thee Iob 22.27 In an acceptable time and in the day of saluation Isa 49.8 Thou shalt call and the Lord shall say heere I am Psa 58.9 At the voyce of thy cry when hee shall heare it hee will answer thee Isa 30.19 Yea it shall come to passe that before you call hee will answer and whiles you are yet speaking he will heare Isa 65.24 Math. 18 19 Ierem. 29.12 Ioh. 4 10. Gen. 20.7 For in my distresse I called vpon the Lord and cryed vnto my God hee heard my voice out of his Temple and my cry came before him euen into his eares Psal 18.6 And whiles Daniel was speaking in prayer the man Gabriel came vnto him said at the beginining of thy suppications the coÌ„mandement came forth and I am come to shew thee the vision Dan. 9.20 And so the Lord answerd the Angel praying for Ierusalem with good words and comfortable words Zec. 1.13 Gen. 19.20 21 20.17.24.12 c. Exod. 2.23 8.12 c. 12.30.9.33 10.18.15.24 25.17.11.32.9.10.33.17 Numb 21.6 7 8 14.19 20 Iosua 10.12 1 Sam. 1.27.7.9.12.18 1 Kings 13.6.17.21 18.38 2 Kings 1.9 6 â—7 1 Chron. 4.10 2.20 12.30.27 Ezra 8.23 Psal 6.8 Iona. 2.10 Acts 4.31 10.4 12.5 16.25 Heb. 5.7 Ob. I am sure there is no day wherein I doe misse prayer and yet I am neuer the neere A. You aske and receiue not because you aske amisse Iames 4.3 And your iniquities haue turned away these things and your sinnes haue withheld good things Ier. 5.25 Q. What is then required of a man that he may pray aright and with assurance of being heard A. 1 Concerning the person and first that he be in Christ who because hee prayeth not for the world but for those the Father hath giuen him Iohn 17 9. If yee abide in him aske what you will and it shall be done vnto you Ioh. 15.7 2 That hee be righteous the prayer of the righteouus auaileth much Iames 5.16 For the eyes of the Lord are ouer the righteous and his eares are open to their prayers 1 Pet. 3.12 If ye regard wickednesse in your heart the Lord will not heare you Psal 66.18 But if your heart condemne you not then may you haue confidence towards God and whatsoeuer you aske you shall receiue of him because you keepe his commandements and doe those things that are pleasing in his sight 1 Iohn 3.21 For the Lord is farre from the wicked but hee heareth the prayer of the righteous Prou. 15.29 The feare of the wicked it shall come vpon him but the desire of the Righteous shall be granted Pro. 10.24 Now because in many things wee sinne all Eccles 7.20 What praier and supplication soeuer be made by any man or by all the people Israel which shall know euery man the plague of his owne heart then will God heare in heauen his dwelling place 1 Kings 8.38 Psalme 145.19 Ioh. 15.7 1.3.22 CONTRA Iud. 10. 14.11.7 Isa 59. 1. Ier. 3.4.7.16 Hos 5.7.14 Micha 3.4 Prou. 1 24.21.1â— Iudges 11.7 2 The thing wee pray for must be good For they that seeke the Lord shâ— want no good thing Psalm 34.10 Fâ—â— what man is there of you whom if his sonâ— aske bread will he giue him a stone or if aske a fish will he giue him a serpent If then being euill know how to giue good gifâ— to your children how much more shâ— your Father which is in heauen giue goâ—â— things to them that aske him Mat. 7.9 3 The manner must be according tâ— Gods will For this is the confidence thâ— wee haue in him that if wee aske anâ— thing according to his will hee hearetâ— vs 1 Ioh. 5.14 Q. what is then the will of God concerning the manner of prayer that so praying wee may obtaine A. 1 You must aske in faith nothing wauerering for hee that wauereth is like â— waue of the sea driuen with the winde anâ— tossed neyther let not that man thinke that he shall receiue any thing of the Lord Iames 1.6 But if thou doe commit thy â—ay vnto the Lord and trust in him then â—hall hee bring it to passe Psal 37.5 2 In sinceritie For the Lord is nigh â—ll them that call vpon him to all that call â—pon him in truth Psal 145.18 3 Prayer shall bee auaileable if it bee â—ruent Iames 5.16 Open thy mouth â—ide and hee will fill it Psal 81.10 â—ry aloud and hee shall heare thy voyce Psal 55.17 And if with Iacob thou â—rastle with God thou as a Prince shalt â—aue power with God and man and â—halt preuaile Gen. 32.26 Hosea 12.4 Exod. 32.10 Luke 11.5 Heb. 5.7 4 Pray continually 1 Thes 5.17 euen â—uery day saying Giue vs this day our â—aly bread Mat. 6.11 and without ceaâ—ng praying night and day 2 Tim. 1.3 â—ea euening and morning and at noone â—hen you pray hee shall heare thy voyce Psalme 55.17 For Peter and Iames and Iohn with the â—est continued with one accord in praier and supplication Acts 11.4 And suddenâ— there came a sound from heauen as of a rusâ—ing mighty winde which filled all the houâ— where they were sitting And there appeâ—red vnto them clouen tongues like as of firâ—â— and it sate vpon each of them and they weâ—â— all filled with the holy Ghost and beganâ— to speake with other tongues as the Spirâ—â— gaue them vtterance Act. 2.2.9.2.3 5 We must submit our selues vntâ— Gods will for the successe as diâ— Christ who praied saying O my Father if it be possible let this cup passe from mâ— neuerthelesse not as I will but as thou wilâ— Math. 26.39 and was heard in that hâ— feared Hebr. 5.7 6. With charity towards men wheâ— yee stand praying forgiue if you haâ—â— ought against any that your Father alâ— which is in heauen may forgiue you Marâ— 11.24 For with what measure you meâ—â— it shall be measured to you againe Mat. 7. â— 7 Wee must doe all in the name 〈◊〉 Christ For through him wee both haue aâ— accesse by one spirit vnto the Father Eph 2.18 In whose name whatsoeuer yee shall aske the Father that will he doe that the Father may bee glorified in the Sonne Iohn 14.13 Ob. All these things I haue striuen for in prayer but I am so cumbred with sinne as may iustly moue the Lord to keepe good things from mee A Elias was a man subiect to the like passion as we are and hee prayed earnestly that it might not raine and it rained not Iames 5.17 Ob. That might be but a chance A. Hee prayed againe and the heauens gaue raine and the earth brought forth her increase Iames 5.18 Ob. But what is that to mee A. This was written for the generations to come Psal 102.18 And there is no difference betweene the Iew and the Greeke for the same Lord ouer all is rich vnto all that call vpon him Rom. 10.12 For which shall euery one that is godly pray vnto him in a time when hee may bâ— found Psalm 32.6 Iohn 17.20 Q. What are the
reason of the enemy and avenger All this is come vpon vs yet haue wee not forgotten GOD neyther haue wee dealt falsely in his Covenant Our heart is not turned backe neyther haue our steps declined from his way Though hee hath sorely broken vs in the place of Dragons and covered vs with the shadow of Death Psal 44.15 Woe is me saith IEREMIE for my hurt my wound is grievous But I said truly this is a griefe and I must beare it Ier. 10 19. I IOHN am also your Brother and Companion in tribulation and in the Kingdome and patience of IESVS CHRIST Rev. 1 9. Take therefore my Brethren the Prophets who haue spoken in the name of the LORD for an example of suffering Affliction and of Patience Iames 5 10. 2 Timoth. 2 5. Psalm 119.83 141 143 39 9.123 2 38 12 13. Isa 26 8 39 8. 1 Sam. 26 19 2 15 25 2 16 11. Iob. 1.21 1 Corinth 4 12. Q. Why what will a mans patience profit him A. Behold wee count them happy which indure You haue heard of the patience of IOB and haue seene the end of the Lord that the Lord is verie pittifull and of tender mercy Iam 5.11 And so ABRAHAM after hee had patiently endured hee obtayned the promise Heb. 6.15 Blessed therefore are all they that wayte for him Isa 30.18 For the Lord is good vnto them that wait for him to the soule that seeketh him It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord Lam. 3.25 In your patience possesse yee your soules Luk. 21.19 And let Patience haue her perfect worke that yee may bee perfect and intire wanting nothing Iam. 1.4 And take my yoke vpon you and learne of mee for I am meeke and lowly in heart and you shall find rest vnto your Soules Math. 11.29 And it shall be said in that day loe this is our GOD wee haue waited for him and hee will saue vs this is the Lord wee haue waited for him wee will be glad and reioyce in his Salvation Isa 25.9 Therefore waite on the LORD bee of good cheere and hee shall strengthen thine heart waite I say on the Lord Psal 27 14. Saying why art thou cast downe O my Soule and why art thou disquieted within mee Hope in GOD for I shall yet praise him who is the health of my countenance and my God Psal 43 5.42.11.62.1.2 Q. By what meanes may this Grace of patience bee attained A. 1 If any of you lacke Wisedome let him aske of GOD that giveth to all men liberally and vpbraideth not and it shall be given him Iam. 1.5 2 This is my comfort in my Affliction for his Word quickneth me Psal 119.50 And if my delights had not beene in his Word I had perished in mine Affliction Psal 119 92. 3 I remembred his Iudgements of old haue comforted my selfe Psal 119 52 I haue considered the dayes of old and the yeares of ancient times I call to remembrance my Song in the night Psal 77.5 I remembred the yeares of the right hand of the most high I remembred the workes of the LORD surely I remembred his wonders of old Psal 77 10 11. And so strengthened my hand in GOD 1. Sam. 23.16 Psal 119 52 143 5. 2 Cor. 1.10 2 Tim. 4 17 18. 1 Sam. 17.37 Q. When comfort and deliuerance comes will it abide by vs A. Whereas thou hast beene forsaken and hated so that no man went through thee I will make thee an everlasting excellency a ioy of many Generations Isa 60.15 For a small moment haue I forsaken thee but with great mercies will I gather thee In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment but with everlasting kindnesse will I haue mercy on thee saith the Lord thy Redeemer Isa 54.7 Lift vp your eyes to the Heavens and looke vpon the Earth beneath for the Heavens shall vanish away like smoake and the Earth shall waxe old like a Garment and they that dwell therein shall dye in like manner but my Salvation shall bee for ever and my Righteousnesse shall not be abolished Isa 51.6 A woman when shee is in travell hath sorrow because her houre is come but as soone as shee is delivered of the Child shee remembreth no more the anguish for ioy that a Man is borne into the world And yee now also haue sorrow but I will see you againe and your heart shall reioyce and your ioy shall no man take from you Ioh 16.21 For you shall bee saved in the Lord with an everlasting Salvation yee shall not bee ashamed nor confounded world without end Isa 45 17. Amos 9.15 Ob. This your discourse imports much comfort notwithstanding all which I doe remaine but in the forlorne hope A. Are the Consolations of God small with thee Iob 15 11. Fooles because of their transgression and because of their iniquities are afflicted Their soule abhorreth all manner of meate and they draw neere vnto the gates of Death Psa 107.17 18. Wherefore then doth a living man complaine A man for the punishment of his sinnes Lam. 3.39 And why cryest thou for thine affliction Thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of thine Iniquities and because thy sinnes are increased I haue done these things vnto thee Ier. 30 15. Thine owne wickednesse correcteth thee and thy backslidings shall reproue thee Know therefore that it is an evill thing and a bitter to haue forsaken the Lord thy GOD and that his feare is not in thee saith the Lord God of hosts Ier. 2 19. Ob. If our transgressions and our sinnes be vpon vs and wee pine away in them how shall we then liue Ezek. 33.10 A. O Israel thou hast destroyed thy selfe but in me is thy helpe Hos 13.9 Therefore returne thou back-sliding Israel saith the Lord and I will not cause mine anger to fall vpon you for I am mercifull saith the Lord and I will not keepe anger for ever Onely acknowledge thine iniquities that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy GOD and yee haue not obeyed my voyce saith the Lord. Ier. 3.12 If thou were pure and vpright then surely hee would awake for thee and make the habitation of thy righteousnesse prosperous Though thy beginning was small yet thy latter end should greatly increase Iob 8.6 It is meete therefore to say vnto God I haue borne chastisement I will not offend any more Iob 34.31 32. Wherefore if iniquity be in thy hands put it farre away and let not wickednesse dwell in thy Tabernacles for then shalt thou lift vp thy face without spot yea thou shalt be stedfast and shalt not feare because thou shalt forget thy misery and remember it as waters that passe away And thine age shall be cleerer than the noone-day thou shalt shine foorth thou shalt be as the Morning Iob 11.14 Turne thou therefore vnto thy GOD keepe Mercy and iudgement and waite on thy GOD continually Hos 12 6. And acquaint thy selfe I pray thee
hated me before it hated you If yee were of the World the World would loue his owne but because you are not of the world but I haue chosen you out of the world therefore the world hateth you Remember the words that I said vnto you the Servant is not greater then his Lord if they haue persecuted mee they will persecute you also Iohn 15 18. For if they doe these things to a greene Tree what shall bee done to the drye Luke 23 31. Math. 10.16.1 Corinth 4 9.10 13 2. Cor. 6.9 Psalm 22.12 Notwithstanding they can haue no power at all against you except it be given them from aboue Ioh. 19.11.8 20. For if Balaak would giue vnto Balaam his house full of Silver and Gold hee could not goe beyond the word of the LORD to doe lesse or more Numb 22 18 38 24 12 13 23 8. But vnto you it is given in the behalfe of CHRIST not onely to beleeue but also to suffer for his sake Phil. 1.29 Ob The very tonges of these wicked men doe cut like a sharpe rasor Psal 52 2. Adders poyson is vnder their lips Psalm 140.3 Their teeth are as swords and their iawes are kniues to eat vp the afflcted out of the earth and the poore from among men Prou. 30 14. Iob. 17 6. Lam. 1 7. Isa 8 18. Psal 120.4 22 13.69 11 31 12 13 verses 22.6.7.8 verses 71.10 83.3 Ier. 18.18 Deut. 32.33 A. Beloved remember ye the words which were spoken before of the Apostles of our LORD IESVS CHRIST how that they told you there should be mockers in the last times Iud. 17.18 And call to remembrance the former dayes in the which after ye were illuminated yee endured a great fight in afflictons partly while yee were made a gazing stock both by reproches and afflictions and partly while yee became Companions of them that were so vsed Heb 10 32. But as the LORD turned the Curse of Baalam into a Blessing Deut 23 5. So it may bee hee will looke on your Affliction also and requite good for their cursing this day 2. Sam. 16 12. And if yee bee reproached for the name of CHRIST happie are ye for the Spirit of Glory and of GOD resteth vpon you which on their part he is evill spoken of but on your part hee is glorified 1. Pet. 4 14. Therefore hearken vnto me yee that know righteousnesse the people in whose heart is my Law feare yee not the reproaches of men neyther be afraid of theyr revilings for the Moth shall eat them like a Garment and the Worme shall eate them like Wooll but my Righteousnesse shall bee for ever and my salvation shall be from Generation to Generation Isa 51.7 And consider him which indured such contradiction of sinners least you be weary and faint in your minds Heb. 12.3 And goe forth vnto him without the Camp bearing his reproach Heb. 13.13 And say you vnto such a one why boastest â—hou in mischiefe O mighty man The goodâ—esse of God indureth continually Psa 52. â— And rherfore I will be more vile than â—hus and will be base in my owne sight â— Sam. 6.22 Math. 10.24 And turne vnto God and say haue â—ercy vpon vs O Lord haue mercy vpon â—s for we are exceedingly filled with conâ—empt our soule is exceedingly filled with â—he scornes of those that are at ease and â—ith the contempt of the proud Psal 123. â— 4 Remoue farre from vs reproch and â—â—ntempt for wee haue kept thy testimoâ—ies Psal 119.22 Ob. They do not only vse threatning â—nd reuiling words but they lay to my â—harge things I neuer did Psal 35. â—1 They reioyce at me as if I had beene â—ound among theeues Ier. 48.27 Act. 6.11 â—3 14. ver 25.7.17.6 Math. 11.18.26.65 Ioh. 10.20.7.12 Ier. 15.10 Isa 54.17 A. Also now thy witnesse is in heauen â—nd thy record on high Iob. 16.19 The Lord will not leaue thee in the hand of the wicked nor condemne thee when thou art iudged Psal 37 32. For he shall stand at thy right hand to saue thee from those that condemne thee Psal 109 31. And will put to silence those lying lippes which speake grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the Righteous Psal 31 18. wherein they thinke it strange that you runne not with them vnto the same excesse of ryot speaking evill of you who shall giue an account vnto him that is ready to iudge the quicke and the dead 1. Pet. 4 4. Isa 66 5. Blessed therefore are you when men shall reuile you and Persecute you and shall say all manner of evill against you falsly for my sake Reioyce and bee exceeding glad for great is your reward in Heaven for so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you Math. 5 11. Luk. 6 22. But let none of you suffer as a Murtherer or as a Theefe or as an evill doer or as a busie body in other mens matters yet if any man suffer as a Christian let him not bee ashamed but let him glorifie â—OD in this behalfe 1. Pet. 4 15. â—nd haue your conversation honest aâ—â—ng the Gentiles that whereas they â—â—ke against you as evill doers they â—y by your good Workes which they shall â—â—ld glorifie GOD in the day of Visiâ—ion For so is the will of God that by â—ll doing yee may put to silence the igâ—â—rance of foolish men 1. Pet. 2 12 15. 〈◊〉 being reviled wee blesse being perâ—uted wee suffer it being defamed wee â—reat wee are made as the filth of the â—â—rld and the of-scouring of all things â—o this day 1. Cor. 4 12. Thus doing mayest thou pray Deliâ—â— my soule O Lord from lying lips â—el from a deceitfull tongue Psal 120. â— And who is hee then that will harme 〈◊〉 if you bee followers of that which is â—nd 1. Pet. 3 13. Or if any shall so â—â—e as the Sparrow by wandring and the â—allow by flying escape so the Curse causeâ—â—e shall not come Prou. 26 2. Psalm 19 161. Ob. But I shall one day fall into their hands 1. Sam. 27 1. And be broughâ— before Governours and Kings for the Name of CHRIST Math. 10.18 And what alas shall I then doe A. Doe as TIMOTHY did who professed a good profession before many witnesses 1. Tim. 6.12 And as the Church of Pergamus did who held fast his name and denied not his Faith even in those dayes wherein ANTIPAS his faithful Martyr who was slaine where Sathan dwelt Reu. 2.13 And if they forbid you to speake any more in that Name then say vnto them whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken vnto you more than vnto God iudge yee For wee cannot but speake the things which we haue seene and heard Act. 4 19.20 Ob. Ah Lord God behold I can not speake for I am a Child Ier. 1.6 A. The hand of the Lord shall be vpon thee and shall open thy mouth and thou shalt bee no more dumbe Ezek. 33 22. The tongue of the Stammerers shall be
