in the image of God A. Man is said to bee thus made in the image of God not that he is the very stampe and representation of the Deity for the infinite and invisible God cannot be resembled in the person of a sinite creature but in respect of some kind of similitude or likenessâ— therefore when God said Let vs make man in our image it is added after or according to our likenesse the later words expounding the former For this is the peculiar priuiledge of Christ Iesus the eternall sonne of God who alone is so called 2 Cor 4.4 The image of God And Col. 1.15 The image of the inuisible God And Heb. 1.3 The brightnesse of his glory and the expresse image of his person because he is one and the same God eternall with his father Q. Doth the image of God consist onely in knowledge righteousnesse and holinesse A. Knowledge righteousnesse and true holinesse are the chiefe but not the onely image or resemblance of God in man for in that God made man ruler ouer all creatures in earth man doth therein represent the soueraignety of God who is Lord of all things Againe besides those gifts of true knowledge righteousnesse and holinesse God gaue vnto man diuers excellent representations of the deitie both in his soule and body Q. What other resemblances of God are there in the soule of man A. In the soule of man besides those heauenly graces of diuine knowledge righteousnesse and holinesse God gaue man excellent wisdome and vnderstanding whereby he did know the nature and property of all things as may appeare in that Adam was able to giue to euery creature a name according to the nature of it Gen. 2.19 where it is said That God brought them vnto Adam to see what he would call them and whatsouer Adam called euery liuing creature that was the name thereof Q. Is there any resemblance of God in the substance of mans soule A. The very essence and substance of mans soule doth in some respects beare the image or likenesse of God as namely in that the soule of man is a spirituall nature invisible and immortall Againe the soule being onely one is endned with diuers properties as vnderstanding memory will which after a sort doe shadow out and resemble the vnity of the Godhead and the trinity of persons Q. Is there any part of the image of God in the body of man A. The whole man both soule and body was made in the image of God as may appeare by these euidences First God saith Gen 1.26 Let vs make man not the soule onely or the body onely in our image Secondly sinne being the contrary to Gods image is seated not onely in the soule but also in the body Rom. 6.12 Thirdly the renewing of Gods image which is our sanctification is as well in the body as in the soule see Rom. 12.1 1 Thes. 5.23 Fourthly God forbidding murder doth vse this reason Gen. 9.6 For in the image of God hath hee made man Q. How is the image of God in the body of man A. The image of God is not said to be in the body as it is a body or in respect of the shape and parts or limbs for God is an infinite spirit incorporaell and inuisible but in these respects 1. As the body vnited to the soule in which the image of God doth chiefely
and faith worketh outwardly by the word as by an instrument and inwardly by his spirit Q QValities of faith inseparable vnto it are these to vnite vs to God in Christ. to assure vs of Gods loue in him to purifie the heart and to worke by loue For vntill we beleeue wee are without God without Christ and without hope but when once wee beleeue wee haue peace with God and cannot but be fruitfull in all good workes R REmember that faith and so all other graces are increased and confirmed by the hearing of the word of God preached as also by reading meditation conference practise prayer and Sacraments For as God requireth of euery Christian a daily increase of grace so he hath appointed these meanes to that end S SAcraments are outward visible signes of the couenant and promise of God in Christ ordained by Christ himselfe to signifie and to seale or confirme and as instruments or meanes to conuay sauing grace to euery true beleeuer and to bee as badges or tokens of our Christian profession And they are in number onely two namely Baptisme and the Lords Supper For such helpes our weake faith doth require and these only hath Christ ordained and no more being answerable to the two Sacraments vnder the Law that is Circumcision and the Passouer and are alone in that kinde sufficient both for the beginning and continuing of sitting grace T THe sacrament of Baptisme is when the