14. That thou keep this Commandment without spot unrebukeable untill the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ particularly Prayer and Thanksgiving in the name of Christ p Phil. 4. 6. Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests he made known to God Eph. 5. 20. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ the reading preaching and hearing of the word q Deut. 17. 18 19. And it shall be when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the Priests and Levites V. 19. And it shall be with him and he shall read therein all the dayes of his life that he may learn to fear the Lord his God to keep all the words of this law and these statutes to do them Act. 15. 21. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him being read in the Synagogues every Sabbath day 2 Tim. 4. 2. Preach the word be instant in season out of season reprove rebuke exhort with all long-suffering and Doctrine Jam. 1. 21 22. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness and receive with meekness the â—â—graffed word which is able to save your souls V. 22. But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only deceiving your own selves Act. 10. 33 Immediately therefore I sent unto thee and thou hast well done that thou art come Now therefore are we all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded thee of God the administration and receiving of the Sacraments r Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 11. 23. to the 30. verse For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you that the Lord Jesus the same might wherein he was betrayed took bread And so on Church-government and Discipline Å¿ Mat. 18. 15 16 17. Moreover if thy brother trespass against thee go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone if he shall hear thee thou hast gained thy brother V. 16. But if he will not hear then take with thee one or two more that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established V. 17. And if he shall neglect to hear them tell it to the Church but if he will not hear the Church let him be c. Mat. 16. 19. And I will give unto thee the keyes of the kingdom of heaven and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven 1 Cor. 5. the whole chapter 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secondarily Prophets thirdly Teachers after that Miracles then Gifts of healings Helps Governments diversities of tongues the Ministery and maintenance thereof t Eph. 4. 11 12. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers V. 12. For the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministery for the edifying of the body of Christ 1 Tim. 5. 17 18. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the word and doctrine V. 18. For the Scripture saith thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn and the labourer is worthy of his reward 1 Cor. 9. 7. to v. 15. Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charge who planteth a vineyatd and eateth not of the fruit thereof or who feedeth a flock and eateth not of the milk of the flock And so on to v. 15. religious fasting u Joel 2. 12 13. Therefore also now saith the Lord Turn ye even to me with all your heart and with fasting and weeping and mourning V. 13. And rend your hearts and not your garments and turn unto the Lord your God for he is gracious and merciful c. 1 Cor. 7. 5. Defraud ye not one the other except it be with consent for a time that ye may give your selves to fasting and prayer and come together again that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency swearing by the name of God * Deut. 6. 13. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God and serve him and shalt swear by his Name and vowing unto him x Isai 19. 21. And the Lord shall be known to Egypt and the Egyptians shall know the Lord in that day and shall do sacrifice and oblation yea they shall vow a vow unto the Lord and perform it Psal 76. 11. Vow and pay unto the Lord your God let all that are round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feated As also the disapproving detesting opposing all false worship y Act. 17. 16 17. Now while Paul waited for them at Athens his spirit was stirred in him when he saw all the city given to idolatry V. 17. Therefore disputed he in the Synagogue with the Jewes and with the devour persons and in the market daily with them that met with him Psal 16. 4. Their sorrowes shall be multiplied that hasten after another God their drink-offerings of blood will not I offer nor take up their names into my lips and according to each ones place and calling removing it and all monuments of Idolatry z Deut. 7. 5. But thus â—hall ye deal with them ye shall destroy their Altars and break down their images and cut down their groves and burn their graven images with fire Isai 30. 22. Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver and the ornament of thy molten images of gold thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth thou shalt say unto it Get thee hence Q. What are the sins forbidden in the second Commandment A. The sins forbidden in the second Commandment are all devising a Num. 15. 39. And it shall be unto you for a fringe that ye may look upon it and remember all the Commandments of the Lord do them and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes after which ye use to go a whoring counselling b Deut. 13. 6 7 8. If thy brother the son of thy mother or thy son or thy daughter or the wife of thy bosome or thy friend which is as thine own soul entice thee secretly saying Let us go and serve other gods which thou hast not known thou nor thy fathers V. 7. Namely of the gods of the people which are round about thee or far off from thee from the one end of the earth to the other V. 8. Thou shalt not consent unto him nor hearken unto him nor shall thine eye pity him nor shalt thou spare nor shalt thou conceal him commanding
sons of the stranger that joyn themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love the Name of the Lord to be his servants every one that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it and taketh hold of my Covenant V. 7. Even them will I bring to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine Altar for mine house shall be called c. and in the New Testament called the Lords day z Rev. 1. 10. I was in the spirit on the Lords day and heard behind me c. Q. How is the Sabbath or Lords day to be sanctified A. The Sabbath or Lords day is to be sanctified by an holy resting all the day a Exod. 20. 8 -10 Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy V. 10. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God In it thou shall not do any work thou nor thy son c. not onely from such works as are at all times sinful but even from such worldly imployments and recreations as are on other dayes lawful b Exod. 16. 25 26 27 28. And Moses said Eat that to day for to day is a Sabbath unto the Lord to day ye shall not finde it in the field V. 26. Six dayes shall ye gather it but on the seventh day which is the Sabbath in it there shall be none V. 27. And it came to passe that there went out some of the people on the seventh day to gather and they found none V. 28. And the Lord said unto Moses How long refuse ye to keep my Commandments and my Laws Neh. 13. 15 16 17 18 19 -21 22. In those dayes saw I in Judah some treading Wine-presses on the Sabbath day and bringing in sheaves and lading â—sses as also wine grapes and figs and all manner of burdens which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals V. 16. There dwelt men of Tyre also therein which brought fish and all manner of wares and sold on the Sabbath day unto the children of Judah and in Jerusalem V. 17. Then contended I with the Nobles of Judah and said unto them What evil thing is this that ye do and profane the Sabbath day V. 18. Did not your fathers thus and did no God bring all this evil upon us and upon this City yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath V. 19. And it came to passe that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the Sabbath I commanded that the gates should be shut and charged that they should not be opened till after the Sabbath and some of my servants I set at the gates that there should be no burden brought in on the Sabbath day V. 20. So the merchants and sellers of all sorts of ware were lodged without Jerusalem once or twice V. 21. Then testified I against them saying Why lodge ye about the wall If ye do so again I will lay hands on you From that time forth came they no more on the Sabbath V. 22. And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves and come and keep the gates to sanctifie the Sabbath Remember me O my God concerning this also c. Jer. 17. 21 22. Thus saith the Lord Take heed to your selves and bear no burden on the Sobbath day neither bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem V. 22. Neither carry forth a burden out of your house on the Sabbath nor do ye any work but hallow ye the Sabbath day as I commanded your fathers and making it our delight to spend the whole time except so much of it as is to be taken up in works of necessity and mercy c Mat. 12. from ver 1. to ver 13. At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the corn and his Disciples were an hungred and began to plack the ears of corn and to eat But when the Pharisees saw it c. in the publick and private exercises of Gods worship d Isa 58. 13. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day and call the Sabbaâ—h a delight the Holy of the Lord honourable and shalt honour him not doing thine own wayes nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words Luk. 4. 16. And he came to Nazareth where he had been brought up and as his custome was he went into the Synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up for to read Act. 20. 7. And upon the first day of the week when the Disciples came together to break bread Paul preached to them ready to depart on the morrow 1 Cor 16. 1 2. Now concerning the collection for the Saints as I have given order to the Churches of Galatia even so do ye V. 2. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him that there be no gatherings when I come Psal 92. Title A Psalm or song for the Sabbath day Isa 66. 23. And it shall come to passe that from one new Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another shall all flesh come to worship before me saith the Lord. Lev. 23. 3. Six dayes shall work be done but the seventh day is the Sabbath of rest an holy convocation ye shall do no work therein it is the Sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings and to that end we are to prepare our hearts and with such fore-sight diligence and moderation to dispose and seasonably to dispatch our worldly business that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day e Exod. 20. 8. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy Luk. 23. 54 -56 And that day was the preparation and the Sabbath drew on V. 56 And they returned and prepared spices and ointments and rested the Sabbath day according to the Commandment Exod. 16. 22 -25 26 -29 And it came to passe on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread two Omers for one man and all the Rulers of the Congregation came and told Moses V. 25. And Moses said Eat that to day for to day is a Sabbath unto the Lord to day ye shall not find it in the field V. 26. Six dayes shall ye gather it but on the seventh day which is the Sabbath there shall be none V. 29. See for that the Lord hath given you the Sabbath therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two dayes abide you every man in his place let no man go out of his place on the seventh day Neh. 13. 19. And it came to passe that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the Sabbath I commanded that the gates should be shut and charged that they should not be opened till after the Sabbath And some of my servants set I at the gates
fifth Petition which is and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors (l) Mat 6. 12. we pray that God for Christs sake would freely pard on all our sins (m) Psal 51. 1 2 -7 9. Have mercy upon me O God according to thy loving kindness according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions v. 2. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin v. 7 Purge me with hysop and I shall be clean wash me 〈◊〉 I shall be whiter then snow v. 9. Hide thy face from my sins and blot out all mine iniquities Dan. 9. 17 18 19. Now therefore our God hear thou the prayer of thy servant and his supplication v. 19. O Lord hear O Lord forgive for thine own sake which we are the rather encouraged to ask because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others (n) Luk. 11. 4. And forgive us our sins for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us Mat. 18. 35. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also to you if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses Q. What do we pray for in the sixth Petition A. In the sixth Petition which is And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil (o) Mat. 6. 13. we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin (p) Mat. 26. 41. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation the Spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak or support and deliver us when we are tempted (q) 2 Cor. 12. 8. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice that it might depart from me Q. What doth the conclusion of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The conclusion of the Lords Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdom the power and the glory for ever Amen (r) Mat. 6. 13. teacheth us to take our incouragement in prayer from God onely (Å¿) Dan. 9. 4-7 8 9 -16 17 18 19. And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadful God keeping the Covenant and mercy to them that love him and keep his Commandments v. 7. O Lord righteousuess belongeth unto thee but unto us confusion of faces as at this day to the men of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and unto all Israel that are neer and that are far off thorow all the countreys whither thou hast driven them because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee v. 8. O Lord to us belongeth confusion of face to our Kings to our Princes to our Fathers because we have trespassed against thee v. 9. To the Lord our God belongs mercies and forgivenesses though we have rebelled against him v. 16. O Lord according to all thy righteousness I beseech thee let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy City Jerusalem thy holy mountain because for our sins and for the iniquities of our fathers Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us v. 17. Now therefore O our God hear the prayer of thy servant and his supplications and cause thy face to shine upon the Sanctuary that is desolate for the Lords sake v. 18. O my God encline thine ear and hear open thine eyes and behold our desolation and the City that is called by thy Name for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness but for thy great mercies v. 19. O Lord hear O Lord forgive O Lord hearken and doe defer not for thine own sake O my God for thy City and thy people are called by thy Name and in our prayers to praise him ascribing Kingdom power and glory to him (t) 1 Chr. 29. 10 11 12 13. Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the Congregation and David said Blessed be thou Lord God of Israel our Father for ever v. 11. Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine thine is the Kingdom O Lord and thou art exalted as head above all v. 12. Both riches and honours come of thee and thou reignest over all and in thine hand is power and might and in thine hand it is to make great and to give strength unto all v. 13. Now therefore our God we thank thee and praise thy glorious name And in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard we say Amen (u) 1 Cor. 14. 16. Else when thou shalt bless with the Spirit how shall he that ocupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest Rev. 22. 20 21. He which testifieth these things saith Surely I come quickly Amen Even so come Lâ—rd Jesus v. 21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all AMEN The Ten COMMANDMENTS EXODUS XX. GOD spake all these words saying I am the LORD thy God which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage I. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth thou shalt not bow down thy self to them nor serve them For I the LORD thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments III Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain For the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain IV. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy Six dayes shalt thou labor and do all thy work but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates For in six dayes the LORD made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it V. Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee VI. Thou shalt not kill VII Thou shalt not commit adultery VIII Thou shalt not steal IX Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors house thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his ox nor his ass nor any thing that is thy neighbors FINIS The LORDS PRAYER Matth. 6. OVr Father which art in heaven Hallowed be thy name Thy Kingdom come Thy will be
the truth because there is no truth in him when he speaketh a lie he speaketh of his own for he is a liar and the father of it limiting and ordering that and all their sins to his own glory d Job 1. 12. And the Lord said unto Satan Behold all that he hath is in thy power onely vpon himself put not forth thy hand so Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord. Mat. 8. 31. And the Devâ—ls be sought him saying If thou cast us out suffer us to go away into the heard of swine and establâ—shed the rest in holinesse and happinesse e 1 Tim. 5. 21. I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ the elect Angels that thou observe these things without preferring one before another doing nothing by partiality Mar. 8. 38. Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy Angels Hâ—b 12. 22. But ye are come unto Mount Sion and unto the City of the living God the heavenly Jerusalem and to an innumerable company of angels imploying them all f Psal 104. 4. Who makâ—th his Angels Spirits his Ministers a flaming fire at his pleasure in the administration of his power mercy and justice g 2 King 19. 35. And it came to pass that night that the Angel of the Lord went out and smote in the camp of the â—ssyrians 185000. and when they arose early in the morning behold they were all dead corpses Heb. 1. 14. Are they not all ministring Spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation Q. What was the Providence of God toward man in the estate wherein he was created A. The Providence of God toward man in the estate wherein he was created was the placing him in Paradise appointing him to dresse it giving him liberty to eat of the fruit of the earth h Gen. 2. 8 -15 16. And the Lord planted a Garden Eastward in Eden and there he put the man whom he had formed V. 15. And the Lord took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to dresse it and keep it And the Lord God commanded the man saying Of every tree of the garden thou maist freely eat putting the creatures under his dominion i Gen. 1. 28. And God blessed them and said unto them Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth and ordaining marriage for his help k Gen. 2. 18. And the Lord God said It is not good that the man should be alone I will make him an help meet for him affording him communion with himself l Gen. 1. 26 27 28 29. And God said Let us make man in our own image after our likenesse and let him have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over the cattle and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth so God created man in his own image in the image of God created he him male and female created he them And God blessed them and said unto them Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth c And God said Behold I have given you every herb bearing seed upon the face of the earth and every tree in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed to you it shall be for meat Gen. 3. 8. And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord amongst the trees of the garden instituting the Sabbath m Gen. 2. 3. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made entring into a covenant of life with him upon condition of personal perfect and perpetual obedience n Gal. 3. 12. And the Law is not of faith but the man that doth them shall live in them Rom 10. 5. For Moses describes the righteousness which is of the Law that the man who doth those things shall live by them of which the Tree of Life was a pledge o Gen. 2. 9. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food the tree of life also in the midst of the garden and the tree of knowledge of good and evil and forbidding to eat of the Tree of knowledge of good and evill upon pain of death p Gen. 2. 17. But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Q. Did man continue in that estate wherein God at first created him A. Our first Parents being left to the freedome of their own will through the temptation of Satan transgressed the Commandment of God in eating the forbidden fruit and thereby fell from the state of Innocency wherein they were created q Gen. 3 6 7 8-13 And when the woman saw the tree was good for food and pleasant to the sight and a tree to be desired to make one wise she took of the fruit thereof and did eat and gave also unto her husband with her and he did eat And the eyes of them both were opened and they knew they were naked and they sewed Fig-leaves together and made themselves aprons And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord amongst the trees of the garden V. 13. And the Lord God said unto the woman What is this that thou hast done and the woman said The Serpent beguiled me and I did eat Eccl. 7. 29. Loe this onely have I found that God made man upright but they have sought out many inventions 2 Cor. 11. 3. But I fear lest by any means as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty so your minds be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ Q. Did all mankind fall in that first Transgression A. The Covenant being made with Adam as a publick person not for himself onely but for his posterity all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation r Act. 17. 26. And hath made of one blood all Nations of men for to dwell on the face of the earth and hath determined the times before appointed and the bounds of their habitation sinned in him and fell with him in that first transgression Å¿ Gen. 2. 16 17. And the Lord commanded the man saying Of every tree of the garden thou mayst freely eat but of
Wherefore doth a living man complain a man for the punishment of his sins Rom. 6. 23. The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Mat. 25. 41 -46 Then shall he say also to them on the left hand depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels V. 46. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal Jude v. 7. Even as Sodom and Gommortha and the cities about them in like manner giving themselves over to fornication and going after strange flesh are set forth for an example suffering the vengeance of eternall fire Q What are the punishments of sin in this world A. The punishments of sin in this world are either inward as blindness of mind e Ephes 4. 18. Having the understanding darkened being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindnesse of their heart a reprobate sense f Rom. 1. 28. Even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge God gave them over to a reprobate mind and to do those things which are not convenient strong delusions g 2 Thess 2. 11. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusions that they should believe a lie hardness of heart h Rom. 2. 5. But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thy self wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgement of God horrour of conscience i Isai 33. 14. The sinners in Zion are afraid fearfulness hath surprized the hypocrites Who among us shall dwell with devouring fire who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings Gen. 4. 13. And Cain said unto the Lord my punishment is greater then I can bear Mat. 27. 4. Saying I have betrayed innocent blood and they said What is that to us see thou to that and vile affections k Rom. 1. 26. For this cause God gave them up to vile affections for even their women did change their naturall use into that which is against nature or outward as the curse of God upon the creatures for our sakes l Gen. 3. 17. And unto Adam he said Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife and hast eaten of the tree of which I commanded thee saying Thou shalt not eat of it Cursed is the ground for thy sake in forrow shalt thou eat of it all the dayes of thy life and all other evils that befall us in our bodies names estates relations and imployments m Deut. 28. 15. to the end But it shall come to passe if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God to observe to do all his Commandments and his Statutes which I have commanded thee this day that all these curses shall come upon thee and overtake thee Cursed shalt thou be in the City and cursed shalt thou be in the Field Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body and of thy land c together with Death it self n Rom. 6. 21-23 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed for the end of those things is death V. 23. For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternall life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Q. What are the punishments of sin in the world to come A. The punishments of sin in the world to come are everlasting separation from the comfortable presence of God and most grievous torments in Soul and Body without intermission in Hell-fire for ever o 2 Thess 1. 9. Who shal be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and the glory of his power Mark 9. 44-46-48 to go into Hell where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched Luke 16. 24. And he cryed and said Father Abraham have mercy upon me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue for I am tormented in this flame Q. Doth God leave all mankind to perish in the state of sin and misery A. God will not leave all men to perish in the estate of sin and misery p 1 Thess 5. 9. For God hath not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ into which they fell by the breach of the first Covenant commonly called the Covenant of works q Gal. 3. 10 12. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the Book of the law to do them V. 12. And the law is not of faith but the man that doth them shall live in them but of his meer love and mercy delivereth his elect out of it and bringeth them into an estate of salvation by the second Covenant commonly called the Covenant of Grace r Tit. 3. 4 5 6 7. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared V. 5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the holy Ghost V. 6. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour V. 7. That being justified by his grace we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternall life Gal. 3. 21. Is the law then against the promises of God God forbid for if there had been a law given which could have given life verily righteousness should have been by the law Rom. 3. 20 21 22. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight for by the law is the knowledge of sin V. 21. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested being witnessed by the Law and by the Prophets V. 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by the faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them hat believe for there is no difference Q. With whom was the Covenant of Grace made A. The Covenant of Grace was made with Christ as the second Adam and in him with all the elect as his seed Å¿ Gal. 3. 16. Now to Abrahaem and to his seed were the promises made he saith not to seeds as of many but as of one and to thy seed which is Christ Rom. 5. 15 to the end Of which before Isa 53. 10 11. Yet it pleased our Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed he shall prolong his dayes and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand V. 11. He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities Q.
people for his name and to this agree the words of the Prophets as it is written After this I will return and build again the Tabernacle of David which is fallen down and I will build again the ruines thereof and I will set it up Isai 55. 4 5. Behold I have given him for a witness to the people a leader and commander to the people Behold thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God and for the holy One of Israel for he hath glorified thee Gen. â—9 10. The scepter shall not depart from Judah nor a law-giver from between his feet until Shiloh come and unto him shall the gathering of the people be Psal 110. 3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning thou hast the dew of thy youth and giving them officers g Eph. 4. 11 12. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministery for the edifying of the body of Christ. 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secondarily Prophets thirdly Teachers after that Miracles then gifts of healings helps governments diversities of tongues Laws h Isai 33. 22. For the Lord is our judge the Lord is our Law-giver the Lord is our King he will save us and Censures by which he visibly governs them i Mat. 18. 17 18. And if he shall nâ—glect to hear them tell it to the Church but if he neglect to hear the Church let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a Publican Verily I say unto you Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven 1 Cor. 5. 4 5. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ when ye are gathered togâ—ther and my spirit with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ To deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh that the Spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus in bestowing saving grace upon his elect k Act. 5. 31. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour for to give repenâ—ance to Israel and forgiveness of sins rewarding their obedience l Rev. 22. 12. And behold I come quickly and my reward is with me to give every man according as his work shall be Rev. 2. 10. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer behold the Devil shall cast some of you into prison that ye may be tried and ye shall have tribulation ten dayes be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life and correcting them for their sins m Rev. 3. 19. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten be zealous therefore and repent preserving and supporting them under all their temptations and sufferings n Isai 63. 9. In all their affliction he was afflicted and the Angel of his presence saved them in his love and in his pity he redeemed them and he bare them and carried them all the dayes of old restraining and overcoming all their enemies o 1 Cor. 15. 25. For he must reign till he have put all his enemies under his feet Psal 110. throughout The Lord said unto my Lord Sit thou at my right hand untill I have made thine enemies thy footstool to the end and powerfully ordering all things for his own glory p Rom. 14. 10 11. But why dost thou judge thy brother or why dost thou set at naught thy brother We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ For it is written As I live saith the Lord every knee shall bow to me and every tongue shall confess to God and their own good q Rom. 8. 28. We know that all things work together for good to them who love God to them who are the called according to his purpose and also in taking vengeance on the rest who know not God and obey not the Gospel r 2 Thess 1. 8 9. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power Psal 2. 8 9. Ask of me and I shall give thee the Heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession Thou shalt break them with a rod of Iron thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potters vessel Q. What was the state of Christs humiliation A. The estate of Christs humiliation was that low condition wherein he for our sakes emptying himself of his glory took upon him the form of a servant in his Conception and Birth Life Death and after his death untill his resurrection Å¿ Phil. 2. 6 7 8. Who being in the form of God thought it no robbery to be equal with God but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men and being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross Luke 1. 31. And behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a son and shalt call his name Jesus 2 Cor. 8. 9. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though he was rich yet for your sakes he became poor that ye through his poverty might be rich Acts 2. 24. Whom God hath raised up having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible that he should be holden of it Q. How did Christ humble himself in his Conception and Birth A. Christ humbled himself in his Conception in that being from all eternity the Son of God in the Bosom of the Father he was pleased in the fulness of time to become the Son of Man made of a Woman of low estate and to be born of her with divers Circumstances of more then ordinary abasement t Joh. 1. 14-18 And the Word was made Flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the onely begotten of the Father full of grace and truth V. 18. No man hath seen God at any time the onely begotten Son which is in the bosome of the Father he hath declared him Gal. 4. 4. But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law Luke 2. 7. And she brought forth her first born Son and wrapped him in swadling-clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the Inne Q. How did Christ humble himself in his life A. Christ humbled himself in his life by subjecting himself to the
own Poets have said For we are also of his off-spring and that he is a God in Covenant as with Israel of old so with all his people i Gen. 17. 7. And I will establish my Covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting Covenant to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee Rom. 3. 29. Is he the God of the Jews onely is he not also of the Gentiles Yes of the Gentiles also who as he brought them out of their bondage in Egypt so he delivereth us from our Spiritual thraldom k Luke 1. 74 75. That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear V. 75. In holiness and righteousness before him all the dayes of our life and that therefore we are bound to take him for our God alone and to keep all his Commandments l 1 Pet. 1. 15 16 17 18. But as he who hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of conversation V. 16. Because it is written Be ye holy for I am holy V. 17. And if ye call on the father who without respect of persons judgeth according to every mans work pass the time of your sojoruning here in fear V. 18. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers Lev. 18. 30. Therefore shall ye keep mine Ordinances that ye commit not any of these abominable customes which were committed before you that ye defile not your selves therein I am the Lord your God Lev. 19. 37. Therefore shall ye observe all my Statutes and all my judgements and do them I am the Lord. Q. What is the sum of the four Commandments which contain our duty to God A. The sum of the four Commandments containing our duty to God is to love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our strength and with all our minde m Luk. 10. 27. And he answering said unto him Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all c. Q. Which is the first Commandment A. The first Commandment is Thou shalt have no other Gods before me n Exod. 20. 3. Q. What are the duties required in the first Commandment A. The duties required in the first Commandment are the knowing and acknowledging of God to be the only true God and our God o 1 Chron. 28. 9. And thou Solomon my son Know thou the God of thy father and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind for the Lord searcheth all hearts and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts if thou seek him he will be found of thee but if thou forsake him he will cast thee off for ever Deut. 26. 17. Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God and to walk in his wayes and to keep his statutes and his commandments and his judgements and to hearken unto his voice Esai 43. 10. Ye are my witnesses saith the Lord and my servant whom I have chosen that ye may know and believe me and understand that I am he before me there was no God formed neither shall there be after me Jer. 14. 22. Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain or can the heavens give showers Art not thou he O Lord our God therefore we will wait upon thee for thou hast made all these things and to worship and glorifie him accordingly p Psal 95. 6 7. O come let us worship and bow down let us kneel before the Lord our Maker V. 7. For he is our God and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hands Mat. 4. 10. Then said Jesus unto him Get thee hence Sathan for it is written Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him onely shalt thou serve Psal 29. 2. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness by thinking q Mal. 3. 16. Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another and the Lord hearkned and heard it and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and thought upon his name meditating r Psal 63. 6. When I remember thee upon my bed and meditate on thee in the night watch remembring Å¿ Eccl. 12. 1. Remember now thy Creator in the dayes of thy youth c. highly esteeming t Psal 71. 19. Thy righteousness also O God is very high who hast done great things O God who is like unto thee honoring u Mal. 1. 6. A son honoureth his father and a servant his master if then I be a father where is mine honour and if I be a master where is my fear saith the Lord of hosts unto you O Priests that despise my name adoring * Isa 45. 23. I have sworn by my self the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness and shall not return that unto me every knee shall bow every tongue shall swear choosing x Josh 24. 15-22 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord choose you this day whom ye will serve whether the God which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood or the Gods of the Amorites in whose land ye dwell but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord V. 22. And Joshua said unto the people Ye are witnesses against your selves that ye have chosen the Lord to serve him And they said we are witnesses loving y Deut. 6. 5. And thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy might desiring z Psal 73. 25. Whom have I in heaven but thee and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee fearing of him a Isa 8. 13. Sanctifie the Lord of hosts himself and let him be your fear and let him be your dread believing him b Exod. 14. 31. And Israel saw the great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians and the people seared the Lord and believed the Lord and his servant Moses trusting c Isa 26. 4. Trust ye in the Lord for ever for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength hoping d Psal 130. 7. Let Israel hope in the Lord for with the Lord there is mercy and with him is plenteous redemption delighting e Psal 37. 4. Delight thy self also in the Lord and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart rejoycing in him f Psal 32. 11. Be glad in the Lord and rejoyce ye righteous and shout for joy all ye that are upright in heart being zealous for him g Rom. 12. 11. Not slothful in business fervent in spirit serving the
see afar off and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins and offensive walkings q Rom. 2. 23 24. Thou that makest thy boast of the law through breaking the law dishonourest thou God V. 24. For the Name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you as it is written or backsliding from it r Gal. 3. 1 3. O foolish Galatians who hath betwitched that you should not obey the truth before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth crucified among you V. 3. Are ye so foolish having begun in the spirit are ye now made perfect in the flesh Heb. 6. 6. If they shall fall away to renew them again unto repentance seeing they crucifie to themselves afresh the Son of God and put him to open shame Q. What Reasons are annexed to the third Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the third Commandment in these words The Lord thy God and For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain Å¿ Exod. 20. 7. are because he is the Lord and our God and therefore his Name is not to be profaned or any way abused by us t Lev. 19. 12. And ye shall not swear by my Name falsely neither shalt thou profane the Name of thy God I am the Lord. especially because he is so far from acquitting and sparing the transgressors of this Commandment as that he will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgement u Ezek. 36. 21 22 23. But I had pity for mine holy Name which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen whither they went V. 22. Therefore say unto the house of Israel Thus saith the Lord God I do not this for your sakes O house of Israel but for mine holy Names sake which ye have profaned among the heathen whither ye went V. 23. I will sanctifie my great Name which was profaned among the heathen which ye have profaned in the midst of them and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord saith the Lord God when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes Deut. 28. 58 59. If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this Law that are written in this book that thou maist fear this glorious and fearful Name THE LORD THY GOD. V. 59. Then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful and the plagues of thy seed even great plagues and of long continuance and sore sicknesses and of long continuance Zech. 5. 2 3 4. And he said unto me What seest thou and I answered I see a flying roll the length thereof twenty cubits and the breadth thereof thirty cubits V. 3. Then said he unto me This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it V. 4. I will bring it forth saith the Lord of hosts and it shall enter into the house of the thief and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my Name albeit many such escape the censures and punishments of men * 1 Sam. 2. 12 -17.-22.-24 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial they knew not the Lord. V. 17. Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord for men abhorred the offering of the Lord. V. 22. Now Eli was very old and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation V. 24. Nay my sons for it is no good report that I hear ye make the Lords people to transgress Compared with 1 Sam. 3. 13. For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth because his sons made themselves vile and he restrained them not Q. Which is the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment is Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy six dayes shalt thou labour and do all thy worke but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates for in six dayes the Lord made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it x Exod. 20. 8 9 10 11. Q. What is required in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment requireth of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his Word expresly one whole day in seven which was the seventh from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ and the first day of the week ever since and so to continue to the end of the world which is the Christian Sabbath y Deut. 5. 12 13 14. Keep the Sabbath day to sanctifie it as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee V. 13. Six dayes shalt thou labour and do all thy work V. 14. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter nor thy man-servant nor thy maid servant nor thine ox nor thine asse nor any of thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates that thy man-servant and thy maid-servant may rest as well as thou Gen. 2. 2 3. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he made V. 3. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because that in it he rested from all his work which God created and made 1 Cor. 16. 1 2. Now concerning the collection for the saints as I have given order to the Churches of Galatia so do ye V. 2. The first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him that there be no gatherings when I come Act. 20. 7. And upon the first day of the week when the disciples came together to break bread Paul preacht to them ready to depart on the morrow c. Mat. 5. 17 18. Think not that I come to destroy the Law or the Prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfil V. 18. For verily I say unto you till heaven and earth pass one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled Isai 56. 2 -4 6 7. Blessed is the man that doth this and the son of man that layeth hold on it that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it and keepeth his hand from doing evil V. 4. For thus saith the Lord unto the Eunuchs that keep my Sabbaths and chuse the things that please me and take hold of my Covenant V. 6. Also the
that there should be no burden brought in on the Sabbath day Q. Why is the charge of keeping the Sabbath more specially directed to governours of families and other superiours A. The charge of keeping the Sabbath is more specially directed to governours of families and other superiours because they are bound not only to keep it themselves but to see that it be observed by all those that are under their charge and because they are prone oft times to hinder them by imployments of their own f Exod. 20. 10. In it thou shalt do no manner of work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter nor thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor the stranger that is within thy gates Josh 24. 15. but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Neh. 13. 15-17 In those dayes saw I in Judah some treading the wine-presses c. See above in b Jer. 17. 20 21 22. And say unto them Hear the word of the Lord ye Kings of Judah and all Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem that enter in by these gates V. 21. Thus saith the Lord Take heed to your selves and bear no burden on the Sabbath day c. See above in b Exod. 23. 12. Six dayes shalt thou do thy work and on the seventh day thou shalt rest that thine oxe and thine asse may rest and the son of thine hand-maid and the stranger may be refreshed Q. What are the sins forbidden in the fourth Commandment A. The sins forbidden in the fourth Commandment are all omissions of the duties required g Ezek. 22. 26. Her Priests have violated my law and profaned mine holy things they have put no difference between the holy and profane neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and clean they have hid their eyes from my Sabbaths and I am profaned among them all careless negligent and unprofitable performing of them and being weary of them h Act. 20. 7 -9 And upon the first day of the week when the Disciples came together to break bread Paul Preached unto them ready to depart on the morrow and continued his speech until midnight V. 9. And there sate in a window a certain young man named Eutychus being fallen into a deep sleep and as Paul was long preaching he sunk down with sleep and fell down from the third loft and was taken up dead Ezek. 33. 30 31 32. Also thou son of man the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls and in the doors of the houses and speak one to another every one to his brother saying Come I pray you and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the Lord. V. 31. And they come unto thee as the people cometh and sit before thee as my people and hear my words but they will not do them for with their mouth they shew much love but their heart runneth after their covetousness V. 32. And lo thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument for they hear thy words but they do them not Amos 8. 5. Saying When will the new Moon be gone that we may sell corn and the sabbath that we may set forth wheat making the Ephah small and the shekel great falsifying the balances by deceit Mal. 1. 13. Ye said also Behold what a weariness is it and ye snuffed at it saith the Lord of hosts and ye brought that which was torn and the lame and the sick thus ye brought an offering Should I accept this of your hand saith the Lord all profaning the day by idleness and doing that which is in it self finful i Eze. 23. 38. Moreover this they have done to me They have defiled my sanctuary in the same day and have profaned my Sabbaths and by all needless works words and thoughts about our worldly imployments and recreations k Jer. 17. 24 -27 And it shall come to passe if ye diligently hearken unto me saith the Lord to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day but Hallow the Sabbath day to do no work therein V. 27. But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the Sabbath and not to bear a burden even entring in at the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem and shall not be quenched Isai 58. 13. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day and call the Sabbath a delight the Holy of the Lord honourable and shall honour him not doing thine own wayes nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment the more to enforce it A. The Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment the more to enforce it are taken from the equity of it God allowing us six dayes of seven for our own affairs and reserving but one for himself in these words Six dayes shalt thou labour and do all thy work l Exod. 20. 9. from Gods challenging a special propriety in that day The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God m Exod. 20. 10. from the example of God who in six dayes made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day and from that blessing which God put upon that day not onely in sanctifying it to be a day for his service but in ordaining it to be a meanes of blessing to us in our sanctifying it wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hollowed it n Exod. 20. 11. Q. Why is the word Remember set in the beginning of the fourth Commandment A. The word Remember is set in the beginning of the fourth Commandment o Exo. 20. 8. partly because of the great benefit of remembring it we being thereby helped in our preparation to keep it p Exo. 16. 23. And he said unto them This is that which the Lord hath said To morrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord bake that which ye will bake to day and seeth that ye will seeth and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept till morning Luk. 23. 54 -56 And that day was the Preparation and the sabbath drew on V. 56. And they returned and prepared spices and ointments and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment Compared with Mar. 15. 42. And now when the even was come because it was the preparation that is the day before the sabbath Neh. 13. 19. And it came to passe that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the Sabbath I commanded that the gates should be shut and charged that they should not be opened till after the Sabbath and in keeping it better to keep all the rest of the Commandments q Psal 92.
