that â—well in the land of the shadow of death â—pon them hath the light shined Isa 9.2 For God who commanded the light to shine out of darknesse hath shined in your hearts to giue the light of the knowledge of God in the face of IESVS CHRIST 2 Cor. 4 6. I haue indeed spoken vnto you in Proverbes but the time commeth when I shall no more speake to you in proverbes but I shall shâ—w you plainely of the Father Ioh. 16 25. In that day shall the deafe heare the words of this Booke and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscuritie and out of darknesse Isa 29 18 35 5 32 2 50 4. Prou. 1 1 4 8 9. 1 Cor. 2 10 12. Nehem. 8 8. Luk. 24 45. Tit. 1 3. Mal. 2.7 Deut. 17 8.9 Reu. 5.5.8 Now therefore thankes bee vnto God which alwayes maketh manifest the sauour of his Knowledge by vs in every place 2 Cor. 2.14 For there is Gold and a multitude of precious Stones but the lips of Knowledge are a precious iewell Prou. 20.15 Neh. 8.12 Math. 11.25 Ob. But I am so hard-hearted that I can not be affected with the Word A. I will put a new Spirit within you and I will take the stony heart out of thy flesh and I will giue thee an heart of Flesh Ezek. 11.19 As well as to the Iewâ—s who wept when they heard the words of the Law Neb. 8.9 For is not my Word lâ—ke a fire saith the Lord and like a hammer that breaketh the Rockes in pieces Ier. 23 29.26.18 Ioh. 5.25 Act. 2.37 16.29 2 His wordes were found and I did eate them and they were vnto me the ioy and reioycing of my heart Ier. 15 16. I will therefore delight my selfe in his Statutes Psal 119.16 How sweet is his Word vnto my taste Yea sweeter then honey to my mouth Psal 119.103 Therefore my Sonne eate thou honey because it is good and the honey combe which is sweet to thy tast So shall the knowledge of wisedome be vnto thy soule when thou hast found it Prou. 24.13 Act. 15.31.13.48 Iob 23.12 Act. 2.41 Psal 119.16.17.111.174.162 verses Luk. 24.32 Ob. I am no sooner gone from the Word but all is forgotten A. The Comforter which is the holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoeuer I haue said vnto you Ioh. 14.26 Wherby MARY kept all those things in her heart which were told her by the Shepheards Luk. 2.19 Neither did I forget Gods word Psal 119.16 2. Pet. 1.12.13 Ob. The hardest taske is yet behind to wit to put in practise what we heare A. I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not I will leade them in the pathes that they haue not knowne I will make darknesse light before them and crocked things straight saith the LORD Isa 42.16 Who hath opened mine eares and I was not rebellious neither turned away backward Isa 50.5 Yea I haue refrained my feet from every evill way that I might keepe his word Psalm 119.101 So that when hee said seeke yee my face my heart said vnto him thy face LORD will I seeke Psal 27.8 For this is the loue of GOD that we keepe 〈◊〉 Commandements and his commandements are not grievous 1 Ioh. 5 3. Hag. 1 12. Psalm 119 15 48 57 104 â— 68. Math. 13 8.23 Col. 1 6. Luk. 1.5 â— 2. Chron. 17 6. CHAP. XXXIII Of Ministers Ob. YOu tell me of the Word and the great benefit thereof but how â—â—ould I either know or doe what the Word teacheth without a guide Act. â— 31. A. When CHRIST ascended vp on high he gaue guifts vnto men c. and he gaue some Apostles and some Prophets â—nd some Euangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the worke of the Ministerie for â—he edifying of the Body of CHRIST till we all eome in the vnity of faith and of the knowledge of the Sonne of God vnto a perfect man vnto the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ Eph. 4.8.11 And therefore though the LORD giue you the bread of Adversitie and the water of Affliction yet thy Teachers shall not be removed into a corner any more but thine eyes shall see thy Teachers Isa 30.20 For the Lord giveth the Word great is the company of Preachers Psal 68.11 Ier. 33.18 Leuit. 10 11. Isa 41.27 Isa 62.6 Q. But shall wee haue such Pastors as will deale faithfully with vs A. I will giue you Pastors according to mine owne heart which shall feed you with knowledge and vnderstanding Ier. 3 15. Who will very gladly spend and bee spent for you 2. Cor. 12.15 As Moses who was faithfull in all his house Heb. 3.5 And as of Leui it was said the Law of truth is in his mouth and iniquity was not found in his lips he walked with me in peace and equitie and did turne away many from iniquitie Mal. 2 6. Moreover yee know from the first day that Paul came into Asia after what manner he hath beene with you at all seasons serving the Lord with all humblenesse of mind and with many teares and temptations which befell him by the lying in wait of the Iewes and how he kept backe nothing that was profitable vnto you Act 20.18 And you know the proofe of Timothie that as a Sonne with the Father he hath served with Paul in the Gospell Phil. 2 22. And for the worke of Christ he was nigh vnto death not regarding his life Phil. 2 30. And dayly in the Temple and in every house the Disciples ceased not to teach and to preach IESVS CHRIST Acts 5 42. These are not as many which corrupt the Word of God but as of sincerity but as of God in the sight of God speake they in Christ 2 Cor. 2 17 11 23 1 9 27 1 9.19.2 Chron 17 9 8 13. Col. 4 7 10 11 1 7. Act 20 23.30 31 18 24. Ezek. 34 23. Hag. 1 13. 1 Thes 5 6 7. Ier. 23 4 4 19. 8 21 9 1 3 17. Ezra 7 6 10. 1. Sam. 3 21. Q. Wherefore are these promises recorded in Gods word concerning his Ministers A. 1. That they may be apt to teach 1 Tim. 3.2 And therefore giue attendance vnto reading 1. Tim. 4 1â— And study to shew â—heÌ„selues workmen that need not to be ashamed dividing the Word of truth aright 2 Tim. 2 â—5 For every Scribe taught vnto the Kingdome of Heaven is like vnto a man that is a housholder which bringeth forth out of his treasurie things both new an old Math. 13 52. 2 That they be diligent to know the state of their flockes and to looke well to their heards Prou. 27 23. Taking the oversight thereof 1 Pet. 5 2. For they are set for a defence and fortresse among the people that they may know and try their wayes Ier. 6 27. 3 That they feed the flocke of GOD which is among
the Kings Chappell and it is the Kings Court Amos 7 12. 7 Others thinke they are rich and increased with goods and haue need of nothing not knowing how they are wretched and miserable and poore and blind and naked Reu. 3 17. And therefore being full they despise the hony Combe Whereas to the hungry Soule every bitter thing is sweet Prou. 27 7. Ioh. 9 39 1 Cor. 1 19. Q. What are the dangers which doe aâ—tend the contempt and abuse of the Word 1. A Famine not of Bread but of hearing the Word of the Lord Amos 8 11 12. For which cause Paul and Barnabas turned from the Iewes vnto the Gentiles Acts 13 46.18.6 16 6. Ioh. 12 35. 1 Sam. 28 6. 2 Chron. â—5 3. Ezek. 7 26. Amos 8 9. 2. Vnrecoverable destâ—â—ction Because saith God I haue called and yee haue refused I haue stretched out my hand and no man regarded but you haue set at naught all my Counsell and would none of my reproofe I also will laugh at your calamitie and I will mocke when your feare commeth Prou. 1 24. And then as I cryed and you would not heare so you shall cry and I will not heare Ier 11 11. But I will doe vnto you as I haue done to Shiloh and I will cast you out as I haue cast out all your Brethren even the whole seed of Ephraim Io. â—7 13 c. For the Earth which drinketh in the Raine that commeth oft vpon it and yet beareth thornes and briars is reiected and is nigh vnto cursing whose end is to be burned Heb. 6.7 10 28. Hos 6.5 Deut. 17 12. Revel 2 16. Math. 12 41. 2 Chron. 36 14 c. Ierom. 11 6. Nehem. 9 29. Ezek. 34 13 33 33. Prou. 13.13 Q. What vse are wee to make of all this A. Therefore suffer the words of exhortation Heb. 13 22. And heare what the spirit saith to the Churches Reu. 3 13 That so the word of God may dwell in you plenteously in all wisdome Col. 3 16 For why should their bee a price put into the hand of a Foole to get wisedome and he hath no heart Prou. 17 16. Receiue my instruction and not silver and knowledge rather than choice gold for wisedome is better than rubies and all the things that may be desired are not to bee compared to it Prou 8 10. Therefore buy the truth and sell it not also wisedome and instruction and vnderstanding Prou. 23 23. Incline your eare and come vnto me heare and your soule shall liue Isa 55 3. 1 Thess 5 20. Heb. 12 25. Prou. 8 33 16 16.1 20 22 23 8 12 9. 1 Iam. 1 21. Iob. 22 22. 2 Cor. 6 11. Luk. 10 41. Deut. 11 18 4 9 Luk. 2 18. Reu. 1 3. 