first and principall duty belonging to a Christian Answer The hearing of Gods word James 1.19 Rev. 2.29 Question 73. In what manner must it be heard 1 Attentively Nehem. 8.3 Psal 78.1 That is without distraction and wandring of heart and with all readinesse of mind and due regard Acts 17.11 James 1.19 Acts 28.14 2 Sincerely Acts 10.33 without a dissembling heart Jer. 42.20 3 Understandingly so as to conceive it Mat. 13.51 Mark 1.14 4 Affectionately so as to have our hearts quickned and warmed with it Luke 24.32 5 Faithfully so as to be fully perswaded of the truth of the Doctriue the worth of the Promises the weight of the threatnings and generally of the undoubted certainty of all those things whereof we are instructed in the word of God Heb. 4.2 Luke 1.4 6 Meekly so as to submit to it James 1.21 Even when we are reproved and threatned by it Isa 38. ult 7 Fruitfully so as to profit by it and be doers of it never getting rest to our selves till we be like that word we hear in all holinesse both of heart and life James 1.22 2 Cor. 3.18 8 Providently laying up in stock for the time to come what we have not present use of Isa 42.23 Psal 119.9 Question 74. What 's the second maind uty belonging to our Christian calling Answer Receiving the Sacrament of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 11.25 Question 75. In what manner ought we to receive it Answer 1 With some good understanding of the grounds of Religion in generall to wit mans good Creation sinfull fall and gracious redemption that so we may know what need and use there is of a Sacrament and Sacrifice as at the Passeover there was instruction to acquaint them with the grounds and use of it Exod. 12.26 2 Chron. 30.22 As also with the understanding of the Mystery of the Sacrament in particular so as to be able to discern the Lords body 1 Cor. 11.24 2 With an earnest desire and eager appetite which without the understanding before spoken cannot be John 4.10 and that shewes the necessity of it Isa 55.1 John 7.38 3 With faith for we cannot partake in Jesus Christ for our spirituall nourishment unlesse we come to him and to come to him is to believe on him John 6.35 4 With a good conscience which contains in it both repentance and charity for it is as much as to see 1 As much as may be that God have nothing against us Rev. 2.4 our sin being put away by repentance Psal 32.5 2 That men have nothing against us all offences being removed by Reconciliation Mat. 5.23 Question 76. What 's the third speciall duty of a Christian Answer Prayer Mat. 7.7 Psal 50.15 1 Cor. 1.2 Question 77. In what manner are we to pray unto God Answer 1 Watchfully Col. 4.2 the time and place being as much as may be fitted Mark 1.35 But alwayes the heart being fixed and settled on the service Psal 108.1 2 Wisely praying for things lawfull and needfull good and fit 1 John 5.14 1 Kings 3.9 10. 3 Reverently that is with humble acknowledgment how unworthy we are to desire any thing from so gracious a God Gen. 18.27 and with humble submission of our suites unto the wil of so wise a God Mat. 26.39 4 Faithfully James 2.6 Earnestly Luke 11.8 and Constantly Luke 18.1 Question 78. What 's the fourth speciall Christian duty Answer Fasting Mat. 9.15 Question 79. What Rules are there to be observed for fasting Answer 1 We are to fast when it is fit that is not when such a day comes superstitiously Gal. 4.10 But when God calls thereunto by any speciall and extraordinary occasion religiously Isa 22.12 Joel 2.12 2 We are to fast as it is fit to wit 1 With inward contrition and renting of our hearts Psa 51.17 Joel 2.13 2 With outward Humiliation that all the world may see our submission unto God 1 Kings 21. last 3 With faithfull and fervent prayer Jona 3.8 4 With a through reformation professed by the renewing of our Covenant in the day of our fast Nehem. 9. last 10. and practised in the renewing of our conversation after the fast and that so as that God may see and he himself may say that we are turned from the evill of our works Jona 3. last 3 We are to humble our selves before God as long as it is fit to wit till God he intreated Judges 20.23 26. even as Jacob continued his wrestling with weeping and supplication till God was conquered Gen. 32.26 Question 80. What 's the fifth speciall Christian duty Answer Vowing Psal 76.11 50.14 Question 81. In what manner is a Vow to be made Answer It must be 1 Of things lawfull not to kill Paul Acts 23.12 Rom. 14. ult It 's against Scripture to Vow Chastity 1 Cor. 7.9 Poverty Prov. 30.8 Regular obedience 1 Cor 7.23 So as the Papists prescribe 2 Secondly of things in our power to wit in ordinary course and by diligent use of the means through that blessing of God which he uses to afford for Vowing requires paying Eccles 5.4 and paying power 3 Of things in our purpose and resolution Psal 119.106 not Vowing in a passion or with dissimulation 4 For such reason as it is fit to wit 1 To expresse our thankfulnesse Gen. 28.20 2 To take some revenge upon our selves for sins committed 2 Cor. 11.7 3 To prevent some sin whereof of we are in danger Job 31.1 A Vow is sepes sanctimoniae to hedge us in a holy course and keep off the breakings in of sin 4 To help our selves in service 1 Cor. 9.25 as to make a light dinner on the Sabbath for attending the afternoones Sermon the better 5 For such a time as is fit in some cases and for some considerations for ever 1 Cor. 7.5 That wine which a young man may have reason to Vow abstinence from will when he is older or weaker be needfull for him and not hurtfull as before to him 1 Tim. 5.23 Question 82. What speciall Caution is there to be observed in Vowing Answer Vow not upon a push of zeal our zeal must be put to the performing but our wisedome and care to the making of a Vow that thou mayest not be slack to pay be slack rather to Vow for to forbear to pay will be a sin to thee but it is no sin to forbear to Vow Deut. 23.21 22. Question 83. But what if I Vow rashly am I then bound to pay Answer A rash and unlawfull Vow binds but to what not to performance but to repentance Question 84. But when a Vow is needfull to be made and hard to be kept what course is to be taken for the keeping of it Answer Vow a hard thing for a short time first whereby thou mayest take a tryall what thou art able to doe and so either injure thy self to keep it for a longer time or if thou find thy self too weak to perform unloose thy self from it
they have so blessed a communion with him that he is not ashamed to be called their God and to acknowledge them to be his people To be called their Father and to acknowledge them to be his children Heb. 11.16 2 Cor. 6.16 18. Question Have the Saints a speciall communion with our Lord Jesus Christ Answer Yes for he is their head husband redeemer Lord and advocate and they are his members his spouse his redeemed his subjects and those for whom he prayeth unto his Father Eph. 1.22 John 19.25 Phil. 4.23 1 John 2.1 1 Cor. 12.27 Psal 45.13 14. Rev. 5.9 Heb. 7.25 Col. 1.5 Question Have the Saints an especiall fellowship among themselves Answer Yes for they are fellow citizens fellow servants fellow brethren and fellow members which joyfull communion worketh in them brotherly love a compassionate consideration of anothers estate mutuall prayers and a mercifull reliefe of anothers necessities whether worldly or spirituall Eph. 2.19 1 Pet. 2.17 Rom. 12.5 Heb. 13.1 Rom. 12.15 1 Cor. 12.26 James 5.16 2 Cor. 9. Heb. 10.24 Question How is this joyfull communion of Saints wrought which they have with God the Father with our Lord Jesus Christ and among themselves Answer It is wrought by the communion of the holy Ghost who being one with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ is one also in all the Saints and so joyneth them together in this heavenly and spirituall fellowship 2 Cor. 13.13 2 John 5.7 1 Cor. 12.13 Question Are no wicked men of this fellowship Answer No this is onely the communion of Saints Question How can you believe that the Saints shall ever be admitted into the fellowship with God and Christ seeing the best of them are guilty of many sins Answer Because I believe the forgivenesse of sins The forgivenesse of sins Question VVhat mean you when you say I believe the forgivenesse of sins Answer I mean that I doe believe that the Lord God neither doth nor will deale with all men in the strictnesse of his Justice remembring and taking vengeance on their sins but that he doth and will in his abundant mercy in Jesus Christ forgive the sins of those his people which believe on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ Psal 30.3 4. Dan. 9.9 Psalme 103.10 Luke 24.47 Question What is sin Answer It 's the transgression of the Law Gods revealed will either in thought word or deed by doing what he forbiddeth or not doing what he commandeth 1 John 3.4 Acts 8.22 James 3.2 Ephes 4.9 James 2.11.3.17 Question What is the forgivenesse of sins Answer It is the Lords acquitting of a man from the guilt and punishment of his sins in Jesus Christ Rom. 8.33 34. Isa 53.5 Eph. 1.7 Question Is forgivenesse of sins onely to be had in Jesus Christ Answer Yes he alone hath born our sins and the punishment due to them and therefore in him alone we are and can be justified from all our sins and freed from the punishment of them and so brought to receive the forgivenesse