Title A Psalm or song for the sabbath day Compared with vers 13 14. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the Courts of our God V. 14. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age they shall be fat and flourishing Ezek. 20. 12 -19 20. Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths to be a signe between me and them that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctifie them V. 19. I am the Lord your God walk in my statutes and keep my judgements and do them V. 20. And hallow my sabbaths and they shall be a sign between me and you that ye may know that I am the Lord your God and to continue a thankful remembrance of the two great benefits of Creation and Redemption which contain a short abridgement of Religion r Gen. 2. 2 3. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made V. 3. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made Psal 118. 22 -24 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner V. 24. This is the day which the Lord hath made we will rejoyce and be glad in it Compared with Act. 4 10 11. Be it known unto you all and unto all the people of Israel that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom ye crucified whom God raised from the dead even by him doth this man stand here before you whole V. 11. This is the stone which was set at nought by you builders which is become the head of the corner Rev. 1. 10. I was in the Spirit on the Lords day and heard behind me a voice as of a Trumpet and partly because we are very ready to forget it Å¿ Ezek. 22. 26. Her Priests have violated my Law and profaned my holy things they have put no difference between the holy and profane the unclean and the clean and have hid their eyes from my Sabbaths and I am profaned among them for that there is less light of nature for it t Neh. 9. 14. And madest known unto them the holy Sabbath and commandedst them precepts and statutes and laws by the hand of Moses thy servant and yet it restraineth our natural liberty in things at other times lawful u Exod. 34. 21. Six dayes shalt thou work but on the seventh day thou shalt rest in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest that it cometh but once in seven dayes and many worldly businesses come between and too often take off our minds from thinking of it either to prepare for it or to sanctifie it * Deut. 5. 14 15. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord c. V. 15. And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the Sabbath day Amos 8. 5. Saying When will the new moon be gone that we may sell corn and the Sabbath that we may set forth wheat making the Ephah small and the shekel great and falsifying the balances by deceit and that Satan with his instruments much labour to blot out the glory and even the memory of it to bring in all irreligion and impiety x Lam. 1. 7. Jerusalem remembred in the dayes of her affliction and of her miseries all her pleasant things that she had in the dayes of old when her people fell into the hand of the enemy and none did help her the adversaries saw her and did mock at her sabbaths Jer. 17. 21. 22 23. Thus saith the Lord Take heed to your selves and bear no burden on the Sabbath day nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem V. 22. Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day nor do ye any work but hallow ye the Sabbath day as I commanded your fathers V. 23. But they obeyed not neither inclined their ear but made their neck stiff that they might not hear nor receive instruction Neh. 13. from v. 15. to v. 23. In those dayes saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the Sabbath day c. Q. What is the sum of the six Commandments which contain our duty to man A. The summe of the six Commandments which contain our duty to man is to love our neighbour as our selves y Mat. 22. 39. And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self and to do to others what we would have them do to us z Mat. 7. 12. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you do ye even to them for this is the Law and the Prophets Q. Which is the fift Commandment A. The fifth Commandment is Honour thy father and thy mother that thy dayes may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee a Exod. 20. 12. Q. Who are meant by Father and Mother in the fifth Commandment A. By Father and Mother in the fifth Commandment are meant not onely natural parents b Pro. 23. 22 -25 Hearken to thy father that begat thee and despise not thy mother when she is old V. 25. Thy father and mother shall be glad and she that bare thee shall rejoyce Eph. 6. 1 2. Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right V. 2. Honour thy father and thy mother which is the first Commandment with promise but all superiours in age c 1 Tim. 5. 1 2. Rebuke not an Elder but entreat him as a father and the yonger men as brethren V. 2. The elder women as mothers the younger as sisters with all purity and gifts d Gen. 4. 20. 21 22. And Adah bare Jubal he was the Father of such as dwell in Tents and of such as have cattel V. 21. And his brothers name was Juba he was the father of all such as handle the Harp and Organ V. 22. And Zillah she also bare Tubal Cain an instructer of every Artificer in Brasse and Iron c Gen. 45. 8. So now it was not you that sent me hither but God he hath made me a father to Pharaoh and Lord of all his house and Ruler throughout all the land of Egypt and especially such as by GODS ordinance are over us in place of authority whether in Family e 2 Kin. 5. 13. And his servants came neer and spake unto him My father if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing c. Church f 2 Kin. 2. 12. And Elisha saw it and he cryed My father my father the Chariot of Israel and the horsmen thereof 2 Kin. 13. 14. Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he dyed and Joash the
King of Israel came down to him and wept over his face and said O my father my father the Chariot of Israel and the horsmen thereof Gal. 4. 19. My little children of whom I travel in birth again until Christ be formed in you or Commonwealth g Isai 49. 23. And Kings shall be thy nursing fathers and Queens thy nursing mothers they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth and lick up the dust of thy feet and thou shalt know that I am the Lord Q. Why are Superiours stiled Father and Mother A. Superiours are stiled Father and Mother both to teach them in all duties towards their inferiours like natural parents to expresse love and tenderness to them according to their several relations h Eph. 6. 4. And ye Fathers provoke not your children to wrath but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 2 Cor. 12. 14. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents but the parents for the children 1 Thess 2. 7 8. 11. But we are gentle amongst you even as a nurse cherisheth her children V. 8. So being affectionatly desirous of you if we were willing to have imparted to you not the Gospel of God only but also our own souls because ye were dear unto us V. 11. As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged everyone of you as a father doth his children Numb 11. 11 12. And Moses said unto the Lord wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me V. 12. Have I conceived all this people Have I begotten them that thou shouldest say unto me Carry them in thy bosome as a nursing father beareth a sucking child unto the land which thou swearest unto their fathers and to work inferiours to a greater willingness and chearfulness in performing their duties to their Superiours as to their parents i 1 Cor. 4. 14 15 16. I write not these things to shame you but as my beloved sons I warn you V. 15. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ yet have ye not many Fathers for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel V. 16. Wherefore I beseech you be ye followers of me 1 Kin. 5. 13. And his servants came neer and spake unto him and said My father c. Q. What is the general scope of the fifth Commandment A. The general scope of the fifth Commandment is the performance of those duties which we mutually owe in our several relations as Inferiours Superiours Equals k Eph. 5. 21. Submitting your selves one to another in the fear of God 1 Pet. 2. 17. Honour all men Love the brotherhood Fear God Honour the King Rom. 12. 10. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love in honour preferring one another Q. What is the Honour that Inferiours owe to their Superiours A. The Honour which Inferiours owe to their Superiours is all due reverence in heart l Mal. 1. 6. A son honoureth his father and a servant his master If then I be a father where is mine honour if I be a master where is my fear saith the Lord of hosts unto you O Princes that despise my Name and yeâ— say Wherein have we despised thy Name Lev. 19. 3. Ye shall fear every man his mother and his father and keep my Sabbaths I am the Lord your God word m Pro. 31. 28. Her children arise up and call her blessed her husband also he praiseth her 1 Pet. 3. 6. Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham calling him Lord whose daughters ye are as long as ye do well and are not afraid with any amazement and behaviour n Lev. 19 32. Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head and honour the face of the old man and fear thy God I am the Lord. 1 King 2. 19. Bathshebah therefore went unto King Solomon to speak unto him for Adonijah and the King rose up to meet her and bowed himself to her and sate down on his throne and caused a seat to be set for the Kings mother and she sate on his right hand prayer and thanksgiving for them o 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. I exhort therefore that supplications prayers intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all men V. 2. For Kings and all that are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty imitation of their vertues and graces p Heb. 13. 7. Remember them who have the rule over you who have spoken to you the word of God whose faith follow considering the end of their conversation Phil. 3. 17. Brethren be followers together of me and mark them who walk so as ye have us for an example willing obedience to their lawful commands and counsels q Eph 6. 1 2 -5 6 7. Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right V. 2. Honour thy father and mother which is the first Commandment with promise V. 5. Servants be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh with fear and trembling in singleness of your heart as unto Christ V. 6. Not with eye-service as men-pleasers but as the servants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart V. 7. With good will doing service as to the Lord and not to men 1 Pet. 2. 13 14. Submit your selves to every ord nance of man for the Lords sake whether it be to the King as supreme V. 14. Or unto Governours as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers and for the praise of them that do well Rom. 13. 1 2. 3 4 5. Let every soul be subject to the higher powers for there is no power but of God the powers that be are ordained of God V. 2. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power resisteth the Ordinance of God and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation V. 3. For rulers are not a terror to good works but to the evil Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power do that which is good and thou shalt have praise of the same V. 4. For he is the minister of God to thee for good but if thou do that which is evil be afraid for he beareth not the sword in vain for he is the minister of God a revenger to execute wrath upon them that doth evil V. 5. Wherefore ye must needs be subject not only for wrath but for conscience sake Heb. 13. 17. Obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves Prov. 4. 3 4. For I was my fathers son tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother V. 4. He taught me also and said unto me Let thy heart retain my words keep my Commandments and live Pro. 23. 22. Hearken to thy father that begat thee and despise not thy mother when she is old Exod. 18. 19-24 Hearken now
sorrowful spirit I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink but have poured out my soul before the Lord. with understanding (r) 1 Cor. 14. 15. What is it then I will pray with the Spirit and will pray with understanding also faith (Å¿) Mar. 11. 24. Therefore I say unto you Whatsoever things ye desire when ye pray believe that ye receive them and ye shall have them Jam 1. 6. But let him ask in faith nothing doubting for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed sincerity (t) Psal 145. 18 The Lord is nigh unto all that call upon him to all that call upon him in truth Psal 17. 1. Hear the right O Lord attend unto my cry give ear unto my prayer that goeth not out of fained lips fervency (u) Jam. 5. 16. the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much love (*) 1 Tim. 2. 8. I will therefore that men pray every where lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting and perseverance (x) Eph. 6. 18. Praying alwayes with all prayer and supplication in the spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplicotion for all Saints waiting upon him (y) Mic. 7. 7. Therefore I will look unto the Lord I will wait for the God of my salvation my God will hear me with humble submission to his will (z.) Mat. 26. 39. And he went a little farther and fell on his face and prayed saying O my Father If it be possible let this cup pass from me nevertheless not as I will but as thou wilt Q. What rule hath God given for our direction in the duty of Prayer A. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in the duty of praying (a) 1 Joh. 5. 14. And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us but the special rule of direction is that form of Prayer which our Saviour Christ taught his Disciples commonly called the Lords Prayer (b.) Mat. 6. 9 10 11 12 13. After this manner therefore pray ye Our father c. Luk. 11. 2 3 4. And he said unto them When ye pray say Our father c. Q. How is the Lords Prayer to be used A. The Lords Prayer is not onely for direction as a pattern according to which we are to make other praiers but may also be used as a prayer so that it be done with understanding faith reverence and other graces necessary to the right performance of the duty (c.) Mat. 6. 9. Compared with Luke 11. 2. See above in the letter b. Q. Of how many parts doth the Lords Prayer consist A. The Lords Prayer consists of three parts a Preface Petitions and a Conclusion Q. What doth the Preface of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The Preface of the Lords Prayer contained in these words Our Father which art in heaven (d) Mat. 6. 9. teacheth us when we pray to draw near to God with confidence of his fatherly goodness and our interest therein (e) Luk. 11. 13. If you then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy Spirit to them that ask him Rom. 8. 15. For ye have not received the Spirit of bondage again to fear but ye have received the Spirit of Adoption whereby we cry Abba Father with reverence and all other child-like dispositions (f) Isa 46. 9. Be not wrath very sore O Lord neither remember our iniquities for ever behold see we beseech thee we are all thy people heavenly affections (g) Psal 123. 1. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes O thou that dwellest in the heavens Lam. 3. 41. Let us lift up our heart and our hands unto God in the heavens and due apprehensions of his soveraign power Majesty and gracious condescention (h) Isa 63. 15 16. Look down from heaven and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory Where is thy zeal and thy strength the sounding of thy bowels and thy mercies towards me are they restrained v. 16. Doubtless thou art our Father though Abraham be ignorant of us and Israel acknowledge us not thou O Lord art our Father our redeemer thy Name is from everlasting Neh. 1. 4 5 6. And it came to pass when I heard these words that I saâ—e down and wept and mourned certain dayes and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven v. 5. And said I beseech thee O Lord God of heaven the God that keepeth Covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments v. 6. Let thine eat be now attentive and thine eyes opâ—n that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant which I pray before thee now day and night for the children of Israel thy servants c. as also to pray with and for others (i) Act. 12. 5. Peter therefore was kept in prison but prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him Q. VVhat do we pray for in the first Petition A. In the first petition which is Hallowed be thy name (k) Mat. 6. 9. acknowledging the utter inability and indisposition that is in our selves all men to honor God aright (l) 2 Cor. 3. 5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Psalm 51. 15. O Lord open thou my lips and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise we pray that God would by his grace inable and incline us and others to know to acknowledg and highly to esteem him (m) Psal 67. 2 3. That thy way may be known upon earth thy saving health among all nations v. 3. Let the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee his titles (n) Psal 83. 18. That men may know that thou whose Name alone is Jehovah art the most High over all the earth attributes (o) Psal 86. 10 11 12 13 -15 For thou art great and dost wondrous things thou art God alone v. 11. Teach me thy way O Lord I will walk in thy truth unite my heart to fear thy name v. 12. I will praise thee O Lord my God with all my heart and will glorifie thy Name for evermore v. 13. For great is thy mercy towards me and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell v. 15. But thou O Lord art a God full of compassion and gracious long suffering and plenteous in mercy and truth ordinances word (p) 2 Thes 3. 1. Finally brethren pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified even as it is with you Psal 147. 19 20. He sheweth his word unto Jacob his statutes and judgments unto Israel v. 20. He hath not dealt so with any nation and as for his judgments they have not known them
c the Church furnished with all Gospel officers and ordinances (g) Matth 9. 38. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth labourers into his harvest 2 Thes 3. 1. Finally brethren pray for us that the word of the Lord may have a free course and be glorified even as it is with you purged from corruption (h) Mal. 3. 1 11. For from the rising of the sun even to the going down of the same my Name shall be great among the Gentiles and in every place incense shall be offered up unto my Name and a pure offering for my Name shall be great among the Heathen saith the Lord of hosts Zeph. 3. 9. For then will I turn to the people a pure language that they may all call upon the Name of the Lord to serve him with one consent countenanced and maintained by the civil magistrate (i) 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. I exhort therefore that first â—f all supplications prayers intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all men v. 2. For Kings and for all that are in auâ—hority thâ—t me may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty that the ordinances of Christ may be purely dispensed and made effectual to the converting of those that are yet in their sins and the confirming comforting and building up of those that are already converted (k) Act. 4. 29 30. And now Lord behold their threatnings and grant unto thy servanâ—s that with all boldness they may speak thy word v. 30. By stretching forth â—hine hand to heal and that signes and wonders may be done by the Name of thy Holy Child Jesus Eph. 6. 18 19 20. Praying alwayes with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints v. 19. And for me thâ—t utterance may be given me that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the Gentiles v. 20. For which I am an Ambassador in bonds that therein I may speak boldly as I ought to speak Rom. 15. 29 30 -32 And I am sure that when I come unto you I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ v. 30. Now I beseech you brethren for the Lord Jesus Christ sake and for the love of the Spirit that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me v. 32. That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God and may with you be refreshed 2 Thes 1. 11. Wherefore we pray alwayes for you that our God would count you worthy of his calling and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness and the work of faith with power 2 Thes 2. 16 17. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God even our Father which hâ—th loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace v. 17. Comfort your heart and stablish you in every good word and work that Christ would rule in our hearts here (l) Eph. 3. from ver 14. to the 21. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ v. 15. Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named v. 16. That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man v. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love v. 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height v. 19. And to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledg that ye might be filled with the fulness of God v. 20. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think c. and hasten the time of his second coming and our reigning with him for ever (m) Rev. 22. 20. He which testifieth these things saith surely I come quâ—ckly Amen even so come Lord Jesus and that he would be pleased so to exercise the kingdom of his power in all the world as may best conduce to these ends (n) Isai 64. 1 2. O that thou wouldst rend the heavens that thou wouldst come down that the mountains might flow down at thy presence v. 2. As when the melting fire burneth the fire causeth the waters to boil to make thine name known to thine adversaries that the nations may tremble at thy presence Rev. 4. 8 9 10 11. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him and they were full of eyes within and they rest not day and night saying Holy holy holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come v. 9. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne who liveth for ever and ever v. 10. That four and twenty Elders fall down before him that sat on the throne and worship him that liveth for ever and ever and cast their Crowns before the throne saying v. 11. Thou art worthy O Lord to receive glory and honour and power for thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created Q. What do we pray for in the third Petition A. In the third petition which is Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven (o) Matth. 6. 10. acknowledging that by nature we and all men are not only utterly unable and unwilling to know and to do the will of God (p) Rom. 7. 18. For I know that in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing for to will is present with me but how to perform that which is good I find not Job 21. 14. Therefore thâ—y say unto God Depart from us we desire not the knowledg of thy wayes 1 Cor. 2. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can be know them because they are spiritually discerned but prone to rebel against his word (q) Rom. 8. 7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the Law of God neither indeed can be to repine and murmur against his Providence (r) Exod. 17. 7. And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribaâ— because of the chiding of the children of Israel and because they tempted the Lord saying is the Lord among us or not Num. 14. 2. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron And the whole Congregation said unto them would God that we had died in the land of Egypt would God that we had died in this wilderness and wholly inclined to do the will of the flesh of the devil (Å¿) Eph. â— 2. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world according to the prince of the power of the ayre the spirit that now woâ—keth in the children of disobedience We
of Saints V. 4. Who shall not fear thee O Lord and glorifie thy Name for thou only art holy for all nations shall come and worship before thee for thy judgments are made manifest Ordinances (b) Mal. 1. 11 14. For from the rising of the Sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among rhe Gentiles and in every place incense shall be offered unto thy name and a pure offering for my name shall be great among the heathen saith the Lord of hosts V. 14. But cursed be the deceiver that hath in his flock a male and voweth and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing for I am a great King saith the Lord of hosts and my name is dreadful among the heathen Word (c) Psal 138. 1 2. I will praiâ—â— thee with my whole heart before the gods will I sing praise unto thee V. 2. I will worship towards thy holy Temple and praise thy name for thy loving Kindness and for thy truth for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name and Works (d) Job 36. 24. Remember that thou magnifie his work which men behold Q. VVhat is forbidden in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment forbiddeth all profaning or abusing of any thing whereby God maketh himself known (e.) Mal. 1. 6 7-12 A son honoureth his father and a servant his Master If then I be a father where is mine honor and if I be a Master where is my fear saith the Lord of hosts unto you O Priests that despise my Name and ye say Wherein have we despised thy Name V. 7. Ye offer polluted bread upon mine Altar and ye say Wherein have we polluted thee in that ye say The Table of the Lord is contemptible V. 12. But ye have profaned it in that ye say the Table of the Lord is polluted and the fruit thereof even his meat is contemptible Chap. 2. v. 2. If you will not hear and if you will not lay it to heart to give glory to my Name saith the Lord of hosts I will even send a curse upon you and will curse your blessings yea I have cursed them already because ye do not lay it to heart Chap. 3. 14. Ye have said it is vain to serve God and what profit is it that we have kept his Ordinances and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts Q. What is the Reason annexed to the third Commandment A. The Reason annexed to the third Commandment is that however the breakers of this Commandment may escape punishment from men yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgement (f) 1 Sam. 2. 12 -17-22.-24 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial they knew not the Lord v. 17. Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord for men abhorred the offering of the Lord v. 22. Now Eâ—i was very old and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation v. 24. Nay my sons for it is no good report that I hear ye make the Lords people to transgress 1 Sam. 3. 13. For I have told him that I will judg his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth because his sons made themselves vile and he restrained them not Deut. 28. 58 59. If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful Name The Lord thy God v. 59. Then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful and the plagues of thy seed even great plagues and of long continuance and sore sicknesses and of long continuance Q. Which is the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment is Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy six dayes shalt thou labour and do all thy work but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates for in six dayes the Lord made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it (g) Exo. 20. 8 9 10 11 Q. What is required in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his Word expresly one whole day in seven to be a holy Sabbath unto the Lord (h) Deut. 5. 12 13 14. Keep the Sabbath day to sanctifie it as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee v. 13. Six dayes shalt thou labour and do all thy work v. 14. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter nor thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thine ox nor thine ass nor any of thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates that thy man-servant and thy maid-servant may rest as well as thou Q. Which day of the seven hath God appointed to be the weekly Sabbath A. From the beginning of the world to the Resurrection of Christ God hath appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath and the first day of the week ever since to continue to the end of the world which is the Christian Sabbath (i) Gen. 2. 2 3. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he made V. 3. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because that in it he rested from all his work which God created and made 1 Cor. 16. 1 2. Now concerning the collection for the Saints as have given order to the Churches of Galatia even so do ye V. 2. 7. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him that there be no gatherings when I come Act. 20. 7. And upon the first day of the Week when the disciples came together to break bread Paul preached unto them ready to depart on the morrow and continued his speech until midnight Q. How is the Sabbath to be sanctified A. The Sabbath is to be sanctified by an holy resting all that day (k) Exod 20. 8 -10 Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy V. 10. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God In it thou shalt do no manner of work thou nor thy son c. even from such worldly imployments and recreations as are lawful on other dayes (l) Neh. 13. 15 16 17 18 19 -21 22. In those dayes saw I in Judah some treading wine-presses on the sabbath and bringing in sheaves and lading asses also wine grapes and figs and
all manner of burdens which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals V. 16. There dwelt men of Tyre also therein which brought fish and all manner of wares and sold on the Sabbath day unto the children of Judah and in Jerusalem V. 17. Then I contended with the Nobles of Judah and said unto them What evil thing is this that ye do and profane the Sabbath day V. 18. Did not your fathers thus and did not God bring all this evil upon us and upon this Ciâ—y Yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath V. 19. And it came to pass that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the Sabbath I commanded that the gates should be shut and charged that they should not be opened till after the Sabbath and some of my servants I set at the gates that there should be no burden brought in on the Sabbath day V. 21. Then testified I against them and said unto them Why lodg ye about the wall If ye do so again I will lay hands on you From that time forth came they no more on the Sabbath V. 22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves and that they would come and keep the gates to sanctifie the Sabbath day Remember me O my God concerning this â—lso c. and spending the whole time in the publick and private exercises of Gods worship (m) Luk. 4. 16. And he came to Nazareth where he had been brought up and as his custome was he went into the Synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up for to read Act. 20. 7. And upon the first day of the week c. See letter i Psal 92. Title A Pâ—alm or song for the Sabbath day Isa 66. 23. And it shall come to pass that from one new Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another shall all flesh come to worship before me saith the Lord. except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy (m) Mat. 12. from ver 1. to ver 13. At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the corn and his Disciples were an hungry and began to pluck ears of corn and to eat But when the Pharisees c. ver 12. Is it lawful to do well on the Sabbath dayes Q. What are the sins fordiden in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment forbiddeth the omission of careful performance of the duties required (o) Ezek. 22. 26. Her Priests have violated my law and profaned mine holy things they have put no difference between the holy and profane neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and clean and have hid their eyes from my Sabbaths and I am profaned among them Amos 8. 5. Saying When will the New Moon be gone that we may sell corn and the Sabbath that we may set forth wheat making the Ephah small and the shekel great and falsifying the balances by deceit Mal. 1. 13. Ye said also Behold what a weariness is it and ye have snuffed at it saith the Lord of hosts and ye brought that which was torn and the lame and the sick thus ye brought an offering Should I accept this of your hand saith the Lord and the profaning the day by idleness (p) Act. 20. 7 -9 And upon the first day of the week when the Discipâ—es came together to break bread Paul preached unto them ready to depart on the morrow and continued his speech untill midnight v. 9. And there sate in a window a certain young man named Eutychus being fallen into a deep sleep and as Paul was long Preaching he sunk down with sleep and fell down from the third loft and was taken up dead or doing that which is in it self sinful (q) Ezek. 23. 38. Moreover this they haâ—e done to me They have defiled my Sanctuary in the same day and have profaned my Sabbaths or by unnecessary thoughts words or works about our worldly imployments or recreations (r) Jer. 17. 24 25 26. And it shall come to pass if ye diligently hearken unto me saith the Lord to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day but hallow the Sabbath day to do no work therein v. 25. Then shall there enter into the gates of this City Kings and Princes sitting upon the throne of David riding in chariots and on horses they and their Princes the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and this City shall remain for ever V. 26. And they shall come from the Citie of Judah and from the places about Jerusalem and from the land of Benjamin and from the Plain and from the mountains and from the South bringing burnt-offerings and sacrifices and meat-offerings and incense and bringing sacrifices of praise unto the house of the Lord. Isa 58. 13. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy-day and call the Sabbath a delight the Holy of the Lord honourable and shall honour him not doing thine own wayes nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment are Gods allowing us six daies of the week for our own imployment (Å¿) Exod. 20. 9. Six dayes shalt thou labour and do all thy work his challenging a special property in the seventh his own example and his blessing the Sabbath day (t) Exod. 20. 11. For in six dayes the Lord made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath-Sabbath-day and hallowed it Q. What is the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment is Honour thy father and thy mother that thy dayes may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee (u) Exod. 20. 12. Q. What is required in the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment requireth the preserving the honour and performing the duties belonging to every one in their several places and relations as superiors (*) Eph. 5. 21. Submitting your selves one to another in the fear of God inferiors (x) 1 Pet. 2. 17. Honour all men Love the brotherhood Fear God Honour the King or equals (y) Rom. 12. 10. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love in honour preferring one another Q. What is forbidden in the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of or doing any thing against the honour and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations (z) Mat. 15. 4. For God commanded saying Honour thy Father and mother he that curseth father or mother let him die the death v. 5. But ye say whosoever shall say to his father or his mother it is a gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profiâ—ed by me v. 6.