2 Take heed therefore how you heare for whosoever hath to him shall be given and whosoever hath not from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to haue Luk. 8 18. And with what measure you mete it shall bee measured to you Mark 4 24. Q. Tell vs therefore how wee may heare the Word with fruit A. 1. Hâ—are it diligenâ—ly my Sonne if thou wilt receiue my words and hide my Commandements with thee so that thou wilt incline thine eare vnto wisedome and apply thine heart vnto vnderstanding yea if thou cryest after knowledge liftest vp thy voyce for vnderstanding If thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hid treasures then shalt thou vnderstand the feare of the LORD and find the knowledge of GOD Prou. 2 1 1 5 6. 2 Lay aside all malice and guile and Hypocrisies and enuies evil-speakings 1. Pet. 2 1. And all filthines and superfluitie of naughtines Iam. 1 21. And breake vp your fallow ground and sow not among thornes Circumcise your selues to the Lord and take away the fore skins of your harts Ier. 4.3 4. 3 As new borne babes desire the sincere milke of the Word that you may grow thereby 1. Pet. 2.2 For wheresoever the Carcase is thither will the Eagles resort Math. 24.28 4 Receiue with meeknesse the ingrafted â—ord which is able to saue your Soules â— Iam. 21. And let no man deceiue â—â—mselfe for if any man among you would 〈◊〉 wise in this World let him become a â—oole that hee may be wise 1. Cor. 3 18. For IESVS said For Iudgement I am â—â—me into this World that they which see â—ut might see and they which see might 〈◊〉 made blind Ioh. 9 39. Math. 11.25 26.5 Pray saying 1. Open thou mine eyes that may behold the wondrous things of thy â—â—w I am a stranger on earth hide not thy â—â—mmandements from me Psal 119.18 will praise thee with vprightnesse of heart â—hen I shall haue learned thy righteous â—â—dgements Psal 119.7.27 33 34 73.125.69.171 verses 2 Pray O that my wayes were directed 〈◊〉 keepe thy statutes then shall I not be ashaâ—â—d when I haue respect vnto all thy comâ—andements Psal 1â— 9.5 with my whole â—â—art haue I sought thee O let me not wanâ—â—r from thy commandements 119.10 â—eale bountifully with thy seruant that I may liue and keepe thy word 119.17 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes that I be not ashamed 119 80. Order my steps in thy word and let not any iniquity haue dominion over me 119.133 6 Be yee dooers of the word and not hearers onely deceiuing your owne soules For if any be a hearer of the word and not â— dooer he is like vnto a man beholding hiâ— naturall face in a glasse for he beholdetâ— himselfe and goeth his way and strait waâ— forgetteth what manner of man hee waâ— But who so looketh into the perfect law oâ— liberty and continueth therein he noâ— being a forgetfull hearer but a dooer of thâ— worke this man shall be blessed in his deed Iam. 1.22 Deut. 4 5.5.1.30 11. Luk. 11 28. 1. Thess 4.1 Eph. 4.17 Phil. 4.8 Rom. 2 13. Reuel 1.3 1 Pet. 4.6 Math 7.24 Ob. I haue done my poore indeauour to obserue these rules yet when I am present at the word I cannot keepe my mind from wandring A. The eares of them that heare shall hearken Isa 32.3 And the eares of the deafe shall be opened Isa 35.5 For hee â—akeneth morning by morning he will waken thine eare to heare as the learned Isa 50.4 Or as he opened the heart of LIDDEA whereby she attended vnto the things which were spoken by PAVL Act. 16.14 Whereby thou shalt bee able to say â—eake LORD for thy seruant heareth â— Sam. 3.9 Neh. 8.3 Act. 8.6 Luk. 19. â—8 Ob. The Scripture is a booke so fast sealed and I my selfe am a man so dull of conceit that I cannot vnderstand the â—â—me Isa 28.9 c. A. The entrance in to GODS word giueth light it giueth vnderstanding to the simple Psal 119 130. Wherby they that erre in spirit shall come to vnderstanding and they that murmur â—hall learne Doctrine Isa 29.24 The people that walke in darkenesse haue â—â—ene a great light and they
young men shall vtterly fall bâ—â— they that wayt vpon the LORD shall râ— new theyr strength They shall mount vâ— with wings as Eagles and they shall runnâ— and not bee wearie and they shall walk and not faint Isa 40 29. Thus MOSES being one hundred anâ— twenty yeares old his eyes were not dimmâ— nor his naturall force abated Deut. 34 7. IOSHVA also at Eightie and fiue yeares was as strong for Warre both to gâ— out and to come in as when MOSEâ— sent him to search the Land Ios 14 11. It is GOD also that girdeth mee with strength c. Hee teacheth my hanâ— to warre so that a Bow of steele is brokeâ— by mine arme Psalm 18 32 34. Iudâ— 14 6.15 14 16 3.16 12 16 14.16 3â— Num. 23 22. Q. What may this teach vs A. Therefore ascribe yee strength vnâ—â— GOD his Excellencie is over Israel anâ— hâ—â— strength is in the Clouds The God of â—â—el is hee also that giveth strength 〈◊〉 power to his people blessed be GOD â—l 68 34. Q. What is the case of such as doe aâ—e their strength A. Those that imagine mischiefe aâ—st GOD who had bound and strengâ—â—ed their armes Hos 7 15. Their â—ngth shall be hunger bitten and deâ—â—ction shall bee ready at their side It â—ll devoure the strength of their skinne 〈◊〉 the first borne of Death shall deâ—â—re their strength Iob 18 12 13. Q. Which are the eighth and ninth â—â—thly Blessings A. The eighth is Beautie For the â—ORD of hostes shall bee for a crown◠〈◊〉 Glory and for a Diadem of beauty vnto 〈◊〉 people Isa 28 5. And will giue 〈…〉 to them beauty for ashes Isa 61 3. â—â—d bee as the dew vnto Israel they shall 〈◊〉 as the Lillie and fasten their rootes â—he trees of Libanon Hos 14 6. Psal â—13 Thus IOSEPH was a goodly persoâ— and well favoured Gen. 39 6 Sâ— was also MOSES Exod. 2 2. Aâ— DAVID was ruddie and withall of Beâ—tifull countenance and goodly to looke tâ— 1 Sam. 16 12. SARA also was veâ— faire Genes 12 14 24 16.29 1 Esther 2 7. Notwithstanding the LORD seeth 〈◊〉 as man seeth 1 Sam. 16 7. For fauoâ— is deceitfull and beauty is vaine but Woman that feareth the Lord shee shall 〈◊〉 praised Prou. 31 30. The ninth is Wisdome For DAVIâ— went out whither SAVL sent him aâ—â— behaved himselfe wisely 1 Sam. 1 5. And that in all his wayes 1 Saâ— 18 14. Yea with more Wisdome thâ— all the servants of SAVL 1 Sam. 1â— 30. Deut. 34 9. Psalm 105 22. Ecclâ— 1 16. And vnto SALOMON was given wise and vnderstanding heart so 〈◊〉 eyther before or after him there was noâ— like him 1 King 3 12. For there wâ— Wisdome of GOD in him to doe Iudgeâ—ent 1 King 3 28.1.10 1 24.2 Sam. â— 20.2 20.16 22. Moreouer see saith GOD I haue calâ—d by name Bezaleel and I haue filled him â—ith the spirit of GOD in Wisdome and â—nderstanding and in Knowledge and in â—ll manner of workmanship to devise cunâ—ing workes Exod. 31 2. And haue put 〈◊〉 his heart that hee may teach Aholiab Exod. 35 34.30 30. And in all matters of Wisedome and â—nderstanding that the King inquired of DANIEL HANANIAH MASHAEL and AZARIAH he found them tenne times better than all the Magicians and Astroâ—ogers that were in all his Realme Dan. 1 â—0 2 14 5 12. And doth the Plow-man plow all the â—ay to sow Doth he open and breake the â—lods of his ground When hee hath made â—laine the face thereof doth hee not cast â—broad the Fitches and scatter the â—ummin and cast in the principall â—heat and the appointed Barley and the Rye in their place For his God doth instruct him to discretion and doth teach him Isa 28 24. Q. Is humane Wisdome of any great worth A. Wisdome maketh a mans face to shine Eccles 8 1. And is good with an inheritance and by it there is profit to them that see the Sunne Eccles 7 11. For it strengtheneth the wise more than tenne mightie men which are in the Citie Eccles 7 19. For there was a little Citie and few men within it and there came a great King against it and besiedged it and built great bulwarkes against it now there was found in it a poore wise man and hee by his wisedome delivered the Citie Then said I Wisedome is better then Strength Eccles 9 14 9 16 18. verses Q. What then is the worth of Wisdome more than of Folly A. As the light is more excellent than darknesse Eccles 2 13. For the Wisdome of the prudent is to vnderstand his way but the folly of Fooles is deceit Prou. 14.8.13 16. A wise mans heart is at his right hand but a fooles heart is at his left Eccles 10 2. The words of a wise mans mouth are gracious but the lips of a foole will swallow vp himselfe The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishnesse and the end of his talke it mischievous madnesse Eccles 10 12. Prou. 15 2. Every wise woman also buildeth her house but the foolish plucketh it downe with her hands Prou. 14 1. Q. What may this concerne the children of Wisdome A. That they blesse the GOD of heaven saying Blessed bee the name of God forever and ever for