hearing Neh. 8. 1 2 13. v. 1. And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water-gate and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which the Lord had commanded to Israel v. 2. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women and all that could hear with understanding upon the first day of the seventh moneth v. 3. and he read therein v. 13. And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people the priests and the Levites unto Ezra the sâ—r the even to understand the words of the law 2. That the Ministers of the Gospel have as ample a charge and commission to dispense the Word as well as other Ordinances as the Priests and Levites had under the law proved Isa 66. 21. And I will also take of them for Priests and for Levites saith the Lord. Mat. 28. 34. Wherefore behold I send unto you Prophets and wise men and scribes and some of them ye shall kill and crucifie and some of them shall ye scourge in your Synagogues and persecute them from City to City Where our Saviour intituleth the Officers of the New Testament whom he will send forth by the same names of the teachers of the Old Which Propositions prove that therefore the duty being of a moral nature it followeth by just consequence that the publick reading of the Scriptures belongeth to the Pastors Office To feed the flock by preaching of the Word according to which he is to teach convince reprove exhort and comfort 1 Tim. 3. 2. A Bishop then must be blameless the husband of one wise vigilant sober of good behaviour given to hospitality apt to teach 2 Tim. 3. 16 17. v. 16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Correction for Instruction in righteousness v. 17. That the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works Tit. 1. 9. Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught that he may be able by sound Doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers To Catechise which is a plain laying down the Principles of the Oracles of God Or of the Doctrine of Christ and is a part of preaching Heb. 5. 12. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers ye have need that one teach you again which be the first Principles of the Oracles of God and are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat To dispense other Divine Misteries 1 Cor. 4. 1 2. v. 1. Let a man so account of us as of the Ministers of Christ and stewards of the misteries of God v. 2. Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful To administer the Sacraments Mat. 28. 19 20. v. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost v. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alway even unto the end of the world Amen Mar. 16. 15 16. v. 15. And he said unto them Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel unto every creature v. 16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned 1 Cor. 11. 23 24 25. v. 23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread v. 24. And when he had given thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my body which is broken for you this do in remembrance of me v. 25. After the same manner also he took the cup when he had supped saying This cup is the New Testament in my blood this do ye as oft as ye drink it in remembrance of me Compared with 1 Cor. 10. 16. The cup of blessing which we bless is it not the communion of the blood of Christ the bread which we break is it not the communion of the body of Christ To bless the people from God Numb 6. 23. 24 25 26. v. 23. Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons saying On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel saying unto them v. 24. The Lord bless thee and keep thee v. 25. The Lord make his face to shire upon thee v. 26. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace Compared with Rev. 1. 4 5. v. 4. John to the seven Churches which are in Asia grace be unto you and peace from him which is and which was and which is to come and from the seven spirits which are before his throne v. 5. And from Jesus Christ who is the faithful witness and the first begotten of the dead and the prince of the Kings of the earth unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood Where the same blessings and persons from whom they come are expresly mentioned Isa 66. 21. And I will also take of them for Priests and for Levites saith the Lord. Here under the names of the Priests and Levites to be continued under the Gospel are meant Evangelical Pastors who therefore are by office to bless the people Deut. 10. 8. At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the Covenant of the Lord to stand before the Lord to minister unto him and to bless in his name unto this day 2 Cor. 13 14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all Amen Eph. 1. 2. Grace be to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ To take care of the poor Act. 11. 30. Which also they did and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul Act. 4. 34 35 36 37. v. 34. Neither was there any among you that lacked for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them and brought the prises of the things that were sold v. 35. And laid them down at the Apostles feet and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need v. 36. And Joses who by the Apostles was surnamed Barnabas which is being interpreted the son of conselation a Levite and of the country of Ciprus v. 37. Having land sold it and brought the money and laid it at the Apostles feet Act. 6 2 3 4. v. 2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the Disciples unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve Tables v. 3. Wherefore brethren look you out among you seven men of honest report full of the Holy Ghost and wisdome whom ye may appoint over this business v. 4. But we will give our selves continually to prayer and
salvation in any other but in Christ alone Å¿ Acts 4. 12. Neither is there salvation in any other for there is no other name under heaven given amongst men whereby we must be saved who is the Saviour onely of his body the Church t Eph. 5. 23. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the Church and he is the Saviour of the body Q. Are all they saved who hear the Gospel and live in the Church A. All that hear the Gospel and live in the visible Church are not saved but they onely who are true members of the Church invisible u Joh. 12. 38 39 40. That the saying of Esaias the Prophet might be fulfilled which he spake Lord who hath believed our report and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed Therefore they could not believe because that Esaias said again He hath blinded their eyes and hardened their heart that they should not see with their eyes nor understand with their heart and be converted and I should heal them Rom. 9. 6. Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect for they are not all Israel who are of Israel Mat. 22. 14. For many are called but few chosen Mat. 7. 21. Not every one that saith unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven but he that doth the will of my Father which is in heaven Rom. 11. 7. What then Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for but the election hath obteined it and the rest were blinded Q. What is the visible Church A. The visible Church is a society made up of all such as in all ages and places of the World do profess the true Religion * 1 Cor. 1. 2. Unto the Church of God which is at Corinth to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be Saints with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord both theirs and ours 1 Cor. 12. 13. For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body whether we be Jews or Gentiles whether we be bond or free and have been all made to drink into one Spirit Rom. 15. 9 10 11 12. And that the Gentiles might glorifie God for his mercy as it is written For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentâ—les and sing unto thy name V. 10. And again he saith Rejoyce ye Gentiles with his people V. 11. And again Praise the Lord all ye Gentiles and laud him all ye people V. 12. And again Esaias saith There shall be a root of Jesse and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles in him shall the Gentiles trust Rev. 7. 9. After this I beheld and lo a great multitude Which no man could number of all nations and kinreds and people and tongues stood before the throne and before the lamb clothed with white robes and palms in their hands Psal 2. 8. Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession Ps 22. 27 28 29 30 31 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord and all the kindreds of the earth shall worship before thee V. 28. For the Kingdom is the Lords and he is the Governour among the nations V. 29. All they that be fat upon the earth shall eat and worship all that go down to the dust shall bow before him and none can keep alive his own soul V. 30. A seed shall serve him it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation V. 31. They shall come and shall declare his righteousness Psal 45. 17. I will make thy name to be remembred in all generations therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever Mat. 28. 19 20. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alwayes unto the end of the world Amen Esai 59. 21. As for me this is my Covenant with them saith the Lord My spirit which is upon thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy seed nor out of the mouth of thy seeds seed saith the Lord from henceforth and for ever and of their children x 1 Cor. 7. 14. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband else were your children unclean but now they are holy Act. 2. 39. For the Promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call Rom. 11. 16. For if the first-fruits be holy the lump is also holy and if the root be holy so are the branches Gen. 17. 7. And I will establish my Covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting Covenant to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee Q. What are the special priviledges of the visible Church A. The visible Church hath the priviledge of being under Gods special care and government y Isa 4. 5 6. And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of Mount Sion and upon her assemblies a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night for upon all the glory shall be a defence V. 6. And there shall be a Tabernacle for a shadow in the day-time from the heat and for a place of refuge and for a covert from storm and from rain 1 Tim. 4. 10. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach because we trust in the living God who is the Saviour of all men especially of those that believe of being protected and preserved in all ages notwithstanding the opposition of all enemies z Ps 115. throughout Not unto us O Lord not unto us but to the end Isai 31. 4 5. For thus hath the Lord spoken unto me like as the lion and the yonglion roaring on his prey when a multitude of Shepherds are called forth against him he will not be afraid of their voice nor abase himself for the noise of them so shall the Lord of hosts come down to fight for mount Sion and for the hill thereof V. 5. As birds flying so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem defending also he will deliver it and passing over he will preserve it Zech. 12. 2 3 4-8 9. Behold I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and Jerusalem V. 3. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burthensom stone for all people all that burthen themselves with it shall be cut in pieces though all the people of the earth be