hearing Neh. 8. 1 2 13. v. 1. And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water-gate and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which the Lord had commanded to Israel v. 2. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women and all that could hear with understanding upon the first day of the seventh moneth v. 3. and he read therein v. 13. And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people the priests and the Levites unto Ezra the sâ—r the even to understand the words of the law 2. That the Ministers of the Gospel have as ample a charge and commission to dispense the Word as well as other Ordinances as the Priests and Levites had under the law proved Isa 66. 21. And I will also take of them for Priests and for Levites saith the Lord. Mat. 28. 34. Wherefore behold I send unto you Prophets and wise men and scribes and some of them ye shall kill and crucifie and some of them shall ye scourge in your Synagogues and persecute them from City to City Where our Saviour intituleth the Officers of the New Testament whom he will send forth by the same names of the teachers of the Old Which Propositions prove that therefore the duty being of a moral nature it followeth by just consequence that the publick reading of the Scriptures belongeth to the Pastors Office To feed the flock by preaching of the Word according to which he is to teach convince reprove exhort and comfort 1 Tim. 3. 2. A Bishop then must be blameless the husband of one wise vigilant sober of good behaviour given to hospitality apt to teach 2 Tim. 3. 16 17. v. 16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Correction for Instruction in righteousness v. 17. That the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works Tit. 1. 9. Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught that he may be able by sound Doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers To Catechise which is a plain laying down the Principles of the Oracles of God Or of the Doctrine of Christ and is a part of preaching Heb. 5. 12. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers ye have need that one teach you again which be the first Principles of the Oracles of God and are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat To dispense other Divine Misteries 1 Cor. 4. 1 2. v. 1. Let a man so account of us as of the Ministers of Christ and stewards of the misteries of God v. 2. Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful To administer the Sacraments Mat. 28. 19 20. v. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost v. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alway even unto the end of the world Amen Mar. 16. 15 16. v. 15. And he said unto them Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel unto every creature v. 16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned 1 Cor. 11. 23 24 25. v. 23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread v. 24. And when he had given thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my body which is broken for you this do in remembrance of me v. 25. After the same manner also he took the cup when he had supped saying This cup is the New Testament in my blood this do ye as oft as ye drink it in remembrance of me Compared with 1 Cor. 10. 16. The cup of blessing which we bless is it not the communion of the blood of Christ the bread which we break is it not the communion of the body of Christ To bless the people from God Numb 6. 23. 24 25 26. v. 23. Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons saying On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel saying unto them v. 24. The Lord bless thee and keep thee v. 25. The Lord make his face to shire upon thee v. 26. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace Compared with Rev. 1. 4 5. v. 4. John to the seven Churches which are in Asia grace be unto you and peace from him which is and which was and which is to come and from the seven spirits which are before his throne v. 5. And from Jesus Christ who is the faithful witness and the first begotten of the dead and the prince of the Kings of the earth unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood Where the same blessings and persons from whom they come are expresly mentioned Isa 66. 21. And I will also take of them for Priests and for Levites saith the Lord. Here under the names of the Priests and Levites to be continued under the Gospel are meant Evangelical Pastors who therefore are by office to bless the people Deut. 10. 8. At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the Covenant of the Lord to stand before the Lord to minister unto him and to bless in his name unto this day 2 Cor. 13 14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all Amen Eph. 1. 2. Grace be to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ To take care of the poor Act. 11. 30. Which also they did and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul Act. 4. 34 35 36 37. v. 34. Neither was there any among you that lacked for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them and brought the prises of the things that were sold v. 35. And laid them down at the Apostles feet and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need v. 36. And Joses who by the Apostles was surnamed Barnabas which is being interpreted the son of conselation a Levite and of the country of Ciprus v. 37. Having land sold it and brought the money and laid it at the Apostles feet Act. 6 2 3 4. v. 2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the Disciples unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve Tables v. 3. Wherefore brethren look you out among you seven men of honest report full of the Holy Ghost and wisdome whom ye may appoint over this business v. 4. But we will give our selves continually to prayer and
shall I flee from thy presence Almighty d Rev. 4. 8. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him and they were full of eyes within and they rest not day and night saying Holy holy holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come Knowing all things e Heb. 4. 13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do Psal 147. 5. Great is the Lord and of great power his understanding is infinite Most wise f Rom. 16. 27. To God only wise be glory through Jesus Christ for ever Amen Most Holy g Isa 6. 3. And one cryed unto another and said Holy holy is the Lord of hosts the whole earth is full of his glory Rev. 15. 4. Who shall not fear thee O Lord and glorifie thy name for thou only art holy for all nations shall come and worship before thee for thy judgements are made manifest Most Just h Deut. 32. 4. He is the rock his work is perfect for all his wayes are judgement a God of truth and without iniquity just and right is he Most Merciful and gracious Long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth i Exod. 34. 6. The Lord passed by before him and proclaimed the Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodnss and truth Q Are there more Gods then one A. There is but one onely the living and true God k Deut. 6. 4. Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord. 1 Cor. 8. 4. 6. As concerning therefore the eating of things offered in sacrifice to Idols we know that an Idol is nothing in the world and that there is none other God but one But to us there is but one God the Father of whom are all things and we in him and one Lord Jesus Christ by whom are all things and we by him Jer. 10. 10. But the Lord is the true God he is the living God and an everlasting King at his wrath the earth shall tremble and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation Q. How many persons are there in the Godhead A. There be three persons in the Godhead the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost and these three are one true eternal God the same in substance equal in power and glory although distinguished by their personal properties l 1 John 5. 7. For there are three that bear record in heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one Mat. 3. 16 17. And Jesus when he was baptized went up straightway out of the water and loe the heavens were opened unto him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a Dove and lighting upon him And lo a voice from heaven saying This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost 2 Cor. 13. 14. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all Amen Joh. 10. 30. I and my Father are one Q. What are the personal properties of the three Persons in the Godhead A. It is proper to the Father to beget the Son m Heb. 1. 5 6. 8. For unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my son this day have I begotten thee And again I will be to Him a Father and He shall be to me a Son And again when he brings in the first begotten into the world he saith And let all the Angels of God worship him But unto the Son he saith Thy Throne O God is for ever and ever a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy Kingdom and to the Son to be begotten of the Father n John 1. 14 18. And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth No man hath seen God at any time The onely begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father he hath declared him and to the Holy Ghost to proceed from the Father and Son from all eternity o Joh. 15. 26 But when the Comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the Father even the Spirit of Truth which proceedeth from the Father he shall testifie of me Gal. 4. 6. And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father Q. How doth it appear that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equal with the Father A. The Scriptures manifest that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equall with the Father ascribing unto them such names p Isai 6. 3 5-8 And one cried unto another and said Holy holy holy is the Lord of Hosts the whole earth is full of his glory Then said I Woe is me for I am undone because I am a man of unclean lips for mine eyes have seen the King the Lord of Hosts Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying Whom shall I send and who will go for us then I said here am I send me This compared with Joh. 12. 41. These things said Esaias when he saw His glory and spake of Him And with Act 28. 25. And when they agreed not among themselves they departed after that Paul had spoken one word Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the Prophet to our Fathers 1 Joh. 5. 20. And we know that the Son of God is come and hath given us an understanding that we may know him that is true and we are in him that is true even in his Son Jesus Christ this is the true God and eternal life Act. 5. 3 4. But Peter said Ananias why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost and to keep back part of the price of the land whiles it remained was it not thine own and after it was sold was it not in thine own power why hast thou conceived this thing in thy heart thou hast not lied unto men but unto God attributes q John 1. 1. In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God Isai 9. 6. For unto us a Son is born unto us a child is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor the mighty God the everlasting Father the Prince of peace Joh. 2. 24. 25. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them because he knew all men and needed not that any should testifie of man for he knew what was in man 1 Cor. 2. 10 11. But God hath revealed them to us by his Spirit for the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God For
what man knoweth the things of a man save the spirit of man that is in him even so the things of God knows no man but the Spirit of God works r Col. 1. 16. For by him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth visible and invisible whether they be Thrones or Dominions or Principalities or Powers all things were created by him and for him Gen. 1. 2. And the earth was without form and void and darkness was upon the face of the earth and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters and worship Å¿ Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost 2 Cor. 13. 14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the Communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all Amen are proper to God onely Q. What are the Decrees of God A. God's Decrees are the wise free and holy acts of the counsel of his will t Ephes 4. 11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance being Predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will Rom. 11. 33. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgements and his wayes past finding out Rom. 9. 14 15 18. What shall we say then Is there unrighteousness with God God forbid For he saith to Moses I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion Therefore he hath mercy on whom he will have mercy and whom he will he hardeneth whereby from all eternity he hath for his own glory unchangeably fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass in time u Eph. 1. 4 11. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love In whom also we have obtained an inheritance being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will Rom. 9. 22 23. What if God willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction and that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy which he had before prepared unto glory Psal 33. 11. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever the thoughts of his heart unto all generations especially concerning Angels and men Q. What hath God especially decreed concerning Angels and men A. God by an eternal and immutable decree out of his meer love for the praise of his glorious grace to be manifested in due time hath elected some Angels to glory * 1 Tâ—m 5. 21. I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect Angels that thou observe these things without preferring one before another doing nothing by partiality and in Christ hath chosen some men to eternal life and the means thereof x Eph. 1. 4 5 6. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundations of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will to the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved 2 Thes 2. 13 14. But we are bound to give thanks to God alway for you Brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth whereunto he called you by our Gospel to the obtaining of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ and also according to his sovereign power and the unsearchable counsel of his own will whereby he extendeth or withholdeth favour as he pleaseth hath passed by fore-ordained the rest to dishonour and wrath to be for their sin inflicted to the praise of the glory of his justice y Rom. 9. 17 18-21 22. For the Scripture saith unto Pharaoh even for this same purpose have I raised thee up that I might shew my power in thee and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy and whom he will he hardeneth Hath not the Potter power over his clay of the same lump to make one vessell unto honour and another unto dishonour What if God willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction Matth. 11. 25 26. At that time Jesus answered and said I thank Thee O Father Lord of Heaven Earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise the prudent and hast revealed them unto Babes Even so Father for so it seemed good in thy sight 2 Tim. 2. 20. But in a great house there are not onely vessels of gold and of silver but also of wood and of earth and some to honor and some to dishonor Jude v. 4. For there are certain men crept in unawares who were before of old ordained to this condemnation ungodly men turning the grace of God into wantonness denying the onely God and our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 2. 8. And a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence to them that stumble at the word being disobedient whereunto also they were appointed Q. How doth God execute his Decrees A. God executeth his Decrees in the works of Creation and Providence according to his infallible fore-knowledge and the free and immutable counsel of his own will z Ephes 1. 11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things according to the counsel of his own will Q. What is the work of Creation A. The work of Creation is that wherein God did in the beginning by the Word of his power make of nothing the World and all things therein for himself within the space of six dayes and all very good a Gen. 1. Heb. 11. 3. Through faith we understand that the Worlds were framed by the word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear Prov. 16. 4. The Lord hath made all things for himself yea even the wicked for the day of evill Q. How did God create Angels A. God created all the Angels b Col. 1. 16. For by him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth visible and invisible whether they be Thrones or Dominions or Principalities or Powers all things were created by him and for him Spirits c Psal 104. 4. Who maketh his Angels Spirits his Ministers a flame of fire Immortal d Mat. 22. 30. For in the Resurrection they neither
marry nor are given in marriage but are as the Angels of God in heaven Holy e Matth. 25. 31. When the Son of Man shall come in his glory and all the holy Angels with him then shall he sit upon the Throne of his glory excelling in knowledge f 2 Sam. 14. 17. Then thine handmaid said The word of my Lord the King shall now be comfortable for as an Angel of God so is my Lord the King to discern good and bad therefore the Lord thy God will be with thee Matth. 24. 36. But of that day and hour knoweth no man no not the Angels of heaven but my Father onely mighty in power g 2 Thess 1. 7. And to you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels to execute his Commandments and to praise his Name h Psal 103. 20 21. Blesse the Lord ye his Angels that excell in strength and do his commandments hearkning to the voice of his word Blesse the Lord all ye his Hosts ye Ministers of his that do his pleasure yet subject to change i 2 Pet. 2. 4. For if God spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them down to Hell and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgment Q. How did God create Man A. After God had made all other creatures He created man male and female k Gen. 1. 27. So God created Man in His own Image in the Image of God created He him Male and Female created He them formed the body of the man of the dust of the ground l Gen. 2. 7. And the Lord God formed Man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and the woman of the rib of the man m Gen. 2. 22. And the rib which the Lord had taken from man made He a woman and brought her unto the man indued them with living reasonable and immortal souls n Gen. 2. 7. And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul Compare this with Job 35. 11. Who teacheth us more then the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser then the fowls of heaven And with Eccl. 12. 7. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was and the Spirit shall return to God who gave it And with Matth. 10. 28. Fear not them who can kill the body but are not able to kill the soul but rather fear him who is able to destroy both body soul in hell And with Luke 23. 43. And Jesus said unto him To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise made them after his own image o Gen. 1. 27. So God created man in his His own Image in the Image of God created He him male and female created he them in knowledge p Col. 3. 10. And have put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the Image of Him that created him righteousnesse and holinesse q Eph. 4. 24. And that ye put on the new man which after God is created in righteousnesse and true holinesse having the Law of God written in their hearts r Rom. 2. 14 15. For when the Gentiles who have not the Law do by nature the things contained in the Law these having not the Law are a Law unto themselves which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts their conscience also bearing witnesse and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another and power to fulfill it Å¿ Eccl. 7. 29. Lo this onely have I found that God hath made man upright but they have sought out many inventions with dominion over the creatures t Gen. 1. 28. And God blessed them and said unto them Be friutful and multiply and replenish the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fiâ—h of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth yet subject to fall u Gen. 3. 6. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasant to the eyes and a tree to be desired to make one wise she took of the fruit thereof and did eat and gave also unto her husband with her and he did eat Eccl. 7. 29. Lo this only have I found that God made man upright but they sought out many inventions Q. What are Gods works of Providence A. Gods works of Providence are his most holy * Psal 145. 17. The Lord is righteous in all his wayes and holy in all his works wise x Psal 104. 24. O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches Isa 28 29. This also cometh from the Lord of hosts who is wonderful in counselling and excellent in working and powerful preserving y Heb. 1. 3. Who being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person and upholding all things by the word of his power when he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hâ—nd of the Majesty on high and governing all his creatures z Psal 103. 19. The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens and his Kingdom ruleth over all ordering them and all their actions a Mat. 10. 29 30 31. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father but the very haires of your head are all numbred Fear not therefore ye are of more value then many sparrowes Gen. 45. 7. And God sâ—nt me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance to his own glory b Rom. 11. 36. For of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for ever Amen Isai 63. 14. As a beast goes down into the valley the Spirit of the Lord caused him to rest so didst thou lead thy people to make thy self a glorious name Q. What is Gods Providence towards the Angels A. God by his Providence permitted some of the Angels wilfully and irrecoverably to fall into sin and damnation c Jude v. 6. And the Angels which kept not their first estate but left their own habitation he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgement of the great day 2 Pet. 2. 4. For if God spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgement Heb. 2. 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham John 8. 44. Ye are of your father the Devil and the lusts of your father ye will do he was a murtherer from the beginning and abode not in
the tree of knowledge of good and evill thou shalt not eat of it for on the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Compared with Rom. 5. from v. 12. to v. 20. Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned V. 18. Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all to condemnation even so V. 19. For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience c. And with 1 Cor. 15. 21 22. For since by man came death by man came also the resurrection of the dead For as in Adam all die even so in Christ shal all be made alive Q. Into what estate did the Fall bring mankind A The Fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery t Rom. 5. 12. Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Rom. 3. 23. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God Q. What is sin A. Sin is any want of conformity unto or transgression of any Law of God given as a Rule to the reasonable creature u 1 Joh. 3. 4. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the Law for sin is the transgression of the Law Gal. 3. 10-12 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under the curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the Law to do them And the Law is not of faith but the man that doth them shall live in them Q. Wherein consisteth the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell consisteth in the guilt of Adams first sin * Rom. 5. 12-19 Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned V. 19. For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous the want of that righteousness wherein he was created and the corruption of his nature whereby he is utterly indisposed disabled and made opposite unto all that is spiritually good and wholly inclined to all evill and that continually x Rom. 3. from v. 10. to v. 20. As it is written There is none righteous no not one V. 11. There is none that understandeth there is none that seeketh after God V. 12. They are all gone out of the way they are altogether become unprofitable there is none that doth good no not one V. 13. Their throat is an open sepulchre with their tongues they have used deceit the poison of Aspes is under their lips V. 14. Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness V. 15. Their feet are swift to shed blood V. 16. Destruction and misery are in their wayes V. 17. And the way of peace have they not known V. 18. There is no fear of God before their eyes V. 19. Now we know that what things soever the Law saith it saith to them who are under the Law that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God Eph. 2. 1 2 3. And you hath he quickned who were dead in trespasses and sins wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world according to the Prince of the power of the air the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind and were by nature the children of wrath even as others Rom. 5. 6. For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly Rom. 8. 7 8. Because the carnall mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the law of God neither indeed can be so then they that are in the flesh cannot please God Gen. 6. 5. And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually which is commonly called Originall sin and from which do proceed all actuall transgressions y Jam. 1. 14 15. But every man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed Then when lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death Mat. 15. 19. For out of the heart proceed evill thoughts murders adulteries fornications thefts false-witness blasphemies Q. How is Originall sin conveyed from our first Parents unto their posterity A. Original sin is conveyed from our first Parents unto their posterity by natural generation so as all that proceed from them in that way are conceived and born in sin z Psa 51. 5. Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me Job 14. 4. Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean not one Job 15. 14. What is man that he should be clean and he that is born of a woman that he should be righteous Job 3. 6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit Q. What misery did the Fall bring upon mankind A. The fall brought upon mankind the loss of communion with God a Gen. 3. 8-10-24 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord amongst the trees of the garden V. 10. And he said I heard thy voice in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked and I hid my self V. 24. So he drove out the man and he placed at the East of the garden of Eden Cherubims and a flaming sword which turned every way to keep the way of the tree of life his displeasure and curse so as we are by nature children of wrath b Eph. 2. 2 3. Wherein in times past ye walked according to the course of this world according to the prince of the power of the air the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience amongst whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind and were by nature the children of wrath even as others bond-slaves to Sathan c 2 Tim. 2. 26. And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the Devil who are taken captive by him at his will and justly liable to all punishments in this world and that which is to come d Gen. 2. 17. But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Lam. 3. 39.
1 Cor. 11. 23 24 25. For I have received of the Lord that which I also delivered unto you that the Lord Jesus the same night wherein he was betrayed took bread and when he had given thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my body which was broken for you this do in remembrance of me After the same manner also he took the cup when he had supped saying This cup is the New Testament in my blood this do ye as oft as ye drink it in remembrance of me in which Grace and salvation is held forth in more fulness evidence and efficacy to all Nations q 2 Cor. 3. 6. to the end of the chapter Who hath also made us able ministers of the New Testament not of the letter but of the Spirit for the letter killeth but the Spirit giveth life But if the ministration of death written and engraven in stones was glorious c. Heb. 8. 6 -10 11. For finding fault with them he saith Behold the dayes come saith the Lord when I will make a new Covenant with the house of Israel and Judah V. 10. For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those dayes saith the Lord I will put my laws into their minds and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people V. 11. And they shall not teach every man his neighbour and every man his brother saying Know the Lord for all shall know me from the least to the greatest Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of c. Q. Who is the Mediator of the Covenant of Grace A. The onely Mediator of the Covenant of Grace is the Lord Jesus Christ r 1 Tim. 2. 5. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and Man the Man Christ Jesus who being the eternal Son of God of one substance and equal with the Father Å¿ Joh. 1. 1 -14 In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God V. 14. And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the onely begotten of the Father full of grace and truth Joh. 10. 30. I and my father are one Phil. 2. 6. Who being in the form of God thought it no robbery to be equal with God in the fulness of time became man t Gal. 4. 4. But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law and so was and continues to be God and Man in two entire distinct natures and one person for ever u Luke 1. 35. And the Angel answered and said unto her The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall over-shadow thee Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God Rom. 9. 5. Whose are the Fathers and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came who is over all God blessed for ever Amen Col. 2. 9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily Heb. 7. 24 25. But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Q. How did Christ being God become Man A. Christ the Son of God became Man by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul * Joh. 1. 14. And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the onely begotten of the Father full of grace and truth Mat. 26. 38. Then saith he unto them My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death tarry ye here and watch with me being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary of her substance and born of her x Luke 1. 27-31-35-42 To a virgine spoused to a mâ—n whose name was Joseph of the house of David and the Virgins name was Mary V. 31. And behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a Son and shalt call his name Jesus V. 35. And the Anâ—el answered and said unto her the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall over-shadow thee Therefore also that holy thing whâ—ch shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God V. 42. And Elizabeth spake out with a loud voice and said Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Gal. 4. 4. But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law yet without sin y Heb. 4. 15. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with a feeling of our infiâ—mities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Heb. 7. 26. For such an High-Priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher then the heavens Q. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God A. It was requisite that the Mediator should be God that he might sustain and keep the humane nature from sinking under the infinite wrath of God and the power of death z Acts 2. 24 25. Whom God hath raised up having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible he should be holden of it For David speaks concerning him I foresaw the Lord alwayes before my face for he is on my right hand that I should not be moved Rom. 1. 4. And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead Compared with Rom. 4. 25. Who was delivered for our offences and was raâ—sed again for our justification Heb. 9. 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered up himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God give worth and efficacy to his sufferings obedience and intercession a Act. 20. 28. Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood Heb. 9. 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered up himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God Heb. 7. 25 26 27 28. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them V. 26. For such an High Priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher then the Heavens V. 27. Who needeth not daily as those High Priests to offer up sacrifice first for
Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alwayes even to the end of the world Amen to execute the Offices of Prophet t Act. 3. 21 22. whom the heavens must receive until the times of restitution of all things which God hath spoken of by the mouth of all his holy Prophets since the world began For Moses truly said unto the Fathers A Prophet shal the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shal ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you Luke 4. 18-21 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor he hath sent me to heal the broken in heart to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind to set at liberty them that are bruised V. 21. And he began to say unto them This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears Priest u Heb. 5. 5 6 7. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an High-Priest but he that said unto him Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee As he saith also in another place Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedck who in the dayes of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong cries and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared Heb. 4. 14 15. Seeing then that we have a great High-Priest that is passed into the heavens Jesus the Son of God let us hold fast our profession For we have not an High-Priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin and King of his Church * Psal 2. 6. Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Sion Matth. 21. 5. Tell ye the daughter of Sion Behold thy King cometh unto thee meek and sitting upon an ass and upon a colt the foal of an ass Isai 9. 6 7. For unto us a child is born unto us a Son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor the mighty God the Everlasting Father the Prince of peace Of the encrease of his government and peace there shall be no end upon the throne of David and upon his Kingdom to order it and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this Phil. 2. 8 9 10 11. And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father in the estate both of his Humiliation and Exaltation Q. How doth Christ execute the office of a Prophet A. Christ executeth the office of a Prophet in his revealing to the Church x Joh. 1. 18. No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father he hath declared him in all ages by his Spirit and word y 1 Pet. 1. 10 11 12. Of which salvation the Prophets have enquired and searched diligently who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you V. 11. Searching what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signifie when it testified before-hand the sufferings of Christ and the glory which should follow V. 12. Unto whom it was revealed that not unto themselves but unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the Gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven which things the Angels desire to look into in diverse wayes of administration z Heb. 1. 1 2. God who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in times past unto the Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last dayes spoken unto us by his Son whom He hath appointed heir of all things by whom also he made the worlds the whole will of God a Joh. 15. 15. Henceforth I cal you not servants for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doth but I have called you friends for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you in all things concerning their edification and salvation b Act. 20. 32. And now Brethren I commend you to God and to the word of his grace which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified Eph. 4. 11 12 13. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers V. 12. For the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ V. 13. Till we all come in the unity of the Faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ Joh. 20. 31. But these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the son of God and that believing you might have life through his name Q. How doth Christ execute the office of a Priest A. Christ executeth the office of a Priest in his once offering himself a sacrifice without spot to God c Heb. 9. 14 28. How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God V. 28. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation to be a reconciliation for the sins of his people d Heb. 2. 17. Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people and in making continual intercession for them e Heb. 7. 25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Q. How doth Christ execute the office of a King A. Christ executeth the office of a King in calling out of the world a people to himself f Act. 15. 14 15 16. Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visâ—â— the Gentiles to take out of them a
Law u Gal. 4. 4. But when the fulnesse of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law which he perfectly fulfilled * Mat. 5. 17. Think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfill Rom. 5. 19. For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous and by conflicting with the indignities of the world x Psal 22. 6. But I am a worm and no man a reproach of men and despised of the people Heb. 12. 2 3. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before him endured the Cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds temptations of Satan y Mat. 4. from v. 1. to v. 12. Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to he tempted of the Divel c. Luke 4. 13. And when the Divel had ended all the temptation he departed from him for a season and infirmities in his flesh whether common to the nature of man or particularly accompanying that his low condition z Heb. 2. 17 18. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a mercifull and faithful High-Priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted he is able to succour them that are tempted Heb. 4. 15. For we have not an High-Priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Isa 52. 13 14. Behold my servant shall deal prudently he shall be exalted and extolled and be very high As many were astonished at thee his visage was so marred more then any man and his form more then the sons of men Q. How did Christ humble himself in his death A. Christ humbled himself in his death in that having been be rayed by Judas a Mat. 27. 4. Saying I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood and they said What is that to us see thou to that forsaken by his Disciples b Mat. 26. 56. But all this was done that the Scriptures of the Prophets might be fulfilled then all the Disciples forsook him and fled scorned and rejected by the World c Isai 53. 2 3. For he shal grow up before him as a tender plant and as a root out of a dry ground he hath no form nor comeliness and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him He is despised and rejected of men a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief and we hid as it were our faces from him he was despised and we esteemed him not condemned by Pilate and tormented by his Persecutors d Mat. 27. from ver 26. 10 v. 50. Then released he Barrabbas unto them and when he had scourged Jesus he delivered him to be crucified c. John 19. 34. But one of the souldiers with a spear pierced his side and forthwith came thereout blood and water having also conflicted with the terrors of death and the powers of darkness felt and born the weight of Gods wrath e Luke 22. 44. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground Mat. 27. 46. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voyce saying ELI ELI LAMA SABACTHANI that is to say My God my God why hast thou forsaken me he laid down his life an offering for sin f Isa 53. 10. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed he shall prolong his dayes and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand enduring the painful shameful and cursed death of the cross g Phil. 2. 8. And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross Heb. 12. 2. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God Gal. 3. 13. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us for it is written Cursed is every one that hangeth on the tree Q. Wherein consisted Christs humiliation after his death A. Christs humiliation after his death consisted in his being buried h 1 Cor. 15. 3 4. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures and continuing in the state of the dead and under the power of death till the thirdday i Psal 16. 10. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption Compared with Acts 2. 24 25 26 27 -31 Whom God hath raised up having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible that he should be holden of it V. 25. For David speaketh concerning him I foresaw the Lord alwayes before my face for he is on my right hand that I should not be moved V. 36. Therefore did my heart rejoyce and my tongue was glad my flesh also shall rest in hope V. 27. Because thou wilt not leave my soul in the grave nor wile thou suffer thine holy One to see corruption V. 31. He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ that his soul was not left in hell neither did his flesh see corruption Rom. 6. 9. Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more death hath no more dominion over him Matth. 12. â—0 For as Jonas was three dayes and three nights in the whales belly so shall the Son of man be three dayes and three nights in the heart of the earth which hath been otherwise expressed in these words He descended into Hell Q. What was the estate of Christs exaltation A. The estate of Christs exaltation comprehendeth his resurrection k 1 Cor. 15. 4. And that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scripture Ascention l Mark 16. 19. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them he was received up into heavâ—n and sate on the right hand of God sitting at the right hand of the Father m Eph. 1. 20. Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set hâ—m
gathered together against it V. 4. In that day saith the Lord I will smite every horse with astonishment and his rider with madness and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah and will smite every horse of the people with blindness V. 8. In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David and the house of David shall be as God as the Angel of the Lord before them V. 9. and it shall come to pass in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem and of enjoying the communion of Saints the ordinary means of salvation a Act. 2. 39-42 For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call V. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles Doctrine and in fellow-ship and in breaking of bread and in prayers offers of grace by Christ to all the members of it in the ministery of the Gospel testifying that whosoever believes in him shall be saved b Psal 147. 19 20. He sheweth his words unto Jacob his statutes and his judgements unto Israel He hath not dealt so with any nation and as for his judgements they have not known them praise ye the Lord. Rom. 9. 4. Who are Israelites to whom pertaineth the adoption and the glory and the Covenants and the giving of the Law and the service of God and the promises Eph. 4. 11 12. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the ministery for the edifying of the body of Christ Mark 16. 15 16. And he said unto them Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned and excluding none that will come unto him c Joh. 6. 37. All that the father giveth me shall come unto me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Q. What is the invisible Church A. The invisible Church is the whole number of the elect that have been are or shall be gathered into one under Christ the Head d Eph. 1. 10-22 23. That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ both which are in heaven and which are on earth even in him V. 22. And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be head over all things to the Church which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all Joh. 10. 16. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold them also I must bring and they shall hear my voice and there shall be one fold and one shepherd John 11. 52. And not for that nation onely but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad Q. What speciall benefits do the Members of the invisible Church enjoy by Christ A. The Members of the Invisible Church by Christ enjoy Union and Communion with him in grace and glory e Joh. 17. 21. That they all may be one as thou Father art in me and I in thee that they also may be one in us that the world may believe that thou hast sent me Eph. 2. 5 6. Even when we were dead in sins hath quickned us together with Christ by grace ye are saved And hath raised us up together and hath made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus John 17. 24. Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world Q. What is that Union which the Elect have with Christ A. The Union which the Elect have with Christ is the work of Gods grace f Eph. 1. 22. And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be head over all things to the Church Eph. 2. 6 7 8. And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus V. 7. That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness towards us in Christ Jesus V. 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God whereby they are Spiritually and mystically yet really and inseparably joyned to Christ as their head and husband g 1 Cor. 6. 17. But he that is joyned to the Lord is one Spirit John 10. 28. And I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand Eph. 5. 23-30 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the Church and he is the Saviour of the body V. 30. For we are members of his body of his flesh and of his bones which is done in their effectual Calling h 1 Pet. 5. 10. But the God of all grace who hath called us into his eternal glory by Christ Jesus after that ye have suffered a while make you perfect stablish strengthen settle you 1 Cor. 1. 9. God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Q. What is effectual calling A. Effectual Calling is the work of Gods almighty power and grace i Joh. 5. 25. Verily verily I say unto you the hour is coming and now is when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God and they that hear shall live Eph. 1. 18 19. 20. The eyes of your understanding being enlightned that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints V. 19. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places 2 Tim. 1. 8 9. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord nor of me his prisoner but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel according to the power of God V. 9. Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began whereby out of his free and especial love to his Elect and from nothing in them moving him thereunto k Tit. 3. 4 5. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour towards man appeared not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us by
