b Gen. 5.3 6.3 image of Adam the c Ephes 4.22 old man the d Joh. 3.6 flesh c. Viz. the e Rom. 5.12 state 1. Of sinne 2 By for sinne of death Q. What is Sinne A. A f 1. Ioh. 3.4 sweruing from the law of God making the sinner g Gen. 4.7 guiltie before God and liable to the curse of the law Q. How is mankinde in the state of sinne since the fall A. Euery one naturally descending from Adam besides the guilt of that first sinne committed in Paradise 1. Is a Psal 51.5 conceiued and borne in originall corruption 2. Liuing in this world sinneth also b Gen. 6.5 Esa 48.8 actually yea of himselfe c Jer 13.23 Mat. 7.18 can doe nothing but sinne d Tit. 1.15 neither is any thing pure vnto him Q. What is originall corruption A. It is the defacing of Gods image consisting chiefely in wisedome and holinesse and the impression of the contrarie e Ioh. 8.41 c. image of Satan called f Rom. 7.7 Jam. 1.14 Concupiscence consisting 1. In an vtter g Rom. 7.18 disabilitie and h 8.7 enmitie vnto that which is good 2. In i Rom. 7.14 pronenesse vnto all manner euill Q. In what part of our nature doth it abide A. In the whole man and euery part 1. k Eph. 4.17 18 19. Darkening or l Esay 44.20 misleading the vnderstanding 2 m T it 1 15 Ephes 4.19 Benumming or n Mar. 10.20 1. Cor. 8.7 abusing the conscience 3 a Rom. 7.23 Rom 6.10 Enthralling and b Ephes 4.18 hardening the will 4. c Iam. 4.1 Gal. 5.17 Iob 15.16 Disturbing and disordering the affections 5. Finally making the bodily sences and members Either 1. As d Mat 5.29 30 Porters to let in sinne or 2. As e Ro. 6.12 13 3.13 c. Instruments to execute it Q. Is the image of God then wholly defaced in man A. No. For he f Iam. 3.9 remaineth still a creature reasonable and capable of grace hauing the same parts and faculties he had before and in them some reliques of Gods image as in the vnderstanding g Joh. 1.9 some light in the conscience sometimes h Rom 2.15 right iudgement in the will i Rom. 2.14 some libertie to good and euill in naturall and ciuill actions and freedome in all things from compulsion c. Q. What is actuall sinne A. It is sinne committed k Rom. 5.14 after the manner of Adams transgression to wit a particular breach of Gods law leauing a a Ier. 13.23 staine in the soule which polluteth the sinner and disposeth him to further euill Q. How is such sinne committed A. Two wayes Viz. by 1. Omission of duety required 2. Commission of euill forbidden whether it be 1. Inwardly in the b Gen. 6.5 Mat. 15.19 vnderstanding will or affections or 2. Outwardly in c Esay 3 8. word or deed Q. By what degrees doe men proceed in the committing of actuall sinne A. d 2. Sam. 11.2 Temptation offered e Psal 7.14 Jam. 1.14.15 concupiscence taking liking conceiueth wherevpon ensueth the committing or birth of sinne by custome and continuance wherein the heart finally is f Heb. 3 13 hardened Q. What are the different kindes of actuall sinne A. They are many but wee may reduce them to these fiue Viz. 1. g Esay 6.5 Partaking with others sinnes 2. h Psal 19.12 Sinnes of ignorance or of an i 1. Cor. 8.7 erring conscience 3. a Rom. 7.19 Sinnes of knowledge through infirmitie 4. b Psal 19.13 50.21 Eccle. 8.11 Sinnes of Presumption and obstinacie 5. c Heb. 6.4.5 6 10.29 Mar. 3.29 30. The impardonable sinne against the holy Ghost Q. Doe all naturall men alike commit all these kindes of sinne A. No for though d Rom. 7.14 all are alike disposed vnto all manner euill hauing in their corrupt nature the seedes of euery sinne yet doth God for the good of humane societie restraine many from notorious crimes by e Ro. 13.3.4.5 feare of shame and punishment desire of honour and reward c. Q. How doth God employ men in this state of sinne A. 1. Hee guideth them partly by the f Ro 2.14.13 Joh. 1.9 light of nature and partly by g Esay 44.28 common graces of the Spirit vnto many actions profitable for humane societie and for the outward seruice of God 2. Hee h Act. 3.18 4 27.28 ouer-ruleth their euill and sinfull actions so that thereby they bring to passe nothing but what his hand and counsell had before determined for his owne glorie SECT IX Of the second Consequent of the Fall viz. Death and of the Leauing of Reprobates in this fearefull state Q. HOw is man by sinne in the state of death A. By the iust sentence of God deliuering him a Rom. 5.12 for sinne into the power both of corporall and eternall death signified by b Ge. 3.22 c expelling our parents out of Paradise and debarring them of the Sacramentall tree of Life Q. What are we to vnderstand by corporall death A. The c Gen. 3.19 Eccl. 12.7 separation of the soule and bodie with all euils that attend thereon or make way thereto as d Deut. 28.15 c. sorrow sicknesse shame seruitude penurie c. yea euen c Mal. 3.2 Psal 69.22 blessings are cursed and a Psal 69.22 prosperitie causeth ruine Q. What is eternall death A. It is the finall b 2. Thes 1.9 separation of the whole man in hell for euer from Gods fauourable presence and fellowship together with present c 2. Tim. 2.26 Ephes 2.2 bondage vnder Satan d Heb. 10 27 Esay 33.14 hellish horrors and such like fore-runners of damnation Q. By what law doth God proceede in this punishment A. By the law of workes first written in the heart of Adam and vttered to his eare in Paradise and since more solemnely published and fully expressed by Moses and the Prophets e Deu. 29. â—6 Rom. 1.31 3 20. for the discouerie of sinne and the punishment due thereto Q. How commeth it to passe that the reprobate abide without recouerie in this state of sinne and death A. Because f Act. 17.30 14.16 the Lord doth not grant vnto them the benefite of Redemption and grace of faith and repentance vnto life but suffereth them to runne on in sinne deseruedly vnto condemnation Q. How doth God suffer them so to runne into condemnation A. In a diuers manner Some reprobates dying infants Others of riper yeares of which later sort 1. Some are not called 2. Others called Q. How doth God deale with reprobates dying infants A. Being once conceiued they are in the a Rom. 5.14 state of death by reason of the sinne of Adam imputed and of originall corruption cleauing to their nature wherein also dying they