Wisdome are his Hee giveth wisedome vnto the wise and knowledge to them that know vnderstanding He revealeth the deepe and secret things hee knoweth what is in the darknesse and the light dwelleth with him Dan. 2 19. Q. What is the contrary judgement denounced against the wicked A. The LORD shall smite them with madnesse and blindnesse whereby they shall grope at noone-dayes as the blind gropeth in darknesse and they shall bee mad for the sight of their eyes which they shall see Deut. 28.28 Iob 5.14 And they shall haue no delight in vnderstanding but that their heart may bee discouered Prou. 18.2 Isa 29.14 Ob. The councell of ANITOPHEL though wicked was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of GOD 2. Sam. 16.23 And the men of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light Luk. 16.8 A. 1 Therefore behold the LORD will doe a marueilous worke in this people even a marveilous worke and a wonder for the wisedome of their wise men shall perish and the vnderstanding of their prudent men shall bee hid Isa 29 14. For the Lord turned the counsell of Aâ—ITOPHEL into foolishnesse 2 Sam. 15 31 17 14. And so hee taketh all such wise men in their owne craftinesse and the counsell of the froward is carried headlong Iob 5.13 2 As dead flyes cause the oyntment of the Apothicarie to send foorth a stinking savour so doth a little follie him that iâ— in reputation for Wisdome Eccles 10 1. 3 Such are foolish they haue not knowne mee saith the LORD they are sottisâ— children they haue none vnderstanding they are wise to doe evill but to doe good they haue no knowledge Ierem. 4 22. For they want the feare
many there be which goe in thereat But straight is the Gate and narrow is the way that leadeth vnto life and few there be that find it Mat. 7 13 7 19 5 29 30 31. Q. What must I do when vpon good ground I shall fiâ—d my selfe to bee deliuered from so great a condemnation A. Giue thankes to God and say Great is thy mercy towards me for thou hast delivered my soule from the lowest hell Psal 86.13 Q Why Is it not in mans power to purchase Heaven and to deliuer himselfe from Hell A. Verily verily I say vnto you except a man be borne againe of Water and the Holy Ghost hee cannot enter into the kingdome of Heaven Ioh. â— 3 And without holinesse no man can see the Lord Heb. 12 14. And yet who can say my heart is cleane I am pure from my sinne Prou. 20 9. Iâ—b 9 20. Isa 64 6. Iob. 9.30 31. Psal 93 5. CHAP. XIX Of Sanctification Ob. IF this bee our case who then can be saued Mark 10 26. A. With men this is vnpossible but with GOD all things are possible Math. 19 26. By whom there shall be a fountaine opened to the house of DAVID for sinne and for vncleannesse Zach. 13.1 And you shall be cleane from all your filthinesse and from all your Idols will hee cleanse you Ezek. 36.25 And will turne to you a pure language Zeph. 3 9. that hee who blesseth himselfe in the earth shall blesse himselfe in the GOD of Truth Isa 65 16 And shall serue the Lord their GOD and DAVID their King whom hee will raise vp vnto them Ier. 30 9. Hos 2.16 17. Zeph. 3 13. Psal 37.30 31. 2. Tit. 14. Ioh. 17 19. Heb. 10.7 10. 2. Cor. 13.8 Rom. 8 9. Zach. 8 3. Ezek. 37 28 1. Thes 5 23. Math. 13.33 Isa 4.2 Thus the heart of IEHOSAPHAT was lifted vp in the wayes of the Lord 2. Chro. 17 6. And ZACHARIE and ELIZABETH were both righteous and walked in all the ordinances of the Lord blamelesse Luk. 1 6. Act. 23 1.24 16. Heb. 13 18. Act. 10 22. Ob. Can the Blackmoores skin be changed or a Leopard his spots And can he bee good that is accustomed vnto evill Ier. 13 23. A. Yea for if the blood of Buls and of Goates and Calues and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the vncleane sanctifie to the purifying of the Flesh how much more shall the Blood of CHRIST who through the Eternall spirit offering himselfe without spot vnto GOD purge your Consciences from dead workes to serue the living God Heb. 9 13. Eph. 2 1. Gal. 1 23. Ob. I feele the dwelling of sinne in me still A. So did IOB Iob 9 20.9 30.31 and DAVID Psal 38 4.51 3. and ISAIAH Isa 64 6. and PAVL Rom. 7 18. 1. Tim. 1 15. And so though you also doe walke in the flesh yet doe you â—ut warre after the flesh 2. Cor. 10 3. Sinne shall not haue dominion over you for you are not vnder the Law but vnder Grace Rom. 6 14. For the law of the Spirit of Life which is in CHRIST IESVS shall free thee from the law of Sinne and of Death Rom. 8 2. 1. Cor. 12 3. Q. Why doth CHRIST wash vs who are so vncleane A. CHRIST loueth his Church and gaue himselfe for it that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word and that hee might present it to himselfe a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thâ—ng but that it should be holy and without blemish Ephes 5 25. Hos 14 4. Q. Is there nothing required of vs for the furthering of this Grace in our selues A. Hee that hath this hope purifieth himselfe as hee is pure 1. Ioh. 3 3. you shall therefore sanctifie your selues and â—ee shall be holy for I am holy neither shall you defile your selues with any manner of creeping thing Leu. 11.44 But if you walke in the Spirit you shall not fulfill the lusts of the Flesh Gal. 5 16. For every branch that beareth fruit hee purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit Ioh. 15 2. Rom. 6 12. Leu. 20 8.20.26 But his owne iniquities shall take the wicked himselfe and he shall be holden with the cords of his owne sinnes Prou. 5 22. For God will giue him vp vnto his owne hearts lusts whereby he shall walke in his owne counsels Psal 81 12. 2. He must pray saying O Lord why hast thou made mee to erre from thy wayes and hardened my heart from thy feare Returne for thy servants sake Isa 63 17. Create in me a cleane heart O GOD and renew a right spirit within me Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thâ— holy Spirit from me Psal 51 10. Keepe backe thy servant also from presumptuous sinnes let them not haue dominion over me Psal 19 13. Who can vnderstand his errours Cleanse thou me from my secret faults Psal 19 12. I will runne the wayes of thy Commandements when thou hast inlarged my heart Psal 119 32 41 4. Ioh. 17 17. Q. When wee find this grace of Sanctification to bee wrought in vs what must we then doe A. Because it is GOD which worketh in you both to will and to doe of his good pleasure Phil. 2 13. Theâ—eâ—ore sâ—y yee God bee thanked that we were the servants of Sinne but we haue obeyed from the heart that forme of Doctrine which was deliuered vs. Rom. 6 17. Q. But shall no Sanctifying grace of GOD be wanting A. GOD gaue not CHRIST the Spirit by measure Ioh. 3 34. For it pleaseth the Father thut in him should all fulnesse dwell Col. 1 19. And vnto every one of vs is given Grace according to the measure of the guift of CHRIST Ephes 4 7. So that you shall come behind in no guift 1. Cor. 1 7. But of his fulnesse you shall receiue and grace for grace Ioh. 1 16. Isa 11 2 3. Psal 68 19. Zach. 14 8. Ephes 1 3 4. CHAP. XX. Of Knowledge Faith Trust and Hope Q. WHich is the fiâ—st of those Graces A. To know the Truth Ioh. 8 32. I will saith God giue them an heart to know me that I am the Lord Ier. 24.7 For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel c. I will put my Lawes into their minde and write them in their hearts c. And they shall not teach every man his neighbour and every man his brother saying Know the Lord for all shall know mee from the least to the greatest Heb. 8 10. Ier. 31 33. And the Earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Glory of the LORD as the waters cover the Sea Hâ—b 2 14 Moreouer the light of the Moone shall be as the light of the Sunne and the light of the Sunne shall be seaven-fold as the light of the 7. dayes Isa 30.26 Wherby the people that sate in Darkenesse saw great light and to them which sate in the Region of the