the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost Eph. 2. 4 5-7 8 9. But God who is rich in mercy for his great love wherewith he loved us V. 5. Even when we were dead in sins hath quickned us together with Christ by grace ye are saved V. 7. That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness towards us through Christ Jesus V. 8. For by grace ye are saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God V. 9. Not of works lest any man should boast Rom. 9. 11. For the children being not yet born neither having done any good or evil that the purpose of God according to election might stand not of works but of him that calleth he doth in his accepted time invite and draw them to Jesus Christ by his Word and Spirit l 2 Cor. 5. 20. Now then we are Ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God Compared with 2 Cor. 6. 1 2. We then as workers together with him beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain for he saith I have heard thee in a time accepted and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee Behold now is the accepted time behold now is the day of salvation Joh. 6. 44. No man can come to me except the Father who hath sent me draw him and I will raise him up at the last day 2 Thess 2. 13 14. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth Whereunto he hath called you by our Gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ savingly inlightning their mindes m Acts 26. 18. To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith which is in me 1 Cor. 2. 10 -12 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit for the Spirit searcheth all things yea even the deep things of God V. 12. Now we have not received the Spirit of the world but the Spirit which is of God that ye might know the things freely given us of God renewing and powerfully determining their wills n Ezek. 11. 19. I will give them one heart and I will put a new Spirit within you and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh and will give them an heart of flesh Ezek. 36. 26 29. A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh V. 29. I will also save you from all your uncleannesses and I will call for the corn and increase it and lay no famine upon you Joh. 6. 45. It is written in the Prophets And they shall be all taught of God every man therefore that hath heard and learned of the Father cometh unto me so as they although in themselves dead in sin are hereby made willing and able freely to answer his call and to accept and imbrace the grace offered and conveyed therein o Eph. 2. 5. Even when we were dead in sins hath quickned us together with Christ by grace ye are saved Phil. 2. 13. For it is God that worketh in you to will and to do of his good pleasure Deut. 30. 6. And the Lord thy God will circumcise thy heart and the heart of thy seed to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul that thou maist live Q. Are the Elect effectually called A. All the Elect and they onely are effectually called p Act. 13. 48. And when the Gentiles heard this they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed although others may be and often are outwardly called by the ministery of the Word q Mat. 22. 14. For many are called but few are chosen and have some common operations of the Spirit r Mat. 7. 22. Many will say unto me in that day Lord Lord Have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name cast out Divels and in thy name done many wonderful works Mat. 13. 20 21. But he that received the seed into stony places the same is he that heareth the word and anon with joy received it yet hath he not root in himself but dureth for a while for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word by and by he is offended Heb. 6. 4 5. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightned and have tasted of the heavenly gift and were made partakers of the holy Ghost and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come If they c. who for their wilful neglect and contempt of the grace offered to them being justly left in their unbelief do never truly come to Jesus Christ Å¿ Joh. 12. 38 39 40. That the saying of Esaias the Prophet might be fulfilled which he spake Lord who hath believed our report and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed V. 39 Therefore they could not believe because that Esaias said again V. 40. He hath blinded their eyes and hardned their heart that they should not see with their eyes and understand with their heart and be converted and I should heal them Act. 28. 25 26 27. And when they agreed not among themselves they departed after that Paul had spoken one word Well spake the Holy Ghost by the Prophet Esaias unto our Fathers saying V. 26. Go unto this people and say Hearing ye shall hear and shall not understand and seeing ye shall see and not perceive V. 27. For the heart of this people is waxed gross and their ears are dull of hearing and their eyes have they closed least they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears understand with their heart and be converted and I should heal them Joh. 6. 64 65. But there are some of you that believe not For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not and who should betray him V. 65. And he said Therefore said I unto you that no man can come unto me except it were given him of the Father Psal 81. 11 12. But my people would not hearken to my voice and Israel would have none of me so I gave them up to their own hearts lusts and they walked in their own counsels Q. What is the Communion in Grace which the Members of the Invisible Church have with Christ A. The Communion in Grace which the Members of the Invisible Church have with
Christ is their partaking of the virtue of his Mediation in their Justification t Rom. 8. 30. Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called and whom he called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also glorified Adoption u Eph. 1. 5. Having predestinated us to the adoption of Children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will Sanctification and whatever else in this life manifests their Union with him * 1 Cor. 1. 30. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption Q. What is Justification A. Justification is an act of Gods free grace unto sinners * Rom. 3. 22 -24 25. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all that believe for there is no difference V. 24. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jâ—sus Christ V. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God Rom. 4. 5. But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his saith is accounted for righteousness in which he pardoneth all their sins accepteth and accounteth their persons righteous in his sight y 2 Cor. 5. 19-21 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation V. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him Rom. 3. 22-24 25-27 28. Even the righteousness of God which is by the faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all that believe for there is no difference V. 24. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ V. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God V. 27. Where is boasting then it is excluded By what law Of works Nay but by the law of faith V. 28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law not for any thing wrought in them or done by them z Tit. 3. 5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost Eph. 1. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace but onely for the perfect obedience and full satisfaction of Christ by God imputed to them a Rom. 5. 17 18 19. Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature old things are past away behold all things are become new V. 18. And all things are of God who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ and hath given to us the ministery of reconciliation V. 19. To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation Rom. 4. 6 7 8. Even as David also describes the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works V. 7. Saying Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered V. 8. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin and received by Faith alone b Act. 10. 43. To him give all the Prophets witness that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins Gal. 2. 16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ even we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified Phil. 3. 9 And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith Q. How is Justification an Act of Gods free Grace A. Although Christ by his Obedience and Death did make a proper reall and full satisfaction to Gods Justice in the behalf of them that are justified c Rom. 5. 8 9 10-19 But God commendeth his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us V. 9. Much more then being now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him V. 10. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled shall we be saved by his life V. 19. For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous yet in as much as God accepteth the satisfaction from a Surety which he might have demanded of them did provide this Surety his own onely Son d 1 Tim. 2. 5 6. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus Who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time Heb. 10. 10. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all Mat. 20. 28. Even as the Son of man came not to be ministred unto but to minister and to give his life a ransome for many Dan. 9. 24-26 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy City to finish the transgression and to make an end of sins and to make reconciliation for iniquity and to bring in everlasting righteousness and to seal up the vision and prophesie and to anoint the most Holy V. 26. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off but not for himself and the people of the Prince that shall come shall destroy the City and the Sanctuary and the end thereof shall be with a flood c. Esa 53. 4 5 6-10 11 12. Surely he hath born our griefs and carried our sorrows yet we did esteem him stricken smitten of God and afflicted V. 5. But he was wounded for our transgressions he was bruised for our iniquities the chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his stripes we are healed V. 6. All we like sheep have gone astray we have turned every one to his own way and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all Ver. 10. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed he shall prolong his dayes and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hands V. 11. He shall see of the travel
have known him that is from the beginning I write unto you young men because ye have overcome the wicked one I write unto you little children because ye have known the Father V. 14. I have written unto you fathers because ye have known him that is from the beginning I have written unto you young men because ye are strong and the word of God abideth in you and ye have overcome the wicked one Heb. 5. 12 13 14. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers ye have need that one teach you again which be the first-principles of the Oracles of God and are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat V. 13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness for he is a babe V. 14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil nor in this life perfect in any a 1 Joh. 1. 8 -10 And if we say that we have no sin we deceive our selves and the truth is not in us V. 10. If we say that we have not sinned we make him a lyar and his word is not in us but growing up to perfection b 2 Cor. 7. 1. Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God Phil. 3. 12 13 14. Not as though I had already attained either were already perfect but I follow after if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus V. 13. Brethren I count not my self to have apprehended but this one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before V. 14. I press toward the mark for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus Q. Whence ariseth the imperfection of Sanctification in believers A. The imperfection of Sanctification in believers ariseth from the remnants of sin abiding in every part of them and the perpetual lustings of the flesh against the spirit whereby they are often foiled with temptations and fall into many sins c Rom. 7. 18-23 For I know that in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing for to will is present with me but how to perform that which is good I find not V. 23. But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members Mark 14 66 to the end And as Peter was beneath in the Palace there cometh one of the maids of the High Priest c. Gal. 2. 11 12. But when Peter was come to Antioch I withstood him to the face because he was to be blamed V. 12. For before that certain came from James he did eat with the Gentiles but when they were come he withdrew and separated himself fearing them who were of the circumcision are hindered in all their spiritual services d Heb. 12. 1. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us and their best works are imperfect and defiled in the sight of God e Isai 64. 6. But we are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags and we all do fade as a leaf and our iniquities like the wind have taken us away Exod. 28. 38. And it shall be upon Aarons forhead that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts and it shall be alwayes upon his forhead that they may be accepted before the Lord. Q. May not true believers by reason of their imperfections and the many temptations and sins they are overtaken with fall away from the state of Grace A. True believers by reason of the unchangeable love of God f Jer. 31. 3. The Lord hath appeared of old unto me saying Yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee and his decree and covenant to give them perseverance g 2 Tim. 2. 19. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal the Lord knoweth them that are his and let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity Heb. 13. 20 21. Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus that great shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting covenant V. 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ to whom be glory c. 2 Sam. 23. 5. Although my house be not so with God yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant ordered in all things and sure for this is all my salvation and all my desire although he make it not to grow their inseparable union with Christ h 1 Cor. 1. 8 9. Who shall confirm you unto the end that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ V. 9. God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. his continual intercession for them i Heb. 7. 25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost who come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Luke 22. 32. But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not and when thou art converted strengthen thy brethren and the spirit and seed of God abiding in them k 1 Joh. 3. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God 1. Joh. 2. 27. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things and is truth and is no lie and even as it hath taught you ye shall abide in him can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of Grace l Jer. 32. 40. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me John 10. 28. I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any pluck them out of my hand but are kept by the power of God through Faith unto salvation m 1 Pet. 1. 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time Q. Can true believers be infallibly assured that they are in the Estate
of grace and that they shall persevere therein unto salvation A. Such as truly believe in Christ and endeavour to walk in all good conscience before him n 1 Joh. 2. 3. And hereby we do know that we know him if we keep his commandments may without extraordinary revelation by faith grounded upon the truth of Gods promises and by the Spirit enabling them to discern in themselves those graces to which the promises of life are made o 1 Cor. 2. 12. Now we have received not the Spirit of the world but the Spirit which is of God that we might know the things that are freely given us of God 1 Joh. 3. 14-18 19-21-24 We know that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren he that loveth not his brother abideth in death V. 18. My little children let us not love in word nor in tongue but in deed and in truth V. 19. And hereby we know we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before him V. 21. Beloved if our heart condemn us not then have we confidence towards God V. 24. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him and he in him and hereby we know that he abideth in us by the Spirit which he hath given us 1 Joh. 4. 13-16 Hereby we know that we dwell in him and he in us because he hath given us of his Spirit V. 16. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us God is love and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him Heb. 6. 11 12. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end V. 12. That ye be not slothful but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises and bearing witness with their Spirits that they are the children of God p Rom. 8. 16. The Spirit it self beareth witness with our Spirit that we are the children of God be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace and shall persevere therein unto salvation q 1 Joh. 5. 13. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God Q. Are all true believers at all times assured of their present being in the estate of grace and that they shall be saved A. Assurance of grace and salvation not being of the essence of faith r Eph. 1. 13. In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the word of truth the Gospel of your salvation in whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise true believers may wait long before they obtain it Å¿ Isa 50. 10. Who is among you that feareth the Lord that obeyeth the voice of his servant that walketh in darkness and hath no light let him trust in the Lord and stay upon his God Psal 88. throughout O Lord God of my salvation I have cried day and night c. and after the enjoyment thereof may have it weakened and intermitted through manifold distempers sins temptations and desertions t Psal 77 1. to the 12. verse I cried unto thee with my voice c. Cant. 5. 2 3 -6 I sleep but my heart waketh it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh saying Open to me my sister my love my dove my undefiled for my head is filled with dew and my locks with the drops of the night V. 3. I have put off my coat how shall I put it on I have washed my feet how shall I defile them V. 8. I opened to my beloved but my beloved had withdrawn himself and was gone my soul failed when he spake I sought him but I could not find him I called him but he gave me no answer Psal 51. 8-12 Make me to hear joy and gladnesse that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoyce V. 12. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free Spirit Psal 31. 22. For I said in my haste I am cut off from before thine eyes nevertheless thou heardst the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee Psal 22. 1. My God my God why hast thou forsaken me why art thou so far from helping me and from the words of my roaring yet are they never left without such a presence and support of the Spirit of God as keeps them from sinking into utter despair u 1 Joh. 3. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God Job 13. 15. Though he slay me yet will I trust in him but I will maintain mine own wayes before him Psal 73. 15 -23 If I say I will speak thus behold I should offend against the generation of thy children V. 23. Nevertheless I am continually with thee thou hast holden me by thy right hand Isa 54. 7 8 9 10. For a small moment have I forsaken thee but with great mercies will I gather thee V. 8. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee saith the Lord my Redeemer V. 9. For this is as the waters of Noah unto me for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah shall no more go over the earth so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee nor rebuke thee V. 10. For the mountaines shall depart and the hills shall be removed but my kindness shall not depart from thee neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee Q. What is the communion in Glory which the members of the Invisible Church have with Christ A. The communion in glory which the members of the Invisible Church have with Christ is in this life * 2 Cor. 3. 18. But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord. immediately after death x Luk. 23. 43. And Jesus said unto him Verily I say unto thee To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise and at last perfected at the resurrection and day of Judgment y 1 Thess 4. 17. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Q. What is the communion in Glory with Christ which the members of the Invisible Church enjoy in this life A. The members of the Invisible Church have communicated to them in this life the first fruits of glory with Christ as they are members of him their head and so in him are interested in that glory which he is fully
of the wicked are at death cast into hell where they remain in torments and utter darkness and their bodies kept in their graves as in their prisons till the resurrection and judgement of the great day Å¿ Luk. 16. 23 24. And in hell he lift up his eyes being in torments and seeth Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosome V. 24. And he cried and said Father Abraham have mercy on me and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue for I am tormented in this flame Act. 1. 25. That he may take part of this Ministery and Apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell that he might go to his own place Jude v. 6 7. And the Angels which kept not their first estate but left their own habitation he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgement of the great day V. 7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha and the Cities round about them in like manner giving themselves over to fornication and going after strange flesh are set forth for an example suffering the vengeance of eternal fire t Job 19. 26 27. And though after my skin worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God V. 27. Whom I shall see for my self and mine eyes shall behold and not another though my reins be consumed within me Q. What are we to believe concerning the Resurrection A. We are to believe that at the last day there shall be a general resurrection of the dead both of the just and unjust t Act 24. 15. And have hope towards God which they themselves also allow that there shall be a resurrection of the dead both of the just and unjust when they that are then found alive shall in a moment be changed and the self same bodies of the dead which were laid in the grave being then again united to their souls for ever shall be raised up by the power of Christ u 1 Cor. 15. 51 52 53. Behold I shew you a mystery we shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed V. 52. In a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last trump for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed V. 53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality 1 Thess 4. 15 16 17. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord that we who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them who are asleep V. 16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of the Archangel and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first V. 17. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Joh. 5. 28 29. Marvail not at this for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice V. 29. And shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation the bodies of the just by the Spirit of Christ and by vertue of his resurrection as their head shall be raised in power spiritual incorruptible and made like to his glorious body * 1 Cor. 15. 21 22 23 -42 43 44. For since by man came death by man came also the resurrection of the dead V. 22. For as in Adam all die even so in Christ shall all be made alive V. 23. But every man in his own order Christ the first fruits afterwards they that are Christs at his coming V. 42. So also is the resurrection of the dead it is sown in corruption it is raised in incorruption V. 43. It is sown in dishonour it is raised in glory it is sown in weakness it is raised in power V. 44. It is sown a natural body it is raised a Spiritual body Phil. 3. 21. Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself and the bodies of the wicked shall be raised up in dishonour by him as an offended Judge x Joh. 5. 27 28 29. And hath given him authority to execute judgement also because he is the son of man V. 28 Marvail not at this for the hour is coming in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice V. 29. And shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation Mat. 25. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand but the goats on the left Q. What shall immediately follow after the resurrection A. Immediately after the resurrection shall follow the general and final judgement of Angels and men y 2 Pet. 2. 4. For if God spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgement Jude v. 6 7-14 15. And the Angels which kept not their first station but left their own habitation he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgement of the great day V. 7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities about them in like manner giving themselves over to fornication and going after strange flesh are set forth for an example suffering the vengeance of eternal fire V. 14. And Enoch also the seventh from Adam prophesied of these saying Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his Saints V. 15. To execute judgement upon all and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him Mat. 25. 46. And those shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal the day and hour whereof no man knoweth that all may watch and pray and be ever ready for the coming of the Lord z Mat. 24. 36-42-44 But of that day and hour knowes no man no not the Angels of heaven but my Father onely V. 42. Watch therefore for ye know not the hour when your Lord doth come V. 44. Therefore be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh Luke 21. 35 36. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth V. 36. Watch ye therefore and pray alwayes that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of man Q. What shall be done to the wicked at the day of judgement A. At the day of judgement the wicked shall be set on Christs
left hand a Mat. 25. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand but the goats on the left and upon cleer evidence and full conviction of their own consciences b Rom. 2. 15 16. Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts their consciences also bearing witness and their thoughts the mean while accusing or excusing one another V. 16. In the day when he shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my Gospel shall have the fearful but just sentence of condemnation pronounced against them c Mat. 25. 41 42 43. Then shall he say also to them on the left hand depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Divel and his Angels V. 42. For I was an hungred and ye gave no meat I was thirsty and ye gave me no drink V. 43. I was a stranger and ye took me not in naked and ye clothed me not sick and in prison and ye visited me not and thereupon shall be cast out from the favourable presence of God and the glorious fellowship with Christ his Saints and all his holy Angels into hell to be punished with unspeakable torments both of body and soul with the Divel and his Angels for ever d Luke 16. 26. And besides all this there is a great gulf fixed so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot neither can they pass to us that would come from thence 2 Thess 1. 8 9. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ V. 9. Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power Q. What shall be done to the righteous at the day of judgement A. At the day of judgement the righteous being caught up to Christ in the clouds e 1 Thes 4. 17. Thou we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. shall be set on his right hand and there openly acknowledged and acquitted f Mat. 25. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand but the goats on the left Mat. 10. 32. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven shall joyn with him in the judging of reprobate Angels and men g 1 Cor. 6. 2 3. Do ye not know that the Saints shall judge the world And if the world c. V. 3. Know ye not that we shall judge Angels how much more then the things that pertain to this life and shall be received into heaven h Mat. 25. 34 -46 Then shall the King say to them on his right hand come ye blessed of my Father inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world V. 46. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal where they shall be fully and for ever freed from all sin and misery i Eph. 5. 27. That he might present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle nor any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish Rev. 14. 13. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me write Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labours and their works do follow them filled with unconceivable joyes k Psal 16. 11. Thou wilt shew me the path of life in thy presence is fulness of joy and at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore made perfectly holy and happy both in body and soul in the company of innumerable Saints and holy Angels l Heb. 12. 22 23. But ye are come unto mount Sion and unto the city of the living God the heavenly Jerusalem and â—o an innumerable company of Angels V. 23. To the general assembly of the first born which are written in heaven and to God the Judge of all and to the Spirits of just men made perfect but especially in the immediate vision and fruition of God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and of the holy Spirit to all eternity m 1 Joh. 3. 2. Beloved now are we the Sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be but we know that when we appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is 1 Cor. 13. 12. For now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face now I know in part but then shall I know even as I am known 1 Thes 4. 17 18. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. V. 18. Wherefore comfort one another with these words and this is the perfect and full communion which the members of the invisible Church shall enjoy with Christ in glory at the resurrection and day of judgement Having seen what the Scriptures principally teach us to believe concerning God it followes to consider what they require as the duty of man Quest VVHat is the duty that God requireth of man A. The duty which God requireth of man is obedience to his revealed will n Rom. 12. 1 2. I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice holy acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service V. 2. And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good that acceptable and perfect will of God Mic. 6. 8. He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God 1 Sam. 15. 22. And Samuel said Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices as in obâ—ying the voice of the Lord Behold to obey is better then sacrifice and to hearken then the fat of rams Q. What did God at first reveal unto man as the rule of his obedience A. The rule of obedience revealed to Adam in the estate of innocency and to all mankind in him beside a special command not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was the Moral Law o Gen. 1. 26 27. And God said Let us make man in our image after our likeness and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over the cattle and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the face of the earth V. 27. So God created man in his own image in the image of God created he him male and female created he them
Rom. 2. 14 15. For when the Gentiles who have not the law do by nature the things contained in the Law these having not the law are a law unto themselves V. 15. Which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts their conscience also bearing witness and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another Rom. 10. 5. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law that the man which doth those things shall live by them Gen. 2. 17. But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Q. What is the Moral Law A. The Moral Law is the declaration of the will of God to mankind directing and binding every one to personal perfect and perpetual conformity and obedience thereunto in the frame and disposition of the whole man soul and body p Deut. 5. 1 2 3 31-33 And Moses called all Israel and said unto them Hear O Israel the Statutes and Judgements which I speak in your ears this day that ye may learn them and keep and do them V. 2. The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. V. 3. The Lord made not this covenant with our fathers but with us even us who are all of us alive here this day V. 31 But as for thee stand thou here by me and I will speak unto thee all the Commandments and the Statutes and the Judgements which thou shalt teach them that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it V. 33. Ye shall walk in all the wayes which the Lord your God hath commanded you that ye may live and that it may be well with you and that ye may prolong your dayes in the land which ye shall possess Luk. 10. 26 27. What is written in the law how readest thou V. 27. And he answering said Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy strength and with all thy mind and thy neighbour as thy self Gal. 3. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things contained in the book of the law to do them 1 Thes 5. 23. And the very God of peace sanctifie you wholly And I pray God your whole Spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless untill the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and in performance of all those duties of holiness and righteousness which he oweth to God and man q Luk. 1. 75. In holiness and righteousness before him all the dayes of our life Act. 24. 16. And herein do I exercise my self to have alwayes a conscience void of offence both towards God and towards men promising life upon the fulfilling and threatning death upon the breach of it r Rom. 10. 5. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law that the man which doth these things shall live by them Gal. 3. 10 -12 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law to do them V. 12. And the law is not of faith but the man that doth them shall live in them Q. Is there any use of the Moral Law to man since the fall A. Although no man since the fall can attain to righteousness and life by the Moral Law Å¿ Rom. 8. 3. For what the law could not do for that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinfull flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Gal. 2. 16. Knowing this that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but by the faith of Jesus Christ even we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified yet there is great use thereof as well common to all men as peculiar either to the unregenerate or the regenerate t 1 Tim. 1. 8. But we know that the law is good if a man use it lawfully Q. Of what use is the Moral Law to all mâ—n A. The Moral Law is of use to all men to inform them of the holy nature and will of God u Lev. 11. 44 55. For I am the Lord your God ye shall therefore sanctifie your selves and ye shall be holy for I am holy neither shall ye defile your selves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth V. 45. For I am the Lord that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God ye shall therefore be holy for I am holy Lev. 20. 7 8. Sanctifie your selves therefore and be ye holy for I am the Lord your God V. 8. And ye shall keep my Statutes and do them I am the Lord which sanctifie you Rom. 7. 12. Wherefore the Law is holy and the commandment holy just and good and of their duty binding them to walk accordingly * Mich. 6. 8. He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Jam. 2. 10 11. For whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all V. 11. For he that said Do not commit adultery said also Do not kill Now if thou commit no adultery yet if thou kill thou art become a transgressour of the Law to convince them of their disability to keep it and of the sinful pollution of their nature hearts and lives x Psal 19. 11 12. Moreover by them is thy servant warned and in keeping of them there is great reward V. 12. Who can understand his errors cleanse thou me from secret faults Rom. 3. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight for by the law is the knowledge of sin Rom. 7. 7. What shall we say then Is the law sin God forbid Nay I had not known sin but by the law for I had not known lust except the law had said Thou shalt not covet to humble them in sense of their sin and misery y Rom. 3. 9-23 What then are we better then they No in no wise for we have before proved both Jewes and Gentiles that they are all under sin V. 23. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and thereby help them to a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ z Gal. 3. 21 22. Is the law then against the promise of God God forbid for if there had been a law given which could have given life verily righteousness should have been by
the law V. 22. But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe and of the perfection of his obedience a Rom. 10. 4. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth Q. What particular use is there of the Moral law to unregenerate men A. The Morall Law is of use to unregenerate men to awaken their consciences to fly from wrath to come b 1 Tim. 1. 9 10. Knowing this that the Law is not made for a righteous man but for the lawless and disobedient for the ungodly and sinners for unholy and profane for murderers of fathers and murtherers of mothers for man-slayers V. 10. For whore-mongers for them that defile themselves with man-kind for men-stealers for liars for perjured persons and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine and to drive them to Christ c Gal. 3. 24. Wherefore the Law was our School Master to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by faith or upon their continuance in the estate and way of sin to leave them inexcusable d Rom. 1. 20. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are cleerly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternal power and Godhead so that they are without excuse Compared with Rom. 2. 15. Which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts their consciences also bearing witness and their thoughts the meane while accusing one another and under the curse thereof e Gal. 3. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all the things which are written in the book of the Law to do them Q. What special use is there of the Moral Law to the regenerate A. Although they that are regenerate and believe in Christ be delivered from the Moral Law as a Covenant of works f Rom. 6. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you for ye are not under the law but under grace Rom. 7. 4 6. Wherefore my brethren ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ that ye should be married to another even to him who is raised from the dead that we should bring forth fruit unto God V. 6. But now we are delivered from the law that being dead wherein we were held that we should serve in newness of spirit and not in the oldness of the letter Gal. 4. 4 5. But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his son made of a woman made under the law V. 5. To redeem them that were under the Law that we might receive the adoption of sons so as thereby they are neither justified g Rom. 3. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the Law shall no flesh be justified in his sight for by the law is the knowledge of sin nor condemned h Gal. 5. 23. Meekness Temperance against such there is no law Rom. 8. 1. There is now therefore no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit yet beside the general uses thereof common to them with all men it is of special use to shew them how much they are bound to Christ for his fulfilling it and enduring the curse thereof in their stead and for their good i Rom. 7. 24 25. O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from this body of death V. 25. I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord so then with the mind I my self serve the law of God but with the flesh the law of sin Gal. 3. 13 14. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us for it is written Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree V. 14. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith Rom. 8. 3 4. For what the law could not do for that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinfull flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh V. 4. That the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit and thereby to provoke them to more thankfuluess k Luk. 1. 68 69 74 75. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel who hath visited and redeemed his people V. 69. And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David V. 74. That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without feare V. 75. In holiness and righteousness before him all the daies of our life Col. 1. 12 13 14. Giving thanks unto the father who hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light V. 13. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the Kingdom of his dear Son V. 14. In whom we have redemption through his blood even the forgiveness of sins and to express the same in their greater care to conform themselves thereunto as the rule of their obedience l Rom. 7. 22. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man Rom. 12. 2. And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mindes that ye may prove what is that good that acceptable and perfect will of God Tit. 2. 11 12 13 14. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men V. 12. Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present evil world V. 13. Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Lord Jesus Christ V. 14. Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purifie unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works Q. Where is the Moral Law summarily comprehended A. The Morall Law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments which were delivered by the voice of God upon mount Sinai and written by him in two tables of stone m Deut. 10. 4. And he wrote in the Tables according to the first writing the ten Commandments which the Lord spake unto you in the Mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly and the Lord gave them unto me Exod. 34. 1 2 3 4. And the Lord said unto Moses Hew thee â—wo Tables of stone like unto the first and I will write upon these Tables the words that were in the first Tables which thou brakest V. 2. And be ready in the morning and come up into Mount Sinai and present thy self there to me in the top of
the mount V. 3. And no man shall come up with thee c. V. 4. And he hewed two Tables of stone like the first and rose early in the morning and went up into Mount Sinai as the Lord had commanded him and took in his hand the two Tables of stone and are recorded in the twentieth chapter of Exodus the four first Commandments containing our duty to God and the other six our duty to man n Matth. 22. 37 38 39 40. Jesus said unto him Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind V. 38. This is that first and great Commandment V. 39. And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self V. 40. On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets Q. What Rules are to be observed for the right understanding of the ten Commandments A. For the right understanding of the ten Commandments these rules are to be observed 1. That the Law is perfect and bindeth every one to full conformity in the whole man unto the righteousness thereof and unto intire obedience for ever so as to require the utmost perfection of every duty and to forbid the least degree of every sin o Psal 19. 7. The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul the testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple Jam. 2. 10. For whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all Mat. 5. 21. to the end Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time Thou shalt not kill But I say and so on to the end 2. That it is spiritual and so reacheth the Understanding Will Affections and all other powers of the soul as well as words works and gestures p Rom. 7. 14. For we know that the law is spiritual but I am carnal sold under sin Deut. 6. 5. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy might Compared with Mat. 22. 37 38 39. Jesus said unto him Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind V. 38. This is the first and great Commandment V. 39. And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Matt. 5. 21 22-27 28 36. to the end Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time Thou shalt not kill and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgement V. 22. But I say unto you that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement and whosoever shall say to his brother Raca shall be in danger of the Council but whosoever shall say Thou fool shall be in danger of hell-fire V. 27. Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time Thou shalt not commit adultery But I say unto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart V. 36. Neither shalt thou swear by thine head c. to the end of the chapter 3. That one and the same thing in divers respects is required or forbidden in several Commandments q Col. 3. 5. Mortifie therefore your members which are upon the earth fornication uncleanness inordinate affection evil concupiscence and covetousness which is idolatry Amos 8. 5. Saying when will the New Moon be gone that we may sell corn and the sabbath that we may set forth wheat making the Ephah small and the shekel great and falsifying the balances by deceit Pro. 1. 19. So are the wayes of every one that is greedy of gain which taketh away the life of the owners thereof 1 Tim. 6. 10. For the love of money is the root of all evil which while some have coveted after they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrowes 4. That as where a duty is commanded the contrary sin is forbidden r Isa 58. 13. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day and call the Sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and shalt honour him not doing thine own wayes nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words Deut. 6. 13. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God and serve him and shalt swear by his Name Compared with Mat. 4. 9 10. And saith unto him All these things will I give thee if thou wilt fall down and worship me V. 10. Then said Jesus unto him Get thee hence Satan for it is written Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him onely shalt thou serve Mat. 15. 4 5 6. For God commanded saying Honour thy father and thy mother and he that curseth father or mother let him die the death V. 5. But ye say that whosoever shall say to his father or mother It is a gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me And honour not his father or his mother he shall be free Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition and where a sin is forbidden the contrary duty is commanded Å¿ Mat. 5. 21 22 23 24 25. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time Thou shalt not kill and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgement V. 22. But I say unto you whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement and whosoever shall say to his brother Raca shall be in danger of the Council but whosoever shall say Thou fool shall be in danger of Hell fire V. 23. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the Altar and there remember that thy brother hath ought against thee V. 24. Leave there thy gift and go thy way first be reconciled to thy brother and then come and offer thy gift V. 25. Agree with thine adversary while thou art in the way with him least c. Eph. 4. 28. Let him that stole steal no more but rather let him work with his hands the thing that is good that he may have to give to him that needeth so where a promise is annexed the contrary threatning is included t Exod. 20. 12. Honour thy father and mother that thy dayes may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Compared with Prov. 30. 17. The eye that mocketh at his father and despiseth to obey his mother the ravens of the valleys shall pick it out and the young eagles shall eat it and where a threatning is annexed the contrary promise is included u Jer. 18. 7 8. At what instant I shall speak concerning a Nation or Kingdom to pluck up and to pull down and to destroy it V. 8. If that nation against whom I have pronounced turn from their evil I will repent of the evil
