or feele th' effects of Gods bountie LXXV I Beleeve that my flesh my verie flesh shall by the pow'r of Christ be then reunited unto my Soule never to be separated but to enjoy both together the fruits of Christs merits a perpetuall fulnes of joy which surpasses all conception expression of man my whole person being made so glorious that neither spirit nor flesh shall want any thing requisit to their full perfection LXXVI This glorious Resurrection being proper to the Elect is a free gift of God to the secret members of Christs bodie which is known by the name of Church I Beleeve then that God hath here a Church or assemblie of men call'd by his Spirit Word unto the State of Grace that this Assemblie is Christs spirituall mysticall Bodie LXXVII I Call it Spirituall for as Adam is the Head of the companie of carnall men who live after the flesh as being his Children engendred in his corruption so those who live after the Spirit are the blessed bodie of Christ who is their Head by Adopotion Redemption Sanctification or Renovation LXXVIII I call it likewise Mysticall or hid because Gods Election our Regeneration are not things subject to the eye so the Church is invisible her members being not seen as they are Elect though they be visible as men professing the true Religion by their holines manifesting their faith an effect of their Election I say their Holines 'cause LXXIX I Beleeve that Gods Church is Holie all faire and without spot yet not properly in her selfe for being compounded of men of whom the best is a Sinner this Holines of the bodie is as his Righteousnes Imputative God imputing unto the Church the holines of Christ which covers her impurities as Gods gifts are without repentance so LXXX I Beleeve this holines so inherent unto the Church that she cannot erre finally in those points of faith manners which work her damnation for though she admits some errors commits grievous sins yet she 's recall'd reformed by her Lover Lord so that her fall is not finall nor her sicknes to death LXXXI Her members then by which I understand onely th' Elect either never loosing or certainly recovering their donative integritie in faith all good workes Christ having promised her a subsistence or being till the end of the World I call her Infallible LXXXII And in this respect of continuation from the Worlds beginning unto its end because she 's not ty'd to places persons but is or may be spred through all nations consists of all sorts or degrees of persons I Beleeve her Catholique or Universall although sometimes she be contain'd in a litle compasse confin'd to a kingdome or Towne there being sometimes but few outward professors of the truth among them but few whose faith life be right for though many be call'd yet few are chos'n those manie who are thus call'd not chosen are often but a small number compard unto the rest who never heare Gods voyce know not his iudgements LXXXIII Which being true so considering the Church as Visible Invisible a Politique mysticall Bodie I allow her two Heads Beleeving her as a Civill Bodie subiect to Kings States under whom she subsists and so oblig'd to all their Lawes if iust that she sins against Christ her Invisible Head to denie them her Obedience LXXXIIII The Church which is likewise a Spirituall bodie the Assemblie of those faithfull persons who live walke after the Spirit must be subject unto Christ in all things for all his Lawes are iust there is no authoritie which on anie pretext may exempt her from her due Obedience to Christ her Husband Head Sunne LXXXV Considering Christ as a Husband the Church as a VVife I Beleeve her subject to him oblig'd to obey all his Lawes acknowledge him for her onelie Husband Lord adhere to him depend on him forsake all false lovers and seeke to please him in all things LXXXVI Considering Christ as a Head the Church as a Bodie I Beleeve there must be an union of the members with the head mongst themselves so that they all receive life from the head live among themselves in a holie union which is call'd Communion of Saints having Being Life Affections Actions Food Faith Hope common for certainly LXXXVII I Conceive Beleeve that all the members of Christs Church make but one mysticall Bodie Quickned by him Aiming as one man unto his glorie the preservation good of the Bodie Agreeing in the performance of the Heads commandements Breaking one bread feeding on his flesh the merits of his life death the graces of his Spirit Yeelding faith to his Word beleeving his promises Expecting his mercifull Rewards LXXXVIII This one Bodie of Christ having manie Members most fitly joyned together to grow up into him he hath for the edification of his Bodie for the collection perfection of all his Saints for the worke of the Ministerie given Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors Teachers so sent manie labourers into his field Vineyard I then Beleeve that the Ministers of the Church must have from God their Commission either Extraordinarie or Ordinarie LXXXIX The Apostles Prophets Evanglists being Extraordinarie Ministers had I Beleeve an Extraordinarie Vocation seal'd by Gods spirit both inwardly outwardly inwardly by a great knowledge of his mysteries strong motifs to advance his glorie outwardly by a good life by the gifts of tongues miracles prophesies XC The Leviticall Law being abolisht the Gospel Preacht writ beleev'd by manie nations those holie men did die those gifts ceas'd then succeeded succeede Ministers call'd ordinarily examin'd by the Church concerning faith knowledge good life then elected confirmed for the right administration of the Sacraments predication of Gods Word to give their flockes what they owe them full instructions in faith good manners dissvasions from all sins exhortations to pietie all Christian vertues meanes of reconciliation with God men visits comforts in their miseries captivitie diseases death XCI These Ministers being Shepheards to feede the Church must discharge their dutie both in publick in privat both by examples counsels leading their flocks to greene pastures still waters taking care of a weake sheepe which cannot well follow the rest of that too which goes astray XCII These Ministers being likewise as dogs must watch over the flock least grievous wolves enter the fold yea least some of the Church arise speaking perverse things teaching false doctrines breaking the Communion of Saints For though the members of the Church cannot say one to another I have no need of you sith even the feeble members are necessarie that in love policie those members are adorn'd which are lesse comelie Yet XCIII I Beleeve
