to be observed unto the Lord. Morning and Evening ought tâ— be performed by the Familiâ—â— and housholds of the people oâ— God PROOF This Proposition may be endently inferred from that propheticall imprecation or threatning Jerem. 10 2â— Powre out thy fury upon the Families that call 〈◊〉 upon thy Name And also from the approved testimony which God himselfe giveth unâ—â— Abraham touching this matter See Gâ—â—â— 18. vers 19. I know Abraham that he will command his children and his houshold after him and they shall keepe the way of the Lord. I. REAS. Because God hath made a speciall covenant of grace with the Families 〈◊〉 his people and therefore he expecteth aâ—â— looketh for speciall religious family-duties from them See Jerem. 31.1 At the same tiâ—â— saith the Lord will I be the God of all the familiâ—â— of Israel and they shal be my people c. II. REAS. Because the members of the same family doe usually and for the moâ—â— part share and partake more or lesse both in the welfare in the miseries of one another mutually And therefore they ought to use the meanes that God hath sanctified and ordained for the mutuall good and benefit of one another Noah and his houshold were preserved in the Arke Gen. 7.1 c. Rahab and her houshold were saved at the overthrow of Jericho Josh 6.23 Obed-Edom his houshold were blessed because of the Arke 2 Sam. 6.11 12. Nabal and his whole family were in danger of destruction together 1 Sam. 25.17 Achan and his houshold perished together Iosh 7.24 OBSERV It is remarkable throughout the holy Scriptures how whole families with their Governours are many times made mention of together Salvation came into Zacheus his house when he became a sonne of Abraham Luk. 19.9 Cornelius feared God and his house Act. 10.2 Lydia was baptised and her houshold Act. 16.15 The Gaoler with all his house beleeved Act. 16.34 Paul baptised the houshold of Stephanus 1 Corinth 1.16 The house of Onesiphorus is prayed for by the Appstle Paul joyntly 2 Timoth. 1.16 c. XXVIII PROPOSITION Family-duties of religion ought to be performed both morninâ— and evening every day by the whole family of the people oâ— God joyntly and together PROOF Worthy Joshua that most vicâ—â—rious Generall of the Israelites when hâ— had gotten the land of Canaan into the possession and driven out the inhabitance professeth this for himselfe for his whoâ—â— family Josh 24.15 As for me and my hoâ—â— wee will serve the Lord. And according 〈◊〉 this his most pious resolution the Israeliâ—â—â— do at the same time professe in like manner See Josh 24.16 17 18 21 24. I. REAS. Because every family of the people of God is as it were a little Church or Congregation of Saints See Rom. 16. â—â— Philem. vers 2. And to the Church in thy hoâ—â— Now in a Church-assembly the worship 〈◊〉 service of religion ought to be performe by the congregation joyntly See this Neâ—â—â— 8.1 And all the people gathered themselves togâ—ther as one man c. 1 Corinth 11.33 Whâ—â— yee come together tarry one for another II. REAS. Because God hath order the condition of families for the most paâ—â— in such sort that there is convenient oppoâ—tunity for the members of theÌ„ to be preseâ—â— together morning and evening every day albeit in other parts of the day their affaires may call them to be abroad and severed one from another And this may seeme to be some reason of that direction Deut. 6. vers 7. Thou shalt teach them when thou liest downe and when thou risest up that is both morning and evening OBSERV As it was one ordinance of the Passeover in the celebration of it that it should be eaten in every family by the members of it joyntly and together Exod. 12.46 And accordingly it was observed by our Saviour Christ and his disciples who were his family See Math. 26.18 20. Mark 14.14 17 18. Luk. 22.11 14. So it ought to be in other religious family-duties the Governour the rest of the family ought to joyne together XXIX PROPOSITION Albeit in prayer and Scripture-exercises there ought to be a joyning together by the members of the family morning and evening every day as hath beene shewed in the former Proposition yet notwithstanding in the religious exercise of meditation it must be otherwise viz. The