condemned in respect of the second part of this Cōmandment 253 Helpes and hinderances to the keeping of this Commandement The reasons enforcing obedience to this Commandement 1 Reason 2 Reason 3 Reason 4 Reason 254 The second Table The summe of the second Table The generalls to bee observed in this Table The division of the second Table 255 The first Commandement 256 The meaning and scope of the fift Commandement The duties of equalls What are Superiors Who are Inferiours 257 What it is to honour Duties of Superiours The divers sorts of Superiours 258 The duties of aged Persons Duties of the yonger unto them Superiours in knowledge Superiours in authority Duties of inferiours to those that are in authority Duties of Superiours in authority 259 Kinds of Superiours in authority 260 Superiours in the family and their duties Inferiours in the Family and their duties Duties of husbands and wives Duties of the husband The duties of the wife 261 Duties of Parents Sinnes of Parents 262 Duties of Children towards their parents Duties of Masters towards their Servants 263 Duties of Servants towards their Masters 264 Publick Superiours and their duties The sorts of publick Superiours Superiours in the Church and their duties 265 The Peoples dutie to their Minister Superiours in the common-wealth The Magistrates dutie in civill affaires 266 The duties of Subjects towards their Magistrates Of the helps and meanes enabling us to keep this fifth Commandement 267 Hinderances to these duties here commanded Of the reason annexed to the fifth Commandement Of the promise of long life and how performed 268 The sixth Commandement The summe and meaning of it The negative part The affirmative part The duties respecting our owne persons 269 Duties respecting our soules The contrary vices forbidden Duties respecting our bodies The contrary sins forbidden Duties respecting the time of our departure 270 Duties respecting our neighbour while he liveth Inward duties respecting our affections Duties respecting the preservation of peace 271 Evill passions opposite to these duties Outward duties respecting the soules of our neighbours The contrary vices to the former duties Duties respecting the whole person of our neighbour 272 Duties required in words The opposite vices The use 273 Duties required in our deeds The contrary vices to the former duties How we doe indirectly endanger our neighbours life 274 How wee doe directly take away our neighbours life Chance-medley and how proved to be a sinne Of manslaughter 275 Of Duels Of wilfull murther Reasons perswading to the detestation of this sinne Duties to be performed to our neighbour after his death Duties respecting beasts Of punishments due to the breakers of this Commandement 276 Meanes furthering us in the obedience of this Commandement Hinderances to the obedience of this Commandement The seventh Commandement 277 The meaning and scope of the seventh Commandement Of inward impurity and the branches of it Abuse of apparell 278 Of the abuse of meat and drink Wanton gestures 279 Chastitie in the eyes c. Wanton speeches Chastity in the tongue and eares Stage-playes 280 Breach of the seventh Commandement in respect of action Of Stewes and the unlawfulnesse of them 281 Of Rape Of Incest Of Fornication 282 Of Adultery Of Polygamy What is required in the entrance into Marriage The contrary abuses 283 What is required in the holy use of Marriage Vnlawfull separation The punishments of the breach of this Commandement 284 Helps and means of keeping this Commandement Hinderances of obedience 285 The eighth Commandement The end of the eighth Commandement The occasion of this Commandement 286 Of Theft The parts of this eight Commandement Generall duties commanded 287 Opposite vices Speciall duties here required Arguments disswading from the love of money and earthly things 288 Self-contentednesse Motives perswading to self-contentednesse Lawfull measuring of our appetite 289 Affected poverty 290 Covetousnesse Ambition 291 Carking care Carelesnesse Solicitous and distracting care What required to just getting 292 Lawfull Calling and labour in it Extraordinary getting 293 VVhat is opposite to a lawfull Calling Vnjust getting out of contract Theft 294 Domesticall Theft Theft committed out of the family Sacriledge Theft of persons 295 Rapine Oppression Accessaries to theft Acquisition by lawfull contract 296 Acquisition by liberall altenation Acquisition by illiberall alienation Merchandise 297 Of selling Vices and corruptions in selling Of buying what is required to it 298 Of pawning and what is required unto it 299 Of location and letting 300 Of conduction and hiring Of usury Of contracts between Magistrates and people 301 Of contracts betweene Ministers and people Of Work-masters and hirelings and their duties to one another Of things deposited and committed to trust 302 The duties of Executors Of persons committed to trust Of just possession of goods and what is required unto it 303 Of restitution and what is to be required in it Of the right use and fruition of goods 304 Of parsimony and frugality Of tenacity and miserlinesse 305 Profusion and prodigality Of liberality Of lending Of free giving The ninth Commandement 306 The scope or end The occasion of this Commandement 307 The chiefe sinne here forbidden The negative part The affirmative part The sum of the duties here required 308 Of truth Truth must be professed and how Opposite to truth 309 1. Lying Reasons to disswade from lying Three sorts of Lyes Vices opposed to freedom of speech 310 Opposites to simplicity of speaking truth Meanes of preserving truth 311 Profitable speech Curtesie and affability 312 Seasonable silence Opposites to profitable speech 1. Unprofitable 2. Hurtfull speech 3. Rotten speech Fame and good name 313 Of publike testimonies 314 Of rash judgement 315 Of perverse judgment The duties of the plaintiffe and the vices opposed hereunto The vices of the defendant 316 The duties of Lawyers and the opposite vices The duty of witnesses 317 False testimony in the publike ministry of the Word Flattery 318 Evill speaking Whispering Obtrectation Conserving our owne good name 319 The means of getting a good name 320 A true testimony of our selves 321 The opposites to the profession of truth concerning our selves Arrogancy and boasting Confession of sinne 322 The tenth Commandement The end of this Commandement 323 The occassion of this Commandement Two sorts of concupiscence Lawfull concupiscence 324 Unlawfull concupiscence and the kindes thereof The growth of sinne The parts of this Commandement 325 And first the negative part Originall concupiscence That originall concupiscence is sin Actuall concupiscence 326 Evill thoughts Evill thoughts injected by Satan 327 Evill thoughts arising from naturall corruption The speciall kinds of concupiscence here forbidden 328 What is meant by our neighbors house Neighbours wife 329 Neighbours servant His Oxe and Asse The affirmative part The meanes inabling us to obey this commandement 330 The impossibility of keeping this Commandement Hitherto of the rule of our sanctification the Morall 331 The effect or exercise of sanctification in repentance and new obedience Repentance what it is When repentance is to