53 5 7 15.37 13. Ioel 2 20.3.1 3.19 Amos. 1 2. Zach. 2 8. Obad. 10. Mich. 7 10. Zach. 12 6 14 12 10 5. Reu. 18.5 12.13 Deut. 32 41. Mal. 4 3. Ier. 20.11 49 12 Psal 57 6. Thus Absalon persecuting David was himselfe slaine 2 Sam. 18 15. And in the place where Dogs licked the bloud of Naboth the Dogs licked the bloud of Ahab did eate Iezabel by the wall of Iezrael 1 King 21 19 23 1 22 38 1.13 4 2 2 24 2 9 35. Acts 12 23 Dan 6 24 3 22. Gen. 12 17 19 11. Exod. 7 20 8 6.8 17 8 24. 9 6 10 9 24 25 10.13 10.22.12.29 12.33 Esth 7.10.9.10.9.25 Numb 21.3 Therefore fret not thy selfe because of evill dooers neyther bee thou enviâ—us at the workers of iniquitie for they shall soone bee cut downe like the grasse and wither as the greene hearbe Psal 37.1 Ob. But doe you not see how the limbes of Antichrist doe still prevaile against the Church A. The ten hornes vpon the beast which are ten Kings which haue received no kingdome as yet but receiue power as Kings one houre with the beast These haue one mind and shall giue their power and strength vnto the beast These shall make war with the lambe and the lambe shall overcome them for he is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings c. And then these ten hornes shall hate the whore and shall make her desolate and naked and shall eate her flesh and burne her with fire For God shall put in their hearts to fulfill his will and to agree and giue their Kingdome vnto the Beast vntill the words of God shall be fulfilled Reu. 17.12 c. Q What vse is to be made of these promises A. 1. Therefore O yee cruell persecutours What meane you that yee beate my people to peeces and grind the faces of the poore saith the LORD GOD of Hosts Isa 3 15. Touch not mine anointed and doe my Prophets no harme Pâ—alm 105 15. And refraine from these men and let them alone for your counsell and your workes being of men shall come to nought but this being of God you can not overcome it least happily yee be found even to fight against God Acts 5 38 And let my sonnes goe that they may serue me and if yee wâ—ll refuse to let them goe behold I will slay your Sonnes even your first borne Exod. 4 23. Prou. 22 22. 2 King 19.21 Psal 2 1. 2. Come out of Babylon my people that yee be not partakers of her sinnes and that yee receiue not of her plagues Revel 18 4. 3 Pray saying Arise O Lord let notman prevaile let our enemies be iudged in thy sight put them in feare O Lord that they may know themselues to bee but men Psal 9 19. Fill their faces with shame that they may seeke thy name O Lord. Psal 83 16. Otherwise let them be turned backe and brought to confusion that devise our hurt Let them be as Chaffe before the Wind and let the Angell of the Lord chase them Let their way be darke and slippery and let the Angell of the Lord persecute them Psal 35 4. As smoake is driven away so driue them away as waxe melteth before the fire so let the wicked perish at the presence of God Psal 68 2. Bring vpon them the day of evill and destroy them with a double destruction Ier. 17.18 For they haue eaten vp Iacob and devowred him and consumed him and haue made his habitation desolate Ier. 10 25. Therefore render vnto them a recompense O Lord according to the worke of their hands Giue them sorrow of heart thy curse vnto them Persecute and destroy them in anger from vnder the Heavens of the Lord Lam. 3 64. Doe vnto them as to the Midianites as to Scisera as to Iabin at the Brooke of Kison which perished at Endor they became as dung for the earth Make their Nobles like Oreb and like Zeeb yea all their Princes as Zeba and Zalmunna who said let vs take to our selues the houses of God in possession O our God make them like a wheele as the stubble before the Wind. As the fire burneth Wood and as the flames set the Mountaines on fire so persecute them with thy tempest and make them afraid with thy storme Let them be confounded and troubled for ever yea let them bee put to shame and perish Psalm 83 9. Psal 68 1 129 5.40 14. Psal 79 10 35 1 45 3 68 1. Iudges 5 31. Q. What are wee to doe when our Persecutors are thus destroyed and wee thereby delivered A. Breake forth into ioy and sing together because the Lord hath comforted his people because he hath redeemed Ierusalem and made bare his holy arme in the eyes of all the Nations Isa 52 9. And sing yee the Song of MOSES the Servant of GOD and the song of the Lambe saying great and maruailous are thy works Lord God Almighty iust and true are thy wayes thou King of Saints Who shall not feare thee O Lord and glorifie thy Name For thou onely art holy for all Natâ—ons shall come and worship before thee for thy Iudgements are made manifest Reu. 15 3. And as the Angels of the Waters say vnto God thou art righteous O Lord which art and wast and shalt be because thou hast iudged thus even so Lord God Almighty true and righteous are thy iudgments R u 16 5 Wherefoâ—e we giue thee thankes O Lord God Almighty because thou hast taken to thee thy great power and hast reigned Reu 11.17 And in the day that I called vpon thee thou saidst feare not O Lord thou hast pleaded the cause of my Soule thou hast redeemed my life Lam. 3 57. Yea many a time haue they afflicted me from my youth yet they haue not prevailed against me The Plowers plowed vpon my backe and made long their furrowes The Lord is righteous he hath cut a sunder the Cords of the wicked I. Psal 129 2. c. 97 10 66 13.14 2 Cor. 1.3 4. Psal 31 23.18 16 9 11. Isa 26.13 Reu. 19 1 c. CHAP. XXIX Of Temptations by evill Examples Ob. WEll haue you satisfied me concerning temptations on the left hand but I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets and her hands are bands Eccl. 7.28 Prou. 23.27 A. Notwithstanding who so pleaseth God shall escape from her Eccles 7 26. For Ioseph hearkened not to his lewd Mâ—stresse Gen. 39.10 Noah also was a iust man and perfect in his generation Gen. 6 9. And Lot being righteous and dwelling among the wicked in seeing and hearing vexed his righteous soule from day to day with their vnlawfull deeds 2 Pet. 2.8 And we know that we are of God when yet the whole World lyeth in wickednesse 1 Ioh. 5 19. Dan. 11.32 Oâ— the contrary the mouth of the strange woman being a deepe Pit he that is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein Prou. 22 14 And the sinner
vse of these meanes Grace it selfe may decay A. In all places where GOD doth record his Name hee will blesse thee Exod. 20 24. The Lord shall blesse thee out of Zion Psal 128.5 So that thou shalt flourish like a Palme tree and like a Cedar in Libanon Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the Courts of our GOD they shall bring foorth fruit in old age they shall be fat and flourishing to shew that the Lord is vpright he is my rocke and that there is no vnrighteousnesse in him Psal 92 12 84 7 65 4. 1 Cor. 15 10. Math. 13 â—1 32. Isa 61 11. Q. What is required of vs to the â—nd that these meanes of Grace may be thus continued with successe A. 1 Get Davids appetite after them â—aying As the heart panteth after the waâ—â—r brookes so doth my heart pant after â—hee O GOD. My Soule thirsteth for God for the living God when shall I come â—nd appeare before God Psal 42 1. My Soule longeth yea even fainteth for the Courts of the Lord my heart and my flesh â—rieth out for the living God c. For a â—ay in his Courts is better than a thousand 〈◊〉 had rather be a doore keeper in the house â—f my God than to dwell in the tents of â—ickednesse Psal 84 1 10. verses 63 1 2 137 5 6. 2 A delight in them Reioyce with Ieâ—usalem and bee glad with her all you â—hat loue her reioyce for ioy with her â—ll you that mourne for her that yoâ— may sucke and bee satisfied with the breasts of her consolation that you may milke out and be delighted with the aboundance of her glory Isay 66 10. 3 Pray saying O send out thy light and thy truth let them leade mee let them bring mee vnto thy holy Hill and to thy Tabernacles Psalm 43 3. Send mee helpe from thy Sanctuary and strengthen mee out of Zion Remember all my offerings and accept my burnt Sacrifice Psalm 20 2 3. 134.3 4 Keepe thy foot when thou enterest into the house of God and be more neere to heare than to giue the Sacrifice of fooles Eccl. 5 1. For which end wash thy hands in innocencie and so compasse the Altars of God Psal 26 6. 5 When you come to worship the LORD in the beautie of holinesse Psal 96 9. Worship the Father in spirit and in truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him GOD is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and truth Iob. 4.23 6 Remember the Sabbath day to keepe it holy for the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it Exod. 20.8 11. Wherefore if thou turne away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy will on my holy day and call the Sabbath a delight and consecrate is as glorious to the LORD and shalt honour him not doing thine owne wayes not seeking thine owne will not speaking a vaine word then shalt thou delight in the LORD and I will feed thee with the hreitage of IACOB thy Father For the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it â—â—a 58 13. Blessed is the man that doth this and the Sonne of man which layeth hold on it Isa 56 2. And embraceth my Covenant him will I bring vnto my Holy Mountaine and make him ioyfull in mine house of Prayer Isa 56 6.7 Reu. â— 10. Q. If I should forbeare my worke on the Sabbath day I should come to beggery at the last A. See for that the LORD hath given you the Sabbath therefore hee giveth you on the sixt day the bread of two dayes therefore abide you every man in his place let no man goe out of his place on the seaventh day Exod. 16 29 16 5. CHAP XXXVII Of Temporall Blessings and in particuler of long life Q. ALl these promises you haue mentioned are of singular vse vnto the Soule but what provision shall we haue for the body A. You shall inherit the earth Math. 5 5. For as CHRIST so the world is yours 1 Cor. 3 22. Ob. What will the world profit vs if wee bee taken away by Death and be accounted among them that goe downe into the pit Shall Gods loving kindnesse bee declared in the Graue Or his faithfulnesse in destruction Psalm 88 4 11. A. If thou forget not my Law and thy heart keepe my Commandements length of dayes and long life shall they adde vnto thee Prou. 3 1. And the yeares of thy life shall be many Prou. 4.10 And there shall old men and old women dwell in the streets of Ierusalem every man with his staffe in his hand for very age Zach. 8 4. There shall bee there no more an Infant of dayes nor an old man that hath not filled his dayes for the Child shall dye an hundred yeares old For as the dayes of a Tree are the dayes of my people Isa 65 20 22. And with long life will I satisfie them Psalm 91 16. For they shall see their Childrens Children Psal 128 6. And come vnto their Graue in a full age like as a shocke of Corne commeth in due season into the Barne Iob. 5 26. As well as ABRAHAM who dyed in a good old age an old man and full of yeares Gen. 25 8. Psal 33 18 19. Ier. 45 5 39 17. Gen. 15 15 35 29 47 28 50. 23. Iudg. 8 32. 1 Chron. 29 28 2 24 15. 1 Sam. 25 29. Q. Is long Life a blessing of any worth A. The hoarie head is a Crowne of Glory if it be found in the way of Righteousnesse Prou. 16 31. For as the beauty of young men is their stregnth so the glory of the aged is their gray head Prou. 20 29. Q. Is this promise of long life a blessing common vnto all A. No for GOD shall bring the wicked downe into the pit of destruction the bloudy and deceitfull man shall not liue ouâ— halfe his dayes Psal 55.23 His confidence shall he rooted out of his Tabernacle and it shall bring him to the King of terrors Iob. 28 14. As the whirlewind passeth so is the wicked no more onely the righteous is an everlasting foundation Prou. 10.25 For as righteousnesse tendeth vnto life so he that pursueth evill pursueth it to his owne death Prou. 11 19 10 27. Psal 145 20. Ob. But doe you not see many of the wicked how theyr dayes are prolonged A. The woman that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth 1 Tim. 5 6 And men living â—ruitlessely are as trees twice dead and plucked vp by the rootes Iud. 12 And therefore though a sinner doe evill an hundred times and his dayes be prolonged yet surely I know that it shall bee well with them that feare GOD which feare before him Ecc. 8 12. Q What would you hence inferre A. Therefore bee thou not overmuch wicked neither bee thou foolish for why shouldest thou dye before thy time Eccl. 7 17. But set your hearts vnto all thâ— words which I testifie among you this day
searching these golden Mines It is our shame and sinne that we bestow more time and paines in reading any Booke more than Gods What excellent and worthy monuments did e Ego odi meos libros saepe opto eos interire quòd metuo ne morentur lectores abducant à scripturae ipsius lectione quae sola omnis sapientiae fons est Luth. in Genes 19. LVTHER leaue to the world in his Writings and how well spent is time spent in reading his workes And yet out of a Zeale to the reading of the Scriptures hee stickes not to wish that his owne bookes might perish because he feared the reading of them would hinder men from reading the Scriptures What would he wish now to a number of vain idle corrupt and corrupting writings if he saw how miserably the Scriptures were neglected for the reading of these Now for this present Treatise I conceiue it such a Worke as needs not the Ivie bush of an Epistle commendatorie f Plaut in Poen Invadibili merce oportet emptorem vltro adducere Proba merx facile emptorem repperit tametsi in abstruso sita est I say no more of this Authors paines then SALOMON speakes of the vertuous Woman Giue him of the fruit of his hands and let his owne worke praise him in the gates And whether his worke will doe it or no let all preiudice be layd aside and doe but as PHILIP bids NATHANAEL Ioh. 1 46. Come and see And thou shalt soone see that what I say of this Treatise is much short of what it doth deserue Thus wishing that thy profit in the reading may bee answerable to his paines in the writing of this worke I leaue thee to the grace of GOD and rest Thine in CHRIST IESVS Ier Dyke THE AVTHORS EPISTLE TO THE READER CHRISTIAN READER THe Wise man saith that of making many Bookes there is no end and much study is a wearines of the flesh Eccl. 12.12 And therefore in so great variety of Bookes now extant it will bee thy wisedome for thy exercise to make choyse of some few of the best By which meanes thy toile in reading will be the lesse and thy gaine the more The Booke of all Bookes is the Bible which by way of Excellency is called the Scripture Of which I may say as DAVID of the Sword of GOLIATH there is none like that 1 Sam 21.9 Notwithstanding the Word of the LORD is to many a reproch and they haue no delight in it Ier. 6 10. And beeing full doe despise the Hony combe Prou. 27.7 Such are but naturall not having the Spirit Iud. 19. And therefore vnable to discerne their owne need or where to bee supplyed Reu. 3.17 Others there are of whom I am perswaded better things who having tasted of the good Word of God Heb. 6 9. And by it also how gracious the Lord is doe as new borne Babes desire the sincere milke of the word that they may grow thereby 1. Pet 2.3 But yet they finding many things hard to bee vnderstood 2. Pet. 3.16 And themselues to bee but as a Child weaned from the milke and drawne from the Breasts Isa 28 9. Not having the vnderstanding of a man in them Prou. 30.2 Are by this meanes much discouraged from the reading of it which yet in the very entrance thereinto doth giue light and vnderstanding to the simple Psal 119.130 Such must know that as when the Iron is blunt and the Wood knotty men put to the greater strength so naturall defects in the effecting of difficult things and of such consequence as is the reading of the Scripture must not make them to desist but rather set them on to be more serious humble orderly and constant in the reading of the same And for their further direction therein this must be remembred that the Booke of Scripture is as the Waters of the Sanctuary Ezek. 47. In which a Lambe might wade and an Elephant Swim Therein is contained strong â—staete as well as Milke Heb. 5.12 Such as doe discerne themselues to bee but Babes there is Milke provided for them And let them leaue the strong meat vnto such who by reason of vse haue their sences exercised in discerning good evill vntill themselues also come to a more full age in Christ Heb. 5.14 Now if uch also shall complaine of the shortnesse of memory by meanes whereof together with the prolixity of the Booke of GOD and the various matter promiscuously couched therein so as what they haue read is as water spilt on the ground 2 Sam. 14.14 Such with the reading of Scripture in the manner aforesaid must ioyne after meditation as DAVID who hid the word in his heart Psal 119.11 And MARY who pondered and thereby kept those things which were told her by the Shepheards Luk. 2.19 Moreouer if they will not bee forgetfull hearers of the Word they must bee doers of the same Isa 1.25 And withall let them pray the Comforter which is the HOLY GHOST who shall then both teach and bring all things to theyr remembrance whatsoever hee hath said vnto them Notwithstanding all which labour because many things as eares of Corne out of the Sheafe may sl p weake memories I haue therefore gleaned after and from the whole Bâ—oke of GOD as out of a large and fertile Feild gathered vp such Simples aâ— are most Cordiall to the weakest Christian and of spâ—ciall vse vnto all Among which because the Promises are both the breeders and nourishers of Sauing-Faith the Fountaine of Spirituall Life and therefore of price vnto drooping Spirits who are weary and heavy laeden Math. 11.28 I haue for their sakes more principally layd hold vpon them that with ioy they might draw Watâ—â—â—â—t of the Wells of Salvation â—sa 12.3 And because there are others also with whom the Consolations of GOD are small or of none effect Iob. 15.11 I hâ—â—â— vnto each promise annexed its contiâ—â—â— Iudgement And in fine haue summed vp all the particular Iudgements vnder the Generall and therewith also answered such Obiections as are by Carnall Men vsually made And out of all I haue also inferred such vses of Reproofe Instruction and Exhortation as the said Scripture hath brought to my hand meetly to bee applyed That if such will but reade what is written and lay hold on Instruction they may no longer forsake their owne Mercies but be moued to come vnto CHRIST and liue All which I haue as well as I could reduced to such Heads and in such order Composed them as by the helpe of my Table and Catalogue of Chapters immediatly ensuing euery Reader may readily find out such places as hee stands in need of and shall desire to bee furnished with But with this Caution to the intelligent Reader that for such Scriptures as may diuersly bee referred if in searching hee doe misse of them in one place hee may find them in another And for the better preventing or remouing of Scruples from the ignorant