thou shalt be called the City of righteousnesse the faithfull Citie Isa 1 26. Psal 72 3. Isa 26 9. Mal. 3 3. Prou. 20 7. Eccles 7 15. As for me my righteousnesse I hold fast and will not let it goe my heart shall â—ot reproach me so long as I liue Iob 27.6 For behold heere I am witnesse against mee before the Lord and before his anoynted whose Oxe haue I taken Or whose Asse haue I taken Or whom haue I defrauded Whom haue I oppressed Or of whose hands haue I received a bribe to blinde mine eyes therewith And I will restore it you 1. Sam. 12 3. Receiue vs wee haue wronged no man wee haue corrupted no man wee haue defrauded no man 2. Cor. 7 2. The Lord is witnesse and his annointed is witnesse this day that you haue not found ought in our hands 1. Sam. 12 4 We haue not taken one Asse from you neither haue wee hurt one of you Numb 16 15. 1 Sam. 25 14 15 1 29 6. 2 King 12 15 2 22 5 2 145. 1 Sam. 29 8. Iob 29.14 Isa 51.1 7. Gen. 6 9. Deut. 33 21. Prov. 8 15. Q. But is the practise of Iustice a guift of GOD common vnto all A. The wicked borroweth and payeth not againe Psal 37 21. They know not to doe right saith the Lord who store vp robberie and violence in their Pallaces Amos 3.10 There is no equitie in their goings they haue made them crooked pathes Isa 59.8 They will sell the Righteous for silver and the Poore for a paire of shooes they pant after the dust of the Earth on the head of the poore and turne aside the way of the meeke Amos. 2.6 Among them Iudgement is turned backward and Iustice standeth farre off for Truth is fallen in the street and Equitie cannot enter yea truth faileth and he that departeth from evill maketh himselfe a prey Isa 59.14 Micha 2.1 2. Hos 12.7 Q. What is the danger which such wicked oppressors do bring vpon themselues A. He that doth wrong shall receiue for the wrong that he hath done Col. 3 25 For I will come neere to them in Iudgement and I will bee a swift witnesse against those that oppresse the hirelings Mal. 3 5. For as much as their treading is vpon the poore and they take from them burdens of Wheate they haue built houses of hewen stone but they shall not dwell in them they haue planted pleasant vineyards but they shall not drinke the wine of them The prudent shall keepe silence in that time for it is an evill time Amos 5 11 3 15 5 4 7. Hab. 2 6 10 11. Pro. 20 10. Iam. 5.1 Mich. 6 12. Deut. 27 17 25. Mich. 2 3 8 9 10 Zac. 5 1 c. Q. But I haue obserued none to prosper more than these men A. Better is the poore that walketh in his vprightnesse than he that is perverse in his way though he be rich Pro. 28 6 A little that the righteous man hath is better then the riches of many wicked Psal 37 16. For an inheritance may be hastily gotten at the beginning but the end thereof shall not bee blessed Prou 20 21. Bread of deceit may bee sweet to a man but afterward his mouth shall be filled with grauell Prou. 20 17 For as the Partridge sitteth on egges and hatcheth them not so he that getteth riches and not by right shall leaue them in the midst of his dayes and at his end hee shall be a foole Ier. 17 11. Eccl. 5 13. Prou. 12 27 13 11 10 2 20 17 16 8 21 7. Iob. 20 28. Q. What may these things teach vs A. Therefore with-hold not good from them to wbom it is due when it is in the power of thy hand to doe it Prou. 3 27 Remoue not the old Land-marke and enter not into the Feilds of the Fatherlesse Pro. 23 10. Doe no vnrighteousnesse in iudgement in met-yard in weight or in measure Iust ballances iust weights a iust Ephah and a iust hin shall you haue Leuit. 19 35. Trust not in oppression become not vaine in Robbery Psal 62 10. And let no man goe beyond and defraud his brother in any matter because the Lord is the avenger of all such as we also haue forewarned you and testified 1. Thes 4 6. Content Ob. Alas I haue coveted greedily all the day long Prou. 21 6. and therefore am vpon euery occasion tempted to Injustice Eccles 4 7 6 1 2. Hab. 2 5. A. Why so For I haue coveted no mans siluer or gold or apparell Act. 20 33. Yea I haue learned in whatsoever estate I am in therewith to be content I know both how to be abased I know how to abound every where and in all things I am instructed both to bee full and to bee hungry both to abound and to suffer need I can doe all things through CHRIST which strengtheneth me Phil. 4 11. Iob 1 21. 2. Sam. 19 33 c. Q. What are these examples to me A. Therefore take heed and beware of covetousnesse for a mans life consisteth not in the aboundance of the things which hee possesseth Luk. 12 15. But yet every one that is greedie of gaine taketh away the life of the honours thereof Prou. 1 19 Moreouer he that loueth siluer shall not be satisfied with silver nor he that loveth aboundance with increase Eccl. 5 10 Onely Godlinesse with contentment is great gaine For we brought nothing with vs into this world and it is certaine that we shall carry nothing out And therefore hauing food raiment let vs therwith be content 1. Tim. 6 6 Which that you may be 1 Drinke of the water which I shall giue you of which whosoeuer drinketh shall never be more a thirst but the water that J shall giue him shall be in him a well of water springing into everlasting life Ioh. 4.13 2 And withall pray saying Incline my heart vnto thy testimonies and not to covetousnesse Turne away mine eyes from beholding vanitie and quicken thou mee in thy way Psal 119.36 Eccles 6.12 Hab. 2 13 Prou. 23 4. CHAP. XXIIII Of Sinceritie and Perseverance Q. THese were excellent Graces if they were accompanied with Sincerity A. True for GOD himselfe desireth truth in the inward parts and therefore in the hidden part he shall make thee to know wisedome Psal 51 6. For he shall put his law in thy minde and write it in thine heart Ier. 31.33 Whereby thou shalt stand with thy loynes girt about with truth Eph. 6 14. And be as the Kings Daughter all glorious within Psal 45 13 And as the Elder to the elect Ladie whom he loved in the truth for the truths sake which dwelleth in vs and shall be with vs for ever Ioh. 2 Epist 1.2 So that in the vprightnesse of thine heart thou shalt willingly offer vnto the Lord an offering in Righteousnesse 1. Chro. 29.17 For thus Enoch walked with God Gen. 5 22. Behold also Nathaniel an Israelite indeed in whom was no guile
than the first Revel 2 19. MARY also chose that good part which was not taken from her Luk. 10.42 And as for mee my foot hath held his steps his way haue I kept and not declined neither haue I gone backe from the Commandement of his lips Iob 23 11. But haue inclined mine care to performe his Statutes alwayes euen vnto the end Psal 119 112. And if you also saith CHRIST keepe my Commandements you shall abide in my Loue even as I haue kept my Fathers Commandements and abide in his Loue Ioh. 15 10. Hos 14 9. Ob. But I haue seene some in my dayes who haue beene lights and leaders of others in the way of Godlinesse and yet themselues proued Apostates 1 Tim. 1 19. Psal 36 3.78 57. Ioh. 5 35. Ier. 8 5. Hos 4 16. Ier. 2 32. Prov. 26 11. A. Verily verily I say vnto you whosoever committeth Sinne is the servant of sinne And the servant abideth not in the house for ever but the Sonne abideth ever Ioh. 8.34 For every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall bee rooted vp Math. 15 13. They went out from vs but they were not of vs for if they had beene of vs they would no doubt haue continued with vs But they went out that they might bee made manifest that they were not all of vs. 1. Ioh. 2.19 True it is some mens sinnes are open before hand going before to Iudgement and some men follow after 1. Tim. 5.24 And many of the first shall be last and the last first Math. 20.16 Neverthelesse the foundation of GOD standeth sure having this seale the Lord knoweth who are his 2. Tim. 2.19 Ob. While they stood I could not come neere them and now they are fallen what lesse can be expected but that my turne will be next A. You are not of them that draw backe vnto perdition but of them which beleeue to the sauing of the soule Heb. 10. â—â— For saith God I will make an euerâ—â—â—ting covenant with thee that I will not â—â—rne away from thee to doe thee good 〈◊〉 I will put my feare into thine heart â—ut thou shalt not depart from me Ier. â— 40 Now the Lord is faithfull who shall â—â—ablish you and keepe you from evill 2. Thes 3 3. For hee shall giue you another Comforter that hee may abide with 〈◊〉 for euer euen the Spirit of Truth whom the World cannot receiue because 〈◊〉 seeth him not neither knoweth him for hee dwelleth in you and shall bee 〈◊〉 you Ioh. 14.16 And you need â—ut that any man teach you but as the some annointing teacheth you of all things â—â—d is truth and is no lye and euen as it â—ath taught you you shall abide in him 1 Ioh. 2.27 Q. But what must I doe that this promise of perseuerance may be made good vnto me A. Pray saying O Lord GOD of ABRAHAM ISAACK and ISRAEL our father keepe this for euer in the thoughts of my heart and prepare my heart vnto thee 1. Chro. 29.18 Hold vp my goings in thy pathes that my foot-steps slip not Psal 17.5 And make me to increase and abound more and more and to establish my heart vnblameable in holinesse before thee even our Father at the comming of our Lord IESVS CHRIST with all the Saints 1. Thes 3.12 2 Let him that thinketh hee standeth take heed least hee fall 1. Cor. 10.12 Looking to your selues that you loose not those things which you haue wrought that you may receiue a full reward Ioh. 2. Epist 8. And hereof I giue you a charge in the sight of GOD who quickeneth all things and before CHRIST IESVS who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good Confession that you keepe the Commandements without spot and vnrebukeable vntill the appearing of our Lord IESVS CHRIST 1. Tim. 6.13 For our desire is that every one of you doe shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope vnto the end That ye be not slothfull but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises Heb. 6 11. Lifting vp the weake hands whâ—ch hang downe and the feeble knees and making straight paths for your feet lest that which is lame be turned out of the way but let it rather be healed Heb. 12 12. And grow in grace and in the knowledge if our Lord IESVS CHRIST 2. Pet. 3 18. That so he that is righteous may be righteous still and he that is holy may be holy still Revel 22 11. Heb. 10 23. Phil. 3.12 1 Cor. 9 24.2 Chron. 