especially with the l 2. Thes 4.16 voice shoute of an Archangell and the trumpet of God and so shall m Mat 25.31 Reu. 20.21 sit downe on the royall throne of Iudgement Q. What is the third thing A. The summoning and presenting of n Mat. 25.32 Luk. 17.37 all both dead and liuing men together with Diuels before the glorious throne of Christ the Iudge Q. How shall all men both dead and liuing be summoned A. By the a Ioh. 5 28 voice of Christ vttered by the ministerie of b Mat. 24.31 Angels namely by that shout and c 1. Cor. 15.52 trumpet of the Arch-angell whereto the Lord ioyning his diuine power as d Joh 5.25 vnto the word preached for the worke of the first resurrection shall in a moment both raise the dead with their owne bodies and euery part therof though neuer so dispersed and e 1. Cor. 15.52 change the liuing so that it shall bee with them as if they had beene a long time dead and were now raised to life againe Q. Shall there bee no difference betweene the resurrection of the Elect and of the Reprobate A. Yes For howsoeuer they shall f Act 24.15 Joh. 5.28 both rise by the same Almightie voice and power of Christ in the g 2. Cor. 5.10 Reu 20.13 same bodies wherein they liued vpon earth and those so altered in qualitie as that they shall bee able to abide for euer in that estate whereto they shall bee adiudged yet 1. The Elect shall be raised as a 1. Cor. 15. Ver. 20 22. 45. members of the bodie of Christ by vertue deriued from his resurrection the reprobate as malefactors shal be brought forth of the prison of the graue by vertue of the b Reu. 1.7 Iudiciarie power of Christ and of the curse of the Law 2. The Elect shal come forth to euerlasting life which is called the c Joh. 5.29 resurrection of life the reprobate to d Dan. 12.2 shame perpetuall contempt called the resurrection of condemnation 3. The bodies of the Elect shall be e 1 Cor. 15.42 4â— c. spirituall that is glorious powerful nimble and impatible like the bodie of the first Adam in innocency yea rather like the f Ver. 49 Phil. 3.21 body of Christ the second Adam but the bodies of the reprobate shal be full of vncomelines and horror agreeable to the g Reu. 1.7 guiltinesse terror of their consciences and liable to extreame torment Q. How shall all men be presented before the throne of Christ A. The Elect being gathered by the Angels shall with a Luk. 21.28 great ioy be b 1. Thes 4.17 caught vp into the aire to meet the Lord. The Reprobate together with the the Diuell and his Angels shall with c Reu. 6.15 16. extreame horror and confusion bee drawne into his presence Q. What is the fourth thing A. The separation of the Elect from the Reprobate For d Mat. 25.33 Christ the great Shepheard shall then place the Elect as his sheepe that haue heard his voice and followed him on his right hand the reprobate with the Diuels as straying goates on his left hand Q. What is the fift and last thing A. The opening of the e Reu. 20.12 bookâ—s of record by which the dead shall bee iudged Viz. 1. The seuerall bookes of all mens consciences which then by the glorious illumination of Christ the f Mal. 4.2 Sunne of righteousnes shining in his full strength shall be so enlightened that men shall perfectly remember whatsoeuer good or euil they did in the time of life the g Rom. 2.16 1. Cor 4 5 secrets of all hearts being then reueiled 2. The a Exo. 32.32 33. Ezek. 13.9 Reu. 3.5 21.27 book of life that is the eternall decree of GOD to saue his elect by Christ which decree shall then at length be b Mat. 25.34 made knowne to all SECT LI. Of the Act of the last Iudgement Q. THus farre of the preparation to Iudgement What are we to consider in the second place A. The Act of Iudgement wherein the Elect shall c Mat. â—5 34 first be acquitted that they may afterward as d Mat. 19.28 assistants ioine with Christ in the Iudgement of the reprobate both men and e 1. Cor. 6.2 3. Angels Q. How shall the Act of Iudgement be performed A. It hath two parts Viz. 1. Examination 2. Pronouncing of sentence Q. How shall the examination bee framed 1. According to that Law of God which hath beene reuealed vnto men whether it be the law of a Ro. 2.12 c nature only which is the remainder of the morall law written in the hearts of our first parents and conueied by the b Joh. 1.9 power of God vnto all mankindâ— to leaue them without excuse or that written word of God vouchsafed vnto the Church in the scriptures first of the old and after also of the new Testament as the rule of faith and life 2. By the euidence of euery mans conscience bringing all his works whether good or euill to light c Rom. 2.15 bearing witnesse with him or against him together with the d Mat. 12.27 ver 41 42. Heb. 11.7 testimonie of such who either by doctrine company or example haue in the time of this life approoued or condemned him Q. Shall there bee no difference in the examination of the Elect and of the Repr bate A. Yes For First the Elect shall not haue their c Ezek. 18 22 sinnes for which Christ hath satisfied but onely their f Reu. 14.13 good workes remembred Secondly being in Christ they and their workes shall not vndergoe the a Jam. 2.12 strict triall of the Law simply in it selfe but as the b 2. Pet. 1.10 11. obedience thereof proueth them to be true partakers of the grace of the Gospell Q. Shall there be any such reasoning at the last Iudgement as seemeth to be foretold in the 7. 