ye may be filled with all the fulnes of God Eph. 3.14 Q. What if I find my selfe to be in Christ A. Then cleane fast vnto him without separation 1 Cor. 7.35 And hold the head from which all the body by ioynts bands hauing nourishment ministred knit together increaseth with the encrease of God Col. 2.19 2. He that saith he abideth in him ought himselfe also to walke euen as he walked 1 Ioh. 2.6 For in Christ Iesus neither circumcision auaileth any thing nor vncircumcision but a new creature Gal 6.15 Therefore hauing put on the Lord Iesus Christ make no prouision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof Rom. 13.14 Rom. 7.4 Col. 2.6.7 Gal. 5.24 Q. What followeth vpon this our vnion with Christ A. Our cōmunion God is faithfull by whom yee were called vnto the fellowship of his Sonne Iesus Christ our Lord 1. Cor. 1.9 For saith he I stand at the doore and knock if any heare my voice and open the doore I will come in to him and sup with him and hee with mee Reuel 3.20 Cant. 5.1 Prou. 9.1 c. Q. Wherein haue we communion with Christ A. In his life For because hee liueth you shall liue also Iohn 14.19 And As the liuing Father sent him and hee liueth by the Father so hee that eateth him shall liue by him Iohn 6.57 For in him was life and the life was the light of man Iohn 1.4 whereby wee liue yet not wee any more but Christ liueth in vs. Galat. 2.20 Ephes 5.14 Rom. 6.8 2 Cor. 4.10 Iohn 11.25 14.6 2 In his sufferings who being lifted vp from the earth hee doth draw all men vnto him Ioh. 12.32 who are crucified with him Gal. 2.20 3 In his death Know ye not that so many of vs as were baptized into Iesus Christ were baptized into his death Rom. 6.3 4 In his buriall Therefore wee are buried with him in baptisme into death Rom. 6.4 Col. 2.12 5 In his resurrection We are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God who hath raised him from the dead Col. 2.12 For if the Spirit of him that raised vp Iesus from the dead dwell in you he that hath raised vp Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortall bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you Rom. 8.11 and 6.5 6 In his ascention making vs to sit together in heauenly places in Christ Iesus Ephes 2.6 Q. Had the Fathers who liued before Christ this communion with him A. Brethren I would not that you should be ignorant how that all our fathers were vnder the cloud and all passed thorow the Sea and were all baptized vnto Moses in the cloud and in the Sea and did all eate the same spirituall meate and did all drinke the same spiritual drink for they drank of that spirituall rocke that followed them and that rock was Christ 1 Cor. 10.1 Ioh. 8.56 Q. What then may this our Communion with Christ teach vs A. 1 Not to know any thing saue Iesus Christ him crucified 1 Cor. 2.2 To know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings beeing made conformable vnto his death Phil. 3.10 Col. 3.1 2. To walke worthy of him 1 Thes 2.12 For this is the message we haue heard of him and declare vnto you that God is light and in him is no darkenesse at all If wee say we haue fellowship with him and walke in darknesse we lye and do not truely but if we walke in the light as hee is in the light wee haue fellowship one with another 1 Ioh. 1.5 Q. What followeth vpon this our vnion and communion with Christ A. 1 If wee be one body in Christ wee are euery one anothers members Rom. 12.8 Ephes 4.25 1 Cor. 12.27 2 There is a community among these members Act. 4.32 Whereby in giuing and receiuing one doth communicate vnto another Phil. 4.15 And so are comforted by the mutuall faith each of other Rom. 1.11.12 Q. What doth this our vnion with the members of Christ teach vs A. To keepe the vnity of the Spirit in the bond of peace Eph. 4.3 c. And to let this peace of God rule in your hearts to the which you are also called in one body Col. 3.15 And all speaking one thing there may be no diuision among you but that yee be perfectly ioyned together in the same mind and in the same iudgement 1 Cor. 1.10 Ephes 4.15 16. Psalm 133.1 2. Gen. 13.8 9. Pro. 15.17 17.1.17.9.14 Eccl. 4.6 Col. 3.8.9 10. Iames 4.1 Rom. 14.19 2 Cor. 13.11 Q. What doth our communion with these members teach vs A. 1 That no man seeke his owne wealth but euery one one anothers wealth 1 Cor. 10.24 Reioycing with them that reioyce and weeping with them that weepe and to be of the like affections one towards another Rom 12.15 16. Whereby if one member suffer all the mēbers suffer with it or if one member bee honoured all the members reioyce with it 1 Cor. 12.26 2 Because all members haue not the same office Rom. 12.4 But haue gifts that are diuers Rom. 12.6 Such as are strong ought to beare with the infirmities of the weake not pleasing themselues but let euery man please his neighbour in that which is good to the vse of edification Rom. 15.1.2.3 1 Cor. 12.14 c. Q. I would gladly heare you to expresse yet more fully what wee are the beter for this vnion and communion with Chrst A. My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Iesus Phil. 4.19 By whom all things are yours c. 1 Cor. 3.21 c. which doe appertaine vnto life and godlinesse through the knowledge of him that hath called vs to glory and vertue 2 Pet. 1.3 For hee that hath giuen Christ vnto vs how shall he not with him also freely giue vs all things Rom. 8.32 Mar. 2.27 2 Cor. 4.15 Ioh. 1.16 Col. 2.10 1 Cor. 1.5 Q. What may the consideration of this teach vs A. To doe as the wise Marchant did who seeing good pearles when hee had found one pearle of great price he went and sold all that hee had to buy the same Math. 13.44 c. Q. What spirituall blessings are with Christ to be had A. Of him are wee in Christ Iesus who is of God made vnto vs righteousnesse and sanctification 1 Cor. 1.30 Q. How shall man bee iust with God Iob 9.2.25.4 A. Christ Iesus who knew no sinne became sinne for vs that wee might be made the righteousnesse of God in him 2 Cor. 5.21 For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous Rom. 5.19 Isa 53.9.53 11.12 Ezek. 16.9 Ob. But what did Christ in our behalfe that could be auaileable for righteousnesse either for the fathers who liued so many yeeres before him or vnto vs who doe liue so long after A. By one offcring he hath perfected for
4.67.8 Ob. This blessednesse might belong to Abraham and such as hee was but not vnto mee and such as I am A. It was not written for his sake alone that it was not imputed but vnto vs also to whom it shall not be imputed if wee beleeue on him that raised vp Iesus our Lord from the dead Rom. 4.23 1 Tim. 1.16 Ob. Many alas are the duties I might haue performed which I haue foolishly omitted A. He will not reproue thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings to haue beene continually before him Psalm 50.8 Ob. Multitudes of actuall transgressions also haue I committed some of ignorance or without obseruation many whereof are out of minde and forgotten A. Who can vnderstand hts errours Therefore say vnto God Cleanse thou mee from my secret faults Psalm 19.12 For as the high priest vnder the Law went alone once euery yeere not without blood which he offered for himselfe and for the errours of the people Hebr. 9.7 Leu. 4.2 c. 5.15 c. So CHRIST Iesus by his owne blood entred into the holy place hauing obtained eternall redemption for vs Hebr. 9.12 Acts 3.17.19 1 Tim. 1.13 Luke 7.47 Psalme 78.40.41 Acts 13.18 Psal 78 38.39 Ob. But I haue sinned also of knowledge yea presumptuously and with an high hand A. Come now let vs reason together saith the LORD though your sinnes be as scarlet they shall bee as white as snow though they bee red like crimson they shall bee as wooll Isai 1.18 For verily I say vnto you all manner of sinnes and blasphemies shall be forgiuen vnto men Math. 12.31 Leu. 5.13.6.5.6.7 Leu. 19.20 c. Luk. 7.47 2 Chro. 33.9 c. 1 Tim. 1.3 Act. 9.1.26.9 c. 1 Tim. 1.13 15 Micah 7.18.19 Deut. 9.19 Luk. 15.13 Ob. But I haue long liued in the practise of these horrible wickednesses A. As the Labourer working but one houre had his penny Mat. 20.8 And the thiefe on the Crosse his paradise Luke 23.43 So when the wicked man turneth away from his wickednesse that hee hath committed and doeth that which is lawfull and right he shall saue his soule aliue Because hee considereth and turneth away from all his transgressions that hee hath committed hee shall surely liue hee shall not dye Ezekiel 18.27.28 Ob. Whatsoeuer you can say to the contrary my owne conscience tels me that I am no better then a condemned man A. As for the wickednesse of the wicked he shall not fall thereby in the day that hee turneth from his wickednesse Ezechiel 33.12 For when God saith vnto thee Thou shalt surely dye if thou turne from thy sinne and doe that which is lawfull and right c. thou shalt surely liue thou shalt not die c. Ezek. 33 14.15.19 Q. If the Lord should pardon vs many thousands of times yet shall wee continue to prouoke him still A. My little children these things I write vnto you that you sinne not And if any man doe sinne wee haue an aduocate with the Father Iesus Christ the righteous and hee is the propitiation for all our sinnes 1 Ioh. 2.2 For whose sake the Lord is slow to anger and plentifull in mercy Psal 103.8 Long suffering abounding in goodnesse and truth keeping mercy for thousands forgiuing iniquity transgression and sinne Exod. 34 6. Yea for his names sake will he deferre his anger and for his praise will he refraine from thee that hee cut thee not off Isa 48.9 Psal 40.11 12 86 5 Neh. 9.26 c. Ob. There is no man liuing that will forgiue after this manner how then should I in the conscience of so much guiltinesse dare to looke God in the face A. Gods thoughts are not as your thougths neyther are his wayes your wayes For as the heauens are higher then the earth so are his wayes higher then your wayes and his thoughts then your thoughts Isa 55.7 8 9. For you say if a man put away his wife and she goe from him and become another mans shall he returne vnto her againe shall not the Land be greatly polluted Notwithstanding though thou hast played the harlot with many louers yet returne againe vnto mee saith the Lord Ierem. 3.1 Ob. But besides my sinne and guiltinesse my very righteousnesses are but as filthy ragges Isa 64.6 A. Christ Iesus he was holy harmelesse vndefiled separate from sinners Heb. 7.26 And is the end of the Law for righteousnesse vnto euery one that beleeueth Rom. 10.4 For which cause this is the name by which he was called The Lord our righteounesse Ier. 33.6 Math. 3.15 Cant. 1.5 Zech. 3.3 4. Ob. But the Law seemes to impose a curse vpon those that performe not as well personall as perfect obedience vnto the same Deut. 27.26 A. The Law is not made for a righteou◠man but for the Lawlesse and disobedient For the vngodly and prophane for murtherers of fathers for murtherers of mothers for man-slayers for them that defile themselues with mankind for man-stealers for lyars for periured persons and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound Doctrine 1 Tim. 1.9 Q. These things were good indeed if my heart could be drawne to beleeue them A. Christ Iesus beeing ascended vp vnto the Father will send the Comforter vnto you And when he is come he will conuince you of righteousnesse and that vpon this ground Because he goeth vnto the Father and you shalt see him no more Ioh. 16.7 Q. What is our worke wee haue to doe for the furthering and procuring of our owne iustification A. This is the worke of God that yee beleeue on him whom hee hath sent Ioh. 6.29 And the iust shall liue by faith Hab. 2.4 For what saith the Scripture Abraham beleeued GOD and it was accounted vnto him for righteousnesse Rom. 4.3 Galathians 3.6.8 Iames 2.23 Rom. 3.21.22 For the Scripture foreseeing that GOD would iustifie the Gentiles through faith preached before the Gospell vnto Abraham saying In thee shall all the Gentiles being in themselues full of all vnrighteousnesse Rom. 1.29 be blessed Gal. 3.8 Ob. But was not Abraham our Father iustified by workes when hee had offered Isaac his Sonne vpon the Altar Iames 2.21 And will you heerein so include faith as wholly to exclude workes Iames 2.24 A. By workes Abraham was manifested but not made iust Iames 2.18 Moreouer that no man is iustified by the Law it is euident for the iust shall liue by Faith Galathians 3.11 And when wee were yet of no strength CHRIST dyed for the vngodly Romanes 5.6 to declare at this time his righteousnesse that he might be iust an◠a iustifier of him which beleeueth in Iesu◠Rom. 3.26 By whom all that beleeu◠are iustified from all things from whic◠they could not bee iustified by the Law 〈◊〉 Moses Acts 13.39 And to him tha◠worketh not but beleeueth in him that iustifieth the vngodly his faith is accounte◠vnto him for righteousnesse Rom. 4.5 Moreouer the Law is weake through th◠flesh Rom. 8.3 And all hauing sinnes