to have other Gods Sinfull Confidence Inordinate Love Sinfull Feare Sinfull Ioy and Sorrow The third branch of the first Commandement True Religion How we must come to the true Religion Helps inabling us to obey this Commandement Means of the knowledge of God Hindrances Means of ignorance here forbidden What is enjoyned in the 3. following Commandements The second Commandedement The scope and meaning of the second Commandement What is here forbidden What is meant by making Images The speciall branches of the second Commandement Of Prayer Of Fasts Of Vowes The manner of Gods worship Of Preparation Of disposition in the action What required after the Action Ecclesiasticall Ceremonies Of bodily Gestures Of the abuse of Gods Ordinances Defects respecting the inward worship Defects in outward Worship Helps in performing Gods pure Worship The 2d main branch of the second Commandement What forbidden concerning Images That it is unlawfull to make the Image of God That it is unlawfull to make the Image of Christ. What is meant by worshiping Images Of countenancing idolatry Reasons to back this commandement taken from his titles Iealous God Reasons drawn from the works of God The 1. Reason The second Reason The third Commandement The summe of the third Commandement What is meant by the Name of God Exod. 3. 14. 6. 3. Psal. 68. 4. What is meant by the word in vaine What is forbidden in the third Cōmandement What is required in the third Commandement The particuler duties required in the third Commandement The vices repugnant The right use of Oathes What persons may lawfully take an Oath The speciall abuses of an Oath How Gods Name is taken in vaine in regard of his Properties How in respect of his Works How in respect of his Word Of the helpes hindrances The reason annexed to the third Commandement The fourth Commandement The meaning of the fourth Commandement What need there is of one day in seven to serve God That the Sabbath day is not etremoniall Of the change of the seventh day to the first and the reasons of it The time of the Sabbath and when it beginneth What is meant by the word Remember Of the Preparation of the Sabbath The parts of the fourth Commandement What Workes ought to be declined What rest required in the fourth Commandement The speciall breaches opposite to an holy rest To whom this Commandement is chiefly directed The second part of this Commandement which is the sanctifying of the Rest. The Exercises and Duties required on the Sabbath Prayer with the Congregation Hearing the Word Receiving the Sacrament Private duties of the Sabbath Of the evening preparation The first duties of the morning Of the publick duties of the Sabbath What is to be done after the publick Ministery Sins to be condemned in respect of the second part of this Commandement Helps and hinderances to the keeping of this Commandement Of the Reasons inforcing obedience to this Commandement 1. Reason 2. Reason 3. Reason Fourth reason The second Table The summe of the second Table The generalls to be observed in this Table Division of the second Table The fift Commandement The meaning and scope of the fift Commandement The duty of Equalls What are Superiours Who are Inferiours What it is to honour Duties of Superiours The divers sorts of Superiors The duties of aged persons Duties of the younger unto them Superiors in knowledge Superiors in Authority Duties of Inferiors to those that are in Authority Duties of Superiours in authority Kinds of Superiors in Authority Superiors in the Family and their duties Inferiors in the Family and their duties Duties of Husbands wives Duties of the Husband The duties of the wife Duties of Parents Sins of Parents Duties of children towards their Parents Duties of Masters towards their Servants Duties of servants towards their Masters Publick Superiours and their duties The sorts of publick Superiours Superiours in the Church their duties The peoples duty to their Ministers Superiours in the Common-wealth The Magistrates duty in civill affaires The duties of Subjects towards their Magistrates Of the helps and meanes inabling us to keep this fift Commandement Hindrances to these duties here commanded Of the reason annexed to the fift Commandement Of the promise of long life how performed The sixth Commandement The summe meaning of the sixth Commandement The Negative part The Affirmative part The duties respecting our persons Duties respecting our souls The contrary vices forbidden Duties respecting our bodies The contrary vices forbidden Duties respecting the time of our departure Duties respecting our Neighbour while he liveth Inward duties respecting our affections Duties respecting the preservation of peace Evill passions opposite to these duties Outward duties respecting the soules of our neighbours The contrary vices to the former duties Duties respecting the whole person of our Neighbours Gestures Duties required in words The opposite vices The use Duties required in our deeds The contrary vices to the former duties How wee doe indirectly endanger our neigbours life How wee doe directly take away our neighbours life Chance-medly and how proved to be a sinne Of Man-slaughter Of Duels Reasons perswading to the detestation of this sin Duties to be performed to our Neighbor after his death Duties respecting beasts Of punishments due to the breakers of this Commandement Means furthering us in the obedience of this Commandement Hindrances of our obedience to this Commandement The seventh Commandement The meaning and scope of the seventh Commandement Of inward impurity and the branches of it Abuse of Apparell Of the abuse of meat drink Wanton Gestures Chastity in the eyes c. Wanton Speeches Chastity in the tongue eares Stage-Playes Breach of the seventh Commandement in respect of action Of Stewes and the unlawfulnesse of them Of Rape Incest Fornication Adultery Polygamy What is required in the entrance into Marriage The contrary abuses What is required in the holy use of Marriage Vnlawfull Separation The punishments of the breach of this Commandement Helps means of keeping this Commandement Hindrances of obedience The eighth Commandement The end of the eighth Commandement The occnsion of this Commandement Of Theft The parts of this eighth Commandement Generall duties commanded Opposite vices Speciall duties here required Arguments disswading from the love of money and earthly things Selfe-contentednesse Motives perswading to selfe-contentednesse Lawfull measuring of our appetite Affected poverty Covetousnesse Ambition Carking care Carelesnesse Solicitous and distracting cares What required to just getting Lawfull Calling labour in it Extraordinary getting What is opposite to a lawfull Calling Vnjust getting out of contract Theft Domesticall theft Theft committed out of the family Sacriledge Theft of persons Rapine Oppression Accessaries to theft Acquisition by lawfull Contract Acquisition by liberall alienation Acquisition by illiberall alienation Merchandise Of Selling. Vices and corruptions in selling Of buying and what is required unto it Of pawning and what is required unto it Of Location and letting Of conduction and hiring Of Vsury Of
the King of Jericho might not revile the Spies but should have failed in her duty if she had betrayed them at the Kings Commandement and therefore in this case shee did well in preferring the obedience she owed to God before the duty she owed to man Josh. 2. 3. In like case also Ionathan revealing his Fathers counsell unto David and preferring the greater duty before the lesser did well 1 Sam. 19. 3. So we owing a greater duty to our Countrie then to our naturall kindred must rather refuse to reliefe them if they be Trayters then suffer any hurt to come to our Countrie But what if two have need of that which I can give but to one onely I must then preferre those that bee of the houshold of faith before others Galat. 6. 10. and my kinsemen and those that I am tyed unto by a speciall bond before strangers Iohn Chap. 1. v. 14. Acts 10. 