thanksgiuing 11 as also to break the bread and afterwards to deliuer the bread and wine to the people of God 8. To consecrate is to set apart the bread and wine vnto an holy vse 1. Tim. 4. 5. Ex. 13. 2. and 22. 29. 9. If Christ had not instituted this vse of bread and wine it could neuer haue had the beeing efficacie and vertue of a Sacrament therfore the institutioÌ„ ought to be declared 10. God is euer ready prest to bestow a blessing vpon his ordinances Mal. 3. 10. Psa 81. 13. but yet looketh to be sought vnto Ioh. 4. 10. Act. 6. 2. 4. and 4. 31. therfore the Minister must craue Gods blessing to sanctifie the bread and wine to their right ends 11. The worke of our Redemption being liuely set forth in this Sacrament praise to God for that benefit ought not to be omitted Reu. 5. 9. Psa 103. 4. Reu. 1. 5. 6. Zach. 9. 9. Q. What is hereby signified A. The action of God the Father offering Christ to all and bestowing him p 1. Cor. 10. 16. effectually vpon the worthy receiuer Q. What is the dutie of the receiuers A. To q Matth. 26. 26 27. 1. Cor. 11. 23 24. receiue 12 the bread and wine deliuered and to 13 eate and drink thereof Expos 12. It is most expedient to receiue the bread and cup into the hand and not superstitiously or vnseemely to haue the bread put or the wine powred into the mouth Matth. 26. 26. 1. Cor. 14. 40. 13. Eating importeth more then to suffer a thing to melt in the mouth for commoÌ„ bread fit for nourishment which should be vsed should by chewing c. be prepared for the stomacke Q. What is signified he rehy A. Our r 1. Cor. 10. 16. receiuing and feeding vpon Christ by faith Q. Is it sufficient to receiue this Sacrament once A. No but Å¿ Act. 2. 42. and 20. 7. we must receiue it 14 often Expos 14. Christs commandement 1. Cor. 11. 26. the Apostles practise Act. 20. 7. our owne necessitie weaknes of faith 1. Sam. 27. 1. Mar. 16. 14. dulnesse of vnderstanding Io. 20. 9. Mar. 8. 17. 18. forgetfulnesse Luk. 24. 6. and spirituall wants and decayes in grace Mat. 24. 12. Reu. 2. 4. and 3. 2. doe require that we receiue this Sacrament often Reu. 3. 2. 3. We must receiue it as often as it is administred in that Congregation where we liue vnlesse wee be iustly hindred or companies in great parishes bee sorted for seuerall dayes because they cannot commmunicate all at once Numb 9. 13. 2. Chro. 30. 12. Act. 2. 42. Mat. 22. 5. 6. 1. Cor. 10. 16. Q For what end and vse ought we to receiue this Sacrament A. To t 1. Cor. 10. 16. consirme our 15 faith communion with Christ and all sauing graces in vs to keepe 16 in u 1. Cor. 11. 24. 26. remembrance the Lords death vntill he come againe and to testifie w 1. Cor. 12. 13. our loue one vnto another Expos 15. The increase of faith and of communion with Christ inferre necessarily an increase of all graces which spring thence as from the roote Io. 15. 4. Eph. 2. 21. 22. Io. 7. 37. 16. This stirreth vp to a more serious thinking on Christs loue and goodnes in his death and so preserues the same more truely in memorie And by eating this bread drinking this wine men do professe and after a sort preach vnto others vnto the worlds ende the my sterie of the Gospel the summe and substance whereof consisteth in the death of Iesus Christ and the fruits that flowe therefrom shadowed in the Sacrament Q. What is the danger of vnworthy receiuing A. Vnworthy x 1. Cor. 11. 27. 29. receiuers 17 are guiltie of the 18 body and blood of the Lord and doe eate and drinke iudgement to themselues Expo 17. Vnworthy receiuers are such who eate and drinke vnworthily that is who receiue the bread and wine without due reuerence respect to the mysterie contained in them 2. Sam. 6. 6. 1. Sam. 6. 19. 2. Chro. 30. 20. or to the holy endes why they were ordained or to the person by whose authoritie they were appointed 1. Sam. 2. 29. with Reu. 3. 4. Luk. 3. 8. 18. To bee guiltie of the bodie and blood of the Lord is to offer a speciall wrong iniurie to the person of Christ and his sufferings and in a speciall manner to sinne against the worke of our redemption which is fully set forth in the Lords supper Q. Who are to receiue this Sacrament A. Such as know 19 their miserie y Matth. 11. 28. by sin the remedie thereof in Christ and z Exod. 12. 26. 27. the â—â— doctrine of the Sacrament withall earnestly a Reu. 22. 17. longing 21 to be satisfied with the bread of life Expos 19. Christs death is signified by the Sacrament and Christ with all the benefits of his death and passion is offered herein vnlesse we knowe Christ our miserie without him and the exceeding benefits of his death we can neuer desire Io. 4. 10. or reioyce in thanksgiuing for that mercie Rom. 7. 25. Eph. 2. 1. 4. and 5. 8. 1. Tim. 1. 13 14. 20. This Sacrament is a signe and seale therefore before we can vse it wel or prepare to receiue or examine our selues how we receiue 1. Cor. 11. 28. we must haue vnderstanding Exod. 12. 26 27. Iosh 4. 6. 2. Chro. 30. 22. 21. The thirsty who are euer lowly are the onely welcome guests vnto the Lords table Ioh. 7. 37. Reu. 22. 15. This desire is stirred vp in vs by a consideration of the necessitie of the Sacrament our owne want thereof Math. 9. 12. the benefits bestowed therein Ps 63. 1 2 3. Pâ— 4. 7. and the helps wee haue thereby to quicken and confirme our faith Q. What else is required in them that come to this holy Table A. Renewed 22 hatred of all b Luk. 3. 12 13. sinne an hearty endeauour c Matth. 18. 3. to ouercome natural passions and an vtter and well aduised d Luk. 14. 28 29. c. forsaking of grosse sinne willingnesse to e Mat. 5. 6. be strengthened in 23 faith and a longing f Mar. 11. 25. Mat. 5. 23 24. desire for 24 the good of our brethren Expos 22. He that loues sinne cannot truely thirst after Christ Matth. 11. 28. beleeue in God Mar. 1. 15. Act. 15. 9. 1. Ioh. 3. 3. 2. Cor. 15. 17. or haue communion with him 2. Cor. 6. 14. Psa 5. 4. Amos 3. 3. 1. Ioh. 1. 6. Sinne is of a soyling nature and doth defile Gods ordinances vnto vs Tit. 1. 15. Hag. 2. 13 14. Heb. 10. 22. Numb 9. 6. 2. Chr. 23. 19. It sufficeth not that wee hate all sinne but this must be renewed by labour and care Matth. 18. 3. Gen. 35. 2. Amos. 4. 12. Luk. 3. 12 13 14. to see more throughly the vilenesse and multitude of our