34 31.2 Cor. 6 1. Acts 13 43. 2. Tim. 3 14. Q. Why what is the danger of falling away A. When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousnesse and committeth iniquitie he shall even die for the some he shall even die for his iniquity which he hath done Ezek. 18 24 26. The Lord indeed is with you while you be with him and if ye seeke him he will be found of you but if you forsake him he will forsake you 2 Chron. 15 2. And will leade you forth with evill doers Psal 125 5. And feed you as a lambe in a large place Hos 4 16. Know therefore and see that it is an evill thing and bitter to forsake the LORD thy GOD Ier. 2 19 2 13. Heb. 10 38. Psal 73 27. Iud. 5.6 2 King 23 27. Ezek. 33 12 Ioh. 2. Epist 9. Ier. 2 17. Mat. 15 13. 2 Pet. 2 20. CHAP. XXV Of temptations in generall and in particuler of the Flesh Ob. IF this bee the danger of backsliding what will become of mee who am exposed to many temptations A. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man but GOD is faithfull who will not suffer you to be tempted aboue that you are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape 1 Cor. 10 13. For in that CHRIST suffered and was tempted he is able to succour them that are tempted Heb. 2 18. And will establish you and keepe you from evill 2. Thes 3 3. As well as hee did PAVL who fought a good fight who finished his course and kept the faith 2 Tim. 4 7. Revel 3 10 And therefore pray you also that you enter not into temptation Luk. 22 40. Ob. But is not GOD said to lead men into Temptation how say you then that he will deliuer vs out of temptation A. Let no man say when hee is tempted I am tempted of GOD for GOD cannot bee tempted with evill neyther tempteth hee any man but every man is tempted when hee is drawne away of his owne Concupiscence and is entised 1. Iam. 13.14 Ob. If the case stand thus what shall I doe who haue so much flesh remaining in me A. Is there no balme in Gilead is there no Phisitian there Why then is not the health of the Daughter of my people recovered Ier. 8.22 Ob. Alas this corruption is growne to such a head as is not now to be subdued A. Though your iniquities prevaile
53 5 7 15.37 13. Ioel 2 20.3.1 3.19 Amos. 1 2. Zach. 2 8. Obad. 10. Mich. 7 10. Zach. 12 6 14 12 10 5. Reu. 18.5 12.13 Deut. 32 41. Mal. 4 3. Ier. 20.11 49 12 Psal 57 6. Thus Absalon persecuting David was himselfe slaine 2 Sam. 18 15. And in the place where Dogs licked the bloud of Naboth the Dogs licked the bloud of Ahab did eate Iezabel by the wall of Iezrael 1 King 21 19 23 1 22 38 1.13 4 2 2 24 2 9 35. Acts 12 23 Dan 6 24 3 22. Gen. 12 17 19 11. Exod. 7 20 8 6.8 17 8 24. 9 6 10 9 24 25 10.13 10.22.12.29 12.33 Esth 7.10.9.10.9.25 Numb 21.3 Therefore fret not thy selfe because of evill dooers neyther bee thou enviâ—us at the workers of iniquitie for they shall soone bee cut downe like the grasse and wither as the greene hearbe Psal 37.1 Ob. But doe you not see how the limbes of Antichrist doe still prevaile against the Church A. The ten hornes vpon the beast which are ten Kings which haue received no kingdome as yet but receiue power as Kings one houre with the beast These haue one mind and shall giue their power and strength vnto the beast These shall make war with the lambe and the lambe shall overcome them for he is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings c. And then these ten hornes shall hate the whore and shall make her desolate and naked and shall eate her flesh and burne her with fire For God shall put in their hearts to fulfill his will and to agree and giue their Kingdome vnto the Beast vntill the words of God shall be fulfilled Reu. 17.12 c. Q What vse is to be made of these promises A. 1. Therefore O yee cruell persecutours What meane you that yee beate my people to peeces and grind the faces of the poore saith the LORD GOD of Hosts Isa 3 15. Touch not mine anointed and doe my Prophets no harme Pâ—alm 105 15. And refraine from these men and let them alone for your counsell and your workes being of men shall come to nought but this being of God you can not overcome it least happily yee be found even to fight against God Acts 5 38 And let my sonnes goe that they may serue me and if yee wâ—ll refuse to let them goe behold I will slay your Sonnes even your first borne Exod. 4 23. Prou. 22 22. 2 King 19.21 Psal 2 1. 2. Come out of Babylon my people that yee be not partakers of her sinnes and that yee receiue not of her plagues Revel 18 4. 3 Pray saying Arise O Lord let notman prevaile let our enemies be iudged in thy sight put them in feare O Lord that they may know themselues to bee but men Psal 9 19. Fill their faces with shame that they may seeke thy name O Lord. Psal 83 16. Otherwise let them be turned backe and brought to confusion that devise our hurt Let them be as Chaffe before the Wind and let the Angell of the Lord chase them Let their way be darke and slippery and let the Angell of the Lord persecute them Psal 35 4. As smoake is driven away so driue them away as waxe melteth before the fire so let the wicked perish at the presence of God Psal 68 2. Bring vpon them the day of evill and destroy them with a double destruction Ier. 17.18 For they haue eaten vp Iacob and devowred him and consumed him and haue made his habitation desolate Ier. 10 25. Therefore render vnto them a recompense O Lord according to the worke of their hands Giue them sorrow of heart thy curse vnto them Persecute and destroy them in anger from vnder the Heavens of the Lord Lam. 3 64. Doe vnto them as to the Midianites as to Scisera as to Iabin at the Brooke of Kison which perished at Endor they became as dung for the earth Make their Nobles like Oreb and like Zeeb yea all their Princes as Zeba and Zalmunna who said let vs take to our selues the houses of God in possession O our God make them like a wheele as the stubble before the Wind. As the fire burneth Wood and as the flames set the Mountaines on fire so persecute them with thy tempest and make them afraid with thy storme Let them be confounded and troubled for ever yea let them bee put to shame and perish Psalm 83 9. Psal 68 1 129 5.40 14. Psal 79 10 35 1 45 3 68 1. Iudges 5 31. Q. What are wee to doe when our Persecutors are thus destroyed and wee thereby delivered A. Breake forth into ioy and sing together because the Lord hath comforted his people because he hath redeemed Ierusalem and made bare his holy arme in the eyes of all the Nations Isa 52 9. And sing yee the Song of MOSES the Servant of GOD and the song of the Lambe saying great and maruailous are thy works Lord God Almighty iust and true are thy wayes thou King of Saints Who shall not feare thee O Lord and glorifie thy Name For thou onely art holy for all Natâ—ons shall come and worship before thee for thy Iudgements are made manifest Reu. 15 3. And as the Angels of the Waters say vnto God thou art righteous O Lord which art and wast and shalt be because thou hast iudged thus even so Lord God Almighty true and righteous are thy iudgments R u 16 5 Wherefoâ—e we giue thee thankes O Lord God Almighty because thou hast taken to thee thy great power and hast reigned Reu 11.17 And in the day that I called vpon thee thou saidst feare not O Lord thou hast pleaded the cause of my Soule thou hast redeemed my life Lam. 3 57. Yea many a time haue they afflicted me from my youth yet they haue not prevailed against me The Plowers plowed vpon my backe and made long their furrowes The Lord is righteous he hath cut a sunder the Cords of the wicked I. Psal 129 2. c. 97 10 66 13.14 2 Cor. 1.3 4. Psal 31 23.18 16 9 11. Isa 26.13 Reu. 19 1 c. CHAP. XXIX Of Temptations by evill Examples Ob. WEll haue you satisfied me concerning temptations on the left hand but I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets and her hands are bands Eccl. 7.28 Prou. 23.27 A. Notwithstanding who so pleaseth God shall escape from her Eccles 7 26. For Ioseph hearkened not to his lewd Mâ—stresse Gen. 39.10 Noah also was a iust man and perfect in his generation Gen. 6 9. And Lot being righteous and dwelling among the wicked in seeing and hearing vexed his righteous soule from day to day with their vnlawfull deeds 2 Pet. 2.8 And we know that we are of God when yet the whole World lyeth in wickednesse 1 Ioh. 5 19. Dan. 11.32 Oâ— the contrary the mouth of the strange woman being a deepe Pit he that is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein Prou. 22 14 And the sinner