25. of Mathew A. No but the consciences of men being then c 1. Cor. 4.5 enlightened by Christ shall cleare all those doubts and reiect those exceptions and excuses which they seeme now to apprehend Q. How shall the sentence bee pronounced A. By the Iudge himselfe Mat. 25. our Lord Iesus Christ who according to the euidence and verdict of conscience touthing workes shall adiudge the Elect vnto the blessing of the d Ver. 34. kingdome of God his Father the reprobate with the Diuell and his Angels vnto the e Ver. 41 curse of euerlasting fire Q. Shall men then be adiudged to saluation or damnation for their workes sake A. The case is different for 1. Wicked men shall be condemned for the merit of their works because being perfectly euill they deserue the a Rom. 6.23 wages of damnation 2. The Elect shall be pronounced iust because their good
That b Ro. 11.3 6. Pro. 16 4. all things should serue vnto his glorie Q. What did God decree touching Angels and men A. c 1. Tim. 5. â—1 Mat 25.41 1. Thes 5.9 Ro. 9.22 23 That they should remaine for euer some in honour others in dishonour for his glorie SECT IIII. Of Creation Q. HOw doth God execute his decree A. By two Actions to wit Creation and Prouidence Q. What is Creation A. The a Gen. 1. wholâ— making of all things of nothing very good in the first sixe dayes of the world Q. How did God create Angels A. He b Col. 1.16 made them all at the first very good and glorious spirits yet c Job 4.18 mutable Q. How did God create man A. He d Gen. 29 made him a liuing soule framing his bodie of the dust of the earth and breathing in his face the breath of life SECT V. Of Prouidence Q. VVHat is prouidence A. The continuall * Ps 213.6 care that God hath of all his creatures for the sustaining and disposing of them as they may best a Psal 119.91 serue for his glorie Q. How doth God sustaine Angels A. They are all vpheld by the power of God so that they shall b Luk. 20.36 neuer llye nor returne to nothing Q. How doth God sustaine men A. He preserueth mankinde in generall by the blessing of c Gen. 1.28 procreation and particular men and women both for the d Psal 36.6 time of this life and for e Mat. 25.46 euer in the world to come Q. How doth God dispose of Angels A. Hee suffered f 2. Pet. 2.4 some to fall by sinne into damnation without recouerie called Diuels the rest hee g Mat. 28.20 confâ—rmeth in their first blessed estate called Angels of light both which hee h â—ob 1.6 employeth for the accomplishing of his will SECT VI. Of the state of Innocencie Q. HOw doth GOD dispose of man A. As of that creature in a Psa 8.3 c whom aboue the rest hee intendeth to set forth his glorie wherefore the Scriptures doe plentifully declare the dealing of GOD with man both in this world and for euer hereafter Q. How doe the Scriptures set forth the dealing of God with man in this world A. In a threefold estate to wit of Innocencie of Corruption and misery and of Redemption all which make way vnto that euerlasting estate of honour or dishonour fore-appointed vnto all men Q. What is the state of Innocencie A. The holy and happy condition of mankinde created in the b Gen 1.27 image of God and placed by him in c Gen. 2.8 Paradise with abilitie to attaine to blessednesse by the Couenant of workes Q. What is the Couenant of workes A. The a Ge. 2.16 17 substance of the Law written in the hearts of our first parents promising blessednesse if they should obey and threatning death if they should transgresse SECT VII Of the Fall Q. VVHat is the state of corruption and miserie A. The fearefull condition of sinne and death wherein to God suffered all mankinde in Adam to b Ge. 3.1 c fall through the temptation of Satan by breaking the Couenant of workes SECT VIII Of Sinne. Q. VVHat is Sinne A. c 1. Ioh. 3.9 A sweruing from the Law of God making the sinner * Gen. 4.7 gâ—â—â—tie of the curse of the Law and it 〈◊〉 either originall or actuall Q. Wherein doth originall sinne consist A. In vtter b Rom. 7.18 enmitie of our whole nature vnto all that is good and c Rom. 7.14 prouenesse vnto all euill Q. What is Actuall sinne A. Euery d Rom. 5.14 particular breach of the Law of God SECT IX Of Death Q. VVHat is Death A. It is the separation e Gen. 3.19 either of the soule from the body f 2. Thes 1. â— or of soule and body from God with all euils that attend on the one or the other Q. How doth God employ men in this state of Corruption A. Two waies and first by the g Joh. 1.9 light of nature and h Esay 44.28 common graces restraining many from grosse sinnes and guiding some vnto actions profitable for humane societie and for the outward seruice of God Q. How secondly A. By ouer-ruling mens euill and sinfull actions so that thereby they a Act. 4.27 28. bring to passe nothing but what God hath determined for his owne glorie Q. Doth God leaue all mankinde in this state of sinne and death A. No but onely the reprobate whom hee b Act. 14.16 suffereth to runne on in sinne