have known him that is from the beginning I write unto you young men because ye have overcome the wicked one I write unto you little children because ye have known the Father V. 14. I have written unto you fathers because ye have known him that is from the beginning I have written unto you young men because ye are strong and the word of God abideth in you and ye have overcome the wicked one Heb. 5. 12 13 14. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers ye have need that one teach you again which be the first-principles of the Oracles of God and are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat V. 13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness for he is a babe V. 14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil nor in this life perfect in any a 1 Joh. 1. 8 -10 And if we say that we have no sin we deceive our selves and the truth is not in us V. 10. If we say that we have not sinned we make him a lyar and his word is not in us but growing up to perfection b 2 Cor. 7. 1. Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God Phil. 3. 12 13 14. Not as though I had already attained either were already perfect but I follow after if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus V. 13. Brethren I count not my self to have apprehended but this one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before V. 14. I press toward the mark for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus Q. Whence ariseth the imperfection of Sanctification in believers A. The imperfection of Sanctification in believers ariseth from the remnants of sin abiding in every part of them and the perpetual lustings of the flesh against the spirit whereby they are often foiled with temptations and fall into many sins c Rom. 7. 18-23 For I know that in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing for to will is present with me but how to perform that which is good I find not V. 23. But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members Mark 14 66 to the end And as Peter was beneath in the Palace there cometh one of the maids of the High Priest c. Gal. 2. 11 12. But when Peter was come to Antioch I withstood him to the face because he was to be blamed V. 12. For before that certain came from James he did eat with the Gentiles but when they were come he withdrew and separated himself fearing them who were of the circumcision are hindered in all their spiritual services d Heb. 12. 1. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us and their best works are imperfect and defiled in the sight of God e Isai 64. 6. But we are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags and we all do fade as a leaf and our iniquities like the wind have taken us away Exod. 28. 38. And it shall be upon Aarons forhead that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts and it shall be alwayes upon his forhead that they may be accepted before the Lord. Q. May not true believers by reason of their imperfections and the many temptations and sins they are overtaken with fall away from the state of Grace A. True believers by reason of the unchangeable love of God f Jer. 31. 3. The Lord hath appeared of old unto me saying Yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee and his decree and covenant to give them perseverance g 2 Tim. 2. 19. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal the Lord knoweth them that are his and let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity Heb. 13. 20 21. Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus that great shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting covenant V. 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ to whom be glory c. 2 Sam. 23. 5. Although my house be not so with God yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant ordered in all things and sure for this is all my salvation and all my desire although he make it not to grow their inseparable union with Christ h 1 Cor. 1. 8 9. Who shall confirm you unto the end that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ V. 9. God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. his continual intercession for them i Heb. 7. 25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost who come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Luke 22. 32. But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not and when thou art converted strengthen thy brethren and the spirit and seed of God abiding in them k 1 Joh. 3. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God 1. Joh. 2. 27. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things and is truth and is no lie and even as it hath taught you ye shall abide in him can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of Grace l Jer. 32. 40. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me John 10. 28. I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any pluck them out of my hand but are kept by the power of God through Faith unto salvation m 1 Pet. 1. 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time Q. Can true believers be infallibly assured that they are in the Estate
left hand a Mat. 25. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand but the goats on the left and upon cleer evidence and full conviction of their own consciences b Rom. 2. 15 16. Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts their consciences also bearing witness and their thoughts the mean while accusing or excusing one another V. 16. In the day when he shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my Gospel shall have the fearful but just sentence of condemnation pronounced against them c Mat. 25. 41 42 43. Then shall he say also to them on the left hand depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Divel and his Angels V. 42. For I was an hungred and ye gave no meat I was thirsty and ye gave me no drink V. 43. I was a stranger and ye took me not in naked and ye clothed me not sick and in prison and ye visited me not and thereupon shall be cast out from the favourable presence of God and the glorious fellowship with Christ his Saints and all his holy Angels into hell to be punished with unspeakable torments both of body and soul with the Divel and his Angels for ever d Luke 16. 26. And besides all this there is a great gulf fixed so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot neither can they pass to us that would come from thence 2 Thess 1. 8 9. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ V. 9. Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power Q. What shall be done to the righteous at the day of judgement A. At the day of judgement the righteous being caught up to Christ in the clouds e 1 Thes 4. 17. Thou we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. shall be set on his right hand and there openly acknowledged and acquitted f Mat. 25. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand but the goats on the left Mat. 10. 32. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven shall joyn with him in the judging of reprobate Angels and men g 1 Cor. 6. 2 3. Do ye not know that the Saints shall judge the world And if the world c. V. 3. Know ye not that we shall judge Angels how much more then the things that pertain to this life and shall be received into heaven h Mat. 25. 34 -46 Then shall the King say to them on his right hand come ye blessed of my Father inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world V. 46. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal where they shall be fully and for ever freed from all sin and misery i Eph. 5. 27. That he might present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle nor any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish Rev. 14. 13. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me write Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labours and their works do follow them filled with unconceivable joyes k Psal 16. 11. Thou wilt shew me the path of life in thy presence is fulness of joy and at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore made perfectly holy and happy both in body and soul in the company of innumerable Saints and holy Angels l Heb. 12. 22 23. But ye are come unto mount Sion and unto the city of the living God the heavenly Jerusalem and â—o an innumerable company of Angels V. 23. To the general assembly of the first born which are written in heaven and to God the Judge of all and to the Spirits of just men made perfect but especially in the immediate vision and fruition of God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and of the holy Spirit to all eternity m 1 Joh. 3. 2. Beloved now are we the Sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be but we know that when we appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is 1 Cor. 13. 12. For now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face now I know in part but then shall I know even as I am known 1 Thes 4. 