that yee may command them vnto your Children that they may obserue and doe all the words of this Law For it is no vaine word concerning you but it is your life by this word yee shall prolong your dayes Deut. 32 46 47 4 40.6 1 2 16.20 Q. Why doth God for the sinnes of his owne Children shorten theyr dayes also A. Yea for Moses because hee trespassed against the LORD died in the Mount Nebo Deut 32 50 For this cause also many of the Corinthians were weake and sicke and falne asleepe 1 Cor. 11 30. 1 Sam. 2 30 31. But yet when they are thus iudged they are chastened of the Lord that they should not be condemned with the world 1 Cor. 11 32. And be taken away from the evill to come Isa 57 1. For Iosia was gathered to his Fathers in peace that his eyes might not see all the evill that was to come vpon the Nation of the Iewes 2 Chron. 34 27. CHAP. XXXVIII Of preservation from Dangers Ob. THough my dayes vpon earth should bee many yet the many dangers attending them will make my life without comfort A. Who so hearkeneth vnto me shall dwell safely and shall bee quiet from the feare of evill Pro. 1.33 Remember I pray thee who euer perished being innocent or where were the righteous cut off Iob. 4.7 The humble person shall deliuer the Iland of the innocents and it is deliuered by the purenesse of thine hands Iob. 22.30 Whereby thou shalt walke in thy way safely and thy foote shall not stumble when thou lyest downe thou shalt not be afraid yea thou shalt lye downe and thy sleepe shall bee sweet Prou. 3 23. Surely thou shalt not be moued for euer Thou shalt not be afraid of evill tidings thy heart is fixed trusting in the Lord. Thy heart is established thou shalt not be afraid Psal 112 6. But shalt bee as Mount Zion which cannot bee removed but abideth for ever As the Mountaines are round about Ierusalem so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even for ever Psal 125.1 Therefore hearken vnto me O house of Iacob and all the remnants of the house of Israel which are borne by me from the belly which are carryed from the wombe and even to your old age I am hee and even to your hoarie haires I will carry you and so will deliver you Isa 46 3. Psal 34 4 4 8 27 5.121 3 4 8 16 8 63 8 7 10.11.3 4. Zach. 10 12. Acts 2 25. Prou. 18 10. Deut. 33 12. Isa 4 5. Ob. I know the rage of our enemies to bee such as they will leaue no meanes vnattempted for our hurt A. The wicked watcheth the righteous and seeketh to slay him but the Lord will not leaue him in his hands nor condemne him when hee is iudged Psal 37 32. Hee shall hide him in the secret of his presence from the pride of men he shall keepe them secretly in a pavilion from the strife â—f tongues Psal 31 20. As Birds â—y flying so will the Lord of Hosts defend Ierusalem defending also he will deliver it and passing over hee will preserue it Isa 31.5 Whereby no man shall set â—n thee to hurt thee Acts 18.10 Neither shall one haire of your head perish Luk. 21 18. For the Lord will deliver â—ou from every evill worke and will preâ—erue you to his heavenly Kingdome 2 Tim. 4 18. Therefore feare you not stand still and â—ee the Salvation which the Lord will shew â—â—u Exod. 14 13. And be not afraid of â—heir faces for I am with thee to deliâ—er thee saith the Lord Ier. 1 8. Behold I haue grauen thee vpon the palmes of my â—ands thy walles are continually before â—e Isa 49 16 54 17 27 2 3. Exod. 14 10 23 22. Ier. 1 18 15 20. Psal 12 8 108. â—3 Acts. 9 24 25.9 29 30 31. Numb 22 12 18 24 1. 2 King 6 10. Neh. 4 15. Deut. 20 3. Isa 31 4. Ob. My enemies doe so much ouermatch mee as that before the combate they doe promise vnto themselues the conquest saying Let her be defiled let our eye looke vpon Zion Micha 4 11. Exod. 15 9. A. Who hath despised the day of the small things Zâ—ch 4 10. Let not him that girdeth on his harnesse boast himselfe as hee that putteth it off 1 King 20 11. Wee haue heard of the pride of Moab he is exceeding proud his loftinesse and his arrogancie and his pride and the haughtinesse of his heart I know his wrath saith the LORD but it shall not be so Ierem. 48 29. But because â—hey rage against mee and theiâ— tumult is come vp into mine eares therefore will I put my hooke into their nose and my bridle into their lippes and I will turne them backe by the way by which they come Isa 37 29.29 8. For hee powreth contempt vpon Princes and causeth them to wander in the Wildernesse where there is no way yet setteth hee the poore on high from affliction and maketh him families like a flocke Psal 107.40 Hee frustrateth the tokens of lyers and maketh Diviners mad and turneth wise men backward and maketh their Knowledge foolishnesse Isa 44 25. Therefore bee strong and of good courage feare not nor be afraid of them for the Lord thy GOD he it is that doth goe with thee he will not faile thee nor forsake thee Deut. 31 6. With them is an arme of flesh but with you is the Lord your GOD to helpe and to fight your battels 2 Chron. 32 8.20 15. Ios 1 5. Isa 50 1.44 25 18 7.9 15 16. 2 Sam. 16 23. 17 14. Ierem. 1 18.15 26. Iob 41 34. 2 Kâ—ng 19 32. Zach. 12 7. Examples 1 Sam. 18 11.1.21 1.1.25 10.1.23 14.1.23 25.14 44. 2 Sam. 21 16.2.20 22. Acts. 14 5.14 19 20. 26 21. Psal 105 12. Ob. Though GOD should preserue vs once and againe from our Enemies yet if they bee suffered to stand in their strength ours is the feare and theirs is the hope of their preuailing at the last A. But they know not the thoughts of the LORD neither vnderstand they his councell for hee shall gather them as the sheaues into his floore Micha 4.12 Behold they shall gather together but not by me whosoeuer shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake Isa 54.15 Now will I arise saith the LORD now will I be exalted Now will I lift vp my selfe they shall conceiue chaffe they shall bring foorth stubble their breath as fire shall deuoure them And the people shal be as the burning of lâ—â—e as thornes cut vp shall they bee burnt in the fire Isa 33.10 And as ashes vnder the soles of your feete in the day that I shall doe this saith the Lord of hosts Mal. 4.3 Thus when SIHON gathered all his people together to fight against Israel Israel smote him with the edge of the sword Num. 21.23 Also OG the King â—f Bashan with his sonnes and all his peoâ—le vntill none was left
vs of and said Did not the LORD deliver vs from the Spanish Inuasion in the yeare LXXXVIII But now the LORD hath forsaken the Palatinate and delivered it into the hand of the SPANIARD Iudg. 6 13. 1 Sam. 4 13. Deuteronomie 28 25. Nahum 3 11. A. ISRAEL hath sinned and they haue also transgressed my Covenant which I commanded them for they haue taken even of the accursed thing c. Therefore they could not stand before their enemies Ios 7 11. And because they served not the LORD their GOD with ioyfulnesse and with gladnesse of heart for the aboundance of all things therefore doe they serue their enemies which the Lord hath sent against them in hunger and in thirst and in nakednesse and in the want of all things Deut. 28.47 Who then gaue IACOB for a spoyle and Israel to the Robbers Did not the Lord hee against whom they haue sinned For they would not walke in his wayes neyther were they obedient vnto his law Therefore he hath powred vpon them the fury of his anger and the strength of Battaile and it hath set them on fire round about yet they know not and it burdeneth them and they lay it not to heart Isa 42 24. Therefore the Emperour before and the Spaniard behind haue devoured ISREAL with open mouth and yet for all this his anger is not turned away but his hand is stretched out still For the people turneth not to him that smiteth them Neyther doe they seeke the LORD of Hosts Isa 9 12 65.12 10 â— 4 66 24. Leuit. 26 17 25 26 32. 