that the author of holy Scripture doth iustly challenge vnto himselfe which import independance of nature Exod. 3. 14. supereminencie of power and soueraigntie Psal 50. 1. 2. excellencie both of properties workes Gen. 17. 1. Esa 42. 5. and 40 12 26. 2. The manner vsed in teaching commaunding promising and threatning Things aboue reason hidden mysteries such as exceed all humane capacitie are vnfolded without all argumentation or furniture of perswasion 1. Cor. 2. 7. and wee are required to vnderstand and beleeue them relying vpon the truth and credit of the reuealer In giuing the law no proeme is vsed but Thus saith the Lord no conclusion but The Lord hath spoken Exod. 20. 1. 2. Commandements of which no reason can be rendered are enioyned Gen. 2. 17. and that which a naturall man would account foolishnes is peremptorily and with great securitie required Ioh. 3. 36. 1. Cor. 1. 23. 24. no argument beeing brought to perswade or confirme the equitie of those commaunds but onely the will of the Commander Promises aboue likelihood are made to assure of performance no reason is alledged but I the Lord haue spoken Esa 51. 22. and 52. 3. 4. and to incourage against difficulties and dangers present diuine assistāce is promised both as necessarie and sufficient Ex. 4. 12. Ios 1. 9. Ier. 1. 8. Esa 43. 5. In the manner of threatning also the like notes of the diuinitie of the style may bee obserued 3. That without respect of persons he doth prescribe lawes to all men priuate persons and publike Magistrates whole Kingdomes and seuerall estates commaunding what is distastfull to their nature and forbidding what they approue promising not terrene honour but life euerlasting if they bee obedient threatning not with racke or gybbet but eternall death if they disobey Ioel. 1. 1 2. Io. 3. 16. 1. Sam. 12. 25. 4. That the Ministers of the Lord of Hosts do require attention faith and obedience to whatsoeuer they speake in the name of the Lord whether it were prophesie commaundement or rebuke whether they called to repentance and reformation of things amisse or exhorted to obedience 1. Cor. 11. 23. Mic. 1. 1. 2. The lowe and humble manner of speech vsed in holy Scripture cannot iustly offend any man for it was penned to the vse and behoofe both of the learned and vnlearned Rom. 1. 14. though the phrase bee plaine the matter is high and excellent profound and vnutterable Hos 8. 12. Act. 2. 11. Easinesse and plainnesse doth best beseeme the truth a pearle needs not painting nor truth to be vnderpropped with forraine aids it is of it selfe sufficient to vphold and sustaine it selfe it becomes not the Maiestie of a Prince to play the Orator and though the Scripture bee simple in word it is great in power no writings of Man though neuer so well set forth with wit words order or depth of learning can so inlighten the mind mooue the will peirce the heart or stirre vp the affections as doth the word of God Neither do the Scriptures want eloquence if the matter bee well weighed no writing doth or can equalize them in pithinesse of prophesying or feruentnesse of praying The song of Moses and the beginning of Esay in varietie and force of eloquence do farre exceed all autors Greek Latin if comparison be made betwixt those places whatsoeuer is most excellētly indited by man either in Greeke or Latin you may easily discerne the one was written by a diuine the other by an humane spirit 13. The efficacy of this doctrine doth powerfully demonstrate the diuinitie thereof for it conuertes the soule illightens the eies Psa 19. 7 8. discouers sinne Rom. 7. 7. conuinces the gainsaier 2. Tim 3. 16. killeth and terrifieth 2. Cor. 3. 6. reioyceth the heart Psal 19. 8. Psal 119. 103. quickneth Psal 119. 50. 93. and comforteth Rom. 15. 4. manifesteth the thoughts 1. Cor. 14. 25. ouerthrowes false religions casteth downe strong holds and the whole kingdom of Satan stoppeth the mouth of Oracles destroies Idols 2. Cor. 10. 4. Zeph. 2. 11. Zach. 13. 2. and remaines inuincible notwithstanding all opposition Act. 5. 38. 39. These things commend the efficacy of this word 1. The nature thereof is opposite to the wisedome and will of a naturall man 1. Cor. 1. 21. and 2. 14. Rom. 8. 6. and yet it hath preuailed 2. It hath preuailed not onely with the grosse and sottish Gentiles who serued other Gods Gal. 4. 8. but euen with the most feirce and bitter enemies thereof Act. 9. 5. 6. 20. 21. 3. The enemies who did oppose this truth were many mighty and subtile as principally the Deuill out of his hatred against Gods glory and mans saluation Eph. 6. 12. Apo. 2. 10. and the Romane Emperours as his instruments the rest of the world furthering and the Iewes stirring them vp all which out of their loue to falsehood and Idolatrie and their malice against the Christian religion did with incredible fury and vigilancie labour the vtrer abolition of this truth Act. 4. 27. and 9. 2. Matth. 10. 18. 22 Io. 16. 2. Act. 13. 50. and 14. 2. 5. 19. 1. Thes 2. 15. 16. 4. The persons whom the Lord did chuse to be publishers of this heauenly doctrine were in number fewe in outward appearance simple rude base and weake and sometimes also negligent Matth. 4. 18. 19. 20. Luk. 6. 13. 2. Cor. 4. 7. 8. Matth. 13. 25. 5. These simple and weake men subdued the world by preaching the Crosse of Christ and prescribing long suffering and patience 1. Cor. 2. 4. 1. Thes .. 3. 4. Act. 9. 16. 2. Tim. 3. 12. The number of all sorts ages condititions sexes nations who gaue credit to this doctrine confirmed the same with the losse of their liues was innumerable Apo. 6. 9. 10. 7. In short time a great part of the habitable world was conuerted brought to the obedience of faith so that Paul filled all places frō Ierusalem to Illyricum with the sound of the Gospel Col. 1. 6. Rom. 35. 19. 8. The more the truth was persecuted the more it did preuaile Act. 8. 3. 4. Phil. 1. 14. 9. Though the Iewes were wasted with many and great slaughters yet the Scriptures did still remaine safe and intire in their custody when the Hebrew language did lie almost vnknowne and had perished altogether had not the Lord prouided for religion then by the Iewes the deadly enemies of Christ was the doctrine of Christian faith preserued 10. To these we may adde the dreadfull iudgements of God which fell vpon the persecutors of the Christian faith amongst whom some were forced at their last gaspe to acknowledge the diuinity of this word All which things doe strongly confirme the propagation defence and conseruauation of this truth and doctrine to be admirable and of God 14. The sweette and admirable consent which is found in all and euery part of Scripture cannot be ascribed to any but the Spirit of God each part so