and so vnto damnation deseruedly SECT X. Of Redemption by the Couenant of grace Q. WHat is the state of Redemption A. The c Ro. 3.23.24 recouerie of the Elect out of the state of sinne and death by the new Couenant of grace Q. What is the Couenant of grace A. Gods a Gal. 3.21 22 second contract with mankinde after the fall for the restoring of him vnto his fauour and happinesse by the meanes of a Mediator Q. What are wee to consider in the Couenant of Grace A. Two things whereof the first is the foundation of it to wit the Mediator SECT XI Of Christ the Mediator Q. VVHo is the Mediator betweene God and man A. Onely b 1. Tim. 1.5 Iesus Christ God and man Q. How is he God A. In that hee is the c 1. Ioh. 5.20 second person in Trinitie to wit the eternall Sonne of the Father Q. How is hee man A. By d Ioh. 1.14 taking our flesh into his person beeing miraculously e Luk. 1.35 conceiued by the holy Ghost and borne of the blessed Virgin Mary Q. How is he the mediator between God and man A. By becoming our Prophet Priest and King Q. How is he our Prophet A. By a Joh. 17.26 reuealing vnto vs the will of God Q. How is he our Priest A. By b Eph. 2 1â— 2. Cor. 5.28 appeasing and reconciling God vnto vs through his death and obedience Q. How is he our King A. By c Esa 9.7 gouerning all things for the saluation of his Elect and d Psal 45.5 destruction of his enemies SECT XII Of the mysticall vnion Q. VVHat is the second thing to be considered in the Couenant of Grace A. The application thereof to the elect giuing them a Heb. 3.24 part in Christ and in all his benefits Q. What part haue the elect in Christ A. They haue first vnion with Christ and secondly thereby Communion Q. How are the elect vnited vnto Christ A. They are b Eph. 5.30 knit vnto Christ the head as members of his mysticall bodie by the spirit of Christ and by faith Q. What is the spirit of Christ A. The power of the holy Ghost c Rom. 8.9 Gal. 5.25 abiding and working in all those that are Christs as the soule of spirituall life Q.
false witnesse against thy neighbour Q. What is the meaning of this Commandement A. That wee impeach not truth or the credit of our selues or our neighbour but by all meanes maintaine and vphold the same Q. What is forbidden in this Commandement A. Whatsoeuer is contrarie to a true and iust opinion or report as b Apoc. 3.17 ouerweening or c Psal 31 21. vnderweening the good things in our selues d Act. 8.9 bearing our selues aboue our worth e Pro. 27.2 boasting f 1. Sa. 15 21 excusing our selues vniustly debasing our selues whether by g Iob. 27.5 vility denying Gods graces or by h Col. 2.18 dissimulation drawing others to commend vs i Col. 1.9 Apoc. 22.15 lying or aequiuocation k 1. Cor. 13.5 suspition contempt a 2. Cor. 12.6 foolish admiration or expectation of others b Esay 58.9 Psal 22.7 pointing at or deriding c 1. Tim. 4.16 forbearing to speake in the cause or credit of our neighbour d Pro. 27.14 flatterie e Pro. 24.24 excuse or defence of euill f Psal 15.3 false accusation g Mat 26.61 reporting words besides the meaning of the speaker h 1. Sa. 22.9 vttering truth with desire to doe hurt i Gen. 9.22 Psa 38.18 19 reioycing or making our selues merry with the infirmities infamie of our neighbour c. Q. What is required in this Commandement A. Whatsoeuer may nourish truth and the good name of our selues or others as to k Pro. 10.19 speake sparingly seeing in many words there cannot want iniquitie to speake the l Psal 15.2 truth from our heart to know and m 2. Cor. 13.5 10.12 c. iudge truely of our selues to loue our owne n Phil. 4.8 good name and to o 2. Cor. 12.11 defend it when neede requireth yet modestly and vnwillingly to iudge vprightly and as much as we may in the p 1. Cor. 13.7 Iam. 3 27 best sence of our neighbour to loue and q Mat. 1.19 tender his credit as our owne to r 3. Ioh. ver 12. commend him wherein hee deserueth well yet rather absent then present to a Leu. 19.17 1. Cor. 11.22 reproue him when iust cause is but rather to his face then behinde his backe and with b Reu. 2.2 3 4. c. remembrance of what is praise worthy c. Q. What are the helpes or hinderances to the obedience of this Commandement A. First we must c Psal 39.1 keepe our mouth as with a bridle yea pray to God to d Psal 141.3 set a watch before the doore of our lips Secondly we must abhorre the popish doctrine maintaining aequiuocation and teaching to e 1. Tim 4.2 speake lyes through hypocrisie also f 2. Tim. 3.2 pride and selfeloue which thrust men forward to boasting and vaunting Finally excessiue drinking and whatsoeuer else causeth the heart to g Pro. 23.33 vtter peruerse things SECT XXXIIII Of the tenth Commandement Q. VVHat are the words of the tenth Commandement A. a Exod. 20.17 Thou shalt not couet thy neighbours house c. Q. What is the meaning of this Commandement A. That in the most inward disposition of our heart wee decline not from the rule of charitie as to lust after our neighbours house or b Cant. 8.7 whole possession his wife which is his c Gen. 39.9 chiefest and choisest treasure his d Exo. 21.16 seruants which are precious aboue all outward possessions his cattel which are next vnto the soules vnder his keeping Finally any thing how small so euer in our account belonging to him But that in all things wee keep our selues within the rule of brotherly loue Q. What is forbidden in this Commandement A. All lusts contrarie to charitie Viz. 1. e Mat. 15.19 Rom. 7 7 Iam. 1.14 Originall corruption so farre forth as it is the