32 26.36 Ier. 7.30 19.9.2 King 21 1. Amos 6 8.1 Sam. 28 19. Lam. 4 11. Thus when Israel did that which was evill in the sight of the Lord c. The anger of the Lord was hote against Israel and hee delivered them vp into the hands of the spoylers that spoyled them c. so that they could not any longer stand before their Enemies Iudg. 2 11. Likewise the armie of the Syrians came with a small company of men and the LORD delivered a very great Host into their hand Because they had forsaken the Lord GOD of their Fathers 2 Chron. 24 23. Iudg. 3 7.8.3.12.4.1.2.6.1.13.1.16.20 1 Chron. 10 13.2.16.7 1 Sam. 4.2.10 1 King 14.25.2.13.1 Exod. 32.25 Q. But haue the sinnes of the Palatinate beene so great as that there is â—o way left whereby they may escape the Enemies hands A. If yet they shall confesse their iniquity the iniquities of their Fathers with their trespasse which they trespassed against me and that also they haue walked contrary vnto me and that I also haue walked contrary vnto them c. If now their vncircumcised hearts be humbled and they doe accept of the punishment of their iniquity then will I remember my Covenant with them and also my Covenant with Abraham will I remember and I will remember the Land â—euit 26.40 And when they shall walke after mâ— I will roare like a Lion when I shall roare then the Spaniard and Emperour shall tremble They shall tremble as a Bâ—rd out of Aegypt and as a Doue out of the Land of Assyria and I will place them in their Houses saith the LORD Hos 11 10. Vp therefore and let them sanctifie themselues against the morrow Ios 7 13. Psal 81 13. Which that you may doe remember then the King of Aegypt came vp against Ierusalem because they had transgressed against the LORD c. Therefore hee left them in the hand of Shishak Wherevpon the Princes of Israel and the Kings humbling themselues saying the LORD is righteous And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselues the Word of the Lord came to Shemaiah saying they haue humbled themselues therefore will I not destroy them but I will grant them some deliverance and my wrath shall not bee powred out vpon IERVSALEM by the hand of SHISHAK 2 Chron. 12 2. Yea many times did hee deliver them but they provoked him by their Councell and were brought low for their iniquities neverthelesse hee regarded theyr affliction when hee heard theyr crie And he remembred for them his Covenant and repented according to the multitude of his Mercies Psal 106.43 Thus also will the LORD waite that he may bee gracious vnto you and therefore will he be exalted that hee may haue mercy vpon you for the LORD is a GOD of iudgement Isa 30.18 For he will iudge his people and he will repent himselfe concerning his Servants Psal 135.14.2 Chron. 15 3 33 9 32 25.1 King 21 27. Iona. 3 10.4.2 Hos 10 12. Deut. 4 29. Iudg. 6 11 33 1 Sam. 12.7 Q. What vse are we and they of the Palatinate to make hereof A. Therefore feare not for though yee haue done all this wickednes yet depart not from following the Lord but serue the Lord with all your heart neither turne yee backe for that should be after vaine things which cannot profit you nor deliver you for they are but vanity 1 Sam. 12 20. And if ye doe turne vnto the Lord with all your hearts then put away the strange Gods and Ashtaroth from among you and prepare your heart unto the Lord and serue him onely and he will deliver you out of the hand of your Enemies 1 Sam. 7 3. Hosea 13 1. Lament 3 40 41. Deut. 13 17. Ieremiah 3 12.2 Chronicles 30 8. 2 Sanctifie you a fast call yee a solemne assembly gather together the Elders and all the Inhab tants of the Land into the house of the Lord your GOD and cry vnto the Lord Ioâ—l 1 14. And say take away all iniquitie and receiue vs graciously so will we râ—nder the Calues of our lips Ashur shall not saue vs we will not ride vpon Horses Neither will we say any more to the worke of our hands yee are our GODS For in thee the Fatherlesse find mercy Hos 13 1. O Loâ—d our God other Lords besides thee haue ruled over vs but we will remember thee onely and thy Name Isay 26 13. Rise vp Lord and let thine enemies bee scattered and let them that hate thee flee before thee and returne O Lord vnto the many thousands of Israel Numb 10 35. Or if thou wilt nâ—eds afflâ—ct vs let vs now fall into the hand of the Lord for his Mercies are great and let vs not fall into the hands of men 2 Sam. 24.14 Whose tender mercies are cruell Prou. 12 10. Neh. 1 5 9.32 2 Kâ—ng 9 â—5 Psal 10 35 8 1 2. 1 Kings 8 â—3 Q. When GOD hath delivered vs â—om our enemies what are wee then 〈◊〉 doe A. Awake awake Deborah awake â—â—ake vtter a song arise Barak thou Son Abâ—â—oam Iâ—dg 5 12. Come and beâ—â—ld the workes of the LORD what desoâ—tions he hath made in the earth Hee â—aketh the Warres to cease vnto the ends of â—he earth he breaketh the bow and cutâ—th the speare in sunder he burneth the â—hariots in the fire Psal 46 8. Sing â—nto the LORD for hee hath triumphed â—â—â—riously the
righteous Or is it gaine to him that thou makest thy wayes perfect Iob. 22 2. Looke vnto the Heavens and see and behold the clouds which are higher than thou If thou sinnest what doest thou against him Or if thy transgressions bee multiplyed what doest thou vnto him If thou bee righteous what givest thou him Or what receiveth hee of thine hand Iob 35 5. Psal 16 2. Which of you having a Servant Plowing or feeding Cattell will say vnto him by and by when he is come from the field Goe and sit downe to meate And will not rather say vnto him make ready wherewith I may sup and gird thy selfe and serue mee till I haue eaten and drunken and afterward thou shalt eate and drinke Doth hee thanke that servant because hee did these things that were commanded him I trow not So likewise yee when yee shall haue done all these things which are commanded you say Wee are vnprofitable servants wee haue done but that which is our duty to doe Luk. 17 7. Q. What was it then which moued the LORD thus liberally to deale with vs A. Because the Lord loved you and because hee would keepe the Oath which he sware vnto your fathers Deut. 7 8 9 6. Herein is loue not that wee loved GOD but that hee loved vs 1 Ioh. 4 10. And wee loue him because he loved vs first 1 Ioh. 4 19. For was not ESAV IACOBS brother saith the LORD Yet I haue loved IACOB Mâ—l 1 2. For the Children being not yet borne neither having done good or evill that the purpose of GOD according to the Election might stand not of Workes but of him that calleth it was said vnto her The elder shall serue the younger as it is written Rom. 9.11 So then it is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth but of God that sheweth mercy Rom. 9 15. And so Mercy and Truth are met together Psal 85 10. Exod. 33 19. Ier. 31 3. Rom. 11 32. Iam. 5 15. Psâ—â— 25.11 Ob. But why doth he yet find fault For who hath resisted his will Rom. 9.19 A. Nay but O man who art thou that replyest against God Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it why hast thou made me thus Hath not the Potter power over the clay of the same lumpe to make one vessell vnto honour and another to dishonour Rom. 9 20. Woe vnto him that â—huâ— striveth with his Maker let the Potsherd striue with the Potsherds of the earth c. Woe be vnto him that saith to his Father what begettest thou Or to the woman what hast thou brought forth Isa 45 9 And is it not then lawfull for mee to doe as I will with mine owne Math. 20 15. Ob. â—he branches were broken off that I might be graffed in Rom. 11 19. A. Well because of vnbeliefe they were broken off and thou standest by faith be not high minded but feare For if God spared not the naturall branches take heed least hee also spare not thee Behold therefore the goodnesse and severity of GOD on them that fell severity but towards thee goodnesse if thou continue in his goodnesse otherwise thou also shalt be cut off And they also if they abide not still in vnbeliefe shall be graffed in for God is able to graffe them in againe Rom. 11.20 Boast not therefore against the branches but if thou boast thou bearest not the root but the roote thee Rom. 11 18. Q. Why what is the reason of this free and vndeserved mercy of GOD A. 1 That no flesh should glory in his presence but according as it is written let him that glorieth glory in the Lord 1 Cor. 1 â—9 â—1 2 That yee might learne not to thinke of men aboâ—e that which is written that none of you be puffed vp for one against another 1 Cor. 4 6. Q. What may this free mercy of God teach vs A. To say O the depth of the Riches both of the wisedome and knowledge of GOD How vnsearchable are his iudgments and his wayes past finding out For who hath knowne the mind of the LORD Or who hath beene his Counseller Or who hath first gâ—ven to him and it shall bee recompenced vnto him againe Rom 11 33. 