13. 15. Col. 3. 16. 1. Pet. 2. 5. to be continued in heauen when other duties cease Reu. 19. 3 4 5. acceptable to God 1. Thess 5. 18. Psa 147. 1. comely for the Saints Psa 33. 1. and 147. 1. practised by the Angels Luk. 2. 13. setting on worke all the graces of God in vs Psa 103. 1 2 3. the ende of Gods benefits Psa 13. 6. 118. 29. of our life and all our seruices Esa 38. 19. and the readie way to obtain what we stand in need of Psa 50. 23. The meanes of true thankfulnesse are a due consideration of our owne vilenesse and a serious meditation and remembrance of Gods benefits 2. Sam. 7. 18. 1. Chr. 16. 16 17. Psal 103. 1 2 3. c. 1. Sam. 25. 32. Gen. 24. 27. Luk. 17. 15. Rom. 7. 25. with a perswasion that God hath in loue bestowed them vpon vs Psal 116. 12. 14. Q. What things are required in Thanksgiuing A. Loue t Psal 18. 1. 2. to God and u Psal 126. 1 2. and 104. 34. ioy in his mercy a x Psa 34. 11. and. 66. 16. desire to draw others to obey and glorifie God and an y Deut. 6. 10 11 12 13. 1. Sam. 12. 14. endeauour to proceede in godlines our selues Q. What rule of direction is there according to which we ought to frame our praiers A. The generall Direction is the word of God the more especiall is the 1 Lords prayer Expos 1. The Lords prayer is so a direction that it may be lawfully and laudably vsed as a Prayer Mat. 6. 9. c. Luk. 11. 2. c. Numb 6. 23 24. Psal 22. 1. and 92. 1. It is called the Lords prayer because the Lord Iesus taught it to his Disciples Luk. 11. 1 2. Q. How many things are to be considered in the Lords Prayer A. Three the preface the prayer it selfe and the conclusion Q. Which is the preface A. Our 2 Father which art in heauen Q. What learne you out of this Preface A. That God is our a Esa 63. 16. Father by grace b Rom. 8. 15 16. Gal. 4. 4 5. and adoption thorough Iesus Christ c Psal 47. 2. glorious in maiesty and d Psal 115. 3. infinite in power that both e Ephes 3. 20. can and f Psa 50. 15. haue promised to helpe vs. Expos 2. There is no Christian so poore weake or vnworthy in his owne eies but he is allowed to call God Father Ier. 3. 19. Q. What are you to consider in the Lords prayer it selfe A. Sixe Petitions and a Thanksgiuing Q Which is the first petition A. Hallowed 3 be thy 4 Name Expos 3. To hallow is not here of vnholy or prophane to make holy 1. Cor. 6. 10. 11. But to set apart to an holy vse Exod. 20. 8. or rather to acknowledge confesse and professe holily the name of God Matth. 11. 19. Leuit. 10. 3. 1. Pet. 3. 15. 4. By name is meant God himselfe Psal 20. 7. and 115. 1. his titles Exod. 3. 14. 15. Psal 83. 18. properties Ex. 34. 5 6 7. ordinances Psal 138. 2. and 1 Tim. 6. 1. and works Psal 19. 1. iudgements Psal 9. 16. Es 30. 27. mercies Es 48. 9. 10 11. Ezek. 28. 26. or any thing wherby hee makes himselfe knowne Exo. 20. 7. Q. What desire you of God in this petition A. That Gods infinite excellency may be magnified g Psal 40. 16. and 115. 1. by vs on earth 5 in heart 6 in word and in 7 deede Expos 5. By an inward and faithfull acknowledgement with confidence scare loue hope humility patience ioy and desire of his presence in heauen Esa 8. 13. 1. Pet. 3. 15. Rom. 4. 20. Phi. 1. 20. 21 22 23. 6. By speaking good of Gods name to others Psa 34. 3. Deut. 32. 3. Psa 105. 1. and 145. 21. 7. By walking in holines and righteousnes before God Mat. 5. 16. Io. 15. 8. 1. Pet. 2. 12. patiently submitting our selues vnto his will Iosh 7. 19. constantly and vndauntedly professing his truth Psal 119. 46. Ioh. 21. 19. and reforming our liues if we haue gone astray Ier. 13. 16. Mal. 2. 2. Q. Which is the second petition A. Thy 8 kingdome 9 come Expos 8. Sathan hath his kingdome on earth 2. Cor. 4. 4. Luk. 11. 18. all men by nature being his bondslaues Eph. 2. 2. 2. Tim. 2. 26. liuing in ignorance error impiety and disobedience Eph. 4. 18. and Christ hath his kingdom Col. 1. 13. to wit his Church which is the company of mankind 1. Pet. 2. 9. Eph. 5. 23. in heauen and earth Ephes 3. 15. Col. 1. 20. called from the world Rom. 8. 30. vnto saluation thorough him Act. 4. 12. In this world it is redeemed called sanctified 1. Cor. 1. 30. after this life it is glorified Mat. 25. 34. 2. Thess 1. 10. 9. The gouernement which Christ exerciseth ouer all men and all other creatures Eph. 1. 21. 22. Heb. 1. 6 7. is not here meant but the speciall gouernment which he exerciseth ouer his Church Eph. 5. 23. in this life and the life to come Q. What doe you desire of God in this petition A. That 10 Christ would h Cant. 8. 8. Act. 7. 60. conuert such as be vnder the power of Satan i Eph. 3. 16. 17. rule in the hearts of his chosen by his Spirit here and k Phil. 1. 8. 9. 10 11 12. perfect their saluation in heauen hereafter Expos 10. Particularly wee desire that God would send forth his word Mat. 9. 37. giue it free passage Eph. 6. 19. Rom. 15. 30 31 32. powerfully accompany it by his spirit Deut. 33. 8. 10. 2. Cor. 10. 4 5. to bring his chosen from the power of Satan to God Act. 26. 18. vphold such as be conuerted Psal 51. 12. Ioh. 17. 15. strengthen the weake Cant. 1. 4. Luk. 22. 31 32. 1. Cor. 12. 8 9. comfort the afflicted Psal 51. 12. Cant. 1. 1. recall the wandring Psal 119. 17 Luk. 19. 10. and to make all growe in grace and knowledge 2. Pet. 3. 18. Luk. 17. 5. and therefore that the same word may be continued Gal. 2. 5. the Sacraments and discipline purely administerd 1. Cor. 11. 23. 24. c 1. Cor. 5. 3 4 5. Heb. 3. 2 3 4 5. 6. Heb. 8. 5. good ministers and magistrates preserued Deut. 33. 11. 2. Thess 3. 1 2. Psal 20. 1. prospered Psal 122. 6 7 8. 1. Tim. 2. 2. and increased Lu. 10. 2. Es 49. 23. catechising more vsed 1. Cor. 3. 2. schooles for pietie erected and maintained 2. King 6. 1 2 c. Esa 62. 7. finally that Christ would come to iudgement Reu. 22. 20. Q. Which is the third petition A. Thy 11 will 12 be 13 done in earth as it is in 14 heauen Expos 11. Man by nature doth the wil of the flesh and Satan Eph. 2. 3. Io. 8. 44. but he ought to desire and doe not his owne will Rom. 8.