of sins Isa 53.10 Acts 13.38.39 Question Who are they that receive forgivenesse of sins in Jesus Christ Answer All those who confessing and forsaking their sins rest by faith on our Saviours allsufficient Sacrifice the blessed means appointed by God for the purging of us from all our sins Prov. 28.18 1 John 1.9 Rom. 3.25 Heb. 9.12.26 Question When doe those who believe in Jesus Christ receive the forgivenesse of their sins Answer They receive forgivenesse of their sins so soon as they truly believe in Jesus Christ the which forgivenesse of sins is continually applied unto them by the continuance of their faith but they receive the full effect and benefit of the forgivenesse of their sins at the appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Acts 13.39 Heb. 10.38 39. Acts 3.19 Question Do those who believe in Christ Jesus barely receive forgivenesse of sins in him Answer No when as any one by faith partaketh of the forgivenesse of his sins in Jesus Christ then is he also accepted of God for righteous in him who is made unto him of God righteousnesse Phil. 3.9 1 Cor. 1.30 Question Doe the faithfull Children of God after their death reap any benefit of the forgivenesse of their sins and of their acceptation with God Answer Yes for their spirits are immediately after their death received into blisse by our Saviour Jesus and their bodies shall be perfectly glorified with him at his appearing Luke 23.43 Heb. 12.23 Col. 3.4 Question How can you be assured that the bodies of believing Saints shall be perfected in glory at our Saviours appearing seeing their bodies after their death are consumed in the earth Answer Because I believe the resurrection of the body The Resurrection of the body Question What mean you when you say I believe the resurrection of the body Answer I mean that I am assured that the bodies of all such men and women and Children as have dyed or shall dye before the last day shall rise again out of the dust of the earth and by the union of their souls unto them shall be made to live again 1 Cor. 15. Question What is it that worketh this assurance in you Answer This assurance of the resurrection is wrought me 1 By the word of God wherein it is plainly testified Isa 26.19 Dan. 12.2 2 By the consideration of Gods power whereby it shall be effected Rev. 20.12 Mat. 12.19 3 By the belief of our Saviours resurrection whereby it is sealed and confirmed 1 Cor. 15.12.16 Question Doe you believe that the same bodies which dye shall rise again and live Answer Yes I assure my self that God will not give new bodies but at the resurrection will restore the very same bodies to the Children of men which they formerly lived in Job 19.26 27. 1 Cor. 6.15 Question Shall the bodies of the Children of men at the resurrection be of the same condition that now they are of Answer No for the bodies of men which are now subject to death shall after the resurrection be no more subject thereto and the bodies of Saints which are now weak and vile shall in the resurrection be made conformable to the glorious body of our Lord Jesus Christ being freed from all those infirmities which doe now accompany flesh and blood Luke 20.36 2 Cor. 15 42 43 44. Phil. 3.20 Question When shall this resurrection of the body be A. At the last day when our Lord Jesus Christ shall come to judge the quick and the dead Q. What shall become of the Saints after the resurrection The life everlasting A. They shall be put into the possession of life everlasting Q. What doe you understand by life by the life everlasting A. I doe understand thereby a glorious estate of heavenly and perfect blessednesse wherein the Saints shall live for ever Joâ— 7.22 3.2 1 Th. 4.17 Q Shall none of the wicked partake of everlasting life A. No all unrepentant wicked men shall
thy House of prayer and have our conversation truly and wholly in Heaven and all heavenly exercises Have mercy upon us O Lord in regard of that light estimation that worldly and vain mis-spending of this precious time whereof we have been so often and so deeply guilty heretofore and put thy Spirit into us we beseech thee to incline our hearts for the time to come to keep this Statute Ezek. 36.27 and to cause us to observe this great Commandement And first of all enable us we pray thee unto a meet preparation for this dayes service help us for that purpose so to examine our ways and carriage the week past as to repent truly of what hath been amisse and to renew our Covenant for a better carriage the week following Assist us withall for the through purging of our hearts from those dregs and defilements which the world hath left behind it as also for the stirring up of our souls by heavenly meditations and prayer that so we may come with devout minds and hungring hearts into thy Sanctuary as those that being poor and blind and miserable and naked stand in great need of thy provision Grant moreover O Lord that coming in due time and in a reverent manner into thy Temple our care may be attentively and without distractions of mind watchfully and without heavinesse of heart devoutly and without dulnesse of spirit reverently and without uncomelinesse of carriage to abide in thy presence and for the whole time to attend thee in thine Ordinances Make us mindfull afterward of those private exercises reading repeating conferring meditating praying whereby the publick may be made more profitable to us and powerfull in us And let us not forget according to the time and ability we have to meditate upon thy Creatures but this being the day wherein it pleased thy Majesty to put thine hand first for the making of them let it be our day also wherein to thy praise and honour to remember them especially let us not forget upon this good day those labours of love and charitable works for our brethrens good which thou O Lord forgettest not Heb. 6.10 And while we doe good to their bodies let us not be unmindfull of that which is the greatest matter the doing of all the good we can unto their soules That all this may be done the better grant we may abstain the day throughout not only from vain pastimes and sinfull practises but also from those every dayes works and words and thoughts more then truly necessary whereby we shall use as our own any part of that sacred time which thou O Lord hast set apart wholly and only for thy self Help us O Lord our God without whom we can doe nothing by thine own strength thus to observe thine owne time Sanctifie us that we may sanctifie it unto thee and be our selves sanctified by it it being made to us as it is to all good observers a blessed day by all the exercises thereof blessed to our use and spirituall advantage And let this work of sanctification by the service of this day as a speciall means be continued still and more and more perfected in us till we come to that place where perpetually resting from all our labours we shall enjoy an eternall and all-satisfying Sabbath with thine own glorious Majesty and thy blessed Son and Lord of the Sabbath Jesus Christ and that for the same Jesus Christs sake To whom with thee O Father and the blessed Spirit for the Creation of the world this day begun for the Redemption of the world this day finished for the Sanctification of the world this day by the descending of the Holy Ghost fully manifested and ordinarily most effected we acknowledge to be due and desire to give all honour power might Majesty and Dominion both now and for evermore Amen and Amen A Prayer to be used before the Hearing of the Word especially on the Sabbath I Doe humbly and heartily thanke thee O Father Lord of Heaven and Earth for that I live by thy goodnesse and good providence in thy Church in a Land of uprightnesse wherein there is the means of grace and that in these last dayes wherein it hath pleased thee to speak unto us by thy onely Son and so to make known unto me a poor Babe in Christ onely because it seemed good in thy sight things hid from the wise and prudent yea from Kings and Prophets who heretofore have desired to see the things that we see and have not seen them and to hear the things that we hear and have not heard them withall I doe with sorrow and grief of heart acknowledge how unworthily and with how little fruit I have entertained that holy word of thine and blessed means of salvation which thou hast in so much mercy and plenty afforded not understanding what I have heard for want of marking it not remembring what I have understood for want of making account of it not delighting in what I have remembred for want of love unto it not practising what for a time I have delighted in for want of considering the end of Preaching and the necessity of practising not persevering in what for a time I have practised for want of a through resolution to hold out in a holy conversation O Lord I deserve not to escape but to be seized upon by some grievous heavy judgement for neglecting so great salvation Notwithstanding gracious Father since thou hast been pleased to work in my heart a love unto thy word and a loathing of my self for my light esteeming of it heretofore I beseech thee pardon my former neglect and for the time to come let the eyes of my understanding be enlightned that I may know what formerly I have been ignorant of yea let my heart be opened that I may receive remember and delight in that word of thine which formerly I have shut out let slip and not regarded Give me thy Spirit to cause me to walk in those Statutes of thine which formerly I have not observed and uphold me with thy constant Spirit that I may persevere unto the end in all holy courses This day in particular wherein thou offerest the means and callest me unto the hearing of thy holy word vouchsafe to free me from all pride of heart Jer. 13.15 distractions of mind tentations of Satan from all drowsinesse deadnesse and dullnesse of spirit and withall make mine heart by that good disposition which thou shalt work in it like well prepared ground fit in the most kindly manner to receive that seed of thy word which thou preparest for it Assist thy Servant and Minister who is to deliver thy message that he may speak as he ought to speak even that which shall be profitable to the soules of all thy people and powerfull upon my soule in particular and for that purpose Paul may plant and Apollo water but thou O Lord givest the increase let it please thee so to blesse