persons baptized professing repentance and faith in Iesus Christ and the children of such are by the Minister of the word washed with water in the name of the Father the sonne and the holy Ghost being thereby admitted into the communion of the body of Christ which is the Church assured of the remission of their sinnes do vow and promise and are by Baptisme confirmed in grace to beleeue in Iesus Christ and to liue no more in sinne but in newnesse of life For Baptisme is the signe of our regeneration or new birth and therefore is once onely to bee receiued as it is sufficient to be once borâ—e and yet the virtue of Baptisme is perpetuall V VNderstand that the Sacrament of the Lords Supper is when bread and wine representing the body and blood of Christ broken and shed for vs being by the Minister taken and blessed is broken and poured forth and so deliuered to all the faithfull prâ—sent and of them receiued by eating the bread and drinking the wine in remembrance of Christs death as also to communicate vnto vs the very body and blood of Christ spiritually by faith and so to confirme our faith in Christ and loue one to another For this Sacrament is the signe of our new life as Baptisme is of our new birth And therefore as we haue neede of often nourishment so wee ought to receiue often and that with due preparation W WE must know and beleeue that all men dying the soules of the godly goe immediatly to heuenly ioy the wicked to hell torments and all of them shall at the last day rise againe in their owne bodyes by the power of Christ the godly to life eternall the wicked to euerlasting damnation For Christ came to destroy death for vs and is himselfe risen from death that wee might rise with him and if there were no resurrection the preaching of the word and our faith should bee in vaine X EXCeeding glorious in it selfe ioyous to the godly and fearfull to the wicked shall be the day of iudgement wherein Christ shâ—ll call to account and iudge all men of all things done in thiâ— life according to theâ—r works For he shall come with glory in the clouds accompanied with innumerable Angels and sitting vpon his throne of Maiestie shall vpon due triall of euery mans workes the bookes being opened pronounce the sentence of saluation to the Godly and of damnation to the wicked Y YOu that are wicked shall by the power of the voyce of Christ goe away into hell being separated from God consorted with the Deuils depriued of all comfort punished with vnspeakable torments both in soule and body according to your sins and that eternally without case or end For it is iust with God so to punish the wicked and that they who haue liued heere in the pleasures of sinne should be recompenced with answerable torment Z ZEalous godly men the iudgement being ended shall immediatly goe with Christ into heauen hauing in him immediate communion with God who shall be all in all vnto them and so shall be freed from all euills and possessed of all good things as perfection of grace brightnes of glory and fulnesse of ioy in their seuerall degrees and that vnspeakable and euerlasting For it stands with the certainty of Gods election with the truth of his promise and with his iustice for the merit of Christ thus to reward the faithfull that so all their sorrowes may bee turned into ioy THE SECOND PART of the Christian ALPHABET Containing The grounds of knowledge repeated by way of Question and Answer with the proofe of euery particular point of Doctrine A Of the knowledge of God in Generall Q. Rehearse the first Letter of the Christian Alphabet that is the Letter A. A. ACknowledge God as hee hath reuealed himselfe in his written word For no man can bee saued without the knowledge of God neither can a man know God to saluation but by the Scriptures Q. How proue you that there is a God to bee acknowledged A. That there is a God to bee acknowledged of all is euident both by the light of nature and of grace as also by the workes of God Q. How may it appeare by the light of nature that there is a God A. It is manifest by these euidences 1. Because in the very Heathen there is the worke of the conscience 2. Because they haue by naturall instinct an inclination to some kinde of Religion 3. In that they haue the vse of an Oath 4. In that they make obseruation of GODS vengeance against sinne Q. Proue that in the Heathen there is the worke of the conscience A. The Apostle doth affirme so much Rom. 2.15 That the Gentiles shew the worke of the Law written in their hearts their conscience also bearing witnesse and their thoughts the meane while accusing or excusing one another This worke of the conscience is a manifest euidence that there is a God who is aboue the conscience according to that in 1 Ioh. 3.20 If our heart condemne vs