particular sinnes Reu. 3. 2 3. Ier. 3. 13. purge the heart of them by iudging and condemning Iam. 4. 8 9. c. and quicken the loathing of them in the heart so that the verie thought of them may be bitter Ier. 31. 19. 2. Tim. 1. 6. 23. We should desire to haue our faith encreased before we come to the Lords table for faith was required of such who did desire to be baptized Act. 8. 37. and 16. 33. 34. It is the eye by which we discerne 2. Cor. 3. 18. Ioh. 3. 14 15. and 8. 56. and the hand by which wee receiue Christ Ioh. 1. 12. 6. 35. making this feast of the Lord exceeding sweet Psal 119. 103. 24. When we come to the Lords table we professe our selues to be children of the same Father 2. Cor. 6. 18. the redeemed of the same Lord 1. Cor. 8. 6. such as be guided by the same spirit 1. Cor. 12. 13. ruled by the same word fed at the same table 1. Cor. 10. 16 17. members of the same body Eph. 4. 4 5 6. and heires of the same kingdome Rom. 8. 14. 17. should we not then heartily desire the good of one another both in soule and bodie Eph. 4. 3. 1. Pet. 3. 8. Q. What if a man finde himselfe weake in faith and full of doubting A. He must bewaile g Mark 9. 24. his 25 vnbeleefe pray for faith seek to haue his doubts resolued and so receiue to bee further strengthened 26 in h Iudg. 6. 37 38. Exod. 12. 1 2 3 4. beleeuing Expos 25. Vnbeleefe hinders the sweetnesse of the Lords ordinances Ioh. 6. 54. 63. 64. godly sorrow for it quickens a desire and makes way for the increase of faith 2. Cor. 7. 10. wherefore doubtings are to be bewailed but wee must not thereby bee kept from feasting with Christ 26. The weake were admitted by Christ vnto this table Mat. 26. 26. with 26. 56. Mark 16. 14. Act. 1. 6. The Sacrament was ordained not onely for the strong man but euen for babes in Christ that they might waxe stronger Rom. 4. 11. 1. Cor. 3. 2 3. they may therefore approach vnto this banquet being inuited by the Master of the feast Pro. 9. 6. Mat. 22. 9. Luk. 14. 21 22. Q. How ought a mans heart to bee affected in receiuing the Sacrament A. With i Exod. 3. 5. Gen. 28. 17. reuerence k Deut. 16. 15. ioy and â—7 comfort l 1. Cor. 11. 25. meditating on the outward signes and what they signifie the dainties prepared and loue of him that prepared them our communion with Christ his graces and faithfull people whereby the heart is m 1. Kin. 8. 66. stirred vp to thanksgiuing Expos 27. From that which we noted before touching the actions of the minister and the people in the deliuerie and receiuing of this Sacrament wee may learne how wee ought to behaue our selues in this holy businesse Exercise the eye in seeing the elements and the actions belonging thereunto Exo. 24. 8. the eare in hearing the mysteries explained the hand in receiuing the elements and the tast in feeling the comfort of them exercise also the mind in meditating and remembring of Christs sufferings the loue of God not onely giuing his Sonne to die for vs Ioh. 3. 16. but offering and sealing vnto vs our redemption thereby and stirre vp the heart to receiue Christ Esa 64. 7. and mourne for sinne Zach. 12. 10. desire Gods fauour reioyce in his loue Neh. 8. 10. stand in awe before him Psa 5. 7. fearing after an holy manner least by any vnruly affections or vnfitting gesture we shew the least want of due esteeme and ioy in his presence Ps 2. 11. and 4. 4. 1. Cor. 11. 10. and 14. 40. Q. What must we doe after wee haue receiued A. We must 28 endeauour to finde an n Prou. 4. 18. Ezeck 47. 12. increase of faith loue and all sauing graces abounding more and more in well-doing Expos 28. The receiuing of the Lords Supper is a renewing of our couenant with God Exod. 13. 9. Genes 17. 11. 2. Chron. 30. 29. therein we feed spiritually vpon Christ 1. Cor. 10. 16. are refreshed by him and by faith draw vertue from him Rom. 8. 2. Phil. 4. 13. therefore after we haue receiued wee must growe more in grace and knowledge If we speed not well after wee haue receiued commonly our want of preparation was the cause thereof or defects willingly admitted in the act of receiuing 2. Chro. 30. 19 20. Iudg. 10. 14 15. But care must be taken that out of dislike of our selues we doe not dislike or deny that measure of grace which the Lord bestoweth vpon vs neither must wee be ouer-hastie the Lord doth not alwaies powre his gifts vpon vs the same day that we come vnto him in his holy ordinances Psa 97. 11. Cant. 3. 4. and 5. 6. Q. What order hath the Lord left in his Church to keepe his ordinances from contempt A. The vnruly 29 should 30 be o 1. Thes 5. 14. admonished the 31 obstinate p 1. Cor. 5. 5. excommunicated 32 and the penitent after their fall 33 restored and q 2. Cor. 2. 6 7. comforted Expos 29. They are vnruly who are inordinate liue dissolutely and such who are knowne by speech gestures and deedes not to walke according to the rule of the word or busi-bodies vaine boasters idle c. 2. Thes 3. 11 12. or be fallen into any outward sinne 1. Cor. 6. 9. 30. Such persons beeing members of the Church 1. Cor. 5. 11. 12. should be reprehended for their sinne certenly known both to be sinne and to be committed by them Leu. 19. 17. Admonition must be performed with meekenes and discretion Gal. 6. 1 2. 2. Tim. 2. 25. sometimes also with zeale and seueritie 1. Gor. 4. 21. Gal. 3. 1. fitted to the person sinning the sinne committed and the manner of doing Numb 12. 9. 10. 14. If the sinne be priuate knowne to few the admonition must be priuate Matth. 18 15. Luk. 17. 3. if knowne to part of the Church admonition must be before them that know it if knowne to the whole church the admonition must be publike 1. Tim. 5. 20. vnlesse it be known by their fault that haue published it without cause But alwaies respect is to be had to the condition of the partie offending 1. Thes 5. 14. and that must be done which tends most to the edification of the Church 1. Cor. 14. 26. If admonition at the first preuaile not then it is to be doubled vntill either the offender be reformed or declare his obstinacie Tit. 2. 10. 11. 31. Such are to be held obstinate who despise the Churches admonition will by no meanes be reclaimed from their sin notwithstanding the long suffering which the Church hath vsed towardes them Matth. 18. 17. Tit. 2. 10 11. 2. Tim. 2. 25. 32. To be excommunicated is to be debarred from the publike ordinances
of God and societie of the faithfull both publike and priuate 1. Cor. 5. 3. 11. 12. 1. Tim. 1. 20. 2. Thes 3. 6. 14. so farre as necessitie will permit either in respect of their generall or particular calling 1. Cor. 7. 20. and 7. 10 11 12. with Eph. 5. 31. The ende of these censures is the humbling and reforming of the sinner 1. Cor. 5. 5. 2. Thes 3. 14. the terrifying of others 1. Tim. 5. 20. and keeping the ordinances of God in reuerence 1. Cor. 5. 6 7. 33. The censures of the Church are medicins to cure not poisons to destroy inflicted for to humble and bring into the right way such as haue gone astray when the sinner doth truly lament the euill of his life and is vnfainedly sorrowfull he is to be receiued againe into the bosome of the Church and comforted least Sathan by his deuises should bring him to despaire 2. Cor. 2. 10. 11. 1. Thes 5. 14. Q. Besides the forenamed meanes are there not some other profitable for the increase of faith A. Yes r Reu. 1. 3. reading 1 or 2 hearing the Scriptures read in Å¿ Act. 13. 15. publike and t Act. 8. 13. in 3 priuate 4 meditation u Luk. 2. 51. w Heb. 3. 13. conference5. Expos 1. The reading or hearing of the scripture read doth furnish the mind more with knowledge 1. Pet. 1. 19. Pro. 1. 5. Deut. 11. 19. 20. and doth worke vpon the affection Deut. 17. 18 19. 2. Kin. 22. 11. 19. Psal 119. 93. especially if we apply the commandements for our direction the threatnings to feare vs from sinne or to humble vs for it 2. Chro. 34. 