offering unworthily to abase them 1 Sam. 20.34 James 2.1 2 3. Generally they should take care that they under them especially belonging to them may lead a quiet and a peaceble life in all godlinesse and honesty 1 Tim. 2.2 Question 136. What should our carriage be toward equalls Answer 1 Men and women that be equals should take sweet counsell together especially if they be friends and acquaintance and walk not to play or to revell but to the house of God in company but ever with truth and sincerity Psal 55.13 14. Rom. 12.9 2 They should be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love and kindnesse They must not look each upon their own vices but upon the virtues one of another and so in honour prefer not each themselves but one the other Rom. 12.10 3 When they walk together especially on the resurrection and Lords day they shall doe well to talk together of Jesus and to edifie the souls one of another Luke 24.14 1 Thess 5.11 4 All shall doe well to profit in Religion that is in a right Religion above their equalls Gal. 1.14 Question 137. How may we carry our selves fitly towards friends Answer 1 Shew thy self a friend to their soules in spirituall things Acts 10.24 John 1.41 42 45. Doe what thou canst to keep thy brethren and kindred from the place of torment by bringing them to hear Moses and the Prophets Luke 16.28 29. As also by pulling them out of the fire by private admonitions Jude 23. 2 Be friendly also unto them as there shall be occasion in outward things Pro. 18.24 2 Sam 9.1.3 but especially expresse love in the time of their affliction Prov. 27.10 1 John 6.14 Question 138. But how should I behave my self towards enemies Answer 1 Make known thy innocency to them 1 Sam. 24.10 that thou mayest not seem to suffer as a Malefactor 1 Pet. 4.15 but either as an innocent person without cause Dan. 6.22 or as a Christian for a good cause 1 Pet. 3.14 2 Beware of them Mat. 10.17 1 Kings 20.22 3 Pray for them and doe good to them that so if it be possible we may win them or at least we may shew whose sons we our selves are Mat. 5.44.45 If a Christian must kill his Enemy any way it must be with kindnesse Rom. 12.20 4 If they say It repents me forgive them Luke 17 4. It 's true that though they doe not say so a Christian forgives them out of Christian charity laying aside all revengefull affection but if they doe say so he forgives them out of Christian Justice as those that have made them amends by their acknowledgement and with entertaining a good opinion of them as those that have chang'd their minds 5 Doe not thou rejoyce if God lay his hand upon them Job 3â— 29 A holy rejoycing there may be in regard of the execution of Gods Justice as they be wicked Job 22.19 but not a carnall content in regard of their downfall and destruction as they be our Enemies 2 Sam. 1.15.17 Ezek. 18.32 Question 139. How are we to carry our selves towards strangers and those that are unconverted Answer There should be in regard of them 1 Holy and unblameable walking before them Phil. 2.15 In particular such a conversation as whereby 1 God may be glorified Mat. 5.16 2 The mouths of the ignorant and evill minded may be stopped 1 Pet. 2.15 3.16 3 Whereby their names may be really reproved that so being how bad they be they may loath and leave them Ephes 5.11 12 13. 4 Whereby they beholding the innocency and honesty of it may through the mercy of God as by a speciall help be converted and saved 1 Pet. 2.12 2 There should be a meek and meet instructing of them and we should be willing to doe a blessed cure upon their soules especially if they doe any way belong to our care and charge 2 Tim. 2 25. Jer. 51.9 Question 140. Hitherto of our carriage in relation to others shew me now what Rules are to be observed for the well ordering of our carriage in regard of our selves Answer 1 First and principally look to thy soule Mat. 16.26 2 Look to thy body both for the health and safety thereof Tit. 1.23 1 Sam. 18.12 3 Look to thy businesse calling and occasions 1 Kings 20.22 Psal 112.5 4 Look to thy state and do not undoe thy self with suretiship or dangerous undertakings either for strangers or friends Prov. 6.1 2 3. It is not only against reason but against conscience and Scripture and a sin as well as a misery and folly for a man improvidently to endamage himself Question 141. Hitherto of the use of the word of God in regard of our earriage now show me the use of it in regard of our condition and of the things belonging thereunto Answer The Rules appertaining to our condition have a respect either to our persons as food and apparrell or to our estate to wit either prosperity or adversity Question 142. What Rules are there to be observed concerning meats and drinks Answer 1 We should take them for our need and refreshing the support of our natures 1 Sam. 30.12 1 Tim. 5.23 Gen. 18.5 2 For our chearing up also and delight at fit times and in fit measure Psal 104.15 Nehem. 8.10 But neither wantonly when we doe not need them Prov. 31.4 5. nor excessively so as that so much as our hearts should be charged with them Luke 21.34 3 The Creatures when ever we receive them must be sanctified and that two wayes 1 By the word Now the Creatures are sanctified by the word when my conscience is truly informed out of Scripture and withall is perswaded and assured by a yielding to that information that I may lawfully warrantably without offending God make use of such and such a Creature as being admitted and enabled to a free and holy use thereof by Jesus Christ in the time of the Gospel 2 By prayer Now the Creatures are sanctified by prayer both when I begg of God that the curse which for sin cleaves unto them may be removed by his commands and blessing they may minister that effectuall nourishment for which they are appointed As also when I am thankfull to God in Christ for them beholding in him a comfortable admittance to them 4 Though at meale time common and pleasant discourse may lawfully be used Judges 14.12 yet should there be reverent and seasonable remembrances of that God that prepares a Table before us and a great fear of cursing or casting any dishonour upon him in our hearts when we are at our merriest feasts Psal 23.5 Job 1.5 Question 143. Tell me now eating and drinking is spoken of whether it be lawfull to drink healths or no Answer 1 Not unlesse it be for Gods glory to drink them for the Rule is Whether you eat or drink or whatever you doe else doe all to the glory of God 1 Cor. 10.31 2 Not if by that drinking so much
state is good because he thinks it to be so by presumption so no mans state is bad because he judges of it in tentation Leave the matter therefore to just proof and judge accordingly 2 Corinth 13.5 Question 150. What 's the best means of comfort and the most Catholick Cordiall in all Afflictions Answer Labour to have peace with God by faith and to have the assurance of it by holinesse and that will be sure as by strong Garrison to preserve thy heart and mind in all troublesome places and cases whatsoever for how â—an he possibly faint who hath God Allsufficient to be his friend and who knowes he hath him by his walking uprightly before him Phillip 4.7 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Common BREACHES of the Commandements Question FOr the better preventing of sin and for a help to private examination shew me briefly the most common breaches of every Commandement and first tell me what those sins be whereby the first Commandement is ordinarily broken Answer In generall this Commandement is broken because we seldome consider how our hearts stand affected towards God nor think whether God have our hearts or no and so we never strive to give unto God the whole inner man and to cleave unto him with all our heart as this Commandement requires Deut. 6.4 5. Question How is it broken more particularly Answer By these four things especially 1 By the want and by the contempt of that knowledge of God Deut. 4.39 Jer. 4.22 that should make us cleave unto him Isa 43.10 appearing in the great and generall ignorance of common people Isa 28.9 10. 