severall members of the family ought to meditate alone apaâ—â— by themselves as opportunity iâ— the day time or in the night season serveth thereunto PROOF See this in the examples of God servants Gen. 24.63 Isaac went out into thâ— field to meditate at eventide Psal 119 14â— David saith Mine eyes prevent the nighâ— watches that I might meditate in thy word REAS. Because meditation is a worke 〈◊〉 the inward man or an act of the minde aâ—â— heart seriously discoursing of this or that and answerably affected This is implied Psal 19.14 45.1 49.3 The meditationâ— my heart And therefore others cannot joyâ—â— therein See 1 Corinth 2.11 For what mâ—â— knoweth the things of a man save the spirit of mâ—â— which is in him OBSERV If meditation indited in thâ— inward man of the minde and heart shaâ—â— afterwards be uttered by word of mouth iâ— the presence of others such an utterance oâ— it altereth and changeth the nature of the service whether it be in preaching prayer conference c. Sith such uttering is the good fruit of godly meditation of the heart See Psal 45.1 My heart is inditing a good matter I speake of the things which I have made touching the King my tongue is the pen of a ready writer XXX PROPOSITION For the more decent orderly and edifying performance of religious family-duties morning and evening daily some one of the Family ought to be as it were the mouth of the rest going before them in the reading of the Scripture and in making their requests knowne by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving And the others of the family ought to testify their assent onely by a reverend silent attention and at the end of prayers saying Amen or So be it PROOF See both of these First for Scripture-exercise 2 King 22.10 Shaphan read it the booke of the law before the kiâ—â— Josiah Secondly for prayer Act. 27.35 Hee the Apostle Paul gave thanks to God in the presence of them all that is He being in the ship and to eate something with the rest oâ— the company was as it were their moâ—â—â— in the requisite thanksgiving at that time See also in our Saviour Christs course wheâ— he prayed with his disciples John 17.1 Thâ—â—â— words speake Jesus and lift up his eyes to heaveâ— and said Father c. I. REAS. Because the Lord who is a God of order and not of confusion doth require a decent and orderly performance 〈◊〉 religious services which is when one speaketh others keepe silence as the Apostle Paul sheweth more fully 1 Corinth chap. 1â— and then concludeth thus vers
teach them as hath â—eene declared Proposit 33. â—et notwithstanding if the said Governour of the family be a priâ—ate man onely and not an apâ—roved teacher of the word then â—e may not presume above his â—ift and calling to interpret and â—pply the Scriptures sith he is â—â—bordinate to the ministeriall â—ffice PROOF To this effect the Apostle Paul â—iveth speciall advertisment and caution Rom. 12.3 For I say through the grace given unto men to every man that is among you not to thinke of himselfe more highâ—ly then he ought to thinke but to thinke soberly as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith I. REAS. Because God himselfe hath â—istinguished and put a difference betwixt â—he gifts and callings of his people So that â—herefore they ought to walke answerably See 1 Corinth 12.4 5. Now there are diâ—â— versities of gifts but the same Spirit And there are differences of administration but the same Lord. II. REAS. Because although any one competently qualified and endowed 〈◊〉 gifts yet he may not presume to miniâ—â—â— untill his gifts be approved and after appâ—â—bation he do receive a calling See such â—â—rection given touching Deacons 1 Tim 3.10 Let them be first proved which seâ—â— as a president much rather to such as aâ—â— exercise their gifts for the spirituall gooâ— others either in the Church of Family OBSERV A speciall calling is reqâ—â—â— unto a speciall dispensation See Hebr. â— No man taketh this honour unto himselfe 〈◊〉 that is called of God as was Aaron XXXV PROPOSITION The Governour of the famâ—â—â— in some cases upon just and goâ—â— grounds reasons moving theâ— unto may lawfully depute 〈◊〉 substitute some one in the famâ—â—â— whom