that I thought to do unto them Exod. 20. 7. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltlesse that taketh his name in vain Compared with Psal 15. 1 -4 5 Lord who shall abide in thy Tabernacle and who shall dwell in thy holy Hill V. 4. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned but he honoureth them that fear the Lord he that sweareth to his own hurt and changeth not V. 5. He that putteth not his money out to usury nor He that doth these things shall never be moved And with Psal 24. 4 5. He that hath clean hands and a pure heart who hath not lift up his hands unto vanity nor sworn deceitfully V. 5. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation 5. That what God forbids is at no time to be done * Job 13. 7 8. Will ye speak wickedly for God and talk deceitfully for him V. 8. Will ye accept his person will ye contend for God Rom 3. 8. And not rather as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say Let us do evil that good may come whose damnation is just Job 36. 21. Take heed regard not iniquity for this hast thou chosen rather then affliction Heb. 11. 25. Chusing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season what he commands is alwayes our duty x Deut. 4. 8 9. And what nation is there so great that hath statutes and judgements so righteous as all this law which I set before you this day V. 9. Onely take heed to thy self and keep thy soul diligently least thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen and least they depart from thy heart all the dayes of thy life but teach them thy sons and thy sons sons and yet every particular duty is not to be done at all times y Mat. 12. 7. But if ye had known what this meaneth I will have mercy and not sacrifice ye would not have condemned the guiltless 6. That under one sin or duty all of the same kind are forbidden or commanded together with all the causes means occasions and appearances thereof and provocations thereunto z Matt. 5. 21 22-27 28. See s before V. 27. Ye have heard that it hath been said of old Thou shalt not commit adultery But I say unto you whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart Mat. 15. 4 5 6. For God commanded saying Honour thy father and thy mother and he that curseth his father and his mother let him die the death V. 5. But ye say that whosoever shall say to his father or mother It is a gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me and honour not his father and his mother he shall be free thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition Heb. 10. 24 25. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and unto good works V. 25. Not forsaking the assembling of our selves together as the manner of some is but exhorting one another and so much the more as ye see the day approaching 1 Thess 5. 22. Abstain from all appearance of evil Jude v. 23. And others save with fear pulling them out of the fire hating even the garment spotted by the flesh Gal. 5. 26. Let us not be desirous of vain-glory provoking one another envying one another Col. 3. 21. Fathers provoke not your children to anger least they be discouraged 7. That what is forbidden or commanded to our selves we are bound according to our places to endeavour that it may be avoided or performed by others according to the duty of their places a Exod. 20. 10 But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt do no manner of work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter nor thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor the stranger that is within thy gates Lev. 19. 17. Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour and not suffer sin upon him Gen. 18. 19. For I know him that he will command his children and his houshold after him and they shall keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgement that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoke of him Josh 24. 15. And if it seem evil to you to serve the Lord chuse you this day whom ye will serve but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Deut. 6. 6 7. And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thy heart and thou shalt teach them diligently to thy children and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house and when thou walkest by the way and when thou liest down and when thou risest up 8. That in what is commanded to others we are bound according to our places and callings to be helpful to them b 2 Cor. 1. 24. Not for that we have dominion over your faith but are helpers of your joy and to take heed of pertaking with others in what is forbidden them c 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins keep thy self pure Eph. 5. 11. And have no fellowship with the unprofitable works of darkness but rather reprove them Q. What special things are we to consider in the ten Commandments A. We are to consider in the ten Commandments the Preface the substance of the Commandments themselves and several reasons annexed to some of them the more to inforce them Q. What is the Preface to the Commandments A. The Preface to the Commandments is contained in these words I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage d Exod. 20. 2. wherein God manifesteth his Soveraignty as being Jehovah the Eternal Immutable and Almighty God e Isai 44. 6. Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel and his Redeemer the Lord of hosts I am the first and I am the last and besides me there is no God having his Being in and of himself f Exod. 3. 14. And God said unto Moses I AM THAT I AM and he said Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel I AM hath sent me unto you and giving being to all his words g Ex. 6. 3. And I appeared unto Abraham and Isaac and Jacob by the name of God Almighty but by my name Jehovah was I not known to them and works h Act. 17. 24-28 God that made the world and all things therein seeing that he is Lord of heaven and of earth dwelleth not in temples made with hands V. 28. For in him we live and move and have our being as certain also of your
the stedfastness of your faith in Christ vain credulity d 1 Joh. 4. 1. Beloved believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they be of God because many false Prophets are gone out into the world unbelief e Heb. 3. 12. Take heed brethren lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God heresie f Gal. 5. 20. Idolatry Witch-craft Hatred Variance Emulations Wrath Strife Seditions Heresies Tit. 3. 10. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject misbelief g Act. 26. 9. I verily thought with my self that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth distrust h Psal 78. 22. Because they believed not in God nor trusted in his salvation despair i Gen. 4. 13. And Cain said unto the Lord My punishment is greater then I can hear incorrigibleness k Jer. 5. 3. O Lord are not thine eyes upon the truth thou hast stricken them but they have not grieved thou hast consumed them but they have refused to receive correction they have made their faces harder then a rock they have refused to return insensibleness under judgements l Isai 42. 25. Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger and the strength of battel and it hath set him on fire round about yet he knew it not and it burned him yet he laid it not to heart hardness of heart m Rom. 2. 5. But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thy self wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God pride n Jer. 13. 15. Hear ye and give ear be not proud for the Lord hath spoken it presumption o Psal 19. 13. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins let them not have dominion over me then shall I be upright innocent from the great transgression carnal security p Zeph. 1. 12. And it shall come to pass at that time that I will search Jerusalem with candles and punish the men that are setled on their lees that say in their hearts The Lord will not do good neither will he do evil tempting of God q Mat. 4. 7. Jesus said unto him it is written again Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God using unlawful means r Rom. 3. 8. And not rather as we be slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say Let us do evil that good may come whose damnation is just and trusting in lawful means Å¿ Jer. 17. 5. Thus saith the Lord Cursed be the man that trusteth in man and maketh flesh his arm and whose heart departeth from the Lord. carnal delights and joyes t 2 Tim. 3. 4. Traitors heady high-minded lovers of pleasure more then lovers of God corrupt blind and indiscreet zeal u Gal. 4. 17. They zealously affect you but not well yea they would exclude you that ye might affect them Joh. 16. 2. Yea the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think that he doth God good service Rom. 10. 2. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God but not according to knowledge Luk. 9. 54 55. And when his disciples James and John saw this they said Lord wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven and consume them even as Elias did V. 55. But he turned and rebuked them and said Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of luke-warmness * Rev. 3. 16. So then because thou art luke-warm and neither cold nor hot I will spew thee out of my mouth and deadness in the things of God x Rev. 3. 1. And unto the Angel in the Church of Sardis write These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars I know thy works that thou hast a name that thou livest and art dead estranging our selves and apostatizing from God y Ezek. 14. 5. That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart because they are all estranged from me through their Idols Isa 1. 4 5. Ah sinfull Nation a people laden with iniquity a seed of evil-doers children that are corrupters they have forsaken the Lord they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger they are gone backward V. 5. Why should ye be stricken any more ye will revolt more and more the whole head is sick c. praying or giving any religious worship to Saints Angels or any other creatures z Rom. 10. 13 14. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved V. 14. How then shall they call upon him in whom they have not believed and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher Hos 4. 12. My people ask counsel at their stocks and their staff declareth unto them for the spirit of whoredomes hath caused them to erre and they have gone a whoring from under their God Act. 10. 25 26. And as Peter was coming in Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshipped him V. 26. But Peter took him up saying stand up I my selfe also am a man Rev. 19. 10. I fell at his feet to worship him and he said unto me See thou do it not I am thy fellow-servant and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus worship God for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy Mat. 4. 10. Then said Jesus unto him Get thee hence Sathan for it is written Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him onely shall thou serve Col. 2. 18. Let no mâ—n beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of Angels intruding into those things which he hath not seen vainly puft up by his fleshly mind Rom. 1. 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creature more then the Creator who is blessed for ever Amen all compacts and consulting with the devil a Lev. 20. 6. And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits and after wizards to go a whoring after them I will even set my face against that soul and will cut him off from among his people 1 Sam. 28. 7-11 Then said Saul to his servants Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit that I may go to her and enquire of her and his servant said unto him Behold there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor V. 11. Then said the woman whom shall I bring up unto thee and he said bring me up Samuel Compared with 1 Chron. 10. 13 14. So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord even against the word of the Lord which he kept not also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit to enquire of it V. 14. And enquired not of the Lord therefore
c Hos 5. 11. Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgement because he willingly walked after the Commandment Mich. 6. 16. For the Statutes of Omri are kept and all the works of the house of Ahab and ye walk in their counsels that I should make thee a desolation and the inhabitants thereof an hissing therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people using d 1 King 11. 33. Because that they have forsaken me and worshipped Ashtaroth the goodess of the Sidonians Chemosh the God of the Moabites and Milcom the God of the children of Ammon and have not walked in my wayes to do that which is right in mine eyes and to keep my statutes and my judgements as did David his father and any wayes approving any religious worship not instituted by God himself e Deut. 12. 30 31 32. Take heed to thy self that thou be not snared by following them after they be destroyed from before thee and that thou enquire not after their Gods saying how did these nations serve their gods even so will I do likewise V. 31. Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God for every abomination to the Lord which he hateth have they done unto their gods for even their sons and their daughters have they burnt in the fire to their gods V. 32. Whatsoever I command you observe to do thou shalt not adde thereto nor diminish from it tolerating a false Religion f Deut. 13. from ver 6. to ver 12. If thy brother the son of thy mother or c. vide b Zech. 13. 2 3. And it shall come to pass in that day saith the Lord of hosts that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land and they shall no more be remembred and also I will cause the Prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land V. 3. And it shall come to pass that when any shall yet prophesie then his father and mother that begat him shall say to him Thou shalt not live for thou speakest lies in the name of the Lord and his father and mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth Rev. 2. 2 -14 15-20 I know thy works and thy labour and thy patience and how thou canst not hear them which are evil and thou hast tried them who say they are Apostles and are not and hast found them liars V. 14. But I have a few things against thee because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam who taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the children of Israel and to eat things sacrificed to Idols and to commit fornication V. 5. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans which thing I hate V. 20. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee the Church of Thyatira because thou sufferest that woman Jezabel who calleth her self a Prophetess to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication and to eat things sacrificed to Idols Rev. 17. 12-16 17. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten Kings which have received no Kingdom as yet but receive power as Kings one hour with the beast V. 16. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast these shall hate the whore and make her desolate and naked and eat her flesh and burn her with fire V. 17. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will and to agree and give their Kingdom unto the beast until the words of God shall be fulfilled the making any representation of God of all or of any of the three Persons either inwardly in our mind or outwardly in any kind of Image or likeness of any creature whatsoever g Deut. 4. 15 16 17 18 19. Take ye therefore good heed unto your selves for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire V. 16. Lest you corrupt your selves and make you a graven Image c. V. 19. And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven and when thou seest the Sun Moon and Starres even all the host of heaven shouldest be driven to worship them and serve them which the Lord God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven Act. 17. 29. Forasmuch then as we are the off-spring of God we ought not to think that the Godhead is like to gold or silver or stone graven by art and mans device Rom. 1. 21 22 23-25 Because that when they knew God they glorified him not as God nor were they thankful but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkned V. 22. Professing themselves wise they became fools V. 23. And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an Image made like to corruptible man and to birds and beasts and creeping things V. 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creature more then the Creator who is blessed for ever Amen all worshipping of it h Dan. 3. 18. But if not be it known unto thee O King that we will not serve thy gods nor worship thy golden Image which thou hast set up Gal. 4. 8. Howbeit then when ye knew not God ye did service unto them which by nature are no Gods or God in it or by it i Exod. 32. 5-8 And when Aaron saw it he built an Altar before it and made proclamation and said To morrow is a feast to the Lord. V. 8. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them they have made them a molten calf and have worshipped it and have sacrificed thereunto and said These be thy Gods O Israel which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt the making of any representation of feigned Deities k and all worship of them or service belonging to them l 1 King 18. 26-28 And they took the bullock and dressed it and called upon the name of Baal from morning to noon saying O Baal hear us but there was no voice nor any that answered and they leapt upon the Altar which was made V. 28. And they cried loud and cut themselves with knives c. Isai 65. 11. But ye are they that forsake the Lord that forget my holy mountain that prepare a table for the troop that furnish the drink-offering unto the number all superstitious devices m Act. 17. 22. Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars-hill and said Ye men of Athens I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious Col. 2. 21 22 23. Touch not taste not handle not V. 22. Which all are to perish with the using after the commandments and doctrines of men V. 23. Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in Will-worship and humility and neglecting of the body not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh corrupting the worship of God n Mal. 1. 7 8-14 Ye offer polluted bread upon mine
z Phil. 1. 27. Only let your conversation be such as becomes the Gospel of Christ c. to the glory of God a 1 Cor. 10. 35. Whether therefore ye eat or drink or whatever ye do do all to the glory of God and the good of our selves b Jer. 32. 39. And I will give them one heart and one way that they may fear me for ever for the good of them and of their children after them and others c 1 Pet. 2. 12. Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles that whereas they speak against you as evil doers they may by your good works which they shall behold glorifie God in the day of visitation Q. What are the sins forbidden in the third Commandment A. The sins forbidden in the third Commandment are the not using of Gods name as is required d Mal. 2. 2. If you wil not not hear and if you will not lay it to heart to give glory to my Name saith the Lord of hosts I will even send a curse upon you and will curse your blessings yea I have cursed them already because you do not lay it to heart and the abuse of it in an ignorant e Act. 17. 23. For as I passed by and beheld your devotions I found an Altar with this inscription To the unknown God whom therefore ye ignorantly worship him declare I unto you vain f Pro. 30. 9. Least I be full and deny thee and say Who is the Lord or least I be poor and steal and take the Name of my God in vain irreverent profane g Mal. 1. 6. 7-12 A son honoureth his father and a servant his master If then I be a father where is mine honour and if I be a Master were is my fear saith the Lord of hosts unto you O Priests that despise my Name and ye say Wherein have we despised thy Name V. 7. Ye offer polluted bread upon mine Altar and ye say Wherein have we polluted thee in that ye say The table of the Lord is contemptible Mal. 3. 14. Ye have said It is vain to serve God and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts superstitious h 1 Sam. 4. 3 4 5. And when the people were come into the camp the Elders of Israel said Wherefore hath the Lord smitten us to day before the Philistines Let us fetch the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord out of Shiloh unto us that when it cometh among us it may save us out of the hand of our enemy V. 4. So the people sent to Shiloh to bring from thence the Ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts who dwelleth between the Cherubims and the two sons of Eli Hophni and Phinias were there with the Ark of the Covenant of God V. 5. And when it came into the Camp all Israel shouted with a great shout so that the earth rang again Jer. 7. 4 9 10 14. 31. Trust ye not in lying words saying the Temple of the Lord the temple of the Lord the temple of the Lord are these V. 9. Will ye steal murder and commit adultery and swear falsly and burn incense unto Baal and walk after other Gods whom ye know not V. 10. and come and stand before me in this house which is called by my Name say we are delivered to do all these abominations V. 14. Therefore will I do unto this house which is called by my name wherein ye trust unto the place which I gave unto you and to your fathers as I have done to Shiloh V. 31. And they have built the high places of Tophet which is in the valley of the son of Hinnon to burn their sons daughters in the fire which I commanded them not neither came it into my heart Col. 2. 20 21 22. Wherefore If ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world why as though living in the world are ye subject to ordinances V. 21. Touch not Taste not Handle not V. 22. Which all are to perish with the using after the Commandments and doctrines of men or wicked mentioning or otherwise using his titles atttibutes i 2 King 18. 30 -35 Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the Lord saying The Lord will surely deliver us and this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the King of Assyria V. 35. Who are they among all the gods of the Countries that have delivered their Country out of my hand that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand Exod. 5. 2. And Pharoah said Who is the Lord that I should obey his voice to let Israel go I know not the Lord neither will I let Israel go Ps 139. 20. For they speak against thee wickedly and thine enemies take thy Name in vain ordinances k Psal 50. 16 17. But unto the wicked he saith What hast thou to do to declare my statutes or to take my Covenant into thy mouth V. 17. Seeing thou hatest instruction and castest my words behinde thee or works l Isai 5. 12. And the harp and the viol the Timbrel and Pipe and wine are in their feasts but they regard not the work of the Lord nor the operation of his hands by blasphemy m 2 King 19. 22. Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed and against whom hast thou exalted thy power and lift up thine eyes on high even against the Holy one of Israel Lev. 24. 11. And the Israelitish womans son blasphemed the name of the Lord and cursed and they brought him unto Moses perjury n Zech. 5. 4. I will bring it forth saith the Lord of hosts and it shall enter into the house of the thief and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name and it shall remain in the midst of his house and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof Zech. 8. 17. And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against your neighbour and love no false oath for all these are things that I hate saith the Lord. all sinful cursings o 1 Sam. 17. 43. And the Philistine cursed David by his gods 2 Sam. 16. 5. And Shimei the Son of Gera came forth and cursed still as he came oaths p Jer. 5. 7. How shall I pardon thee for this thy children have forsaken me and sworn by them that are no gods when I had fed them to the full they then committed adultery and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots houses Jer. 23. 10. For the land is full of adulterers for because of swearing the land mourneth vowes q Deut. 23. 18. Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore or the price of a dog into the house of the Lord thy God for any Vow for even both these are an abomination to the Lord thy God Act. 23. 12. And when it was day certain
of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under a curse saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul and lots r Esth 3. 7. In the fifth moneth that is the moneth Nisan in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus they cast Pur that is the lot before Haman from day to day and from moneth to moneth to the twelfth moneth that is the moneth Adar Esth 9. 24. Because Haman had devised against the Jewes to destroy them and had cast Pur that is the lot to consume and destroy them Psal 22. 18. They part my garments among them and cast lots upon my vesture violating of our oaths and vowes if lawful Å¿ Psal 24. 4. He that hath clean hands and a pure heart who hath not lift up his soul unto vanity nor sworn deceitfully Eze. 17. 16 -18 19. As I live saith the Lord God surely in the place where the King dwelleth thaâ— made him King whose oath he despised and whose Covenant he breaketh even with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die V. 18 19. Seeing he despiseth the oath by breaking the Covenant when loe he had given his hand and hath done all these things he shall not escape V. 19. Therefore thus saith the Lord God As I live surely mine Oath that he hath despised and my Covenant that he hath broken even it will I recompence upon his own head and fulfilling them if of things unlawful t Mark 6. 26. And the King was exceeding sorry yet for his oaths sake and for their sakes who sate wâ—th him he would not reject her 1 Sam. 25. 22-32 33 34. So and more also do God unto the enemies of David if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall V. 32. And David said to Abigail blessed be the Lord God of Israel who sent thee this day to me V. 33. And blessed be thy advice and blessed be thou who hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood and from avenging my self with mine own hands V. 34. For in very deed as the Lord God of Israel liveth which hath kept me back from hurting thee except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall murmuring and quarrelling at u Rom. 9. 14 -19 20. What shall we say then Is there unrighteousness with God God forbid V. 19. Thou wilt say then unto me Why doth he yet find fault For who hath resisted his will V. 20. 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 curious prying into * Deut. 29. 29. The secret things belong unto the Lord our God but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever that we may do all the words of this law and misapplying of Gods decrees x Rom. 3. 5-7 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God what shall we say Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance I speak as a man V. 7. For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lye unto his glory why yet am I also judged as a sinner Rom. 6. 1. What shall we say then shall we continue in sin that grace may abound God forbid and providences y Eccl. 8. 11. Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil Eccl. 9. 3. This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun that there is one event unto all yea also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil and madness is in their heart while they live and after that they go to the dead Psal 39. I said I will take heed to my wayes that I sin not with my tongue throughout misinterpreting z Mat. 5. from V. 21. To the end Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time misapplying a Ezek. 13. 22. Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad whom I have not made sad and strengthned the hands of the wicked that he should not return from his wicked way by promising him life or any way perverting the word or any part of it b 2 Pet. 3. 16. As also in all his Epistles speaking in them of those things in which are some things hard to be understood which they that are unleaâ—ned wrest as they do also the other Scriptures to their own destruction Mat. 22. 24. to the 31. Vers Saying Master Moses said If a man die having no children his brother shall marry his wife and raise up seed to his brother for there were with us seven brethren and the first c. V. 29. Jesus answered and said unto them ye erre not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God For in the Resurrection to profane jests c Isai 22. 13. And behold joy and gladness slaying of oxen and killing of sheep eating flesh and drinking wine let us eat and drink for to morrow we shall die Jer. 23. 34 -36-38 As for the Prophet and the Priests and the people that shall say The burthen of the Lord I will even punish that man and his house V. 36. And the burden of the Lord shall ye mention no more for every mans word shall be his burden for ye have perverted the words of the living God V. 38. But sith ye say The burden of the Lord and I have sent unto you saying ye shall not say The burden of the Lord therefore I will utterly forget and forsake you c. curious or unprofitable questions vain janglings or the maintaining of false Doctrines d 1 Tim. 1. 4-6 7. Neither give heed to fables and endles genealogies which minister Questions rather then good edifying which is in faith so do V. 6. From which faith some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling V. 7. Desiring to be teachers of the Law understanding neither what they say nor whereof they affirm 1 Tim. 6 4 5 -20 He is proud knowing nothing but doting about questions and strifes of words whereof cometh envy strife railings evil surmisings V. 5. Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth supposing that gain is godliness from such withdraw thy self V. 20. O Timothy keep that which is committed to thy trust avoiding profane and vain bablings and oppositions of science falsly so called 2 Tim. 2. 14. Of these things put them in remembrance charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no no profit but to the subverting of the hearers Tit. 3. 9. Avoid foolish questions and genealogies and contentions and strivings about the Law for thâ—y are unprofitable and vain abusing it the creatures or any thing contained under the name
of God to charms e Deut. 18. 10 11 12 13 14. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or daughter passe through the fire or that useth Divination or an observer of times or an Inchanter or a Witch V. 11. Or a Charmer or a Consulter with familiar spirits or a wizard or a Necromancer V. 12. For all these things are an abomination to the Lord and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee V. 13. Thou shalt be perfect before the Lord thy God V. 14. For these nations which thou shalt possesse bearkned unto observer of times and unto diviners but as for thee the Lord thy God hath not suffered thee to do so Act. 19. 13. Then certain of the vagabond Jews exorcists took upon them to call over them who had evil spirits the Name of the Lord Jesus saying We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul Preached or sinful lusts and practises f 2 Tim. 4. 3 4. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves Teachers having itching ears V. 4. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned unto fables Rom. 13. 13 14. Let us walk honestly as in the day not in rioting and drunkenness not in chambering and wantonness not in strife and envying V. 14. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ and make not provision for the flesh to fulfil the lust thereof 1 King 21. 9 10. And she wrote in the letters saying Proclaim a Fast and set Naboth on high among the people V. 10. And set two men sons of Belial to bear witness against him saying Thou didst blaspheme God and the King and then carry him out and stone him that he may die Jude v. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares who were before of old ordained to this condemnation ungodly men turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness and denying the onely Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ the maligning g Act. 13. 45. But when the Jewes saw the multitudes they were filled with envy and spake against those things that were spoken by Paul contradicting and blaspheming 1 Joh. 3. 12. Not as Cain who was of that wicked one that slew his brother and wherefore slew he him because his own works were evil and his brothers righteous scorning h Psal 1. 1. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly nor standeth in the way of sinners nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful 2 Pet. 3. 3. Knowing this first that there shall come in the last dayes scoffers walking after their own lusts reviling i 1 Pet. 4. 4. Wherein they think it strange that you run not with them to the same excesse of riot speaking evil of you or any wayes opposing of Gods truth grace and wayes k Act. 13. 45 46-50 But when the Jews saw the multitudes they were filled with envy and spake against those things that were spoken by Paul contradicting and blaspheming V. 46. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold and said It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you but seeing ye put it from you and judge your selves unworthy of everlasting life loe we turn to the Gentiles V. 50. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women and the chief men of the City and raised persecution against Paul and Barnahas and expelled them out of their coasts Act. 4. 18. And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the Name of Jesus Act. 19. 9. But when divers were hardned and believed not but spake evil of that way before the multitude he departed from them and separated the Disciples 1 Thes 2. 16. Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved to fill up their sins alway for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost Heb. 10. 29. Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son of God and hath counted the blood of the Covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing and done despight unto the Spirit of Grace making profession of Religion in hypocrisie or for sinister ends l 2 Tim. 3. 5. Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof from such turn away Mat. 23. 14. Wo unto you Scribes and Pharisees hypocrites for ye shut up the Kingdom of heaven against men ye neither go in your selves nor suffer them that are entring to go in Mat. 6. 1 2 5 16. Take heed you do not your almes before men to be seen of them otherwise you have your reward of your Father which is in heaven V. 2. Therefore when thou dost thine almes do not sound a trumpet before thee as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets that they may have glory of men Verily I say unto you They have their reward V. 5. And when thou prayest thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are for they love to pray standing in the Synagogues and in the corners of the streets that they may be seen of men Verily I say c. V. 16. Moreover when ye fast be not as the Hypocrites of a sad countenance for they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to fast Verily I say unto you They have their râ—ward being ashamed of it m Mar. 8. 38. Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation of him also shall the son of man be ashamed when he cometh in the glory of his father with the holy Angels or a shame to it by uncomfortable n Psal 73. 14 15. For all the day long have I been plagued and chastened every morning V. 15. If I say I will speak thus behold I should offend against the generation of thy children unwise o 1 Cor. 6. 5 6. I speak to your shame Is it so that there is not a wise man amongst you no not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren V. 6. But brother goes to law with brother and that before the unbelievers Eph. 5. 15 16 17. See then that you walk circumspectly not as fools but as wise V. 16. Redeeming the time because the dayes are evil V. 17. Wherefore be ye not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is unfruitful p Isa 5. 4. What could have been done more to my Vineyard that I have not done in it wherefore when I looked that it should bring forth grapes brought iâ— forâ—h wild grapes 2 Pet. 1. 8 9. For if these things be in you and abound they makâ— you that yâ— shall neither he barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ V. 9. But he that lacketh these things is blind and cannot
son is stubborn and rebellious he will not obey our voice he is a glutton and a drunkard V. 21. And all the men of his City shall stone him with stones that he dye So shall thou put evill away c. cursing mocking g Prov. 30. 11-17 There is a generation that curseth their father and doth not bless their mother V. 17. The eye that mocketh at his father and despiseth to obey his mother the Ravens of the valley shall pick it out and the young Eagles shall eat it and all such refractory and scandalons carriage as proves a shame and dishonour to them and their government h Prov. 19. 26. He that wasteth his father and chaseth away his mother is a son that causeth shame and briageth reproach Q. What is required of Superiours toward their Inferiours A. It is required of Superiours according to that power they receive from God and that relation wherein they stand to love i Col. 3. 19. Husbands love your wives and be not bitter against them Tit. 2. 4. That they may teach the young women to be sober to love their husbands to love their children pray for k 1 Sam. 12. 23. Moreover as for me God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you but I will teach you the good and the right way Job 1. 5. And it was so when the dayes of their feasting were gone about that Job sant and sanctified them and rose up early in the morning and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all for Job said It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts Thus did Job continually and blesse their inferiours l 1 King 8. 55 56. And he stood and blessed all the Congregation of Israel with a loud voice saying V. 56. Blessed be the Lord God that hath given rest to his people Israel according to all that he promised there hath not failed c. Heb. 7. 7. And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the greater Gen. 49. 28. All these are the twelve Tribes of Israel and this is it that their father spake unto them and blessed them every one according to his blessing he blessed them to instruct m Deut. 6. 6 7. And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thy heart V. 7. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house and when thou walkest by the way and when thou lyest down and when thou risest up counsel and admonish them n Eph. 6. 4. And ye fathers provoke not your children to wrath but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. countenancing o 1 Pet 3. 7. Likewise ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledge giving honour unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel and as being heirs together of the grace of life that your prayers be not hindred commending p 1 Pet. 2. 14. Or unto governours as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers and the praise of them that do well Rom. 13. 3. For Rulers are not a terrour to good works but to the evil Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power do that which is good and thou shalt have praise of the same and rewarding such as do well q Esth. 6. 3. And the King said What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this Then saith the Kings servants There is nothing done for him discountenancing r Rom. 13. 3 4. For Rulers are not a terror to good works but to the evil V. 4 For he is the Minister of God to thee for good but if thou do evil be afraid for he beareth not the sword in vain for he is the minister of God a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil reproving and chastising such as do ill Å¿ Prov. 29. 15. The Rod and Reproof give wisdome but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame 1 Pet. 2. 14. See above in P protecting t Job 29. 12 13 14. 15 16 17. Because I delivered the poor that cryed the fatherless and him that had none to help him V. 13. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me and I caused the widowes heart to sing for joy V. 14. I put on righteousness and it clothed me my judgement was a robe and a diadem V. 15. I was eyes to the blind and feet was I to the lame V. 16. I was as a father to the poor and the cause which I knew not I searched out V. 17. And I brake the jawes of the wicked and plucked the spoil out of his mouth Isa 1. 10 -17 Hear the voice of the Lord ye Rulers of Sodom give ear unto the law of our God ye people of Gomorrah V. 17. Learn to do well seek judgement relieve the oppressed judge the fatherless plead for the widow and providing for them all things necessary for soul u Eph. 6. 4. And ye fathers provoke not your children but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. and body * 1 Tim. 5. 8. But if any man provide not for his own and especially for those of his own house he hath denied the saith and is worse then an Infidel and by grave wise holy and exemplary carriage to procure glory to God x 1 Tim. 4. 12. Let no man despise thy youth but be thou an example of all the believers in word in conversation in charity in Spirit in faith in purity Tit. 2. 3 4 5. The aged women likewise that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness not false accusers not given to much wine teachers of good things V. 4. That they may teach the young women to be sober to love their husbands to love their children V. 5. To be discreet chast keepers at home good obedient to their own husbands that the word of God be not blesphemed honour to themselves y 1 King 3. 28. And all Israel heard of the judgement which the King had judged and they feared the King for they saw that the wisdome of God was in him to do judgement and so to preserve that authority which God hath put upon them z Tit. 2. 15. These things speak and exhort and rebuke with all â—uthority let no man despise thee Q. What are the sins of Superiours A. The sinnes of Superiours are beside the neglect of the duties required of them a Ezek. 34. 2 3. 4. Son of man prophecy against the shepherds of Israel prophesie say unto them Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds wo be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves should not the shepherds feed the flocks V. 3. Ye eat the fat and cloath you with the wooll ye kill them that are good but ye feed not the
and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed V. 31. Behold the dayes come that I will cut off thine arm and the arm of thy fathers house that there shall not be an old man in thine house Q. What are the duties of equals A. The duties of equals are to regard the dignity and worth of each other (p) 1 Pet. 2. 17. Honour all men love the brother-hood fear God honour the King in giving honour to go one before another (q) Rom. 12. 10. Be kindly affectioned one towards another with brotherly love in honour preferring one another and to rejoyce in each others gifts and advancement s as in their own r Rom. 12. 15 16. Rejoyce with them that do rejoyce and weep with them that weep V. 16. Be of the same mind one towards another mind not high things but condescend to men of low estate c. Phil. 2. 3 4. Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better then themselves V. 4. Look not every man on his own things but every man also on the things of others Q. What are the sinnes of equals A. The sins of equals are beside the neglect of the duties required (Å¿) Rom. 13. 8. O we no man any thing but to love one another for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the Law the undervaluing of the worth (t) 2 Tim. 3. 3. Without natural affection c. envying the gifts (u) Act. 7. 9. And the Patriarchs moved with envy sold Joseph into Egypt but God was with him Gal. 5. 26. Let us not be desirous of vain glory provoking one another envying one another grieving at the advancement or prosperity one of another (*) Num. 12. 2. And they said Hath the Lord indeed only spoken by Moses hath he not also spoken by us and the Lord heard it Esth 6. 12 13. And Mordecai came again to the Kings gate but Haman hasted to his house mourning and having his head covered V. 13. And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had be fallen him Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him if Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews before whom thou hast begun to fall thou shalt not prevail against him but shalt surely fall before him and usurping preheminence one over another (x) 3 Joh. ver 9. I wrote unto the Church but Diotrephes who loveth to have the preheminence amongst them receiveth us not Luke 22. 24. And there was also a strife among them which of them should be the greatest Q. What is the Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment the more to enforce it A. The Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment in these words That thy dayes may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee (y) Exod. 20. 12. is an expresse promise of long life and prosperity as far as it shall serve for Gods glory and their own good to all such as keep this Commandment (z) Deut. 5. 16. Honor thy father and thy mother as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee that thy dayes may be prolonged and that it may go well with thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee 1 King 8. 25. Therefore now Lord God of Israel keep with thy servant David my father that which thou promisedst him saying There shall not fail thee a man in thy sight to sit on the throne of Israel so that thy children take heed to their way that they walk before me as thou hast walked before me Eph. 6. 2 3. Honour thy father and thy mother which is the first Commandment with promise V. 3. That it may be well with thee and thou maist live long on the earth Q. Which is the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment is Thou shalt not kill (a) Exod. 20. 43. Q. What are the duties required in the sixth Commandment A. The duties required in the sixth Commandment are all careful studies and lawful endeavours to preserve the life of our selves (b) Eph. 5. 28 29. So their own wives as their own bodies He that loveth his wife loveth himself V. 29. For no man ever hated his own flesh but nourisheth and cherisheth it even as the Lord the Church and others (c) 1 King 18. 4. For it was so when Jezebel cut off the Prophets of the Lord that Obadiah took an hundred Prophets and bid them by fifty in a cave and fed them with bread and water by resisting all thoughts and purposes d Jer. 26. 15 16. But know ye for certain that if ye put me to death ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon your selves and upon this City and upon the inhabitants thereof for of a truth the Lord hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears V. 16. Then said the Princes and all the people to the Prophets This man is not worthy to die for he hath spoken unto us in the Name of the Lord our God Act. 23. 12-16 17-21-27 And when it was day certain of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under a curse saying That they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul V. 16. And when Pauls sisters sen heard of their lying in wait he went and entred into the Castle and told Paul V. 17. Then Paul called one of the Centurions unto him and said Bring this young man unto the chief Captain for he hath a certain thing to tell him V. 21. There lie in wait for him more then sorty men which have bound themselves with an oath that and now are they ready looking for a promise from thee V. 27. This man was taken of the Jews and should have been killed of them then came I with an army and rescued him having understood that he was a Roman subduing all passions e Eph. 4. 26 27. Be ye angry and sin not let not the sun go down upon your wrath V. 27. Neither give place to the devil and avoiding all occasions f 2 Sam. 2. 22. And Abner said again to Asahel Turn thee aside from following me wherefore should I smite thee to the ground how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother Deut. 22. 8. When thou buildest a new house then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof that thou bring not blood upon thy house if any man fall from thence temptations g Mat. 4. 6 7. And saith unto him If thou be the Son of God cast thy self down for it is written He shall give his angels charge over thee and in their hands they shall bear thee up least at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone V. 7. Jesus said unto him It is written again Thou shall not tempt the Lord thy God Pro. 1. 10 11-15 16. My son if sinners entice thee consent thou not V. 11. If they say