the Church must not admit may expell all those who erre obstinatly in points foundamentall shaking the foundation of necessarie saving truths or who live so lewdly that they might infect the faithfull with their vicious customes be a scandall to the Church by their wicked conversation for the Elect being children of light the Church compar'd to the Moone it becomes them to walke by light XCIV Conceiving Christ a Sunne I call the Church a Moone I beleeve then that she must borrow all her light from him Although therefore the Church hath pow'r in things indifferent as concerning the time place of Gods worship fasts feasts postures other things which in themselves are neither good nor bad but left to each mans discretion yet she must not presume to alter or infringe the lawes of Christ adde to them or detract from them or to impose upon his children members that is upon her self aniething repugnant to the revealed will of her Husband Head but in all her decrees concerning faith discipline good manners anie great controversie the Church whether particular provinciall nationall or universall must in all her consultations decisions receive her light onely from Christ her Sunne XCV This Sunne shining in the holie Scripture as in his glorious firmament I cast my eyes on him there to behold admire his beautie As then I Beleeve that there is a God Beleeve or Trust in that God so I Beleeve to him giving assent unto his Word being fully perswaded of its infallible truth in all things namely XCVI In the declration of Gods nature power wisdom mercie justice will in the manifestation of his Son in the flesh in the gift of his holie Spirit in the Creation Rule of the World description of mans State both in Adam Christ doctrines of faith workes confutation of falshood errors condemnation correction of sinfull affections all vicious actions narration of things past prophesies of future consolations in miseries threatnings of destruction damnation for sin promises of preservation Salvation through Christ whom with the armes of faith love I do embrace XCVII All these excellent things being containd in the Scripture I Beleeve it the chiefe booke of all made by divine inspiration or speciall assistance of God for the studie use of the faithfull who may yea must either reade it or heare it read indeavour to understand beleeve it XCVIII For though it be obscure in respect of its prophesies some deepe mysteries yet in respect of necessarie truths concerning faith works it is most cleare to them who with an humble heart fervent prayers frequent reading serious meditation religious intention seeke the meaning of it making that holie book the sure onlie foundation of their whole faith principles of their religion rule of wisdom justice all vertues so preferring it to all writings books traditions Canons or Constitutions of Church or State that it be the touch stone to trie the truth goodnes of others XCIX By the name of Scripture I Understand onely those Bookes which are call'd Canonique as such receiv'd beleev'd by the Protestant or reformed true Church who knowes them to be the right Word of God by the effectuall persuasion of the holie Ghost by their owne excellence above the light of our nature by their great pow'r to inlighten move comfort terrifie the divers hearts of men by the Satisfaction they give faithfull readers both in faith manners by the accomplishment of what is prophesi'd in them by the conformitie of their writers when they handle the same matters by the consent of the Jewish Christian Churches so being assur'd that they are such doth shew commend command them to all Christians in the name of her Lord Head C. I say she commands them in the name of her Lord for though the Church shew me these Books yet their authoritie is not from the Church but from God whose written Word will they are so sufficient full that they are able to make the man of God wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus perfect in all good workes CI. The Scripture containing Gods Covenant of favor blessings both corporall spirituall temporall and eternall to his faithfull obedient people I Beleeve he was pleas'd to confirme seale his gracious promises least anie man whom they concerne should mistrust or forget them The confirmation was by an Oath God swearing by himselfe to blesse in Christ the seed of Abraham all nations of the earth The Seales were are Sacraments which represented to the Fathers doe still assure us of Salvation through Christ for though their matter did differ from ours yet their signification was the same even Christ the Lambe slaine from the worlds beginning to its consummation CII These Sacraments being holie signes of Christ must have from him institution promise of grace matter forme with the analogie or correspondence betweene the element or signe the thing signifi'd in some proprietie I Beleeve then that Christ ordain'd the Sacraments our holie Church hath now appointing their matter forme by