he judgeth fittest uâ—â—â— such service and imployment 〈◊〉 himselfe should ordinarily pâ—â—forme and execute And conâ—â—quently to performe the duties of â—eligion in his stead or to be as 〈◊〉 were the mouth of the family 〈◊〉 that service to God PROOF It belonged to Abraham acâ—ording to Gods ordinance Deut. 7.3 as â—e godly have approved themselves Ruth â— vers 1. to take a wife for his sonne unto â—hich yet he substituted his servant See â— Gen. 24.2 3 4. And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house that ruled over all that he had Put I pray thee thy hand under my thigh And I will make thee sweare by the Lord the God of heaven and the God of the earth that thou shalt not take a wife unto my sonne of the daughters of the Canaanites amongst whom I dwell But thou shalt goe unto my countrey and to my kinred and take a wife unto my sonne Isaac I. REAS. Because all Christians indefiâ—â—â—ely consequently the severall members 〈◊〉 families are members of the mysticall â—â—dy of Christ and therefore in due waies â—ay be usefull and serviceable for the good â—â—d benefit of the whole body See 1 Coâ—inth 12.21 25. And the eye cannot say unto the hand I have no need of thee and againe the head to the feet I have need of you The members should 〈◊〉 the same care one for another II. REAS. Because under one case abâ—â— doing of any thing expressed in the 〈◊〉 Scripture all cases of the like nature may comprehended For so our Saviour Châ—â— doth cleere this point in the case of wâ—â— of mercy and necessity to be done on 〈◊〉 Sabbath day See Math. 12. vers 1 2 â— 5 7 11. Luk. 13.12 13 14 15 16. 〈◊〉 therefore it is lawfull for governours of 〈◊〉 milies to depute some meet person to 〈◊〉 performance indifferently aswell as to 〈◊〉 performance more specially if no just â—â—ception can be taken thereunto OBSERV Cases of such deputation 1. In greater families such as are the milies of Princes Noblemen Gentleâ—â— of higher degree c. where there is mâ—â—titude of businesse and a great number inhabitants they may there have their Sâ—â— wards and deputies So Abraham haviâ—â— large family Gen. 14.14 he had is Stewâ—â—â— See Gen. 15.2 II. In case of old age and weaknesse body there may be just occasion to mâ—â— some use of deputies Even as Samuel beâ—â— old made his sonnes to be Judges 〈◊〉 1 Sam. 8.1 III. Want of good utterance in expressing what is to be said may require some use of another to be a spokesman in weightier affaires As Aaron was Moses his spokesman and instead of a mouth unto him See Exod. 4. vers 10 16. IV. Want of boldnesse and audacity arising from a consciousnesse of weaknesse modest bashfulnesse and unworthinesse in any one may become an occasion to make use of the assistance of others As the good Centurion sent the Elders of the Jews to Christ to intercede for him See Luk. 7.3 V. In case that a Minister of the Gospel doe sojourne in ones family as Archippus did in Philemon his house Philem. vers 2. it may be convenient in respect of his gifts to make use of him for the performance of religious family-duties sith we ought to covet the best gifts 1 Corinth 12.31 VI. In case of the necessary absence of the Governour of the family for some time there may be a use of some one of the family to be deputed by him unto the performance of the duties As the Apostle Paul made Timotheus his deputy to the Christian Thessalonians See 1 Thess 3.1 2. c. XXXVI PROPOSITION If the Governour of the family be remisse or carelesse and dâ—â— want zeale to performe famiâ—â— duties in his owne person bâ—â— yet can be prevailed with by 〈◊〉 wife or some other to give wâ—â— thereunto Then ought some 〈◊〉 gifted for the worke to put tâ—â—â— same forward by setting upâ—â— the performance thereof haviâ—â— the approbation of the said gâ—vernour PROOF As the noble Shunamitish 〈◊〉 man did in another case goe to the maâ— God having with some importunity pâ—â—vailed with her husband for consent alâ—â—â— he was not free thereunto see 2 King 4 1â— 23. So it may be done herein See Propâ—â—â— sit 35. Reas 2. I. REAS. Because it is matter of joy whâ—â— the worke and duty which God hath aâ—pointed to be done is promoted by 〈◊〉 meanes whatsoever seeme it never so 〈◊〉 likely This is implied in another case by 〈◊〉 Apostle Paul See Philip. 