power And 2 Thes. 2.12 That all they might be damned who beleeued not the truth but had pleasure in vnrighteousnesse N Of man his deliuerance by Christonely Q. Rehearse the letter N A. NO meanes can free vs from that damnable estate but onely Iesus Christ the eternall sonne of God For hee being both God and man hath perfectly saued vs in that hee tooke our nature vpon him being conceiued by the holy Ghost borne of the Virgin Mary liued in perfect obedience to God suffered the cursed death of the Crosse rose againe the third day ascended into heauen sitteth at the right hand of God and all for vs. Q. Proue that we are saued only by Iâ—sus Christ A. So we read Acts 4.12 Neither is there saluation iâ— any other for among men there is giuen none other name vnder heauen whereby we must be saued And Maâ—th 1.21 the Angell saith Thou shalt call his name Iesus for he shall saue his people from their sinnes Q. Proue that Iesus Christ is the eternall sonâ—e of Gâ—d A. It is written Ioh. 3.16 Gâ—d so loued the world that he gaue his only bâ—gotten sonâ—e that whoâ—â—euer beleeueth on hâ—m â—â—ould not perish but haue eâ—erlasting life Aâ—â— 1 Ioh. 5.20 We know that the Sonne of God is come c. that is the true God and eternall life And Rom. 1.4 That he was declared mightily to be the Sonne of God Q. Proue that Iesus Christ is both God and man A. That he is God is manifest Isa. 9.6 where hee is called The mighty God And Rom. 9.5 God ouer all blessed for euer And it is said Ioh 1.1 In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God That he is also mvn is proued 1 Tim. 2.5 where hee is called The man Christ Iesus And 3.16 God manifested in the flesh And Ioh. 1.14 The word was made flesh and dwelt among vs and wee saw the glory thereof as the glory of the only begotten sonne of the father full of grace and truth Q. Proue that Christ hath perfectly saued vs A. So it is expresly written Heb. 7.25 That he is able perfectly to saue them that come vnto God by him And Heb. 10.14 That by one offering he hath perfected for euer them that are sanctified And thereupon is inferred verse 18. That where remission of sinnes is there is no more sacrifice for sinne Q. Proue that Iesus Christ therefore tooke our nature vpon him A. That he did assume or take vnto his Godhead the nature of man is euident Heb. 2.16.17 For verily saith the Apostle he tooke not on him the nature of Angels but he tooke on him the seed of Abraham Wherefore in all things it behooued him to bee made like vnto his brethren that hee might bee a mercifull and faithfull high Priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sinnes of the people Q. Was it of necessity that Christ should become man A. It was by Gods decree necessary that Christ should take vnto his deity the nature of man that without it mans redemption could not be procured for these reasons 1. Hee must bee man that hee might be fit to suffer death for vs in regard that his Godhead being immutable could not suffer and being immortall could not die 2. It was requisite that the same nature that had offended should satisfie the iustice of God 3. Hee must also be God that hee might be able to ouercome See all this in that one text Heb. 2.14 Q. Proue that Iesus Christ was conceiued by the holy Ghost A. It is the voice of the Angell to Mary Luke 1.35 The holy Ghost shall come vpon thee and the power of the Highest shall ouershadow thee therefore also that holy thing which shall be borne of thee shall bee called the sonne of God And to Ioseph hee sayd Matth. 1.20 Feare not to take vnto thee Mary thy wise for that which is conceiued in her is of the holy Ghost Q. Proue that he was borne of the virgin Mary A. It was so prophesied Isa. 7.14 Behold a virgin shall conceiue and beare a sâ—nne and shall call his name Emmanuel It was effected Math 1. â—8 Now the birth of Iesus Christ was on this wise When as his mother Mary was espoused to Ioseph before they came together she was found with child of the holy Ghost And it was proclaimed by the Angell Ioh. 2.11 Vnto you is borne this day in the city of Dauid a Sauiour which is Christ the Lord. Q. Proue that Christ liued in perfect obedience to God A. It is written Phil. 2.8 That he humbled himselfe and became obedient vnto the death