which matter he represents the inward effects of his grace promis'd to those who shall receive the signe in faith love purâ—â—â— CIII Christ being the substance or inward matter of the Sacraments is likewise th' inward Minister giving or doing to the faithful soules what the signes doe to the bodies for unto such the signes are not naked but with the signes they receive Christ with all his benefits the merits of his life death wheras the Reprobat infidell or wicked persons being not of Gods election so wanting the good disposition which is requir'd in all worthie Communicants or partakers of Christs merits receive the signes to their condemnation missing the grace which is not ty'd unto the signes nor shut in them For though the signes be common to all the visible members of the Church yet the grace signify'd is proper to the sole Elect to whom onelie the Sacraments are most true Seales assurance meanes of Gods love towards them in their Election Vocation Justification Sanctification Glorification CIV. Considering them in this respect of Seales assurance meanes not as Causes of Salvation I esteeme them greatly yet never adore them albeit the neglect of them be dangerous yea damnable because ordain'd commanded by Christ yet I beleeve that God being not ty'd to the meanes second causes manie men may be are sav'd without the Sacraments or signes for Christ being th' inward matter Minister of them may supplie the want of outward matter Ministers CV Whom I Beleeve to be onely the Stewards of Gods mysteries those men who are lawfully call'd for the dispensation of their Lords Word Sacraments yet I dive not into their intentions nor consider their worthines for the
efficacie of the Sacraments but observing Christs Jnstitution in their words actions I relie on his promises for my present consolation future Salvation CVI. The outward matter of the Sacraments being VVater Bread and VVine are sanctify'd by prayers the VVord of God chiefly such words as containe the Institution of the Sacraments this Sanctification doth not consist in an alteration of the substance or qualities of the elements but in a change of their common use into a holie signification for being thus Sanctifi'd or set a part the water sprinkled the bread broken the wine powr'd both given taken eat drunke which actions with the words of Christs Ordinance promises are the formes of the Sacraments they represent spirituall things under corporall shapes the Water in Baptisme signifying the washing of my soule from all her filth sins by the bloud of Jesus the mollifying of my hard heart by the pow'rfull graces of his spirit the Bread Wine in the Lords Supper representing my Spirituall nourishment by the flesh bloud of Jesus the merits of his life death CVII And as this nourishment could not be represented by the signes if their substance should not remaine I Beleeve Professe that the bread wine in the Lords Supper retaine their whole substance as well as the water in Baptisme that it is against Scripture reason the nature of Sacraments to imagine anie substantiall alteration or annihilation of the signes in either of the Sacraments Then to fancie in them a corporall presence of Christ as is beleev'd by manie men is likewise 'gainst Scripture reason and the nature of all bodies although glorious for notwithstanding their agilitie impassibilitie glorie they are and must bee finit have their naturall length breadth and depth CVIII These two Baptisme the Lords Supper alreadie named twice are the onelie Sacraments which I beleeve Christ left unto his Church to represent her spirituall generation and refection for the faithfull find truly in their reception what the signes signifie their new birth unto Christ nourishment by him Besides these two I Acknowledge receive no other CIX Baptisme being the first not by its dignitie for they are both alike holie and excellent but by reason of its institution signification I Define it to be a Sacrament which by its matter applied with the forme represents seales unto us the remission of sins mortification of the flesh renovation of the Spirit and adoption in Christ who infusing his grace into our hearts changes our carnall affections into spirituall softens our stonie hearts purifies our corrupt nature CX Yet I say not that these things be alwayes done in Baptisme for considering that Abraham was justified in Gods covenant before he had receiv'd the signe of Circumcision a seale of the righteousnes of the faith which he had being yet uncircumcis'd I Beleeve that our Regeneration may be is wrought sometimes before Baptisme in men of discretion who have the right knowledge of God and faith in him love to him and sometimes long after Baptisme for God begets us when he will by the outward seed of his Word the inward notions motions of his Spirit and by degrees Sanctifies us CXI As this Sacrament is the first visible seale of Gods covenant it must not be denied them who desire it if their knowledge faith repentance and good life declare them fit to be receiv'd into Christs flock And since it is certain that Gods promises made to us belong likewise to our children whose God he promises to be whom Christ embrac'd and blest testifying that they have right in the Kingdome of heav'n and since again the Circumcision of the Jews which our Baptisme succeeds was ordained by God even for babes of eight dayes old CXII I Beleeve all the children of them who are probably thought to be in th' alliance of God may well receive the signe and seale of that covenant in which likewise they are and the earnest of that kingdome which by the grace of God and by vertue of his free promises doth belong unto them CXIII In the reception of this Sacrament we give our names to Christ become his Souldiers to fight under his white Banners of love