fountaine of sinne against the second Table 2. f Gâ—l 5.17 19 c. Actuall lusts as thoughts of the minde desires of the heart fond wishings and wouldings delightfull remembrances and a Jer. 4.14 meditations of euill c. Q. What is required in this Commandment A. That wee dispose of all our thoughts affections according to charitie whereto belongeth b 1. Tim. 6.8 Psal 16.6 contentment with our portion c 3. Joh. v. 2. wishing delighting in our neighbours welfare as our own d Gal. 5 16 17. striuing against lust by the help of the spirit and power of the death of Christ c. Q. What are the helpes or hinderances to the keeping of this Commandement A. First we must e Pro 4 23 keepe our heart aboue all keepings filling it with holy thoughts and f Col. 3.2 meditation of those things that are aboue and g Psa 119.36 praying to God to encline it to his testâ—monies not vnto couetousnesse c. A. Secondly wee must auoid the h Pro. 17.24 gazing and wandring eye that is in the corners of the world together with all occasions and obiects of lust c. SECT XXXV Of the effect or exercise of Sanctification viz. Repentance Q. THus farre of the Law the rule of Sanctification What is the effect or exercise thereof A. Repentance which is a a Ro 12.1 2 through change of our purpose of heart course of life from the b Esay 1.16 17 euill which Gods word rebuketh in vs to the good which it requireth of vs. Q. How is this change wrought in vs A. When the sinner once humbled with the terrours of the Law flyeth to the comforts of the Gospell hee there c Zech. 12.10 seeth in Christ crucified not onely the mercie of God discharging him of all his sinnes but also how deepe the wounds of sinne are wherewith hee hath pierced his Sauiour and how seuere the wrath of God is against sin euen to the slaughtering of his owne Sonne d 1. Pet. 4.1 hence commeth he to e Psal 97.10 hate his sinne as God hateth it and to look back thereon with a 2. Cor. 7 1â— godly sorrow resoluing for euer after to forsake all his sinnes and to liue in new obedience Q. When is this Repentance to bee â—actised of vs A. The practise of Repentance â—ught to be a continuall b Rom. 12.9 abhorring of euill and cleauing vnto that which is good for as much c 1. Pet. 4.2 3 time as remaineth in the flesh after conuersion yet at times there ought to be a more speciall practise and renewing thereof as d Psal 31 after great fals in e Amos 4.12 feare of imminent iudgements or when we would f Gen. 35.2 3 c. fit our selues to receiue speciall mercies Q. In what manner must the speciall practise of Repentance in such cases be performed A. There must be 1. A serious g Lam. 3.40 search and enquirie after all sinnes as Traytors against
God from all profane and vnholy abuse not by adding any holinesse thereto but by e Psal 96.8 acknowledging and honouring it for such whereby wee doe as it were set the crowne of holinesse honour vpon the head of God Contrariwise failing so to do we are guilty of the profanation of Gods holy name not that he can receiue any pollution from vs but onely as the man that lusteth after a chast woman is said by our f Mat 5.28 Sauiour to bee guiltie of adultery with her though shee remaine in her selfe spotlesse and vndefiled Q. What doe wee then aske of God in this Petition A. Two things Viz. 1. That he wold vouchsafe to plant encrease in vs others such graces wherby his name may be glorified as a Psal 100.3 67. â— knowledge of God b Psa 115.1 humilitie thankfulnes patience c Ps 51.15 45.1 lips opened and tongues tuned to speak of him with reuerence Finally a d Mat. 5.16 1. Pet. 2. â— Tit. 2.10 life so ordered that men may say hee is an holy God who by his grace maketh vs an holy people 2. That he would remoue root out of our hearts tongues liues all such vices by and for which his name is dishonoured as e Pro 8.13 pride profanenes f Hos 8.12 ignorance infidelity g Rom. 1.21 vnthankfulnes impatience c. those tongue-wormes of h Exod. 20.7 swearing blasphemie vnreuerent speaking of him Finally i Ro 2.23 24 euill and scandalous life for which the name of God and his religion is euill spoken of in the world SECT XLI Of the second Petition Q. VVHat are the words of the second Petition A. a Math. 6.10 Luc. 11.2 Thy Kingdome come Q. What is the meaning of these words A. First by the Kingdome of God we must vnderstand not that b Esâ— 6.5 Psa 95.3 c. vniuersall soueraignety which as Creator he exerciseth ouer all creatures disposing them all vnto their proper ends for his glorie but the c Psal 110.2 1. Cor. 15.25 spirituall regiment of the Church and of all things for the good of the Church wherein God hath appointed d Psal 2.6 Hos 3.5 Christ to be the King the e Râ—uel 15.3 saints his subiects the f Job 22.22 word his law the g Heb. 1.6 Angels and all creatures his seruants the h 2. Cor. 5.20 Ministers his Heralds and Embassadors finally the i Mat. 12.26 diuels kingdome that is wicked Angels and men k Luc. 19 27. enemies to the Kingdome of Christ his l Psal 110.1 footstoole Secondly this Kingdome is said to come 1 In regard of meanes where the a Math 12.28 13 19. Mat. 1.15 word of the Kingdome is published 2 In regard of efficacy where b Rom. 6.17 from the heart obedience is yeelded 3 In regard of perfection it hath these degrees Viz. c Math. 13.8 Encrease of grace in the time of this life The d Luc. 23.42 43. translation of blessed soules into heauen in the moment of death Finally the e Mat. 25.34 full redemption and glorification of the Saints in soule and body in the