17 18. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. V. 18. Wherefore comfort one another with these words and this is the perfect and full communion which the members of the invisible Church shall enjoy with Christ in glory at the resurrection and day of judgement Having seen what the Scriptures principally teach us to believe concerning God it followes to consider what they require as the duty of man Quest VVHat is the duty that God requireth of man A. The duty which God requireth of man is obedience to his revealed will n Rom. 12. 1 2. I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice holy acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service V. 2. And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good that acceptable and perfect will of God Mic. 6. 8. He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God 1 Sam. 15. 22. And Samuel said Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices as in obâ—ying the voice of the Lord Behold to obey is better then sacrifice and to hearken then the fat of rams Q. What did God at first reveal unto man as the rule of his obedience A. The rule of obedience revealed to Adam in the estate of innocency and to all mankind in him beside a special command not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was the Moral Law o Gen. 1. 26 27. And God said Let us make man in our image after our likeness and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over the cattle and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the face of the earth V. 27. So God created man in his own image in the image of God created he him male and female created he them
c Hos 5. 11. Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgement because he willingly walked after the Commandment Mich. 6. 16. For the Statutes of Omri are kept and all the works of the house of Ahab and ye walk in their counsels that I should make thee a desolation and the inhabitants thereof an hissing therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people using d 1 King 11. 33. Because that they have forsaken me and worshipped Ashtaroth the goodess of the Sidonians Chemosh the God of the Moabites and Milcom the God of the children of Ammon and have not walked in my wayes to do that which is right in mine eyes and to keep my statutes and my judgements as did David his father and any wayes approving any religious worship not instituted by God himself e Deut. 12. 30 31 32. Take heed to thy self that thou be not snared by following them after they be destroyed from before thee and that thou enquire not after their Gods saying how did these nations serve their gods even so will I do likewise V. 31. Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God for every abomination to the Lord which he hateth have they done unto their gods for even their sons and their daughters have they burnt in the fire to their gods V. 32. Whatsoever I command you observe to do thou shalt not adde thereto nor diminish from it tolerating a false Religion f Deut. 13. from ver 6. to ver 12. If thy brother the son of thy mother or c. vide b Zech. 13. 2 3. And it shall come to pass in that day saith the Lord of hosts that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land and they shall no more be remembred and also I will cause the Prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land V. 3. And it shall come to pass that when any shall yet prophesie then his father and mother that begat him shall say to him Thou shalt not live for thou speakest lies in the name of the Lord and his father and mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth Rev. 2. 2 -14 15-20 I know thy works and thy labour and thy patience and how thou canst not hear them which are evil and thou hast tried them who say they are Apostles and are not and hast found them liars V. 14. But I have a few things against thee because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam who taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the children of Israel and to eat things sacrificed to Idols and to commit fornication V. 5. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans which thing I hate V. 20. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee the Church of Thyatira because thou sufferest that woman Jezabel who calleth her self a Prophetess to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication and to eat things sacrificed to Idols Rev. 17. 12-16 17. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten Kings which have received no Kingdom as yet but receive power as Kings one hour with the beast V. 16. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast these shall hate the whore and make her desolate and naked and eat her flesh and burn her with fire V. 17. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will and to agree and give their Kingdom unto the beast until the words of God shall be fulfilled the making any representation of God of all or of any of the three Persons either inwardly in our mind or outwardly in any kind of Image or likeness of any creature whatsoever g Deut. 4. 15 16 17 18 19. Take ye therefore good heed unto your selves for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire V. 16. Lest you corrupt your selves and make you a graven Image c. V. 19. And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven and when thou seest the Sun Moon and Starres even all the host of heaven shouldest be driven to worship them and serve them which the Lord God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven Act. 17. 29. Forasmuch then as we are the off-spring of God we ought not to think that the Godhead is like to gold or silver or stone graven by art and mans device Rom. 1. 21 22 23-25 Because that when they knew God they glorified him not as God nor were they thankful but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkned V. 22. Professing themselves wise they became fools V. 23. And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an Image made like to corruptible man and to birds and beasts and creeping things V. 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creature more then the Creator who is blessed for ever Amen all worshipping of it h Dan. 3. 18. But if not be it known unto thee O King that we will not serve thy gods nor worship thy golden Image which thou hast set up Gal. 4. 8. Howbeit then when ye knew not God ye did service unto them which by nature are no Gods or God in it or by it i Exod. 32. 5-8 And when Aaron saw it he built an Altar before it and made proclamation and said To morrow is a feast to the Lord. V. 8. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them they have made them a molten calf and have worshipped it and have sacrificed thereunto and said These be thy Gods O Israel which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt the making of any representation of feigned Deities k and all worship of them or service belonging to them l 1 King 18. 26-28 And they took the bullock and dressed it and called upon the name of Baal from morning to noon saying O Baal hear us but there was no voice nor any that answered and they leapt upon the Altar which was made V. 28. And they cried loud and cut themselves with knives c. Isai 65. 11. But ye are they that forsake the Lord that forget my holy mountain that prepare a table for the troop that furnish the drink-offering unto the number all superstitious devices m Act. 17. 22. Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars-hill and said Ye men of Athens I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious Col. 2. 21 22 23. Touch not taste not handle not V. 22. Which all are to perish with the using after the commandments and doctrines of men V. 23. Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in Will-worship and humility and neglecting of the body not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh corrupting the worship of God n Mal. 1. 7 8-14 Ye offer polluted bread upon mine
Title A Psalm or song for the sabbath day Compared with vers 13 14. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the Courts of our God V. 14. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age they shall be fat and flourishing Ezek. 20. 12 -19 20. Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths to be a signe between me and them that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctifie them V. 19. I am the Lord your God walk in my statutes and keep my judgements and do them V. 20. And hallow my sabbaths and they shall be a sign between me and you that ye may know that I am the Lord your God and to continue a thankful remembrance of the two great benefits of Creation and Redemption which contain a short abridgement of Religion r Gen. 2. 2 3. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made V. 3. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made Psal 118. 22 -24 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner V. 24. This is the day which the Lord hath made we will rejoyce and be glad in it Compared with Act. 4 10 11. Be it known unto you all and unto all the people of Israel that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom ye crucified whom God raised from the dead even by him doth this man stand here before you whole V. 11. This is the stone which was set at nought by you builders which is become the head of the corner Rev. 1. 10. I was in the Spirit on the Lords day and heard behind me a voice as of a Trumpet and partly because we are very ready to forget it Å¿ Ezek. 22. 26. Her Priests have violated my Law and profaned my holy things they have put no difference between the holy and profane the unclean and the clean and have hid their eyes from my Sabbaths and I am profaned among them for that there is less light of nature for it t Neh. 9. 14. And madest known unto them the holy Sabbath and commandedst them precepts and statutes and laws by the hand of Moses thy servant and yet it restraineth our natural liberty in things at other times lawful u Exod. 34. 21. Six dayes shalt thou work but on the seventh day thou shalt rest in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest that it cometh but once in seven dayes and many worldly businesses come between and too often take off our minds from thinking of it either to prepare for it or to sanctifie it * Deut. 5. 