to heauenly ioy the wicked to hell torments and all of them shall at the last day rise againe in their owne bodyes by the power of Christ the godly to life eternall the wicked to euerlasting damnation For Christ came to destroy death for vs and is himselfe risen from death that wee might rise with him and if there were no resurrection the preaching of the word and our faith should bee in vaine Q. What shall become of all men after they haue liued here in this world for a time A. All men of what degree state and condition soeuer yea as well the godly as the wicked must depart this life by death which is the separation of the soule from the body For sinne hath brought this euill vpon all mankinde as is shewed before out of Rom. 5.12 Whereupon in the iust iudgement of God it is appointed vnto men that they shall once die and after that commeth the iudgement Heb. 9.27 And thence is that challenge Psal. 89.48 What man liueth and shall not see death shall hee deliuer his soule from the hand of the graue Q. How is it that the godly die seeing death is a curse and a punishment of sinne which to them is pardoned A. Death is not to the godly a curse but a blessing it is not a punishment but a benefit and an aduantage through the death of Christ by whom the sting of death is so taken away that it cannot hurt them Yet the godly must die for diuers causes 1 That there may bee an end of all their sorrowes labours and miseries which they endure in this world in which respect death is called a sleepe and rest 2 That they may be freed from sinne and so fitted for heauen because flesh and blood corrupted cannot inherit the kingdome of God 3 That by death as by a gate or way they may passe into life As the corne that is sowne is not quickened except it die Q. What shall become of the Soules of men when they die A. When man who is dust shall returne to the earth as it was Then saith Solomon Eccles. 12.7 the spirit shall returne vnto God who gaue it That is to Gods disposing either to ioy or torment This our Sauiour teacheth Ioh. 5 24. He that heareth my word and beleeueth in him that sent me hath euerlasting life and shall not come into damnation but hath passed from death vnto life And as it is said before Reu. 14.13 They rest from their labours Example hereof we may see in the death of the Richman and Lazarus Luk. 16.22.23 the one went immediately to heauenly ioy the other to hall torments Q. What shall become of the bodies of men when they die A. The bodies of men when they are dead whether they lie in their graues or be in the sea or wheresoeuer shall rise againe to life So our Sauiour teacheth Ioh. 5.29 That all that are in the graues shall come soorth And in the Reu. 20.12 it is said I saw the dead small and great stand before God And verse 13â— The sea gaue vp the dead which were in it and death and hell or graue deliuered vp the dead which were in them It was Saint Pauls faith and assured hope see Acts 24.15 That the resurrection of the dead shall be both of iust and vniust And he doth proue it at large in 1 Cor. So that hee cannot bee a good Christian that beleeueth not this article of the Christian faith Q. When shall the dead rise againe A. The time when the dead shall rise againe shall bee at the last day that is at the end of the world when Christ shall come to iudgement This Martha did acknowledge concerning her brother Lazarus Ioh. 11.24 I know that hee shall rise againe in the resurrection at the last day With the comfort of that day Christ incourageth to doe good to the poore Luk. 14.14 And herewith the Apostle doth both comfort himselfe that had now almost runne his race and finished his course and incourage others to doe the like Because there is laid vp a crowne of righteousnesse which the Lord the righteous iudge shall giue at that day 2 Tim. 4.8 Q. With what bodies shall the dead rise A. All shall rise with their owne bodies that as the Apostle speaketh 2 Cor. 5.10 Euery man may receiue the things which are done in his body according to that he hath done whether it bee good or euill In this was Iob confident and comforted himselfe with in his affliction Iob 19.26.27 Though after my skinne wormes destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God Whom I shall see for my selfe and mine eyes shall behold and not another Q. By what power shall the dead be raised A. The dead shall rise againe by the power of Christ at the hearing of his voice and sound of the last trumpet See Ioh. 5.28 The houre shall come in the which all that are in the graues shall heare his voyce and they shall come sorth c. Againe 1 Cor. 15.52 In a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet for the trumpet shall blow and the dead shall be raised vp c. Q. To what end is the resurrection of the dead A. The end of the resurrection is that the whole man both soule and body may bee presented before the tribunall of Christ the godly to receiue the ioyfull sentence of life as the reward of their piety the wicked to heare the dolefull doome of death and condemnation as the recompence of their sinne So saith our Sauiour Ioh. 5.29 That they that haue done good shall rise vnto the resurrection of life and they that haue done euill vnto the resurrection of damnation Q. Proue that Christ came to destroy death Q. That Christ came to destroy death without which victory there could be no resurrection it was prophesied Hos. 13.14 I will redeeme them from the power of the graue I will deliuer them from death O death I will be thy death O graue I will be thy destruction And the Apostle alledging this prophesie doth triumphantly praise God for it 1 Cor. 15.54 c. Death is swallowed vp in victory O death where is thy sting O graue where is thy victory c. But thanks be to God which hath giuen vs victory through our Lord Iesus Christ. Q. Proue that Christ is risen from death A. The Apostle doth inuincibly proue it by many arguments in 1 Cor. 15.13 14. c. concluding verse 20. in this manner But now saith hee is Christ risen from the dead and was made the first fruits of them that sleepe For as hee reasoneth there If there be no resurrection of the dead then is Christ not risen But seeing he is risen and that for vs it followeth nececessarily that there must needs bee a resurrection Q. Proue that Christ is risen that wee might rise with him