1 Cor. 15.34 2 By a want of the love of God yea by a loving of pleasure and worldly profit more then God of which it appears we are guilty because things of this world carry us away from the Commandements and service of God 2 Tim. 3.4 Phil. 3.19 Deut. 6.5 6. Mat. 10.37 John 14.15 3 By a want of trusting in God shewing it self in rebelling against God in our lives 2 Kings 18.20 in want of seeking to God in the time of our need 2 Kings 1.2.6 and in using unlawfull meanes to help our selves withall in the time of our trouble Isa 30.37 4 By a want of the fear of God appearing in our boldnes in sinning Numb 15.30 31. and in the presumptuous neglect of holy services Mat. 22.5 Acts 24.25 Question What be the common breaches of the second Commandement Answer In generall all omissions and all neglect of that worship of God which is required in his word Psal 45.11 Question In what partioular things doth this common neglect of Gods worship amongst people shew it selfe Answer It shewes it self especially in these foure things 1 In a carelesse neglect of the times and parts of Gods service while people doe so ordinarily come unto it after it is begun and goe away from it before it be ended Acts 24.25 2 In the ordinary neglect of Sermons by poor men upon the Sabbath day out of infidelity 1 Kings 12.27 thinking by the dispatch of some worldly businesse to help themselves in their necessities and by rich men upon other dayes out of covetousnesse and unwillingnesse to leave their worldly delights Luke 14.19 3 In neglecting extraordinary services and being unnecessarily absent from the Congregation in the dayes of publick Humiliation and Thanksgiving Ezra 10.9 Esther 9.20 28 31. 4 In that common neglect of publick prayer in Families which is the daily morning and evening Sacrifice which is to be offred to God now in these times of the Gospel and which Gods Children have ever been carefull of in former times Joshua 24.15 Acts 10.2 Acts 12.12 Esther 4.16 Mat. 18.20 Question But is there nothing that can be blamed in us if these outward services be performed by us Answer Yes we are much to be humbled for this that though we perform the outward service yet we doe not perform it with all our heart serving God as he requires in spirit and in truth and loving him as well as keeping his Commandements Isa 29.13 John 4.24 Rom. 12.11 12. Question Wherein doth this heartlesnesse in Gods service ordinarily shew it selfe Answer In deadnesse and heavinesse of heart whereby we are more inclined unto sleep then service * Luke 22.45 46. And in distractions and wandrings of heart while our thoughts do so run upon worldly †Ezek. 33.31 Rom. 12.11 12. Col. 4.2 and vain matters as that we very little mind the exercise that we are about Question How is the third Commandement coÌ„mmonly broken Answer In generall by using unreverently the Titles Word and work of God whereby as by a name he hath made himself known unto us Question How doth this more particularly shew it self in the ordinary practice of people Answer That men doe not fear an Oath Eccles 9.2 Jer. 2. Deut. 28.50 Question How doth that appear Answer 1 By mens common swearing in their ordinary talk many being of this mind that they may swear safely though it be never so ordinarily so that they swear truly Mat. 5.34 2 By swearing upon unwarrantable occasions as when men anger us or because they be loath otherwise to believe us 1 Sam. 14.39 2 Sam. 19.7 3 By not fearing and forbearing those which people account lesser Oaths and which be growne unto common custome 4 By the using of Popish Oaths wherein men swear by Saints or prophane Oaths wherein they swear by the Creatures Jer. 57. Zeph. 1.5 Mat. 5.35 36. Question How else is this Commandement broken Answer It is broken ordinarily in these ensuing particulars 1 In cursing and banning 1 Sam. 17.4.44 2 By using the name of God vainly appearing in naming God in our prayers when our hearts doe not think upon him and in saying rashly and upon sudden idle occasions O Lord O God O Jesus when we neither think upon our God or Lord Saviour 3 By mens profane pleading upon Scripture points over their Plots or taking in phrases of Scripture to make up their jests Psal 50.16 or to defend themselves in their sins as that 1 Tim. 5 8. for coveteousnesse Mark 1.24 25 34. 4 By resorting to Playes and thereby countenancing those grosse abuses that be in them both of Gods word holy men and holy things all which abuses fall in the end upon the great glorious name of God himself Prov. 14.9 Jer. 11.15 5 By Prayers for dead friends wherein the name of God is idlely and vainly taken into our mouths all confessing that those Prayers can doe the dead no good nor in any sort alter the state wherein they are Mat. 12.36 6 By a loose life either in Christians that live worse then Heathens or in professors that live worse then other Christians since by both these we bring disgrace upon that fearfull name of God which we professe Gen. 13.7 2 Sam. 12.14 Question How is the fourth Commandement commonly broken Answer In generall because people remember not a day but think it enough if they
4 Paines 5 Pain in the farewell and parting with it He hath cut off his right hand and pluckt out his right eye with this one hand and cast it from him too 4 He carefully and continually searcheth himselfe and goes down with light into his heart 5 He is jealous of his owne heart for 't is deceitfull and fears it for 't is desperate and therefore goes not with it without a sword the word he will not trust it in holiest practices and most heavenly perswasions 6 He doubts of none but of himself suspects most his own graces and the witnesse of his own spirit lest Satan shine like an Angel of light and say 't is the testimony of Gods Spirit with ours 7 He walks daily with God humbly and heavenly wishing that none saw his good but God and men his evill he cares not if Christ loves him how he appears 8 He eats and drinks as if Christ sate at the Table his bodily food is sweetned and seasoned with some heavenly meditations or holy discourses his speech is powdered with salt he feeds not heartily but riseth hungry till then 9 He is verily afraid of indifferent things and avoids all appearance of evill 10 He is carefull of his Calling onely in love to Gods Command with feare of the world 11 He buyes and sells not to gain but to godlinesse they are but poor professors that live no better then they bargain they trade as all at the best as most doe and is not this the broad way where many goe You shall know a Christian as by his Church so by his shop 12 His dayes of Humiliation are his Holi-dayes his delights are Christians Sabbaths and society of Saints not only publick but in private he fears many times he is not one but desires ever and is earnest to be one of the excellent ones the secret ones and sincere ones 13 He is open hearted and open handed to all he can no more keep sin close then his Coin he can give well and lend as well as borrow and can take as well a reproof as a kind nesse he is simple in evill he cannot cover or excuse it in the Lords work he is carefull and cleanly and a good workman but in the Devils work he is a very bungler he cannot bandsomely sin or excuse it 14 He is content to have his spirituall estate tryed by any not only by a searching Minister in publick but by a private friend he opens his heart freely for others to ask and gives Answer of his hope with meeknesse and fear 15 His thoughts are bound in with a holy compasse and his words are not idle he speaks not to spend the time in impertinent powerlesse or discoverlesse things but to minister grace to men glory to God and to doe good or receive good his life is a light and leads and provokes to goods works 16 He doth not a good duty in grace but he goes to the utmost of it he aimes not at the Butt but at the midst of the white he is zealous in good works fervent in spirit serving the Lord pressing hard to the price of the high Calling perfecting holinesse in fear 17 He hath heard no more then he practiceth and prayes not only in fear of Gods Command and his own conscience but in love to have a communion with God in Christ by the Spirit 18 His ears are open to the whole word he believes the threats and trembles he fears also the Promises lest he come short 19 He hath a respect to every Command such a respect I say as a man hath to his betters his heart stands in awe to every Commandement 20 He prayes in the holy Ghost his Petitions and intercessions are made by the Spirit and sent up with sighes by the intercession of Christ unto God the father the Spirit cries before he cries he speaks not first and then he looks for the Spirit to quicken his words but his words follow the Spirit with much affection fervency faith and fear 21 He hath found out the Hell of his heart and feels the flames of it in secret self-love hidden hypocrisie horrible blasphemy c. and somtimes pride possessed with the whole damned Crew mentioned 2 Tim. 3.2 3 4 5. and elswhere In a word he hath found an emptinesse and an enmity to all good 22 He sets his face against the body of sin and every member of it he seeks and receives some power daily from Christs Crosse to crucifie every lust and he watcheth the Sepulchre lest it rise again 23 He daily desires the virtue of Christs Resurrection and he is risen and walks in new obedience in holinesse and heavenly mindednesse 24 He is ever poor in spirit and is known 1 By his continuall complaints 2 B importunate Prayers 3 By uncessant paines for righteousnesse 