24. What are we specially forbidden to doe by the Commandements of the second Table To doe any thing that may hinder our neighbours dignity in the fift Life in the sixth Chastity in the seventh Wealth in the eighth or good Name in the ninth though it bee but in the least secret motions and thoughts of the heart unto which we give no liking nor consent for unto that also the last Commandement doth reach How are these six Commandements of the second Table divided Into such as forbid all practise or advised consent to any hurt of our neighbours and such as forbid all thoughts and motions of evill towards our neighbour though they never come to advised consent of the Will The first five Commandements doe concerne such things as come unto consent and further the last such as come not unto consent at all How are those five Commandements of the first sort divided Into those that concerne speciall duties to speciall persons and those that concerne generall duties to all those duties which concerne speciall persons are commanded in the first those that generally concerne all men either in their life chastity goods or good name are enjoyned in the foure Commandements following What gather you hence That we are to distinguish between duties and duties between sinne and sinne done towards men and that to offend principall persons and such unto whom wee are in speciall manner obliged is greater sin because God hath singled out this one Commandement for these persons What are the words of this Commandement which is the fift in order Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thy dayes may be long upon the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Exod. 20. 12. What is to be considered in these words 1. The Commandement 2. The Reason What is the meaning and scope of this Commandement That the equality of mens persons and places in whatsoever estate Naturall Civill or Ecclesiasticall and with whatsoever relation to us bee duely acknowledged and respected for it requireth the performance of all such duties as one man oweth unto another by some particular bond in regard of speciall callings and differences which God hath made between speciall persons What be these speciall persons Either in Equalls or Superiours and Inferiours for this Commandement enjoyneth all due carriage of Inferiours to their Superiours and by consequent also of Superiours to their Inferiours and likewise by analogy of equalls among themselves under the sweet relation betwixt Parents and Children or betwixt brethren of the same family and the generall duty of honour What are Equalls They be equall in gifts either of Nature or Industrie as brethren in a family Citizens in a Common-wealth Pastors in a Church c. What is required of Equalls That they live equally amongst themselves loving one another and affording due respect to each other Rom. 12. 10. that they live together sociably and comfortably preferring each other before themselves and striving to goe one before another in giving honour 1 Pet. 2. 17. 5. 5. Eph. 5. 21. Phil. 2. 3. that they be faithfull one to another What is here forbidden Want of Love Incivility Strife and Vaine-glory whereby they seek to advance themselves one above another and to exalt themselves above their fellowes Phil. 2. 3. Matth. 23. 6. What are Superiours They be such as by Gods ordinances have any preeminency preferment or excellencie above others and are here termed by the name of Parents 2 Kings 2. 12. 5. 13. 6. 21. 13. 14. 1 Cor. 4. 15. Col. 3. 22. to whom the first and principall duties required in this Commandement doe appertaine Eph. 6. 1 2. Why are all Superiours here called by the name of Parents 1. For that the name Parents being a most sweet and loving name men might thereby be allured the rather to the duties they owe whether they be duties that are to bee performed to them or which they should performe to their inferiors 2. For that at the first and in the beginning of the world Parents were also Magistrates Pastors Schoole-masters c. How doth this agree with the Commandement of Christ Mat. 23. 7 8 9. that we should call no man Father or Master upon earth Very well for there our Saviour meaneth onely to restraine the ambitious Titles of the Pharisees in those dayes who desired not onely so to be called but that men should rest in their authority alone for matters concerning the soule Who are Inferiours comprehended here under the name of Children Such as by the Ordinance of God are any way under Superiours who are principally and in the first place to performe the duties required in this Commandement Why is the Commandement conceived in the name of Inferiours Because their duties are hardest obeyed in all estates What is here contained under the name of Honour Not onely Cap and Knee but every particular duty according to their particular estates Mal. 1. 6. Why are these duties comprehended under the word Honour Because it adds an ornament and dignity unto them What is the Honour that Inferiours owe to all Superiours in generall 1. Reverence in heart word and behaviour Lev. 19. 3. Eph. 6. 1. 5. For the reverence of the mind is to be declared by some civill behaviour or outward submission as of rising before them and of giving them the honour of speaking first c. Lev. 19. 32. Iob 29. 8. 32. 6 7. 2. Obedience to their counsells 3. Prayer to God for them with giving thanks 1 Timothy 2. 1 2. 4. Imitation of their Vertues and Graces 2 Timothy 1. 5. 4. 9. 8. 9. What contrary sinnes are here forbidden 1. Want of Reverence inward or outward 2. Despising of Superiours Iude v. 8 9 10. Prov. 30. 11. 3. Neglect of Prayer and other duties What is the duty of all Superiours towards their Inferiours That they answerably afford unto them love blessing according to the power they receive from God Heb. 7. 7. 11. 20. Gen. 9. 25 26 27. good
Parents and children or otherwise as Masters and servants What are the common duties of the Husband and Wife one towards another Mutuall and conjugall love one towards another yet so as the Word presseth love at the Husbands hands more then at the Wives because men are commonly more short of that duty Eph. 5. 25. Wherein must this Conjugall Love be declared 1. By mutuall help Gen. 2. 18. 2. By due benevolence 1 Cor. 7. 3. except by consent for a time that they may give themselves to Fasting and Prayer 1 Cor. 7. 5. 2 Sam. 11. 11. What are the sins common to the Husband and the Wife 1. Want of Love 2. Bewraying one anothers infirmities 3. Discovering each others secrets 4. Iealousie 5. Contention What is the duty of the Husband towards his VVife 1. In an entire love unto her to cherish her as he would cherish his owne flesh and as Christ doth his Church Eph. 5. 2. To provide for her that which is meet and comely during his life and then also that she may be provided for after his death if it so fall out 3. To protect her and defend her from all evill 4. To dwell with her as one of knowledge 1 Pet. 3. 7. 5. To give honour to her as the weaker vessell ibid. that is to beare with her infirmities 6. To governe and direct her What be the speciall sins of the Husband 1. Not to dwell with his Wife 2 Neglect of edifying her by instruction and example 3 Denying her comfortable maintenance and imployment What is the duty of the VVife to the Husband 1 Subjection in a gentle and moderate kinde and manner Eph. 5. 22. For albeit it bee made heavier then it was from the beginning through their transgressions yet that yoake is easier then any other domesticall subjection 2 Obedience wherein Wives are oft short as Husbands in love Eph. 5. 33. 1 Pet. 3. 1. 6. 3 She must represent in all godly and commendable matters his Image in her behaviour that in her a man may see the wisedome and uprightnesse of her husband 1 Cor. 11. 7. 4 She must bee an helper unto him Gen. 2. 18. as otherwise so by saving that which he bringeth in Prov. 31. 11 12. 1 Tim. 3. 11. Finally she must recompence her husbands care over her in providing things necessary for his houshold and doe good for her husband all the dayes of her life Prov. 31. 12. that so he may bee unto her as it were a vaile and covering before her eyes Gen. 20. 