of all the rest it is said Reu. 1.3 Blessed is hee that readeth and they that heare the words of this prophesie and keepe those things which are written therein Q. Proue that God appointed meditation to that end A. It is euident in that charge before mentioned which the Lord gaue vnto Ioshuah namely that hee should meditate in the booke of the Law day and night Ios. 1.8 And it is propâ—uâ—ded as the way to happinesse Psal. 1. Blessed is the man that hath not walked in the counsell of the vngodly nor standeth in the way of sinners nor sitteth in the seat of the scornefull but his delight is in the Law of the Lord and in his law doth hee meditate day and night Q. Proue that conference was appointed to that end A. Therefore it is that they are commanded Deut 6.7 To talke of the word of God in the house in the way lying down and rising vp and therefore the Apostle hauing said Heb. 10.23 Let vs keepe the profession of our hope without wauering addeth immediately the meanes appointed of God to that end verse 24.25 And let vs consider one another to prouoke vnto loue and to good works not forsaking the assembling of our selues together as the manner of some is but exhorting one another Q. Proue that practise is appointed to that end A. Therefore our Sauiour requireth the condition of practise of euery man that will be able to iudge of truth and error and to withstand seducers see Ioh. 7.17 and the Apostle directeth Heb. 5.14 that through long custome which standeth in experience and practise men haue their wits exercised to discerne both good and â—uill and the Lord himselfe saith Psal. 50.23 To him that ordereth hiâ— conuersation aright will I shew the saluation of God Q. Proue that God appointed prayer to that end A. It is included in the generall promise Math. 7.7 Aske and it shall be giuen you and verse 8 for whosoeuer asketh receiueth Againe â—ro 2.3 4.5 If thou criest after knowledge and liftest vp thy voyce for vnderstanding Then shalt thou vnderstand the feare of the Lord and finde the knowledge of God Q. Proue that God appointed Sacraments to that end A. That Sacraments were ordained for our confirmation see Gen 17.10 concerning circumcision which is therefore called the Couenant because it did signe seale and confirme the couenant as the Apostle noteth Rom. 4.11 The like is said of the Passeouer Exod. 13.9 So vnto vs Christians Baptisme was to that end ordâ—ined Math. 28.19 and the Lords Supper Luk 22.19 S Of Sacraments in generall Q. Rehearse the Letter S A. SAcraments are outward visible signes of the couenant and promise of God in Christ ordained by Christ himselfe to signifie and to seale or confirme and as instruments or meanes to conuay sauing grace to euery true beleeuer and to bee as badges or tokens of our Christian profession And they are in number onely two namely Baptisme and the Lords Supper For such helpes our weake faith doth require and these only hath Christ ordained and no more being answerable to the two Sacraments vnder the Law that is Circumcision and the Passouer and are alone in that kinde sufficient both for the beginning and continuing of sauing grace Q. Proue that Sacraments are signes of the couenant A. That Sacraments are signes of the couenant promise of God is manifest in Circumcision which is called the Couenant because it was the signe of the couenant conferre Gen. 17.10 with verse 11. This is my couenant which ye shall keepe betweene mee and you and thy seede after thee Againe see Act. 2.38 where the Apostle Peter exhorting them to be baptized in the Name of Iesus Christ alledgeth this reason for saith he the promise is made to you and to your children c. Thereby intimating that to whomsoeuer the couenant doth belong to them belongeth the signe and seale of the couenant which is baptisme Q. Proue that the Sacraments are ordained by Christ A. The Lord God is the sole and onely author of all Sacraments for as it is only in his power to make the couenant and to conferre grace so he only hath authority to ordaine and appoint the signes and seales of the couenanâ— of grace Thus did hee both enter the couenant with Abraham and his seed for euer Gen. 17.7 and also appoint the signe of Circumcision verse 10.11 The like hee did concerning the Passeouer Exod. 12. and 13. In the same manner our Sauiour Christ being eternall God with his Father did institute Baptisme Matth. 28 19. Goe teach all nations baptizing them c. And the Lords Supper Luk. 22.19 Doe this in remembrance of mee Whereupon Saint Paul saith 1 Cor. 11.23 I haue receiued of the Lord that which I also haue deliuered vnto you Q. To what end or vse were the Sacraments ordained A. The end or vse of Sacraments is diuers First Sacraments are ordained to signifie shew and represent vnto vs the grace offered in the couenant In which respect they are called signes because they are as it were tokens and resemblances of Gods grace and fauour towards vs. So circumcision is called the signe of circumcision Ro. 4.11 the signe of the couenant Gen. 17.11 Baptisme is said to be the figure that now saueth vs. Againe of the celebration of the Passeouer the Lord saith Exod. 12.14 This day shall bee to you a remembrance And of the Lords Supper Christ saith Doe this in remembrance Luk. 22.19 And the Apostle 1 Cor. 11.26 Yee shew the Lords death till hee come Q. What is the second end or vse of Sacrameâ—ts A. Secondly Sacraments are appointed of God to seale or confirme the inâ—aâ—â—ible certainty of his couenant of grace in Christ made with his Church that thereby the faythfull may more firmely belieue and rest vpon it by faith as ciuill contracts are ratified and made authenticke by their seales annexed Therefore it is that the signe of circumcision is by the Apâ—stle Rom. 4.11 câ—llâ—d The seale of the righteousnesse of faith Q. What is the third end or vse of Sacraments A. Thirdly Sacraments are ordained to bee as instruments or meanes to conuay grace to euery true beleeuer which is euident for Baptisme in that Christ is said Eph. 5.26 to sanctifie and cleanse his Church with the washing of water by the word And Tit. 3.5 God is said to saue vs by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy Ghost And for the Lords Supper see 1 Cor. 10.16 where the Apostle calleth the cup of blessing the communion of the blood of Christ and the bread the communion of the body of Christ because in the right vse of these outward elements the faith full doe communicate with Christ himselfe and all his benefits Q. Proue that grace is conuayed not to all receiuers but onely to euery true beleeuer A. That grace is not conuayed to euery one