1.18 Whâ—â— then Notwithstanding every way whether in pâ—â—tence or in trueth Christ is preached and lâ—â—â— therein rejoyce yea and will rejoyce II. REAS. Because a discreet and zealous course in such kinde is a probable meanes to winne the Governour of the family through Gods blessing to set upon the exercise and practise thereof himselfe in due time as it is implied 1 Pet. 3.1 Husbands that obey not the word may without the word be wonne by the conversation of the wives OBSERV Albeit it be some dishonour and may justly occasion shame when Governours in the Commonwealth Church or family failing in what is meet to be done by them are outstripped in zeale by inferiours yet God doth approve and accept the service both of the
is noâ—â— thus of her 1 Sam. 1.10 11. She was 〈◊〉 bitternesse of soule and prayed unto 〈◊〉 Lord and wept sore And she vowâ—â— vow and said O Lord of hosts if thâ—â— wilt indeed looke on the affliction of 〈◊〉 handmaid and remember me and 〈◊〉 forget thine handmaid but wilt give uâ—â—â— thine handmaid a manchild c. I. REAS. Because there is a great difâ—â—â—rence of the things mentioned as extraorâ—â—nary even in Gods owne estimate and â—â—count of them and therefore ought accoâ—dingly to be regarded by us For I. Some sinnes are esteemed by him mâ—â— crying and hainous then others See Gâ—â— 18.20 And the Lord said Because the cry 〈◊〉 Sodome and Gomorrah is great and because tâ—â— sinne is very greivous c. True it is God â—â—â—teth all sinne and iniquity with a perfect â—â—tred See Psal 5.4 5. Hab. 1.13 Yet he hateâ—â— some sinnes with a more speciall hatreâ—â— Deut. 16.22 Psal 11.5 II. Some judgments are in Gods esteeâ— more heavy albeit he would have none 〈◊〉 â—his proceedings in judgement to be sleighted See Ezek. 14.21 For thus saith the Lord How much more when I shall send my foure sore judgments upon Jerusalem the sword and the famine and the noysome beast and the pestilence to cut of from it man and beast III. Some blessings which God bestoweth he accounteth more excellent and precious then others albeit there is a reall goodnesse in all his gifts James 1.17 See this in his giving and promising of Isaac unto Abraham his friend Gen. 17.21 But my convenant will I stablish with Isaac which Sarah shall beare unto thee c. See this also in Moses his prophecie touching the blessing of Joseph Deut. 33.13 14 15 16 17. And of Joseph he said Blessed of the Lord be his land for the precious things of heaven for the dew and for the deepe that coucheth beneath And for the precious fruits brought forth by the Sunne and for the precious things put foorth by the Moone And for the cheife things of the ancient mountaines and for the precious things of the lasting hilles And for the precious things of the earth and fulnesse thereof and for the good will of him that dwelt in the bush Let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph and upon the top of the head of him that was separated from his brethrâ—â— His glory is like the firstling of his bâ— locke and his hornes are like the honâ—â—â— of Unicornes with them he shall pâ—â—â— the people together to the ends of 〈◊〉 earth and they are the ten thousands 〈◊〉 Ephraim and they are the thousands 〈◊〉 Manasseh I. REAS. Because there is a great difâ—â—rence of the things mentioned as extraordâ—nary in regard of their greater or lesser coâ—sequence to the people of God and in suâ—â—â— respect ought to be accordingly esteemâ— and regarded For I. Some sinnes are more polluting 〈◊〉 wounding to their soules albeit every sinâ— in it kind polluteth and hurteth And thâ—â— David intimateth in that his penitentiâ—â— Psalme deprecating Gods displeasure toâ—ching his foule murther of Uriah by thâ— Ammonites according to his directioâ— See Psal 51.14 Deliver me from blood-guâ—nesse O God thou God of my salvation 〈◊〉 my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousnesse II. Some crosses and afflictions are mâ—â— sharpe and piercing unto them then 〈◊〉 others viz. The losse and taking awâ—â— of their children as it is implied in thâ— amplified denunciation thereof Ezek. 2â— vers 25. Also thou sonne of man shall it not 〈◊〉 in the day when I take from them their strength the joy of their glory the desire of their eyes and that whereupon they set their minds their sonnes and their daughters c. Parents in such cases are wont to be most disconsolate See Gen. 37.35 Jerem. 