euen vnto the death of the crosse Heb. 7.26 For such an high Priest became vs who is holy harmelesse vndefiled separate from sinners and made higher then the heauens For saith the Apostle Rom. 5.19 as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many bee made righteous Therefore Christ saith Ioh. 17.19 For their sakes sanctifie I my selfe that they also might bee sanctified through the truth Q. Proue that Christ did suffer for vs A. It is written Isa. 53.5 Hee was wounded for our transgressions hee was bruised for our iniquities the chastisement of our peace was vpon him and with his stripes wee are healed Q. Proue that hee suffered death for vs A. It is written 1 Pet. 3.18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sinnes the iust for the vniust that he might bring vs to God being put to death in the flesh but quickened by the spirit Q. Proue that hee suffered the cursed death of the crosse A. So it is in the story of his passion Matth. 27.38 And it is said 1 Pet. 2.24 That hee his owne selfe bare our sins in his owne body on the tree that we being dead to sinnes should liue vnto righteousnesse And Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed vs from the curse of the Law being made a curse for vs for it is written Cursed is euery one that hangeth on tree Q. Proue that hee did rise againe the third day for vs A. It is written Rom. 4.25 Who was deliuered for our offences and was raised againe for our iustification And 1 Cor. 15.3.4 That Christ died for our sinnes and that he was buried and that hee rose againe the third day according to the Scriptures Q. Proue that hee ascended into heauen for vs A. It was so prophesied Psal. 68.18 Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captiuity captiue thou hast receiued gifts for men And it was performed Luke 24.51 And it came to passe while hee blessed them hee was parted from them and carried vp into heauen Q. Proue that Christ sitteth at the right hand of God for vs A. It is written Col. 3.1 If ye then bee risen with Christ seeke those things which are aboue where Christ sitteth at
to heauenly ioy the wicked to hell torments and all of them shall at the last day rise againe in their owne bodyes by the power of Christ the godly to life eternall the wicked to euerlasting damnation For Christ came to destroy death for vs and is himselfe risen from death that wee might rise with him and if there were no resurrection the preaching of the word and our faith should bee in vaine Q. What shall become of all men after they haue liued here in this world for a time A. All men of what degree state and condition soeuer yea as well the godly as the wicked must depart this life by death which is the separation of the soule from the body For sinne hath brought this euill vpon all mankinde as is shewed before out of Rom. 5.12 Whereupon in the iust iudgement of God it is appointed vnto men that they shall once die and after that commeth the iudgement Heb. 9.27 And thence is that challenge Psal. 89.48 What man liueth and shall not see death shall hee deliuer his soule from the hand of the graue Q. How is it that the godly die seeing death is a curse and a punishment of sinne which to them is pardoned A. Death is not to the godly a curse but a blessing it is not a punishment but a benefit and an aduantage through the death of Christ by whom the sting of death is so taken away that it cannot hurt them Yet the godly must die for diuers causes 1 That there may bee an end of all their sorrowes labours and miseries which they endure in this world in which respect death is called a sleepe and rest 2 That they may be freed from sinne and so fitted for heauen because flesh and blood corrupted cannot inherit the kingdome of God 3 That by death as by a gate or way they may passe into life As the corne that is sowne is not quickened except it die Q. What shall become of the Soules of men when they die A. When man who is dust shall returne to the earth as it was Then saith Solomon Eccles. 