into the fauour of God and into the seruice and worship of this only true God who is one in essence and three in person the Trinity in vnity and vnity in Trinity Q. Who are to administer the Sacrament of Baptisme A. They only are to administer Baptisme to whom the commission is granted that is the Apostles and their successors the Pastors and Ministers of the Church is the end of the world See the commission Matth. 28.19.20 where our Sauiâ—ur Christ hauing said All power is giuen vnto mee in heauen and in earth doth vpon the ground of that authority presently adde these words containing the tenour of the commission Goe ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the holy Ghost Teaching them to obserue all things whatsoeuer I haue commanded you And â—â—e I am with you alway euen vnto the end of the world Q. What is the end or vse of Baptisme A. The maine end and vse of Baptisme may be reduced to these few hâ—ads First by Baptisme we are admitted into the communion of the body of Christ which is the Church or congregation and company of Gods faithfull people and thereby become partakers of Christ and all his benefits to our eternall saluation Therefore the Apostle saith Gal. 3.27 As many of you â—s haue beene baptizâ—d into Christ haue put on Christ. And 1 Cor. 12.12.13 As the body is one and hath many members and all the members of the body whiâ—h is one though they be many yet are but one body euen so is Christ. For by oâ—e spirit are wee all baptized into one body whether we be Iewes or Grecians whether we be bond or free Q. What is the second end or vse of Baptisme A. Secondly by Baptisme wee are assured of the pardon of our sinnes Whereupon it is that Peter said vnto them Acts 2.38 Amend your liues and bee baptized euery one of you in the name of Iesus Christ for the remission of sinnes And therefore Ananias said vnto Saul Act. 22.16 Arise and bee baptized and wash away thy sinnes in calling on the name of the Lord. Q. What is the third end or vse of Baptisme A. Thirdly in Baptisme wee vow couenant and promise our saith and obedience to God So the Lord said of circumcision Gen. 17.10 This is my couenant which ye shall keepe betweene me and you And of Baptisme it is said 1 Pet. 3.21 that it is not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but the answere of a good conscience toward God Therefore as was shewed before when any were to bee baptized they professed their faith and repentance and tooke the Sacrament vpon it as thereby vowing and couenanting so much with God Q. What is the fourth end of Baptisme A. Fourthly wee are by Baptisme confirmed in grace both to beleeue in Iesus Christ as also to liue no more in sinne but in newnesse of life for that which is said of circumcision Rom. 4 11. that it was the scale of the righteousnesse of faith is true also of Baptisme tovs Christians it being to vs as circuÌ„cision was to the Iewes And for regeneration see Rom 6.3.4 Know ye not saith Paul that all we which haue beene baptized into Iesus Christ haue beene baptized into his death we are buried then with him by Baptisme into his death that like as Christ was raised vp from the dead by the glory of the Father so we also should walke in newnesse of life Q. Proue that Baptisme is the signe of our new birth A. That Baptisme is the signe of our regeneration or new birth and therefore is but once to be receiued as it is sufficient to be once borne is euident in that our Sauiour alluding vnto Baptisme Ioh. 3.3.5 saith Except a man be borne againe of water and if the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdome of God where we see that Christians in their Baptisme are resembled to children new borne and therefore are fuly called 1 Pet. 2.2 new borne babes Q. Proue that the vertue of Baptisme is perpetuall A. The Apostle intimateth so much Eph. 5.26.27 where hee saith That Christ gaue himselfe but his Church that hee might saâ—ctifiâ—â—â— and cleaâ—se iâ— by the washing of water through the word that hee might make it vnto himselfe a glorious Church not hauing spot or wrinckle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blame now wee know that this perfection is not attained in the very act of Baptisme but is then onely begun and after daily increased to the end of our life And the Apostle referreth our death of sinne and nâ—wnesse of life which is daily to be exercised of vs vnto the vertue of Baptisme V Of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper Q. Rehearse the letter V A. VNderstand that the Sacrament of the Lords Supper is when bread and wine representing the body and blood of Christ broken and shed for vs being by the Minister taken and blessed is broken and poured forth and so deliuered to all the faithfull present and of them receiued by eating the bread and drinking the wine in remembrance of Christs death as also to communicate vnto vs the very body and blood of Christ spiritually by faith and so to confirme our faith in Christ and loue one to another For this Sacrament is the signe of our new life as Baptisme is of our new birth And therefore as we haue neede of often nourishment so wee ought to receiue often and that with due preparation Q. Why is this Sacrament called the Lords Supper A. This Sacrament is called the Lords Supper for these reasons First a Supper partly in regard of the time when it was instituted and celebrated which was in the euening before the day wherein Christ was crucified partly in respect of the thing it selfe because it is a Sacred Feast or Banquet appointed of God not for the body but for the soule And it is called The Lords Supper both in regard of the Author who is the Lord Iesus himselfe as also in respect of the end which was in remembrance of him Q. What is the outward signe in the Lords Supper A. The outward signe in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper doth consist of two elements that is Bread and Wine for so our Sauiour did institute not one onely but both to shew that in him wee haue perfect nourishment vnto eternall life and the better to expresse the giuing vp of his Body and the shedding of his Bloud for vs which either the Bread alone or the Wine alone could not present vnto vs in so liuely manner Againe it is answerable to the type Gen. 14.18 that as Melchisedech so Christ should nourish and refresh his Church with Bread and Wine Q. What is the thing siguified by the Bread and Wine A. The thing signified is the Body and Bloud of Christ