19. 27. and the promises for our comfort and incouragement 2. As God requires that the Scriptures should be read in publique 1. Thes 5. 27. Col. 4. 16. so thereby he hath promised that his people may learne to feare him Deut. 31. 12 13. 3. Priuate reading maketh the publike ministerie more profitable Act. 8. 30. 31. inableth vs better to iudge of the Doctrines taught Act. 17. 11. thereby we are better fitted for the combate 1. Tim. 4. 13. 15. and many euills are preuented Esa 8. 19. 20. Psal 119. 9. Iob. 22. 21. 4. Meditation is auaileable for the getting of grounded and setled knowledge 2. Tim. 2. 7. Psal 119. 99. and the increase thereof 1. Tim. 4. 13 15. it strengtheneth memorie Psal 119. 15. 16. enlargeth our delight in good Psal 104. 34. Psal 119. 16. discouereth corruption purgeth the heart of idle and vnprofitable wandrings addeth life and strength to holy duties Gen. 24. 63. Psal 143. 5. 6. and hereby we grow more inwardly acquainted with God Psal 77. 10. 11. 12. this duty must bee practised euery day more or lesse Psal 119. 97. 5. All such who with wisedome Pro. 10. 32. and 15. 22. Psal 37. 30. reuerence 1. Pet. 4. 11. loue the spirit of meekenesse and gentlenesse Tit. 3. 2. Col. 4. 6. Ph. 2. 2. 3. and a desire of reaping good doe conferre religiously shall preuent rotten speeches Eph. 4. 29. hardnesse of heart Heb. 3. 13. and much euill Eccl. 5. 2. shall increase in knowledge Pro. 1. 5. be resolued of their doubts Col. 3. 16. 1. Thess 5. 11. Iob. 16. 4. 5. armed against falling Act. 11. 23. Iude. 20. Pro. 18. 8. and quickned from their dulnesse Heb. 10. 2. This will kindle desire of more fellowship with Christ Cant. 5. 16. and sweeten the communion of Saints Rom. 1. 11. 12. 1. Thess 3. 2. Rom. 15. 32. 24. v. These duties must carefully be practised of euery man as he hath opportunitie and meanes Matth. 25. 27. 2. Cor. 8. 12. Q. Hitherto of the ordinarie meanes whereby faith is increased bee there not also some 6 extraordinarie meanes A. Yes and these be holy x Luk. 5. 53. fasting holy y Est 9. 17. feasting and religious z Psal 50. 14. vowes 6. By extraordinare duties are meant such which be of more seldome and rare practise though they must bee vsed oft aâ— God giueth occasion and when he calleth thereunto Q. What is an holy fast A. A religious a Hest 4. 16. abstinence from all b Leu. 23. 28. the labours of our 7 calling and c Exod. 33. 5. comforts of this life so farre as comelines and necessity wil permit that we might be more seriously d Dan. 9. 9. 11. Leu. 23. 27. humbled 9 before God and more feruent in prayer Expos 7. A fast is to be kept as a Sabbath vnto God Leu. 23. 28. Esa 58. 13 14. And therefore as vpon the Sabbath such businesses of this life must bee auoided that agree not with the Sabbath 8. By the comforts of this life we are to vnderstand meate drinke costly apparell recreation and all other delights Dan. 10. 3. 1. Cor. 7. 5. 9. With fasting must be ioyned a serious meditation of our sinnes Esr 6. 4. 6. Neh. 1. 6. 7. Gods iudgements Neh. 9. 35. 36 37. and our speciall wants Dan. 9. 11. 18. The person meete for this exercise must be no nouice in religion Luk. 5. 36. 37. Matth. 9. 15 16. A fast is either of one alone 2. Sam. 12. 16. or of the whole family Zac. 12. 12. or of a particular congregation or of the whole Church in generall Iudg. 20. 28. Q. When ought we to fast A. When we feele or e Hest 4. 16. Esr 8. 21. feare some grieuous 10 calamitie vpon vs or hanging ouer 11 our heads want some speciall 12 blessing are pressed with some special sinne or goe about some weighty f Act. 13. 2. matter Expos 10. As sword famine pestilence strange vnwonted sicknesses vnseasonable weather c. Ezek. 14. 21. with Esa 22. 12. 13. 11. These iudgements hang ouer our heads which our sinnes and the sinnes of the land haue deserued and crie for Amos. 8. 5. 8. Iam. 5. 4. Genes 18. 20. and which God hath threatned by his word and ministerie Zeph. 1. 3 4 5. with Zach. 1. 6. Lam. 1. 13 14. 20. with 2. 17. and hath inflicted formerly vpon like transgressors Ier. 7. 12. Amos 6. 2 3 12. Notwithstanding the ordinarie and daily prayers of his people the Lord in great wisedome will see them want some speciall good thing that they may seeke him more earnestly in the vse of the dutie of fasting Iudg. 20. 28. Q. What is an holy feast A. An 13 extraordinary g 1. Chron. 16. 8. and 29. 10 11. thanksgiuing for some notable deliuerance out of some desperate danger testified 14 with feasting before God with ioy and gladnesse sending presents to our friends h Neh. 8. 19. Hest 9. 22. portions to the needie Expos 13. In a day of extraordinarie thanksgiuing there should be a serious remembrance of Gods benefits Ps 116. 6. and 103. 2. whereby wee should bee stirred vp after a feruent manner to yeild praise to the Lord Psa 34. 3. and 35. 27. Exod. 15.
37. Ioh. 12. 43. 2. Tim. 3. 2. feare of man more then of God Reu. 21. 8. Mat. 10. 28. Ier. 10. 2. base delights that draw the heart from the fountain of goodnes Matth. 24. 37. Luk. 21. 34. and 14. 18. c. Inuocation of wood stone or Saints departed Dan. 3. 2. c. Esa 63. 16. sacrificing to our nets Hab. 1. 16. or blessing an Idoll Esa 66. 3. 1. Sam. 31. 9. Psa 106. 28. dedicating holy daies to the honour of Saints Exod. 32. 6. or to the crosse professing homage or obedience to the Pope 1. Cor. 7. 23. representing God by an image Deut. 4. 12. 25. Esa 40. 18. societie of marriage with idolaters of this kind Deut. 7. 1. Exod. 34. 11. 15. 2. Chr. 21. 6. seeking to wizards for help Leuit. 20. 6. 1. Sam. 28. 11. c. and ascribing any thing whether it be properly a work or the glory that belongeth to the Lord alone to any creature or thing though we acknowledge it to be no God Eph. 5. 5. Phil. 3. 14. Exod. 32. 8. Rom. 1. 23. 25. 1. Cor. 10. 20. Q. Which is the second Commaundement A. Thou shalt not make to thy selfe c. Q. What is the generall duty which this Commandement requireth A. That we doe 6 worshippe the true God purely according to his will Expos 6. The particular duties of this precept comprised vnder that generall are hearing and reading the word and prayer either publique or priuate Math. 28. 19 20. Deu. 33. 10. Luk. 4. 15. and 11. 1. and 1. 10. 1. Tim. 2. 1. administration of the Sacraments Matth. 3. 1. 6. and 26. 26. c. and discipline Mat. 18. 15. c. 2. Cor. 2. 6. 2. Thess 3. 15. meditation Ps 1. 2. and 37. 31. and 77. 15. conference Deut. 6. 7. Mal. 3. 16. fasting Luk. 5. 35. Act. 13. 2. and feasting Est 9. 17. with all meanes and furtherances thereof all which must bee approoued exercised maintained and performed purely as God offereth opportunitie without carnall imaginations and conceits Deut. 4. 2. and 12. 32. Act. 17. 29. Esa 40. 18. 22. c. Q. What is the generall sinne forbidden A. All 7 omission of Gods true worship when it is required and all false worship either inuented by others or taken vp of our owne heads Expos 7. The omission of any of the former particular duties required as of hearing c. Luk. 14. 19. Esa 64. 7. is here forbidden As also carnall imaginations in Gods worship Act. 17. 29. liking and approbation of our owne inuentions Num. 15. 39. making images for a religious vse Leuit. 19. 4. and 26. 1. worshipping God in at or before an image 1. Kin. 19. 18. 2. Kin. 18. 4. adding to or detracting from or changing any thing of the word of God instituting false Sacraments or offices in Gods Church Deu 4. 2. and 12. 32. 1. Kin. 12. 31 32. wil-worship grounded onely vpon good intent or custome Matth. 15. 9. Col. 2. 18. 23. as Popish fastings going on pilgrimage vowes of pouertie single life or any superstitious or vaine thing tying Gods presence to time or place Num. 23. 28. 29. 1. Sam. 4. 4. 7. 2. Sam. 15. 25. Ioh. 4. 