humilitie sinceritie truth chastitie all vertues against malice hatred pride falshood lust and the foule troupe of all vices which warre 'gainst us under the black Standards of the Devill the World and Flesh Albeit then I confesse we deserve death to forsake Christs colors and turn to his our enemies yet being graciously recall'd by him if we return to him by faith accept the pardon he offers to sinners CXIV I Beleeve that after Baptisme we may Repent often and be receiv'd into favor by him who knowes what is in man and how the wisest erres the strongest falls the holiest sinnes and therefore assists his Elect with such effectuall grace that they cannot have mortall falls not commit the sin unto death that impudent wilfull and constant opposition or deniall of the Lords truth knowne by the testimonie of the holie Ghost convincing mans rebellious heart CXV Allowing Repentance and knowing it necessarie before the reception of either Sacrament in men of discretion I conceive it to be a true sorrow for all our sins begot in our hearts by Gods Spirit the filiall consideration of the infinit Majestie of our gracious God and loving Father offended by our sins which we truly detest resolving seriously never to displease our God willingly but to serve him faithfully in all things vowing to keepe his holie lawes make to our neighbours all possible and due satisfaction or restitution of name goods losses and to give them an information of the truth if we have misled them and withall begging Gods pardon which we beleeve he will grant for Christs sake for him freely granting ours to those who have offended us although they doe not desire it CXVI Who by Gods speciall grace hath this true Repentance with a solid Knowledge of him a right Faith of him to him in him Beleeving what he is hath reveal'd and promis'd yea applying unto himselfe his gracious promises wholly relying on them may most comfortably receive both Sacraments or having once receiv'd the first be often admitted unto the participation of the second concerning which this is my Faith that 't is CXVII A Sacrament in which by Bread Wine God represents to us our spirituall perfect nourishment preservation to eternall life by Christs Bodie and Bloud seales unto our soules his free frequent promises of remission of sin of everlasting life of his love protection by the merits of his sons obedience for certainely this Sacrament is a noble Token of Gods constant love towards us a sure Earnest of his glorie a knowne Seale of his promises a faire Remembrance of the disgraces paines
HERBERTS Beleefe and Confession OF FAITH MADE In CLX Articles FOR Th' Instruction of His Wife Children LONDON Printed by JO DEVER ROBERT IBBITSON MDCXLVI Premonition THe Proverbe is true common That which is meat for one may be poison for another for without doubt all things are not fit for all men therefore it concernes them much to know their particular inclination follow it if just orderlie in their attire diet exercices worldlie Vocations But in matters of salvation in respect of that knowledge faith love works which are requir'd of a Christian in years of discretion then certainly what is meat for one must be meat for all fith the same things are necessarie to all men by which one must be sav'd Let then everie man looke on this Confession as on a thing as fit for him as for my Wife two Children If this hath a faire publick regard my Catechisme other books shall by Gods helpe shortly follow This as the lest nimblest goes out first to see whether the way be cleere smooth I Have perused this Beleefe Confession of Faith writen by a private Christian which I judge according to truth and that he may be a Pattern to others to lay aside the study of vain janglings by which they are perverted to Fables and attend with greater diligence to fundamentalls I approve it to be Printed Ja. Cranford Aug. 24 1646. To my most Deare AND New-Borne Babe Benjamin Herbert Sweet Child THou hast by the Lords Grace this day receiv'd the first visible Signe and Seale of his Covenant with us thou hast e'en now beene Baptiz'd with Water and as I may comfortably conceive with the Spirit of God who if thou canst attaine the yeares of discretion will I hope and pray assist thee with his effectuall grace to cast off the old man Adam with his sinfull affections and actions and put on the new Christ Jesus with his whole Righteousnes renewing thy heart by degrees and sanctifying thy person thus begetting thee to himselfe by the outward seed of his Word and his inward lights and motives This is my hope and pray'r for thee But because this converting Word is not often preacht so fully diligently as I wish our old men being commonly in manie places of this Land babes in knowledge and Children in Christian wisdome lest thou should'st want that necessarie food for thy soules everlasting life here is my Love here is a help to know that God to whom this day thou hast vow'd Faith and Obedience Here is a Confession made for thee in the Wombe and now presented thee for thy future instruction consolation and salvation Receive it courteously Deare Babe cast on it thy mild lookes take it with thy litle fingers kisse it with thy soft sweet sucking lips and hereafter esteeme it above all riches keep it as thy life 'T is thine made for thee although I say it is likewise made for others thy vertuous and beauteous Mother thy wittie and prettie Sister Thou maist hereafter understand Knowledge is like the Sunne which casts his beames abroad and yet looses no light Or like a Torch at which millions may be lighted without prejudice to anie or to it selfe for light and heat are common unto all bodies and given all to all In giving Instructions that which I give remaines with me and although all the world divide my gift yet each man may receive