vpon 3 Only in the name of Christ. 4 With vnderstanding 5 Only aâ— he hath commanded 6 So it was in all ages 1 Before the Law 2 Vnder the Law ☜ 3 Afâ—er the law ☜ 1 Christ did so teach ☞ 2 â—he Apostles did so preach practise ☞ 3 A worshipper of God is the title of a ChristiaÌ„ ☜ 4 The worshipper of God only is the true worshipper 7 Otherwise Gods glory is giuen to a creature Man what it signifieth Why God made one man and one woman Man consists of soule and body The body is of the dust 1 Cor. 15.47 The difference of man and womans creation A second difference Io. 19.34 Man body possibly immoâ—tall The soule is immortall Man a most excelent creature Created in the image of God Had rule ouer all creatures Tâ—e image of God consisteth in knowledge Also in righteousnesse and holinesse ☜ Not in substance buâ— in sâ—mblance Gen. 1 â—6 ☞ Knowledge righteousnesse and holinesse are not the only image of God But in the whole man soueraignty ☞ In the soule wisdome ☜ In the very substance of the soule inuisibility immortality S. Augustine Vnity and Trinity ☞ In the body Gods image shineth ☞ Not in the shape or parts but otherwise The word of God calleth on vs to renew it Without it man not fit to rule Image of God how farre â—ost 2 Cor. 11.7 Oâ—â—ly in respect of knowledge righteousnesse and holinesse And that by Adams sinne In eating the forbidden fruit Hauing power not to sinne Was seduced by the woman She by the Serpent That Serpent was the Deuill Man did willingly yeed All tainted by Adams fall As guilty of his sin Are become most miserable Conceiued and borne in sinne Christ only excepted Luk. 3.23.38 Heb. Luk 1.34.35 Mat. 1.20 All corupted with sinne Both in soule and body Cannot perceiue any good thing Nor think a good thought Nor will any good thing Nor speak any good Nor doe any good But is subiect to sinne as a slaue Alsâ— to Sâ—tan To the wrath of God To the curse of God in 〈◊〉 whole life To death To eternall damnation Man saued only by Christ. He is the Sonne of God He is both God and man He hath perfectly saued vs. By taking our nature Which was of necessity Heb. 2.14 He was conceiued by the holy Ghost Borne of the virgin Liued in perfect obedience He suffred He died On the crosse He rose againe He ascended into heauen He sitteth 〈…〉 How we are iustified by faith That we are iustified by faith only 1 Instance 2 Instance 3 Instance 4 Instance 5 Instance Leu. 21.9 6 Instance How wee are iustified by faith only By faith we receiue Christ. A contrite heart is requisite So is confession to God Specially true conuersion Iustification is in the pardon of sinnes We can merit nothing with God Our best workes are imperfect The promise is onely to beleeuers Elected before the world was Preaching the means of repentance Preaching the means of faith God the giuer of all grace The giuer of repentance The giuer of faith God worketh by the Word God workes by his spirit 1 Argument 2 Argument 3 Argument 4 Argument Properties of faith 1 To vnite vs to God 2 To assure vs of Gods loue Shewed more plainely 3 To purifie the heart 4 To woâ—â— by â—â—ue Till we beleeue wee are without God Christ hope But once beleeuing we haue peace Beleeuers are fruitfull Faith and all other graces how increased Particularly 1 By preaching 2 By Reading 3 By meditation 4 By conference Heb. 10.23 24.25 5 By practise 6 By prayer 7 By Sacraments God requires encrease Meanes to that end appointed 1. Preaching 2 Reading 1 Publique 2 Priuate 3 Soliâ—arily 1 In the old Testament 2 In the new Testament 3 Meditation 4 Conference 5 Practise 6 Prayer 7 Sacraments Sacraments are signes of the couenant Gen. 17 7. God is the only author of Sacraments The end or vse of Sacraments 1 To signifie 2 To sâ—aâ—e or confirme 3 To conuay grace But to the faithfull only 4 To be aâ— badges of our profession So to the Iewes So to vs Christians There are only two Sacraments 1 By the institution and practise of Christ. 2 By the water and blood out of his side 3 By Saint Pauls allusion Our weaknesse requireth Sacraments The Word is not sufficient to vs. Christ ordained onely two Sacraments The other fiue are no Sacraments Why no Sacraments Particularly 1 Confirmation is no Sacrament Act. 8.14.15.17 Hieron aduers Luciferiaâ—os cap. 4. An nesâ—â—s etiam ecclesiarum â—â—nc esse morem c. 2 Penance is no Sacrament It may be without a Priest or Minister which a Sacrament cannot be 3 Order is no Sacrament 4 Matrimony is no Sacrament 5 Extreame Vnction is no Sacrament Our Sacraments answerable to the legall They are alone sufficient Baptisme requires 1 Profession of repentance 2 Profession of faith Châ—ldren are tâ— bâ— bâ—ptized The outward element is water The action is washing The inward grace what The forme of words what Who must administer Baptisme The end or vse of Baptisme 1 End 2 End 3 End 4 End Baptisme is the signe of regeneration The vertue 〈◊〉 it is perpetuâ—ll Rom. 6.3.4 The Lords Supper why so called The outward signe is Bread and Wine The thing signified is the Body and Bloud of Christ Crucified Who is to administer the Sacrament The action of the Minister Ioh. 3.16 and 6.27 The action of the people Ioh. 1.22 1 Cor. 10.16 The end or vse of this Sacrament 1 For remembrance of Christs death 2 For Communion with Christ. 3 For confirmation of our faith and loue How our faith in Christ. How our loue one to another It is the signe of our new life It is often to be receiued With due preparation All men must die Death to the godly is a blessing 1 Cor. 3.21 22. Phil. 1.21 1 Cor. 15.55.56 1 Thes. 4.13.14 Reu. 14.13 Rom. 6.7 1 Cor. 19.30 1 Cor. 15. â—6 The soule goeth immediately to heauen or hell The bodies of all shall rise againe At the last day Euery one with his owne body By the power of Christ. The end is to life or death eternall Christ came to destroy death Christ is himselfe risen That we might rise with him If no resurrection preaching and faith is vaine A day of iudgment shall be The time is onely knowne to God The signes what Mark 13.10 Math. 24.14 Math. 24 6.7.9.10 2 Thes. 2.3 1 Tim. 4.1 2 Thes. 2.3.4.8 1 Ioh. 2.18 Math. 24.5.11.24 Math 24.12 2 Tim. 3.1.2 Isai. 59 20. Math. 24.29 Mar. 13 8.24 2 Pet. 3.10 Math. 24.30 Why the time is concealed 1 Thes. 5.2.3 The day why deferred 2 Pet. 3.9 Math. 24.22 Rom. 11.26 Râ—u 6 11 Iâ—m 5.7 Rom. 2 1.4.5 The Iudge is Christ. The godly 〈◊〉 â—ssistant Math. 19.28 All men must be iudged Of all things 1 Committed as thoughts words woâ—kes Eccl. 12.14 2 Omitted According to their workes Christs comming shall be glorious Ioyous to the godly Fearfull to the wicked Psal. 50 The manner of the last iudgement The disposing of all men On the right or left hand why Io. 10.27 1 Thes. 4.17 Luk. 23.30 Reu. 6.16 Eccles. 34.18 c Matth. 13.29.30 The order of the trial The euidence is certaine bookes The books are 1 Of Gods prouidence 2 Of the creatures 3 Of the conscience 4 The booke of life There is a Hell Math 18.9 Luk. 12.5 2 Kin. 23 10 Where it is Christs voyce detrudeth the wicked into hell They are separated from God Iob 21.14 Math. 7.23 Luk. 13.27 They are consorted with the deuils They are depriued of all ioy Luk. 16.24 Their tâ—rmenâ—s intollerable Reu. 21.8 Isa. 66.24 Their punishment proportionable to their sinne Eternall paine easelesse endlesse It is iust with God The godly goe immediately to heauen They haue immediate communion with God He shall be all in all vnto them Reu. 22.5 They shall be freed from all euills Psal. 34.19 Possessed of all good things As â— perfection of grace 2 Brightnesse of glory Both in soule and body 3 Fulnesse of ioy Degrees of glory Vnspeakable happinesse Happinesse eternall It stands with the certainty of election With the truth of his promise 1. Io. 2.25 2 Cor. 1.13.20 With the iustice of God for Christ. It is the reward of the godly So all sorrow is turned into ioy The praise â—e giuen to God