16. VVhat be the sinnes of the VVife in respect of her Husband 1 Failing in reverence which appeareth in froward lookes speeches or behaviour 2 Disobedience in the smallest matters 3 Disregard of her husbands profit VVhat duties come in the next place to be considered Those of naturall Parents who are specially mentioned in this Commandement whereunto also are to bee reduced all in the right line ascended and their Collateralls as also Fathers in law and Mothers in law VVhat are the duties of naturall Parents towards their Children They are either common to both Parents or particular to either of them VVhat are the common duties of both Parents They doe either respect the things of this life or of that which is to come VVhat care are they to have of the Soules of their Children to fit them for the life to come 1 To make them Members of the visible Church by Baptisme 2 They are to Catechise and instruct them in religion as they are able to receive it and to bring them up in Nurture and the feare of God Ephes. 6. 4. 3 They are to pray to God for to blesse them and guide them in his feare What is required of them for the things of this life 1 To marke the wits and inclinations of their Children and as farre as their owne ability will reach to apply them accordingly in due time to some good honest and godly calling that so being trained up in such a trade as they are fittest for they may not afterwards live idly without any calling Gen. 4. 2. Prov. 20. 11. 22. 6. 2 To provide for them a godly marriage if it please God in time convenient 1 Corinthians 7. 36. 3. Not onely to maintaine them during their abiding in their house but also to lay up and provide somewhat for them that they may live honestly afterwards and therefore are they to distribute their goods among their children and what they have received from their Ancestors to leave the same where it may be done lawfully to their posterity 2 Cor. 12. 14. 2 Chro. 12. 3. Prov. 19. 14. What speciall regard is here to be had by Parents to the eldest Son That sith God hath honoured him with that dignity as to be their strength Gen. 49. 3 4. he should also bee honoured by them at the least with a double portion Deut. 21. 17. as by the rest of the brethren with honour yet so as hee fall not from his honour by some horrible sinne Gen. 49. 4. What be the common sinnes of Parents 1. Negligence in not instructing their children betimes 2. Not correcting them till it be too late or doing it with bitternesse without compassion instruction and prayer 3. Giving them ill example 4. Neglect in bringing them up in some lawfull calling 5. Not bestowing them timely and religiously in marriage 6. Light behaviour towards them and too much familiarity with them whereby they become vile in their eyes 7. Loving beauty or any outward parts more then Gods Image in them What is required of the Father in particular To give the name unto the childe Gen. 35. 18. Luke 1. 62 63. For notwithstanding the mothers have sometimes given the names yet that hath been by the Fathers permission What speciall duty is laid upon the Mother To nurse the childe if she be able Gen. 21. 7. 1 Sam. 1. 23. Lam. 4. 3 4. 1 Thes. 2. 7 8. 1 Tim. 2. 15. 5. 10. So much of the duty of Parents to their children VVhat is the duty of Children towards their Parents It is either generall or speciall viz. in the case of marriage What are the generall duties 1. To reverence them and to performe carefull obedience to them in all things that they command by the example of our Saviour who was subject to his Parents Luke 2. 51. 2. To pray for them 3. To carry themselves while they are under their Parents tuition and after they are parted from them as they may cause their Parents in their good bringing up to bee commended Prov. 10. 1. 17. 25. 31. 28. 4. To be an ayde unto them as well as they be able and to helpe them with their bodies when they are in distresse Ruth Chap. 1. ver 16. 17 18. 5. To repay their Parents care over them by being ready to relieve them if they stand in need of reliefe and want any thing wherewith God hath blessed them
1 Tim. 5. 4. Gen. 45. 11. 47. 12. What be the contrary sinnes of Children in respect of their Parents 1. Disobedience 2. Murmuring at their Parents chastisements 3. Contemning them for any default of body or minde 4. Vnthankfulnesse in not relieving them not standing for their deserved credit c. What is the speciall duty of Children to their Parents in case of marriage That they ought not so much as attempt to bestow themselves in marriage without their Parents direction and consent especially daughters Gen. 24. 21. 21. 27. 46. 28. 9. Iudges 14. 2. 1 Cor. 7. 36 37 38. What reason have you to perswade children to this duty That seeing their Parents have taken such great paines and travell in bringing them up they should reap some fruits of their labours in bestowing of them Besides they should give them this honour to esteeme them better able and more wise to provide for their comfortable marriage then themselves are Is this duty required onely of Children to their naturall Parents that begat them No It is also in some degree required of children to their Vncles and Ants or to any other under whom they are and that bee in stead of Parents unto them when their Parents are dead Esther 2. 10. 20. Ruth 2. 18. 23. What is the duty of Masters towards their servants 1. To deale honestly and justly with them leaving off threatning remembring they have a Master in heaven Col. 4. 1. Eph. 6. 9. 2. To have a care to instruct and catechise them and to teach them the feare of the Lord. 3. To teach them their Trades and Occupations that they may bee bettered for being in their family 4. To allow them fit wages for which they have covenanted with them that they may live honestly for the labourer must have his hire 5. To reward them plentifully and to recompence their service when they part from them according as the Lord hath blessed them by their labour Deut. 15. 13 14. 24. 14 15. VVhat are the sinnes of Masters 1. Vnadvised entertainment of sinfull servants 2. Negligence in not instructing them in the feare of God and in some lawfull calling and not using religious exercises with them 3. Not admonishing or correcting them or doing it in an ill manner grieving more when they faile in their businesse then when they are slack in Gods service 4. Giving them ill example and using light behaviour before them 5. Detaining their wages from them and not recompencing their labours by giving them a due reward when they are with them and when they part from them 6. Neglect of them in sicknesse unjust stopping of their wages for that time 7. Not relieving them if they be able in their age who have spent their youth in their service VVhat is the duty of Servants to their Masters 1. To reverence and obey them in all things agreeable to the word 2. To pray for them that God would guide their hearts 3. To learne all good things from them 4. To be faithfull and not prodigall in spending their goods 5. With care and faithfulnesse as in the presence of God to bestow themselves wholly at the times appointed in their Masters businesse doing their worke not onely faithfully and with a single eye but also diligently Gen. 24. 10 11 c Eph. 6. 5 6 7. VVhat are the sinnes of Servants in respect of their Governours 1. Contempt and Disobedience 2. Murmuring at their corrections though unjust 3. Idlenesse in their Calling 4. Vnthriftinesse and unfaithfulnesse in dealing with their Masters goods and affaires 5. Stealing and privy defrauding of them 6. Eye-service Eph. 6. 6. VVho are Superiours and Inferiours in the Schooles Tutors and Schoole-Masters are the Superiours Pupills and Scholars the Inferiours whose duties are to bee gathered by proportion out of those of Fathers and Children Masters and Servants in the Family Hitherto of Superiours and Inferiours which are more private who are the publick Such as governe and are governed in the Church and Common-wealth VVhat is the duty of such Superiours To procure the common good of those of whom they have received the charge forgetting to that end themselves and their owne private good so oft as need shall require Exod. 18. 