31.15 Zach. 12.10 III. Some blessings doe more affect them then others as is easily observable in Abrahams speech Gen. 15.2 3. And Abram said Lord God what wilt thou give me seeing I goe childlesse And the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus And Abram said behold to me thou hast given no seed and loe one borne in my house is my heire It seemeth hence that Abraham preferred the having of a child before his great wealth and his flourishing outward condition OBSERV The people of God having their eies in their head Eccles 2.14 being furnished in their measure with the spirit of wisdome and understanding the spirit of counsell and might the spirit of knowledge of the feare of the Lord are made quick of understanding in the feare of the Lord to judge impartially with righteousnesse Isaia 11.2 3 4. Yea they discerne both time and judgment which is to every purpose Eccles 8.5 6. And they guide their affaires with discretion Psal 112.5 according to occasions Rom. 12.15 c. XLIV PROPOSITION As causes occasions of extraordinary religious services maâ— happen or fall out and continue for some time accordingly theâ— ought to be more frequent and renewed answerable courses helâ— in the performance of the said religious duties PROOF In this sort the weldisposed Iâ—raelites demeaned approved themselves as occasion required For when the Beâ—â—mites their enimies prevailed severall time against them they accordingly severall daâ—â— sought the Lord and wept and fasted beforâ— him See the history Judg. 20.23 26 c See this also in Amos his iterated course 〈◊〉 prayer according to occasion of iterate and continued judgments of grashoppers and fire c. Amos 7.1 2 3 4 5 6. I. REAS. Because a continuing and persevering in an iterated and renewed courâ—â— of supplicating the Lord will argue anâ— witnesse a sensiblenesse due apprehensioâ— of his proceedings in the way of his judgments See Psal 80.3 7 19. The peoplâ— of God being in great distresse and troublâ— of long continuance they doe oftentimes renew the same prayers and in a holy manner complaine in this wise vers 4. How long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people In which complaint or expostulation of theirs there are these particulars intimated viz. 1. Gods displeasure was great against his people at that time 2. They were very sensible of Gods so great displeasure 3. They did deprecate and seeke by prayer the turning of Gods wrath from them 4. They oft renewed their prayer whilst his displeasure seemed to continue II. REAS. Because renewed and iterated importunity is very prevalent for obteining grace and helpe at Gods hands in time of need For so our Saviour Christ teacheth in his parable of the importunate widow propounded for this same end See Luk. 18.1 2 c. And he spake a parable to them to this end that men ought alwaies to pray and not to faint Saying There was in a citie a Iudge which c. OBSERV There is a marke and brand of infamy and disgrace set upon King Ahaz for his incorrigiblenesse and impenitency albeit he was againe and againe distressed greatly See 2 Chron. 28.22 And in the
the first day of the weâ—â— or Lords day to joyne together in the â—â—lemne worship of God besides any otâ—â—â— course held and observed on the other 〈◊〉 daies in their generall or particular calling See Act. 20.7 And upon the first day of 〈◊〉 weeke when the disciples came together to brâ—â—â— bread Paul preached unto them c. This 〈◊〉 appeare likewise from what is noted of 〈◊〉 Jewish people Act. 13.15 And after then ding of the law and the Prophets on the Sabath day vers 14. the rulers of the Synagâ—â— sent unto them saying Yee men and brethren ye have any word of exhortation for the people 〈◊〉 on c. Act. 15.21 For Moses of old time bâ— in every citie them that preach him being rulâ—â— the Synagogues every Sabbath day Yea heâ—â— it was that our Saviour Christs custome 〈◊〉 when he fulfilled his ministery in the dâ—â—â— of his flesh to goe to the Synagogues the Sabbath daies See Luk. 4.16 I. REAS. Because the due keeping of 〈◊〉 Sabbath day holy seemeth to be speciaâ— argued and approved by a due frequentlâ— of the publick assemblies at the times of â—â—lemne worship This argument may be â—â—ferred from the connexion of the two claâ—â—ses in a direction given by the Lord himselâ— Levit. 