it whole Thinke not therefore this Booke lesse thine because composed for others but rather indeavour to make it truly thine by diligently learning it and heartily beleeving boldly professing faithfully practising that sound Faith and those pious Works I have taught thee in it and in my Catechisme dedicated to thy faire and loving Sister which I give thee likewise And when thus thou hast made them thine hide not thy light my Deare burie not thy talent but as a Sunne impart thy light and heat to thy friends nighbours yea all men with whom thou shalt converse Let it be thy daily studie holie ambition to doe well to all men so behaving thy selfe that by thy vertuous examples Christian instructions and friendlie admonitions no man goe from thee without gaine Convert sinners from their ill wayes comfort the penitent and afflicted in their sorrow griefes releeve the poore in their hunger nakednes miseries instruct the ignorant in honestie and religion and as Peter confirme thy brethren the faithfull in Christian verities and religious duties Doe this my sweet Infant doe this diligently having no other intention then to please serve obey that God who shall I hope give thee both the will the deed both the desire and pow'r to doe such noble things And as that gracious God hath made me a good helpe for thy greater and speedier abilitie to advance his glorie studie my Love studie by thy dutifull observance to answer if I live the great affection care and paines of me Thy then happie Father W. HERBERT Pointington 2. of March and the 13. day of thy Life 1644. The Preface SIth the Just shall live by his Faith I hope no man can justly condemne me for the present Declaration of mine He may rather greatly praise me who knowes that the just man must wisely examine his Heart to see what Faith he hath what he Beleeves to Righteousnes and then boldly open his Mouth to Confesse it to Salvation if it be such as may worke both a true livelie strong Faith by which he wholly relies on Gods free mercie through the onelie merits of Christ for his Justification and Glorification Fearing therefore no condemnation of the wise yet not challenging their commendation my pen hath writ in this paper what Gods finger hath graven in my Heart and shall I hope bring thence into my Mouth when his glorie shall require it to the losse of my goods reputation libertie life How soone this may be I know not but I see this is a fit time to trie each mans Faith and courage for now Divisions reigne mongst us yea over us and are so strong sharpe hot that they like mightie Rocks suppresse all rights like two-edg'd Swords cut asunder those bonds God and nature have made to unite men and like a raging Fire burne and consume this once rich and glorious Countrie Least then by the furie of these unhappie Divisions and most incivill civill Warres that Faith be chang'd that Religion exil'd which by the Lords grace I Professe I have thought expedient to leave my Beleefe in writing for helpe to my Posteritie that so my Wife and Children may find here what a Kingdom may loose and is worth more then all the World If it be said that there are other Confessions to direct my Children in the right pathes of Faith I will answer that such indeed leade into pathes of Faith but that these pathes being in my conceit too strait I have made them here a hie
children of Satan are call'd the world of which the devill is the Prince being indeed their King God not by creation for he can create nothing but by their free subjection to his lawes those wicked thoughts lewd affections injust actions blasphemous words wherewith they are clothed seal'd as by the infamous liverie marke of the Prince of darkenes under whose blacke colors they fight against the Church of God the blessed companie of his Elect. LXI Yet I beleeve much rejoice that their indeavours are in vaine unles it be to trie the patience purge the vertue of Gods Saints as gold is tri'd refined in a furnace for as the Reprobate can never doe good workes as they are pleasant unto God and may have his gracious regard eternall reward 'cause they want Faith the root of all good workes doe not aime at Gods glorie which should be their chiefe end So LXII I Beleeve that the Elect cannot commit such sins as make them loose finally the infinit immutable love of God for though thy sin often yea grievously are not sometimes call'd till the last houre of the day of their life yet manie waters cannot extinguish that love but Gods foundation remaining sure his choice of them being eternall he loves them to the end and so gives them remission of their sins freely throughly Justifies Sanctifies Glorifies those he hath in mercie Call'd and Predestinated LXIII This Predestination being eternall as the Word it selfe doth shew a fore appointment of men to life everlasting before they had anie being is I beleeve gratuit grounded on the free grace meere good will of God not on our faith or good workes foreseene for these are not properly ours but proceed from the Lord who doth therefore give them to us because he hath Elected us So that they are effects or fruits of his eternall Election not causes or roots thereof LXIV I therefore Beleeve Confesse that it is not in him who will nor in him who runs but in God who sheweth mercie Not our good affections nor our holie actions but Gods mercie is the cause of our Election And as God in mercie elects us unto Salvation so by the same he Predestinates us to the meanes thereof a right Beleefe holie Life LXV The life of a Christian consisting in these two Faith comming by hearing of Gods Word those men onely are Call'd whom he hath Predestinated their Calling is outward inward both effectuall I meane not then that Vocation which is or may be common to all men that generall invitation to grace and