A. It is said 1 Thes. 4.14 If we beleeue that Iesus is dead and â—is risen euen so them which sleeepe in Iesus will God bring with him and 1 Cor. 15.21.22 for since by man came death by man came also the resurrection of the dead for as in Adam all die euen so in Christ shall all be made aliue therefore it is that hee is called the first fruits of them that sleepe Q. Proue that if there be no resurrection then the preaching of the Word and our faith is in vaine A. It is the Apostles argument to proue the resurrection 1 Cor. 15.14 that if there be no resurrection and so consequently Christ is not risen then saith hee our preaching is vaine your faith is also vaine and wee are found also false witnesses of God and verse 19. If in this life onely we haue hope in Christ we are of all men the most miserable X Of the day of Iudgement Q. Rehearse the Letter X. A. EXCeeding glorious in itselfe ioyous to the godly and fearfull to the wicked shall be the day of iudgment wherein Iesus Christ shall cal to account and iudge all men for all things done in this life according to their works For he shall come with glory in the clouds accompanied with innumerable Angels and fitting vpon his throne of Maiestie shall vpon due triall of euery mans workes the bookes being opened pronounce the sentence of saluation to the Godly and of damnation to the wicked Q. Proue that there shall be a day of iudgement A. It is written Act. 17.31 That God hath appointed a day in the which he will iudge the world in righteousnesse and Salomon telleth vaine young men Eccles. 11.9 that they must know that for all these things God will bring them to iudgement yea it is a mayne Article of our Creed reason doth teach that seeing the godly liue here in much affliction the wicked in great pleasure there must needs be a day of iudgement to right all Q. When shall that day of iudgement be A. The day of iudgement is not knowne to any creature in heauen or earth but to God onely see Math. 24.36 But of that day and houre knoweth no man no nor the Angels of heauen but my Father onely and Mark 13.32 is added neither the Son himselfe that is in respect of his humane nature or as he is here in this world in the state of humiliation or to reueale it to vs whom it doth not concerne to know it as is said Act. 1.7 It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his owne power yet there are signes foretold whereby wee knâ—w the approaching of this day of Iudgement Q. What are the signes foreshewing the day of iudgement A. The signes are chiefly these 2. The preaching of the Gospell through the whole world 2. Great calamities persecutions troubles wars famine pestilence and the like 3. A generall apostasie or falling away and departing from the faith and puritie of religion 4. The comming and reuealing of Antichrist the head of that Apostasie who shall take vpon him to be the head of the Church by sitting as God in the Temple of God aboue all that is called God or that is worshipped 5. Many deceiuers false Christs and false Prophets that shall seduce many 6. Generall corruption of manners and abundance of all iniquitie 7. Great securitie as in the dayes of Noe Mat. 24.37 8. The calling or conuerting of the Iewes Rom. 11.25.26 9. Strange signes in the heauens in the Sunne Moone and Starres on the land earthquakes in the sea roaring tempestuous storms 10. The burning of the world with fire and the comming of Christ in glory Q. Why is the day of iudgement concealed from men A. That day and houre is hidden and vnknowne to men and shall therefore be as the comming of a Thiefe in the night or as the trauaile of a woman with childe to the end that wee should waite and watch euery day and houre and be prepared for the Lords comming see Math. 24.42 Watch therefore for you know not what houre your Lord commeth and verse 44. Therefore be yee also ready for in such an houre as ye thinke not the Sonne of man doth come and Mark. 13.37 And what I say vnto you I say vnto all Watch. Q. Why is the day of iudgement so long deferred A. The Lord doth deferre the day of iudgement for diuers causes 1. that he might shew his patience toward vs in giuing so large a time of repentance 2. That all the elect both of Iewes and Gentiles might be gathered together their number compleat and so all Israel may bee saued 3. That he might try and exercise the patience of the faithfull who suffer so much at the hands of wicked men for the truth 4. That the vngodly and impenitent abusing the patience and long suffering of God which leadeth to repentance might bee left without excuse and be the more seuerely punished Q. Who shall be the Iudge A. He shall be the iudge who is our Sauiour euen the Lord Iesus Christ see Act. 17.3 1. where it is said That God will iudge the world by that man whom hee hath appointed and Rom. 2.16 In the day when God shall iudge the secrets of men by Iesus Christ for saith he Ioh. 5.22 The Father hath committed all iudgement to his Sonnâ— yet at the day of iudgement the godly shall also be as iudges in assisting and consenting to the iudgement of Christ therefore the Apostle saith 1 Cor. 6.2 Doe you not know that the Saints shall iudge the world Q. Who are they that shall be iudged A. All men of what condition soeuer that haue beene are or shall be from the beginning to the end of the world must come to iudgement so we reade 2 Cor. 5.10 That wee must all appeare before the iudgement seat of Christ and Rom. 14.12 So then euery one of vs shall giue account of himselfe to God for the Apostle had said before verse 10. Wee shall all stand before the iudgement seat of Christ. And this must be that as the wicked haue ioyned in sinne with the Apostate Angels that is the Deuils so they may be conioyned with them in iudgement who are reserued in chaines of darkenesse vnto the iudgement of that great day 2 Pet. 2.4 Iud. 6. then shall Antichrist as a chiefe head of all impietie receiue the doome of his eternall destruction 2 Thes. 2.8 Q. Of what things shall all men be iudged A. Euery man shall be iudged of all things done in this life both good and euill the good shall bee approued the euill condemned so it is said Eccl. 12.14 That God shall bring euery worke into iudgement with euery secret thing whether it be good or euill and 2