Abrahams seede and heyres according to promise Gal. 3.29 Neither because they are the seed of Abraham are they all children but in Isaac shall thy seed be called that is they which are the children of the flesh they are not the children of God but the children of the promise are counted for the seede Rom. 9.7 Now wee brethren as Isaac was are the children of promise Gal. 4.28.3.7 1 Pet. 3.6.1.2.10 Luk. 19.9 Mat. 3.9 Ioh. 8.39.47 Hos 1.10.2.23 Isa 65.1 Ob. This priuiledge may concerne some great personages of the Gentiles but not such abiect and dispised persons as I am A. Hearken my beloued brethren hath not God chosen the poore of this world rich in faith and heires of the Kingdome which he hath promised to them that loue him Iames 2.5 For you see your calling how that not many wise men after the flesh nor many mighty nor many noble are called but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and God hath chosen the weake things of the world confound the things that are mighty aâ— base things of the world and things whâ— are despised hath God chosen yea thiâ— which are not to bring to nought thiâ— that are that no flesh should glory in presence 1 Cor. 1.26 Isa 66.2 Ob. If I could doe some thing woâ—thy of such a reward there were thâ— some hope A. God hath called vs not according workes but according to his own purpose aâ— grace whieh was giuen vs in Christ Iesâ—â— before the world began 2 Tim. 1.9 For 〈◊〉 promise made to Abraham that he shoâ— be the heyre of the world was not to â—braham and his seed through the Law 〈◊〉 through the righteousnesse of faith For they which are of the Law be heires faith made voyd the promise made of none â—fect Ro. 4.13.11.5 Luk. 17.7 Tit. 3.3 Ob. Notwithstanding it will not oâ— of my minde but that it is my well dâ—ing if at all that must enter mee in this estate A. This perswasion commeth not of him that calleth you Gal. 5.8 For God sent foorth his Sonne made of a woman made vnder the Law to redeeme them that are vnder the Law that we might receiue the adoption of Sonnes Gal. 4.4.5 And therefore tell me you that desire to be vnder the Law doe you not heare the Law For it is written Cast out the bondwoman and her sonne for the sonne of the bondwoman shall not be heyre with the sonne of the freewoman Gal. 4.21 Gen. 21.10 Q. How comes it then to passe that wee miserable creatures should be so highly exalted A. We haue not chosen him but he hath chosen vs Ioh. 15.16 And hath predestinated vs vnto the adoption of children by Iesus Christ to himselfe according to the good pleasure of his will Ephes 1.5.11 For behold the heauen and the heauen of heauen is the Lords the earth also with all things that therein is Only the Lord hath a delight in vs hath chosen vs aboue al people as it is this day Deu. 10.14 Isa 60.21 Rom. 11.5 Ob. Can it bee imagined that meâ— instamped with the diuels image should become the children of God A No For there are also giuen vnto vs great and precious promises that 〈◊〉 these ye might be partakers of the diuine nâ—ture hauing escaped the corruption that 〈◊〉 in the world through lust 2 Pet. 1.4 Wherby we haue put off the old man witâ— his deeds and haue put on the new maâ— which is renewed in knowledge after thâ— image of him that created vs Col. 3.9 Anâ— are changed into the same image from glory to glory 2 Cor. 3.18 Q. What are the causes by which this Image of God is wrought in vs A. 1 Principall efficient the Spirit of the Lord 2 Cor. 3 18. For we are borne not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God Ioh. 1.13 That which is borne of the flesh is flesh and that which is borne of the Spirit is Spirit Ioh. 3.6.8 Tit. 3.5 2 Instrumentall the word For of his owne will begat hee vs with the word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures Iames 1.18 Being borne againe not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the word of God which liueth and abideth for euer 1 Pet. 1.23 3 Ministring the Preachers who do beget vs by the Gospell 1 Corinth 4.15 And doe trauell in birth vntill Christ bee formed in vs Gal. 4.19 Isa 66.8 1 Cor. 9.1.2 Q. How may we know our selues to haue this image and so to be the children of God A. By these markes wee know that we are of God when yet the whole world lyeth in wickednesse 1 Ioh. 5.19 1 God himselfe hath sealed vs and hath giuen the earnest of the spirit in our hearts 2 Cor. 1.22 which spirit beareth witnesse with our spirits that wee are the children of God Rom. 8.16 2 Hee that beleeueth on the Sonne hath the witnesse in himselfe that hee is borne of God 1 Ioh. 5.10.5.1 3 He that is of God heareth Gods word Iohn 8.47 And as new borne babes doâ— desire that sincere milke of the Word thaâ— he may grow thereby 1 Peter 2.2 4 If you know that hee is righteous you know euery one that doth righteousnesse iâ— borne of him 1 Iohn 2.29 And being new borne hee doth not commit sinne because his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sinne because hee is borne of God In thiâ— therefore are the children of God knowne and the children of the diuell whosoeuer doth not righteously is not of God 1 Ioh. 3.9.3 Epist 11 Rom. 8.14 5 Loue is of God and euery one that loueth is borne of God and knoweth God 1 Iohn 4.7 6 Blessed are the peace-makers for they shall be called the children of God Mat. 5.9 But if you haue bitter enuying and strife in your hearts glory not and lye not against the truth Iames 3.14 For your spot is not the spot of his children they that are such are a crooked and peruerse generation Deut. 32.5 Hosea 1.9 Deut. 32.32 33. Iohn 8.44 Isa 57.3 Q. What may this priuiledge of being the children if God teach vs A. 1 To pray that the eyes of your vnderstanding being inlightned ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance is in the Saints and what is the exceding greatnesse of his power to vsward who beleeue according to the working of his mighty power Ephes 1.18 2 To call no man your father on earth for one is your father in heauen Math. 23.9 But be yee followers of God as deare children For yee were once darknesse now are yee light in the Lord walke as children of the light Ephes 5.1.8 And let your light so shine before men that they may see your good workes and glorifie your Father which is in heauen Math. 5.16 Mal. 1.6 1 Pet. 1.17 Ephes 4.30 3 To
There is a reward for the righteous Q. BVt suppose wee haue Gods acceptance is this all wee shall haue for our well doing A. Hee that soweth righteousnesse shall also haue a sure reward Prou. 11.18 And euery man shall receiue his owne reward according to his owne labour 1 Cor. 3.8 Whether hee be bond or free Ephes 6.8 So that hee which followeth after righteousnesse and mercy findeth life righteousnesse and honour Prou. 21.21 For behold the Lord God will come with strong hand and his arme shall rule for him Behold his reward is with him and his worke before him Isa 40.10 So that a man shall say verily there is a reward for the righteous verily he is a God that iudgeth the earth Psalm 58.11 Prou. 19.8.24.4.21.21 Iob. 34.7 c. Therefore Vzziah so long as he sought the Lord God made him to prosper 2 Chro. 26.5 Hezechiah also wrought that which was good and right and true before the Lord and prospered 2 Chro. 31.20 17.3 Numb 25.11 Math. 26.13 Exod. 1.21 Zech. 3.7 Gen. 22.16 Ierem. 35.18 Heb. 11.5 Gen. 18.17.19.24.12 with 26.2 Chro. 14.7 c. 2.13 18 Psal 18.20 Ob. Much good is done which God may neither see nor obserue A. The Lord searcheth the heart and tryeth the reines euen to giue euery man according to his wayes and according to the fruite of his doings Ierem. 17.10 For hee is the great and mighty God the Lord â—f host is his name great in counsell and mighty in worke for his eyes are open vpon all the wayes of the sons of men to giue euery one according to his wayes and according to the fruite of his doings Ier. 32.18 And doe runne to and fro throughout the whole earth to shew himselfe strong in the behalfe of them whose heart is perfect towards him 2 Chron. 16.9 Psal 111.5 Ob. But may not God forget our weldoing A. God is not vnrighteous to forget your worke and labour of loue which yee haue shewed towards his name in that you haue ministred to the Saints and doe minister Heb. 6.10 For he remembred his holy promise and Abraham his seruant Psal 105.42 And when they that feared the Lord and speake often one to another the Lord hearkened and heard it and a booke of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and that thought vpon his name Mal. 3.16 I haue waited long and yet hauâ— no reward A. Yet bee not weary in weldoing foâ— in due season you shall reape if you faint not Gal. 6.9 For how euer the sonne of man be aâ— one gone into a farre countrey to receiâ—â— vnto himselfe a kingdome yet will he returne Luke 19.11 And come in the glory of his Father with his Angels and theâ— hee shall reward euery man according to hiâ— workes Mat. 16.27 Therefore turne thou to thy God keep mercy and iudgement and waite on thy Goâ— continually Hos 12.6 Ob. As for works of mercy wherein I doe part with my goods the more good I doe for others the lesse good remaines to my selfe A. There is that scattereth and yet increaseth The liberall soule shall be made fat and he that watereth shall be watered also himselfe Prou. 11.24.25 Hee which soweth bountifully shall reape bountifully 2 Cor. 9.6 Giue and it shall be giuen vnto you good measure pressed down shaken together running ouer Luke 6.38 For God is able to make all grace to abound towards you that you hauing sufficiency in all things may abound in euery good worke As it is writen Hee hath dispersed abroad he hath giuen to the poore his righteousnesse remaineth for euer 2 Cor. 9.8 Psalm 112.9 1 Kings 17.16 Isa 32.8 Psalme 41.1 Q. Why will God thus reward our weldoing in this kind A Because the administration of this seruice not onely supplieth the want of the Saints but is abundant also by many thankesgiuing vnto God whiles by the experiment of this minsteration they glorifie God for your professed subiection vnto the Gospell of Christ and for your liberall distribution vnto them 2 Cor. 9.12 Math. 5.16 Q. What is the vse of this A. 1. To confute the scorner for what man is he then who drinketh vp scorning like water which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity and wâ—keth with wicked men For hee saith profiteth a man nothing that hee shouâ—â— delight himselfe with God Iob 34.7 And what profit is it that we haue kept hâ— ordinances and that we haue walked mourâ—fully before the Lord of hosts whicâ— call the proude happie and say that sucâ— as worke wickednesse are set vp yea theâ— that tempt God are euen deliuered Where as they that feare mee shall be mine saitâ— the Lord of hosts in that day when I maâ—â— vp my Iewels and I will spare them as man spareth his owne son that serueth him Then shall ye returne and discerne between the righteous and the wicked between him that serueth God and him that serueth him not Mal. 3.14 Thefore hearken vnto mee yee men of vnderstanding far be it from God that he should doe wickednesse and from the Almighty that hee should commit iniquity For the worke of man shall be render vnto him and cause euery man to finde according to his waies Iob 34.10 Mal. 2.17 2 Pray saying Remember me O my God concerning this and wipe not out my â—ood deedes that I haue done for the house â—f my God and for the offices thereof Neh. 13.14 Doe thou O Lord recompence my workes and giue vnto mee a full reward Ruth 2.12 And let thy mercy be vpon me according as I hope in thee Psal 33.22 3 Be strong therefore and let not your hands be weake for your worke shall be rewarded 2 Chron. 15.7 And as euery man hath receiued the gift euen so minister â—he same one to another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God 1 Pet. 4.10 Because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall blesse thee in all thy workes and in all that thou puttest thine hand vnto Deut. 15.10 And shall also recompence thee at the resurrection of the iust Luke 14.14 Deut 14.29 Gal. 6.10 Eccles 11.1 Hebrews 13.2 Colloss 3.24 Prou. 3.28 1 Tim. 6.17 Isa 3.10 Q. Among other good works shew mee how the works of charity must be done that so I neither neglecting thâ— worke nor faile in the manner of doing them may bee sure not to faileâ— my reward A. Take heed that you doe not your almâ— before men to be seene of them otherwiâ—â— you haue no reward of your Father which in Heauen But when thou doest thiâ— almes c. let not thy left hand know whâ— thy right hand doeth that thine almâ— may bee in secret and thy Father whicâ— seeth in secret himselfe shall reward thâ— openly Math. 6.1.16 And whatsoeueâ— you doe doe it heartily as to the Lord aâ—â— not vnto men knowing that of the Lord yâ—â— shall receiue the reward of the inheritance for yee serue the Lord Christ Col. 3.23 2 Hee
for our good Iob 34.14 Eccles 3.18.11.8.9.10 1 Kings 2.10 Acts 13.36 Iohn 8.52 Gen. 3.19 2 Sam. 3.38 Iob 9.25.14.5 Psa 90.10.103.15.144.4.39.12.39.4 5. 1 Chron 29.15 Isa 40.6 Prou 19.20 Numb 23.10 Acts 22 9. A. Man indeed is not Lord ouer the Spirit to retaine the Spirit neither hath he power in the day of death Eccles 8.8 Yet the day of death is better than the day of ones birth Eccles 7.1 For I heard a voyce from heauen saying vnto mee write Blessed are the dead which dye in the Lord from hencefoorth yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labours Reuel 14.13 For the wicked haue there câ—aseâ— from their tyranny and there they that laboured valiantly are at rest The prisoners rest together and heare not the voâ—ce of the oppressour and the seruant is free from his master Iob 3.17 Peace shall then come they shall rest in their beds euery one that walketh before him Isa 57.2 2 Though they die yet their works die not but doe follow thâ—m Reuel 14.13 And when the wicked by death are driuen away in his wickednesse yet the righteous hath hope in his death Prou. 14.32 Rom 14.8 Prou 11.7 Q. Why can these dead bones liue Ezech. 37.3 A. Thy dead men shall liue together with my dead body shall they arise Isa 26 19. For since by man came death by man came the resurrection of the dead And as in Adam all dye so in Christ shall all be made aliue 1 Cor 15.21 And therefore we haue hope towards God that the resurrection shall be of the iust and vniust Acts 24.15 Ezech. 37.5 Psalm 90.3 Q. There is no article of faith doth more stagger mee than this of the resurrection and therefore I pray helpe to confirme me in it A. Meruaile not at this for the houre is comming in the which all that are in the graues shall heare his voyce and shall come forth Iohn 5.28 Now that the dead are raised vp euen Moses sheweth at the bush when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham the God of Isaack and the God of Iacob for hee is not the God of the dead but of the liuing for all liue vnto him Luke 20.37 Why then should it be thought an incredible thing with you that God should raise the dead Acts 26.8 Q. Make the certainty of the resurrection further to appeare by some examples of such as haue beene raised vp from the dead A. The sonne of the Shunamite being dead was by the Prophet Elisha restored vnto his mother aliue 2 Kings 4.32 A dead man also being let downe into the sepulcher of Elisha hee reuiued and stood vpon his feet 2 Kings 13.21 And when Christ with a loude voyce said vnto Lazarus arise and come forth then he that was dead came forth bound hand and foot with the graue clothes Iohn 11.43 Likewise at the death of Christ the graues were opened and many of the bodies of the Saints which slept arose and came out of the graues after his resurrection and went into the holy Citty and appeared vnto many Math. 27.52 Remember also that Iesus Christ made of the seed of DAVID was raised againe from the dead according to my Gospell 2 Tim. 2.8 Now if Christ be preached that hee rose from the dead how say some among you that there is no resurrection from the dead 1 Cor. 15.12.1.15.4 Acts 10.40 Reueâ— 1.18 Acts 13.30 Gal. 1.1 Acts 26.23 Q. What doth it concerne me thâ—â— Christ is raised from the dead A. Very much for Christ being râ—sen from the dead is become the first fruite of them that sleepe 1 Cor. 15.20 Aâ— this is a faithfull saying that if we be deâ— with him we shall also liue with him 2 Tim 2.11 For God that hath raised vp thâ— Lord will raise vp vs by his owne poweâ— 1 Cor. 6.14 who by him doe beleeue iâ— God that raised him vp from the dead anâ— gaue him glory that your faith and hopâ— might be in God 1 Pet. 1 2â— 2 Corin. â— 14. Rom. 8.11 Ob. But death is called the King 〈◊〉 terrours Iob. 18.14 who then caâ— ouercome it A. I am saith Christ the resurrectioâ— and the life he that beleeueth in me thougâ— hee were dead yet shall hee liue Iohn 11 25. I will ransome them from the poweâ— of the graue I will redeeme them from deatâ— O death I will be thy plague O graue will be thy destruction The sting of death sinne and the strength of sin is the Law â—t thankes be to God which hath giuen â—s victory through our Lord Iesus Christ Cor. 15.55 Psal 68.20 Hosea 13.14 Ob. I may be drowned in the sea and â—euoured of fishes A. The sea shall giue vp the dead which â—ein it and death and hell shall deliuer â—p the dead which were in them Reuel 20. â—3 Ob. Though I should be buried in â—he earth yet amidst so many bodies â—onsumed to dust and so confusedly â—ixed my body may be lost A. This is the Fathers will which hath â—ent mee that of all which he hath giuen me should loose nothing but should raise it vp â—gaine at the last day Ioh. 6.39 Ob. The same bodies for number â—hat dyed may bee raised from the dead but not the same in identitie of bodies A. I know my Redeemer liueth and that hee shall stand the latter day vpon the earth and though after my skinne worâ— destroy this body yet in my flesh shall see God whom I shall see for my selfe aâ— mine eyes shall behold and not anotheâ— though my reines be consumed within mâ— Iob 19.25 Iohn 11.24 Q. How are the dead raised vp and wiâ— what bodies doe they come 1 Cor. 15.35 A. Thou foole that which thou sowest not quickned except it dye and that whiâ—â— thou sowest thou sowest not that body thâ— shall be but bare graine it maybe chaâ—â— wheate or some other grain But God giueâ— it a body as it pleaseth him and to euery seâ— his own body c. So also is the resurrectiâ—â— from the dead It is sowne in corruption is raised in incorruption It is sowne in diâ—honor it is raised in glory it is sowneâ— weaknesse tt is raised in power it sowneâ— naturall body it is raised a spirituall bodâ— 1 Corin. 15.36 Q. You say that all shall be raysed wherein then will stand the difference betweene the Elect and reprobate at that day A. As with Pharaohes chiefe butler and chiefe baker whose heads were both lifted vp but the one vnto his butlership the other vnto the gallowes to be hanged vp Gen. 40.20 So all both good and bad shall come forth They that haue done good vnto the resurrection of life and they that haue done euill vnto the resurrection of damnation Ioh. 5.29 Dan. 12.2.13 Q. What shall become of them who shall be found aliue at the generall resurrection A. Behold I shew you a mystery we shall not all sleepe but we shall all be changed in a moment in the twinkling of