20. praying vpon beads maintaining of any idolatrous customes as fit and decent to adorn and beautifie the worship of God Deu. 12. 30. Esa 30. 22. societie with false worshippers of God in marriage Deut. 7. 3. 4. Exod. 23. 32 33. and making leagues of amity with them 2. Chron. 19. 1 2. Q. What is the third Commandement A. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vaine c. Q. What is the generall duty required in this Commandement A. That wee should 8 vse the titles properties works and ordinances of the Lord with knowledge faith reuerence ioy and sincerely in thought word and conuersation Expos 8. The speciall duties of this precept are reuerent meditation of Gods titles properties and word Psal 8. 1. c. Psal 1. 2. and diligent obseruation of his workes both of creation and prouidence mercy and iudgement Psal 104. 24. and 107. 43. Hearing the word and calling vpon Gods name with desire Psal 42. 1. care diligence Eccl. 4. 17. Iob 5. 27. constancie Psa 122. 2. zeale Iam. 5. 16. Matth. 11. 12. faith Iam. 1. 6. Ioh. 5. 24. ioy Matth. 13. 44. and humilitie Esa 66. 2. and 57. 15. Receiuing the Sacrament with due preparation and right affection 1. Cor. 11. 28. Numb 9. 6. c. making confession of our sinnes with griefe Ezr. 9. Dan. 9. broken-heartednesse Psal 51. 17. and purpose of amendment Iob. 39. 37. 38. Speaking of Gods word and workes with sinceritie feare and reuerence vpon iust occasions Psal 119. 46. Deut. 28. 58. Swearing by the name of God in truth iudgement and equity beeing lawfully called thereunto Ier. 4. 2. vsing apparell meat drinke sleepe recreation c. after a sanctified manner with prayer moderation and to the glorie of God 1. Tim. 2. 9. Luk. 21. 34. 1. Tim. 4. 45. 1. Cor. 10. 31. and with an outward profession of religion ioyning an vnblameable conuersation Phil. 1. 27. 1. Pet. 3. 1 2. Tit. 2. 10. Matth. 5. 16. Q. What is the generall sinne forbidden A. Omitting 9 the dutie here required vsing 10 his name when we ought not or otherwise then we should Q. When is the name of God taken otherwise then it should A. When it is vsed ignorantly superstitiously without faith rashly not to a right ende hypocritically falsely against conscience and when men name themselues Christians but liue scandalously Expos 9. The speciall sinnes forbidden are omission or neglect to knowe Psal 92. 5 6. c. obserue Zeph. 3. 5. meditate or make vse of the titles properties ordinances or workes of God Matth. 13. 19. and 7. 26. c. and 10. And also light vnreuerent vaine false superstâ—tious or wicked thinking thereof Mal. 2. 17. Psal 5. 21. praying without vnderstrnding 1. Cor. 14. 15. desire or care to speede Matth. 6. 7. or faith in Gods promises Rom. 10. 14. hearing without attention or care to get good thereby Ezek 33. 30. Act. 28. 21. 22. receiuing the Sacrament ignorantly for custome without holy preparation and affection required 1. Cor. 11. 17. c. Swearing vainly Ier. 5. 7. Matth. 5. 34. rashly 2. Sam. 19. 7. Eccl. 9. 2. falsly Zach. 5. 3. Ier. 5. 2. and wicked blasphemy against God Leuit 24. 11. 2. King 19. 22. cursing and banning 1. Sam. 17. 43. abusing the creatures in excesse Amos 6. 1. c. Or superstition Col. 2. 20 21. Gen. 32. 32. making a sport of sinne Prou. 14. 9. Ier. 11. 15. and liuing scandalously in the profession of religion 2. Sam. 12. 14. Q. Which is the fourth Commaundement A. Remember the Sabbath day c. Q. What is the generall duty here required A. That the whole 11 Sabbath or Lords day be set apart from all common vse as holy to the Lord both publiquely and priuately
in the practise of the duties of necessitie holinesse and mercie Expos 11. In this commaundement it is enioyned that we finish all our worldly businesse in sixe dayes Deu. 5. 13. and that we rise betimes in the morning vpon the Sabbath Mark 1. 35. compared with ver 38. 39. Exod. 32. 5 6. Psal 92. 2. and prepare our selues for the publike congregation by prayer meditation thanksgiuing and examination of our hearts Eccles 4. 17. Psal 93. 5. 2. Tim. 2. 19. going about the workes of mercy and instant necessitie with heauenly mindes Matth. 12. 1. c. Luk. 13. 15. It is also required that wee ioyne with the people of God in the publique congregation hearing the word read and preached calling vpon Gods name receiuing the Sacraments praising God for his mercies singing of Psalmes 2. King 4. 23. Act. 13. 14 15. 44. and 15. â—1 and 16. 13. and 17. 2. and 20. 7. In which exercises wee must be all the while attentiue Act. 16. 14. reuerent Esa 66. 2. eager to get good Psa 42. 1 2. not departing till the blessing bee pronounced Ezec. 46. 1 2. 10. Act. 10. 33. 1. Cor. 14. 16. After the whole day is to bee spent with delight and cheerefulnesse in religious meditation reading and conference and the works of necessitie and mercy Esa 58. 13. 14. Act. 17. 11. Psal 1. 2. Luk. 24. 14. 17. 1. Cor. 16. 2. Q. What is the generall sinne there forbidden A. All neglecting 12 of the duties of that time or 13 prophaning of that day in whole or in part by needlesse works words or thoughts about our callings or recreations Expos 12. Here is forbidden idlenes or a negligent omission of any dutie required either in whole or in part for matter or manner as sleeping out of the Sabbath in the morning sleight preparing our selues for the publike assemblie absence from it comming late sleeping there staring about going foorth before the blessing misapplying the word Mat. 20. 6. Act. 20. 9. 13. All prophanation of the Sabbath or any moment of that precious time with worldly cares words or businesse is condemned also Esa 58. 13. as trauailing iourneys Exod. 16. 29. 30. keeping faires Neh. 13. 15 16 17. labouring in seed-time and haruest Exod. 34. 21. going on trifling errands c. vaine recreations as bowling shooting hunting stoole-ball c. on this day are vnlawfull Q. Which day is to bee set apart as holy to the Lord A. It is morall and perpetuall to keep one day in seauen as holy from the creation to the resurrection of Christ the seuenth day was instituted after Christ his resurrection the 14 first day of the weeke was ordained and is to be kept for euer 14. The worke of our redemption is the greatest worke that euer was Ioh. 3. 16. and by Christ his resurrection from the dead a newe creation was as it were finished wherefore seeing that he rose againe the first day it was as diuines agree meeâ—e the Sabbath should bee changed to the first day Act. 20. 7. 1. Cor. 16. 2. Q. Which is the fift Commaundement A. Honour thy Father and thy Mother c. Q. Who are meant by Father and Mother A. Not onely naturall parents but also 15 all Superiours in office age and gifts Expos 15. All Superiours are called by the name father and mother 2. Kin. 2. 12. and 5. 13. Esa 19. 13. because they are sweet and pleasant names apt to signfie both the affection that Superiours ought to beare towards their inferiours and also to perswade inferiours cheerefully to performe their duty Houshold society also is of all others the first from which all others spring by the encrease of mankind Gen. 4. 1 2. and 9. 1. Q. What is it to honour A. To acknowledge the excellencie that is in men by vertue of their place and accordingly to yeeld it to them Q. Are the duties of inferiours only here intended A. No but of Superiours and equals also Q. What then is the generall duty required in this commandement A. That we carefully 16 obserue that order God hath appointed amongst men and doe the duties which wee owe vnto them in respect of their places and degrees Expos 16. Of all men as they stand in relation one to another here is required wisedome and iustice to yeeld to euerie man that which appertaines to his place 1. Pet. 2. 17. loue and diligence in fitting themselues with gifts meete for their place 2. Tim. 2. 