Salvation which manie heare few regard that outward Preaching of Gods Word which few truly beeleve faithfully Obey but sounding in the eares of Reprobate persons either inlightens moves not their hardned hearts or inlightens moves them so lightly that it neither begets true Faith nor workes reall alteration or conversion in them but by this Vocation onely proper to the Elect LXVI I Understand a cleare manifestation of Gods truth to which th' Elect are both outwardly inwardly drawne effectually from the generall corruption of infidelitie sin to serve him in Faith good Workes in a sure hope of Salvation their minds being inlightned by God their hearts mollify'd LXVII The outward Preaching of Gods Word inward persuasions motions of his Spirit being necessarie to this effectuall Vocation I Beleeve it a grace of God who Calls us in mercie drawes us pow'rfully yet by such gentle meanes such faire lights that we willingly follow him upon the same ground I conceive it above the strength of our nature whose corruption being well knowne to me LXVIII I Beleeve and Confesse that we have no preparation nor inclination to this mercifull effectuall Vocation that our morall Honestie or naturall goodnes strength Wisdome or Knowledge contribut nothing to our Vocation nor cannot worke our Conversion which properly is either Vocation it selfe or an effect of it for when the Lord doth pow'rfully call us we must without opposition or resistance turne backe from our ill wayes willingly follow those pathes through which he leades us to Heaven LXIX These pathes being hard stonie most unpleasant to our corrupt nature as mortifying it and subduing it to the Spirit which is reviv'd are made easie by the assistance of Gods Spirit who freely doth in part deliver his Elect from their natural corruption renewing in them Gods Image doth strengthen them to doe good workes to the glorie of their Maker who thus Sanctifies those whom he hath Justifi'd LXX I Beleeve that God Justifies both by pardoning sin imputing righteousnes acknowledge this Remission Jmputation an eternall free action of God who for Christs full satisfaction is pleasâ—d to remit sin impute unto the Sinner his perfect righteousnes thus to make him just before him and give him everlasting life for certainly God glorifies all those whom he hath Justifi'd as he Justifies freely without respect of workes so in mercie he Glorifies LXXI I Beleeve then that being Justifi'd freely by the mercie of God through the merits of Christ which our faith as a hand seizes thus making his righteousnes ours we are by the same mercie merits Glorifi'd yea so freely that God in his eternall will hath Predestinated us to glorie to manifâ—st the riches of his mercie in our perpetuall happines LXXII I Confesse then that by grace we are sav'd through faith apprehending that grace God offers us in Christ not by workes least anie man should glorie in himselfe if his good deedes could purchase him that excellent felicitie God hath prepar'd for the Faithfull LXXIII I therefore Expect the glorie of the children of God from his mercie love to me in Christ in whom we are his Adopted children so Coheires of his Kingdom not by vertue of my worâ—es be they never so good for though they be commanded me to testifie my obedience love gratitude to God to advance his glorie make my Vocation Election certain by shewing that my faith is not dead in my heart but is a fruitfull tree and though againe I be created in Jesus Christ unto good works so resolve fully to walke in them by the assistance of Gods Spirit as being the knowne way to everlastâ—ng happines yet LXXIV I Beleeve they cannot be a meâ—â—â—rious cause of those infinit joyes which neither our wisest hearts can conceive nor our best workes equall as there being no proportion of a finit temporarie action to that infinit everlasting Life which again I expect from the grace mercie of God both in soule and bodie for though this shall die corrupt yet remembring Christs promises to raise all men at the last day and considering that 't is fit the whole man receive for ever the reward of his wickednes
torments Christ endur'd in his life and death CXVIII I say disgraces paines torments for I Beleeve that this Sacrament is a Memoriall of the humiliation not of the glorification of Christ whom then we consider enduring not reigning in paines not in pleasures in infamie not in glorie So that the breaking of the bread and powring of the wine represent us the torments of Christs flesh the effusion of his bloud the first tortur'd the second shed for the food of our soules CXIX And thus are they made our Soules food As we take bread and wine our outward senses see feele smell tast but the signes our soules behold the thing signified by them the verie flesh bloud of Christ which then we eat and drinke beleeving sincerely that by his paines ignominies and righteousnes both in his life death yea in his Sepulture he made satisfaction to Gods justice for us delivering us from everlasting death purchasing eternall life for us in that faith our soules live here fat as it were by Christs merits strong with hope to enjoy his glorie CXX 'T is then onely by Faith not by the mouth of the bodie that the Elect eat and drink the flesh and bloud of Jesus for his glorious bodie being in the highest Heaven is not fit meat for our stomach neither can it be present in with or under the signes but by a Sacramentall signification I Beleeve then that Christs Bodie is present but Sacramentally by signification or representation of Christs effects and of the merits of his whole humanitie which then I see take eat by faith the eye hand and mouth of the Christian Soule applying that to me which Christ acted and endured for me For though Christ be not in the bread and wine else Reprobat and Dogs