26.2 Yee shall keepe my Sabbaths 〈◊〉 â—everence my Sanctuary I am the Lord. As if he had said ye shall approve your keeping the Lords Sabbaths by a due respect unto the publick assemblies II. REAS. Because publick communion in the solemne ordinances of God on the Sabbath day is a principall cheife end though not the only end of our union and consociation with particular Churches sith Church-ordinances are of a publick nature and dispensed by publick persons called thereunto See 1 Cor. 10.16 17. The cup of blessing which we blesse is it not the communion of the blood of Christ The bread which we breake is it not the communion of the body of Christ For we being many are one bread and one body for we are all partakers of that one bread The publick ordinances conversed in are as it were badges of Gods people See Psal 147.19 20. He sheweth his word unto Iacob his statutes and his judgments unto Israel He hath not dealt so with any nation c. III. REAS. Because of the speciall blessing which God hath appointed unto such sanctifying the Sabbath day in the publick assemblies and Church-meetings See Isa 56 6 7. Also the sonnes of strangers that joyne themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love the Name of the Lord to be his servants every one that keepe the Sabbath from polluting it and takeâ— hold of my covenant Even them wilâ— bring to my holy Mountaine and maâ—â— them joyfull in my house of Prayer the burnt-offrings and their sacrifices shaâ—â— accepted upon mine Altar for my hod shal be called a house of prayer for all people See also Psal 133.3 In Zion thâ— Lord commanded the blessing even laâ—â— for evermore Like as the Prophet Eliâ—â— went a long journey in the strength of the meat and drinke which the Angel of Goâ— provided for him 1 King 19.7 8. Evenâ—â— the members of godly families feedinger their spirituall food dispensed on the Lord day in the congregation of Saints may wâ—â— in the strength of it till they appeare befoâ—â— the Lord againe in Zion the next Sabbaâ—â— day See Isa 66.23 I. OBSERV A consociation or joynâ—â— together in Church-fellowship is a meâ— eminent and more worthy relation theâ—â— the relation that is in families See Act. 2 4â— And the Lord added to the Church daily such 〈◊〉 should be saved Howbeit that relation whiâ—â— is in families is a most comfortable and goeâ— condition See Psal 68.6 God setteth these litary in families c. II. OBSERV The solemne and public ordinances to be observed and conversed in on the Sabbath day in the Congregation or Church-meeting are the Ministery of the Word the Administration of Sacraments if occasion serve thereunto Prayers Distribution to the Poore and Singing of Psalmes See Act. 2.42 20.7 1 Corinth 16.2 Psal 92.1 Title III. OBSERV Such as are conversant in Gods ordinances in the publick assemblies on the Sabbath day ought to be disposed as one man attending seriously the sacred businesse in hand not suffering themselves to be taken up with private reading prayer meditation wandring thoughts drowsinesse c. See Act. 2.1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come they were all with one accord in one place See also Eccles 5.1 Keepe thy foot when thou goest to the house of God and be more ready to heare then to give the sacrifices of fooles for they consider not that they doe evill IV. OBSERV They deceive themselves greatly who under a pretence of better profiting themselves in reading of good books at home and private devotions doe neglect to converse with God and his people in the publick ordinances on the Sabbath day as may appeare by a consideration of what is written Rom. 10.17 Faith commeth by hearing and hearing by the word of God 1 Cor. 1.21 For after that in the wisdome of God the world bâ— wisdome knew not God it pleased God by the foolishnesse of preaching