15. and doing their duties modestly and moderation in bearing with the defects of others Gal. 6. 1. and prayer for the mutuall good of others Iam. 5. 16. Q. What is the duty of Inferiours to their Superiours A. To bee subiect 17 reuerent and thankfull bearing with their wants and couering them in loue Expos 17. The wholesome lawes of Magistrats must bee carefully obserued Tit. 3. 1. 1. Pet. 2. 13. Rom. 13. 1. their persons reuerenced Pro. 24. 21. 1. Pet. 2. 17. and defended with the goods body and life of the subiect and to them tribute and custome is freely and willingly to bee payed Rom. 13. 6. 7. 2. Sam. 18. 3. and 21. 17. The ministers of the Gospel must be had in singular loue for their workes sake 1. Thess 5. 13. their doctrine must be receiued with gladnes of heart Heb. 13. 17. Luk. 10. 16. 1. Thess 2. 17. themselues defended against the wrongs of wicked men Rom. 16. 4. and made partakers of all good things for this life Gal. 6. 6. Wiues must after a speciall manner loue feare and obey their husbands yea though they be froward which must be manifested in word and behauiour Eph. 5. 33. 22 23 24. Col. 3. 18. 1. Pet. 3. 1. 1. Sam. 25. 3. they must be helpers to them in godlines and in the things of this life Gen. 2. 18. 1. Pet. 3. 1. Pro. 31. Children must imbrace the instructions of their parents continue in feare and obedience to the ende not bestow themselues in mariage without their consent Eph. 6. 1. Luk. 2. 51. Exod. 18. 19. Ruth 3. 5. Iudg. 14. 2. and minister freely vnto their necessities 1. Tim. 5. 4. Gen. 47. 12. Seruants must wisely faithfully willingly and painefully bestowe their time appointed in their gouernours seruice Tit. 2. 9 10. Eph. 6. 5 6. Gen. 31. 38. 1. Tim. 6. 1 2. submitting themselues to holy instruction bearing rebukes and chastisements though they be vniust without grudging stomack sullen countenance answearing againe or resistance Tit. 2. 9. 1. Pet. 2. 18. vntill they can vse some iust and lawfull remedie Weake Christians must not censure the strong for vsing their liberty Rom. 14. 2 3. Young men must giue due respect to the aged asking their counsell rising vp before them giuing them leaue to speake before them c. Tit. 2. 6. 1. Pet. 5. 5. Leuit. 19. 32. Iob. 32. 4. 6. Inferiours in gifts must not grudge or disdaine their superiours but seeke to make benefit of the gifts that
exactly agreeing with it selfe and with the whole Io. 5. 46. This may sufficiently appeare by comparing the prophesies of the old Testament touching Christ the calling of the Gentiles and reiection of the Iewes with the accomplishment of them declared in the Newe Gen. 3. 15. and 12. 4. and 49. 10. Numb 14. 17. Dan. 9. 25. Matth. 1. 18. Luk. 1. 55. and 24. 27. 44. Act. 26. 22. Deut. 32. 21. Mal. 1. 10. 11. Psal 2. 8. and 110. 2. Act. 11. 18. Psal 118. 22. 23. Matth. 21. 42. Such exact consent as here is to be found is impossible to be fained of men or Angels as the things foretold were remooued from their knowledge and finding out vntill they were reuealed These considerations giue strength to this argument 1. The length of time in which this writing continued viz. from Moses vntil Iohn which preuented all conceits of forgery since they were not written in one nor yet in many ages 2. The multitude of bookes that were written and of writers who were imployed in that seruice 3. The distance of place in which they were written which did hinder that the writers could not conferre together Ier. 2. 1. 2. and 36. 5. Ezeck 1. 1. 4. The silence of the aduersaries who in all that long space mentioned whiles the Scripture was in writing could neuer detect any thing in those bookes as false or erroneous whose silence is of great weight in this case because they were eie witnesses of those things which our Sauiour taught did and suffered according as it was prophesied of him so that they knowe the prophesies sauâ— the accomplishment of them and were acquainted with that which the Apostles had written If the Prophets or Apostles who wrote the same histories doe seeme to dissent in any circumstances this doth nothing derogate from their authority for in themselues they differ not the fault is our ignorance and apprehension by a right and iust interpretation they may easily be reconciled and the dissonancy which seemes to be amongst them in small things doth free them from all suspition of fraud and their sweet consent in all matters of importance doth conuince that they wrote by the guidance of the same Spirit If they had all written one thing they might seeme superfluous if each a new history there could appeare no steps of consent when they relate the same story with the same circumstances they haue their vse one sometimes speaking more plainely then the other and when they agree in matter but seeme to dissent in circumstance the truth is the more confirmed an argument of fuller credit may be drawne out of that dissent for as the Heathen man obserueth too exact diligence is neither approoued of al neither doth it want suspition To this sweete agreement of holy Scripture with it selfe it might be further added that it agreeth with all other truth whatsoeuer there is nothing true in diuinity which is false in Philosophie nothing in Phylosophie is repugnant to the truth in divinity but it may be ouerthrowne by the principles of right and true Phylosophie 15. The matter intreated of in holy Scripture is diuine and wonderfull It explicats vnto vs thâ— nature properties and high acts of God purely and holily It describs the person of Christ so fitly excellently and conueniently that if the mind of man consider it attentiuely of necessity it must acknowledge that it doth exceed the reach of a finite vnderstanding It discouers vnto vs the misery and corruption of man by nature incomprehensible loue of God in Iesus Christ towards man that happy reconciliation if we may so speake of his iustice and mercy by his infinite wisedom ordaining Iesus Christ to be our Mediator and it vnfolds the couenant of grace which God made with man after his fall all which can be drawn from no fountain but diuine reuelation 1. Cor. 2. 7. 8. Eph. 3. 4. 5. Col. 1. 26. The Scripture also containes the lawe of God which teacheth the dutie of man and that is wise and iust the Gentiles themselues being iudges Deu. 4. 5. 6. 7. In the precepts diuerse notes of diuinity may be obserued as 1. The surpassing excellencie of the act requiring that we should denie our selues and lead our liues according to the appointment of the Lord. Matth. 16. 24. 25. Rom. 8. 12. 13. 2. The wonderful equity that doth appeare in euery commaundement 3. The admirable strangenes of some acts which a naturall man would count foolishnes yet prescribed as necessary Io. 3. 36. and 8. 24. 4. The manner how obedience is required viz. that it proceed from a pure heart a good conscience and faith vnfained Deut. 6. 5. 1. Cor. 13. 2. 1. Tim. 1. 5. 5. And the perfection of the law commaunding and allowing all good but forbidding and condemning all sinne and wickednes of what kind soeuer Take a briefe veiwe of the ten commaundements are they not plaine pure briefe perfect iust extending to all binding the conscience and reaching to the very thoughts and doe not all these things commend vnto vs the iustice wisedome holines omnipotencie omniscience perfection and absolute soueraignty of the lawgiuer The promises and threatnings annexed to the law will suffer vs to acknowledge none other author of them but the Lord alone for none can make them but he he only can giue eternall life and inflict eternall condemnation Moreouer these are so set together with the commandements as they can mooue none but only the conscience of him who doth acknowledge the Commandements to be diuine 16. The ende of the Scripture is diuine viz. the glorie of God and the saluation of man not temporall but eternall The doctrines precepts prohibitions and narrations are all referred to the setting forth of Gods praise which shewes that they are from aboue Ioh. 7. 