might then eat him yet CXXI I Beleeve he 's present in the Sacrament by his Divinitie and there I adore him He 's there by communication and a free grant of his merits and by faith I doe embrace them He is there giving grace and promising glorie and I receive him beleeving And since this Sacrament was ordained by him under both kinds of bread and wine CXXII I Beleeve it must be administred receiv'd in both kinds aswell to signifie our perfect nourishment as to refresh in our memories the torments of Christs flesh and the effusion of his bloud I Esteem then the deniall of the Cup a Sacrilegious mutilation of the Sacrament and a dangerous diminution of its signification And since the matter of the Sacraments is appointed by Christ and that they are intended to signifie our Spirituall generation and Refection and to be likewise Remembrances of Christs life and passion CXXIII I esteeme them greatly abus'd if mixt with any other matter or administred receiv'd to anie other ends The mixture then or addition of oile and salt with or to the water in Baptisme the Baptisme of Bells the celebration reception of the Lords Supper in the honor of Saints and upon their Reliques or for confirmation of leagues treaties bargaines for the proofe of denied rights or of suspected innocence cure of diseases happie succes or the like ends and the keeping or carrying of the consecrated bread for devotion or adoration are most superstitious and idolatrous profanations of the Sacraments and so hainous sins against God CXXIV Who being the Lord of all things having vouchsafed to manifest to men in what fashion he will be serv'd by them 't is I Beleeve an intolerable presumption to alter or break willingly the lest of all his Laws and 't is also a great blindnes to thinke to please him in that way which he doth not approve CXXV To receive then his Sacraments otherwise then he doth appoint and to serve him in Images statues superstitious ceremonies idolatrous and will-worship pilgrimages vowes prayers and confessions made unto Angels and dead Saints feasts and fasts kept for them and oathes taken by them cannot have his gracious regard as things pleasant to him but justly draw his curse as abominable folies Yea CXXVI I Beleeve that Vowes Praires made unto God alone and Oathes taken by him if they be such as he doth not require nor in that fashion he approves such as prayers in unknowne tongues concluded by the name merits mediation of anie other then of Christ are abominations before him CXXVII And such I doe Esteeme all light false injust vowes prayers and oathes amongst them those foolish rash and impossible vowes of povertie chastitie obedience which are held by manie persons such hie actions of religion that those have got the speciall name of religious who make such vowes to God the Virgin Marie and some chiefe Frier CXXVIII And as the making of such vowes and taking of such oathes doe doubtles greatly offend God so I Beleeve he is highly displeas'd at the breach of all vowes promises oathes which in themselves are just and rightly made either to him or anie man for he hates both the commission of ill the omission of holie duties and all just promises yea anie thing whatsoever against his holy Law whether it be in thoughts or affections woâ—ds or actions great or little is odious to that pure and righteous Spirit whose Law being spirituall generall the whole man is subject to it and judg'd by it CXXIX By Gods Law I conceive the declaration of his Will in the holie Scripture wherein he hath been pleas'd to manifest fully what he loves and abhorres and so to command us the first and forbid the second CXXX I Beleeve then that all Injunctions Prohibitions which concern men in generall about faith good works must be diligently both beleev'd and observ'd Yet since the Lord himselfe hath for our ease made a compendium of his morall Law in ten precepts and Christ hath reduc'd faith or knowledge to two heads of God and of himself having declar'd my faith concerning God Father Son holie Ghost and manie other things and intending to set it down fully concerning Christ I will now speak onely of those ten Commandements briefly thus CXXXI I Beleeve them the just and perfect rule of morall honestie finely and fully although succinctly expressing our duties to God and man and forbidding what may offend either I say fully for in their brevitie we must wisely understand the whole by a part the generall by the speciall prohibitions by injounctions inward duties by the outward and on the contrarie outward duties by the inward injounctions by prohibitions the speciall by the generall and a part by the whole CXXXII All these ten Commandements containing each speciall matters may be yet reduc'd to two Heads the Love of God and Love of the Nighbour CXXXIII Who then Loves God with all his heart soule strength as a good child loves his Father regarding him above all things rejoycing in his perfections magnifying his name workes inviting all men to his love all