before vs whâ—ch hope we haue as anker of the soule both sure and stedfast and which entreth into that which is within the vaile whether the fore-runner is for vs entred Heb. 6.17 Q. Shew me then some marks wherby I may discerne whether or no my selfe am one of that number which shal be saued A. 1. This is life Eternall that wee know him to be the onely true God and IESVS CHRIST whom he hath sent Ioh. 17.3 2. GOD so loued the world that hee gaue his onely begotten Son that whosoeuer beleeueth in him should not perish but haue euerlasting life Ioâ— 3.16 These things I write vnto you that beleeue in the name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye haue eternall life 1. Ioh. 5.13 Ioh. 5.24.3.36 Acts 16.31 3. It shall be that whosoeuer shal call on the name of the Lord shall be saued Act. 2 21. 4. We know that we are passed from death to life because we loue the brethreÌ„ 1. Io. 3.14 5. Whosoeuer shall humble himselfe and become as a little child the same is great in the Kingdome of GOD. Mat. 18.4 Mat 5.3.19.14 6 The Kingdome of Heauen suffereth violence and the violent take it by force Mat. 11.12 and for ioy thereof depart and sell all that they haue to purchase it Mat. 13.44 5.10 7. There shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth nor whosoever worketh abomination or that maketh a lie Reu. 21.27 For without are dogs and Sorcerers and Whoremongers and Murtherers Idolaters Reu. 22.15 Neither shall any that worketh abhomination enter into the Kingdome of GOD. Reu. 21.27 The sinners in Zion are afraid fearefulnesse shall surprise the Hypocrites Who among vs shall dwell with the devouring fire who among vs shall dwell with the everlasting burnings He that walketh righteously and speaketh vprightly he that despiseth the gaine of the oppressions that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes and stoppeth his eare from hearing of blood and shutteth his eyes from seeing of euill hee shall dwell on high Isa 33.14 And to him that ordereth his conuersation aright will I shew the salvation of GOD. Psal 5â— 23.15.1.119.155 Math. 5.19 Ier. 17.13 Ob. These things in some measure I doe find to be in my selfe yet my griefe is that I can be no more sencible of this happinesse A. 1. Now wee see through a glasse darkly but then face to face Now wee know in part But then shall wee know even as also wee are knowne 1. Cor. 13.12 2. We are saved by hope but hope that is seene is not hope For what a man seeth why doth hee hope for it But if we hope for that we see not then doe we with patience waite for it Rom. 8.24 As well as IACOB who said I haue waited for thy salvation O LORD Gen. 49.18 1. Pet. 1.9 3. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seene Heb. 11.1 Whom hauing not seene you loue in whom though you see him not yet beleeuing you reioyce with ioy vnspeakable and full of glory receiuing the end of your faith the saluation of your soules 1. Pet. 1.8 4. For this end pray saying Restore vnto mee the ioy of thy salvation and vphold me with thy free spirit Psal 51.12 And then with ioy shall you draw water out of the wels of saluation Isa 12.3 Ob. I am beset with so many enemies that my feare is I shall fall short of Heauen A. We are kept by the power of GOD through faith vnto saluation ready to bereuealed in the last times 1. Pet. 1.5 When Christ shall put downe all rule and all authority and power For he must reigne till he haue put all his enemies vnder his feet the last whereof that shall be destroyed is death For hee hath put all things vnder his feet but when hee saith all things are put vnder him it is manifest that he is excepted which did put all things vnder him 1. Cor. 15.24 Q. Seeing GOD haâ—h prouided for vs such an inheritance what therefore are we to doe A. 1. We are bound to giue thankes alwayes to GOD because GOD hath from the beginning chosen vs to saluation through sanctification of the spirit and the beliefe of the truth Whereunto hee called vs by the Gospell to the obtaining of the glory of the Lord IESVS CHRIST 2. Thes 2.13 1. Pet. 1.3.4 2 Because the Scriptures are callâ—d the Word of the Kingdome Mat. 13.19 Search the Scrâ—ptures for in them ye thinke to haue eternall life Ioh. 5.39 In which because some things are hard to be vnderstood 2. Pet. 3.16 Let euery man be swift to heare Iam. 1.19 For after that in the Wisedome of GOD the World by Wisedome knew not GOD it pleased GOD by the foolishnes of Preaching to saue them that beleeue 1. Cor. 1.21 3. Seeing wee here haue no continuing City but we seeke one to come Heb. 13.14 And the time here being short it remaineth that both they that haue Wiues be as though they had none and they that weepe as though they wept not and they that reioyce as though they reioyced not and they that buy as though they possessed not and they that vse this world as not abusing it for the fashion of this World passeth away 1. Cor. 7.29 And wee according to his Promise looke for new Heauens and a new earth where dwelleth Righteousnesse 2. Pet. 3.13 Ioh. 6.27 4. Make you friends of the Mammon of vnrighteousnesse that when yee faile they may receiue you into everlasting habitations Luk. 16.9 Sell that yee haue and giue Almes and prouide your selues Bags which waxe not old and treasures in Heaven that faile not Luk. 12.33 Matth. 6.19 5. Hauing therefore these promises let vs cleanse our selues from all filthines of flesh and spirit perfecting holinesse in the feare of GOD 2. Cor. 7.1 And let vs feare left a promise being left vs of entring into his rest any of you should seeme to come short of it Heb. 4.1 Wherein we ought to giue the more earnest heed to the things which wee haue heard least at any time wee should let them slip For if the Word spoken by Angels was stedfast and every transgression and disobedience receiued a iust recompence of reward how shall wee escape if wee neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the LORD and was confirmed to vs by them that heard him Heb. 2.1 Wherefore the rather brethren giue diligence to make your calling and election sure for if yee doe these things yee shall never fall For so an entrance shall be ministred to you abundantly into the everlast ng Kingdome of our Lord and Saviour IESVS CHRIST 2. Pet. 1.10 11. Râ—u 22.14 Heb. 12 28. 1. Cor 15 34 Râ—m 13.11 1. Cor. 6.9 Tit. 2.11 Q You tell me of Heaven and if these bee the condâ—tions of attaining it how shall I â—e animated to come there A. If any man will come after me let
against you yet he shall purge them away Psaâ— 65 3â— Moreover every valley shall be exalted and every mountaine and hâ—ll shall be made low and the crooked things shal be made straight and the rough places plaine Isa 40 4. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnall but mighty through GOD to the pulling downe of strong holds casting downe imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it selfe against the knowledge of GOD and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of CHRIST 2 Cor. 10 4. Acts 9 20. Ob. But doe not you as PAVL did of himse fe say of your selfe that what I would doe that I doe not but what I hate that doe I Rom. 7 15 23. Gal. 5.17 A. If I doe that I would not I consent vnto the law that it is good Now then it is no more I that do it but sinne that dwelleth in me Rom. 7 16. And though I walke in the flesh yet doe I not warre after the flesh 2 Cor. 10.3 For the Lord is that spirit and where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty 2 Cor. 3 17 Therefore I thanke GOD through IESVS CHRIST our Lord hat with the mind I serue the Law of GOD though with the flesh the Law of sinne Rom. 7 25. Q. What is required of vs to be done for the furthering of this Grace in our selues A. Dearly beloved I beseech you as strangers and Pilgrims abstaine from fleshly lusts which warre against the Soule 1 Pet. 2 11. 2 Pray saying keepe backe thy Servant from presumptuous sinnes let them not haue dominion over me then shalt thou be vpright and innocent from the great transgression Psal 1â— 13. Ob. Notwithstanding doe what I can this burthen of sinne presseth me very sore A. Come vnto me all ye that labour and are heauy laden and I will giue you rest Mat. 11.28 For I am not come to call the Righteous but sinners to repentance Mat. 9.13 Ob. Behold we come vnto thee for thou art the Lord our God Ier. 3 22. But we haue gone astray like lost sheepe Psal 119 176. And the way of man is not in himselfe neither is it in man that walketh to direct his steps Ier. 10 23. A. I am not sent but to the lost sheepe of the house of Israel Mat. 15 24. Therfore I am come to saue that which was lost Mat. 18 11. and to bring againe that which was driven away Ezek. 34.16 For how thinke you If a man haue an hundred sheepe and one of them be gone astray doth he not leaue the ninety and nine and goeth into the Mountaines and seeke that which was gone astray c. Even so it is not the will of the Father which is in Heaven that one of these little ones should perish Mat. 18 12 10 6. Luk. 15 8 c. Ob. The worst as yet remaines for though I see my way before me yet can I not walke therein A. The Spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weake Math. 26 41. Yet a bruised reed will he not breake and smoaking flaxe shall he not quench till hee send forth Iudgement vnto victory Mat. 12 20. And hee said vnto me my grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weaknesse 2 Corinth 12 9. Ob. All this while my appetite after 2Grace is not alayed A. I will powre waters vpon him that is thirsty and flouds vpon the dry ground Isa 44 3 For as the Scriptures haue said out of his belly shall flow Rivers of liuing water which bee spake of the spirit which they that beleeue on him should receiue Ioh. 7 38 39. I am also the bread of life he that coÌ„meth vnto me shal neuer hunger and he that beleeueth on me shall never thirst Iohn 6 35 4 13. Luke 1 53. Ob. It is not meet to take the Childrens bread and to cast it vnto Dogges Mat. 15 26. A. True yet the Dogs eate of the crums which fall from the Masters table Mat. 15 27. And therefore if any man thirst let him come vnto CHRIST and drinke Ioh. 7 37. And hee that hath no money come yea buy and eate yea come buy wine and milke without money and without price Wherefore doe you spend money on that which is not bread And your labour for that which satisfieth not Hearken diligently vnto me and eate that which is good and let your soule delight it selfe in fatnesse Incline your eare come vnto him heare and your soule shall liue Isa 55 1. And the spirit and the bride say come and let him that is a thirst come and whosoever will let him take of the Waters of life freely Revel 22 17. Ioh. 4 10. Q. But in comming shall I not bee rejected A. All that the Father giveth mee shall come to mee and him that commeth to me I will in no wise cast off Ioh. 6.37 Ob. Sir giue mee then this water that I thirst not Ioh. 4.15 For notwithstanding all you haue said It is the very breaking of my heart to thinke that I can serue GOD no better A. The Sacrifices of GOD are a broken Spirit a broken and a contrite heart God will not despise Psal 51 17. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth Eternitie whose name is Holy I dwell in the high and holy place with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit to reviue the spirit of the humble and to reviue the heart of the contrite ones Isa 57.15 To open the blind eyes to bring the Prisoners from the prison and them that sit in darknesse out of the prison house Isa 42.7 That they might bee called the trees of Righteousnesse the planting of the LORD that hee might be glorified Isa 6â— 2 3. Therefore turne yee to the strong holds ye prisoners of hope for even to day doe I declare that I will render double vnto thee Zach. 9 12. Isa 49.8.61 1. Psal 34.18.147 3. Ob. These are sweet promises I confesse but yet I want comfort still A. The Lord God hath given CHRIST the tongue of the Learned that hee should know how to speake a word in season to him that is wearie Isa 50 4 Blessed therefore are you that mourne for you shall bee comforted Math. 5.4 Ob. Yet for all this the distresses of my soule are such as bee intollerable to beare and how to bee deliuered I know not A. Who is among you that feareth the Lord that obeyeth the voyce of his servant that walketh in darknesse and hath no light let him trust in the Name of the Lord and stay vpon his GOD Isa 50.10 and seeke vnto him that maketh the seaven Starres and Orion and turneth the shadow of Death into the morning and maketh the day darke with night that calleth for the waters of the Sea and powreth them â—â—t vpon the face of the earth the LORD â—his name Amos 5 8. CHAP. XXVI Of the Temptations of the Devill Ob. THough I should preuaile
against the motions of the Flesh this feare yet remaines least by any meanes as the Serpent beguiled EVE through his subtiltie so my minde should be corrupted from the simplicitie that is in CHRIST 2. Cor. 11.3 Iob 1.7 A. Resist the Devill and hee will flie from you Iam. 4.7 Now is the iudgement of this world now shall the Prince of this world be cast out Ioh. 12 31. Ob. What hope haue wee to preuaile against so potent an Enemy A. I haue written vnto you Young men because yee haue overcome the wicked oâ— 1. Ioâ— 2.14 For wee know that hee that is begotten of GOD keepeth himselfâ— and that wicked one toucheth him not â— Ioh. 5.18 For the Church of Pergamâ— dwelling even where Sathans throne waâ— yet held fast her professâ—on Revel 2.13 Iob 2.3 Ob. It is not possible for mee in mâ— owne stâ—ength to preuaile A. For this puâ—pose appeared the Sonâ—â— of GOD that he might destroy the workâ— of the Devill 1. Ioâ— 3 8. Who shâ—â—â— bruise Sathan vnder your feet shortly Rom. 16.20 And though the Prince of this world come yet hath hee nought iâ— him Ioh. 14.30 But in two combateâ— was foyled and in the third was put to flâ—ght by him Math. 4.1 So as the gates of Hell prevailed not against him Math. 16.18 Numb 21.9 Q. Wherewith was CHRIST furnished against Sathan A. Forasmuch as the Children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himselfe likewise tooke part of the same that â—hrough Death hee might destroy him that â—â—d the power of Death that is the Devill â—Heb 2.14 And the Saints overcame â—â—m also by the Blood of the Lambe Rev. 12 11. Q. May not Sathan ouercome at the â—ast A. No for CHRIST hath spoyled Principalities and Powers and made a shew of them openly triumphing over them in his Crosse Col. 2.15 And when hee ascended vp on hâ—gh he led Captivitie captiue Ephes 4 8. Wherefore hee is able to saue them to the vtmost that come vnto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Heb. 7.25 For hee giveth vnto them Eternall life and they shall never perish neither shall any plucke them out of his Fathers hands because his Father which gaue them him is greater than all Ioh. 10.28 Psal 68 18. Ob. But the Dragon and his Angels doe still continue their fight against vs A. I haue put enmitie betwixt thee and the Woman and betweene thy seed and her seed it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heele Gen. 3.15 Therefore though they fight yet they prevaile not neither shall their place be found any more in Heaven Revel 12 8. Luk. 10.18 Prou. 29 27. Q. What shall then become of them when they are so cast our A. The great Dragon was cast out that old Serpent called the Devill and Sathan which deceiveth the whole world hee was cast out into the earth and his Angels were cast out with him Reu. 12 9. Ob. How is it then that when the sonnes of God come to present themselues before the Lord Sathan is not shut out Iob 2 1. but is ready to stand at his right hand to resist them Zach. 3.1 A. The Lord said Simon Simon behold Sathan hath desired to haue you that he may sift you as Wheat but I haue prayed for thee that thy faith faile not Luk. 22.31 Saying the Lord rebuke thee O Sathan even the Lord that hath chosen Ierusalem rebuke thee Zach. 3.2 Q. Did the Lord IESVS make good his promise A. Yea for though he were once foyled yet he againe recouered for he went â—â—t and wept bitterly Luk. 22.62 Q. Was he not by this foile of his made for euer after the more faint-hearted A. No for with greater courage and boldnes he both Preached and professed the name of Christ. Act. 2 14 3 12 4 8 4 19. Ob. Notwithstanding my feare is that at my appearing before Gods tribunall Sathan will find some thing whereof to accuse me A. Why art thou so fearefull O thou of little faith Math. 8.26 For I heard a loud voyce saying in Heaven now is come Salvation and strength and the Kingdome of our God and the power of his Christ for the accuser of the Brethren is cast downe which accuseth them before our God day and night Reu. 12.10 Moreouer when Christ commeth he will convince the world of iudgement because the Prince of this world is iudged Ioh. 16 8 11. There is therefore no feare in loue but perfect loue casteth out feare 1 Ioh 4 18 And herein is our loue made perfect that wee may haue boldnesse in the day of Iudgment because as he is so are wee in the world 1 Ioh. 4 17. Q. What shall then become of the Divell at the last A. The Divell that deceiveth Men shall be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the Beast and the false Prophet are and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever Revel 20.10 Q. What vse make you hereof A. Therefore reioyce yee Heavens and yee that dwell in them Revel 12 12. 2 Fight the good sight of Faith 1 Tim. 6 2. And staâ—d fast in the faith quit you like men and bee strong 1 Cor. 16 13. in the Lord and in the power of his might 〈◊〉 â—ut on the whole armour of GOD that ye may bee able to stand against the wiles of the Divell Ephes 6 10. 3 Be sober be vigilant because your adversary the Divell as a roaring Lion walketh about seeking whom hee may devoure 1. Pet. 5.8 1 Cor. 16.13 4 Pray with all prayer and supplication in the spirit and watching therevnto with all perseverance and supplication Ephes 6 18. Ob. If the Divell be cast out and is gone what need is there of any more watching against him A. When the vncleane spirit is gone out of a man hee walketh through dry places seeking rest and finding none he saith I will returne vnto my house whence I came out And when he commeth he findeth it swept and garnished Then goeth he and taketh 7. other spirits more wicked than himselfe and they enter in and dwell there and the last state of that man is worse than the first Luk. 11.24 CHAP. XXVII Of the temptations of the World and in particular of Afflictions Ob. NOtwithstanding all my watching and praying if the Divell should cast out of his mouth water as a flood vsing the world as an assistant am I not in danger to be carryed away of the Floud A. No for the earth shall helpe the Woman and by opening of her mouth shall swallow vp the Floud which the Dragon shall cast out of his mouth Revel 12 16 Thus Gallio helped PAVL against the Iewes Acts 18 14. So did the towne-Clarke also against the vprore of the people Acts 19 35. And the Scribes on the Pharises part helped him against the Sadduces Actâ— 23 9 23 22 21 31 32. 2 Coâ— 11 32. Exod. 2 6. Est 9 3. Ob. But doe wee