18. and 5. 41. and 8. 50. 54. Gal. 1. 10. And to speake truth what is more equal then that all things should returne thither whence thâ—y had their beginning This word also doth point out vnto man what true blessednes is and how he may be reconciled vnto God beeing lost by sinne which is a firme demonstration to prooue vnto vs the diuinitie thereof for what is more agreeable to the wisedom bountie mercy grace power of God then to restore man fallen and to make him partakers of eternall happinesse and who can shewe vnto man how hee may be admitted into Gods fauour hauing offended or direct lead him forward in the path of life but the Lord alone These arguments are of great force whether they bee seuerally or ioyntly considered and doe as strongly prooue that the Christian Religion is only true as any other reason can that there was is or ought to be any true religion 17. This testimonie of Scripture it selfe is most cleare certaine infallible publique and of it selfe worthy credit it beeing the testimonie of the Lord himselfe who is in all things to be beleeued But the external light of arguments and
testimonies brought to confirme and demonstrate must be distinguished from the inward operation of the holy Ghost opening our eies to see the light shining in the Scripture and to discern the sense thereof 2. Cor. 1. 22 Q. These reasons may conuince any be he neuer so obstinate but are they sufficient to perswade the heart hereof A. No the testimonie of the 18 Spirit is necessarie q 1. Cor. 2. 14. and onely all-sufficient for this purpose r. 1. Ioh. 2. 20. 27. Expos 18. By nature we are blind in spirituall things 1. Cor. 2. 14. Matth. 15. 14. though therefore the Scripture be a shining light Psal 119. 105. yet vnlesse our eies be opened Psal 119. 18. Act. 26. 18. wee cannot see it no more then a blind man doth the Sunne Ioh. 1. 5. Thâ— Spirit is the author of supernatural light and faith 1. Cor. 2. 8 9. Eph. 1. 17. 1. Ioh. 5. 6. 10. by the inspiration thereof were the Scriptures written 2. Pet. 1. 21. the secrets of God are fully knowne vnto and effectually reuealed by the Spirit 1. Cor. 2. 10. the same law which is written in the Scriptures the Spirit doth write in the hearts of men that be indued therewith Esa 59. 21. Heb. 8. 10. For which reasons it must needs bee that the testimonie of the Spirit is all-sufficient to perswade and assure the heart that the Scriptures are the word of God To preuent mistaking therein obserue these rules 1. The Spirit of God doth assuredly perswade our consciences that the Scriptures are of God by enlightning our eyes to behold the light writing the law in our hearts sealing vp the promises to our consciences and causing vs sensibly to feele the effects therof 1. Cor. 2. 12. Luk. 24. 45. 1. Cor. 14. 37. Ier. 31. 33. 2. Cor. 1. 22. 1. Thes 1. 5. with 1. Thes 2. 13. Act. 16. 14. 2. This perswasion of the Spirit is more certain then can bee prooued with reason or expressed in words for things doubtfull may be proued but things in themselues most cleare and certain be aboue all proofe and reason as the shining of the Sunne needes not to be confirâ—ed by argument to him that hath his eyes open to see the light thereof 3. This testimonie of the Holy Ghost is certaine and manifest to him that hath the Spirit but priuate not publique testifying onely to him who is endued therof but not conuincing others not confirming doctrines to others 4. This testimonie of the Spirit is not to be seuered from the word which is the instrument of the holy Ghost and his publique testimonie It is not therefore iniurious to trie the Spirit by the word of God 1. Ioh. 4. 1. seeing there is a mutuall relation between the truth of the partie witnessing and the truth of the thing witnessed and the holy Spirit the author of the Scripture is euery where like vnto and doth euerie where agree with himselfe 5. The testimonie of the Spirit doth not teach or assure vs of the letterâ— syllabes or seuerall words of holy Scripture which are onely as a vessell to cary and conuey that heauenly light vnto vâ— but it doth seale in our hearts the sauing truth contained in those sacred writings into what language soeuer they be translated Eph. 1. 13. 6. The Spirit doth not lead them in whom it dwelleth absoluâ—ly and at once into all truth but into all truth necessarie to saluation and by degrees Ioh. 16. 13. with Act. 1. 6. 11. 2. so that holy men partakers of the same Spirit may erre in many things and dissent one from another in matters not fundamentall Q. What are the properties of the Scripture A. It is of 19 Diuine Å¿ 2. Tim. 3. 16. authoritie the rule 20 of t Eccl. 12. 10. Gal. 6. 16. faith and manners 21 u Rom. 10. 14. necessarie 22 w Psal 12. 6. pure 23 x Psal 19. 7. perfect and 24 y Prou. 8. 9. plain Expos 19. Such is the excellency of the holy Scripture aboue all other writings whatsoeuer 2. Tim. 3. 15. 2. Pet. 1. 19. that it ought to be credited in all narrations threatnings promises or prophesies 1. Tim. 1. 15. Heb. 11. 11. 2. Pet. 1. 19. and obeyed in all commaundements Iob 22. 22. Ier. 13. 15. Rom. 1. 5. God the Author thereof beeing of incomprehensible wisedome Psa 147. 5. great goodnesse Exod. 18. 9. Psa 34. 8. Rom. 11. 22. absolute power and dominion Gen. 17. 1. Psal 50. 1 â— and truth that can neither deceiue nor be deceiued Rom. 3. 4. Tit. 1. 2. Heb. 6. 18. The authority of the Scripture doth onely and wholly depend vpon God the author of it and therefore though one part may be preferred before another in respect of excellencie of matter and vse Cant. 1. 1. 1. Tim. 1. 15. in authoritie and certaintie euery part is equall and onely Scripture is of diuine authoritie Gal. 1. 8. Mat. 17. 5. 1. Cor. 11. 23. 20. The Scriptures are the word of Christ Col. 3. 16. whose word is vpright Eccl. 12. 10. Phil. 3. 16. the first truth Heb. 13. 8. receiued by immediate diuine reuelation 2. Pet. 1. 21. and deliuered to the Church sufficient to make the man of God perfect in all good workes 2. Tim. 3. 16. 17. the treasury whence all doctrines must be taken 1. Pet. 4. 11. Act 26. 22. Luk. 16. 29. the touchstone wherby they must be tried Act. 17. 11. Esa 8. 20. without which error in doctrine and manners is vnavoidable Matth. 22. 29. 21. In respect of substance the word of God was alwaies necessary Eph. 2. 20 without which we could neither knowe nor worship God aright Heb. 11. 3. 6. Matth. 22. 29. Ioh. 20. 31. 2. Tim. 3 16. Rom. 15. 4. Luk. 24. 26 27. In respect of the manner of reuealing in writing the Scriptures were neeessarie euer since it pleased God after that manner to make knowne his will Deut. 17. 18. Iosh 1. 8. Rom. 15. 4. Luk. 1. 3. Iude v. 3. and so shal be to the end of the world 1. Cor. 10. 11. Reu. 22. 18. 22. This blessed word of God is free from all euen the least staine of follie errour falshood or vniustice Psal 119. 138. 140. Prou. 30. 5. Ioh. 17. 17. all things being laid down holily and truely both for substance circumstance and manner of speaking Psal 51. 1. Matth. 1. 25. 23. Whatsoeuer was is or shall be necessary or profitable to be knowne beleeued practised or hoped for that is fully comprehended in the bookes of the Prophets and Apostles Luk. 16. â—9 31. Io. 5. 39. Rom. 15. 4. Gal. 1. 8. 9. 2. Tim. 3. 15. 16. 17. The perfection of the Scripture will more plainely appeare if we consider 1. That religion for the substance thereof was euer one and vnchangeable Heb. 13. 8. Eph. 4. 5. Iude. 3. Act. 26. 22. Tit. 1. 1. 2. 2. The lawe of God written by Moses and the Prophets did deliuer whatsoeuer