Cor. 5.10 That euery one may receiue the thingâ— done in his body according to that he hath done whether it be good or bad Q. How and how farre shall men be iudged for their euill workes A. All men that in this present life before their departure hence by death haue not laid holâ— on Christ and his merits by faith for the satisfaction of Gods iustice but dye in their sinnes and impenitencie shall giue account to God for euery sinfull thought word and worke 1. For euery thought though secret and hid from men therefore it is not onely said that God will bring euery work to iudgement but withall euery secret thing and Rom. 2.16 In that day God shall iudge the secrets of men 2. For euery word yea euery idle word that men shall speake they shall giue account thereof at the day of iudgement Math. 12.36 3. For euery act or deed committed much more as before is shewed that God will bring euery worke to iudgement and euery one shall receiue the things done in his body Q. Shall men giue account for the omission or neglect of good A. Men shall not onely account and be iudged for the euill which they haue committed but also for the Good which they haue omitted and neglected for God hath commanded Psal. 34.14 Depart from euill and doe good and Isai. 1.16 Cease to doe euill and learne to do well Therefore the accusation of the wicked at the day of iudgement is thus propounded Math. 25.42 I was an hungred and ye gaue me no meat I was thirsty and ye gaue me no drinke I was a stranger and yee tooke mee not in naked and yee clothed me not sick and in prison and ye visited me not For this cause Iohn Baptist for the auoiding of the wrath to come directeth Matth. 3.8 to bring forth fruits meet for repentance because euery tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewen downe and cast into the fire though it bringeth not forth euill fruit Q. Why must iudgement be giuen according to works A. That euery one shall bee iudged according to his workes Gods word is plaine euery where 2 Cor. 5.10 Euery one shall receiue according to that hee hath done So it was reuealed to Saint Iohn Reu. 20.12.13 That they were iudged euery man according to their works The reason is because workes are the fruits of faith by which it is discerned as the tree by the fruit And therefore it is said according to workes not for the merit of them vnlesse it bee the works of sinne which doe worthily merit damnation Againe the triall by workes is the fittest way to conuince hypocrites Q. Shew that the comming of Christ shall be glorious A. That Iesus Christ shall appeare in great glory at the day of iudgement whether we respect the manner of his comming with the attendance of such a multitude of Angels or his sitting in maiestie vpon his tribunall seat we may see Matth. 25.31 where it is said briefely That when the sonne of man commeth in his glory and all the Angels with him then shall hee sit vp on the throne of his glory Q. Why shall it bee ioyous to the godly A. Christs comming to iudgement cannot but hee most ioyous and comfortable to the faithfull partly because hee that commeth thus gloriously to be their iudge is their Sauiour partly for that they shall then receiue their full redemption and reward of their pietie and on the contrary shall behold all their enemies vanquished and trod vnder their feete Therefore doth the spirit of God euery where comfort the godly with the consideration of this day and therefore that day is called the time of refreshing Acts 3.19 Q. Why shall it be fearefull to the wicked A. It cannot but be most fearfull to all wicked men to behold the Lord Iesus come to iudgement in such glorious manner whom they haue so pierced with their sinnes Reu. 1.7 the rather in regard that he shall come in flaming fire to take vengeance on them 2 Thes. 1.8 and to execute iudgement vpon all and to conuince all that are vngodly of all their vngodly deeds which they haue vngodly committed and of all their hard speeches which vngodly sinners haue spoken against him Iude 15. Q. What shall be the forme or manner of the last iudgement A. The forme and manner of the last iudgement is not to bee expressed only the word of God for our better vnderstanding doth set it forth by a similitude or resemblance of an earthly iudge shewing the manner of disposing the persons conuented the order of triall and euidence together with the sentence of the iudge and the execution thereof Q. How will hee dispose of all men at the barre of iudgement A. First the disposing of all men conuented at that barre is noted by the Euangelist Math. 25.32 Before him shall bee gathered all nations and he shall separate them one from another as a shepheard separateth the sheepe from the goates and he shall set the sheepe on his right hand and the goates on the left Q. What is intended by setting some on the right hand and some on the left hand A. The intention and meaning is that at the day of iudgement the godly who like sheepe haue heard the voice of Christ their shepheard and haue led an innocent life in this world shall then be aduanced and the wicked who haue here expressed the nature of filthy goates by satisfying their vngodly lusts shall then bee deiected And that whereas in this life they were mingled together and did many wayes annoy the flock of Christ then at that day there shall be a perfect separation to the ioy of the godly and terror of the wicked Q. How shall the triall be A. The triall shall be according to the rule appointed of God for that end Which is partly the law of nature partly the law written both morall and Euangelicall as we may see by the Scriptures following Rom. 2.12 As many as haue sinned without law shall perish without law and as many as haue sinned in the law shall be iudged by the law The reason is verse 15. Because they haue the law written in their hearts Ioh. 12.48 He that reiecteth me and receiueh not my words hath one that iudgeth him the word that I haue spoken the same shall iudge him in the last day Q What shall bee the euidence A. The euidence is said in the word of God to be certaine bookes This Iohn was shewed in a vision Reu. 20.12 I saw saith hee the dead both great and small stand before God and the bookes were opened and the dead were iudged of those things which were written in the bookes Which is not to bee vnderstood properly that there shall bee materiall bookes but by way of similitude or resemblance because all things are as certaine and manifest to God and shall