12.7 the spirit shall returne vnto God who gaue it That is to Gods disposing either to ioy or torment This our Sauiour teacheth Ioh. 5 24. He that heareth my word and beleeueth in him that sent me hath euerlasting life and shall not come into damnation but hath passed from death vnto life And as it is said before Reu. 14.13 They rest from their labours Example hereof we may see in the death of the Richman and Lazarus Luk. 16.22.23 the one went immediately to heauenly ioy the other to hall torments Q. What shall become of the bodies of men when they die A. The bodies of men when they are dead whether they lie in their graues or be in the sea or wheresoeuer shall rise againe to life So our Sauiour teacheth Ioh. 5.29 That all that are in the graues shall come soorth And in the Reu. 20.12 it is said I saw the dead small and great stand before God And verse 13â— The sea gaue vp the dead which were in it and death and hell or graue deliuered vp the dead which were in them It was Saint Pauls faith and assured hope see Acts 24.15 That the resurrection of the dead shall be both of iust and vniust And he doth proue it at large in 1 Cor. So that hee cannot bee a good Christian that beleeueth not this article of the Christian faith Q. When shall the dead rise againe A. The time when the dead shall rise againe shall bee at the last day that is at the end of the world when Christ shall come to iudgement This Martha did acknowledge concerning her brother Lazarus Ioh. 11.24 I know that hee shall rise againe in the resurrection at the last day With the comfort of that day Christ incourageth to doe good to the poore Luk. 14.14 And herewith the Apostle doth both comfort himselfe that had now almost runne his race and finished his course and incourage others to doe the like Because there is laid vp a crowne of righteousnesse which the Lord the righteous iudge shall giue at that day 2 Tim. 4.8 Q. With what bodies shall the dead rise A. All shall rise with their owne bodies that as the Apostle speaketh 2 Cor. 5.10 Euery man may receiue the things which are done in his body according to that he hath done whether it bee good or euill In this was Iob confident and comforted himselfe with in his affliction Iob 19.26.27 Though after my skinne wormes destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God Whom I shall see for my selfe and mine eyes shall behold and not another Q. By what power shall the dead be raised A. The dead shall rise againe by the power of Christ at the hearing of his voice and sound of the last trumpet See Ioh. 5.28 The houre shall come in the which all that are in the graues shall heare his voyce and they shall come sorth c. Againe 1 Cor. 15.52 In a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet for the trumpet shall blow and the dead shall be raised vp c. Q. To what end is the resurrection of the dead A. The end of the resurrection is that the whole man both soule and body may bee presented before the tribunall of Christ the godly to receiue the ioyfull sentence of life as the reward of their piety the wicked to heare the dolefull doome of death and condemnation as the recompence of their sinne So saith our Sauiour Ioh. 5.29 That they that haue done good shall rise vnto the resurrection of life and they that haue done euill vnto the resurrection of damnation Q. Proue that Christ came to destroy death Q. That Christ came to destroy death without which victory there could be no resurrection it was prophesied Hos. 13.14 I will redeeme them from the power of the graue I will deliuer them from death O death I will be thy death O graue I will be thy destruction And the Apostle alledging this prophesie doth triumphantly praise God for it 1 Cor. 15.54 c. Death is swallowed vp in victory O death where is thy sting O graue where is thy victory c. But thanks be to God which hath giuen vs victory through our Lord Iesus Christ. Q. Proue that Christ is risen from death A. The Apostle doth inuincibly proue it by many arguments in 1 Cor. 15.13 14. c. concluding verse 20. in this manner But now saith hee is Christ risen from the dead and was made the first fruits of them that sleepe For as hee reasoneth there If there be no resurrection of the dead then is Christ not risen But seeing he is risen and that for vs it followeth nececessarily that there must needs bee a resurrection Q. Proue that Christ is risen that wee might rise with him