14 15. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord c. V. 15. And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the Sabbath day Amos 8. 5. Saying When will the new moon be gone that we may sell corn and the Sabbath that we may set forth wheat making the Ephah small and the shekel great and falsifying the balances by deceit and that Satan with his instruments much labour to blot out the glory and even the memory of it to bring in all irreligion and impiety x Lam. 1. 7. Jerusalem remembred in the dayes of her affliction and of her miseries all her pleasant things that she had in the dayes of old when her people fell into the hand of the enemy and none did help her the adversaries saw her and did mock at her sabbaths Jer. 17. 21. 22 23. Thus saith the Lord Take heed to your selves and bear no burden on the Sabbath day nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem V. 22. Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day nor do ye any work but hallow ye the Sabbath day as I commanded your fathers V. 23. But they obeyed not neither inclined their ear but made their neck stiff that they might not hear nor receive instruction Neh. 13. from v. 15. to v. 23. In those dayes saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the Sabbath day c. Q. What is the sum of the six Commandments which contain our duty to man A. The summe of the six Commandments which contain our duty to man is to love our neighbour as our selves y Mat. 22. 39. And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self and to do to others what we would have them do to us z Mat. 7. 12. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you do ye even to them for this is the Law and the Prophets Q. Which is the fift Commandment A. The fifth Commandment is Honour thy father and thy mother that thy dayes may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee a Exod. 20. 12. Q. Who are meant by Father and Mother in the fifth Commandment A. By Father and Mother in the fifth Commandment are meant not onely natural parents b Pro. 23. 22 -25 Hearken to thy father that begat thee and despise not thy mother when she is old V. 25. Thy father and mother shall be glad and she that bare thee shall rejoyce Eph. 6. 1 2. Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right V. 2. Honour thy father and thy mother which is the first Commandment with promise but all superiours in age c 1 Tim. 5. 1 2. Rebuke not an Elder but entreat him as a father and the yonger men as brethren V. 2. The elder women as mothers the younger as sisters with all purity and gifts d Gen. 4. 20. 21 22. And Adah bare Jubal he was the Father of such as dwell in Tents and of such as have cattel V. 21. And his brothers name was Juba he was the father of all such as handle the Harp and Organ V. 22. And Zillah she also bare Tubal Cain an instructer of every Artificer in Brasse and Iron c Gen. 45. 8. So now it was not you that sent me hither but God he hath made me a father to Pharaoh and Lord of all his house and Ruler throughout all the land of Egypt and especially such as by GODS ordinance are over us in place of authority whether in Family e 2 Kin. 5. 13. And his servants came neer and spake unto him My father if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing c. Church f 2 Kin. 2. 12. And Elisha saw it and he cryed My father my father the Chariot of Israel and the horsmen thereof 2 Kin. 13. 14. Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he dyed and Joash the
son is stubborn and rebellious he will not obey our voice he is a glutton and a drunkard V. 21. And all the men of his City shall stone him with stones that he dye So shall thou put evill away c. cursing mocking g Prov. 30. 11-17 There is a generation that curseth their father and doth not bless their mother V. 17. The eye that mocketh at his father and despiseth to obey his mother the Ravens of the valley shall pick it out and the young Eagles shall eat it and all such refractory and scandalons carriage as proves a shame and dishonour to them and their government h Prov. 19. 26. He that wasteth his father and chaseth away his mother is a son that causeth shame and briageth reproach Q. What is required of Superiours toward their Inferiours A. It is required of Superiours according to that power they receive from God and that relation wherein they stand to love i Col. 3. 19. Husbands love your wives and be not bitter against them Tit. 2. 4. That they may teach the young women to be sober to love their husbands to love their children pray for k 1 Sam. 12. 23. Moreover as for me God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you but I will teach you the good and the right way Job 1. 5. And it was so when the dayes of their feasting were gone about that Job sant and sanctified them and rose up early in the morning and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all for Job said It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts Thus did Job continually and blesse their inferiours l 1 King 8. 55 56. And he stood and blessed all the Congregation of Israel with a loud voice saying V. 56. Blessed be the Lord God that hath given rest to his people Israel according to all that he promised there hath not failed c. Heb. 7. 7. And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the greater Gen. 49. 28. All these are the twelve Tribes of Israel and this is it that their father spake unto them and blessed them every one according to his blessing he blessed them to instruct m Deut. 6. 6 7. And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thy heart V. 7. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house and when thou walkest by the way and when thou lyest down and when thou risest up counsel and admonish them n Eph. 6. 4. And ye fathers provoke not your children to wrath but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. countenancing o 1 Pet 3. 7. Likewise ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledge giving honour unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel and as being heirs together of the grace of life that your prayers be not hindred commending p 1 Pet. 2. 14. Or unto governours as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers and the praise of them that do well Rom. 13. 3. For Rulers are not a terrour to good works but to the evil Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power do that which is good and thou shalt have praise of the same and rewarding such as do well q Esth. 6. 3. And the King said What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this Then saith the Kings servants There is nothing done for him discountenancing r Rom. 13. 3 4. For Rulers are not a terror to good works but to the evil V. 4 For he is the Minister of God to thee for good but if thou do evil be afraid for he beareth not the sword in vain for he is the minister of God a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil reproving and chastising such as do ill Å¿ Prov. 29. 15. The Rod and Reproof give wisdome but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame 1 Pet. 2. 14. See above in P protecting t Job 29. 12 13 14. 15 16 17. Because I delivered the poor that cryed the fatherless and him that had none to help him V. 13. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me and I caused the widowes heart to sing for joy V. 14. I put on righteousness and it clothed me my judgement was a robe and a diadem V. 15. I was eyes to the blind and feet was I to the lame V. 16. I was as a father to the poor and the cause which I knew not I searched out V. 17. And I brake the jawes of the wicked and plucked the spoil out of his mouth Isa 1. 10 -17 Hear the voice of the Lord ye Rulers of Sodom give ear unto the law of our God ye people of Gomorrah V. 17. Learn to do well seek judgement relieve the oppressed judge the fatherless plead for the widow and providing for them all things necessary for soul u Eph. 6. 4. And ye fathers provoke not your children but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. and body * 1 Tim. 5. 8. But if any man provide not for his own and especially for those of his own house he hath denied the saith and is worse then an Infidel and by grave wise holy and exemplary carriage to procure glory to God x 1 Tim. 4. 12. Let no man despise thy youth but be thou an example of all the believers in word in conversation in charity in Spirit in faith in purity Tit. 2. 3 4 5. The aged women likewise that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness not false accusers not given to much wine teachers of good things V. 4. That they may teach the young women to be sober to love their husbands to love their children V. 5. To be discreet chast keepers at home good obedient to their own husbands that the word of God be not blesphemed honour to themselves y 1 King 3. 28. And all Israel heard of the judgement which the King had judged and they feared the King for they saw that the wisdome of God was in him to do judgement and so to preserve that authority which God hath put upon them z Tit. 2. 15. These things speak and exhort and rebuke with all â—uthority let no man despise thee Q. What are the sins of Superiours A. The sinnes of Superiours are beside the neglect of the duties required of them a Ezek. 34. 2 3. 4. Son of man prophecy against the shepherds of Israel prophesie say unto them Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds wo be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves should not the shepherds feed the flocks V. 3. Ye eat the fat and cloath you with the wooll ye kill them that are good but ye feed not the