25 He is never found in his own but if he can be in Christs Righteousnesse all the rest is dung 26 He ever forgets others sins and his own graces observes others graces and his own sins 27 He not only loves the Saints but honours the excellent ones and rejoyceth at Gods glory and at any good done by others as done by himself 28 He mourns in secret for his 1 Owne sins 2 Others 3 For the dishonor of God 4 For the danger of the Gospel 5 For the disgrace of Gods people 29 He walks humbly with God lying ever at his feet looking up ar the Throne of grace to the Lord in Jesus Christ 30 He lives by faith eats and drinks and sells and buyes in Christ In a word he will not receive any earthly Creature a spirituall Crosse nor a heavenly grace and blessing but by the hand of Christ 31 He looks for and longs and loves the appearing of Christ he hastens his coming Amen even so Lord Jesus come quickly 2 Tim. 4.5 2 Pet. 3.12 Rev. 22.28 A Christian CATECHISM Opening the first Principles and most fundamentall points of RELIGION As they are expressed in the BELIEF Question WHat is the Belief Answer It is a profession of our Christian faith Question Is it a Prayer Answer No. Question How doth a profession of faith differ from a Prayer Answer Prayer is a speech directed to God wherein we desire that something may be given or forgiven us but a profession of faith is a speech directed usually to men wherein we expresse to them what we do believe Question Why doth every one in particular say I believe I believe Answer Because every man must in particular know what he himselfe doth believe and so be ready to declare what is his faith upon which he groundeth his hope of eternall life Question What doe you mean when when you say I believe in God In God Answer I mean that I know and am assured that God is such a one as he hath in his word declared himself to be and that I doe trust in him Jer. 31.34 Isa 26.4 Question What is that word
of God wherein you say God hath declared himself unto us Answer It is the holy Scriptures Rom. 1.2 Question How can the Scriptures be called the word of God seeing they are written by men Answer Although holy men wrote the Scriptures yet did not they write by their own power or in their own name but by the power of the Spirit of God and in the name of God himself and therefore what they wrote is to be accounted the word of God himself Hos 8.12 1 Pet. 1.20 21. 2 Sam. 23.2 Question What hath God in the Scripture declared himself to be Answer An eternall most gracious most wise most just unchangeable infinite and all glorious Majesty from whom all things have their being and by whom all things are Governed and preserved Isa 43.10 13. Jude 25. Exod. 34.6 Deut. 32.4 Num. 23.19 Question Who is God the father in whom you believe The Father Answer He is the first person of these three the Father Son and Holy Ghost who are the one and onely God Eternall 2 Chron. 6.18 Psal 119.91 Acts 17.28 1 John 5.7 Question Why is the first person in the blessed Trinity called Father Answer He is called so especially in respect of his only begotten Son Jesus Christ our Lord and secondarily in respect of all his Saints who are adopted to be his Children by grace in Jesus Christ Jer. 20.17 Ephes 1.5 Question Why doe you call God the father Almighty Almighty Answer Because he is abundantly sufficient to accomplish his will so that he can doe whatsoever he will doe Psal 115.3 Question Whereby doth the Almighty power of God appear Answer It appears by this Maker of Heaven and Earth that he is the Maker of Heaven and Earth Question Why doe you call God the Maker of heaven and earth Answer Because God did at first make and doth still preserve the heaven and earth and all things that are in them Jer. 42.5 Question Of what did God at first make the Heaven and Earth Answer God created that is made the Heaven and Earth of nothing in the beginning and then brought them into that order wherein they now stand in six dayes Gen. 1. Question What did God doe in the first day of the world Answer He made the light and divided it from the darknesse calling the light day and the darknesse night Gen. 1.3 Question What did God in the second day Answer He made the firmament and therewith he divided the waters calling it Heaven Gen. 1.7 9. Question What did God in the third day Answer He made the dry Land calling it Earth and Seas and all kinds of Grasse and Hearbs and Trees Gen. 1.9 10 11 12. Question What did God in the fourth day Answer He made the Son the Moon and the Stars and placed them in the Firmament of Heaven that they might divide the day from the night and be for signs and seasons and dayes and years Gen. 1.3 5. Question What did God in the fifth day Answer He made all such Creatures as live in the water and all kind of Fowles which fly about the earth Gen. 1.20 21 22. Question What did God in the sixth day Answer He made creeping things of the earth and all Cattel and Beasts of the Earth and last of all he made man to whom he gave dominion over the Fish of the Sea Fowles of the aire and every living thing that moveth upon the earth Gen. 1.24 28. Question Whereof did the Lord God make man Answer The Lord God made man of the dust of the earth Gen. 2.7 Question Is there no part of man which was not made of the dust Answer Yes there is an immortall spirit in man which the Lord God breathed into him after he had formed his body of the dust Gen. 2.7 Eccles 12.8 Question How many more did the Lord at first make Answer He made only one and that was Adam the father of all mankind Gen. 2.7 Question How was woman made Answer The Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and whilst he slept the Lord God took out one rib of his and made a woman of it Gen. 2.21 22. Question How many women did the Lord at first make Answer He made onely one and that was Evah whom he gave to Adam for wife and so they two became the first Parents of all mankind Gen. 2.22 23. Question Were Adam and Evah our first parents created sinfull and miserable as we are now Answer No the Lord God created them holy glorious and upright in his Image according to his likenesse Gen. 1.26 27. Eccles 7.3 Question How did they become then sinfull and miserable Answer By breaking the Commandement of their God Question What Commandement was it that they brake Answer That Commandment whereby the Lord forbad them to eat of the fruit of the Tree of the knowledge of good and ill which was in the midst of the Garden of Eden wherein God put the man Gen. 2.17.3.6.2.8 Question Seeing the Lord God created our first Parents holy and perfectly able to fullfill his will how became they so rebellious as to transgresse his Commandement Answer The Devil by his subtilty deceived them and so caused them to transgresse the Commandement of their God in eating the forbidden fruit Gen. 3.1 2 3 4. Question Was this sin of our first parents a small offence Question No it was a great and most grievous sin and that in a three-fold respect 1 Because it proceeded from the belief of the Devils lye before and against the knowne truth of God 2 Because it proceeded from a causeless and wicked distrust of Gods goodnes to them as if he envying their happines had by his Commandements restrained them from a principall means thereof 3 Because it was a willfull act of disobedience even against their Creators revealed will Question What effect wrought this disobedience in our first parents Answer It made them subject unto death and so to him who hath the power of death which is the Devil Rom. 5.12 Gen. 2.17 Heb. 2.14 Question What death were our first parents subjected unto by sin Answer They were subjected to a three-fold death The first of sin The second corporall The third everlasting Question How did our first parents disobedience make them subject to the death of sin Answer By depriving them of that righteousnesse wherein they were created making their hearts inclinable to all wickednesse and working darknesse in their understandings perversenesse in their wills disorder in their affections readinesse in all the members of their bodies to serve uncleanesse and so wholly subjecting them to the Dominion of sin and death Gen. 6.5 21. Ephes 2.3.4.8 Pro. 1.24 25. 1 Pet. 2.11 Rom 6.19 Ephes 2.5 Rom. 6.17 Question What is that corporall death which sin brought upon our first parents Answer It is that death which is caused by the separation of the body from the soul when the body returneth to the ground whence it was taken