13. 2 Sam. 24. 17. Matth. 11. 2. 1 Thes. 2. 7 8 11. VVhat is the duty of Inferiours to their publick Superiours To minister charges and other things necessary for the execution of their offices and to their power to defend them in the same Rom. 13. 6 7. Gal. 6. 6. 1 Tim. 5. 17 18. 1 Cor. 9. 4 5 6 7 9 11 13. How many sorts be there of publick Superiours Two Ecclesiasticall and Civill the former whereof are as it were Divine the other are called Humane Creatures 2 Kings 2. 3. 1 Tim. 2. 2. 1 Pet. 2. 13 14. VVhy doe you call the Ministers of the Church Divine Creatures Because they are precisely in their kindes number and orders set down in the word of God VVhy call you the other Humane Creatures Because notwithstanding they are appionted of God and such as without them neither Church nor Common-wealth can stand yet are not their kindes and number and Order so appointed of God but that men may make more or fewer of greater authority or lesse according as the occasion of places times or the disposition of peoples doe require Who are the Superiors in the Church All Ecclesiasticall Governours and the Ministers of the Word especially 1 Tim. 5. 17. Who are under the Government All Christians and Professors of Religion What is the Ministers duty to the people 1 To be faithfull and painefull in dispensing to them the will of God and not their owne fancies or the inventions of men instructing them sincerely in the way of salvation and breaking unto them the daily bread of life 2 Tim. 4. 1 2. Acts 20. 26. 2 To comfort and strengthen the weake 3 To be an example unto all in life and conversation What be the sins of Ministers 1 Slacknesse in Preaching 2 Vnprofitable or hurtfull teaching 3 Giving ill example What is the duty of the people to their Ministers 1 To heare them willingly Mat. 10. 14. 2 To submit themselves to all that they shall plainely and directly teach them out of the Word of God Heb. 13. 7. 17. 3 Frankely and freely to make provision for them that there bee no want Gal. 6. 6. 1 Tim. 5. 17 18. 1 Cor. 9. 4 5. c. What be the sins of the people in regard of their Ministers 1 Disobeying and opposing against their Doctrine 2 Denying them competent maintenance 3 Not standing for them when they are wronged Who are Superiors in the Commonwealth All Civill Magistrates whether they be Supreame as Emperors and Kings or inferior Governours under them 1 Pet. 2. 13 15. whereunto are to be referred the Generall in the Field and Captaines in Warre as also in Courts Advocates are Fathers
true God and entertaining him in all the powers of the soule Com. 1. Honoring him with that worship which is to be given from men to him Every day as occasion requireth either in Solemne worship prescribed in the 2. Com. Glorifying his name in the common course of our life in the 3. Com. One day certain in the week prescribed in the 4. Com. Man respecting Such acts as are joyned with advised consent in duties which we owe unto Speciall persons in regard of some particular relation which we beare unto them prescribed in the 5. Com. All men in generall for the preservation of their Safety in the 6. Com. Chastity in the 7. Com. Goods in the 8. Com. Good name in the 9. Com. The first thoughts and motions of evill towards our neighbour that doe arise from the corruption of our nature in the 10. Com. Exercise thereof Repentance Fruits thereof in Resistance of sinne by Christian warfare where of the spirituall Armour Conflict with the World Flesh Devill in prosperity adversity here of bearing the crosse Abounding in good workes especially towards God in Praier the rule whereof is contained in the Lords Prayer wherein are to be considered the 1 Preamble 2 Petitions 3 concerning Gods glory 3 touching our necessities 3 The Conclusion and there of thanksgiving Fasting Our brethrens Edification in respect of their soules Almsgiving for the good of their bodies 3 Meanes whereby they are called The outward ministery of the Gospell wherein consider 1 Minister 2 Parts of the ministery Word Seales annexed thereunto viz. Sacraments for confirming the promises to the obedient which are either of Initiation or Admission into the Church Continuall nourishment Censures for ratifying of threatnings towards the disobedient in Word by admonition Deed by Suspension Excommunication 3 The kinds thereof namely the Old ministery before Christ called The old Testament where of the 1 Word of the Gospell more sparingly and darkly delivered 2 Types and Ceremonies 3 Sacraments Initiation Circumcision Nourishment Paschall Lambe New from the comming of Christ unto the end of the world called The new Testament wherein is to be considered the cleernes and efficacy of the Word Sacraments Initiation Baptisme Nourishment The Lords Supper 4 Divers states of the Church The world to come by the sentence of a twofold Iudgement Particular upon every soule as soon as it departs from the body Generall upon all men at once both in soule and body therein is to be considered 1 Iudge Christ comming with the glory of his Father 2 Parties to be judged Quick of whom there shall be a change Dead of whom there shall be a resurrection 3 Sentence and execution thereof where of the The torments of the Damned The joyes of the Blessed THE HEADS OF THE BODY OF DIVINITY DIVIDED INTO Two and fifty Heads 1. OF Christian Religion and the grounds thereof Gods Word contained in the Scriptures 2. Of God and his Attributes Perfection Wisdome and Omnipotency 3. Of Gods Goodnesse and Justice and the Persons of the Trinity 4. Of Gods Kingdome and the Creation of all things 5. Of the Creation of man in particular and the Image of God according to which he was made 6. Of Gods Providence and continuall government of his creatures 7. Of the good Angels that stood and the evill Angels that forsooke their first integrity 8. Of the Law of nature or the Covenant of works made with man at his Creation and the event thereof in the fall of our first Parents 9. Of Originall and Actuall sinne whereunto all mankind by the fall is become subject 10. Of Gods curse and all the penalties due unto sinne whereunto man is become subject as long as he continueth in his naturall estate 11. Of the Covenant of Grace and the Mediator thereof Jesus Christ our Lord his two distinct natures in one Person together with his Conception and Nativity 12. Of the state of Humiliation and Exaltation of our Saviour his office of Mediation and calling thereunto 13. Of his Priestly office and the two parts thereof Satisfaction and Intercession 14. Of his Propheticall and Kingly office 15. Of the calling of men to partake of the grace of Christ both outward and inward and of the Catholick Church thus called out of the world with the members and properties thereof 16. Of the mutuall donation whereby the Father giveth Christ to us and us unto Christ and the mysteriall union whereby we are knit together by the band of Gods quickning spirit with the Communion of Saints arising from thence whereby God for his Sons sake is pleased of enemies to make us friends 17. Of Justification and therein of justifying faith and forgivenesse of sinnes 18. Of Adoption whereby in Christ we are not only advanced into the state of friends but also of sons and heires and therein of the spirit of Adoption and Hope 19. Of Sanctification whereby the power of sin is mortified in us and the image of God renued and therein of love 20. Of the direction given unto us for our sanctification contained in the Ten Commandements with the rules of expounding the same and of distinction of the Tables thereof 21. The first Commandement of the choice of the true God and the entertaining him in all our thoughts 22. The second Commandement of the solemn worship that is to be performed unto God and therein of Images and Ceremonies 23. The third of the glorifying of God aright in the actions of our common life and therein of swearing and blaspheming 24. The fourth of the certain time set apart for Gods service and therein of the Sabbath and Lords day 25. The fift of the duties we owe one unto another in regard of our particular relation unto such as are our Superiours Inferiours and equals 26. The sixt of the preservation of the safety of mens persons and therein of peace and meeknesse 27. The seventh of the preservation of chastity and therein of temperance and mariage 28. The eight of the preservation of our own and our neighbours goods and therein of the maintaining of justice in our dealing one with another 29 The ninth of the preservation of our own and our neighbours good name and the maintaining of truth in our testimony and truth 30 The tenth of contentednesse the first motions of concupiscence which doe any way crosse that love we owe to our neighbour whereto for conclusion may be added the use of the Law 31 Of Repentance 32 Of the spirituall warfare and Christian armour 33 Of resistance of the temptations of the Devill 34 Of resisting the temptations of the world both in prosperity and adversity and here of patient bearing of the Crosse. 