Ioh. 14.16 Whereby our hope of you is stedfast knowing that as you are partakers of the sufferings so shall you be also of the Consolation 2 Cor. 1 7. And therefore thinke it not strange concerning the fierie tryall which is to try you as if some strange thing hapned vnto you 1 Pet. 4.12 But rather glory in tribulation Rom. 5 3. As well as others who were stoned who were sawne asunder who were tempted who were slaine with the Sword and otherwise tortured and yet not accepting deliuerance that they might obtaine a better resurrection Heb. 11 35 37. So that we our selues gloried in the Churches of GOD for the faith and patience of such in all their persecutions and tribulations which they endured 2 Thes 1 4. Mâ—th 10 28. Luk. 17 33. Dan. 3.16 Ob. If my torments should be as long as violent I shall shrinke vnder them A. The rod of the wicked shall not rest vpon the lot of the Righteous least the righteous put forth his hand vnto wickednesse â— Ps l 125,3 For except those dayes should be shortned there should no flesh be saved but for the elects sake those dayes shall be shortned Math. 24 22. For yet a very little while and the indignation shall cease and mine anger in theyr destruction Isa 10 25. 2 Tim. 3.9 2 4.17 Q. When deliverance comes shall the same last and continue A. For the oppression of the poore for the sighing of the needie now will I arise saith the Lord I will set him in safetie from him that puffeth at him Psal 12.5 And then there shall bee no more a pricking briar vnto the house of Israel nor any grieving thorne of all that are round about them that despised them and they shall know that I am the Lord Ezek. 28 24. Therefore heare now this thou afflicted and drunken but not with the Wine thus saith thy Lord the LORD and thy GOD that pleadeth the cause of his people behold I will take out of thine hand the Cup of trembling even the Cup of the Dregs of my fâ—ry thou shalt no more drinke it againe but I will put it into the hands of them that afflict thee which haue said to thy soule bow downe that we may goe over and thou hast layd thy body as the ground and as the street to them that went over Isa 51 21 c. Q. What may these comfortable promises concerning the persecution of the Saints teach A. To indure hardnesse as a good Souldier of IESVS CHRIST 2 Tim. 2 3. And be not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospell according to the power of GOD 2. Tim. 1 8. And in nothing be terrified by your Adversaries which is to them an evident token of perdition but to you of Salvation and that of GOD Phil. 1 28. Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompence Tribulation to them that trouble you and to you who are troubled rest with vs when the Lord Iesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels 2 Thes 1 6. Wherefore reioyce in as much as you are made partakers of Christs sufferings that when his glory shall be revealed you may be glad also with exceeding ioy 1. Peâ— 4.13 For when you are tryed you shall receiue the Crowne of life which the Lord hath promised to them that loue him Iam. 1 12 For the which cause I also suffer these things Neverthelesse I am not shamed for I know whom I haue beleeved and I am perswaded that he is able to keepe that which I haue committed vnto him against that day 2. Tim. 1.12 Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of GOD commit the keeping of their soules to him in well doing as vnto a faithfull creator 1 Pet. 4.19 Reu. 20.6 7.13 Luk. 12 6. 1 Sam. 23.16.1.30.6 Act 14 22. 2 Pray saying O God the proud are risen against vs and the assembly of wicked men haue sought after our soule and haue not set thee before them Psal 86 14 Haue a respect vnto the couenant for the darke places of the earth are full of the habitation of cruelty Psal 74 20. Heare vs O Lord our GOD lighten our eyes least wee sleepe the sleepe of death Psal 13 3. Arise O LORD lift vp thy selfe because of the rage of our Enemies awake for vs to the iudgement thou hast commanded â— Psal 7 6. Psal 17 7 17 12 7 1 119 122 140 4 25 19. Lam. 3 47 c. Attend vnto our cry for wee are brought very low deliver vs from our persecutors for they are stronger than wee Psal 142 6 Consider our enemies for they are many Psal 25.19 Giue vs helpe in trouble for vaine is the helpe of man Psal 108 12 8 6 56 1. Psal 74 20. 2 Chron. 20 6 12. Act â—4 26. Our enemiâ—â— haue now compassed vs in our steps they haue set their eyes bowing downe to the earth Psal 17 1â— They haue hid a snare for vs and cords they haue spread a net by the way side they haue set grinnes for vs Psal 140 5. Rid and deliver vs from the hands of strange children whose mouthes speake vanity and their right hand is a right hand of falshood Psal 144 11 83 5 74 20. Wee haue done Iudgement and Iustice leaue vs not to our oppressors Psal 119.121 For they haue digged a Pit for vs which is not after thy Law Psalm 119 85 Let integritie and vprightnesse preserue vs for wee waite on thee Psal 25 21. O let the wickednesse of the wicked come to an end but establish the iust 〈◊〉 the righteous GOD tryeth the heart â—â—d the reynes Psal 7.9 Shall the 〈◊〉 one of iniquity haue fellowship with thee â—uch frameth mischiefe by a Law Psal â—4 20. Let none that waite on thee â—â—t ashamed but let them bee ashamed â—hich transgresse without cause Psal 5 3 119 6.35 23.43 1 7 3. Lam. â— 59. Thy Citie and thy people are called by â—y name Daâ— 9 19. Wee are thine â—ou never barest rule over them they â—re not called by thy name Isa 63 19. â—t now O Lord thou art our Father wee â—t the clay and thou art our Potter and we â—e all the worke of thine hand Bee not â— o th very sore O Lord neither rememâ—â—r iniquities for ever Behold see wee â—eseech thee we are all thy people Isa â—4 8. Why doth thine anger smoke aâ—ainst the Sheepe of thy pasture Rememâ—er thy Congregation which thou hast purâ—hased of old the rod of thine inheritance which thou hast redeemed this is mount Zion wherein thou hast dwelt Psal 74.1 O deliuer not the soule of thy turtle do vâ— vnto the multitude of the wicked forgeâ— not the congregation of the poore for ever Haue respect vnto the covenant Psal 74 19. Abba father all things are possible tâ— to thee Mark 14.36 2. Thes 3.2 Ier. 14.9 21. Dan. 9.17 Psal 79.10.13 Deut. 9.26 Psal 86.16 Ioel 2.17 Psal 74.20
Heb. 6 1. Q It neyther the frequent vse of tongues nor humane eloquence nor deepe and profound teaching bee of esteeme with you I pray tell me wherein you Ministers are in your teaching most praise worthâ— A. Doe we begin againe to commend our selues or need we as some others Epistles of commendations to you or letters of commendations from you Ye are our Epistle written in our hearts knowne and read of all men For as much as ye are manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ ministred by vs written not with Inke but with the spirit of the living God not in tables of stone but in the fleshy tables of the heart And such trust haue wee through Christ to Godward not that we are sufficient of our selues but our sufficiencie is of God who hath also made vs able Ministers of the new Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit for the letter killeth but the Spirit giveth life 2 Cor. 3 1. And are not you my worke in the LORD If I be not an Apostle vnto others yet doubtlesse I am to you for the Seale of my Apostleship are yee in the LORD 1 Corinth 9 1 2. Q But why should GOD vse the Ministrie of men and not of Angels A. Wee haue this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of GOD and not of vs 2 Cor. 4 7. 2 Every high Priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God that he may offer both guifts and sacrifices for sins who can haue compassion on the ignorant and of them that are out of the way for that hee himselfe also is compassed with infirmity Heb. 5 1 2. Ob. The case so being Christ Iesus himselfe being both God and Man had beene a Minister without all exception A. I tell you the truth it was expedient for you that hee goe away for if hee had not gone away the Comforter would not come vnto you but in that hee departed he hath sent him vnto you c. Who beeing come hee doth guide you into all truth c. Ioh. 16 7 13. Let men therefore teach to obserue all things whatsoever hee commandeth you and loe hee is with you even vnto the end of the World Mathew 28 20. CHAP. XXXIIII Of the Sacraments Ob. IF the Ministrie of the Word be no lesse efficatious then as you haue said it is what further need is there of the Sacraments A. Circumcision verily profiteth Rom. 2 25. For Abraham received the signe of Circumcision a Seale of the righteousnesse of Faith Rom. 4.11 Act 7 8. In whom you also are circumcised with the Circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the Circumcision of CHRIST Col. 2 11. Deut 10 16. Q What promise hath GOD made to Bâ—ptisme A. Thaâ— he will baptize thee with the Holy Ghost and with fire Math. 3 11. For by one spirit we are all baptized into one body whether wee be Iewes or Gentiles whether we be bond or free 1 Cor. 12 13. Whereby Baptisme doth now saue vs not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience towards God by the Resurrection of IESVS CHRIST 1 Pet. 3 21. Acts 16 14. Luk. 7 29 30. Q. Vnto whom doth this belong A. 1 To the Ministers that they teach all Nations baptizing them in the name of the Father of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost Math 28 19. 2 To the people to doe as the publicans who iustified GOD being baptized with the baptisme of Iohn And not to â—o as the Pharisies and Lawyers who reiected the counsell of God against themselues being not baptized of him Luk 7 29.30 Gen. 17 14. Q. See thâ—n here is water what doth hinder me to be baptized Acts 8 36. A 1 If thou beleevest with all thine heart thou mayest Act 8 37 For can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized who haue received the Holy Ghost as well as we Actâ— 10.47 2 You must amend your liues Act. 2 38. And circumcise the fore-skin of your heart Deut. 10.16 And then be baptized every one of you in the name of IESVS CHRIST Acts 2 38. Ob. If Faith and Repentance bee necessary vnto Baptisme seeing Infants cannot actually beleeue nor repent are they therefore to bee excluded from this Sacrament A. Suffer little Children to come vnto me and forbid them not for of such is the Kingdome of God Math. 19.14 And if the root be holy so are the branches Rom. 11 16. For the promise was made to Abraham and his seed Gal. 3 16. Gen. 17 2 7 17 12 21 4. Acts 2 39. Q Doth the efficacie of Baptisme depend on the worthinesse of the Minister A. No but on whom thou shalt see the Spirit descend and remaine on him the same is he that doth Baptize with the Holy Ghost Ioh. 1 33 Iohn in deed baptized with Water but yee shall bee baptized with the Holy Ghost Math. 3 11. Q. What need then is there of the Supper of the Lord A. The Cup of blessing which we blesse is it not the Communion of the bloud of Christ The Bread which we breake is it not the Communion of the body of Christ For we being many are one bread and one body for we are all partakers of that one bread 1 Cor. 10 16. Therefore saith Christ take eate this is my body and of the Cup drinke yee all of it for this is my bloud of the new Testament which is shed for many for the Remission of sinnes Math. 26.26 This doe as often as yee doe it in remembrance of me For as often as yee eate of this bread and drinke of this Cup yee doe shew the Lords Death till hee come 1 Corinth 11 25 11 23. Q. May any prophane person bee admitted vnto the Supper of the Lord A. No for if any shall eate of this bread and drinke of this Cup of the Lord vnworthily he shall be guiltie of the body and Bloud of the LORD and he eateth and drinketh Iudgement to himselfe not discerning the Lords body 1 Cor. 11.27 29. Moreover they cannot drinke the Cup of the Lord and the Cup of Divels they cannot be partakers of the Lords Table and the Table of Divels 1 Cor. 10 21. For thus saith the LORD GOD no stranger vncircumcised in heart nor vncircumcised in flesh shall enter into my Sanctuary that is among the Children of Israel Exek 44 9. Ezod 12 48. Leuit. 2 13. Q. What is then to bee done before our comming vnto this Sacrament A. Let a man examine himselfe and so let him eat of that bread and drinke of that cup 1 Cor. 11 28 Also if a stranger shall soiourne among you and will keep this Supper vnto the Lord according to the ordinance and according to the manner thereof so shall he doe Numb 9 14. Who if he doe also iudge himselfe he shall not be iudged 1
Cor. 11 31. Ob. This search I haue made and can find but one sin which I desire to retaiâ—e now the good Lord bee mercifull vnto thy Servant in thâ—s point 2 Kinâ— 5 18. A. Know yee not that a little leaven â—â—aveneth the whole Lumpe Purge â—ut therefore the old leaven that yee may 〈◊〉 a new lumpe as yee are now vnleaveâ—ed for even CHRIST our Passeover 〈◊〉 sacrificed for vs. Therefore let vs keepe â—â—e feast not with old leaven neâ—ther with 〈◊〉 leaven of malice and wickednesse â—â—t with the vnleavened bread of sincerity â—â—d truth 1 Cor. 5 6. Therefore if thou bring thy guift to the Altar and there remembrest that thy â—rother hath ought against thee leaue â—here thy guift before the Altar and goe â—y way first be reconciled to thy Brorher â—â—d then come and offer thy guift Math. â— 23. Psal 26 6. Ob. When we haue done all we can 〈◊〉 preparing our selues yet shall we faile â—f that which is written A. Therefore with Hâ—zekiah pray sayâ—ng The good Lord pardon every one that â—repareth his heart to seeke God the Lord â—f his Fathers though he be not cleansed acâ—ording to the purification of the Sanctuâ—ry After which Prayer so made the LORD will hearken vnto thee and will heale thee 2. Chro. 30.18 For when AARON was to minister hee was to put vpon his forehead a plate of pure gold on which was ingrauen holinesse to the LORD that AARON might beare the iniquitie of the holy things which the children of ISRAEL should hallow in all their holy gifts which was alwayes to bee vpon his forehead that they might bee accepted before the LORD Exo. 28.26 So was there also ordained a Goat for a sinne offering which was for the people the blood whereof was to be sprinkled vpon the Mercy seate and before the mercy seat wherewith the Priest was to make an atonement for the holy place because of the vncleannesse of the children of ISRAEL and because of their transgressions in all their sinnes and make an atonement for the Priests and for all the people of the Congregation Leu. 16.15.16.33 verses Q. What if any man that is apt for the Sacrament shall wilfully neglect the same A. The man that is cleane and is not 〈◊〉 Iourney and forbeareth to keepe the â—â—seover even the same Soule shall bee 〈◊〉 off from his people because he brought 〈◊〉 the offering of the Lord in his appoinâ—â—d season that man shall beare his sinne â—umb 9 13. Exod. 4.24 CHAP. XXXV Of Discipline Ob I Know some who notwithstanding the frequent vse of 〈◊〉 these meanes of Grace haue falne â—y fearefully A. Therefore GOD hath to the forâ—er meanes added Discipline saying â—hou shalt not hate thy Brother in thine â—eart but thou shalt in any wise rebuke â—y Neighbour and not suffer sinne vpon â—im Leuit. 19 17. For as Iron sharpeâ—eth Iron so a man sharpeneth the counteâ—ance of his friend Prou. 27 17. Q How am I to deale with such one that he may be reclaimâ—d A. If thy brother shal trespasse against thee goe and tell him his fault betweene theâ— and him alone if he shall heare thee thoâ— hast gained thy brother But if hee will noâ— heare thee then take with thee one oâ— two more that in the mouth of twâ— or three witnesses euery word may beâ— established And if hee shall neglect 〈◊〉 heare them tell it vnto the Church Math 18.15.16 Q. What if hee shall neglect to hearâ— the Church A. I verily as absent in body but present in spirit haue iudged already aâ— though I were present concerning sucâ— a one in the name of our Lord IESVâ— CHRIST when yee are gathered together c. to deliuer such a one vnto Sathan foâ— the destruction of the flesh that the spiriâ— may be saued in the day of our Lord IESVS 1 Cor. 5.3.5 Verily I say vnto you That as whatsoeuer yee shall loosâ— on Earth shall bee loosed in Heauen so whatsoeuer yee shall bind on earth shall â— bound in Heaven Mâ—th 18.18 And â— they whose sinnes yee remit they are reâ—tted vnto them so whose sinnes so ever 〈◊〉 retaine they are retained Iâ—h 20 23. â—rou 15.10 Q. What if notwithstanding this Churches censure hee shall remaine obâ—â—nate in sinning as was Himineus and Alexander 1 Tim. 1 20. A. Let him bee vnto thee as an Heaâ—en man and a Publicane Math. 18 17. And call him reprobate silver because â—e Lord hath reiected him Ier. 6 30. â—nd withdraw your selfe from him 2. â—â—est 3 6 and note him and haue no â—â—mpany with him that hee may be aâ—â—med 2 Thâ—ss 3 14. Hos 4 17. Q. But may I not still seeke to reâ—laime him A. Giue not that which is holy vnto â—ogs neither cast your pearles before â—â—ine least they trample them vnder their â—eet and turne againe and rent you Mat. â— 6. For bee that reproveth a scorner getteth to himselfe shame and hee that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himselfe a blot Reprooue not a scorner least hee hate thee Prou. 9.7 For correction is grievous to him that forsaketh the way neither will hee goe vnto the wise Prou. 15.10 12. Q. What if such a one in the sence of this Curse shall come to bee truly humbled for his sinne A. Sufficient vnto such a man is this punishment so that contrariwise yee ought rather to forgiue him and comfort him least perhaps such a one should bee swallowed vp with overmuch sorrow Wherefore I beseech you that you would confirme your loue towards him least Sathan should get an advantage over him for wee are not ignorant of his devices 2. Corinth 2 6 7. 11 2 2 1 2. Prou. 27.9 CHAP. XXXVI Of the Continuance with GODS blessing on the meanes of Grace Q. YOu haue in some measure satisfied mee concerning the meanes of perseuerance in Grace but haue wee any assurance that all these meanes of Grace shall bee continued A. I will dwell among you Exod. 29.45 And set my Sanctuarie in the midst of you for evermore My Tabernacle also shall bee with you yea I will be your GOD and you shall bee my people And the Heathen shall know that I the LORD doe sanctifie Israel when my Sanctuarie shall be in the middest of you for evermore Ezek. 37 26. Leuit. 26.11 12. Exod. 29 42. Ob. Though these meanes of Grace should bee continued yet may I grow wearie in the vse of them A. One thing haue I desired of the Lord which I wâ—ll seeke after that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the dayes of my lâ—fe to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his Temple Psal 27 4. For I haue loved the habitation of his house and the place where hâ— honour dwelleth P. 26 8. Lâ—k wâ—sâ— it shall come to passe that from one new Moone vnto another and from one Sâ—bbath to another shall all Flesh come to worship before mee sâ—â—â—â—â—he LORD Isa 66 23. Ob. Notwithstanding the continued