to save them that beleeve 1 Pet. 2.2 As new borne babes desire the sincâ—â— milke of the word that yee may grow thereby Prov. 28.9 He that turneth away his eare from hearing the law even his prayer shal be abomination XLVII PROPOSITION Albeit a converse in religious services in the solemne assemblies of the Church doth in speciall tend to a sanctifying of the Sabbath day Yet the members of Christian families ought likewise to serve God in the family and in secret on the Sabbath day as opportunity serveth thereunto when they are not imployed in publick PROOF Our Saviour Christ and his family notwithstanding their respective frequenting the Synagogues on the Sabbath daies yet after the publick ministery was ended they also redeemed the time in private unto religious exercises This may appeare Math. 12.1 13.1 compared with Math. 13.36 37. Then Iesus sent the multitude away and went into the house and his disciples came unto him saying Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field He answered and said unto them He that soweth the good seed is the sonne of man c. See also Mark. 1.21 c. I. REAS. Because the Sabbath day ought to be sequestred wholly from a pursuit of profits and pleasures of this life and to be spent wholly in holy exercises publickly or privatly as the Lord hath commanded Exod. 20.8 Remember the Sabbath day to keepe it holy c. for here is no exemption nor exception given to any part of the day that it should not be sanctified and kept holy aswell as the other parts of the day See also Isaiah 58.13 14. II. REAS. Because a performance of religious exercises in private on the Sabbath day tendeth much unto a better profiting by the administration
offence at any of their subjects that doe usurpe upon theâ—â— royall prerogative in presuming to doe 〈◊〉 requiring any thing to be done or executed in their owne names and not in the name oâ— their Prince accounting such disloyalty iâ— the compasse of Praemunire EveÌ„ so the God of heaven earth who is King of kings Lord of lords Revel 19.16 wil be highly offended at all those presumptuous ones as are bold to serve him otherwise then he hath given direction as may appeare by the Apostle Paul his intimation to the Churches of Galatia Galat. 1.8 9. But though we or aâ— Angel from heaven preach any other Gospel unto you then that which we have preached unto you let him be accursed As we said before so say I now againe If any man preach any other Gospel unto you then that ye have received let him be accursed IV. PROPOSITION The revealed will or word of God which is conteined in the holy Scripture or Canonicall books of the old new Testament is the absolute rule of direction unto such worship religious service as is of Gods owne institution and appointment to be observed and performed unto his most divine Majesty PROOF This Christ sheweth in the parable of Dives and Lazarus Luk. 16.29 Abraham saith unto him They have Moses the Prophets let them heare them Thus Moses teacheth Deut. 29.29 The secret things belong unto the Lord our God but those things which are revealed belong unto us to our children for ever that we may doe all the words of this law And thus the godly Bereans approved themselves as it may appeare in that honourable testimony given unto them Act. 17.11 These were more noble then those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readinesse of minde and searched the Scriptures daily whether thâ—â— things were so I. REAS. Because the holy Scripture divinely inspired were therfore given unâ—â— us that we might walke in the light of thâ—â— so be made wise unto salvation by obseâ—ving the directions in them Isa 8.19 2â— And when they shall say unto you Seeke unto theâ— that have familiar spirits and unto wizards thâ— peepe and that mutter Should not a people seeâ— unto their God for the living to the dead 〈◊〉 the law to the testimony if they speake not 〈◊〉 cording to this word it is because there is no liâ—â— in them 2. Timoth. 3.16 17. All Scripture given by in spiration of God is profitable for dâ—â—trine for reproofe for correction for instructâ—â— in righteousnesse That the man of God may be pâ—â—fect thoroughly furnished unto all good works II. REAS. Because God who is a Spâ—rit Iohn 4.24 Infinite Psal 147.5 Eteâ—nall Immortall Invisible only wise 〈◊〉 Timoth. 