35. Of resisting the temptations of the flesh 36. Of new obedience and good works and necessity thereof 37. Of Prayer in generall and
the Lords Prayer in particular with the Preamble thereof 38. Of the three first Petitions which concern Gods glory 39. Of the three latter which concern our necessities 40. Of the conclusion of the Lords Prayer wherewith is to be handled the point of praise and thanksgiving 41. Of fasting 42. Of mutuall edifying one another and liberality towards the poor 43. Of Ministers and ministery of the Gospel and therein of preaching and hearing the Word 44. Of the Appendants of the Word Sacraments which are the seals of the promises and Ecclesiasticall censures which are the seals of the threatnings of the Gospel 45. Of the ministery of the old Testament before the comming of Christ with the Word Types and Sacraments thereof 46. Of the ministery of the new Testament and comparing the Word and Sacraments thereof with the old 47. Of Baptisme 48. Of the Lords Supper 49 Of the divers estates of the Church in prosperity and under persecution in integrity and corruption and the rending thereof by schismes and heresies 50. Of death and the particular Judgement following 51. Of the generall Judgement and therein of the Judge Christ Jesus his comming in glory and the parties to be judged both quick and dead with the resurrection of the one and the change of the other 52. Of the last sentence and the execution thereof of the torments of the damned and joyes of the blessed A LARGE EXPLICATION OF THE BODY OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION 1 TIM 4. 15. Meditate upon these things give thy self wholly to them that thy profiting may appeare to all WHat is that which all men especially desire Eternall Life and Happinesse How doe men look to obtain Happinesse By Religion which is a thing so proper to man that it doth distinguish him more from beasts then very Reason that is made his form for very beasts have some sparkles or resemblance of Reason but none of Religion Is Religion generally to bee found in all men Yes for the very heathens condemned them to death that denyed all Religion and there is no people so barbarous but they will have some forme of Religion to acknowledge a God as all India East and West sheweth May a man bee saved by any Religion No but onely by the true as appeareth Joh. 17. 3. This is life eternall to know thee and whom thou hast sent Jesus Christ and He that knoweth not the Son knoweth not the Father Which bee the chiefe false Religions that are now in the world Heathenisme Turkisme Judaisme Papisme What doe you observe out of this diversity of Religions in the world The misery of man when God leaveth him without his Word an example whereof may bee seen in the Idolaters 1 King 18. 27. and Rom. 1. 22 23. and some making a stick or a straw othersome a red cloth for their God as the Lappians Seeing then there are so many Religions in the world and every one looketh to obtain happinesse by his own Religion of what Religion are you I am a Christian. What is Christian Religion It is the acknowledging of the onely true God and of Jesus Christ whom hee hath sent How prove you that By that saying of our Saviour Christ Joh. 17. 3. This is life everlasting which is the reward of Christian Religion that they may know thee to bee the onely true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent where hee meaneth not a bare contemplative knowledge but a thankfull acknowledging which comprehendeth all Christian duties consisting in faith and obedience for hee that being void of the feare of God which is the beginning and chiefe point of knowledge Prov. 1. 7. abideth not in God but sinneth dwelleth in darknesse who hath neither seen God nor known him 1 Joh. 3. 6. What doe you call the Doctrine which sheweth the way unto everlasting life and happinesse It is commonly termed Theologie or Divinity and the familiar Declaration of the principles thereof for the use especially of the ignorant is called Catechising Heb. 5. 12 13 14. 1 Tim. 6. 1 2. What is Catechising A teaching by voyce and repetition of the grounds of Christian Religion Gal. 6. 6. Act. 18. 23. 26. 1 Cor. 14. 19. Where should it bee used and by whom Both at home by the Master of the House and in the Church likewise by the Minister Why at home Because houses are the Nurseries of the Church Shew some reasons and arguments to prove the necessity of Catechising and instructing in Religion First God accounteth of Abraham for his care in this duty Gen. 18. 19. Secondly Hee commandeth all parents to perform this duty to their children Deut. 6. 6 7. Ephes. 6. 4. Thirdly all children are made blinde in the knowledge of God and of Religion by Adams fall and consequently they must bee inlightened and informed by teaching if they will not dye which Solomon therefore commandeth Prov. 22. 6. and our Saviour Christ biddeth children bee respected Mark 10. 14 15 16. Fourthly the examples of the godly for this duty in bringing their children with themselves to holy exercises So Hannah brought up Samuel to the Tabernacle 1 Sam. 1. 24. and Mary Jesus to the Temple when hee was twelve yeeres old Luk. 2. 42. by which wee perform the effect of consecrating our children to God Exod. 13. 2. Fifthly common equity should move Parents to this duty for as their children receive from them originall sin by which they are made so blinde in Gods matters it is equity they should labour to remove that blindnesse by teaching them after Gods Word Sixthly God promiseth as the greatest blessing to men that their children should speak of him under the Gospel Joel 2. 28. Act. 2. 17. But is it not some disgrace and basenesse that men of yeers and place should bee Catechised If men will bee Christians which is their greatest honour they must hold it no disgrace to learn Christ Noble Theophilus held it none who was thus catechised as Luke sheweth Chap. 1. 4. likewise Apollos Act. 18. 28. To come then to the declaration of Christian Religion tell mee wherein doth the happinesse of man consist Not in himself nor in any other created thing but only in God his Creator who alone being infinite is able to fill the heart of man How may wee come to injoy God By being joyned unto him and so partaking of his goodnesse for happinesse is to bee found by acquaintance and fellowship vvith him vvho is the foundation of blessednesse man so knowing him or rather being known of him that hee may serve him and bee accepted of him honour him and bee honoured by him By what means come wee to the knowledge of God By such means as hee hath revealed in himself for God dwelleth in the light that no man can come unto vvhom no man hath seen nor can see 1 Tim. 6. 16.