2 To say not vnto vs O Lord not vnto vs but vnto thy Name bee given the glory Psalm 115 1. Fâ—r as for mee I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies and of all the truth which hee hath shewed vnto his Servant Gen. 32 10. For off him and through him and for him are all things to him therefore be glory for ever and ever Amen Rom. 11 36 1. Cor. 4 7. 3 I beseech you Brethren by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living Sacrifice Holy and acceptable vnto God which is your reasonable Service Rom. 12 1. And sow to your selues in Righteousnes and reape in mercy H â— 10 12. 4 Pray saying Remember me O my GOD concerning my good deeds and spare me according to the greatnesse of thy mercy Neh. 13 14 22. Crying Grace Grace vnto it Zach. 4 7. Q. Are these blessings common vnto all degrees of men A. Will hee regard your persons saith the LORD of Hosts Mal. 1 9. Hee will blesse them that feare the LORD both small and great Psal 115 13. Neither is there respect of persons with him Eph. 6 9. For he that is called in the LORD being a Servant is the LORDS free man 1 Cor. 7 22. 1 Tim. 2 4. Q. Are not these bâ—â—ssings peculiar vnto the nation of the Iewes A. In thy seed saith GOD to ABRAHAM shall all the Nations of the earth bee blessed Gen. 26 4. Is he the GOD of the Iewes onely and not of the Gentiles also Reu. 3 29. There is no difference betwixt the Iew and the Greeke for the same Lord over all is rich vnto all that call vpon him Râ—m 10 12. Iohn 11 51. Zâ—ch 6 15 8 23. Isay 60.4.5 9.10 verses 60 22.11 10.42 6 45 23 49 6. Gen. 12 3. Acts 10 15.28.28.28.11.20.15.11.14 21.14 27. Mat. 12 21. Ioh. 10.16.12 32. Ob. But doth not PAVL say that vnto the Israelites pertaineth the promises A. True and therefore it was necessarie that the word of God should first bee spoken vnto them but they put it from them and thereby judiâ—â—â—â— themselues vnworthy thereof wee turned to the Gentiles For so hath the Lord commanded vs saying I haue made thee a light of the Gentiles that thou shouldest be foâ— Salvation vnto the ends of the earth Act â—3 46. And God which knoweth the hearts beare witnesse to the Gentiles giving them the Holy Ghost even as hee did vnto the Iewes putting no difference betweene vs and them after that by faith hee had purified their hearts Acts 15.8 That the Gentiles should be fellow Heires and of the same body and partakers of his promise in CHRIST by the Gospell Eph. 3 6. There is therefore neither Iew nor Greeke there is neither bond nor free
offerings Isa 61 8 Wherefore let no man deceiue you hee that doth righteousnesse is righteous as he is righteous but he that committeth sinne is of the Divell 1 Ioh. 3 7. Hag. 2 11 12. Isa 29 1.58.4 66 3 1 11. Amos 2 8.5 25 21. Leu. 26 31. Zâ—ch 7 5 Mal 1 7 1 13. Ier. 6.20 7 22 14.12 Psal 50 9 40 6. Hos 6 6 4 19. Mark 12 33. Luk. 11.41 Ob. Blessed be thou of the LORD for I haue kept the Commandements of GOD 1 Sam. 15 13. Haue done many things Mark 6 20. And haue been zealous for the Lord of Hosts 2 Kin. 10.16 Hos 12 8. A. What meaneth then this bleating of the sheepe in mine eares and the lowing of the Oxen which I heare 1 Sam. 15.14 For in thee haue they set light by Father and Mother in the middest of thee haue they dealt by oppression with the stranger in â—hee haue they vexed the Fatherlesse and â—he Widdow Thou hast despised my Holy things and hast prophaned my Sabbaths In thee are Men to carry tales to shedde bloud in the middest of thee they commit Lewdnesse Ezek. 22 7. Wherefore I haue a few things against thee Revel 2.20 As well as against ISRAEL who feared the LORD and made vnto themselues the lowest of them Priests of the High-places They feared GOD the LORD and served their owne Gods they feared not the Lord 2 King 17 32. For the feare of the LORD is to hate evill as pride arrogancy and every evâ—ll way Prou. 8 13. And therefore cursed art thou if thou confirme not all the words of this Law to doe them and all the people shall say Amen Deut. 27 26 4 2.6.17.12.32.18.13 Iam. 1 26 2.10.3 9 10. Ezek. 18 10. 2 Cor. 8 â—1 2 King 22.2 Ob. I deny not but doe freely confesse Murther and Adultery to be grievous sins deseruing death now then if I can acquit my selfe of such sinnes I shall doe well enough A. You haue heard that it was said to them of old time Thou shalt not kill and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the iudgment But I say vnto you that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the iudgement and whosoever shall say to his Brother Racha shall bee in danger of a Counsell and whosoever shall say thou Foole shall be in danger of Hell fire You haue heard also that it was said to them of old time Thou shalt not commit Adultery But I say vnto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed Adultery with her already in his heart Math. 5 21 27. ver And for every idle word that men shall speake they shall giue an account thereof in the day of Iudgement Math. 12 36. Ezek. 16.49 1 Chron. 13.9.2.32.24 1 Sam. 6.19 1 King 20 35. Numb 20.12 Deut. 32.50 Ob. What a preciseâ—â—â—sse call you this For what if now and then I meeting with a good fellow or two doe make my selfe merry with them and doe follow some other trickes of youth A. Wo be vnto you that call evill good and good evill that put darknesse for light and light for darknesse that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter Isa 5.20 You are they which iustifie your selues before men but GOD knoweth the hearts for that which is highly esteemed among men is abhominable in the sight of GOD Luk. 16 15. The shew of your Countenance doth witnesse against you and you declare your sinne as Sodome and hide it not woe vnto you for you haue rewarded evill vnto your selues Isa 3.9 Ier. 6.15 2.35 Prou. 14.12.16.25 Ob. You are very rash in iudging for who but God knoweth the heart A. Doth not the Eare try words And the mouth tast his meat Iob. 12.11.34.3 Even a Child is knowne by his doings whether his worke be pure and whether it be right Prou. 20.11 For doth a Fountaine send foorth at the same place sweet water and bitter Can a Figge-tree beare Oliue berries Either a Vine Figges So can no Fountaine yeild salt water and fresh Iam. 3 11. Luk. 6 43. Math. 12 33 7.16 Ob. Notwithstanding your shew of precisenesse if your faults were written in your forehead we should haue much worse things to say of you A. Speake not evill one of another Brethren he that speaketh evill of his Brother and iudgeth his Brother speaketh evill of the law and iudgeth the law but if thou iudge the Law thou art not a doer of the law but a Iudge There is one Lawgiuer who is able to saue and to destroy who art thou that iudgest another Iam. 4 11. Iudge not that yee be not iudged For with what iudgement yee iudge yee shall be iudged and with what measure yee mete it shall be measured to you againe Math. 7 1. Ob Thou seemest to restraine wisdome to thy selfe but what knowest thou that we know not Or what vnderstandest thou that is not in vs Iob 15 8.15 2. A. If yee know these things happie â—re yee if yee doe them Ioh. 13 17. Thy Father iudged the cause of the poore and needy then it was well with him was â—ot this to know me saith the LORD Ier. 22 16. For behold the feare of the LORD that is Wisedome and to depart from evill is vnderstanding Iob 28 28. You professe you know him but in Workes you deny him being abominable and vnto every good worke reprobate Titus 1 16. And how doe yee say wee are wise and the law of the Lord is with vs Yee haue reiected the Word of the Lord nnd what wisdome is in you Ier. 8 8.5 4. Iam. 3 13. Prou. 3 17. Luk. 12 47. Iam. 4 16 3 17. Rom. 2 17. 1 Ioh. 2 4. Ioh. 15 22 9 1. Prou. 26.12.26 16. CHAP. LIII The wicked Convinced of judgement Ob. IT should seeme this man hath seene some vision or hath had some other extraordinary reuelation Therefore watch man what of the night Watchman what of the night Isa 21.11 A. The watch-man said The morning commeth and also the night Isa 21 12. And are yee come to inquire of mee As I liue saith the Lord GOD I will not bee inquired of by you Ezek. 20 3. Beware yee despisers and wonder and perish for I worke a worke in your dayes a worke which yee shall in no wise beleeue though a man declare it vnto you Acts 13 40. Habac. 1 5. Now therefore bee not mockers least your hands bee made strong for I haue heard from the LORD GOD of hostes a consumption even determined vpon the whole Earth Giue yee eare and heare my voyce hearken and heare my speech Isa 28 22. Then said I Ah LORD GOD they say of mee Doth hee not speake parables Ezek. 2â— 49. 14 7. Ob. But when went the Spirit of the LORD from our Ministers vnto thee 1. King 22 24. Who doe say to vs yee shall not see the Sword neither shall yee haue Famine but the LORD will