creatures to his praise fearing to displease him and seeking to please and serve him in that way he prescribes adoring him alone having no faith no hope but in his wisdome pow'r goodnes for what concernes the soule seeking health ease honors riches but from him by lawfull meanes enduring patiently his corrections being thankfull for his blessings in all things submitting his will unto his doth I Beleeve fulfill the Commandements of the first Table which concerne God and his service CXXXIV And who in and for God loveth his Neighbour as himselfe doing what he can lawfully to instruct him in the right full knowledge of the Lord to divert him from sin exhort him to vertue help him to leade a holie sweet life wishing praying for him what is necessarie for his present future happines and freely heartily and fully pardoning him all faults doth likewise fulfill the commandements of the second Table concerning his Neighbour CXXXV But because this love towards God man cannot be so pure perfect in the state of our corruption but that we sin daily 'gainst both so transgresse the law of God and by our transgression loose the blessing of everlasting life promis'd unto its observers doe daily incurre the curse threatned unto its transgressors I Beleeve confesse that though the Law be just perfect in it self yet by reason of our weaknes since the fall of Adam it is not sufficient to Salvation CXXXVI Sith then my workes are imperfect I Beleeve my faith must supplie their want And since the Law cannot save me but rather condemnes me I borrow the helpe of my faith beleeving God for my righteousnes or justification And because it is not enough to beleeve in God without Christ this is my Heartie Faith in him Verball confession of him besides those points I have alreadie toucht concerning him CXXXVII That God Father Son holie Ghost having in mercie Elected some men it pleas'd that onelie wise gracious Spirit to give them Christ as the effectuall meane of their Election sole cause of their Salvation 'T was then decreed that the second Person of the incomprehensible Trinitie should assume mans nature thus to be made to Gods Elect wisdome righteousnes sanctification redemption CXXXVIII And least our Nature should be corrupt sinfull in Christ if as man he had descended from Adam by naturall generation it was likewise decreed that a pure and perfect bodie should be formed by the power of God of the purified substance of a faithfull Virgin without the helpe or seed of man CXXXIX And as this was eternally decreed so I Beleeve it was perform'd in the appointed time for the blessed Virgin Marie beleeving Gods message consenting to be made a Mother without anie carnall knowledge of man did by the power of the holie Ghost conceive that wondrous Child who by an eternall Generation is the Son of God without Mother and by temporall conception the Son of Man without Father CXL Mans nature in Christ â—ubsisting not in it selfe but in the Person of the Woâ—d I Beleeve that in one instant Christs whole humanitie bodie soule was form'd created assum'd or taken up by the second Person of the Divinitie in such a strait perpetuall union that it did never subsist without the Word who assum'd the nature not the person of man so that in Christ there is but one divine eternall indivisible person in to by which our whole nature soule bodie hath its subsistence abiding or standing yet addes nothing unto the Deitie for God being perfect simple eternall he can receive no addition composition alteration passion CXLI The Union being Personall of two natures in one Person I Beleeve that as the Person of Christ can not be divided so his Natures are not can not be confounded but still retaine their essentiall proprieties the divine being eternall infinit omnipotent omniscient and the human temporall finit once passible having a beginning of time limits for knowledge power place For though Christs human pow'r knowledge wisdome were great excellent yet CXLII I beleeve they were finit so that all things were not possible known unto him as man although as God he knew could doe all things which are not contradictorie I say therefore that although Christs Person to whom the proprieties of both natures are common knew all things in the wombe yet it was not by his human nature by which he being born increased in wisdome learning new things by dailie experience And thus I Beleeve he was born CXLIII Although his bodie was by the power of God form'd in an instant to the requisit growth for the reception of the soule yet he was in the Virgins wombe grew in it to greater strength till the dayes were accomplisht that she should be deliv'red CXLIV And then the blessed Maid brought forth in Beth-lehem in a stable the Maker of heaven earth who then appeared to the world in the shape of a poore Servant in the forme of a weak Infant whom beholding with the strong eyes of faith I most humbly adore for CXLV I Beleeve that that Infant is God and Man Man to doe endure for me that is in my steed for my good what I could not yet ought both to doe suffer and God to give infinit price efficacie or force unto the actions passions of the Humanitie apply them to me CXLVI I Rely then wholly on the merits of Christs obedience to Gods Law of his suffrings for my sins Beleeving he exactly observ'd the Law for me fully satisfi'd his offended justice and so by his paines righteousnes both originall actuall redeemed me from sin death hell and purchast me grace life Heaven CXLVII Christ then is all my hope my onelie Mediator of redemption intercession through whom I live on earth in grace shall in heaven in glorie To procure me both these also to shew me examples of humilitie meeknes patience all vertues my Saviour was borne amongst beasts subject to my passions infirmities yet without sin or disorder circumcis'd the eighth day carried into Egipt Persecuted through all his Life which having led most holily humbly painefully patiently miraculously chiefely the three last yeares in which by his mightie wonders divine instructions he manifested his Deitie he ended it by an ignominious and cruell death drinking at last the full bitter cup of Gods indignation against sin and sinners treading alone the Wine-presse of Gods wrath shedding all that precious bloud which is our bath onelie purgation CXLVIII I Beleeve then that as he did represent us he was in his human nature expos'd unto the wrath of God which his innocent Soule so lively apprehended that she was heavie unto death then enduring for his Elect by the helpe of the Deitie supporting the Humanitie th' eternall paines due to their