mine oath that he hath despised and my covenant that he hath broken even it will I recompence upon his own head if done deliberately (f) Psal 36. 4. He deviseth mischief upon his bed he setteth himself in a way that is not good he abhorteth not evil wilfully (g) Jer. 6. 16. Thus saith the Lord stand ye in the wayes and see and ask for the old paths where is the good way and walk therein and ye shall find rest for your soules But they said we will not walk therein presumptuously (h) Num. 15. 30. But the soul that doth ought presumptuously whether he be born in the land or a stranger the same provoketh the Lord and that soul shall be cut off from among his people Exod. 21. 14. But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour to slay him with guile thou shalt take him from mine Altar that he may dye impudently (i) Jer. 3. 3. Therefore the showers have been withholden and there hath been no latter rain and thou hast a whores forehead thou refusedst to be ashamed Prov. 7. 13. So she caught him and kissed him and with an impudent face said unto him c. boastingly (k) Psal 52. 1. Why boastest thou thy self in mischief O thou mighty man c. maliciously (l) 3 Joh. ver 10. Wherefore if I come I will remember his deeds which he doth prating against us with malicious words c. frequently (m) Num. 14. 22. Because all those men who have seen my glory and my miracles which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness and have tempted me now these ten times and have not hearkned to my voice c. obstinately (n) Zach. 7. 11 12. But they refused to hearken and pulled away the shoulder and stopped their eares that they should not hear v. 12. Yea they made their hearts as an Adamant stone least they should hear the law and the word which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts with delight (o) Prov. 2. 14. Who rejoyce to do evil and delight in the frowardness of the wicked continuance (p) Isai 57. 17. For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth and smore him I hid me and was wroth and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart or relapsing after repentance (q) Jer. 34. 8 9 10 11. This is the word that came unto Jeremiah from the Lord after that the King Zedckiah had made a Covenant with all the people which were at Jerusalem to proclaim liberty to them v. 9. That every man should let his man servant and maid-servant being an Hebrew or Hebrewess go free that none should serve himself of them to wit of a Jew his brother v. 10. Now when all the Princes and people which had entred into the COVENANT heard it they obeyed and let them go v. 11. But afterwards they turned and caused the servants and hand-maids whom they had let go free to return and brought them into subjection for servants and for hand-maids 2 Pet. 2. 20 21 22. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledg of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ they are again entangled therein and overcome the latter end is worse with them then the beginning v. 21. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness then after they have krown it to turn from the holy Commandment delivered unto them v. 22. But it is hapned unto them according to the true Proverb The dog is turned to his own vomit again and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire From circumstances of time (r) 2 King 5. 26. And he said unto Gehazi Went not my heart with thee when the man turned again from his Chariot to meet thee Is it a time to receive money and garments and olive-yards and vine-yards and sheep and oxen and men-servants and maid-servants and place (Å¿) Jer. 7. 10. And come and stand before me in this house which is called by my Name and say We are delivered to do all these abominations Isa 26. 10. Let favour be shewen to the wicked yet will not he learn righteousness in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly and will not behold the Majesty of the Lord. if on the Lords-day (t,) Ezek. 23. 37 38 39. That they have committed adultery and blood is in their hands and with their idols have they committed c. v. 38. Moreover this they have done unto me They have defiled my Sanctuary in the same day and have profaned my Sabbaths v. 39. For when they had slain their children to their idols then they came the same day into my Sanctuary to profane it and lo thus have they done in the midst of my house or other times of divine worship (u) Isa 58. 3 4 5. Wherefore have we fasted say they and thou seest not wherefore have we afflicted our selves and thou takest no knowledg Behold in the day of your fast ye find pleasure and exact all your labours v. 4. Behold ye fast for strife and debate and to smite with the fists of wickedness ye shall not fast as ye do this day to make your voice to be heard on high v. 5. Is it such a fast that I have chosen a day for a man to afflict his Soul Is it to bow down the head as a bull-rush and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him Wilt thou call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord Num. 25. 6 7. And behold one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the fight of Moses and of all the congregation of the children of Israel who were weeping before the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation v. 7. And when Phineas the son of Eleazer the son of Aaron the Priest saw it he rose up from among the Congregation and took a Javelin in his hand or immediately before (*) 1 Cor. 11. 20 21. When ye come together therefore into one place this is not to eat the Lords Supper v. 21. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper and oâ—e is hungry and another is drunken or after these (x) Jer. 7. 8 9 10. Behold ye trust in lying words that cannot profit v. 9. Will ye steal murther and commit adultery and swear falsly and burn incense to Baal and walk after other gods whom ye know not v. 10. And come and stand before me in this house which is called by my Name and say We are delivered to do all these abominations Prov. 7. 14 15. I have Peace-offerings with me this day I have paid my vows v. 15 Therefore come I forth to meet thee diligently to seek thy face and I have found thee Joh. 13. 27-30 And after the sop
Satan entred into him Then said Jesus unto him what thou dost do quickly v. 10. He then having received the sâ—p went immediately out c. or other helps to prevent or remedy such miscarriages (y) Ezr. 9. 13 14. And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great trespass seeing that thou our God hast punished us less then our iniquities deserve and given us such deliverance as this v. 14. Should we again break thy Commandments and join in affinity with the people of those abominations wouldst thou not be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us so that there should be no remnant nor escaping if in publick or in the presence of others who are thereby likely to be provoked or defiled (z) 2 Sam. 16. 22. So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house and Absalom went in unto his fathers concubines in the fight of all Israel 1 Sam. 2. 22 23 24. Now Eli was very old and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle c. v. 23. And he said unto them why do ye do such things for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people v. 24. Nay my sons for it is no good report that I hear ye make the Lords people to transgress Q. What doth every sin deserve at the hands of God A. Every sin even the least being against the soveraignty (a) Jam. 2. 10 11. For whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all v. 11. For he that said Do not commit adultery said also Do not kill Now c. goodness (b) Exod. 20. 1 2. God spake all these words saying v. 2. I am the Lord thy God who brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage and holiness of God (c) Hab. 1. 13. Thou art of purer eyes then to behold evil and canst not look on iniquity wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous then he Lev. 10. 3. Then Moses said unto Aaron This is that the Lord spake saying I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me and before all the people will I be glorified Lev 11. 44 45. For I am the Lord your God ye shall therefore sanctifie your selves and ye shall be holy for I am holy neither shall ye defile your selves with any manner of creeping thing c. v. 45. For I am the Lord which bringeth you up from the land of Egypt to be your God ye shall therefore be holy for I am holy and against his righteous law (d) 1 Joh. 3. 4. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law for sin is the transgression of the law Rom 7. 12. Wherefore the law is holy and the commandment is holy just and good deserveth his wrath and curse (e) Eph. 5. 6. Let no man deceive you with vain words for because of these things the wrath of God cometh upon the children of disobedience Gal. 3. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them both in this life (f) Lam. 3. 39. Wherefore doth aliving man complain a man for the punishment of his sin Deut. 28. from v. 15. to the end But it shall come to pass if thou wilt not hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God to observe to do all his commandments and statutes which I command thee this day that all these curses shall come upon thee and overtake thee v. 29. Cursed shalt thou be in the City and cursed in the Field cursed in the basket and store c. and that which is to come (g) Mat. 25. 41 Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels and cannot be expiated but by the blood of Christ (h) Heb. 9. 22. And almost all the things are by the law purged with blood and without shedding of blood there is no remission 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers v. 19. But with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot Q. VVhat doth God require of us that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us by reason of the transgression of the Law A. That we may escape the wrath and curse of God due to us by reason of the transgression of the Law he requireth of us repentance toward God and Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ (i) Act. 20. 21. Testifying both to the Iews and also to the Greeks repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Iesus Christ Matt. 3. 7 8. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadduces come to his Baptism he said unto them O generation of vipers who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come v. 8. Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance Act 16. 30 31. And he the Jaylor brought them out and said Sirs what shall I do to be saved v. 31. And they said Believe on the Lord Iesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thine house Ioh. 3. 16-18 For God so loved the world that he gave his onely begotten Son thâ—t whosoever believeth on him might not perish but have everlasting life v. 18. He that believeth on him is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already because c. and the diligent use of the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation (k) Prov. 2. from v. 1. to v. 6 My son if thou wilt receive my words and hide my Commandments with thee v. 2. So that thou encline thine ear unto wisdom and apply thy heart to understanding v. 3. Yea if thou criest after knowledg and lifâ—est up thy voice for understanding v. 4. If thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hide treasure v. 5. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledg of God Prov. 8. 33 34 35 36. Hear instruction and be wise and refuse it not v. 34. Blessed is the man that heareth me watching daily at my gates waiting at the posts of my doors v. 35. For whoso findeth me findeth life and shall obtain favour of the Lord. v. 36. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own Soul all they that hate me love death Q. VVhat are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to his Church the benefits of his mediation