saith that Christ shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like vnto his glorious body according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things vnto himselfe Q. Proue that the godly shall haue fulnesse of ioy A. So much the Pasmist noteth speaking prophetically of Christ and of himselfe as the type and so proportionally of all the faithfull Psal. 16.11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life in thy presence is fulnesse of ioy at thy right hand there are pleasures for euer more Q. Proue there are degrees of glory A. We may gather so much by the words of the Prophet Dan. 12.3 They that are wise saith he shall shine as the brightnesse of the firmament and they that turne many to righteousneâ—â—e as the Staâ—res And 1 Cor. 15.41 Aâ— onâ— Starre differeth from another in glory so also is the resurrection of the dead Againe wee read Luk. 19.16 c. that the seruant who with his Masters piece of mony had gained ten peâ—ces was made rulâ—r ouer ten cities and hee thâ—t had gained fiue had authority giuen him ouer fiue Thus the Lord doth proportion the reward according to the mâ—asâ—re and imployment of his graces giuen vnto vs. Therefore the Apostle saith 2 Cor. 9.6 Hee that soweth sparingly shall reape sparingly and he that soweth bountifully shall reape bountifully Q. Proue that this happinesse of the godly is vnspeakable A. It is said 1 Pet. 1.8 that the faithfull reioyce with ioy vnspeakable and full of glory And 1 Cor. 2.9 Eye hath not seene nor eare heard neither haue entred into the heart of man the things that God hath prepared for them that loue him Q. Proue that this happinesse is eternall A. The Apostle affirmeth so much 2 Cor. 4.17 in that hee saith That our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for vs a â—arre more exceeding and eternall weight of glory and 1 Pet. 1.4 it is called an inheritance incorruptible and vndefiled and that fadeth not away reserued in heauen for vs and therefore it is said 2 Tim. 1.10 That our Sauiour Iesus Christ hath abolished death and not onely brought life but immortalitie to light Q. Proue that it stands with the certainty of Gods electâ—on A. The godly caâ—not faile of this their happinesse because it is grounded vpon Gods election see 2 Tim. 2.19 The foundation of God standeth sure hauing this seale The Lord knoweth them that are his and Rom. 8.30 S. Paul groundeth mans glorification vpon Gods predestination and election Whom God did predestinate them he also called whom hee called them hee also iustified and whom he iustified them hee also glorified Q. Proue that it stands with the truth of Gods promise A. Christ saith of his sheepe Ioh. 10.28 I giue vnto them eternall life and they shall neuer perish neither shall any plucke them out of my hand and Ioh. 3.16 That whoseuer beleeueth in him shall not perish but haue euerlasting life and Râ—u 2.10 Be thou faithfull vnto the death and I will giue thee the crowne of life Q. Pâ—oue that it stands with the iustice of God A. It is manifest that it stands with the iustice of God for the merit of Christ in regard that he hath purchased mans saluation by his death 1 Cor. 6.20 and 7.23 Yee are bought with a price and 1 Pet. 1.18.19 the price is said to be not siluer and gold but the precious bloud of Christ therefore it is said 1 Tim. 2.6 That Christ gaue himselfe a ransome for all men Q. Proue that thus eternall life becomes the reward of the faithfull A. Eternall life becomes a reward to the faithfull and that of due debt in respect of the merit of Christ which is meerely in him and not in vs For God hath made him to be sinne for vs who knew no sinne that wee might bee made the righteousnesse of God in him 2 Cor. 5.21 But in respect of vs who can merit nothing because our workeâ— â—re imperfect it is a reward of fauour and not of debt as the Apostle reasoneth Rom. 4.4.5 To him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace but of debt but to him that worketh not but beleeueth on him that iustifieth the vâ—godly his faith is counted for righteousnesse Thus of the free grace and mercy of God and for the merit of Christ euery good worke shall haue a reward Math. 5.12 and 6.4 6. and 10.41.42 Q. Proue that then all the sorrowes of the godly shall be turned into ioy A. So did Christ foretell his Disciples and in them all gooâ— Christians Ioh. 16.20 Ye shall weep and lament and the world shall reioyce and ye shall sorrow but your sorrow shall bee turned into ioy And in that regard he pronounceth the godly happy Luk. 6.21 Blessed are yee that weepe now for yee shall laugh Q. To conclude what doe we owe vnto God for so great a blessing A We doe owe and are bound with the Apostle Col. 1.12.13 To giue thankes vnto the Father who hath made vs meete to bee partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light who hath deliuered vs from the power of darkenesse and hath translated vs into the kingdom of his deare Sonne And therefore we all with one heart say as it is in Iud. 24.25 Now vnto him that is able to keepe vs that we fall not and to present vs faultlesse before the presence of his glory with ioy that is To God onely wise our Sauiour be glory and Maiestie and Dominion and Power both now and for euer Amen FINIS Rom. 2.20 2 Tim. 1.13 Heb. 5.12 Heb. 6.1 Heb. 5.13.14 Psal. 32.8 1 Cor. 3. â—0 a Pro. 3 6. 