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
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 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.
excluded out of the Kingdome of heaven Psalme 15. 5. Ezek. 10. 8. 22. 13. But there is much question what this Usury is which the Scripture condemneth Therefore it shall be our wisdome in matters concerning our salvation to take the surest and safest course and that is wholly to forbeare it and not to put our soules which are of more value then the whole world upon nice disputes and subtle distinctions Mark 8. 36. You have spoken of that alienation which is in illiberall Contracts in respect of the things themselves or the use of them Now what is that alienation which is for recompence of care labour and industry These Contracts are either publick or private the private are either in the Common-wealth between the Magistrate and people or in the Church between the Ministers and people What is the Contract between the Magistrate and people That the Magistrates should receive from them their stipends tribute and maintenance and the people from them and by them protection direction and peaceable government What then is the Magistrates duty to the people That he faithfully bestow all his labour and industry his care and diligence that he may in the Lord governe the people committed to his charge and direct correct and protect them for the common good Rom. 13. 4. Psal. 78. 71 72. And if they have their reward and neglect their duty they are guilty of theft and sin against this Commandement Ezek. 34. 2 3. What is the Peoples duties to them That they faithfully pay unto them their tribute and due as an honourable reward of their paines and care Mat. 22. 21. Rom. 13. 7. What is the publick Contract between Ministers and people That the Ministers receiving their portion and maintenance from the people or rather from God himselfe that they feed the people committed to their charge with the bread of life faithfully preaching the Word and administring the Sacraments and shining before them by an holy example and the light of a godly life seeking rather them then theirs 2 Tim. 4. 1 2. 1 Cor. 12. 14. What is his Theft 1. When he receiveth his reward and neglecteth his duty As when he presseth into his Calling uncalled by the window and not by the doore John 10. 1. being neither qualified with gifts nor willing to imploy those he hath for the good of the people 2. When he feedeth himselfe and not the people eating the milke and clothing himselfe with the wooll but neglecting the flocke Ezek. 34. 2 3. Zach. 11. 15. 17. 3. VVhen for gaine he either preacheth false doctrine or concealeth the truth Mich. 3. 11. What is the duty of the people That receiving spirituall things from their Ministers they communicate and impart unto them their carnall things 1 Cor. 9. 10. What is the Peoples Theft VVhen receiving these spirituall things they defraude them of their dues and withhold from them their meanes and maintenance which the Lawes of God and man doe allot unto them The which is not only theft but even sacriledge and the robbing of God himselfe Mat. 3. 8. What is that Alienation which is in private Contracts VVhen as men imploy others to doe their worke upon promise of reward or any wayes to use their gifts and abilities their care industry and labour for a just recompence What is required of such as thus imploy others 1. That they give an equall and proportionable recompence to those whom they thus hire 1 Tim. 5. 18. 2. That they pay it without delay especially to the poore who are not able nor willing to forbeare it Deut. 24. 14 15. Lev. 19. 13. What then is their Theft VVhen either they give not an equall and just recompence or delay to pay it to the poore who are unable to forbeare it Jam. 5. 4. What is the duty of the Mercenary or hireling 1. That he require no more then such wages as is equall and proportionable to his skill care and labour 2. That he doe his worke that hireth him faithfully and diligently You have spoken of such Contracts as respect Alienation and change Now what are those which are of things committed to trust They are either of things committed to others only for safe custody or such as are committed to Feoffees of trust for uses appointed or such as by last will are intrusted to Executors VVhat is the nature of things deposited VVhen neither the dominion and right nor the use of the thing is alienated but only the safe custody is committed to a man What is his duty That hee safely keep that which is committed to his trust and willingly restore it to the owner when he calleth for it VVhat is his Theft First when he converteth the thing committed to his keeping to his own use Secondly when he will not restore it to the owner when he desireth to have it But what if the things deposited bee stolne or become worse If it bee by his default that had the keeping of them hee is to make it good but if by oath he can cleare himselfe of all unfaithfulnesse and negligence the owner and not he must beare the losse Exod. 22. 7 8. What is the duty of Feoduciaries and Executors That they faithfully discharge their trust and doe their will and not their owne who have reposed confidence in them How doe they offend When they faile in their trust and aime more at their owne profit then at the performing of their will who have entrusted them or the faithfull discharge of their duty These are duties which respect things committed to trust what say you of persons thus intrusted Those are Pupills and children in their nonage who being unable to governe direct protect and order themselves are by the Lawes of God and man committed to the care and tuition of others What is the duty of their Tutors and Guardians That they carry themselves towards them faithfully according to the trust reposed in them and like Parents aime chiefly at the good of their Pupils and Wards and not their owne gaine and profit Esth. 2. 7. remembring that they shall one day be called to give an account of these persons committed to their charge and trust and of all the goods belonging unto them So much of just getting goods now in the order propounded we are come to the just possession and retention of them what is required unto this just possession Two things First the keeping of our owne goods Secondly the restitution of that which justly belongeth to others What doth this Commandement require of us in the former respect That we be not wanting to the just preservation not onely of our neighbours but also of our owne goods How prove you this Because our goods are Gods Talents eommitted unto us of which wee must give an account to our great Lord and Master And therefore if through our owne fault and negligence wee suffer them to bee lost or to be taken unjustly