then be as plainely laid open before Angels and men as if they were recorded in a booke or register Q. What are these bookes A. There are foure sorts of bookes which shall then be opened for the discouery of all the actions of men That is The booke of Gods prouidence whereof the Psalmist speaketh in Psal. 139.16 In thy booke were all things written The booke of the creatures spoken of in Ioh. 20.27 The heauen shall reueale his iniquity and the earth shall rise vp against him The booke of the conscience of which see Rom. 2 15.16 Their conscience bearing witnes and their thoughts accusing or excusing one another in the day when God shall iudge the secrets of men by Iesus Christ. The booke of life Reu. 20.12 which is the decree of Gods election wherein whosoeuer is not found written is cast into the lake of fire verse 15. Q. What shall bee the sentence A. The sentence shall bee twofold of saluation and of condemnation Matth. 25.34 Then shall the King say to them on his right hand Come yee blessed of my father inherit the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world And verse 41. then shall he say also vnto them on his left hand Depart from me ye cursed into euerlasting fire prepared for the deuill and his Angels Y Of the execution of the sentence of damnation Q. Rehearse the letter Y A. YOu that are wicked shall by the power of the voyce of Christ goe away into hell being separated from God consorted with the Deuils depriued of all comfort punished with vnspeakable torments both in soule and body according to your sinnes and that eternally without ease or end For it is iust with God so to punish the wicked and that they who haue liued heere in the pleasures of sinne should be recompenced with answeâ—able torment Q. Proue that there is a place of torment called Hell A. That there is a Hell or place of torment so called the word of God doth witnesse euery where we reade Math. 5.22 of the danger of hell fire so verse 29.30 of the whole body cast into hell fire so Math. 10.28 Feare him which is able to destroy both soule and body in hell so Math. 23.33 How can ye escape the damnation of hell This hell the Prophet resembleth by Topheth which is in the valley of Hinnon where the Israelites offered vp their children in fire to the Idoll Molech see in Isa. 30.33 the description of it Topheth is ordained of old yea for the King it is prepared hee hath made it deepe and large the pile thereof is fire and much wood the breath of the Lord like a streame of brimstone doth kindle â—t Q. Where is the place of Hell A. The situation or locall being and place of hell cannot for any thing we reade in Scripture be certainely determined onely this in generall is certaine and out of all question that Hell is in respect of the Heauen of the Blessed called the third or highest heauen an inferiour or lower place exceeding farre remote and distant from it which may be gathered by that which we reade of the damned rich man in Luk. 16.23 That in hell he lift vp his eyes being in torments and sâ—eth Abraham a farre off and verse 26. it is said to him betweene vs and you there is a great gulfe fixed But it is better for vs leauing all curiositie to learne to auoid hell then by experience to finde where it is remembring that in Pro. 15.24 The way of life is aboue to the wise that he may depart from hell beneath Q. Proue that the wicked shall by the power of Christs voyce goe into hell A. The wicked that here in this life will not heare the voyce of Christ shall then be constrained will they nill they by the power of that voyce to goe away into hell this is euident Math. 25. if wee conferre together the 41. and 46. verses where wee may see that when Christ had said Depart from me ye cursed into euerlasting fire it is added withall And these shall goe away into euerlasting punishment Q. Proue that the wicked shall then bee separated from God A. They that in this life say vnto God Depart from vs for wee desire not the knowledge of thy wayes to them it shall be said at that day I neuer knew you depart from me ye that worke iniquitie for this must be one chiefe part of the punishment of the reprobate to be excluded out of the glorious presence of God and of his Angels and Saints so wee reade 2 Thes. 1.9 That they shall bee punished with euerlasting perdition from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power Q. Proue that they shall bee consorted with the deuils A. In this life wicked men doe preferre the deuill before God for as our Sauiour saith Ioh. 8.44 They are of their Father the deuill and the lusts of their Father they will doe therefore as here they ioyne with the deuils in sinne so there they shall be consorted with them in punishment according to the sentence and iudgement giuen Math. 25.41 Depart from mee yee cursed into euerlasting fire prepared for the deuill and his Angels Q. Proue that they shall be depriued of all comfort A. That the wicked being in hell shall be destitute of all ease and comfort wee may see by the example of him who refusing to giue one crumme of refreshing could not receiue so much as one drop of comfort And indeed what comfort can there bee where there shall be notâ—ing but weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth when the wicked shall see Abraham and Isaac and Iacob and all the Prophets in the kingdome of God and themselues thrust out Luk. 13.28 Q. Proue that they shall bee punished with vnspeakeable torments A. The exceeding greatnesse of their torments may appeare in that they are said to be in the lake that burneth with fire brimstone Reu. 19.20 where their worme dyeth not and the fire is not quenched Mark 9.44 To bee cast out into vtter darkenesse Math. 8.12 And into a furnace of fire Math. 13.42 Which epithets or termes the spirit of God doth vse to note how fearefull and intollerable the paines of the damned shall be Q. Proue that their punishment shall bee proportionable and according to their sinne A. The punishment of the damned reprobates shall be proportioned according to the quality degree and measure of their sinnes they that haue had the meanes of grace and repentance the word of God and haue neglected or contemned it shal be more seuerely punished then they that neuer heard it therefore it is said Math. 10.15 That it shall be more tollerable for Sodome and Gomorrha and Math. 11.22 for Tyre and Sidon at the day of iudgement then for such Againe sinnes of knowledge shall be punished