1 Chro. 28.9 b Deu. 29.29 Ro. 15.4 c Io. 17.3 2 Thes. 1.8 d 2 Tim. 3.15 Io. 5.39 e Deu. 6.4 Isa. 44.6 f 1 Cor. 8.4.5.6 Eph. 4.5.6 g Eph. 2.12 1 Co. 10.20 h Iam. 2.19 i 1 Io. 5.7 k Luk 3.21.22 l Math. 28. m 2 Cor. 13.14 n 1 Cor. 8.6 Ro. 11.36 o Psal. 22.7 Ioh. 1.14 p Io. 15.26 q Eph. 4.6 1 Cor. 15.24 Io. 1.1 1 Io. 5.20 Act. 5.3.4 r 1 Io. 5.7 s Io. 1.2 and 17.5 Gen. 1.2 t Psal. 2.6 1 Cor. 12.4.5.6.11 u Psal 90.2 1 Tim. â— 17 x Ier. 23.22.24 Psal 139 7. y Iam 1.17 Mal. 3.6 z Col. 1. â—5 Io. 4.24 a Ge. 17.1 Reu 15.3 b Ps. 147.5 c Isaiah 6.3 1 Pet. 1.15 d Math 19.17 Psal 145.9 e Psal. 145.8.9 Iam. 5.11 f Due 3 2.4 Psal. 145.17 g Exod. 34.6 h 1 Tim. 6.16 Exod. 33.18 c. i Gen. 1.1 Act. 17.24 Col. 1.16 k Ps. 33.6 and 148.5 l Heb. 11.3 m Gen. 1.31 Exo. 20.11 n Gen. 1.31 o Ps. 100.3 p Heb. 3.4 q Ps. 5.4 Iam. 1.17 r Pro. 15 3 Matth. 10.29.30 Ps. 135.6 s Ps. 36.6 and 145.15 t Iob. 1.11 and 2.5 Mat. 8 3â— u Io 19.11 Act. 4 27. x Act. 1.7.25.28 Ps. 119.91 Deu.
vpon 3 Only in the name of Christ. 4 With vnderstanding 5 Only aâ— he hath commanded 6 So it was in all ages 1 Before the Law 2 Vnder the Law ☜ 3 Afâ—er the law ☜ 1 Christ did so teach ☞ 2 â—he Apostles did so preach practise ☞ 3 A worshipper of God is the title of a ChristiaÌ„ ☜ 4 The worshipper of God only is the true worshipper 7 Otherwise Gods glory is giuen to a creature Man what it signifieth Why God made one man and one woman Man consists of soule and body The body is of the dust 1 Cor. 15.47 The difference of man and womans creation A second difference Io. 19.34 Man body possibly immoâ—tall The soule is immortall Man a most excelent creature Created in the image of God Had rule ouer all creatures Tâ—e image of God consisteth in knowledge Also in righteousnesse and holinesse ☜ Not in substance buâ— in sâ—mblance Gen. 1 â—6 ☞ Knowledge righteousnesse and holinesse are not the only image of God But in the whole man soueraignty ☞ In the soule wisdome ☜ In the very substance of the soule inuisibility immortality S. Augustine Vnity and Trinity ☞ In the body Gods image shineth ☞ Not in the shape or parts but otherwise The word of God calleth on vs to renew it Without it man not fit to rule Image of God how farre â—ost 2 Cor. 11.7 Oâ—â—ly in respect of knowledge righteousnesse and holinesse And that by Adams sinne In eating the forbidden fruit Hauing power not to sinne Was seduced by the woman She by the Serpent That Serpent was the Deuill Man did willingly yeed All tainted by Adams fall As guilty of his sin Are become most miserable Conceiued and borne in sinne Christ only excepted Luk. 3.23.38 Heb. Luk 1.34.35 Mat. 1.20 All corupted with sinne Both in soule and body Cannot perceiue any good thing Nor think a good thought Nor will any good thing Nor speak any good Nor doe any good But is subiect to sinne as a slaue Alsâ— to Sâ—tan To the wrath of God To the curse of God in 〈◊〉 whole life To death To eternall damnation Man saued only by Christ. He is the Sonne of God He is both God and man He hath perfectly saued vs. By taking our nature Which was of necessity Heb. 2.14 He was conceiued by the holy Ghost Borne of the virgin Liued in perfect obedience He suffred He died On the crosse He rose againe He ascended into heauen He sitteth 〈…〉 How we are iustified by faith That we are iustified by faith only 1 Instance 2 Instance 3 Instance 4 Instance 5 Instance Leu. 21.9 6 Instance How wee are iustified by faith only By faith we receiue Christ. A contrite heart is requisite So is confession to God Specially true conuersion Iustification is in the pardon of sinnes We can merit nothing with God Our best workes are imperfect The promise is onely to beleeuers Elected before the world was Preaching the means of repentance Preaching the means of faith God the giuer of all grace The giuer of repentance The giuer of faith God worketh by the Word God workes by his spirit 1 Argument 2 Argument 3 Argument 4 Argument Properties of faith 1 To vnite vs to God 2 To assure vs of Gods loue Shewed more plainely 3 To purifie the heart 4 To woâ—â— by â—â—ue Till we beleeue wee are without God Christ hope But once beleeuing we haue peace Beleeuers are fruitfull Faith and all other graces how increased Particularly 1 By preaching 2 By Reading 3 By meditation 4 By conference Heb. 10.23 24.25 5 By practise 6 By prayer 7 By Sacraments God requires encrease Meanes to that end appointed 1. Preaching 2 Reading 1 Publique 2 Priuate 3 Soliâ—arily 1 In the old Testament 2 In the new Testament 3 Meditation 4 Conference 5 Practise 6 Prayer 7 Sacraments Sacraments are signes of the couenant Gen. 17 7. God is the only author of Sacraments The end or vse of Sacraments 1 To signifie 2 To sâ—aâ—e or confirme 3 To conuay grace But to the faithfull only 4 To be aâ— badges of our profession So to the Iewes So to vs Christians There are only two Sacraments 1 By the institution and practise of Christ. 