Q. What is that everlasting death which sin brought upon our first parents A. It is that death which is caused by the everlasting separation of the whole man from the presence and glory of the Lord which wicked and ungodly men shall suffer in Hell fire Rev. 20.6 Zech. 1.9 Q. Did our first parents bring themselves only into this miserable estate by their sin A. No by this grievous offence of our first parents they and all their children to the world end were made children of wrath subject to death and him who hath the power of death Rom. 5. Ephes 2.32 Q. How could the sin of our first parents make their posterity subject to so much misery Answer Very well because they sin'd not only as particular persons but as the root or fountain of mankind and so their corruption floweth from them with their corrupt nature unto all who by ordinary generation receive their nature from them Question Must all men then dye and perish everlastingly Answer No although Almighty God might in Justice condemn all men yet he is pleased in mercy to save some Psa 130.3 Question What means hath God in mercy for the salvation of men Answer He hath given his Son Jesus Christ our Lord that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life John 3.16 Question Doe you then believe in the Son of God Answer Yes I believe in Jesus Christ his onely Son our Lord. And. Question What is it to believe in Jesus Christ Answer It is from an inward evidence of heart concerning that unseen salvation which is in him to cleave unto him as the one and onely author of eternall salvation Heb. 11.1 John 6.68 69. Heb. 5.9 Question Why was the Son of God called Jesus In Jesus Answer Because he was to save his people from their sins as the word Jesus importeth which sign fieth a Saviour Mat. 1.21 Question Why was our Lord Jâ—sus called Christ Christ Answer Because he was the great Messiah or anointed one of the Lord spoken of of the Prophets for so much the name Christ signifieth an anointed one importeth John 4.25 Dan. 9.25 Question Why was our Saviour called the anointed one of the Lord Answer Because those three great Offices the Kingly Priestly and Propheticall to which men were by Gods appointment anointed in their perfection in him who was appointed by God to be the heavenly King or Governour of his Church the heavenly Prophet or instructer of his Church and the eternall Priest who by one Offering of himself perfected for ever them that are sanctified and ever appeareth in the true holy place Heaven it self to make intercession for them 1 Kings 1.39 Exod. 29.7 1. Kings 29.16 Psal 2.6 Acts 7.27 Heb. 7.25 Heb. 10.14 Heb. 4.24 Question How was our Saviour anointed to these Offices Answer He was anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power Acts 10.38 Question What benefit hath the Saints by these Offices of our Saviour Answer Much every way for they need fear no spirituall enemy who have such a King to defend them they may with boldnesse come to God who have such a Priest appearing in the presence of God for them they may be sure of the knowledge of God who have such a Prophet to instruct them 1 John 4.14 Luke 1.74 75. Heb. 10.22 John 15.15 Question Seeing the Saints receive so great benefit by our Saviours Offices are there no duties which they owe to him in respect of them Answer Yes as he is their King so they must obey him as he is their Priest so they must rest upon his all sufficient Sacrifice and intercession and as he is their Prophet so they must attend unto him that they may be instructed by him 2 Cor. 10.5 Heb. 10.19 Mat. 17.5 Question How doth our Saviour being now in Heaven execute his Kingly and Propheticall Office in his Church on Earth Answer By his holy Spirit and holy word whereby he inwardly and outwardly Governes his Church as a King and instructeth it as a Prophet Rom. 8.9 Psal 110.2 Ephes 3.5 Col. 3.16 Question Whose Son is our Saviour Jesus Christ His. Answer He is the Son of God the father Almighty Mat. 3.17 Question Hath the Almighty any more Sons Answer Only Son No Christ Jesus is his only Son John 1.14 Question How then doth the Scripture call all the Saints the Sons of God Answer The Saints of God are his by his gracious adoption but our Lord is his only begotten Son by miraculous and unutterable Generation Rom. 8.15 John 1.14 Question Why is our Saviour Jesus Christ called Lord Our Lord. Answer He is called Lord both in regard of his Godhead wherein he is one Lord with the father and the holy Ghost and also in regard of the great Lordship and power which is settled upon him by God the father Mat. 28.10 18. Acts. 20.36 Question VVho are they that may in a speciall manner call Christ Jesus our Lord Answer All the Saints of God who are traâ—slated out of the power of darknesse into the spirituall Kingdome of Jesus Christ the dear Son of God and are therefore his subjects and servants and so have him for their Lord Col. 1.15 Rev. 1.9 Question VVas Jesus Christ our Lord ever in the world Answer Yes in the fullnesse of time appointed by his father he came into the world Gal. 4.4 Question How came our Lord Jesus Christ into this world Who was conceived Answer He was conceived of the Holy Ghost and born into the world of the virgin Mary Luke 1.35.12.6 7. Question VVas our Saviour conceived by the power or means of any man Of the holy Ghost Answer No the Holy Ghost without man conceived our Lord Jesus in the bowells of his blessed mother being still a pure virgin Mat. 1.18 Isa 7.14 Question VVhy then is Joseph the husband of Mary in the Scripture called our Lord Christs father Answer Because he was his mothers espoused husband and so supposed to be his father though indeed he was not his true and naturall father Luke 3.23 Question VVhat doe you learn by knowing that our Lord Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost Answer I learn thereby two things 1 That he was God 2 That he was altogether without sin Question How doe you learn that Christ Jesus our Lord was God by knowing that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost Answer Because I know that the Holy Ghost is God and therefore that he who was conceived of him was God as he who is conceived of man is man Luke 1.35 Question VVas our Lord Jesus Christ God then Answer Yes he was eternally and now is and for ever shall be one with the father and the holy Ghost God blessed for evermore Isa 9.6 John 1.1 Rom. 9.5 Question How doe you learn that our Lord Jesus Christ was altogether without sin by knowing that he was conceived by the holy Ghost Answer Because our Saviours conception of the
after their resurrection be for ever but because their being shall be in misery it 's therefore called a death not a life Mat. 25.46 Rev. 20.5 Q. Are not the spirits of Gods Children before the day of judgement made partakers of everlasting life A. The spirits of Gods children immediately after they be severed from the body are admitted into heavenly blessednes in the presence of the Lord but in proper speech they cannot be said to partake of everlasting life which in the Scripture signifies that perfect happines which the Saints shall in their persons receive after they be raised from the dead Phil. 1.23 Rev. 6.11 Mat. 25.46 Q. Where shall the Saints of God live that life everlasting which they shall partake of after the resurrection A. The Saints of God shall be made partakers of everlasting life in those heavenly places where our Saviour now sitteth at the right hand of God 1 John 1.3 Ephes 2.6 Q. May no man then look to enjoy ever lasting life upon the earth A. No the dearest Saint of God upon this earth lives to dâ—e shall never live for ever untill they be after the resurrection put into the possession of their abiding City where they shall be freed from all the sorrowes sicknesses afflictions griefs of this present life and shall inherit perfect joyes and happinesse in the presence of the Lord for ever Heb. 9.27 Heb. 13.14 Rev. 21.4 Ps 16.1 Rules for a Christian way 1 THat 's the narrow way that is and hath been of old set down in Scripture The way must be made no narrower nor broader then the word of God makes it he only is to appoint the way that brings us to the journeyes end John 5.39 2 In that way we must walk without turning either to the left hand by prophanesse or to the right hand by superstition Deut. 5.32 33. 3 That we may so doe we must continually take heed to our wayes according to the word of God Psal 119.9 and withall pray earnestly that we may not wander Psal 119.10 but may hear a voyce behind us saying This is the way walke in it Isa 30.21 4 We must turn into this way as soon as we can and be timely good that we may be greatly good 1 Kings 18.3.12 and when we be once come in we must never goe out Ezek. 18.24 Prov. 1.32 5 The speciall time and season of coming in is when God sends Ministers to make known his word unto us The sending forth of a faithfull Ministry is a not suffering of us to walk in our own wayes Acts 14.16 17.30 if therefore thou walkest in them afterward thou doest it whether God will or no Mat. 23.37 and shalt accordingly suffer for it Psal 18.26 6 In this narrow way there must be a continuall proceeding and going forward the path of the just being not as the morning cloud that vanisheth at the first heat Hos 6.4 but as the morning light that shines more and more unto the perfect day Proverbs 4.18 7 The paths of wisedome are indeed paths of pleasantnesse Prov. 3.17 and the longer we walk in this way the easier we shall find it Acts 26.29 it being made easie to us both by grace enabling us to walk acceptably Ezek. 36.27 and by faith flying to Christ because we cannot walk perfectly 1 John 5.4 and by use whereby the yoak more cumbersome at first comes to be born more quietly and contentedly at last Mat. 11.29 30. it will be our ease therefore if we make it our exercise to keep a good conscience towards God and man Acts 24.16 Psal 25.12 13. 8 This is the difference between good and bad men that the one comfort themselves with their state and condition Luke 12.19 the other with their way and carriage 2 Cor. 1.12 2 Kings 20.3 9 However Gods way be every where spoken against yet the singular comfort of it is felt by faith all the while we walk in it Mark 10.30 and then most when we have least of all outward comforts 1 Sam. 30.6 Heb. 10.34 Gen. 39.21 Acts 23.1 Job 13.15 16. 