example for their imitation Titus 2. 7. and that they so carry themselves as that they may be worthy of the honour that is given them Eph. 6. 4. 9. What are the contrary vices Want of love failing in Prayer and in giving good example dishonouring their places by unseemly and indiscreet carriage Tit. 2. 15. 1 Sam. 2. 23. How many sorts of Superiours are there Two Without Authority and with Authority Who are Superiours without Authority Such as God hath by age onely or by some supereminent gifts lifted above others whether they be of the body as strength and beauty or of the minde as wit and learning which are most to bee honoured or of outward state and wealth 1 Sam. 25. 8. and Nobility in which respect although brethren be equall yet by age the elder is superiour to the younger and the man in regard of Sex is above the woman and he that is skilfull before him that hath no skill Who are inferiour to such They who are younger and of meaner gifts whether of nature or of grace or of such as are gotten by exercise What is our duty towards such Superiours To acknowledge the things wherein God hath preferred them before us and to respect and regard them according to their graces and gifts What is the duty of them that are Superiours in years They are by grave wise and godly carriage of themselves to procure reverence unto themselves on the one side avoiding lightnesse and variablenesse on the other too much severenesse and austerity What are the duties to be performed towards Aged persons To rise up before the hoary head and honour the person of the aged Lev. 19. 32. to give them the way c. in regard their age is honourable yet men that have a place of pre-eminency given them of the Lord may keep their places What is the contrary sin forbidden Despising or disregarding of the Aged What is the duty of such as are Superiours in knowledge and other graces To use their skill and other graces so as others may be benefited by them 1 Pet. 4. 10. What is our duty towards them To give them the due approbation to wait for their words and give eare unto their speeches Job 32. 11. 16. as being wiser then our selves to profit by their gifts and to make our benefit of their good graces so far as our calling will suffer What is the contrary sin Not acknowledging nor reverencing nor imitating the graces of their Superiors Who are the Superiors with Authority Such as by speciall Office and Calling have charge over others What are the Inferiors Such as be committed unto their charge What generall duty is there between the Superiors and Inferiors of this sort To pray more especially one for another 1 Tim. 2. 1. Psal. 20. Psal. 21. Gen. 24. 12. Psal. 3. 8. and 25. 22. 28. 0. What is required of the Inferiors Besides thankfulnesse fidelity Tit. 2. 10. there is specially required subjection and obedience Rom. 13. 1. What is Subjection An humble and a ready mind to submit our selves to their Government who are set over them in acknowledging the necessity of their power in governing them Rom. 13. 1. Tit. 3. 1. 1 Tim. 6. 1. What is Obedience A voluntary and hearty doing of that which the Superiors command Eph. 6. 1. 5 6 7. Col. 3. 20. Heb. 13. 7. or patient suffering that they shall inflict upon them albeit it should be either without just cause or somewhat more excessively then the cause requireth Heb. 12. 9 10. 1 Pet. 2. 19 20. Is there no restraint of this obedience None saving that which we owe unto God in regard whereof our obedience to them must be in the Lord that is only in lawfull things otherwise we are in reverence to refuse and alleadge our duty unto God for a warrant Rom. 1. 30. Eph. 5. 24. 6. 1. 1 Sam 22. 17. Judg. 8. 6. 8 9. What contrary sinnes are here condemned Disobedience and neglect of humble submission to our Superiours commandements and corrections Rom. 1. 30. Iudg. 8. 6. 8 9. What is the duty of Superiours in Authority towards their Inferiours To protect and support such as are committed unto them Epes 5. 23. Rom. 13. 4. To provide good things for the body and the soule Matth. 7. 9 10. To command things that are good and profitable for the Inferiours governing them prudently and after an holy manner not as Tyrants but as those that have a Governour above them to whom they shall give an account Ephes. 6. 9. and as those who rule over such as have a title unto and shall be partakers of the same glory which themselves look for 1 Pet. 3. 7. In what things doth this government consist In two Direction and recompence of Reward Wherein consisteth Direction In Word and in Deed. VVhat must be done by word They must instruct and command them in the things which pertain to God and to their speciall callings Eph. 6. 4. Gen. 18 19. Must every Superiour in authority bee carefull for the instruction of those that be under him in the things of God Yes verily and herein God hath declared his singular care of the everlasting good of men who hath therefore commended the care of Religion to so many to the end they might be so much the more assuredly kept in the feare of God VVhat is direction by Deed Good example whereby in their life conversation and experience they are to goe before their Inferiours that thereby they may be provoked to follow them VVhat is Recompence It is either a cheerefull reward for well-doing or a just chastisement for evill both which should bee answerable in proportion to the deed done VVhat is the sinne contrary hereunto Abuse of this Authority through too much lenity 1 Sam. 2. 23. or severity Eph. 6. 4. 9. How many kinds of Superiours are there with Authority Two private and publick and consequently so many inferiors Who are private Superiors and Inferiors They are either in the Family or in the Schooles What is the duty of Superiors in the Family 1. To provide for the Houshold the things belonging to their soule by a familiar chatechising and examination and to goe before them in prayer accordingly the Housholder being therein to be the mouth of his Family 2. To provide the necessaries belonging to this present life as food and raiment both sufficient and agreeable to every ones place and estate Gen. 18. 6 7 8. Prov. 27. 23 24 25. 31. 15. 1 Tim. 5. 8. with convenient government What is the duty of Inferiors in a Family To submit themselves to the order of the House and according to their places and gifts to performe that which is commanded by the Governors thereof for the good of the Houshold Gen. 39. 2 3 4. What are the differences of Superiors and Inferiors in a Family They are either naturall as Husband and Wife