vs of and said Did not the LORD deliver vs from the Spanish Inuasion in the yeare LXXXVIII But now the LORD hath forsaken the Palatinate and delivered it into the hand of the SPANIARD Iudg. 6 13. 1 Sam. 4 13. Deuteronomie 28 25. Nahum 3 11. A. ISRAEL hath sinned and they haue also transgressed my Covenant which I commanded them for they haue taken even of the accursed thing c. Therefore they could not stand before their enemies Ios 7 11. And because they served not the LORD their GOD with ioyfulnesse and with gladnesse of heart for the aboundance of all things therefore doe they serue their enemies which the Lord hath sent against them in hunger and in thirst and in nakednesse and in the want of all things Deut. 28.47 Who then gaue IACOB for a spoyle and Israel to the Robbers Did not the Lord hee against whom they haue sinned For they would not walke in his wayes neyther were they obedient vnto his law Therefore he hath powred vpon them the fury of his anger and the strength of Battaile and it hath set them on fire round about yet they know not and it burdeneth them and they lay it not to heart Isa 42 24. Therefore the Emperour before and the Spaniard behind haue devoured ISREAL with open mouth and yet for all this his anger is not turned away but his hand is stretched out still For the people turneth not to him that smiteth them Neyther doe they seeke the LORD of Hosts Isa 9 12 65.12 10 â— 4 66 24. Leuit. 26 17 25 26 32. 32 26.36 Ier. 7.30 19.9.2 King 21 1. Amos 6 8.1 Sam. 28 19. Lam. 4 11. Thus when Israel did that which was evill in the sight of the Lord c. The anger of the Lord was hote against Israel and hee delivered them vp into the hands of the spoylers that spoyled them c. so that they could not any longer stand before their Enemies Iudg. 2 11. Likewise the armie of the Syrians came with a small company of men and the LORD delivered a very great Host into their hand Because they had forsaken the Lord GOD of their Fathers 2 Chron. 24 23. Iudg. 3 7.8.3.12.4.1.2.6.1.13.1.16.20 1 Chron. 10 13.2.16.7 1 Sam. 4.2.10 1 King 14.25.2.13.1 Exod. 32.25 Q. But haue the sinnes of the Palatinate beene so great as that there is â—o way left whereby they may escape the Enemies hands A. If yet they shall confesse their iniquity the iniquities of their Fathers with their trespasse which they trespassed against me and that also they haue walked contrary vnto me and that I also haue walked contrary vnto them c. If now their vncircumcised hearts be humbled and they doe accept of the punishment of their iniquity then will I remember my Covenant with them and also my Covenant with Abraham will I remember and I will remember the Land â—euit 26.40 And when they shall walke after mâ— I will roare like a Lion when I shall roare then the Spaniard and Emperour shall tremble They shall tremble as a Bâ—rd out of Aegypt and as a Doue out of the Land of Assyria and I will place them in their Houses saith the LORD Hos 11 10. Vp therefore and let them sanctifie themselues against the morrow Ios 7 13. Psal 81 13. Which that you may doe remember then the King of Aegypt came vp against Ierusalem because they had transgressed against the LORD c. Therefore hee left them in the hand of Shishak Wherevpon the Princes of Israel and the Kings humbling themselues saying the LORD is righteous And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselues the Word of the Lord came to Shemaiah saying they haue humbled themselues therefore will I not destroy them but I will grant them some deliverance and my wrath shall not bee powred out vpon IERVSALEM by the hand of SHISHAK 2 Chron. 12 2. Yea many times did hee deliver them but they provoked him by their Councell and were brought low for their iniquities neverthelesse hee regarded theyr affliction when hee heard theyr crie And he remembred for them his Covenant and repented according to the multitude of his Mercies Psal 106.43 Thus also will the LORD waite that he may bee gracious vnto you and therefore will he be exalted that hee may haue mercy vpon you for the LORD is a GOD of iudgement Isa 30.18 For he will iudge his people and he will repent himselfe concerning his Servants Psal 135.14.2 Chron. 15 3 33 9 32 25.1 King 21 27. Iona. 3 10.4.2 Hos 10 12. Deut. 4 29. Iudg. 6 11 33 1 Sam. 12.7 Q. What vse are we and they of the Palatinate to make hereof A. Therefore feare not for though yee haue done all this wickednes yet depart not from following the Lord but serue the Lord with all your heart neither turne yee backe for that should be after vaine things which cannot profit you nor deliver you for they are but vanity 1 Sam. 12 20. And if ye doe turne vnto the Lord with all your hearts then put away the strange Gods and Ashtaroth from among you and prepare your heart unto the Lord and serue him onely and he will deliver you out of the hand of your Enemies 1 Sam. 7 3. Hosea 13 1. Lament 3 40 41. Deut. 13 17. Ieremiah 3 12.2 Chronicles 30 8. 2 Sanctifie you a fast call yee a solemne assembly gather together the Elders and all the Inhab tants of the Land into the house of the Lord your GOD and cry vnto the Lord Ioâ—l 1 14. And say take away all iniquitie and receiue vs graciously so will we râ—nder the Calues of our lips Ashur shall not saue vs we will not ride vpon Horses Neither will we say any more to the worke of our hands yee are our GODS For in thee the Fatherlesse find mercy Hos 13 1. O Loâ—d our God other Lords besides thee haue ruled over vs but we will remember thee onely and thy Name Isay 26 13. Rise vp Lord and let thine enemies bee scattered and let them that hate thee flee before thee and returne O Lord vnto the many thousands of Israel Numb 10 35. Or if thou wilt nâ—eds afflâ—ct vs let vs now fall into the hand of the Lord for his Mercies are great and let vs not fall into the hands of men 2 Sam. 24.14 Whose tender mercies are cruell Prou. 12 10. Neh. 1 5 9.32 2 Kâ—ng 9 â—5 Psal 10 35 8 1 2. 1 Kings 8 â—3 Q. When GOD hath delivered vs â—om our enemies what are wee then 〈◊〉 doe A. Awake awake Deborah awake â—â—ake vtter a song arise Barak thou Son Abâ—â—oam Iâ—dg 5 12. Come and beâ—â—ld the workes of the LORD what desoâ—tions he hath made in the earth Hee â—aketh the Warres to cease vnto the ends of â—he earth he breaketh the bow and cutâ—th the speare in sunder he burneth the â—hariots in the fire Psal 46 8. Sing â—nto the LORD for hee hath triumphed â—â—â—riously the
Horse and the rider hath he â—â—rowne into the Sea The LORD is my â—â—rength and my Song and he is become my Salvation hee is my GOD and I will â—repare him an habitation my Fathers GOD and I will exalt him The LORD 〈◊〉 a man of Warre the LORD of Hosts this name Exod. 15.1 Who is like â—nto thee O LORD amongst the Gods who is like thee glorious in holinesse fearefull in praises doing wonders Exod. 15 11. Who would not feare thee O King of Nations For to thee doth it appertaine for as much as among all the wise men of the Nations and in all their Kingdomes there is none like vnto thee Ier. 10 7. Psal 35 9. Thou bringest the Councels of the Heathen to nought thou makest the devises of the people of none effect Psal 33 10.9 6. Gen. 14 20. Psal 64 6.66.1 â—3 2 13.5.18 35 30 1 31 7 76.1 98 1 124 1 18 36 18.46 28.7 9 1.144 1.140 7. Isa 25 1 2.52 9. Psal 74 12 47 1. 1 Sam. 2 1. Psal 31 21.44 8 48 1 3 31 7 92 9. Ob. Were it to bee granted that the hand of man may bee eyther too short to reach vs or too weake to hold vs vnder yet who can stand when God himselfe as with an overflowing flood shall come to iudge terribly the earth Numb 24 23. Isay 64.3 2 19. Ierem. 47 2. A. The Lord knoweth how to deliver â—he godly out of temptations and to reâ—oue the vniust vnto the day of Iudgement 〈◊〉 be punished 2 Pet. 2 â— For behold â—be name of the Lord commeth from farre â—is face is burning and the burthen thereof 〈◊〉 heauy his lips are full of indignation â—â—d his tongue is a devouring fire And his â—â—irit is a river that overfloweth vp to the â—ucke it divideth a sunder to fanne the Nations with the fanne of vanity But â—here shall be a song vnto you as in the â—ight when a solemne feast is kept and â—ladnesse of heart as hee that commeth with a pipe to goe vnto the Mount of â—he LORD to the mighty one of ISRAEL Isa 30.27 The LORD â—â—all roare out of ZION and vtter his voice from IERVSALEM and the Heaâ—â—ns and the Earth shall shake but the LORD will bee the hope of his peoâ—le and the strength of the children of Isâ—â—el Ioel. 3 16. When men are cast â—â—wne then they shall say there is a lifting 〈◊〉 and he shall saue the humble person Iob. 22.29 Ezek. 9 4 6. Reuel 9 4 7 2 3. Ezâ—k 14 14. Mal. 4 Psal 91 3. Isa 6 12 13 65 8.1.9.17 5. Ioel. 2 32. Amos 3 12 9 8 4 11. For your eyes haue seene what the LORD did because of Baâ—l-poor for all the men that followed Baâ—l-peor the Lord thy God hath destroyed them from among you but yee that did cleaue vnto the Lord your GOD are all aliue every one of you vntill this day Deut. 4 3. Exod. 8 22 9.6.9 5. â—0 23.11.7.12.23.14.27 Heb. 11.31 Ios 6 17 6.24 Numb 14 12. 2 King 22.15 Ier. 40.4 Gen. 19.16 Q. What may this teach vs A. 1. Seeke yee the LORD all yee meeke of the Earth which haue wrought his Iudgements seeke Righeeousnesse seeke meekenesse it may bee yee shall bee hâ—d in the day of the Lorâ—s anger Zâ—ph 2 3. For the eyes of the Lord run too and fro throughout the whole earth to shew himselfe strong in the behalfe of them whose heart is perfect towards him 2 Chron. 16 9. 2 Be not afraid of suddaine feare nor if the dissolation of the wicked when it â—â—mmeth for the LORD shall be thy confidence and keepe thy feete from being taâ—en Prou. 3.25 GOD is our refuge â—nd strength a very present helpe in â—rouble Therefore doe not feare though the Earth be remooved and though the Mountaines bee carried into the middest of the Sea Though the waters thereof â—â—are and be troubled though the Mounâ—â—ines shake with the swellings thereof There is a riuer the streames whereof â—hall make glad the Citie of GOD the holy place of the Tabernacle of the most â—igh GOD is in the middest of her shee â—â—all not be moved God shall helpe her and that right earely The Heathen â—â—aged the Kingdomes were moved he â—â—terd his voyce the Earth melted The LORD of Hosts is with vs the GOD â—f IACOB is our refuge Psal 46 1. 3 Come my people enter thou into thy hambers and shut thy doores about thee â—â—de thy selfe as it were for a little moment vntill the indignation be overpast For behold the Lord commeth out of his place to punish the Inhabitants of the Earth for their iniquitie the Earth also shall disclose her blood and shall no more cover her slaine Isa 26 20. So that except the LORD of hostes had left vs a very small remnant wee should haue beene as SODOME and wee should haue been like vnto GOMORRAH Isa 1 9. CHAP XL. Of outward Prosperitie Ob. NOw am I well apayed in regard of euils feared but if a man liue many yeares and the dayes of his yeares be multiplyed and yet his Soule bee not satisfied with good things I say vnto you That an vntimely fruit is better than hee Eccles 6.3 A. If you serue and obey him you shall spend your dayes in prosperitie and your yeares in pleasures Iob 36 11. Thou shalt decree a thing and it shall bee established vnto thee and the light shall shine vpon thy way Iob. 22 28 And you shall reioyce in all that you put your â—and vnto and your housholds wherein the Lord your GOD hath blessed you Deut. 12 7. You shall be to me a name of Ioy a praise and an honour before all the Nations of the earth which shall beare of all the good that I doe vnto you and they shall feare and tremble for all the goodnesse and for all the prosperitie that I procure vnto you Ier. 33 9. And they shall call you Blessed for you shall be a delight some Land saith the Lord of hostes Mal. 3.12 Who shall greatly blesse thee in the Land which hee giveth thee for an Inheritance to possesse it Onely if thou carefully hearken vnto the voyce of the LORD thy GOD to obserue to doe all these Commandements which I command thee this day Deut. 15.4.28.2.8 Psal 128.2.1.1 2 Chron. 31 21. Iob 11 17. Hosea 14 5. For HEZEKIAH cleaving vnto the Lord and departing not from following him but keeping his Commandements which the Lord commanded MOSES the Lord was with him and he prospered whethersoever he went forth 2. King 18.6 The Lord was â—â—â—o with Iehosaphat because he walked in the first wayes of his Father Dâ—viâ— and sought not vnto Baalâ—m but sought the Lord GOD of his Fathers and walked in his Commandementâ— and not after the doings of Israel Therefore the Lord stablished the Kingdome in his hands And all Iudah brought to Iehosaphaâ— presents and hee had riches and honour in abundance 2 Chron. 17.3 Numb 24.3 Deut. 2 7 40. Psal 23 5.6
oppresse I â—uch feare what the end thereof may â—ee A. If you bee willing and obedient Isa 1 19. violence shall no more bee â—urd in thy Land wasting nor destructiâ—â— within thy borders Isa 60 18. For â—will turne my hand vpon thee and pureâ— purge away thy drosse and take away â—â—l thy tinne And I will restore thy Iudâ—â—s as at first and thy Councellers as at the â—eginning afterwards thou shalt be calâ—ed the Citie of Righteousnesse the faithâ—â—ll Citie Isa 1 25. Ob. I now see cause enough and I â—ould bee contented to submit my selfe â—nto my Soueraigne and his substitutes 〈◊〉 the Common-weale this onely trouâ—leth mee that I doe yet remaine in the â—ondition of a Seruant A. Let every man abide in the same â—ocation wherein hee was called Art â—hou called being a Servant Care not for 〈◊〉 but yet if thou mayest bee made free â—se it rather for hee that is called in the LORD being a Servant is the Lords free-man likewise also he that is called being free is CHRISTS servant 1 Cor. 7 20. Q. What then ought to bee our cariage towards our Masters A. Let as many servants as are vnder the yoake count their owne Masters worthy of all honour that the Name of GOD and his Doctrine bee not blaspheamed 1 Tim. 6 1. 2 Servants bee obedient vnto them that are your Masters according to the flesh with feare and trembling in singlenesse of your heart as vnto CHRIST Not with eye-service as men pleasers but as the servants of Christ doing the will of GOD from the heart with good-will doing service as to the LORD and not to Men Ephes 6 5. Mâ—th 8 9. Ob. I and my Master are both of one brotherhood in CHRIST why then should I be subiect vnto him A. They that haue beleeving Masters let them not despise them because they are Brethren but rather doe them serâ—â—ce because they are faithfull and loved partakers of the benefit 1 â—im 6 2. Q. How farre forth are we to be subâ—â—ct vnto them A. Let servants be subiect to their own â—â—sters and please them in all things not â—â—swering againe not purloyning but â—â—ewing all good fidelity that they may aâ—â—urne the doctrine of GOD our Sauiour 〈◊〉 all things Tit. 2 9. 2 Be subiect not onely to thee good and â—â—ntle but also to the froward For this 〈◊〉 thanke-worthy if a man for conscience â—â—ward GOD endure griefe suffering â—rongfully For what glory is it if when 〈◊〉 man bee buffetted for his faults hee shall â—ike it patiently But if when yee doe â—â—ll and suffer for it yee take it patiâ—â—tly this is acceptable with GOD. For euen herevnto were yee called beâ—â—use CHRIST also suffered for vs leaâ—ing vs an example that yee should follow â—â—s steps 1. Pet. 2.18 Q. This is a very hard taske imposed but what good shall I reape thereby A. As hee that keepeth the Fig-tree shall eate the fruit thereof so he that waiteth on his Master shall bee honoured Prou. 27 18. A wise Servant shall haue rule over a Sonne that causeth shame and shall haue part of the inheritance among the Brethren Prou. 17 2. Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth the same shall hee receiue of the Lord whether hee be bond or free Ephes 6 8. Ob. But shall my Master alwayes bee let alone in his rigour A. No for GOD who seeth thine affliction and the labour of thy hands will rebuke thy Master as hee did LABAN Gen. 31 42. Saying vnto him and such as hee is yee Masters doe the same things vnto them forbearing threatning knowing that your Master also is in Heaven neither is there respect of persons with him Ephes 6 9. Gen. 31 24. Eccles 7 21. Iob 31 13. Deut. 15 13 14 18. CHAP. XLIII Of Peace Food and Health Q. WHich are the fourth fifth and sixth particular â—utward blessings A. The fourth is peace The meeke â—hall delight themselues with the abundancâ— of Peace Psal 37 11. For GOD maketh Peace in their borders Psal 147.14 And they shall lye downe and none â—hall make them afraid Leuit. 26.6 And they shall know that their Tabernacle â—s Peace Iob. 5.24 For when he giveth Peace who can make Trouble Iob. 34 â—9 Psal 48 8 9. Isay 33 20 48 18 Iam 3 18. Thus the LORD gave DAVID rest â—ound about from all his enemies 2 Sam. â— 1. And Iudah and Israel dwelt safeâ—y every man vnder his Vine and vnder â—is Figge tree from Dan even to Beerâ—heba all the dayes of SOLOMON 1 King 4 25. So that there was neither Adversary nor evill occurrent 1 King 5 4.2 Chron. 20 30 2 15.15 Iosh 23 1. Acts. 9.31 But there is no peace saith my GOD to the wicked Isay 57 21. To him that went out nor to him that commeth in but great vexations were vpon all the Inhabitants of their Countries 2 Chron. 15 5. Zach. 8 10. Ier. 19.9 Isay 48.22 9 21. The fifth outward blessing is Food Hee giveth meate vnto them that feare him Psal 111.5 Hee will abundantly blesse their provision and satisfie their poore with bread Psal 132 15. Corne shall make the young men cheerefull and new Wine the Maides Zachariah 9 17. Your threshing shall reach vnto the Vintage and the Vintage shall reach vnto the seeds time and you shall eate your bread to the full Leuit. 26 5. And you shall eate of the old store and bring foorth the old store because of the new Leuit. 26 5 10. For of IOSEPH it was said Blessed of the LORD is his Land for the sweetnesse of Heaven for the dew and for the depth lying beneath and for the sweet increase of the Sunne and for the sweet increase of the Moone and for the sweetnesse of the ancient Mountaines and for the sweetnesse of the old Hilles and for the sweetnesse of the Earth and the abundance thereof and the good will of him that dwelt in the Bush Deutr. 33 13 11.14.28.4 7 13. Isa 32 20.30 23. Psal 144 13.104.13 Ier. 31 12. Gen. 9.3.27.28 Zach. 8 11.12.10 1. Ezek. 34 26. Prou. 27 18.1 King 8 35. Ioel. 3 18. Ob. I am notwithstanding much pinched with hunger and thirst and know not where to be satisfied A. When the poore and needie seeke water and there is none and their tongue faileth for thirst I the Lord will heare theÌ„ I the God of Israel will not forsake them I will open Riuers in high places and Fountaines in the midst of the vallies I wil make the Wildernesse a Poole of water and the dry Land springs of water Isa 41 17. The The Righteous shall not be ashamed in evill times and in the dayes of Famine they shall be satisfied Psal 37 19. Prou. 10.3 Psal 65 9.107 35. Hos 2 21. Mal. 3.11 Deut. 10 18. Isa 62 8 9 58 11.65.21 22. Ioel. 2 21. GOD was the GOD that fed Iacob all his life-time Gen. 48 16. And rained bread also from Heaven Exod. 16 4 18. Wherewith the