life to come Q. What things doe wee then craue of God in this petition A. Six things viz. 1 That Satans f Act. 26.18 Kingdome may be abolished the g 2. Tim. 2.26 Coloss 1.13 bonds of spirituall captiuity loosed the h Gal. 5.24 power of corruption that maketh vs like well of our bondage abated the i 2. Thess 2.8 instruments of Satans tyranny as the Turke and Pope and all such outlawes from Christ defeated 2. That the word of the Kingdome the rod and a 〈◊〉 110.2 〈…〉 â—2 Thesâ— 3.1 standard of Christs power may haue * 2. Thess 3.1 free passage euery where and bee gloriously lifted vp aduanced 3. That the eies of all men especially Princes may be opened to see the * Reu. l. 17. â— 1â— filthines of the whore of Babilon and the true * 〈◊〉 â—0 5 beauty of the pure religion spouse of Christ 4. That all * Esa 56.10 â—â— loiterers and tongue-tied Ministers remoued * M th 9.38 faithfull and able watchmen may be set ouer the flocke of Christ with sufficient encouragement of maintenance countenance protection c. 5. That the Lord by his word and spirit would g Col. 3.15 1â— rule in the hearts and liues of his Saints making them also Kings in part by ouercomming the corruption which is in the world through lust 6. That he would finish the kingdome of grace a Gen. 9.27 calling his elect vncalled b 2. Thess 2.17 confirming such as stand c Iam. 5.15 16. raising the fallen d Esa 61.3 comforting the afflicted c. and hasten the kingdome of glory both by e Phil. 1.23 taking vs in due time out of this conflicting life into peace with Christ and finally sending his Sonne the f Reuel 22.20 second time for the full saluation of vs and all his chosen that hee hauing reigned in vs by grace we may euerlastingly g 2. Tim. 2.12 reigne with him in glory SECT XLII Of the third Petition Q. VVHat are the words of the third petition A. h Mat. 6.10 Luc. 11.2 Thy will be done on earth as it is in heauen Q. What is the meaning of these words A. First by this word thy wee exclude all wils opposed to or diuers from the will of God whether the will of a 2. Tim. 2.26 Satan or our b 1. Pet 4.2 owne naturally corrupt and enthralled to Satan yea whatsoeuer c 2. Sam 7.2 c. Iam. 4 15. lawfull intentions or desires repugnant to the will of God Secondly by the wil of God we here vnderstand not so much d Deut. 29.29 that part which he keepeth secret from vs as his eternal counsell the e Pro. 27.1 euents of outward things f Act. 1.7 times and seasons c. which it is vnlawfull to enquire into impossible to know or to withstand and g Act. 4 28. no thanke for vs to accomplish vnto which we must onely with patience and contentment h Act. 21.14 submit our selues as that part thereof which is i Deut. 29.29 reueiled and made knowne vnto vs in the word both in the promises which we are to beleeue and in the precepts which as conditions of obedience in way of thanksgiuing annexed vnto the promises we are to performe Thirdly by doing wee vnderstand not a good intent only in the heart or a a Mat. 21.30 profession of obedience in word and pretence but an actuall and through b Jam. 1.25 performance of what is required of vs. Fourthly where we say in earth as in heauen we propound to our selues the patternes of the c Psal 103.20 22 Angels and blessed soules who being
thy will and guide my feete in thy waies that I fall not by the deceiueablenesse of sinne and so become a slander to thy Gospell Little is the good that is in me O Lord and that not of my selfe it is thy gift yet grant that it may be sound and sincere not as the morning dew that wasteth at the first heate buâ— as the morning light that shineth more and more vnto the perfect day Let mee measure my selfe not by that others iudge mee or I feele my selfe to bee but by that I desire and labour to be that I may neither iustifie my selfe louing sinne though I commit it not nor condemne my selfe longing after grace though I cannot finde that I haue attained to it Let my reioicing be not that I haue deluded the world with a fained shew of holinesse and integritie but that in simplicitie and godly purenesse I haue had my conuersation among men as in thy sight Renew my youth O LORD as the Eagle not to the seruice of sinne but of thy name Let it bee my meate and drinke to doe thy will and let my hunger after it bee so great that it may breake through all the stone walles of impediments and discouragements thereto Yea the more I am discouraged and withdrawne from dutie by the practises of Satan and the weakenesse of my flesh the more let mee striue thereto and abound therein that Satan finding himselfe a looser may bee forced to giue ouer his assaults Let mee bee so farre from wearinesse in thy seruice in the time of prosperitie as I would thou shouldest bee from neglecting mee in the houre of necessitie Let thy loue toward mee O Father winne mee to the loue of thee and let my loue to thee constraine mee euen with deniall of my selfe to serue thee Teach mee to looke for all good things from thee by the meanes of IESVS CHRIST and in him to offer vp my daily sacrifices vnto thee Disperse in mee the clouds of sinne that my heart as in a cleare day may alwaies behold thee Let all worldly ioyes bee swallowed vp in mee with the ioy of thy holy Spirit and before all peace let mee preferre the peace of a good conscience Let mee reioyce in thee without lightnesse and mourne for mine owne and others sinnes without discouragement Powre vppon mee thy Spirit of grace and supplication that I may call vpon thee with sighes