them also 1 Cor. 11. 28. But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that Bread and drink of that Cup. Q. May any who profess the faith and desire to come to the Lords Supper be kept from it A. Such as are found to be ignorant or scandalous notwithstanding their profession of the Faith and desire to come to the Lords Supper may and ought to be kept from that Sacrament by the power which Christ hath left in his Church (i) 1 Cor. 11. 27 to the end Wherefore whosoever shall eat this Bread and drink this Cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. V. 28. But let a man examine himself and so c. V. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lords body V. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you and many sleep V. 31. For if we would judg our selves we should not be judged c. Compared with Mat. 7. 6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs neither cast you your pearls before swine least they trample them under their feet and turn again and rent you And with 1 Cor. 5. to the end And with Jude v. 23. And others save with fear pulling them out of the fire hating even the garment spotted with the flesh And with 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partakers of other mans sins Keep thy self pure until they receive instruction and manifest their reformation (k) 2 Cor. 2. 7. So that contrariwise ye ought to forgive him and comfort him least perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow Q. What is required of them that receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper in the time of the administration of it A. It is required of them that receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper that during the time of the administration of it with all holy reverence and attention they wait upon God in that Ordinance (l) Lev. 10. 3. Then Moses said unto Aaron This is that which the Lord spake saying I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me and before all the people will I be glorified Heb. 12. 28. Wherefore we receiving a Kingdom that cannot be moved let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear Psal 5. 7. But as for me I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercies and in thy fear will I worship towards thy holy Temple 1 Cor. 11. 17-26 27. Now iâ— this that I declare unto you I praise you not that ye come together not for the better but for the worse V. 26. For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup ye do shew the Lords death till he come V. 27. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. diligently observe the sacramental Elements and actions (m) Exod. 24. 8. And Moses took the blood and sprinkled it on the people and said Behold the blood of the Covenant which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words Compared with Mat. 26. 28. For this is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins heedfully discern the Lords body (n) 1 Cor. 11. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himselâ— not discerning the Lords body and affectionately meditate on his death and sufferings (o) Luk. 22. 19. This do in remembrance of me and thereby stir up themselves to a vigorous exercise of their graces (p) 1 Cor. 11. 26. For as often as ye eat this Bread and drink this Cup ye shew the Lords death till he come 1 Cor. 10. 3 4 5-11-14 And did all eat the same Spiritual meat V. 4. And did all drink the same Spiritual drink for they drank of that Spiritual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ V. 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased for they were overthrown in the wildernesse V. 11. Now all these things hapned unto them for ensamples and they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come V. 14 Wherefore my dearly beloved flee from idolatry in judging themselves (q) 1 Cor. 11. 31 i. For if we would judge our selves we should not be judged and sorrowing for sin (r) Zeâ—h 12. 10. And I will pour out upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son and be in bitternesse for him as one that is in bitternesse for his first-born in earnest hungring and thirsting after Christ (Å¿) Rev. 22. 17. And the Spirit and the Bride say Come And let him that heareth say Come And let him that is athirst come And whosoever will let him take the waters of life freely feeding on him by faith (t) Joâ— 6 35. And Jesus said unto them I am the bread of life He that cometh to me shall never hunger and he that believeth on me shall never thirst receiving of his fulness (u) Joh. 1. 16. And of his fulness have we all received and grace for grace trusting in his merits (*) Phil. 3. 9. And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith rejoycing in his love x giving thanks for his grace (y) Psal 22. 26. The meek shall eat and be satisfied they shall praise the Lord that seek him your heart shall live for ever in renewing of their covenant with God (z) Ier. 50. 5. They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward saying come and let us joyn our selves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten Psal 55. Gather my Saints together unto me those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice love to all the Saints (a) Act. 2. 42. And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and breaking of bread and in prayers * Psal 63. 4 5. Thus will I bless thee while I live I will lift up mine hands in thy name v. 5. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips 2 Cor. 30. 21. And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven dayes with great gladness and the Levites and the Priests praised the Lord day by day singing with loud instruments to the Lord Q. What is the duty of Christians after they have received the Sacrament of the Lords Supper
the Lord. Phil. 1. 23. For I am in a strait betwixt two having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Luk. 23. 43. And Jesus said unto him verily I say unto thee to day shalt thou be with me in paradise and their bodies being still united to Christ Å¿ 1 Thes 4. 14. For if we believe that Jesus dyed and rose again even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him do rest in their graves t Isa 57. 2. He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in uprightness till the resurrection u Job 19. 26. And though after my skin worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God V. 27. Whom I shall see for my self and mine eyes shall behold and not another though my reins be consumed within me Q. What benefit do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection A. At the resurrection believers being raised up in glory * 1 Cor. 15. 43. It is sown in dishonour it is raised in glory it is sown in weakness it is raised in power shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment x Mat. 25. 23. His Lord said unto him well done thou good and faithful servant thou hast been faithful over a few things I will make thee ruler over many things enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Mat. 10. 32. Whosoever shall confess me before men him will I confess also before my father which is in heaven and made perfectly blessed in full enjoying of God (y) 1 Ioh. 3. 2. Beloved now are we the sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is 1 Cor. 13. 12. For now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face now I know in part but then shall I know even as I am also known to all eternity (z) 1 Thes 4. 17. Then we which are are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the aire and so shall we be ever with the Lord. v. 18. Wherefore comfort one another with these words Q. What is the duty which God requireth of man A. The duty which God requireth of man is obedience to his revealed will (a) Mic. 6. 8. He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God 1 Sam 15. 22. And Samuel said hath the Lord as great delight in burnt-offering and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord Behold to obey is better then sacrifice and to hearken then the fat of rams Q. What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience A. The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience was the Moral Law (b) Rom. 2. 14. For when the Gentiles which have not the law do by nature the things contained in the law these having not the law are a law unto themselves v. 15. Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts their consciences also beating witness and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another Rom. 10. 5. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law that the man which doth those things shall live by them Q. Where is the Moral Law summarily comprehended A. The morall law is summarily comprehended in the ten Commandments (c) Deut. 10. 4. And he wrote on the Tables according to the first writing the ten Commandments which the Lord spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly and the Lord gave them unto me Mat. 19. 17. And he said unto him why callest thou me good there is none good but one that is God but if thou wilt enter into life keep the Commandments Q. What is the sum of the ten Commandments A. The sum of the ten Commandments is To love the Lord our God with all our heart with all our soul with all our strength and with all our mind and our neighbour as our selves (d) Mat. 22. 