to their Clients Who are under the Government of the Civill Magistrates All persons and Subjects in the Realme City or State where they are Governours Rom. 13. 1. What are the duties of Kings and inferiour Magistrates in the Common-wealth They are twofold First in respect of Gods matters Secondly in regard of civill affaires 1 Tim. 2. 12. The former whereof regardeth the good of the soules the latter of the bodies of their Subjects VVhat is the Civill Magistrate to doe in Gods matters and for the Soules of the Subjects 1 He should pray for them that God would make their hearts obedient unto him 2 He should see that God be honoured in his Dominions that abuses in Religion be reformed and the truth promoted and maintained after the example of David Solomon Hezekiah Iosias and other good Kings 2 Cro. 14. 3 4. 15. 12 15. 17. 6 9. 3. He should plant the sincere preaching of the Word among his subjects that so they may be more obedient unto him And take care that the good things already taught and established may be done as God hath appointed He is not to make new Lawes of his owne for Religion but to see those Ordinances of Religion which are grounded upon the Word of God duely established and preached that so God may be truly served and glorified and the Church within his Realmes and under his government may under him leade a quiet and peaceable life in all goodlinesse and honesty 1 Tim. 2. 2. For he who neglecteth this duty unto God shall never performe his duty to man how politick soever he seeme to be VVhat is the Magistrate especially to performe in respect of civill affairs 1. He must looke to the peace of the Common-wealth over which he is set 1 Tim. 2. 2. defending his subjects from their enemies and preserving their lives in war and peace and suppressing murderers robbers and all outragious persons 2. He must not only maintaine peace but also honesty that by him we may not only lead a peaceable life but also an honest 1 Tim. 2. 2. where specially he is to provide that all uncleannesse be removed 3. He must see that justice be duely executed Psal. 72. 2 4. and that the Ministers thereof give judgement speedily in matters belonging to their judgement 4. He must take order that every man may enjoy his owne Psal. 72. 4. 5. He must cherish the good and discountenance the bad and take order that Malefactors may be punished and well doers may be encouraged Psal. 72. 4 7. Rom. 13. 3 4. VVhat is the sin of Magistrates Carelesnesse in performing those former duties VVhat is the duty of Subjects to their Magistrates 1. To pray for them that God would rule their hearts by his holy Spirit that under them we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godlinesse and honesty 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. 2. To help them with our goods paying willingly customes taxe and tribute due to them Mat. 22. 17 21. Rom. 13. 6 7. which condemneth the popish Clergy that detract this Tribute 3. To adventure our lives for them in war and peace 2 Sam. 21. 16 17. and 23. 15 16. 4. When they doe us wrong not to rebell but endure it patiently for it is better to suffer for well doing then for evill 5. To be obedient and dutifull unto them and to obey their Lawes in the Lord. Doe their Lawes binde the Conscience As far as they are agreeable with the Lawes of God the doe but otherwise they doe not for there is but one Law-giver who is able to save and to destroy Jam 4. 12. VVhat learne you out of the former That Drunkards Theeves Murderers c. breake both this Commandement and that other under which those sins are principally contained VVhat out of the latter That the Papists are to be condemned who hold that the Popes Lawes doe binde the conscience What be the sinnes of Subjects 1. Disobedience and Rebellion Refusing and repining to pay dues Hitherto of the duties of Superiours Inferiours and Equalls Shew now what are the helpes of the obedience of this Commandement They are either common to all or proper to Inferiours and Superiours What is common to all There must be endeavour to nourish and increase a naturall Affection Rom. 12. 10. Humility Rom. 12. 16. and Wisedome to discerne what is good and fitting for our owne and others places Rom. 13. 7. What is proper to the Inferiours Hee must see God in the place and authority of his superiours Rom. 13. 1. setting before his eyes the dreadfull threatnings and example of Gods vengeance on the seditious and disobedient Eccles. 10. 8. What is proper to the Superiours He must be the same to his Inferiours that he would have Christ to be unto himselfe Eph. 6. 9. remembring the tragicall ends of Tyrants and Vsurpers What hindrances of these duties are to be avoyded 1. Selfe-love which maketh men unfit either to rule or to obey 1 Tim. 3. 2 3 4. 2. Partiall inquiry into the the duties of others towards us joyned for the most part with the neglect of our owne Eccles. 7. 23 24. 3. The furie of the Anabaptists 4. The company of seditious persons and despisers of government Prov. 24. 21 22. What is the reason annexed to this Commandement That thy dayes may be prolonged and that it may goe well with thee in the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Deut. 5. I6 What is taught in this reason That God moveth the hearts of Superiours to promote the good estate of Inferiours for so also doe the words sound Exodus 20. 12. that they may prolong thy dayes besides the providence of God to the obedient which is farre above all experience of mens provision What is the summe of this promise The blessing of long life and prosperity to such as by keeping this Commandement shall shew that they regard the Image and Ordinance of God Eph. 6. 1 2 3. Rom. 13. 1 2. Have not the other Commandements this promise No not expressely which sheweth that a more plentifull blessing in this kind followeth from the obedience of this Commandement then of the other that follow Hence it is called by the Apostle the first Commandement with promise Eph. 6. 2 3. it being the first in order of the second Table and the only Commandment of that Table that hath an expresse promise and the only Commandement of the Ten that hath a particular promise But how is this promise truly performed seeing some wicked men live long and the godly are taken away in the midst of their time 1. The Lord performeth all temporall promises so far forth as it is good for us and therefore the godly are sure to live so long as it shall serve for Gods glory and for their owne good but the wicked live to their further condemnation Isa. 56. 20. 2. It is enough that the promises of this life be performed