righteous Or is it gaine to him that thou makest thy wayes perfect Iob. 22 2. Looke vnto the Heavens and see and behold the clouds which are higher than thou If thou sinnest what doest thou against him Or if thy transgressions bee multiplyed what doest thou vnto him If thou bee righteous what givest thou him Or what receiveth hee of thine hand Iob 35 5. Psal 16 2. Which of you having a Servant Plowing or feeding Cattell will say vnto him by and by when he is come from the field Goe and sit downe to meate And will not rather say vnto him make ready wherewith I may sup and gird thy selfe and serue mee till I haue eaten and drunken and afterward thou shalt eate and drinke Doth hee thanke that servant because hee did these things that were commanded him I trow not So likewise yee when yee shall haue done all these things which are commanded you say Wee are vnprofitable servants wee haue done but that which is our duty to doe Luk. 17 7. Q. What was it then which moued the LORD thus liberally to deale with vs A. Because the Lord loved you and because hee would keepe the Oath which he sware vnto your fathers Deut. 7 8 9 6. Herein is loue not that wee loved GOD but that hee loved vs 1 Ioh. 4 10. And wee loue him because he loved vs first 1 Ioh. 4 19. For was not ESAV IACOBS brother saith the LORD Yet I haue loved IACOB Mâ—l 1 2. For the Children being not yet borne neither having done good or evill that the purpose of GOD according to the Election might stand not of Workes but of him that calleth it was said vnto her The elder shall serue the younger as it is written Rom. 9.11 So then it is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth but of God that sheweth mercy Rom. 9 15. And so Mercy and Truth are met together Psal 85 10. Exod. 33 19. Ier. 31 3. Rom. 11 32. Iam. 5 15. Psâ—â— 25.11 Ob. But why doth he yet find fault For who hath resisted his will Rom. 9.19 A. Nay but O man who art thou that replyest against God Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it why hast thou made me thus Hath not the Potter power over the clay of the same lumpe to make one vessell vnto honour and another to dishonour Rom. 9 20. Woe vnto him that â—huâ— striveth with his Maker let the Potsherd striue with the Potsherds of the earth c. Woe be vnto him that saith to his Father what begettest thou Or to the woman what hast thou brought forth Isa 45 9 And is it not then lawfull for mee to doe as I will with mine owne Math. 20 15. Ob. â—he branches were broken off that I might be graffed in Rom. 11 19. A. Well because of vnbeliefe they were broken off and thou standest by faith be not high minded but feare For if God spared not the naturall branches take heed least hee also spare not thee Behold therefore the goodnesse and severity of GOD on them that fell severity but towards thee goodnesse if thou continue in his goodnesse otherwise thou also shalt be cut off And they also if they abide not still in vnbeliefe shall be graffed in for God is able to graffe them in againe Rom. 11.20 Boast not therefore against the branches but if thou boast thou bearest not the root but the roote thee Rom. 11 18. Q. Why what is the reason of this free and vndeserved mercy of GOD A. 1 That no flesh should glory in his presence but according as it is written let him that glorieth glory in the Lord 1 Cor. 1 â—9 â—1 2 That yee might learne not to thinke of men aboâ—e that which is written that none of you be puffed vp for one against another 1 Cor. 4 6. Q. What may this free mercy of God teach vs A. To say O the depth of the Riches both of the wisedome and knowledge of GOD How vnsearchable are his iudgments and his wayes past finding out For who hath knowne the mind of the LORD Or who hath beene his Counseller Or who hath first gâ—ven to him and it shall bee recompenced vnto him againe Rom 11 33. 2 To say not vnto vs O Lord not vnto vs but vnto thy Name bee given the glory Psalm 115 1. Fâ—r as for mee I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies and of all the truth which hee hath shewed vnto his Servant Gen. 32 10. For off him and through him and for him are all things to him therefore be glory for ever and ever Amen Rom. 11 36 1. Cor. 4 7. 3 I beseech you Brethren by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living Sacrifice Holy and acceptable vnto God which is your reasonable Service Rom. 12 1. And sow to your selues in Righteousnes and reape in mercy H â— 10 12. 4 Pray saying Remember me O my GOD concerning my good deeds and spare me according to the greatnesse of thy mercy Neh. 13 14 22. Crying Grace Grace vnto it Zach. 4 7. Q. Are these blessings common vnto all degrees of men A. Will hee regard your persons saith the LORD of Hosts Mal. 1 9. Hee will blesse them that feare the LORD both small and great Psal 115 13. Neither is there respect of persons with him Eph. 6 9. For he that is called in the LORD being a Servant is the LORDS free man 1 Cor. 7 22. 1 Tim. 2 4. Q. Are not these bâ—â—ssings peculiar vnto the nation of the Iewes A. In thy seed saith GOD to ABRAHAM shall all the Nations of the earth bee blessed Gen. 26 4. Is he the GOD of the Iewes onely and not of the Gentiles also Reu. 3 29. There is no difference betwixt the Iew and the Greeke for the same Lord over all is rich vnto all that call vpon him Râ—m 10 12. Iohn 11 51. Zâ—ch 6 15 8 23. Isay 60.4.5 9.10 verses 60 22.11 10.42 6 45 23 49 6. Gen. 12 3. Acts 10 15.28.28.28.11.20.15.11.14 21.14 27. Mat. 12 21. Ioh. 10.16.12 32. Ob. But doth not PAVL say that vnto the Israelites pertaineth the promises A. True and therefore it was necessarie that the word of God should first bee spoken vnto them but they put it from them and thereby judiâ—â—â—â— themselues vnworthy thereof wee turned to the Gentiles For so hath the Lord commanded vs saying I haue made thee a light of the Gentiles that thou shouldest be foâ— Salvation vnto the ends of the earth Act â—3 46. And God which knoweth the hearts beare witnesse to the Gentiles giving them the Holy Ghost even as hee did vnto the Iewes putting no difference betweene vs and them after that by faith hee had purified their hearts Acts 15.8 That the Gentiles should be fellow Heires and of the same body and partakers of his promise in CHRIST by the Gospell Eph. 3 6. There is therefore neither Iew nor Greeke there is neither bond nor free
vntill some common Iudgement come vpon our whole Land I shall doe well enough A. If thou continue thus presumptuously to sinne the LORD shall separate thee vnto evill out of all the Tribes of ISRAEL according to all the Curses of this Covenant that are written in this booke of the Law Dâ—uteronomie 29 21. As well as he did ACHAN who for his sinne was by all ISRAEL stoned with stones and his goods with all that hee had burned with fire Ioshua 7 25. Woe therefore bee vnto thee wilt thou not bee made cleane When shall it once bee Ieremiah 13.27 CHAP. LIIII Of the Wicked Converted Q. IF our sinne guiltinesse deserue such inevitable Iudgements goe thou neere and heare all that the LORD our GOD shall say and speake thou vnto vs all that the LORD our GOD shall speake vnto thee and wee will heare it and doe it Deuteron 5 27. A. The LORD hath heard the voyce of your words and said vnto mee I haue heard the voyce of the words of this people which they haue spoken vnto thee they haue well said all that they haue spoken O that there were such an heart in them that they would feare mee and keepe my Commandements alwayes that it might bee well with them and with their Children for ever Deuter. 5.28 But yee dissembled in your hearts when yee sent me vnto the LORD your God saying Pray for vs vnto the LORD our GOD and according to all that the LORD our GOD shall say so declare vnto vs and wee will doe it And now I haue this day declared it vnto you but yee doe not obey the voyce of the LORD your GOD nor any thing for the which hee hath sent me vnto you Now therefore know certainly that yee shall dye by the Sword by the Famine and by the Pestilence in the place whether yee desire to goe and to soiourne Ier. 42 20. For yee cannot serue the LORD for hee is an holy GOD he is a iealous God he will not forgâ—â—e your transgressions and sinnes Ioshua 24.19 How long then halt yee betweene two opinions If the LORD bee GOD follow him but if BAAL then follow him 1 King 18.21 And hearken to mee yee men of ENGLAND that GOD also may hearken vnto you Iudg. 9.7 Giue glorie to the Lord your GOD before hee cause darknesse and before your feet stumble vpon the darke Mountaines while yee looke for light hee turne it into the shadow of death and make it grosse darknesse But if yee will not heare it my Soule shall weepe in secret places for your Pride and mine eyes shall weepe sore and runne downe with teares because the LORDS Flocke is carried away captiue Ierem. 13 16. Q. Wee haue indeed besides all other Sinnes dissembled with the LORD but now the Lord GOD of Gods the Lord GOD of Gods hee knoweth Iosh 22 22. that him will wee serue and his voyce will wee obey Iosh 24.24 The LORD bee a true and faithfull witnesse betweene vs if we doe not even according to all things for the which the LORD thy GOD shall send thee to vs. Whether it bee good or whether it bee evill wee will obey the voyce of the LORD our GOD to whom wee send thee that it may bee well with vs when wee obey the voyce of the Lord our GOD Ierem. 42 5. Iosh 24 21 24. A. Then gird your loynes and lament yee Priests howle yee Ministers of the Altar come lye all night in Sackcloath yee Ministers of my GOD c. Sanctifie yee a Fast call a solemne Assembly gather the Elders and all the inhabitants of the Land into the house of the LORD your GOD and cry vnto the LORD Ioel 1 13. Ier. 4.14 Zeph. 2 1. Ioel 2 12 â—5 Iona 3 8. Ioel 1 13. Psal 46 8. Lam. 2 14. Ioel 2 17. Iam. 4 8. Saying Wee acknowledge our wickednesse and the iniquities of our Fathers for wee haue sinned against thee Ierem. 14 20. Wee haue sinned and haue committed iniquitie and haue done wickedly and haue rebelled even by departing from thy precepts and from thy Iudgements Neither haue wee hearkened vnto thy servants the Prophets which spake in thy Name to our Kings our Princes and our Fathers and to all the people of the Land O LORD righteousnesse belongeth vnto thee but vnto vs confusion of faces as at this day because of our trespasse that wee haue trespassed against thee Dan. 9 5. O our GOD wee are ashamed and blush to lift vp our face to thee our GOD for our iniquities are increased over our head and our trespasse is growne vp vnto the Heavens And now O our GOD what shall wee say after this For wee haue forsaken thy Commandements Ezra 9 6 10. O LORD wee beseech thee let now thine eare bee attentiue to the Prayer of thy servants who desire to feare thy Name and doe confesse our sinnes which we haue sinned against thee both we and our fathers house haue sinned Nehe. 1.11.16 And haue gone astray like lost sheepe therefore seeke thy seruants for we will not forget thy Commandements Psalm 119.176 Turne vs againe O GOD of hosts and cause thy face to shine and we shall be saued Psal 80.7 Doe thou incline our heart vnto thee to walke in thy wayes and to keepe thy Commandements and thy statutes and thy Iudgements which thou commandedst our Fathers 1. King 8.58 That which we see not teach thou vs if wee haue done iniquitie wee will doe no more Iob. 34 32 13 23. Psalme 80.18 Psalme 143.8 2 Doe you take hold of his strength that you may make peace with him and you shall make peace with him Isa 27.5 And thereby good shall come vnto thee Iob. 22.21 And because no man commeth vnto the Father but by CHRIST Iohn 14.6 Nor vnto CHRIST except the Father draw him Iohn 6 44 Therefore pray saying Draw me we will run after thee Can. 1 4 3 Wash yee make you cleane put away the evill of your doings from before mine eyes cease to doe evill learne to doe well seeke Iudgement releeue the oppressed iudge the Fatherlesse plead for the Widdow Come now and let vs reason together saith the LORD though your sinnes bee as scarlet they shall bee as white as snow though they bee red like Crimson they shall bee as Wooll Isa 1.16 Yet the LORD will wait that he may haue mercy vpon you and therefore will he bee exalted that he may haue compassion vpon you for the LORD is the GOD of Iudgement Isa 30 18. Hosea 13.9 Ezekiel 33 11. Zach. 1.3.8.16 Ier. 18 11. Mal. 3.7 Psal 4 4. Eccl. 12.23 1 King 8 61. Isa 66 1.2 4 Beeing thus conuerted you should enter into a Covenant with the LORD your GOD and into his oath which the LORD your GOD shall make with you so shall he establish you this day for a people vnto himselfe and be vnto you a God as he hath said vnto you and as hee hath swore vnto your Fathers Deut. 29 12. Nehemiah 9.38 2 Chronicles 15.12.23.3 2 Chronicl 29.10.34.31 Ezra 10.3 Q. Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken Isa 39 8 Wee doe therefore enter into a Covenant that we will be the Lords people 2 Chron. 23.16 And wee our Wiues our Sonnes and our Daughters even every one of vs having knowledge and vnderstanding doe heere enter into a Curse and into an Oath to walke in GODS Law which was given by MOSES the Servant of GOD and to obserue and doe all the Commandements of the LORD our GOD and his Iudgements and his Statutes Neh. 10.28 The Lord our God will wee serue and his voice will wee obey Iosh 24.24 Nehem. 9.38 A. Then haue you delivered your selues out of the hand of the Lord Iosh 23 31. And as you haue avouched the LORD this day to bee your GOD and to walke in his wayes and to keepe his Statutes and Commandements and his iudgments and to hearken vnto his voyce so the LORD hath avouched you this day to bee his peculiar people as he hath promised you and that you should keepe all his Commandements and to make you high aboue all Nations which he hath made in praise and in name and in honour and that yee may be an holy people vnto the LORD your GOD as hee hath spoken Deuter. 26.17 And these very stones shall bee a witnesse vnto you for they haue heard all the words of the LORD which hee hath spoken vnto you they shall bee a witnesse vnto you least yee deny your GOD Iâ—sh 24.27 For this cause wee also will not cease to pray for you and to desire that yee may bee filled with the knowledge of his will in all Wisedome and spirituall vnderstanding that yee may walke worthy of the LORD vnto all pleasing beeing fruitfull vnto every good worke and increasing in the knowledge of God Col. 1 9. Now the GOD of peace that brought againe from the dead our LORD IESVS that great Shepheard of the Sheepe through the bloud of the everlasting Covenant make you perfect in every good worke to doe his will working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight through IESVS CHRIST Heb. 13.20 And our LORD IESVS CHRIST himselfe and GOD even our Father which hath loved vs and hath given vs everlasting consolation and good hope through Grace comfort your hearts and stablish you in every good word and worke 2 Thes 2 16. Now vnto him that is able to keepe you from falling and to present you faultlesse before the presence of his glory with exceeding ioy to the onely wise GOD and Saviour be Glory and Maiesty Dominion and Power now and ever Iud. 24. And now Brethren I commend you to GOD and to the Word of his Grace which is able to build you vp and to giue you an inheritance among all them which are Sanctified Acts 20.32 The Grace of our Lord IESVS CHRIST bee with you all Amen Revel 22.21 FINIS