37. Jesus said unto him thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind v. 38. This is the first and great Commandment v. 39. And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self v. 40. On these two Commandments hang all the law and the Prophets Q. What is the Preface to the Ten Commandments A. The Preface to the ten Commandments is in these words I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage (e) Exod. 20. 2. Q. What doth the Preface to the ten Commandments teach us A. The Preface to the ten Commandments teacheth us that because God is the Lord and our God and Redeemer therefore we are bound to keep all his Commandments (f) Luke 1. 74. That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear v. 75. In holiness and righteousness before him all the dayes of our lives 1 Pet. 1 15. But as he that hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of conversation v. 16. Because it is written be ye holy for I am holy v. 17. And if you call on the father who without respect of persons judgeth according to every mans work pass the time of your sojourning here in fear v. 18. For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers v. 19. But with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot Q. Which is the first Commandment A. The first Commandment is Thou shalt have no other Gods before me (g) Exod. 20. 3. Q. What is required in the first Commandment A. The first Commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God and our God (h) 1 Chron. 28. 9. And thou Solomon my son know thou the God of thy father and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing minde for the Lord searcheth all hearts and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts if thou seek him he will be found of thee but if thou forsake him he will cast thee off for ever Deut. 26. 17. Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God and to walk in his wayes and to keep his statutes and his Commandments and his judgements and to hearken unto his voice and to worship and glorifie him accordingly (i) Mat. 4. 10. Then saith Jesus unto him
Get thee hence Satan for it is written thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him onely shalt thou serve Psal 29. 2. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness Q. What is forbidden in the first Commandment A. The first Commandment forbiddeth the denying (k) Psal 14. 1. The fool hath said in his heart there is no God they are corrupt they have done abominable works there is none that doth good or not worshipping and glorifying the true God as God (l) Rom. 1. 21. Because that when they knew God they glorified him not as God neither were they thankful but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkned and our God (m) Psal 81. 10. I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the land of Egypt open thy mouth wide and I will fill it v. 11. But my people would not hearken to my voice and Israel would none of me and the giving that worship and glory to any other which is due to him alone (n) Rom. 1. 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creatures more then the Creator who is blessed for ever Amen v. 26. For this cause God gave them up vnto vile affections for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature Q. What are we especially taught by these words before me in the first Commandment A. These words before me in the first Commandment teach us that God who seeth all things taketh notice of and is much displeased with the sin of having any other God (o) Ezek. 8. 5. to theend Psal 44. 20 21. But if we have forgotten the name of our God or stretched out our hands to a strange God v. 21. Shall not God search this out for he knoweth the secrets of the heart Q. Which is the second Commandment A. The second Commandment is Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth thou shalt not bow down thy selfe to them nor serve them for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments (p) Exod 20 4 5 6. Q. What is required in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment requireth the receiving observing and keeping pure and entire all such religious worship and Ordinances as God hath appointed in his word (q) Deut. 32. 46. And he said unto them Set your hearts unto all the words which I testifie among you this day which ye shall command your children to observe to do all the words of this law Mat. 28. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alwayes unto the end of the world Act. 2. 42. And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers Q. What is forbidden in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment forbiddeth the worshipping of God by Images (r) Deut. 4. 15 16 17 18 19. v. 15. Take ye therefore good heed unto your selves for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire v. 16. Lest you corrupt your selves and make you a graven Image the similitude of any figure the likeness of male or female v. 17. The likeness of any beast that is on the earth the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air v. 18. The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth v. 19. And least thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven and when thou feest the Sun Moon and Starres even all the host of heaven shouldest be driven to worship them and serve them which the Lord God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven Exod. 32. 5-8 And when Aaron saw it he built an Altar before it and Aaron made proclamation and said Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord. v. 8. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them they have made them a molten calf and have worshipped it and have sacrificed thereunto and said These be thy Gods O Israel which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt or any other way not appointed in his word (Å¿) Deut. 12. 31 32. Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God for every abomination to the Lord which he hateth have they done unto their gods for even their sons and their daughters have they burnt in the fire to their gods v. 32. What thing soever I command you observe to do it thou shalt not add thereto nor diminish from it Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the second Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the second Commandment are Gods soveraignty over us (t) Psal 95. 2 3 6 Let us come before his prefence with thanksgiving and make a joiful noise unto him with Psalms v. 3. For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all Gods v. 6. O come let us worship and bow down let us kneel before the Lord our maker his property in us (u) Psal 45. 11. So shall the King greatly desire thy beauty for he is thy Lord and worship thou him and his zeal he hath to his own worship (*) Exod. 34. 13 14. But ye shall destroy their altars break their images and cut down their groves V. 14. For thou shalt worship no other God for the Lord whose name is Jealous is a jealous God Q. Which is the third Commandment A. The third Commandment is Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain (x) Exod. 20. 7. Q. What is required in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment requireth the holy and reverend use of Gods Name (y) Mat. 6. 9. After this manner therefore pray ye Our Father which art in heaven hallowed be thy Name Deut. 28. 58. If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book that thou maist fear this glorious and fearful name THE LORD THY GOD. Title (z) Psal 68. 4. Sing unto God sing praises to his name extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH and rejoycâ— before him Attributes (a) Rev. 15. 3 4. And they sing the Song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb saying great and marvellous are thy words Lord God Almighty just and true are thy wayes thou King
And honour not his father or his mother he shall be free thus have ye made the Commandments of God of none effect by your traditions Ezek 34. 2 3 4. Son of man prophecy against the shepherds of Israel prophecy and say unto them Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds wo be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves should not the shepherds feed the flocks v. 3. Ye eat the fat and cloath you with the wool ye kill them that are fed but ye seed not the flock v. 4. The diseased have ye not strengthned nor have ye healed that which was sick nor bound up that which was broken nor brought again that which was driven away nor sought that which was lost but with force and cruelty have ye ruled them Rom. 13. 8. Owe no man any thing but to love one another for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the Law Q. What is the Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment A. The Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity as far as it shall serve for Gods glory and their own good to all such as keep this Commandment (a) Deut. 5. 16 Honor thy father and thy mother as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee that thy dayes may be prolonged and that it may go well with thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Eph. 6. 2 3. Honour thy father and mother which is the first Commandment with promise v. 3. That it may be well with thee and thou mayest live long on the earth Q Which is the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment is Thou shalt not kill (b) Exod. 20. 13. Q. What is required in the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life (c) Eph. 5. 28 29. So ought men to love their own wives as their own bodies He that loveth his wise loveth himself v. 29. For no man ever bated his own flesh but nourisheth and cherisheth it even as the Lord the Church and the life of others (d) 1 King 18. 4. For it was so when Jezebel cut off the Prophets of the Lord that Obadiah took an hundred Prophets and hid them by fifty in a cave and fed them with bread and water Q. What is forbidden in the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life or the life of our neighbour unjustly or whatsoever tendeth thereunto (e) Act. 16. 