Come with us let us lay wait for blood let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause V. 15. My son walk not thou in the way with them refrain thy foot from their path V. 16. For their feet run to evil and make hast to shed blood and practises which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any h 1 Sam. 24. 12. The Lord judge between me and thee and the Lord avenge me of thee but mine hand shall not be upon thee 1 Sam. 26. 9 10 11. And David said to Abishai Destroy him not for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lords anointed and be guiltless V. 10. David said furthermore as the Lord liveth the Lord shall smite him or his day shall come to die or he shall descend into battle and perish V. 11. The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lords anointed Gen. 37. 21. 22. And Reuben heard it and he delivered him out of their hands and said Let us not kill him V. 22. And Reuben said to them Shed no blood but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness and lay no hands upon him that he might rid him out of their hands to deliver him to his father again by just defence thereof against violence i Psal 82. 4. Deliver the poor and needy nid them out of the hand of the wicked Pro. 24. 11 12. If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death and those that are ready to be slain V. 12. If thou saist Behold we knew it not doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it and he that keepeth thy soul doth not he know it and shall not he render to every man according to his works 1 Sam. 14. 45. And the people said unto Saul Shall Jonathan die who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel God forbid As the Lord liveth there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground for he hath wrought with God this day So the people rescued Jonathan that he died not patient bearing of the hand of God k Jam. 5. 7 8 9 10 11. Be patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord behold the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth and hath long patience c. V. 8. Be ye also patient stablish your hearts for the coming of the Lord drawes nigh V. 9. Grudg not one against another brethren lest ye be condemned behold the Judge standeth before the door V. 10. Take my brethren the Prophets who have spoken in the Name of the Lord for an example of suffering affliction and of patience V. 11. Behold we count them happy that endure Ye have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord c. Hâ—b 12. 9. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh who corrected us and we gave them reverence shall we not much rather be in subjection to the father of Spirits and live quietnesse of mind l 1 Thes 4. 11. And that ye study to be quiet and to do your own businesse c. 1 Pet. 3. 4. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning c. V. 4. But let it be the hidden man of the heart in that which is not corruptible even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price Psal 37. 8 9 10 11. Cease from anger and forsake wrath fret not thy self in any wise to do evil V. 9. For evil doers shall be cut off but they that wait upon the Lord shall inherit the earth V. 10. For yet a little while and the wicked shall not be yea thou shalt diligently consider his place and it shall not be V. 11. But the meek shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in abundance of peace chearfulnesse of spirit m Pro. 17. 22. A merry heart doth good like a medicine but a broken spirit dryeth the bones a sober use of meat n Prov. 25. 16-27 Hast thou found honey cat so much as is sufficient for thee least thou be filled therewith and vomit it V. 27. It is not good to eat much honey c. drink o 1 Tim. 5. 23. Drink no longer water but drink a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities physick p Isa 38. 21. For Isaiah had said Let him take a lump of figs and lay it for a plaister upon the boil and he shall recover sleep q Psal 127. 2. It is in vain for you to rise up early to sit up late to eat the bread of sorrows for so he giveth his beloved sleep labour r Eccles 5. 12. The sleep of a labouring man is sweet whether he eat little or much but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep 2 Thes 3. 10-12 For even when we were with you this we commanded you That if any would not work neither should he eat V. 12. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ that with quietness they work and eat their own bread Prov 16. 26. He that laboureth laboureth for himself for his mouth craveth it of him and recreations Å¿ Eccl. 3. 4 -11 A time to weep and a time to laugh a time to mourn and a time to dance V. 11. He hath made every thing beautiful in his time also he hath set the world in their heart c. by charitable thoughts t 1 Sam. 19. 4. 5. And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father and said unto him Let not the King sin against his servant against David because he hath not sinned against thee and because his works have been to thee-ward very good V. 5. For he did put his life in his hand and slew the Philistine and the Lord wrought a great salvation for all Israel thou sawest it and didst rejoyce wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood to slay David without a cause 1 Sam. 22. 13 14. And Saul said unto him Why have ye conspired against me thou and the son of Jesse in that thou hast given him bread and a sword c. V. 14. And Ahimilech answered the King and said And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David which is the Kings son in-law and goes at thy bidding and is honourable in thine house love u Rom 13. 10. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law compassion * Luk. 10. 33 34 35. But a certain Samaritan as he journied came where he was and when he saw him he had compassion on him V. 34. And went to him and bound up his wounds powring in oil and wine and set him on his own beast and brought him to an Inn and took care of him c. meeknesse gentlenesse kindnesse x Col. 3. 12 13. Put on therefore as the Elect of God
he hath sinned and is guilty that he shall restore that which he toâ—k violently away or â—he thing which he hath deceitfully gotâ—en or that which was delivered him to keep or the lost thing which he found V. 5. Or all that about which he hath sworn falsly he shall even restore it in the principal and shall add the fifth part more thereâ—o and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth in the day of his Trespass offering Compared with Luke 19. 8. And Zacheus stood and said unto the Lord Behold Lord the half of my goods I give to the poor and if I havâ— taken any thing from any man by false accusation I resâ—ore him four fold giving and lending freely according to our abilities and the necessities of others n Luke 6. 30-38 Give to every man that asketh of thee and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again V. 38. Give and it shall be given unto you good measure pressed down and shaken together and runing over shall men give into your bosome for with the same measure that you mete it shall be measured to you again 1 Joh. 3. 17. But whoso hath this worlds good and seeth his brother hath need and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him how dwelleth the love of God in him Eph. 4. 28. Let him that stole steal no more but rather let him labour working with his hands the thing that is good that he may have to give to him that needeth Gal. 6. 10. As we have therefore opportunity let us do good unto all men especially unto them that are of the houshold of faith moderation of our judgements wills and affections concerning woâ—ldly goods o 1 Tim. 6. 6 7 8 9. But godliness with contentment is great gain V. 7. For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we can carry nothing out V. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content V. 9. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition Gal. 6. 14. But God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by whom the world is crucified to me and I unto the world a provident care and study to get p 1 Tim. 5. 8 But if any provide not for his own espeically for those of his own house he hath denied the faith and is worse then an infidel keep use and dispose those things which are necessary and convenient for the sustentation of our nature and suitable to our condition q Pro. 27. from v. 23. to the end Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks and look well to thy herds V. 24. For riches are not for ever c. Eccles 2 24. There is nothing better for a man then that he should eat and drink and make his soul enjoy good in his labour This also I saw was from the hand of God Eccl. 3. 12 13. I know that there is no good in them but for a man to rejoyce and do good in his life V. 13. And also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labours it is the gift of God 1 Tim. 6. 17 18. Charge them that are rich in this world that they be not high minded nor trust in uncertain riches but in the living God who giveth us richly all things to enjoy V. 18. That they do good that they be rich in good works ready to distribute willing to communicate Isa 38. 1. In those dayes was Hezekiah sick unto death and Isaiah the Prophet came to him and said Thus saith the Lord Set thine house in order for thou shalt die and not live Mat. 11. 8. Behold they that wea soft clothing are in kings houses a lawful calling r 1 Cor. 7. 20. Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called Gen. 2. 15. And the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it Gen. 3. 19. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread till thou return unto the ground c. and diligence in it Å¿ Eph. 4. 28. Let him that stole steal no more but rather let him labour working with his hands the thing that is good that he may have to give to him that needeth Pro. 10. 4. He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand but the hand of the diligent maketh rich frugality t Joh. 6. 12. When they were filled he said unto his Disciples Gather up the fragments that remain that nothing be lost Prov. 21. 20. There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwellings of the wise but a foolish man spendeth it up avoiding unnecessary law-suits u 1 Cor. 6. from vers 1. to vers 9. Dare any of you having a matter against another go to law before the unjust and not before the Saints and so on and suretiship or other like ingagements * Prov. 6. From verse 1. to ver 6. My son if thou be surety for thy friend if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger thou art snared with the words of thy mouth c. Prov. 11. 15. He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it and he that hateth suretiship is sure and an endeavour by all just and lawful means to procure preserve and further the wealth and outward estate of others as well as our own x Lev. 25. 35. And if thy brother be waxen poor and fallen to decay with thee then thou shalt relieve him yea though he be a stranger or a sojourner that he may live with thee Deut. 22. 1 2 3 4. Thou shalt not see thy brothers ox or his sheep go astray and hide thy selfe from them thou shalt in any case bring them back again unto thy brother V. 2. And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee or if thou know him not then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it and thou shalt restore it to him again V. 3. In like manner shalt thou do with his Asse and with his raiment and with all lost things of thy brothers that thou hast found thou maist not hide thy self V. 4. Thou shalt not see thy brothers ox or his assfall down by the way and hide thy selfe from them thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again Exod. 23. 4 5. If thou meet thine enemies ox or ass going astray thou shalt surely bring it back to him again V. 5. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden and wouldest forbear to help him thou shalt surely help with him Gen. 47. 14 20. And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt and Canaan for the corn which they bought and he brought the money
into Pharaohs house V. 20. And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh for the Egyptians sold every man his field because the famine prevailed over them so the land became Pharaoh's Phil. 2. 4. Look not every man at his own things but every man also upon the things of others Mat. 22. 39. And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Q. What are the sins forbidden in the eighth Commandment A. The sins forbidden in the eighth Commandment besides the neglect of the duties required y Jam. 2. 15 16. If a brother or sister be naked and destitute of daily food V. 16. And one of you say to them Depart in peace be ye warmed and filled but give them not those things which are needful to the body what doth it profit 1 John 3. 17. But whoso hath this worlds good and seeth his brother hath need and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him how dwelleth the love of God in him are theft z Eph. 4. 28. Let him that stole steal no more but rather c. robbery a Psal 62. 10. Trust not in oppression become not vain in robbery c. man stealing b 1 Tim. 1. 10. The law was made For whoremongers for defilers of themselves with mankind for men stealers for lyers c. and if there be any other thing contrary to sound doctrine and receiving any thing that is stolne c Pro. 29. 24. Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul he heareth cursing and berayeth it not Psal 50. 18. When thou sawest a thief thou consentedst with him c. fraudulent dealing d 1 Thes 4. 6. That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter because the Lord is the avenger of all such as we also have forewarned you and testified false weights and measures e Prov. 11. 1. A false balance is an abomination to the Lord but a just weight is his delight Prov. 20. 10. Diverse weights and diverse measures both of them are alike abomination to the Lord. removing land-marks f Deut. 19. 14. Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's land-mark which they of old time have set in thine inheritance c. Prov. 23. 10. Remove not the old land-mark and enter not into the fields of the fatherless injustice and unfaithfulnesse in contracts between man and man g Amos 8. 5. Saying When will the new Moon be gone that we may sell corn and the Sabbath that we may set forth wheat making the Ephah small and the shekel great and falsisying the balances by deceit Psal 37. 21. The wicked borroweth and payeth not again but the righteous sheweth mercy and giveth or in matters of trust h Luk 16. 10 11 12. He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much V. 11. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous Mammon who will commit to your trust the true riches V. 12. And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another mans who shall give you that which is your own oppression i Ezek. 22. 29. The people of the land have used oppression and exercised robbery and vexed the poor and needy yea they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully Lev. 25. 17. Ye shall not therefore oppresse one another but thou shalt fear thy God for I am the Lord your God extortion k Mat. 23. 25. Wo unto you Scribes and Pharisces hypocrites for ye make clean the outside of the cup and platter but within they are full of extortion and excesse Ezek. 22. 12. In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood thou hast taken usury and increase and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortion and hast forgotten me saith the Lord. usury l Psal 15 5. He that putteth not out his money to usury nor taketh a reward against the innocent he that c. bribery m Job 15. 34. For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate and fire shall consume the Tabernacle of bribery vexatious law-suits n 1 Cor. 6. 6 7 8. But brother goeth to law with brother and that beofre the unbelievers V. 7. Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you because ye go to law one with another Why do ye not rather take wrong Why do you not rather suffer your selves to be defrauded V. 8. Nay you do wrong and defraud and that your brethren Prov. 3. 29 30. Devise not evil against thy neighbour seeing he dwelleth securely by thee V. 30. Strive not with a man without cause if he have done thee no harm unjust inclosures and depopulations o Isa 5. 8. Wo unto them that join house to house and lay field to field till there be no place that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth Meh 2. 2. And they covel fields and take them by violence and houses and take them away so they oppresse a man and his house even a man and his heritage ingrossing commodities to enhance the price p Pro. 11. 26. He that withholdeth corn the people shall curse him but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it unlawful callings q Act. 19. 19-24 25. Many also of them which used curious arts brought their books together and burned them before all men and they counted the price of them and found it 50000 pieces of silver V. 24. For a certain man named Demetrius a Silver-smith who made silver shrines for Diana brought no small gain unto the Crafts-men V. 25. Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation and said Sirs ye know that by this craft we have our wealth and all other unjust or sinfull wayes of taking or with-holding from our neighbour what belongs to him or of inriching our selves r Job 20. 19. Because he hath oppressed and forsaken the poor because he hath violently taken away an house which he built not Jam. 5. 4. Behold the hire of the labourers which have reaped down your fields which is of you kept back by fraud cryeth and the cryes of them which have reaped are entred into the ears of the Lord of Sabbath Prov. 21. 6. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed too and fro of them that seek death covetousnesse Å¿ Luk. 12. 15. And he said unto them Take heed and bewere of covetousnesse for a mans life consisteth not in the abundance of the things that he possesseth inordinate prizing and affecting worldly goods t 1 Tim. 6. 5. Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth supposing that gain is godlinesse from which withdraw thy self Col. 3. 2. Set your affections on things above not on things on the earth Prov. 23. 5. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not for riches certainly
damsel that is a virgin which is not betrothed and lay hold on her and lye with her and they be found v. 29. Then the man that lay with her shall give to the damsels father fifty shekels of silver and she shall be his wife because he hath humbled her he may not put her away all his dayes Prov. 6. 32 33 34 35. But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding he that doth it destroyeth his own Soul v. 33. A wound and dishonour shall he get and his reproach shall not be wiped away v. 34. For jealousy is the rage of a man therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance V. 35. He will not regard any ransome nor rest content though thou givest many gifts if against means (Å¿) Matt. 11. 21 22 23 24. Wo unto thee Corazim woe unto thee Bethsaida for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes v. 22. But I say unto you it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon c. v. 23. And thou Capernaum that art lifted up to heaven shall be brought down to hell for if the mighty works which have been done in thee had been done in Sodom it would have remained until this day v. 24. But I say unto you that it shall be more tolerable for Sodom c. Joh. 15. 22. If I had not come and spoken unto them they had not had sin but now they have no cloak for their sin mercies (t) Isai 1. 3. The oxe knoweth his owner and the asse his masters crib but Israel doth not know my people doth not consider Deut. 32. 6. Do ye thus requite the Lord O foolish people and unwise is not he thy father that hath bought thee hath he not made thee and established thee judgments (u) Amos 4. 8 9 10 11. So two or three cities wandred unto one city to drink water but they were not satisfied yet have they not returned unto me saith the Lord. v. 9. I have smiten you with blasting and mil-dew c. yet have ye not returned unto me saith the Lord. v. 10. I have sent among you the Pestilence after the manner of Egypt your young men have I slain with the sword c. yet have ye not c. v. 11. I have overthrown some of you as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and ye were as a fire-brand pluckt out of the burning yet have ye not returned unto me saith the Lord. Jer. 5. 3. O Lord are not thine eyes upon the truth Thou hast striken them but they have not grieved thou hast consumed them but they have refused to receive correction they have made their face harder then a rock and refused to return light of nature (*) Rom. 1. 16 17 For this cause God gave them up to vile affections for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature v. 27. And likewise the men leaving the natural use of the women c. and receiving in themselves that recompence of their errour that was meet conviction of conscience (x) Rom. 1 24. Who knowing the judgement of God that they who do such things are worthy of death not onely do the same but have pleasure in them that do them Dan. 5. 22. And thou O Belshazzer his son hast not humbled thy heart though thou knowest all this Tit. 3. 10 11. A man that is an heretick for the first and second admonition reject v. 11. Knowing that he that is such is subverted and sinneth being condemned of himself publick or private admonition (y) Prov. 29. 1. He that being often reproved hardneth his neck shall suddenly be destroyed and that without remedy censures of the Church (z) Tit. 3. 10. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject Matt. 18. 17. And if he shall neglect to hear them tell it to the Church but if he neglect to hear the Church let him be as an Heathen man and a Publicane civil punishments (a) Prov. 27. 22. Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a morter among wheat wiâ—h a pâ—stel yet will not his folly depart from him Prov. 23. 25. They have striken me shalt thou say and I was not sick they have beaten me and I left it not when shall I wake I will seek it yet again and our own prayers purposes promises (b) Psal 78. 34 35 36 37. When he slew them then they sought him and returned and enquired early after God v. 35. And they remembred that God was their Rock and the high God their redeemer v. 36. Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth and they lyed unto him with their tongues v. 37. For their heart was not right with him neither were they stedfast in his covenants Jer. 2. 20. For of old time I have broken thy yoke and burâ—t thy bands and thou saidst I will not transgress when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wandrest playing the harlot Jer. 42. 5 6 -20 21. Then they said to Jeremiah the Lord be a true and faithful witness between us if we do not even according to all things for which the Lord thy God shall send thee to us v. 6. Whether it be good or evil we will obey the voice of the Lord our God to whom we send thee c. v. 20. But ye dissembled in your hearts when ye sent me to the Lord your God saying Pray for us unto the Lord our God and according to all that the Lord our God shall say so declare unto us and we will do is v. 21. And now I have this day declared it to you but ye have not obeyed the voice of the Lord your God nor any thing for which he hath sent me unto you vows (c) Eccles 5. 4 5 6. When thou vowest a vow unto God deferre not to pay it for he hath no pleasure in fools pay that thou hast vowed v. 5. Better is it that thou shouldst not vow then that thou shouldst vow and not pay v. 6. Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin neither say thou before the Angel that it was an errour wherefore should God be angry at thy voice and destroy the work of thine hands Prov. 20. 25. It is a suare to the man who devoureth that which is holy and after voweth to make enquiry covenants (d) Lev. 26. 25. And I will bring the sword upon you that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant c. and engagements to God or men (e) Prov. 2. 17. Which forsaketh the guide of her youth and forgetteth the covenant of her God Ezek 17. 18 19. Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant when loe he had given his hand and hath done all these things he shall not escape v. 19. Therefore thus saith the Lord God surely
mine oath that he hath despised and my covenant that he hath broken even it will I recompence upon his own head if done deliberately (f) Psal 36. 4. He deviseth mischief upon his bed he setteth himself in a way that is not good he abhorteth not evil wilfully (g) Jer. 6. 16. Thus saith the Lord stand ye in the wayes and see and ask for the old paths where is the good way and walk therein and ye shall find rest for your soules But they said we will not walk therein presumptuously (h) Num. 15. 30. But the soul that doth ought presumptuously whether he be born in the land or a stranger the same provoketh the Lord and that soul shall be cut off from among his people Exod. 21. 14. But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour to slay him with guile thou shalt take him from mine Altar that he may dye impudently (i) Jer. 3. 3. Therefore the showers have been withholden and there hath been no latter rain and thou hast a whores forehead thou refusedst to be ashamed Prov. 7. 13. So she caught him and kissed him and with an impudent face said unto him c. boastingly (k) Psal 52. 1. Why boastest thou thy self in mischief O thou mighty man c. maliciously (l) 3 Joh. ver 10. Wherefore if I come I will remember his deeds which he doth prating against us with malicious words c. frequently (m) Num. 14. 22. Because all those men who have seen my glory and my miracles which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness and have tempted me now these ten times and have not hearkned to my voice c. obstinately (n) Zach. 7. 11 12. But they refused to hearken and pulled away the shoulder and stopped their eares that they should not hear v. 12. Yea they made their hearts as an Adamant stone least they should hear the law and the word which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts with delight (o) Prov. 2. 14. Who rejoyce to do evil and delight in the frowardness of the wicked continuance (p) Isai 57. 17. For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth and smore him I hid me and was wroth and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart or relapsing after repentance (q) Jer. 34. 8 9 10 11. This is the word that came unto Jeremiah from the Lord after that the King Zedckiah had made a Covenant with all the people which were at Jerusalem to proclaim liberty to them v. 9. That every man should let his man servant and maid-servant being an Hebrew or Hebrewess go free that none should serve himself of them to wit of a Jew his brother v. 10. Now when all the Princes and people which had entred into the COVENANT heard it they obeyed and let them go v. 11. But afterwards they turned and caused the servants and hand-maids whom they had let go free to return and brought them into subjection for servants and for hand-maids 2 Pet. 2. 20 21 22. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledg of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ they are again entangled therein and overcome the latter end is worse with them then the beginning v. 21. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness then after they have krown it to turn from the holy Commandment delivered unto them v. 22. But it is hapned unto them according to the true Proverb The dog is turned to his own vomit again and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire From circumstances of time (r) 2 King 5. 26. And he said unto Gehazi Went not my heart with thee when the man turned again from his Chariot to meet thee Is it a time to receive money and garments and olive-yards and vine-yards and sheep and oxen and men-servants and maid-servants and place (Å¿) Jer. 7. 10. And come and stand before me in this house which is called by my Name and say We are delivered to do all these abominations Isa 26. 10. Let favour be shewen to the wicked yet will not he learn righteousness in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly and will not behold the Majesty of the Lord. if on the Lords-day (t,) Ezek. 23. 37 38 39. That they have committed adultery and blood is in their hands and with their idols have they committed c. v. 38. Moreover this they have done unto me They have defiled my Sanctuary in the same day and have profaned my Sabbaths v. 39. For when they had slain their children to their idols then they came the same day into my Sanctuary to profane it and lo thus have they done in the midst of my house or other times of divine worship (u) Isa 58. 3 4 5. Wherefore have we fasted say they and thou seest not wherefore have we afflicted our selves and thou takest no knowledg Behold in the day of your fast ye find pleasure and exact all your labours v. 4. Behold ye fast for strife and debate and to smite with the fists of wickedness ye shall not fast as ye do this day to make your voice to be heard on high v. 5. Is it such a fast that I have chosen a day for a man to afflict his Soul Is it to bow down the head as a bull-rush and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him Wilt thou call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord Num. 25. 6 7. And behold one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the fight of Moses and of all the congregation of the children of Israel who were weeping before the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation v. 7. And when Phineas the son of Eleazer the son of Aaron the Priest saw it he rose up from among the Congregation and took a Javelin in his hand or immediately before (*) 1 Cor. 11. 20 21. When ye come together therefore into one place this is not to eat the Lords Supper v. 21. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper and oâ—e is hungry and another is drunken or after these (x) Jer. 7. 8 9 10. Behold ye trust in lying words that cannot profit v. 9. Will ye steal murther and commit adultery and swear falsly and burn incense to Baal and walk after other gods whom ye know not v. 10. And come and stand before me in this house which is called by my Name and say We are delivered to do all these abominations Prov. 7. 14 15. I have Peace-offerings with me this day I have paid my vows v. 15 Therefore come I forth to meet thee diligently to seek thy face and I have found thee Joh. 13. 27-30 And after the sop
are all his ordinances especially the Word Sacraments and prayer all which are made effectual to the elect for their Salvation (l) Mat. 28. 19 20. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost v. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alwaies even unto the end of the world Act. 2. 42-46 47. And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers v. 46. And they continuing daily with one accord in the Temple and breaking bread from house to house did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart v. 47. Praising God and having favour with all the people And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved Q. How is the word made effectual to Salvation A. The Spirit of God maketh the Reading but especially the Preaching of the word an effectual means of enlightning (m) Neh. 8 8. So they read in the book in the Law of God distinctly and gave the sense and caused them to unstand the reading Act. 26. 18. To open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them who are sanctified by Faith that is in me Psal 19. 8. The Commandment of the Lord is pure enlightning the eyes convincing and humbling sinners (n) 1 Cor. 14. 24 25. But if all prophecy and there come in one that believeth not or one unlearned he is convinced of all he is judged of all v. 25. And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest and so falling down on his face he will worship God and report that God is in you of a truth 2 Chro. 34. 18 19 -26 27 28. Then Shaphan the Scribe told the King saying Hilkieh the Priest hath given me a book And Shaphan read it before the King v. 19. And when the King had heard the words of the Law he rent his cloths v. 26. And as for the King of Judah who sent you to enquire of the Lord so shall ye say unto him Thus saith the Lord God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard v. 27. Because thy heart was tender and thou didst humble thy self before God when thou heardst his words against this place and humblest thy self before me and didst rent thy cloaths and weep before me I have heard thee also saith the Lord. v. 28. Behold I will gather thee to thy fathers and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace c. of driving them out of themselves and drawing them unto Christ (o) Act. 2. 37 -41 Now when they heard this they were pricked to their hearts and said unto Peter and the rest of the Apostles Men and brethren what shall we do to be saved v. 41. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about 3000 Souls Act. 8. from ver 27. to ver 39. And behold a man of Ethiopia an Eunuch of great authority c. was returning and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the Prophet v. 29. Then the Spirit said to Philip Go neer and join thy self to this Charioâ— v. 30. And Philip ran thither to him and said Understandest thou what thou readest c. v. 35. Then Philip began at the same Scripture and preached unto him Iesus V. 36. And the Eunuch said See here is water what doth hinder me to be baptized v. 37. And Philip said If thou believest with all thine heart thou maist And he answered and said I believe that Iesus Christ is the Son of God V. 38. And they went down both into the water and he Baptized him of comforming them to his Image (p) 2 Cor 3. 18. But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord. and subduing them to his will (q) 2 Cor. 10. 4 5 6. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds v. 5. Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledg of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ v. 6. And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled Rom. 6. 17. But God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered to you of strengthening them against temptations and corruptions (r) Mat. 4. 4 -7 10. But he answered and said It is written Man shall not live c. v. 7. Iesus said unto him It is written Thou shalt not tempt the Lord c. v. 10. Then said Jesus unto him get thee hence Satan for it is written Thou shalt worship c. Eph 6. â—6 17. Above all taking the shield of Faith whereby ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked v. 17. And take the helmet of Salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God Psal 19. 11. Moreover by them is thy servant warned and in keeping of them there is great reward 1 Cor 10. 11. Now all these things hapned unto them for ensamples and they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are câ—mâ— of building them up in grace (Å¿) Act. 20. 32. And now brethren I commend you to God and to the word of his grace which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among them that are sanctified 2 Tim. 3. 15 16 17. And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Christ Jesus v. 16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousness v. 17. That the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation (t) Rome 16. 25. Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mysterie which was kept secret since the world began 1 Thes 3. 2-10 11 -13 And sent Timotheus our brother and minister of God and our fellow labourer in the Gospel of Christ to establish you and comfort you concerning your faith v. 10. Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith v. 11. Now God himself and our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ direct our way unto you v. 13. To the end he may
establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God c. Rom. 15. 4. For whatsoever things were written afore-time were written for our learning that through patience and comfort of the Scriptures we might have hope Rom. 10 13 14 15 16 17. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved v. 14. How then shall they call on him on whom they have not believed and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a Preacher v. 15. And how shall they preach except they be sent as it is written How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things v. 16. But they have not all obeyed the Gospell for Esaias saith Lord who hath believed our report v. 17. So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God Rom. 1. 16. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto Salvation to every one that believeth to the Jew first and also to the Greek Q. Is the word of God to be read by all A. Although all are not to be permitted to read the Word publickly to the Congregation (u) Deut. 31. 9 -11 12 13. And Moses wrote this Law and delivered it unto the Priests the sons of Levi which bare the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord and unto all the elders of Israel v. 11. When all Israel is come to appear before the Lord thy God in the place which he shall chuse thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing v. 12. Gather the people together men and women and children and thy stranger that is within thy gates that they may hear and learn and fear the Lord your God and observe to do all the words of this law v. 13. And that their children which have not known any thing may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as ye live in the land c. Neh. 8. 2 3. And Ezra the Priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women and all that could hear with understanding v. 3. And he read therein before the street that was before the water-gate from morning till noon before the men and women and those that could understand and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law Neh. 9. 3 4 5. And they stood up in their place and read in the book of the law of the Lord their God one fourth part of the day and another fourth part they confessed and worshipped the Lord their God v. 4. Then stood up upon the stairs of the Levites Jeshua and Bani c. and cryed with a loud voice unto the Lord their God v. 5. Then the Levites Jeshua and Kâ—dmiâ—l c. said stand up and bless the Lord your God c. yet all sorts of people are bound to read it apart by themselves (*) Deut. 17. 19. And it shall be with him and he shall read therein all the dayes of his life that he may learn to fear the Lord his God to keep all the words of this law and these statutes to do them Rev. 1. 3. Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this Prophecy and keep those things which are written therein for the time is at hand Joh. 5. 39. Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life and they are they which testifie of me Isa 34. 16 Seek ye out of the book of the Lord and read no one of these shall fail c. and with their families (x) Deut. 6. 6 7 8 9. And these words which I command this day shall be in thine heart v. 7. And thou shalt teach them diligently to thy children and thou shale talk of them when thou sittest in thine house and when thou walkest by the way and when thou lyest down and when thou risest up v. 8. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes v. 9. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house and upon thy gates Gen. 18. 17-19 And the Lord said Shall I hide from Abraham the thing which I do v. 19. For I know him that he will command his children and his houshold after him and they shall keep the way of the Lord c. Psal 78. 5 6 7. For he established a Testimony in Jacob and appointed a Law in Israel which he commanded our fathers that they should make known to their children v. 6. That the generations to come might know them even the children which should be born who should arise and declare them to their children v. 7. That they might set their hope in God and not forget the works of God but keep his Commandments to which end the holy Scriptures are to be translated out of the Original into vulgar languages (y) 1 Cor. 14. 6-9-11 12-15 16-24-27 28. Now brethren if I come unto you speaking with tongues what shall I profit you except I shall speak to you either by revelation or by knowledg or by prophecying or by doctrine v. 9. So likewise ye except ye utter by the tongue words easie to be understood how shall it be known what is spoken for ye shall speak into the air v. 11. Therefore If I know not the meaning of the voice I shall be unto him that speaketh a Barbarian and he that speaketh shall be a Barbarian unto me v. 12. Even so ye for as much as ye are zealous of Spiritual gifts seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the Church v. 15. What is it then I will pray with the Spirit and will pray with understanding also I will sing with the Spirit and with understanding also v. 16. Else when thou shalt bless with the Spirit how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest v. 24. But if all prophecy and there come in one that believeth not or one unlearned he is convinced of all he is judged of all v. 27. If any man speak in an unknown tongue let it be by two or at most by three and that by course and let one interpret v. 28. But if there be no interpreter let him keep silence in the Church and let him speak to himself and to God Q. How is the word of God to be read A. The holy Scriptures are to be read with an high and reverend esteem of them (z) Psal 19. 10. More to be desired are they then glod yea then much fine gold sweeter also then the honey and the honey-comb Neh. 8. from ver 3. to ver 10. And he read therein from morning till noon c. and the ears of the people were attentive unto the book of the Law V. 4 And Ezra the Scribe
stood upon a pulpit of wood which they had made for the same purpose c. v. 5. And he opened the book c. v. 6. And he blessed the Lord the great God and all the people answered Amen Amen with lifting up their hands and they bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground c. Exod. 24. 7. And he Moses took the book of the Covenant and read in the audience of the people and they said All that the Lord hath said will we do and be odedient 2 Chron. 34. 27. Because thine heart was tender and thou didst humble thy self before God when thou heardest his words against this place and humblest thy self before me and didst rent thy clothes and weep before me I have heard thee also saith the Lord. Isa 66. 2. But to this man will I look even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit and trembleth at my word with a firm perswasion that they are the very Word of God (a) 2 Pet. 1. 19 20 21. We have also a more sure word of prophecy whereunto you do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place till the day dawn and the day-star arise in your hearts v. 20. Knowing this first that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation v. 21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost and that he onely can enable us to understand them (b) Luk. 24. 45. Then opened he their understandings that they might understand the scriptures 2 Cor. 3. 13 14 15 16. And not as Moses who put a vail over his face that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished v. 14. But their mindes were blinded for untill this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the Old Testament which vail is done away in Christ v. 15. But even to this day when Moses is read the vail is upon their heart v. 16. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord the vail shall be taken away with desire to know believe and obey the will of God revealed in them (c) Deut. 17. 19 20. And it shall be with him and he shall read therein all the dayes of his life that he may learn to fear the Lord his God to keep all the words of this law and these statutes to do them v. 20. That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren and that he turn not aside from the Commandment to the right hand or to the left to the end that he might prolong his dayes in c. with diligence (d) Act. 17. 11. These Bercans were more noble then those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures daily whether these things were so and attention to the matter and scope of them (e) Act. 8. 30-34 And Philip ran thither to him and heard him read the Prophet Esaias and he said understandest thou what thou readest v. 34. And the Eunuch said to Philip I pray thee of whom speaketh the Prophet this of himself or of some other man Luk. 10. 26 27 28. What is written in the law how readest thou v. 27. And he answering said Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heaâ—t and with all thy soul and with all thy strength and with all thy mind and thy neighbour as thy self v. 28. And he said to him Thou hast answered right this doe and thou shalt live with meditation (f) Psal 1. 2. But his delight is in the Law of the Lord and in that law doth he meditate day and night Psal 119. 97. O how love I thy Law it is my meditation all the day application (g) 2 Chr. 34. 21. Goe enquire of the Lord for me and for them that are left in Israel and Judah concerning the words of the book that is found for great is the wrath of the Lord that is poured out upon us because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord to do all that is written in this book self-denial (h) Prov. 3. 5. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding Deut. 33. 3. Yea he loved the people all his saints are in thy hand and they sat down at thy feet every one shall receive of thy words and prayer (i) Prov. 2. 1 2 3 4 5 6. My son if thou wilt receive my words and hide my commandements with thee v. 2 So that thou encline thine ear to wisdom and apply thy hearâ— to understanding v. 3. Yea if thou cryest after knowledg and liftest up thy voice for understanding v. 4. If thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hid treasures v. 5. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledg of God v. 6. For the Lord giveth wisdom out of his mouth cometh knowledg and understanding Psal 119. 18. Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law Neh. 8. 6-8 And Ezra blessed the Lord the great God and all the people answered Amen Amen with lifting up their hands and they bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground v. 8. So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly and gave the sense and caused them to understand the reading Q. By whom is the Word of God to be preached A. The Word of God is to be preached onely by such as are sufficiently gifted (k) 1 Tim. 3. 2 -6 A bishop then must be blameless the husband of one wise vigilant sober of good behaviour given to hospitality apt to teach v. 6 Not a novice least being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation c. Eph. 4. 8 9 10 11. Wherefore he saith when he ascended up on high he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men v. 9. Now that he ascended what is it but that he also descended c. v. 11. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastours and Teachers c Hos 4. 6. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledg because thou hast rejected knowledg I will reject thee that thou shalt be no priest to me seeing thou hast forgotten the Law of thy God I will also forget thy children Mal. 2. 7. For the Priests lips should keep knowledg and they should seek the Law at his mouth for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts 2 Cor. 3. 6. Who also hath made us able ministers of the new Testament not of the letter but of the Spirit for the letter killeth but the Spirit giveth life and also duly approved and called to that office (l) Ier. 14. 13. Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the Prophets