27.5 6. but then shall this comfort be perfectly felt and perpetually enjoyed when we come to our journeys end and even to that glory honour immortality and eternall life which they shall be possessed of who patiently continue in well-doing Rom. 2.7 10 Then shall they that say yee fooles now meaning such as walk circumspectly Ephes 5.15 say feelingly and full sorrowfully we fooles meaning themselves while they see clearly and when it is too late to help it their own everlastingly cursed condition and the happy estate of those that have been carefull of a holy conversation Wisd 5.4 Mal. 3.18 RULES FOR THE Christian-Day OR The Sabbath-Day OF THE New Testament 1 SEt in order thy affaires the day before the Sabbath and thy affections in order upon the morning of the Sabbath the former prevents upon the Lords day worldly works and the later distracting thoughts 2 The heart being purged and prepared there arises from thence a great difference between Sabbath and weekly services He that hears a Sermon on the week day leaves the world but upon the Sabbath a man takes leave of the world that is he sequesters himself even wholly from it and by meditation and prayer fills his heart with contrary that is with heavenly things hence while he hears the word hee 's much more affected with it because the heart is clear from the world and carried heaven and finds after a greater effect of it as fruit is much more and better in well prepared ground 3 The principall duty of the Lords day is repairing to the Lords house to the Assembly and Ordinances of God morning and evening Acts 20.7.11 there being therein 1 A publick profession that we are the people of the Lord Jesus while we leave all things one day in seaven that we may attend him and 2 A filling of our Cystern from God the Fountain that is a replenishing of our heads and hearts with those heavenly things whereby we shall be furnished and supplyed for future time and in speciall all the week after for a holy walking in the narrow way the generall rule of hearing being to hear for afterward Isa 42.23 4 But as the day is not so neither are the duties thereof ended when the publick meeting is dissolved but in private also it is meet that we should be mindfull of 1 Heavenly Meditations Upon the Lords day we should be in the Spirit Rev. 1.10 in a spirituall temper possessed and taken up with spirituall thoughts that the speeches and actions proceeding from us that day may be in a speciall degree the breathings Creatures of the Spirit of God 2 Christian and ghostly communications tending to the spirituall advantage of our selves and those with whom we converse Acts 20.11 Christians are to edifie one another Ordinary builders are to build other dayes they build and are built up most on the Lords day
3 Works of charity as visiting the sick administring to laying up for the necessities of those that be in distresse 1 Cor. 16.2 5 Much adoe there is about a Sabbath day and Sabbath duties and they that account fellowship with God a heavy burden are glad they have this to say that learned men differ that so they may better take leave to doe what they list and be far from God without the condemnation of men but they that love that life that we shall lead in heaven will be glad to live with God one day in a week here at least in some degree as they look to live with him every day hereafter RULES FOR A Christian Carriage EVERY DAY 1 A Wake with God giving him thanks in thy first thoughts for the rest of the night and craving his presence for the occasions of the day Parents look their Children should doe their duty to them in the morning when they see them first so when we are first awakened and look up God that is ever before us and whom whensoever our eyes be open we should think we see ought to be reverently and dutifully acknowledged 2 If there be much busines let not prayer be omitted that the businesse may be dispatched that is as if a man having a long journey to goe should hasten out a foot and not stay to make ready his Horse for it is God that must carry us along in all our businesses but rise the sooner that the duty of prayer may first be performed rather out of sleep then put off prayer Mark 1.35 for all prosperity comes from this I am with thee Gen. 39.5 And how shall God be obtained if he be not sought Luke 11.9 3 Betake thy self to thy private prayers before thou enter upon the world for thy heart will hardly be with God wholly and fully if thy worldly occasions have taken possession of it formerly 4 Let Family exercises be performed either the first time thou canst take or the fittest time thou canst choose 5 As for worldly employment 1 See thou have a Calling it being not enough that thou be about some work or some good work but this also being required that thou be about that good work which God committeth to thee to doe John 17.4 for God gives to every servant of his his work Mark 13.34 2 Thy works and occasions being such as thou art called to Be about them 1 diligently a good Christian should not be a bad husband Prov. 27.23 Eph. 4.28 2 Justly and conscionably A good husband should not be a bad Christian nor any way defraud or over-reach his brother 1 Thes 4.6 3 Discreetly for he that handleth a matter wisely shall find good Prov. 16.20 Eccles 9.10 4 Faithfully and with a dependance upon God notwithstanding all thy wit and care for he that trusteth in the Lord happy is he Prov. 16.20 6. When thou art alone hate vaine thoughts Psal 119.113 when thou art in company let thy communication be such as if Jesus Christ were at thy heels ready to overtake thee and to ask what communications are these that ye have one with another while ye wake together Luke 24.17 and whether thou be alone or in company let thy carriage be ordered with such respect unto that God in whose presence thou art that thy tongue and thy doings may not be against him to provoke the eyes of his glory Isa 3.8 Generally be such in company as that thou maist with comfort remember thy carriage when thou art alone and such alone as that thou mayest with credit declare thy carriage when thou art in company 7 Take a view at night of the passages of the day which would best be done by putting them down in writing particularly in that view consider thy dealing and Gods dealing 1 Thy dealing and in what 1 Thy sins and any evill thou hast done as carefull men write down every debt that they may mind it and pay it so do tender Christians take notice and rather then faile a note of their sins that they may not be out of their remembrance and that they may take the next opportunity for repentance wherein be thou so far from deferring as to resolve for every evill of the day that upon the review smites thy heart and clogs thy conscience to judge thy selfe before thou sleepest that if thou shouldst never awake till the day of Judgement yet at that day thou mayest not be condemned of the Lord thou having before hand judged and condemned thy selfe 1 Cor. 11.31 2 Thy good deeds for as thou art to recount thy sin because thou art a debtor in it so any good deed because thou art a debtor for it and God without whom thou canst doe nothing John 15.5 should not want the due praise of thy well doing Howbeit it is fit also that thou shouldst observe that good that is in thee that thou maist not want the comfort of it but maist support thy selfe with it when thy heart is sad with sin and vert with Satan 2 Gods dealing what God by his providence reproves in thee one day rush not upon it the next and in that which thou findest God according to his word to countenance be thou constant let the affâ—ictions of the day make thee more carefull and fearfull of sin and the mercies more chearfull and forward in service COUNSELL FOR A Christian Carriage TAsk thy selfe in businesse Stint thy selfe in pleasure Take heed that these two never meet together A loose life and a light heart but when the carriage is loose let the heart be laden When thou differest from others in thy education see that thou differ from them in thy conversation that being so much holier then they as thy education hath been better The mind is the guid of the tongue therefore consider before thou speak The tongue is the messenger of the heart therefore as oft as thou speakst without meditation going before so oft the messenger runs without errand Let not pleasure steal away the mind from businesse but let businesse win and wean the mind from pleasure After good education take heed of the first errors lest the virginity and tendernesse of conscience being taken away it grow bold and impudent in evill FINIS A Table of the chief Heads handled in the foregoing Tract WOrks of the Devill p. 21 Pride 23 Anger Envy Malice 24 Anger 25 Filthy and unclean thoughts 26 Swearing and cursing 28 Helps against swearing and cursing 30 Lying a work of the Devill 34 In what cases lying is to be watcht against especially 36 Helps against the works of the Devil 38 Opposing the truth of God a work of the Devill 40 Opposing the children of God a work of the Devill 42 Generall helps to free men from the works of the Devill 44 Pomps and vanities of the world 46 Helps against them 48 The sinfull