that cannot bee expressed that cannot bee denied that with this key I may open the treasurie of thy goodnesse and enrich my selfe Make mee a meete guest to sit downe at the marriage feast of the Lambe and graunt that I may bee carefull not to bee found without the wedding garment of faith working by loue Let mee keepe a diligent account of what I receiue from thee and remembring that there shall bee a day of reckoning graunt mee so to gouerne my selfe in the employing of thy talents that both thou maist receiue of me thine owne with aduantage and I beeing found faithfull in little may bee made ruler ouer much Let mee account this terme of life a seede time and let mee not doubt to cast my bread vpon the waters seeing at the end of dayes I shall finde it againe Let me not esteeme my selfe the poorer for bestowing vpon thy needie seruants but let mee thinke that as the corne which is sowen remaineth not in the ground but returneth with encrease to the sower so what I giue in thy name shall not remaine with the receiuer but returne vnto mee with aduantage Make mee willing to bestow and to bee bestowed for the good of thy Saints and withall humble to ascribe both the gift and the willingnesse to giue to thy grace onely Graunt good Lord that beeing a pilgrim vpon earth I may haue my conuersation in heauen and professing my selfe to bee a citizen of that Ierusalem which is from aboue I may desire not onely to enioy the priuiledges but also to speake the language and to bee gouerned by the lawes of that Citie Make mee wise O Lord to vnderstand and consider my latter end Let my whole life bee a preparation to death and the meditation of death the rule of my life O Lord guide my heart to the loue of thy Maiestie and the waiting for of thy Sonne Vnto mine old age and gray head O God forsake mee mee not and let thy feare keepe mee from forsaking thee Let mee bee among those that are planted in thine house and flourish in thy Courts Let mee bring forth more fruit in mine age Let my later dayes bee my best daies and my workes more at the last then at the first Finally enable mee in this pilgrimage of my life so to walke from strength to strength that at the length I may appeare before thee with the Congregation of the first borne in that kingdome of glorie which thou hast prepared for all that loue the appearance of thy Sonne our Lord Iesus Christ To whom with thee O Father and thy Spirit bee all honour and obedience in the Church hence forth and for euer Amen FINIS A BRIEFE DIRECTION TO TRVE HAPPINESSE ABRIDGED OVT OF the larger Treatise for the more conuenient vse of priuate Families and instruction of the yonger sort By SAM CROOKE PROV 22.6 Traine vp or Catechise a Child in the way he should goe and when he is old he will not depart from it LONDON Printed by John Pindley for Nathaniel Butler and are to be sold at his shop neere S. Austins gate at the signe of the Pyed Bull. 1613. A BRIEFE DIRECTION TO TRVE HAPPINESSE SECT I. Of the Scripture Question HOw may a man attaine true blessednesse Ans Onely by a Job 22.21 22. acquaintance and fellowship with God as hee offereth himselfe to bee knâ—wne of vs in his b Joh. 6.68 word Q. What meane you by the word of God A. The holy c 2. Tim. 3.25 16. Scriptures of the old and new Testament giuen by inspiration of God SECT II. Of God Q. HOw doe the Scriptures propound God to be knowne of vs A. Partly in himselfe partly in his workes Q. What doe the Scriptures teach vs touching God himselfe A. Foure things and first that a Heb. 11. â— there is a God Q. What is the second thing A. That God is a b Ioh. 4.24 spirit most simple eternall infinite constant and absolute Q. What is the third thing A. That there is onely c 1. Cor. 8.6 me God and no more Q. What is the fourth thing A. That in this one Godhead are d Mat. 28.19 1. Joh. 5.7 three distinct persons the Father the Sonne and the Holy Ghost SECT III. Of Gods decree Q. VVHat are the workes of God A. They are a Ephes 1.11 1. His decree and 2. The execution thereof Q. How may wee take a view of these workes of God A. Generally in all creatures specially in Angels and men Q. What did God decree concerning all creatures A.
appointed food let it teach vs resolutely to shake of all impediments carefullie to redeeme all occasions and gladlie to embrace all opportunities of doing good Finally vnto all these good purposes worke in vs by thy holie word spirit a dailie encrease of liuing and sauing faith O Lord it is thine onely vnspeakeable gift without whom it is no more possible to beleeue that which thou promisest then to performe whatsoeuer thy law requireth Thou therefore O Father for Christ Iesus sake by the powerfull operation of thy Spirit worke and encrease in vs this mother grace Teach vs so to lay hold on Christ and lodge him in our hearts that we may not onely applie and assure vnto our selues all the promises of life and mercie but also cleanse our selues from all filthinesse of the flesh and spirit and grow vp vnto full holinesse in the feare of thy Maiestie And now Lord for outward things wee submit our selues to thy wise and fatherlie prouidence onely beseeching thee to giue vs this day what thou knowest needefull and behoofefull vnto vs for the day Lord feede vs with food conuenient for vs giue vs such a portion of health maintenance credit and all outward comforts as may make vs thankefull and seruiceable vnto thee And aboue all giue vs grace to employ and improue all thy blessings as thy talents to the