my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins so they that worthily communicate in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper do therein feed upon the body and blood of Christ not after a corporal or carnal but in a spiritual manner yet truly and really (i) 1 Cor. 11. 24 25 26 27 28 29. And when he had given thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my body which is broken for you this do in remembrance of me V. 25. After the same manner also he took the cup when he had supped saying This cup is the New Testament in my blood This do ye as often as ye drink it in remembrance of me V. 26. For as oft as ye eat this bread and drink this cup ye do shew the Lords death till he come V. 27. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. V. 28. But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. V. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lords body while by faith they receive and apply unto themselves Christ crucified and all the benefits of his death (k) 1 Cor. 10. 16. The cup of blessing which we bless is it not the communion of the blood of Christ the bread which we break is it not the communion of the body of Christ Q. How are they that receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper to prepare themselves before they come unto it A. They that receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper are before they come to prepare themselves thereunto by examining themselves (l) 1 Cor. 11. 18. But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. of their being in Christ (m) 2 Cor. 13. 5. Examine your selves whether you be in the faith prove your own selves know ye not your own selves how that Christ is in you except ye he reprobates of their sins and wants (n) 1 Cor. 5. 7. Purge out therefore the old leaven that ye may be a dew lump as ye are unleavened for 〈◊〉 Christ our Passeover is sacrificed for us Compared with Exod. 12. 15. Seven dayes shall ye eat unleavened bread even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses For whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh that soul shall be cut off from Israel of the truth measure of their knowledg (o) 1 Cor. 11. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lords body faith (p) 2 Cor. 13. 5. Examine your selves whether ye be in the faith c. See above in m Mat. 26. 28. For this is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins repentance (q) Zech. 12. 10. And I will pour out upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace and of supplications and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for him as one that mourneth for his only son and shall be in bitterness for him as one that is in bitternesse for his first-born 1 Cor. 11. 31 For if we would judge our selves we should not be judged love to God and the brethren (r) 1 Cor. 10. 16 17. The Cup of blessing which we blesse is it not the Communion of the blood of Christ the bread which we break is it not the Communion of the body of Christ V. 17. For we being many are one bread and one body for we all partake of that one bread Act. 2. 46 47. And they continued daily with one accord in the Temple and breaking bread from house to house did eat their meat with gladnesse and singlenesse of heart V. 47. Praising God and having favour with all the people and the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved charity to all men (ſ) 1 Cor. 5. 8. Therefore let us keep the feast not with old leaven nor with the leaven of malice and wickednesse but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth 1 Cor. 11. 18-20 For first of all when ye come together in the Church I hear that there be divisions among you and I partly believe it V. 20. When ye come together therefore into one place this is not to eat the Lords Supper forgiving those that have done them wrong (t) Mat. 5. 23 24. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the Altar and there rememberst that thy brother hath ought against thee v. 24. Leave there thy way first be recnociled to thy brother and then come and offer thy gift of their desires after Christ (u) Isa 55. 1. Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the waters and he that hath no money come ye buy and eat yea come buy milk and wine without money and without price Job 7. 37. In the last day the great day of the feast Jesus stood and cryed saying If any man thirst let him come unto me and drink and of their new obedience (*) 1 Cor. 5. 7 8. Purge out therefore the old leaven that ye may be a new lump as ye are unleavened for even Christ our Passeover is sacrificed for us v. 8. Therefore let us keep the feast not with old leaven neither with the leaven of malice and wickednese but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth and by renewing the exercise of these graces (x) 1 Cor. 11. 25 26 28. After the same manner also he took the Cup when he had supped saying This Cup is the New Testament in my blood this do ye as often as ye do it in remembrance of me v. 26. For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this Cup ye shew the Lords death till he come v. 28. But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. Heb. 10 21 22-24 And having an High Priest over the house of God v. 22. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water v. 24. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works Psal 26. 6. I will wash mine hands in innocency so will I compass thine altar O Lord. by serious meditation (y) 1 Cor. 11. 24. 25. And when he had given thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my body which is broken for you this do in remembrance of me v. 25. After the same manner also he took the cup saying This c. This do ye as often as ye drink it in remembrance of me and fervent prayer (z) 2
them also 1 Cor. 11. 28. But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that Bread and drink of that Cup. Q. May any who profess the faith and desire to come to the Lords Supper be kept from it A. Such as are found to be ignorant or scandalous notwithstanding their profession of the Faith and desire to come to the Lords Supper may and ought to be kept from that Sacrament by the power which Christ hath left in his Church (i) 1 Cor. 11. 27 to the end Wherefore whosoever shall eat this Bread and drink this Cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. V. 28. But let a man examine himself and so c. V. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lords body V. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you and many sleep V. 31. For if we would judg our selves we should not be judged c. Compared with Mat. 7. 6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs neither cast you your pearls before swine least they trample them under their feet and turn again and rent you And with 1 Cor. 5. to the end And with Jude v. 23. And others save with fear pulling them out of the fire hating even the garment spotted with the flesh And with 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partakers of other mans sins Keep thy self pure until they receive instruction and manifest their reformation (k) 2 Cor. 2. 7. So that contrariwise ye ought to forgive him and comfort him least perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow Q. What is required of them that receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper in the time of the administration of it A. It is required of them that receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper that during the time of the administration of it with all holy reverence and attention they wait upon God in that Ordinance (l) Lev. 10. 3. Then Moses said unto Aaron This is that which the Lord spake saying I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me and before all the people will I be glorified Heb. 12. 28. Wherefore we receiving a Kingdom that cannot be moved let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear Psal 5. 7. But as for me I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercies and in thy fear will I worship towards thy holy Temple 1 Cor. 11. 17-26 27. Now iâ— this that I declare unto you I praise you not that ye come together not for the better but for the worse V. 26. For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup ye do shew the Lords death till he come V. 27. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. diligently observe the sacramental Elements and actions (m) Exod. 24. 8. And Moses took the blood and sprinkled it on the people and said Behold the blood of the Covenant which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words Compared with Mat. 26. 28. For this is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins heedfully discern the Lords body (n) 1 Cor. 11. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himselâ— not discerning the Lords body and affectionately meditate on his death and sufferings (o) Luk. 22. 19. This do in remembrance of me and thereby stir up themselves to a vigorous exercise of their graces (p) 1 Cor. 11. 26. For as often as ye eat this Bread and drink this Cup ye shew the Lords death till he come 1 Cor. 10. 3 4 5-11-14 And did all eat the same Spiritual meat V. 4. And did all drink the same Spiritual drink for they drank of that Spiritual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ V. 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased for they were overthrown in the wildernesse V. 11. Now all these things hapned unto them for ensamples and they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come V. 14 Wherefore my dearly beloved flee from idolatry in judging themselves (q) 1 Cor. 11. 31 i. For if we would judge our selves we should not be judged and sorrowing for sin (r) Zeâ—h 12. 10. And I will pour out upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son and be in bitternesse for him as one that is in bitternesse for his first-born in earnest hungring and thirsting after Christ (Å¿) Rev. 22. 17. And the Spirit and the Bride say Come And let him that heareth say Come And let him that is athirst come And whosoever will let him take the waters of life freely feeding on him by faith (t) Joâ— 6 35. And Jesus said unto them I am the bread of life He that cometh to me shall never hunger and he that believeth on me shall never thirst receiving of his fulness (u) Joh. 1. 16. And of his fulness have we all received and grace for grace trusting in his merits (*) Phil. 3. 9. And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith rejoycing in his love x giving thanks for his grace (y) Psal 22. 26. The meek shall eat and be satisfied they shall praise the Lord that seek him your heart shall live for ever in renewing of their covenant with God (z) Ier. 50. 5. They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward saying come and let us joyn our selves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten Psal 55. Gather my Saints together unto me those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice love to all the Saints (a) Act. 2. 42. And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and breaking of bread and in prayers * Psal 63. 4 5. Thus will I bless thee while I live I will lift up mine hands in thy name v. 5. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips 2 Cor. 30. 21. And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven dayes with great gladness and the Levites and the Priests praised the Lord day by day singing with loud instruments to the Lord Q. What is the duty of Christians after they have received the Sacrament of the Lords Supper
A. The duty of Christians after they have received the Sacrament of the Lords Supper is seriously to consider how they have behaved themselves therein and with what success (b) Psal 28. 7. The Lord is my strength and my shield my heart trusted in him and I am helped therefore my heart greatly rejoyceth and with my song will I praise him Psal 85. 8. I will hear what the Lord will speak for he will speak peace unto his people and to his saints but let them not turn again to folly 1 Cor. 11. 17-30 31. Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not that ye come together not for the better but for the worse v. 30. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you and many sleep v. 31. For if we would judg our selves we should not be judged if they find quickning and comfort to bless God for it (c) 2 Chr. 30. 21. 22 23-25 26. And the children of Israel that was present at Jerusalem kept the feast of Unleavened bread seven dayes with great gladness and the Levites and the priests praised the Lord day by day singing with loud instruments to the Lord c. Act. 2. 42-46 47. And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and breaking of bread and in prayer v. 46. And they continuing daily with own accord in the Temple and breaking bread from house to house did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart v. 47. Praising God and having favour with all the people c. beg the continuance of it (d) Psal 36. 10. O continue thy loving kindness unto them that know thee and thy righteousnesse to the upright in heart Cant. 3. 4. It was but a little that I passed from â—hem buâ— I found him whom my soul loveth I held him and would not let him goe untill I had brought him into my mothers house and into the chamber of her that conceived me 1 Cor. 29. 18. O Lord God of Abraham Isaac and Israel our fathers keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people and pepare their heart unto thee watch against relapses (e) 1 Cor. 10. 3 4 5-11 And did all eat the same spiâ—itual meat v. 4. And did all drink the same spiritual drink for they drink of that same spiâ—itual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ v. 5. But with many of them God was not well pleased for they were overthrown in the wilderness v. 1â— Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest be fall fulfill their vowes (f) Psal 50. 14. Offer unto God thanksgiving and pay thy vowes unto the most High and incourage themselves to a frequent attendance on that ordinance (g) 1 Cor. 11. 25 26 Do this as often as ye drink it in remembrance of me v. 26. For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup ye shew the Lords death till he come Act. 2. 42 -46 And they continued sted fastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and breaking of bread and in prayer v. 46. And they continuing daily with one accord in the Temple and breaking bread from house to house did eat their meat with gladness and singlenesse of heart but if they find no present benefit more exactly to review their preparation to and carriage at the Sacrament (h) Cant. 5. 1 2 3 4 5 6. Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God and be more ready to hear then to give the sacrifice of fools for they consider not that they do evil v. 2. Be not rash with thy mouth and let not thy heart be hasty to utter any thing before God c. v. 3. For a dream cometh through multitude of business and a fools voice is known by multitude of words v. 4. When thou vowest a vow unto God defer not to pay it for he hath no pleasure in fools pay that thou hast vowed v. 5. Better is it that thou shouldst not vow then that thou shouldst vow and not pay v. 6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin neither say thou before the Angel that it was an errour wherefore should God be angry at thy voice and destroy the work of thine hands in both which if they can approve themselves to God and their own consciences they are to wait for the fruit of it in due time (i) Psal 123. 1 2. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes O thou that dwellest in the heavens v. 2. Behold as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their Masters and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her Mistress so wait our eyes upon the Lord our God until he have mercy upon us Psal 42. 5-8 Why art thou cast down O my soul and why art thou disquieted with me hope thou in God for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance v. 8. For the Lord will command his loving kindness in the day time and in the night his song shall be with me and my prayer unto the God of my life Psal 43. 3 4 5. O send ouâ— thy light and thy truth let them lead me let them bring me into thy holy hill and to thy tabernacles v. 4. Then will I go unto the altar of God unto God my exceeding joy yea upon the harp will I praise thee O God my God v. 5 Why art thou cast down O my soul and why art thou disquieted within me hope in God for I shall yet praise him who is the health of my countenance and my God but if they see they have failed in either they are to be humbled (k) 1 Chr. 30. 18 19. For a multitude of the people even many of Ephraim and Manasseh Issachar and Zebulon bad not cleansed themselves yet did they eat the Passeover otherwise then it was written But Hâ—zekiah prayed for them saying The good Lord pardon every one v. 19. That prepareth his heart to seek God the Lord God of his fathers though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary Isai 1. 16-18 Wash you make you clean put away the evil of your doings fâ—om before mine eyes cease to do evil v. 18. Come now and let us reason together saith the Lord though your sins be as skarlet they shall be as white as snow though they be red like crimson they shall be as wool and to attend upon it afterward with more care and diligence (l) 2 Cor 7. 11. For behold this selfe same thing that ye sorrowed after a godly sort what carefulness it wrought in you yea what cleering of your selves yea what indignation yea what fear yea what vehement desire yea what zeal yea what revenge in all things ye have approved your selves to be cleer in this matter 1 Chr. 15. 12 13 14. And David said unto them ye are the chief of the Fathers of the Levites
pray that God would by his Spirit take away from our selves and others all blindness (t) Eph. 1. 17 18. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of glory may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledg of him v. 18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightned that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints weakness (u) Eph. 3. 16. That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthned with might by the Spirit in the inner man indisposedness (*) Mat. 26. 40 41. And he cometh to the Disciples and findeth them asleep and saith unto Peter What could ye not watch with me one hour v. 41. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation the Spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak and perverseness of heart (x) Jer. 31. 18 19. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus Thou hast chastised me and I was chastised as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke Turn thou me and I shall be turned for thou art the Lord my God v. 19. Surely after that I was turned I repented and after that I was instructed I smote upon my thigh I was ashamed yea even confounded because I did bear the reproach of my youth and by his grace make us able and willing to know do and submit to his will in all things (y) Psal 119. 1 -8-35 36. Blessed are the undefiled in the way who walk in the law of the Lord. v. 8. I will keep thy statutes O forsake me not utterly v. 35. Make me to go in the paths of thy commandments for therein do I delight v. 36. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies and not to covetousness Act. 21. 14. And when he would not be perswaded we ceased saying The will of the Lord be done with the like humility (z) Mic. 6. 8. He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God cheerfulness (a) Psal 100. 2. Serve the Lord with gladness come before his presence with singing Job 1. 21. And Job said Naked came I out of my mothers womb and naked shall I return thither the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away blessed be the name of the Lord. 2 Sam. 15. 25 26. And the King said unto Zadok Carry back the Ark of God into the City if I shall find favour in the eyes of the Lord he will bring me again and shew me both it and his habitation v. 26. But if he say thus I have no delight in thee behold here I am let him do to me as seemeth him good faithfulness (b) Isa 38. 3. And said Remember now O Lord I beseech thee how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart and have done that which is good in thy sight and Hezekiah wept sore diligence (c) Psal 119. 4 5. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently v. 5. O that my wayes were directed to keep thy statutes zeal (d) Rom. 12. 11. Not slothful in business fervent in Spirit serving the Lord. sincerity (e) Psa 119. 80. Let my heart be sound in thy statutes that I be not ashamed and constancy (f) Psal 119. 112. I have enclined my heart to perform thy statutes alwayes even to the end as the Angels do in heaven (g) Isa 6. 2 3. Above it stood the Seraphims each one had six wings with twain he covered his face with twain he covered his feet and with twain he did fly v. 3. And one cried unto another and said Holy holy holy is the Lord of hosts the whole earth is full of his glory Psal 103. 20 21. Bless the Lord ye his Angels that excel in strength and do his commandments hearkning unto the voice of his word v. 21. Bless ye the Lord all ye his hosts ye ministers of his that do his pleasure Mat. 18. 10. Take heed ye despise not one of these little ones for I say unto you in heaven there Angels do alwayes behold the face of my Father which is in heaven Q. What do we pray for in the fourth Petition A. In the fourth Petition which is Give us this day our daily bread (h) Mat. 6. 11. acknowledging that in Adam and by our sin we have forfeited our right to all the outward blessings of this life and deserve to be wholy deprived of them by God and to have them cursed to us in the use of them (i) Gen. 2. 17. But of the Tree of knowledg of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely dye Gen. 3. 17. And unto Adam he said because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife and hast eaten of the Tree of the which I commanded thee saying thou shalt not eat of it cursed is the ground for thy sake in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the dayes of thy life Rom. 8. 20 21 22. For the Creature was made subject to vanity not willingly but by reason of him who have subjected the same in hope V. 12. Because the Creature of it self also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God V. 22 For we know that the whole Creation groaneth and travelleth in pain together until now Jer. 5. 25. Your iniquities have turned away these things and your sins have withholden good things from you Deut 28. from ver 15. to the end But it shall come to pass if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God to observe to do all his Commandments and statutes which I command thee this day that all these curses shall come upon thee and overtake thee V. 16. Cursed shalt thou be in the City and cursed in the field and cursed in thy basket and in thy store c. To the end of the chap. and that neither they of themselves are able to sustain us (k) Deut. 8. 3. And he humbled thee and suffered thee to hunger and fed thee with Mannâ— which thou knewest not neither did my fathers know that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live nor we to merit (l) Gen. 32. 10. I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which thou hast shewed to thy servant c. or by our own industry to procure them (m) Deut. 8. 17 9. And thou say in thine heart My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth V. 18. But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God for it is be that giveth thee power to
temptation taken you but such as is common to man but God is faithful who will not suffer you to he tempted above what ye are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that ye may be able to bear it bestow and blesse all means of grace (Å¿) Heb. 13. 20. 21. Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jeâ—us Christ that great shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting covenant V. 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ c. and quicken us to watchfulnesse in the use of them that we and all his people may by his providence be kept from being tempted to sin (t) Mat. 26. 21. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation c. Psal 13. 9. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins let not them have dominion over me then shall I be upright and innocent from the great transgression or if tempted that by his Spirit we may be powerfully supported and enabled to stand in the hour of temptation (u) Eph. 3. 14 15 16 17. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ V. 15. Oâ— whom the whole family of heaven and earth is named V. 16. That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man V. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted c. 1 Thes 3. 13. To the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God even our Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints Jude v. 24. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy or when fallen raised again and recovered out of it (*) Psa 5â— 12. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free spirit and have a sanctified use and improvement thereof (x) 1 Pet. 5. 8 9 10. Be sober be vigilant because your adversary the Divel as a roaring Lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour v. 9. Whom resist stedfast in the faith knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world v. 10. But the God of all peace who hath called us into his eternal glory by Christ Jesus after that ye have suffered a while make you perfect stablish strengthen settle you that our sanctification and salvation may be perfected (y) 2 Cor. 13. 7-9 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil not that we should appear approved but that ye should do that which is honest though we be as reprobates V. 9. For we are glad when we are weak and ye are strong this also we wish even your perfection Satan trodden under our feet (z) Rom. 16. 20. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly c. Zech. 3. 2. And the Lord said unto Satan The Lord rebuke thee O Satan even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee Is not this a brand pluckt out of the fire Luk. 22. 31 32. And the Lord said Simon Simon behold Satan hath desired to have you that he may sift you as wheat v. 32. But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not and when thou art converted c. and we fully freed from sin temptation and all evil for ever (a) Joh. 17. 15. I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil 1 Thes 5. 23. And the very God of peace sanctifie you wholly and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blamelesse unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ Q. What doth the conclusion of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The conclusion of the Lords Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdome the power and the glory for ever Amen (b) Mat. 6. 13. teacheth us to enforce our petitions with arguments (c) Rom. 15. 30. Now I beseech you brethren for the Lord Jesus Christs sake and for the love of the Spirit that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me which are to be taken not from any worthinesse in our selves or in any other creature but from God (d) Dan. 9 â— 7 8 9 -16 17 18 19. And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadful God keeping the Covenant and mercy to them that love him and keep his Commandments v. 7. O Lord righteousness belongeth unto thee but unto us confusion of face as at this day c. v. 8. O Lord to us belongeth confusion of face to our Kings to our Princes to our Fathers because we have trespassed against thee v. 9. To the Lord our God belongs mercies and forgivenesses though we have rebelled against him v. 16. O Lord according to all thy rigteousness I beseech thee let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy City Jerusalem c. v. 17. Now therefore O our God hear the prayer of thy servant and his supplications and cause thy face to shine upon the Sanctuary that is desolate for the Lords sake v. 18. O my God encline thine ear and behold our desolation and the city that is called by thy Name for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness but for thy great mercies v. 19. O Lord hear O Lord forgive O Lord heatken and doe defer not for thine own sake O my God for thy city and thy people are called by thy Name and with our prayers to join praises (e) Phil. 4. 6. Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God ascribing to God alone eternal soveraignty omnipotency and glorious excellency (f) 1 Chron. 29. 10 11 12 13. Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the Congregation and said Blessed be thou Lord God of Israel our Father for ever v. 11. Thine O Lord is the greatnesse and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine thine is the Kingdom O Lord and thou art exalted as head above all v. 12. Both riches and honour come of thee and thou reignest over all and in thine hand is power and might c. v. 13. Now therefore our God we thank thee and bless thy glorious Name in regard whereof as he is able and willing to help us (g) Eph. 3 20 21. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think according to the power that worketh in us v. 21. Unto
him be glory in the Church of Christ Jesus throughout all ages world without end Amen Luk. 11. 13. If we then being evil know how to give good gifts unto our children how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy Spirit to them that ask him so we by faith are imboldned to plead with him that he would (h) 2 Chron. 20. 6 -11 And said O Lord God of our fathers art not thou God in heaven and rulest not thou over all the Kingdoms of the heathen and in thine hand is there not power and might so that none is able to withstand thee v. 11. Behold I say how they reward us to come to cast us out of the possession which thou hast given us to inherit and quietly to rely upon him that he will fulfil our requests (i) 2 Chr. 14. 11. And Asa cried unto the Lord his God and said Lord it is nothing with thee to help whether with many or with them that have no power Help us O Lord our God for we rest on thee and in thy Name we go out against this multitude O Lord thou art our God let not man prevail against thee and to testify this our desire and assurance we say Amen (k) 1 Cor. 14. 16. Also when thou shalt blesse with the Spirit how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest Rev. 22 20 21. He which testifieth these things saith Surely I come quickly Amen Even so come Lord Jesus v. 21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all AMEN FINIS TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE LORDS and COMMONS Assembled in PARLIAMENT The Humble Advice of the ASSEMBLY of DIVINES Sitting at WESTMINSTER Concerning A Shorter Catechism Quest WHat is the chief end of man A. Man's chief end is to glorifie God a 1 Cor. 10. 31. Whether therefore ye eat or drink or whatsoeever ye do do all to the glory of God Rom. 11. 36. For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things to whom be glory for ever Amen and to enjoy him for ever b Psal 73. 25. Whom have I in heaven but thee and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee v. 26. My flesh and my heart faileth but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever v. 27. For lo they that are far from thee shall perish thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee v. 28. But it is good for me to draw near to God I have put my trust in the Lord God that I may declare all thy works Q. VVhat rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorifie and enjoy him A. The Word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament (c) 2 Tim. 3. 16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousness Eph. 2. 20. And are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner stone is the onely rule to direct us how we may glorifie and injoy him (d) 1 Joh. 1. 3. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you that ye also may have fellowship with us and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his son Jesus Christ v. 4. And these things write we unto you that your joy may be full Q. What do the Scriptures principally teach A. The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God and what duty God requires of man (e) 2 Tim. 1. 13. Hold fâ—st the form of found words which thou hast heard of me in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus 2 Tim. 3. 16. Vide supra Q. What is God A. God is a Spirit (f) Ioh. 4. â—4 God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth Infinite (g) Ioh 11. 7. Canst thou by searching find out God canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection v. 8. It is as high as heaven what canst thou do deeper then hell what canst thou know v. 9. The measure thereof is longer then the earth and broader then the sea Eternal (h) Psal 90. 2. Before the mountains were brought forth or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God and Unchangeable (i) Jam. 1. 17. Every good and perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variableness either shadow of turning in his Being (k) Exo. 3. 14. And God said unto Moses I am that I am and he said thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel I A M hath sent me unto you Wisdom (l) Psal 147. 5. Great is our Lord and of great power his understanding is infinite Power (m) Rev. 4. 8. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him and they were full of eyes within and they rest not day and night saying Holy holy holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come Holiness (n) Rev. 15. 5. Who shall not fear thee O Lord and glorifie thy Name for thou onely art holy for all nations shall come and worship before thee for thy judgments are made manifest Justice Goodness and Truth (o) Exod. 34. 6. And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed The Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long suffering and abundant in goodness and truth v. 7. Keeping mercy for thousands forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin and thaâ— will by no means clear the guilty visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the child and upon the childrenâ— chilâ—ren unto the third and for it a generation Q. Are there more Gods then one A. There is but one onely the living and true God (p) Deut. 6. 4. Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord. Jer. 10. 10. But the Lord is the true God he is the living God and an everlasting King at his breath the earth shall tremble and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation Q. How many persons are there in the Godhead A. There are three persons in the Godhead the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost and these three are one God the same in substance equal in power and glory (q) 1 John 5. 7. For there are three that bare record in heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q. What are the decrees of God A. The deerees of God are his eternal purpose according to the counsel of his Will whereby for his own glory he hath fore-ordained whatever
comes to passe (r) Eph. 1. 4. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundations of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love v. 11. In whom also we obtained an inheritance being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the purpose of his own will Rom. 9. 22. What if God willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction v. 23. And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy which he had afore prepared unto glory Q. How doth God execute his decrees A. God executeth his decrees in the works of Creation and Providence Q. VVhat is the work of Creation A. The work of Creation is Gods making all things of nothing by the Word of his Power in the space of six dayes and all very Good (Å¿) Gen. 1. throughout Heb. 11. 3. Through Faith we understand that the world were framed by the Word of God so that things which were seen were made of things that do appear Q. How did God create man A. God created man male and female after his own image in knowledge righteousness and holiness with dominion over the creatures (t) Gen. 1. 26. And God said let us make man in our own image after our likeness and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over the cattel and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth v. 27. So God created man in his own image in the image of God created he him male and female created he them v. 28. And God blessed them and God said unto them be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that creepeth upon the earth Col. 3. 10. And have put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him Eph. 4. 24. And that ye put on that new man which after God is created in righteousnesle and true holinesse Q. What are Gods works of Providence A. Gods works of Providence are his most holy (u) Psal 145. 17. The Lord is righteous in all his wayes and holy in all his works wise * Psal 104. 24. O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches Isa 28 29. This also cometh from the Lord of hosts which is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working and powerful preserving (x) Heb. 1. 3. Who being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person and upholding all things by the word of his power when he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high and governing all his creatures and all their actions (y) Psal 103. 19. The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heaven his kingdom ruleth over all Matth. 10. 29. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father v. 30. But the very hairs of your head are all numbred v. 31. Fear ye not therefore ye are of more value then many sparrows Q. What speciall act of Providence did God exercise towards man in the estate wherein he was created A. When God had created man he entred into a Covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil upon pain of death (z) Gal. 3. 12. And the law is not of faith but the man that doth them shall live in them Gen. 2. 17. But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not â—â—â—â—f it for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Q. Did our first Parents continue in the state wherein they were created A. Our first Parents being left to the freedom of their own will fell from the estate wherein they were created by sinning against God (a) Gen. 3. 6. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was pleasant to the eyes and a tree to be desired to make one wise she took of the fruit thereof and did eat and gave also to her husband with her and he did eat v. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened and they knew that they were naked and they sewed fig-leaves together and made themselves aprons v. 8. And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden v. 13. And the Lord God said unto the woman what is this that thou hast done and the woman said the Serpent beguiled me and I did eat Eccles 7. 29. Lo this onely have I found that God hath made man upright but they have sought out many inventions Q. What is sin A. Sin is any want of conformity unto or transgression of the Law of God (b) 1 John 3. 4. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law for sin is the transgression of the law Q. What was the sin whereby our first Parents fell from the estate wherein they were created A. The sin whereby our first Parents fell from the state wherein they were created was their eating the forbidden fruit (c) Gen. 3. 6. vide supra V. 12. The woman which thou gavest to be with me she gave me of the tree and I did eat Q. Did all mankind fall in Adams first transgression A. The Covenant being made with Adam not only for himself but for his posterity all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation sinned in him and fell with him in his first transgression (d) Gen. 2. 16. And the Lord God commanded the man saying of every tree of the garden thou mayst freely eat v. 17 But of the tree of the knowledg of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Rom. 5. 12. Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned 1 Cor. 15. 21. For since by man came death by man also came the resurrection of the dead v. 22. For as in Adam all die so in Christ shall all be made alive Q. Into what estate did the fall bring mankind A. The Fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery (e) Rom. 5. 12. Wherefore as by one man sin entred in to the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell
and rejected of men a man of sorrows and acquainted with griefs and we hid as it were our faces from him he was despised and we esteemed him not the wrath of God (g) Luk. 22. 44. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground Mat. 27. 46. And about the ninth hour Jesus cryed with a loud voice saying ELI ELILAMA-SABACTHANI that is to say My God my God why hast thou forsaken me and the cursed death of the cross (h) Phil. 2. 8. And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross in being buried (i) 1 Cor. 15. 4. And that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures and continuing under the power of death for a time (k) Mat. 2. 40. As Jonas was three dayes and three nights in the whales belly so shall the Son of man be three dayes and three nights in the heart of the earth Act. 2. 24 25 26 27 -31 v. 24. Woom God bath raised having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible that he should be holden of it v. 25. For David speaketh concerning him I foresaw the Lord alwayes before my face for he is on my right hand that I should not be moved v. 26. Therefore did my heart rejoyce and my tongue was glad moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope v. 27. Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell neither wilt thou suffer thine holy One to see corruption v. 31. He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ that his soul was not left in hell neither did his flesh see corruption Q. Wherein consisteth Christs Exaltation A. Christs exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day (l) 1 Cor. 15. 4. And that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures in ascending up into heaven (m) Mark 16. 19. So then after the Lord had spoken to them he was received up into heaven and sate on the right hand of God in sitting at the right hand of God the Father (n) Eph. 1. 20. Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places and in coming to judge the world at the last day (o) Act. 1. 11. Which also said Ye men of Galilee why stand ye gâ—zing up into heaven this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven Chap. 17. v. 31. He hath appointed a day in the which he shall judge the world in righteousnesse by that man whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance unto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead Q. How are we made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ A. We are made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ by the effectual application of it to us (p) John 1. 11 12. v. 11. He came unto his own and his own received him not v. 12. But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the Sons of God even to them that believe on his Name by his holy Spirit (q) Tit. 3. 5 6. v. 5. Not by works of righteousnesse which we have done but according to his mercy â—e saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy Ghost v. 6. Which be shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Sâ—viour Q. How doth the Spirit apply to us the Redemption purchased by Christ A. The Spirit applieth to us the Redemption purchased by Christ by working faith in us (r) Eph. 1. 13 14. v. 13. In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the Word of truth the Gospel of your salvation in whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise v. 14. Which is an earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of his glory Joh. 6. 37 39. v. 37. All the Father giveth me shall come unto me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out v. 39. And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given I should lose nothing but should raise it again at the last day Eph. 2. 8. By grace ye are saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual Calling (Å¿) Eph. 3. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love 1 Cor. 1. 9. God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Q. What is effectual Calling A. Effectuall calling is the work of Gods Spirit (t) 2 Tim. 1 9. Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began 2 Thes 2. 13 14. v. 13. But we are bound to give thanks alwayes to God for you brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through Sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth v. 14. Whereunto he called you by our Gospâ—l to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ whereby convincing us of our sin and misery (u) Act. 2. 37. Now when they heard this they were pricked in their hearts and said unto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles men and brethren what shall we do inlightning our minds in the knowledg of Christ (*) Act 26. 18. To open their eyes and to turn them from darknesse to light and from the power of Satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me and renewing our wills (x) Ezek. 36. 26 27. v. 26. A new heart also will I give you and a new Spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh v. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments and do them he doth perswade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the Gospel (y) John 6. 44 45. v. 44. No man can come unto me except the Father which hath sent me draw him and I will raise him up at the last day v. 45. As it is written in the Prophets and they shall be all taught of God every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the Father cometh unto me Phil. 2.