lusts of the flesh 50 Reasons of forsaking the works of the flesh 52 In what manner we must forsake the Devill the world and the flesh 54 Of the Christian faith 56 What it is to believe the Articles of Christian faith 58 Helps for the applying Christ to our own soules 62 The use of our believing the Articles of the Christian faith 64 What Gods will is and what to keep it 66 What to keep Gods will and commandement 68 The use of Gods word c. and how it must be heard 70 The manner of the right receiving of the Lords Supper 72 The manner how to pray and to fast aright 74 Vowing 78 Rules for vowing 79 The duty of simpathising 82 Rules for Edifying 84 Almes giving 85 Almes giving and mourning for the sins of the times 86 Helps to mourn for the Sins of the times 88 Of the Sabbath and morality thereof 90 Of the Sabbath and the duties thereof 94 Helps for sanctifying the Sabbath 96 Christian duties to be done in the week dayes 100 Rules of Resolution concerning 6 dayes Sermons 102 Opportunities of hearing discovered by conscience 104 Opportunities of hearing discovered by providence 106 Of reading and Christan conference 108 Of christian conference and daily payer 110 Of prayer in the family 112 Helps to establish a course of family prayer 114 Every one must have a calling 118 What calling to chuse 121 Whether a man may change his calling 122 How to be conversant about a mans calling 124 Recreation allowed and how far 126 Rules for Recreation 128 Of playing for money 130 Of our carriage alone 134 Helps against vile thoughts when we be alone 136 How to take care of our carriage in company 138 Rules for company 140 Duties to Superiours 142 Duties to superiours and inferiors 144 Of our carriage towards equalls 146 Of our carriage towards friends 148 Of our carriage toward enemies and strangers 150 Rules for our carriage in regard of our selves 152 Rules concerning meats and drinks 154 Whether lawfull to drink healths 156 Rules for apparell 160 Of fashions of attire 162 Against pride and vanity in apparell 164 Rules for a good carriage in prosperity 168 Rules for a good carrage in adversity 172 Directions for a good carriage in spirituall afflictions 174 Helps for our carriage in temptations 176 A comfort in all afflictions 178 Common breaches of the 1 Commandement 180 Common breaches of the 2 Com. 182 Common breaches of the 3 Com. 186 Common breaches of the 4 Com. 188 Common breaches of the 5 Com. 192 Common breaches of the 6 Com. 198 Common breaches of the 7 Com. 202 Common breaches of the 8 Com. 206 Common breaches of the 9 Com. 212 Common breaches of the last Com. 217 Infallible signes of a sincere heart 223 The first principles and most fundamentall points of Religion opened 234 Rules for a Christian way 299 Rules for the Sabbath-day 305 Rules for a christian carriage every day 310 Counsell for a christian carriage 317. FINIS
the word delivered as that much increase and good fruit may come thereby unto Jesus Christ the great Lord of the Harvest For me thine unworthy servant in particular let me not receive thy word as the high way ground without understanding and retaining it nor as the stony ground so as by reproaches or persecution to wither and be withdrawn from it nor as the thorny ground so as to suffer it by worldliness and voluptuousnesse to be choaked and deaded in me but as the good ground so as to bring forth much fruit and that with patience that so by patient continuance in well doing I may have glory and honour and immortality and eternall life and that not for any thing in my self but in and through Jesus Christ our Lord to whom with thee and the holy Spirit be all honour and glory now and evermore Amen A Prayer for Advisement O Most wise most gracious and most glorious God I confesse my self to be a poor and weak Creature very unable and insufficient to take any such course as whereby thou shouldest have glory others good or my self any true comfort Unto which weaknesse much carelesnesse also is added and a neglect or a negligent using of those means and helps whereby I might become more able and more profitable in my place and calling nor is that all but too unadvised I am too sudden too rash and so apt both in speaking and dealing to behave my self without that good consideration that becomes a discreet and settled Christian And hence it is that there is a want of that reverence that there ought to be in thy presence of that mindfullnesse that there ought to be in my businesse of that wisedome that there should be in my words of that staidnesse that there ought to be in my carriage Lord grant that I may consider of these things so as to be humbled repent of these things so as to be pardoned and beg help of thee so about these things as that they may be amended Pardon O Lord these and all other my sins Amend O Lord these and all other my imperfections Grant that casting away all carelesnesse whatsoever my hand findeth to doe I may doe it with all my might withall grant that observing the over-forwardnesse and freenesse of my nature in every thing I may be so much the more carefull and watchfull that nothing may be done rashly Above all things let me not be rash with my mouth before thee but besides that since of every idle word that I speak I must give account at the day of Judgement Lord help that my mind may be so set a work before the moving of my lips as that I may speak nothing to thy dishonour others offence or my own grief and shame Yea grant that I may ponder the paths of my feet and so study all my carriage as that my rashnesse may not be seen therein but my Rule if being framed according to the good direction of Religion and reason and that I may not hasten with my feet and so sin doe thou O Lord see to it that my soule may not be without knowledge but so endued with it as that both the inner and the outer man may be ordered by it Let faith and Religion guide my reason and sanctified reason my affections and well-ruled affections set awork my senses and members that I may so speak and so doe as one that must give a strict account and so as that I may give a good and comfortable account of both and all this for Jesus Christs sake in whom thou givest to all liberally and upbraidest none to whom with thee O Father and the Eternall Spirit be all honour and glory both now and evermore Amen QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS upon the Church-Catechism Question 1. WHat is it that Christian Children should consider of in the first place Answer That which their very name puts them in mind of to wit their Baptism Question 2. What is the speciall thing that they are to consider of in their Baptism Answer Of that Vow and Promise which they by their Sureties made unto God when they were Baptized Question 3. But what were those particular things which they then promised Answer First to forsake the Devil and all his works Question 4. What be those works of the Devill Answer Some are inward and some are outward Question 5. What are those that are inward and more spirituall Answer The first of them is Pride which is when a man thinks himself worthy of more honour then is due unto him or when he loves too well that that is due Question 6. How doe you know that this Pride is a worke of the Devil Answer Because it is said that Satan tempted David to number the people to wit by stirring up his heart to that pride and vanity out of which he numbred them 1 Chron. 21.1 Question 7. What helps and means are there for the forsaking of this work of the Devil Answer 1 We must consider we have nothing but what we have received and therefore we must not boast as if we had not received it 1 Cor. 4.7 2 To pull down our Pride we must look upon our faults and follies as the Peacock upon his black feet that he may not be proud of his feathers 3 We must know that God sets himselfe against all such people and beholds every one that is proud to abase him Job 40.11 4 He that is lifted up with Pride is in danger of falling into the condemnation of the Devil 1 Tim. 3.6 Question 8. Who be those that be most apt to fall into the sin of Pride Answer Those that be young and Novices in the world and amongst young Schollars that be of better parts and wits who ought therefore to be so much the more carefull to avoid this sin by how much the Devil is more busie and hath from their age more advantage to bring them to it Question 9. What is the second inward work of Satan Answer Anger Envy and Malice Question 10. How doth it appeare that these are the works of Satan Answer Because the Apostle saith They give place to the Devil that give place to their passion Ephes 4.27 Question 11. What help and means is there for the forsaking of this work of the Devill and for the suppressing of anger and wrath Answer To consider these particulars 1 That a man in his wrath is altogether unfit to doe what God would have him doe for the wrath of man worketh not the Righteousnesse of God James 1.20 as appeareth in King Asa who being in a rage was so far from entertaining the righteous word of God as that he did most unrighteously put the Prophet in Prison that did deliver it 2 Chron. 16 10. 2 That a wrathfull man is unfit for society with others and become like Nabal who was so froward that a man could not tell how to speak to him 1 Sam. 25.17 3 That wrath and envy cause foolishnesse