with more stripes then sinnes of ignorance Luk. 12.47.48 and hypocrites receiue the greater damnation Math. 23.14 Q. Proue their torments shall be eternall without ease or end A. The torments of the wicked in hell shall continue without ease or end to all eternitie as the Salamander burning in the middest of the fire and not consuming therefore hell torment is called Math 25.41.46 Euerlasting fire and euerlasting punishment and 2 Thes. 1 9. euerlasting destruction and it is said Râ—u 20.10 That they shall be tormented day and night for euer and euer And it is agreeable to the rule of iustice because the sinne committed is against an infinite and eternall Maiestie Q. Proue that it is iust with God so to punish A. The Apostle speaking of the day of iudgement 2 Thes. 1.6 saith it is a iust thing with God to recompence And Ro. 2.5 that day is called the day of the declaration of the righteous iudgement of God Therefore it is said Luk. 16.25 Remember that thou in thy life time receiuedst thy pleasures and likewise Lazarus paines Now therefore is he comforted and thou art tormented And hence it is that Christ saith Luk. 6.25 Woe vnto you that now laugh for ye shall mourne and weepe Z Of the execution of the sentence of saluation Q. Rehearse the Letter Z A. ZEalous godly men the iudgement being ended shal immediatly goe with Christ into heauen hauing in him immediate communion with God who shall be all in all vnto them and so shall be freed from all euills and possessed of all good things as perfection of grace brightnesse of glory and fulnesse of ioy in their seuerall degrees and that vnspeakable and euerlasting For it stands with the certainty of Gods election with the truth of his promise and with his iustice for the merit of Christ thus to reward the faithfull that so all their sorrowes may bee turned into ioy Q. Proue that the godly shall immediatly go with Christ into heauen A. It is the first part of the execution of the sentence of saluation as we may see Matth. 25. if wee conferre verse 34. with 46. For when Christ had said Come ye blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdome prepared for you it is added accordingly that the righteous shall goe into life eternall as vpon the contrary sentence of damnation the wicked are to goe into euerlasting paine and that immediately Q. Proue that they haue immediate communion with God A. In this life the faythfull behold God and after a sort enioy his presence by certaine meanes as the word Sacraments and the like but in the life to come they shall haue immediate communion with him Therefore it is said 1 Cor. 13.12 Now wee see through a glasse darkâ—ly but then face to face now I know in part but then shall I know euen as also I am knowne And 1 Thes. 4.17 that the faithfull shall bee caught vp together in the clouds to meete the Lord in the ayre and so shall euer be with the Lord. According to the prayer of Christ for the vnion and communion of the faithfull with God in him axd through his mediation Ioh. 17.21 That they may be all one as thou O Father art in me and I in thee that they also may bee one in vs. Q. Proue that God shall be all in all vnto them A. The blessed estate of the godly shall bee such in the Kingdome of heauen that they shall need no such meanes or helps as here in this world they cannot be without but hauing communion with God and enioying his presence they shall in him haue supply of all for he shall bee all in all that is in stead of all vnto them They are the expresse words of the Apostle 1 Cor. 15.28 that all things shall bee subdued vnto him that God may be all in all And therefore in spirituall helpes there shall be no want Reu. 21.22 There is no temple for the Lord God almighty and the Lambe are the temple of it Againe there shall be no want of temporall meanes Reu. 21.23 no need of candle Sunne or Moone for the glory of God doth lighten it and the Lambe is the light of it There is the riuer of water of life there is the tree of life Reu. 22.1.2 Q. Proue that the godly shall be there freed from all euills A. Here in this world the euills and afflictions that the faithfull endure are great and many but in the life to come they shall be deliuered out of them all as it is said Reu. 21.4 God shall wipe away all teares from their eyes and there shall bee no more death neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more paine for the former things are passed away Q. Proue that they shall be possessed of all good things A. The godly shall there enioy whatsoeuer good thing may tend to their happinesse So that whereas in this life the graces of God are imperfect in them there they shall haue perfection of grace Whereas here they are obscured in so much that it doth not appeare what they are in the life to come they shall haue brightnesse of glory and whereas in this world they are filled with sorrowes there they shall possesse all fulnesse of ioy Q. How shall they haue perfection of grace A. First they shall haue perfection of knowledge see 1 Cor. 3.12 Now wee see as through a glasse darkely but then face to â—ace now I know in part but then shall I know euen as I am knowne Secondly they shall haue perfection of sanctity or holinesse see Ephes. 5.26.27 where it is said that Christ gaue himselfe for his Church that hee might sanctifie and clense it that he might present it to himâ—selfe a glorious Church not hauing spot or wrinckle or aâ—y such thing but that it should be holy and without blemâ—sh Which â—erfâ—ctioâ— wâ—e knoâ— canâ—ot be â—â—thâ— life Thirdly they shall haue 〈◊〉 sloâ—e in which respect loue is for the continuance of it preferred before faith and hope 1 Cor. 13.13 Now abideth faith hope and loue euen these three but the chiefe of these is loue Q. Shew that the godly shall haue brightnesse of glory A. Secondly they shall haue brightnesse of glory The Apostle telleth the faithfull Col. 3.4 Your life is hid with Christ in God when Christ which is our life shall appeare then shall yee also appeare with him in glory Dan. 12.3 it is said that they shall shine as the brightnesse of the firmament and as the Starres for euer and euer And Matth. 13.43 Then shall the iust men shine as the Sunne in the kingdome of their father Q. In what part of man shall this glory be A. The whole man both soule and body shall bee thus glorious in the life to come The soule for it is said Matth. 22.30 that they shall be as the Angels of God in heauen In body for the Apostle