1.17 Almighty Gen. 17.1 Good Psal 136.1 Gracious and Mercifull Exoâ— 34.6 Holy Iosh 24.19 Iust Deut. 32. â— Perfect Math. 5.48 and Glorious Exoâ— 33.18 cannot have a worship sutable anâ— proportioned unto his excellent Majestâ— save as he hath appointed and revealed to same in his Word See Prov. 30.1 2 3 4 5 6. The words of Agur the sonne of Iakeh even the prophecie The man spake unto Ithiel even unto Ithiel and Vcal Surely I am more brutish then any man and have not the understanding of a man I neither learned wisdome nor have the knowledge of the holy Who hath ascended up into heaven or descended Who hath gathered the wind in his fists who hath bound the waters in a garment who hath established all the ends of the earth what is his name and what is his sonnes name if thou canst tell Every word of God is pure he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him Adde thou not unto his words lest he reproove thee thou be found alyar As if Agur had said Such is the Majesty Mystery of the incomprehensible God even the Father and of Jesus Christ in his hypostaticall union being Ithiel or Immanuel God with us that no man further then he is taught by the pure word of God ordereth himselfe according to it without any adding thereunto can aright worship him in Spirit and in trueth as the Father seeketh OBSERVAT. Albeit the invisible things of God seene in the Creation of the world Rom. 1.20 and in the works of his Providence Act. 14.17 and in the law written in mens hearts Rom. 2.15 doe serve to leave men without excuse for their not worshipping of God as is meet Yet none of these doe sufficiently and effectually cleeâ— mens understandings touching the waies 〈◊〉 God where Scripture is not likewise madâ— use of as Christ convinceth the Sadduces Math. 22.29 Ye doe erre not knowing the Scriptures V. PROPOSITION The direction or paterne of religious worship and service unto God conteined in the holy Scripture is propounded set down in a various methode or manner viz. Somtimes some parts of iâ— are directly expressed in Precept Doctrines and somtimes somâ— parts of it are only implyed and to be gathered by good consequence from Promises Threatâ—nings Examples c. mentioneâ— historically related PROOF I. The books of Moses aâ— the Prophets doe in great part consist of Pâ—â—cepts and doctrines See Exod. 20.1 c. conteining the Decalogue See also Math 5. 6. 7. cap. conteining Christs sermon on the mount c. II. The Scripture aboundeth in precious Promises unto the conscionable observers of some religious courses that are not expressely commanded An instance hereof is in Revel 1.3 Blessed is he that readeth they that heare the words of this prophecie keep those things which are written therein Albeit there is no expresse commandement to read the booke of the Revelation and to observe the contents of it yet the blessing promised to the reading hearing and keeping implieth that such course is wel-pleasing to God consequently that he willeth and requireth the same III. The holy Scripture is full of Threatnings of judgments and curses to be inflicted and executed on people in case of some courses omitted which yet are not expresly commanded to be practised An instance hereof is in Ierem. 10.25 Powre out thy fury upon the families that call not upon thy Name Howbeit there is no where in Scripture an expresse Precept given to families to call upon Gods Name yet this propheticall imprecation or threatning of Gods fury to families for omission or contempt of such course implieth that God requireth families to call upon his Name For God in punishing any doth alwaies proceed justly Gen. 18.25 Shall not the Iudge of all the earth doe right IV. Sundry books both in the old and new Testament are in great part historicall and exemplary conteining divers examples of imitable practises which have no expresse commandement An instance hereof is in Act. 14.23 When they had ordained Elders in every Church c. This historicall example implieth that although there is no expresse direction to ordaine Elders in every Church yet notwithstanding that every