furtherance of the worke thou hast giuen vs to doe Lord giue vs euerie day but especially on thy Sabbath dayes more then a naturall and common vse of thy good creatures Let vs in all things tast and see how sweet and gracious a God thou art Let thy good blessings be not as a wall to stop our sight that we may not looke beyond them but as a glasse through which wee may the better discerne thy loue and faithfulnesse towards vs concerning heauenly things Let vs serue thee with an vpright heart in the duties and businesses of this day bringing the generall profession of religion into particular practise according to our seuerall callings Lord let vs neuer bee a burden vnto humane societie nor a blemish vnto the profession of Christianitie by idlenesse or inordinate liuing Make our labours and endeauours fruitfull and beneficiall not onely vnto our selues that wee may eat thereof and reioice before thee but also vnto all others whom they concerne that they may praise thee with vs and for vs. Blesse thy whole Church O Lord and build it vp more and more in perfect beautie Take pittie on those thine elect that walke yet in darkenesse and cause the light of thy Gospell of grace to shine vnto them Confirme thy gracious worke in those who haue receiued the first fruits of thy spirit Comfort such as mourne for sinne Fulfill the desires of all that trulie long and sigh after thee Support and cure the infirmities of all that are humbled vnder thine hand and that haue seene affliction in the rod of thy visitation Preserue the good land wherein woe liue make vs more thankefull for all thy rich blessings and our manifold mightie deliuerances Saue thine Annointed seruant our Soueraigne Lord King Iames with our gracious Queene Anne and the Royall progenie Assist with thy spirit and grace all that are in authoritie sanctifie all those whom thou emploiest in the worke of the ministerie Remember in speciall mercie those whom thou hast knit vnto vs in the bands of consanguinitie affinitie neighbourhood or Christian amitie Finallie vnto all thine and ours vouchsafe Peace and mercy through Iesus Christ thy deere Sonne our alone Redeemer and Sauiour To whom with thee O Father and thy holie Spirit one God and King euerlasting be rendred all honor seruice and thankesgiuing for euermore Amen A short Prayer for the Euening O Almightie God King of Glory Father of Eternitie who dwelling on high abasest thy selfe to behold things in heauen in earth being the first the last giuest beginning ending to all times affaires wherein thy creatures are employed we acknowledg with humble thaÌ„kfull hearts the riches of thy bountie afforded vs thine vnworthie seruants as well this day now past as in the whole course of our liues Thou O Lord hast made vs and that fearfully and wonderfully thou hast been our hope from our mothers brests Thou hast lengthened the daies of our life vnto this houre therein hast shewed vs many mercies Thou hast freed our bodies from diseases dangers our names from reproch our substance from spoile our liberty from violent and vniust restraint Thou hast strengthened vs vnto labour satisfied vs with thy good creatures cheared our hearts with the fellowship and loue of thy people our fellow seruants and blessed our endeauors with successe through thy good prouidence Thou hast heard our prayers accomplished our desires turned away our feares mitigated our troubles and put an end from time to time to all our afflictions Thus hast thou shewed thy selfe to be the God that delightest in the prosperitie of thy seruants But O Lord how can we worthilie magnifie thy mercy towards vs in Iesus Christ In whom thou hast from all eternitie appointed an heauenly Kingdome vnto vs By whose word thou hast called vs by whose blood thou hast redeemed vs by whose Spirit thou hast sanctified and sealed vs vnto the day of redemption In whom we haue this liberty to call thee Abba Father In whom and with whom all earthly blessings are giuen vnto vs not onely for our bodily comfort but also as pledges of our heauenly inheritance Oh how deare therefore are thy thoughts of mercie vnto vs O Lord how great is the summe of them Blessed Father enlarge our hearts to comprehend thy loue and encline them to loue thee who hast so loued vs. But let vs mourne and be ashamed that wee haue returned nothing vnto thy maiestie but hatred for thy good will Let it strike our hearts that wee haue abused thy bodily blessings vnto couetousnesse or intemperance thy patience vnto presumption the grace of thy Gospell vnto licenciousnesse in sinning Let vs abhorre our selues that wee haue prophaned thy sabbaths despised thy word quenched thy spirit vnhallowed thy name many waies defiled the holy profession we haue taken vpon vs. Let vs repent in dust and ashes for our wilfull blindnesse of minde hardnesse of heart remorselessenesse of conscience whereby wee haue resisted the worke of thy grace in vs. Thou O Lord wouldest haue purged vs and we would not be purged thou wouldest haue cured vs but wee would not be cured Thâ—se and all other our sinnes O Lord let vs recount before thee with true sorrow and astonishment of heart But doe not thou O Father straightly marke iniquities nor deale with vs as we haue deserued Truth Lord vnto vs belongeth nothing but confusion and condemnation but vnto thee compassioâ— and forgiuenesse though wee haue grieuously rebelled against thee Thou hast in thy word proclaimed thy selfe vnto vs to be The Lord mercifull gracious slow to anger