2 By the water and blood out of his side 3 By Saint Pauls allusion Our weaknesse requireth Sacraments The Word is not sufficient to vs. Christ ordained onely two Sacraments The other fiue are no Sacraments Why no Sacraments Particularly 1 Confirmation is no Sacrament Act. 8.14.15.17 Hieron aduers Luciferiaâ—os cap. 4. An nesâ—â—s etiam ecclesiarum â—â—nc esse morem c. 2 Penance is no Sacrament It may be without a Priest or Minister which a Sacrament cannot be 3 Order is no Sacrament 4 Matrimony is no Sacrament 5 Extreame Vnction is no Sacrament Our Sacraments answerable to the legall They are alone sufficient Baptisme requires 1 Profession of repentance 2 Profession of faith Châ—ldren are tâ— bâ— bâ—ptized The outward element is water The action is washing The inward grace what The forme of words what Who must administer Baptisme The end or vse of Baptisme 1 End 2 End 3 End 4 End Baptisme is the signe of regeneration The vertue 〈◊〉 it is perpetuâ—ll Rom. 6.3.4 The Lords Supper why so called The outward signe is Bread and Wine The thing signified is the Body and Bloud of Christ Crucified Who is to administer the Sacrament The action of the Minister Ioh. 3.16 and 6.27 The action of the people Ioh. 1.22 1 Cor. 10.16 The end or vse of this Sacrament 1 For remembrance of Christs death 2 For Communion with Christ. 3 For confirmation of our faith and loue How our faith in Christ. How our loue one to another It is the signe of our new life It is often to be receiued With due preparation All men must die Death to the godly is a blessing 1 Cor. 3.21 22. Phil. 1.21 1 Cor. 15.55.56 1 Thes. 4.13.14 Reu. 14.13 Rom. 6.7 1 Cor. 19.30 1 Cor. 15. â—6 The soule goeth immediately to heauen or hell The bodies of all shall rise againe At the last day Euery one with his owne body By the power of Christ. The end is to life or death eternall Christ came to destroy death Christ is himselfe risen That we might rise with him If no resurrection preaching and faith is vaine A day of iudgment shall be The time is onely knowne to God The signes what Mark 13.10 Math. 24.14 Math. 24 6.7.9.10 2 Thes. 2.3 1 Tim. 4.1 2 Thes. 2.3.4.8 1 Ioh. 2.18 Math. 24.5.11.24 Math 24.12 2 Tim. 3.1.2 Isai. 59 20. Math. 24.29 Mar. 13 8.24 2 Pet. 3.10 Math. 24.30 Why the time is concealed 1 Thes. 5.2.3 The day why deferred 2 Pet. 3.9 Math. 24.22 Rom. 11.26 Râ—u 6 11 Iâ—m 5.7 Rom. 2 1.4.5 The Iudge is Christ. The godly 〈◊〉 â—ssistant Math. 19.28 All men must be iudged Of all things 1 Committed as thoughts words woâ—kes Eccl. 12.14 2 Omitted According to their workes Christs comming shall be glorious Ioyous to the godly Fearfull to the wicked Psal. 50 The manner of the last iudgement The disposing of all men On the right or left hand why Io. 10.27 1 Thes. 4.17 Luk. 23.30 Reu. 6.16 Eccles. 34.18 c Matth. 13.29.30 The order of the trial The euidence is certaine bookes The books are 1 Of Gods prouidence 2 Of the creatures 3 Of the conscience 4 The booke of life There is a Hell Math 18.9 Luk. 12.5 2 Kin. 23 10 Where it is Christs voyce detrudeth the wicked into hell They are separated from God Iob 21.14 Math. 7.23 Luk. 13.27 They are consorted with the deuils They are depriued of all ioy Luk. 16.24 Their tâ—rmenâ—s intollerable Reu. 21.8 Isa. 66.24 Their punishment proportionable to their sinne Eternall paine easelesse endlesse It is iust with God The godly goe immediately to heauen They haue immediate communion with God He shall be all in all vnto them Reu. 22.5 They shall be freed from all euills Psal. 34.19 Possessed of all good things As â— perfection of grace 2 Brightnesse of glory Both in soule and body 3 Fulnesse of ioy Degrees of glory Vnspeakable happinesse Happinesse eternall It stands with the certainty of election With the truth of his promise 1. Io. 2.25 2 Cor. 1.13.20 With the iustice of God for Christ. It is the reward of the godly So all sorrow is turned into ioy The praise â—e giuen to God