28. But Paul cried with a loud voice saying Do thy self no harm for we are all here Gen. 9. 6. Who so sheddeth mans blood by man shall his blood be shed for in the image of God made he man Q. Which is the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment is Thou shalt not commit adultery (f) Exod. 20. 14. Q. What is required in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our neighbors chastity in heart speech and behaviour (g) 1 Cor. 7. 2 -3 5. 34-36 Nevertheless to avoid fornication let every man have his own wife and every woman her own husband v. 3. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence and likewise also the wife unto the husband v. 5. Defraud you not one the other except it be with consent for a time that ye may give c. v. 34. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin the unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord that she may be holy both in â—oâ—y and in spirit but she that is married careth for the things of the world how she may please her husband v. 36. But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin if she pass the flower of her age and need so require let him do what he will he sinneth not let them marry Col. 4. 6. Let your speech be alwayes with grace seasoned with salt that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man 1 Pet. 3. 2. While they behold your chast conversation coupled with fear Q. What is forbidden in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment forbiddeth all unchast thoughts words and actions (h) Mat. 15. 19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts murders adulteries fornications thefts false witness blasphemies Matt. 5. 28. But I say unto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart Eph. 5. 3 4. But fornication and all uncleannnss or coveteousness let it not be once named amongst you as becometh Saints V. 4. Neither filthiness nor foolish talking nor jesting which are not convenient but rather giving of thanks Q. Which is the eighth Commandment A. The eight Commandment is Thou shalt not steal (i) Exod. 20. 15. Q. What is required in the eighth Commandment A. The eighth Commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of our selves and others (k) Gen. 30 30. For it was little which thou hadst before I came and it is now encreased unto a multitude and the Lord hath blessed thee since my coming and now when shall I provide for my own house also 1 Tim. 5. 8. But if any provide not for his own and especially for those of his own house he hath denied the faith and is worse then an infidel Lev. 25. 35. And if thy brother be waxen poor and fallen in decay with thee then thou shalt relieve him yea though he be a stranger or a sojourner that he may live with thee Deut. 22. 1 2 3 4 5. Thou shalt not see thy brothers â—x or his sheep go astray and hide thy self from them thou shalt in any case bring them back again uâ—to thy brother V. 2. And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee or if thou know him nor then thou shalt bring it unto thy own house and it shall be with thee untill thy brother seek after it and thou shalt restore it to him again v. 3. In like manner shalt thou do with his Ass and so shalt thou do with his raiment and with all lost things of thy brothers which he hath lost and thou hast found thou maist not hide thy self v. 4. Thou shalt not see thy brothers ox or his ass fall down by the way and hide thy self from them thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again v. 5. The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man neither shall a man put on a womans garment for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God Exod. 23. 4 5. If thou meet thine enemies ox or his ass going astray thou shalt surely bring it back to him again v. 5. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden and wouldest forbear to help him thou shalt surely help with him Gen. 47. 14 20. And Joseph gathered up all the mony that was found
of God as was Aaron Ordination is alwayes to be continued in the Church Tit. 15. For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting and ordain elders in every City as I had appointed thee 1 Tim. 5. 21 22. v. 21. I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect Angels that thou observe these things without preferring one before another doing nothing by partiality v. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins Keep thy self pure Ordination is the solemn setting apart of a person to some publick Church-office Numb 8 10 11 14 19 22. v. 10. And thou shalt bring the Levites before the Lord and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites v. 11. And Aaron shall offer the Levites before the Lord for an offering of the children of Israel that they may execute the service of the Lord. v. 14. Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel and the Levites shall be mine v. 19. And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel to do the service of the children of Israel in the Tabernacle of the Congregation and to make an atonement for the children of Israel that there be no plague among the children of Israel when the children of Israel come nigh unto the Sanctuary v. 22. And after that went the Levites in to do their service in the Tabernacle of the Congregation before Aaron and before his sons as the Lord had commanded Moses concerning the Levites so did they unto them Acts 6. 3 5 6 v. 3. Wherefore brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report full of the holy Ghost and wisdom whom we may appoint over this business v. 5. And the saying pleased the whole multitude and they those Stephen a man full of faith and of the holy Ghost and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor and Timon and Permenas and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch v. 6. Whom they had set before the Apostles and when they had prayed they laid their hands on them Every Minister of the Word is to be ordained by imposition of hands and prayer with fasting by those preaching Presbyters to whom it doth belong 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins Keep thy self pure Acts 14. 23. And when they had ordained them Elders in every Church and had prayed with fasting they commended them to the Lord on whom they believed Acts 13. 3. And when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them they sent them away It is agreeable to the Word of God and very expedient that such as are to be ordained Ministers be designed to some particular Church or other ministerial charge Acts 14. 23. See before Tit. 1. 5. For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting and ordain Elders in every City as I had appointed thee Acts 20 17 28. v. 17. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the Elders of the Church v. 28. Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flock over the which the holy Ghost hath made you over-seers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood He that is to be ordained Minister must be duly qualified both for life and Ministerial abilities according to the Rules of the Apostles 1 Tim. â—3 2 3 4 5 6. v. 2. A Bishop hen must be blameless the husband of one wife vigilant sober of good behaviour given to hospitality apt to teach v. 3. Not given to wine no striker not greedy of filthy lucre but patient not a brawler not covetons v. 4. One that ruleth well his own house having his children in subjection with all gravity v. 5. For if a man know not how to rule his own house how shall he take care of the Church of God v. 6. Not a novice lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the Devil Tit. 1. 6 7 8 9. v. 6. If any man be blameless the husband of one wife having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly v 7. For a Bishop must be blameless as the Steward of God not self-willed not soon angry not given to wine no striker not given to filthy lucre v. 8. But a lover of hospitality a lover of good men sober just holy temperate v. 9. Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gain-sayers He is to be examined and approved by those by whom he is to be ordained 1 Tim. 3. 7 10. v. 7. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without lâ—st he fall into reproach and the snare of the Devil v. 10. And let these also first be proved then let them use the office of a Deacon being found blameless 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins Keep thy self pure No man is to be ordained a Minister for a particular Congregation if they of that Congregation can shew just cause of exception against him 1 Tim. 3. 2. A Bishop then must be blameless the husband of one wife vigilant sober of good behaviour given to hospitality apt to teach Tit. 1. 7. For the Bishop must be blameless as the Steward of God c. Touching the Power of Ordination ORdination is the Act of a Presbytery 1 Tim. 4. 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee which was given thee by prophesie with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery The power of ordering the whole work of Ordination is in the whole Presbytery which when it is over more Congregations then one whether those Congregations be fixed or not fixed in regard of Officers or Members it is indifferent as to the point of Ordination 1 Tim. 4. 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee which was given thee by prophesie with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery It is very requisite that no single Congregation that can conveniently associate do assume to it self all and sole power in Ordination 1. Because there is no Example in Scripture that any single Congregation which might conveniently associate did assume to it self all and sole power Ordination neither is there any rule which may warrant such a practise 2. Because there is in Scripture Example of an Ordination in a Presbytery over divers Congregations as in the Church of Jerusalem where were many Congregations these many Congregations were under one Presbytery and this Presbytery did ordain The Preaching Presbyters orderly associated either in Cities or neighbouring Villages are those to whom the imposition of hands doth appertain for those Congregations within their bounds respectively To the Right Honourable THE LORDS