the Lord. Phil. 1. 23. For I am in a strait betwixt two having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Luk. 23. 43. And Jesus said unto him verily I say unto thee to day shalt thou be with me in paradise and their bodies being still united to Christ Å¿ 1 Thes 4. 14. For if we believe that Jesus dyed and rose again even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him do rest in their graves t Isa 57. 2. He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in uprightness till the resurrection u Job 19. 26. And though after my skin worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God V. 27. Whom I shall see for my self and mine eyes shall behold and not another though my reins be consumed within me Q. What benefit do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection A. At the resurrection believers being raised up in glory * 1 Cor. 15. 43. It is sown in dishonour it is raised in glory it is sown in weakness it is raised in power shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment x Mat. 25. 23. His Lord said unto him well done thou good and faithful servant thou hast been faithful over a few things I will make thee ruler over many things enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Mat. 10. 32. Whosoever shall confess me before men him will I confess also before my father which is in heaven and made perfectly blessed in full enjoying of God (y) 1 Ioh. 3. 2. Beloved now are we the sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is 1 Cor. 13. 12. For now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face now I know in part but then shall I know even as I am also known to all eternity (z) 1 Thes 4. 17. Then we which are are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the aire and so shall we be ever with the Lord. v. 18. Wherefore comfort one another with these words Q. What is the duty which God requireth of man A. The duty which God requireth of man is obedience to his revealed will (a) Mic. 6. 8. He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God 1 Sam 15. 22. And Samuel said hath the Lord as great delight in burnt-offering and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord Behold to obey is better then sacrifice and to hearken then the fat of rams Q. What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience A. The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience was the Moral Law (b) Rom. 2. 14. For when the Gentiles which have not the law do by nature the things contained in the law these having not the law are a law unto themselves v. 15. Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts their consciences also beating witness and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another Rom. 10. 5. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law that the man which doth those things shall live by them Q. Where is the Moral Law summarily comprehended A. The morall law is summarily comprehended in the ten Commandments (c) Deut. 10. 4. And he wrote on the Tables according to the first writing the ten Commandments which the Lord spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly and the Lord gave them unto me Mat. 19. 17. And he said unto him why callest thou me good there is none good but one that is God but if thou wilt enter into life keep the Commandments Q. What is the sum of the ten Commandments A. The sum of the ten Commandments is To love the Lord our God with all our heart with all our soul with all our strength and with all our mind and our neighbour as our selves (d) Mat. 22. 37. Jesus said unto him thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind v. 38. This is the first and great Commandment v. 39. And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self v. 40. On these two Commandments hang all the law and the Prophets Q. What is the Preface to the Ten Commandments A. The Preface to the ten Commandments is in these words I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage (e) Exod. 20. 2. Q. What doth the Preface to the ten Commandments teach us A. The Preface to the ten Commandments teacheth us that because God is the Lord and our God and Redeemer therefore we are bound to keep all his Commandments (f) Luke 1. 74. That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear v. 75. In holiness and righteousness before him all the dayes of our lives 1 Pet. 1 15. But as he that hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of conversation v. 16. Because it is written be ye holy for I am holy v. 17. And if you call on the father who without respect of persons judgeth according to every mans work pass the time of your sojourning here in fear v. 18. For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers v. 19. But with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot Q. Which is the first Commandment A. The first Commandment is Thou shalt have no other Gods before me (g) Exod. 20. 3. Q. What is required in the first Commandment A. The first Commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God and our God (h) 1 Chron. 28. 9. And thou Solomon my son know thou the God of thy father and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing minde for the Lord searcheth all hearts and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts if thou seek him he will be found of thee but if thou forsake him he will cast thee off for ever Deut. 26. 17. Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God and to walk in his wayes and to keep his statutes and his Commandments and his judgements and to hearken unto his voice and to worship and glorifie him accordingly (i) Mat. 4. 10. Then saith Jesus unto him
Get thee hence Satan for it is written thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him onely shalt thou serve Psal 29. 2. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness Q. What is forbidden in the first Commandment A. The first Commandment forbiddeth the denying (k) Psal 14. 1. The fool hath said in his heart there is no God they are corrupt they have done abominable works there is none that doth good or not worshipping and glorifying the true God as God (l) Rom. 1. 21. Because that when they knew God they glorified him not as God neither were they thankful but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkned and our God (m) Psal 81. 10. I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the land of Egypt open thy mouth wide and I will fill it v. 11. But my people would not hearken to my voice and Israel would none of me and the giving that worship and glory to any other which is due to him alone (n) Rom. 1. 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creatures more then the Creator who is blessed for ever Amen v. 26. For this cause God gave them up vnto vile affections for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature Q. What are we especially taught by these words before me in the first Commandment A. These words before me in the first Commandment teach us that God who seeth all things taketh notice of and is much displeased with the sin of having any other God (o) Ezek. 8. 5. to theend Psal 44. 20 21. But if we have forgotten the name of our God or stretched out our hands to a strange God v. 21. Shall not God search this out for he knoweth the secrets of the heart Q. Which is the second Commandment A. The second Commandment is Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth thou shalt not bow down thy selfe to them nor serve them for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments (p) Exod 20 4 5 6. Q. What is required in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment requireth the receiving observing and keeping pure and entire all such religious worship and Ordinances as God hath appointed in his word (q) Deut. 32. 46. And he said unto them Set your hearts unto all the words which I testifie among you this day which ye shall command your children to observe to do all the words of this law Mat. 28. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alwayes unto the end of the world Act. 2. 42. And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers Q. What is forbidden in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment forbiddeth the worshipping of God by Images (r) Deut. 4. 15 16 17 18 19. v. 15. Take ye therefore good heed unto your selves for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire v. 16. Lest you corrupt your selves and make you a graven Image the similitude of any figure the likeness of male or female v. 17. The likeness of any beast that is on the earth the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air v. 18. The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth v. 19. And least thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven and when thou feest the Sun Moon and Starres even all the host of heaven shouldest be driven to worship them and serve them which the Lord God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven Exod. 32. 5-8 And when Aaron saw it he built an Altar before it and Aaron made proclamation and said Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord. v. 8. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them they have made them a molten calf and have worshipped it and have sacrificed thereunto and said These be thy Gods O Israel which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt or any other way not appointed in his word (Å¿) Deut. 12. 31 32. Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God for every abomination to the Lord which he hateth have they done unto their gods for even their sons and their daughters have they burnt in the fire to their gods v. 32. What thing soever I command you observe to do it thou shalt not add thereto nor diminish from it Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the second Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the second Commandment are Gods soveraignty over us (t) Psal 95. 2 3 6 Let us come before his prefence with thanksgiving and make a joiful noise unto him with Psalms v. 3. For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all Gods v. 6. O come let us worship and bow down let us kneel before the Lord our maker his property in us (u) Psal 45. 11. So shall the King greatly desire thy beauty for he is thy Lord and worship thou him and his zeal he hath to his own worship (*) Exod. 34. 13 14. But ye shall destroy their altars break their images and cut down their groves V. 14. For thou shalt worship no other God for the Lord whose name is Jealous is a jealous God Q. Which is the third Commandment A. The third Commandment is Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain (x) Exod. 20. 7. Q. What is required in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment requireth the holy and reverend use of Gods Name (y) Mat. 6. 9. After this manner therefore pray ye Our Father which art in heaven hallowed be thy Name Deut. 28. 58. If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book that thou maist fear this glorious and fearful name THE LORD THY GOD. Title (z) Psal 68. 4. Sing unto God sing praises to his name extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH and rejoycâ— before him Attributes (a) Rev. 15. 3 4. And they sing the Song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb saying great and marvellous are thy words Lord God Almighty just and true are thy wayes thou King
And honour not his father or his mother he shall be free thus have ye made the Commandments of God of none effect by your traditions Ezek 34. 2 3 4. Son of man prophecy against the shepherds of Israel prophecy and say unto them Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds wo be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves should not the shepherds feed the flocks v. 3. Ye eat the fat and cloath you with the wool ye kill them that are fed but ye seed not the flock v. 4. The diseased have ye not strengthned nor have ye healed that which was sick nor bound up that which was broken nor brought again that which was driven away nor sought that which was lost but with force and cruelty have ye ruled them Rom. 13. 8. Owe no man any thing but to love one another for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the Law Q. What is the Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment A. The Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity as far as it shall serve for Gods glory and their own good to all such as keep this Commandment (a) Deut. 5. 16 Honor thy father and thy mother as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee that thy dayes may be prolonged and that it may go well with thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Eph. 6. 2 3. Honour thy father and mother which is the first Commandment with promise v. 3. That it may be well with thee and thou mayest live long on the earth Q Which is the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment is Thou shalt not kill (b) Exod. 20. 13. Q. What is required in the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life (c) Eph. 5. 28 29. So ought men to love their own wives as their own bodies He that loveth his wise loveth himself v. 29. For no man ever bated his own flesh but nourisheth and cherisheth it even as the Lord the Church and the life of others (d) 1 King 18. 4. For it was so when Jezebel cut off the Prophets of the Lord that Obadiah took an hundred Prophets and hid them by fifty in a cave and fed them with bread and water Q. What is forbidden in the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life or the life of our neighbour unjustly or whatsoever tendeth thereunto (e) Act. 16. 28. But Paul cried with a loud voice saying Do thy self no harm for we are all here Gen. 9. 6. Who so sheddeth mans blood by man shall his blood be shed for in the image of God made he man Q. Which is the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment is Thou shalt not commit adultery (f) Exod. 20. 14. Q. What is required in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our neighbors chastity in heart speech and behaviour (g) 1 Cor. 7. 2 -3 5. 34-36 Nevertheless to avoid fornication let every man have his own wife and every woman her own husband v. 3. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence and likewise also the wife unto the husband v. 5. Defraud you not one the other except it be with consent for a time that ye may give c. v. 34. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin the unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord that she may be holy both in â—oâ—y and in spirit but she that is married careth for the things of the world how she may please her husband v. 36. But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin if she pass the flower of her age and need so require let him do what he will he sinneth not let them marry Col. 4. 6. Let your speech be alwayes with grace seasoned with salt that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man 1 Pet. 3. 2. While they behold your chast conversation coupled with fear Q. What is forbidden in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment forbiddeth all unchast thoughts words and actions (h) Mat. 15. 19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts murders adulteries fornications thefts false witness blasphemies Matt. 5. 28. But I say unto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart Eph. 5. 3 4. But fornication and all uncleannnss or coveteousness let it not be once named amongst you as becometh Saints V. 4. Neither filthiness nor foolish talking nor jesting which are not convenient but rather giving of thanks Q. Which is the eighth Commandment A. The eight Commandment is Thou shalt not steal (i) Exod. 20. 15. Q. What is required in the eighth Commandment A. The eighth Commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of our selves and others (k) Gen. 30 30. For it was little which thou hadst before I came and it is now encreased unto a multitude and the Lord hath blessed thee since my coming and now when shall I provide for my own house also 1 Tim. 5. 8. But if any provide not for his own and especially for those of his own house he hath denied the faith and is worse then an infidel Lev. 25. 35. And if thy brother be waxen poor and fallen in decay with thee then thou shalt relieve him yea though he be a stranger or a sojourner that he may live with thee Deut. 22. 1 2 3 4 5. Thou shalt not see thy brothers â—x or his sheep go astray and hide thy self from them thou shalt in any case bring them back again uâ—to thy brother V. 2. And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee or if thou know him nor then thou shalt bring it unto thy own house and it shall be with thee untill thy brother seek after it and thou shalt restore it to him again v. 3. In like manner shalt thou do with his Ass and so shalt thou do with his raiment and with all lost things of thy brothers which he hath lost and thou hast found thou maist not hide thy self v. 4. Thou shalt not see thy brothers ox or his ass fall down by the way and hide thy self from them thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again v. 5. The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man neither shall a man put on a womans garment for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God Exod. 23. 4 5. If thou meet thine enemies ox or his ass going astray thou shalt surely bring it back to him again v. 5. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden and wouldest forbear to help him thou shalt surely help with him Gen. 47. 14 20. And Joseph gathered up all the mony that was found
Christ Rev. 1. 4 20. John to the seven Churches in Asis Grace be unto you and peace from him which is and which was and which is to come and from the seven spirits which are before his throne v. 20. The mistery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand and the seven golden candlesticks The seven stars are the Angels of the seven Churches Rev. 2. 1. Unto the Angel of the Church of Ephesus write These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks Particular Churches in the primitive times were made up of visible Saints viz. Of such as being of age professed faith in Christ and obedience unto Christ according the Rule of Faith and Life taught by Christ and his Apostles and of their children Acts 2. 38 41 47. v. 38. Then Peter said unto them Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the holy Ghost v 41. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls v. 47. Praising God and having favour with all the people and the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved Compared with Acts 5. 14. And believers were the more added to the Lord multitudes both of men and women 1 Cor. 1. 2. Unto â—he Church of God which is at Corinth to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be saints with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord both theirs and ours Compared with 2 Cor. 9 13. Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorifie God for your professed subjection unto the Gospel of Christ and for your liberal distribution unto them and unto all men Acts 2. 39 For the promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call 1 Cor. 7. 14. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband else were your children unclean but now are they holy Rom. 11. 16. For if the first-fruit be holy the lump is also holy and if the root be holy so are the branches Mar. 10. 14. But when Jesus saw it he was much displeased and said unto them suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not for of such is the Kingdome of God Compared with Mat. 19. 13 14 v. 13. Then were there brought unto him little children that he should put his hand on them and pray and the disciples rebuked them v. 14. But Iesus said suffer little children and forbid them not tâ— come unto me for of such is the Kingdome of heaven Luk. 18. 15 16. v 15. And they brought unto him also infants that he would touch them but when his disciples saw it they rebuked them v. 16. But â—esus called them unto him and said suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not for of such is the Kingdome of God Of the Officers of the Church THe Officers which Christ hath appointed for the edification of his Church and thâ— perfecting of the Saints are Some extraordinary as Apostles Evangelists and Prophets which are ceased Others ordinary and perpetual as Pastors Teachers and other Church-governours and Deacons Pastors THe Pastor is an ordinary and perpetual officer in the Church Jer. 3. 15. 16 17. v. 15. And I will give you pastors according to mine heart which shall feed you with knowledg and understanding v. 16. And it shall come to pass when ye he multiplyed and increased in the land in those dayes saith the Lord they shall say no more The ark of the covenant of the Lord neither shall it come to mind neither shall they remember it neither shall they visit it neither shall that be done any more v. 17. At that time they shall call Ierusalem the throne of the Lord and all the nations shall be gathered unto it to the name of the Lord to Ierusalem neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart Prophecying of the time of the Gospel 1 Pet. 5. 2 3 4. v. 2. Feed the flock of God which is among you taking the oversight thereof not by constraint but willingly not for filthy lucre but of a ready mind v. 3. Neither as being lords over Gods heritage but being ensamples to the flock v. 4. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away Eph. 4. 11 12 13. v. 11. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and teachers v. 12. For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ v. 13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledg of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ First It belongs to his office To pray for and with his flock as the mouth of the people unto God Acts 6. 2 4. v. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve Tables v. 4. But we will give our selves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word Acts 20. 36. And when he had thus spoken he kneeled down and prayed with them all Where preaching and prayer are joyned as several parts of the same Office Jam. 5. 14 15. Is any man sick among you let him call for the Elders of the Church and let them pray over him anointing him with oyl in the name of the Lord. v. 15. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick and the Lord shall raise him up and if he have committed sins they shall be forgiven him The Office of the Elder that is the pastor is to pray for the sick even in private to which a blessing is especially promised much more therefore ought he to perform this in the publick execution of his Office as a part thereof To read the Scripture publickly For the proof of which 1. That the Priests and Levites in the Jewish Church were trusted with the publick reading of the Word as is proved Deut. 31. 9 10 11. v. 9 And Moses wrote this law and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi which bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord and unto all the elders of Israel v. 10. And Moses commanded them saying At the end of every seven years in the solemnity of the year of release in the feast of Tabernacles v. 11. When all Israel is come to appear before the Lord thy God in the place which he shall chuse thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their
you and upon your brethren this do and ye shall not trespass So Christ who hath instituted a Government and Governours Ecclesiastical in the Church hath furnished some in his Church beside the Ministers of the Word with gifts for governments and with commission to execute the same when called there unto who are to joyn with the Minister in the government of the Church Rom. 12. 7 8. v. 7. Or Ministry let us wait on our ministring or he that teacheth on teaching v. 8. Or he that exhorteth on exhortation he that giveth let him do it with simplicity he that ruleth with diligence he that sheweth mercy with cheerfulness 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secondarily Prophets thirdly Teachers after that miracles then gifts of healings helps governments diversities of tongues Which Officers reformed churches commonly call Elders Deacons THe Scripture doth hold out Deacons as distinct officers in the church Phil. i. â— Paul and Timotheus the servant of Jesus Christ to all saints in Christ Jesus whith are at Philippi with the Bishops and Deacons 1 Tim. 3. 8. Likewise must the Deacons be grave not double-tongued not given to much wine not greedy of filthy lucre Whose Office is perpetual 1 Tim. 3. 8. Likewise must the Deacons be grave not double-tongued not given to much wine not greedy of filthy lucre to ver 15. see in the Bible Act. 6. 1 2 3 4. v. 1. And in those dayes when the number of the Disciples was multiplyed there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily manistration v. 2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve tables v. 3. Wherefore brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report full of the holy Ghost and wisdom whom we may appoint over this business v. 4. But we will give our selves continually to prayer and to the Ministry of the word To whose Office it belongs not to preach the Word or administer the Sacraments but to take special care in distributing to the necessities of the poor Act. 6. 1 2 3 4. see before Of Particular Congregations IT is lawful and expedient that there be fixed congregations that is a certain company of christians to meet in one Assembly ordinarily for publick Worship When believers multiply to such a number that they cannot conveniently meet in one place it is lawful and expedient that they should be divided into distinct and fixed congregations for the beter administration of such ordinances as belong unto them and the discharge of mutual duties 1 Cor. 14. 26 33 40. v. 26. Let all things be done unto edifying v. 33. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace as in all Churches of the Saints v. 40. Let all things be done decently and in order The ordinary way of dividing Christians into distinct Congregations and most expedient for edification is by the respective bounds of their dwellings First Because they who dwell together being bound to all kind of moral duties one to another have the better opportunity thereby to discharge them which moral tye is perpetual for Christ came not to destroy the Law but to fulfil it Deut. 15. 7 11. If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee thou shalt not harden thy heart nor shut thy hand from thy poor brother v. 11. For the poor shall never cease out of the land therefore I command thee saying Thou shalt open thy hand wide unto thy brother to the poor and to the needy in the land Mat. 22. 39. And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Mat. 5. 17. Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfil Secondly The communion of saints must be so ordered as may stand with the most convenient use of the Ordinances and discharge of moral duties without respect of persons 1 Cor. 14. 26. Let all things be done unto edifying Heb. 10. 24 25. v. 24. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works v. 25. Not forsaking the Assembling of our selves together as the manner of some is but exhorting one another and so much the more as ye see the day approaching Jam. 2. 1 2. v. 1. My brethren have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ the Lord of glory with respect of persons v. 2. For if there come into your assembly a man with a gold ring in goodly apparel and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment Thirdly The pastor and people must so nearly cohabite together as that they may mutually perform their duties each to other with most conveniency In this company some must be set apart to bear office Of the Officers of a particular Congregation FOr Officers in a single Congregation there ought to be one at the least both to labour in the Word and Doctrine and to rule Prov. 29. 18. Where there is no vision the people perish but he that keepeth the law happy is he 1 Tim. 5. 17. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine Heb. 13. 7. Remember them which have the rule over you who have spoken unto you the word of God whose faith follow considering the end of their conversation It is also requisite that there should be others to joyn in Government 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath set some in the Church First Apostles Secondarily Prophets Thirdly Teachers after that Miracles then gifts of healings helps governments diversities of tongues And likewise it is requisite that there be others to take special care for the reliefe of the poor Acte 6. 2 3. v. 2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the Disciples unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables v. 3. Wherefore brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report full of the holy Ghost and wisdome whom ye may appoint over this business The number of each of which is to be proportioned according to the condition of the Congregation These officers are to meet together at convenient and set times for the well ordering of the affairs of that Congregation each according to his office It is most expedient that in these meetings one whose office is to labour in the Word and Doctrine do moderate in their proceedings 1 Tim. 5. 17. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine Of the Ordinances in a particular Congregation THe Ordinances in a single Congregation are Prayer Thanksgiving and singing of Psalms 1 Tim. 2. 1. I
exhort therefore that first of all supplications prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men 1 Cor. 14. 15 16. v. 15. What is it then I will pray with the spirit and will pray with understanding also I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the understanding also v. 16. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen as the giving of thanks seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest The Word read although there follow no immediate explication of what is read the Word expounded and applyed Catechizing the Sacraments administred Collection made for the poor dismissing the people with a blessing Of Church-Government and the several sorts of Assemblies for the same CHrist hath instituted a Government and Governours Ecclesiastical in the Church to that purpose the Apostles did immediately receive the keys from the hand of Jesus Christ and did use and exercise them in all the Churches of the world upon all occasions And Christ hath since continually furnished some in his Church with gifts of Government and with commission to execute the same when called thereunto It is lawful and agreeable to the word of God that the Church be governed by several sorts of Assemblies which are Congregational Classical and Synodical Of the Power in common of all these Assemblies IT is lawful and agreeable to the Word of God that the several Assemblies before mentioned have power to convent and call before them any person within their several bounds whom the Ecclesiastical business which is before them doth concern proved by Mat. 18. 15 16 17 18 19 20. v. 15. Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone if he shall hear thee thou hast gained thy brother v. 16. But if he will not hear thee then take with thee one or two more that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be estâ—blished v. 17. And if he shall neglect to hear them tell it unto the Church but if he neglect to hear the Church let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican v. 18. Verily I say unto you whatsoever ye shall binde on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven v. 19. Again I say unto you that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven v. 20. For where two or three are gathered together in my Name there am I in the midst of them They have power to hear and determine such causes and differences as do orderly come before them It is lawful and agreeable to the Word of God that all the said Assemblies have some power to dispense Church-censures Of Congregational Assemblies that is The meeting of the Ruling Officers of a particular Congregation for the Government thereof THe Ruling Officers of a particular Congregation have power Authoritatively to call before them any member of the Congregation as they shall see just occasion To enquire into the knowledg and spiritual estate of the several members of the Congregation To admonish and to rebuke Which three branches are proved by Heb. 13. 17. Obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your souls as they that must give account that they may do it with joy and not with grief for that is unprofitable for you 1 Thes 5. 12 13. v. 12. And we beseech you brethren to know them which labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you v. 13. And to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake and be at peace among your selves Ezek. 34. 4. The diseased have ye not strengthened neither have ye healed that which was sick neither have ye bound up that which was broken neither have ye brought again that which was driven away neither have ye sought that which was lost but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them Authoritative suspension from the Lords Table of a person not yet cast out of the Church is agreeable to the Scripture First Because the Ordinance it self must not be profaned Secondly Because we are charged to withdraw from these that walk disorderly Thirdly Because of the great sin and danger both to him that comes unworthily and also to the whole Church Mat. 7. 6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs neither cast ye your pearls before swine lest they trample them under their feet and turn again and rent you 2 Thes 3. 6 14 15. v. 6. Now we command you brethren in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that ye withdraw your selves from every brother that walketh disorderly and not after the tradition which he received of us v. 14. And if any man obey not our word by this Epistle note that man and have no company with him that he may be ashamed v. 15. Yet count him not as an enemy but admonish him as a brother 1 Cor. 11. 27. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. So on to the end of the chap. Compared with Jude v. 23. And others save with fear pulling them out of the fire hating even the garment spotted by the flesh 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins Keep thy self pure And there was power and Authority under the Old Testament to keep unclearn persons from holy things Lev. 13. 5. And the priest shall look on him the seventh day and behold if the plague in his sight be at a stay and the plague spread not in the skin then the priest shall shut him up seven dayes more Numb 9. 7. And those men said unto him We are defiled by the dead body of a man wherefore we are kept back that we may not offer an offering of the Lord in his appointed season among the children of Israel 2 Chr. 23. 19. And he sets porters at the gates of the house of the Lord that none that was unclean in any thing should enter in The like power and Authority by way of Analogy continues under the New Testament The Ruling Officers of a particular Congregation have power authoritatively to suspend from the Lords Table a person not yet cast out of the Church First Because those who have Authority to judg of and admit such as are fit to receive the Sacrament have Authority to keep back such as should be found unworthy Secondly Because it is an Ecclesiastical business of ordinary practice belonging to that Congregation When Congregations are divided and fixed they need all mutual help one from another both in regard of their intrinsecal weaknesses and mutual dependence as also in regard of enemies from without
salvation in any other but in Christ alone Å¿ Acts 4. 12. Neither is there salvation in any other for there is no other name under heaven given amongst men whereby we must be saved who is the Saviour onely of his body the Church t Eph. 5. 23. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the Church and he is the Saviour of the body Q. Are all they saved who hear the Gospel and live in the Church A. All that hear the Gospel and live in the visible Church are not saved but they onely who are true members of the Church invisible u Joh. 12. 38 39 40. That the saying of Esaias the Prophet might be fulfilled which he spake Lord who hath believed our report and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed Therefore they could not believe because that Esaias said again He hath blinded their eyes and hardened their heart that they should not see with their eyes nor understand with their heart and be converted and I should heal them Rom. 9. 6. Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect for they are not all Israel who are of Israel Mat. 22. 14. For many are called but few chosen Mat. 7. 21. Not every one that saith unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven but he that doth the will of my Father which is in heaven Rom. 11. 7. What then Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for but the election hath obteined it and the rest were blinded Q. What is the visible Church A. The visible Church is a society made up of all such as in all ages and places of the World do profess the true Religion * 1 Cor. 1. 2. Unto the Church of God which is at Corinth to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be Saints with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord both theirs and ours 1 Cor. 12. 13. For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body whether we be Jews or Gentiles whether we be bond or free and have been all made to drink into one Spirit Rom. 15. 9 10 11 12. And that the Gentiles might glorifie God for his mercy as it is written For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentâ—les and sing unto thy name V. 10. And again he saith Rejoyce ye Gentiles with his people V. 11. And again Praise the Lord all ye Gentiles and laud him all ye people V. 12. And again Esaias saith There shall be a root of Jesse and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles in him shall the Gentiles trust Rev. 7. 9. After this I beheld and lo a great multitude Which no man could number of all nations and kinreds and people and tongues stood before the throne and before the lamb clothed with white robes and palms in their hands Psal 2. 8. Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession Ps 22. 27 28 29 30 31 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord and all the kindreds of the earth shall worship before thee V. 28. For the Kingdom is the Lords and he is the Governour among the nations V. 29. All they that be fat upon the earth shall eat and worship all that go down to the dust shall bow before him and none can keep alive his own soul V. 30. A seed shall serve him it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation V. 31. They shall come and shall declare his righteousness Psal 45. 17. I will make thy name to be remembred in all generations therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever Mat. 28. 19 20. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alwayes unto the end of the world Amen Esai 59. 21. As for me this is my Covenant with them saith the Lord My spirit which is upon thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy seed nor out of the mouth of thy seeds seed saith the Lord from henceforth and for ever and of their children x 1 Cor. 7. 14. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband else were your children unclean but now they are holy Act. 2. 39. For the Promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call Rom. 11. 16. For if the first-fruits be holy the lump is also holy and if the root be holy so are the branches Gen. 17. 7. And I will establish my Covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting Covenant to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee Q. What are the special priviledges of the visible Church A. The visible Church hath the priviledge of being under Gods special care and government y Isa 4. 5 6. And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of Mount Sion and upon her assemblies a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night for upon all the glory shall be a defence V. 6. And there shall be a Tabernacle for a shadow in the day-time from the heat and for a place of refuge and for a covert from storm and from rain 1 Tim. 4. 10. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach because we trust in the living God who is the Saviour of all men especially of those that believe of being protected and preserved in all ages notwithstanding the opposition of all enemies z Ps 115. throughout Not unto us O Lord not unto us but to the end Isai 31. 4 5. For thus hath the Lord spoken unto me like as the lion and the yonglion roaring on his prey when a multitude of Shepherds are called forth against him he will not be afraid of their voice nor abase himself for the noise of them so shall the Lord of hosts come down to fight for mount Sion and for the hill thereof V. 5. As birds flying so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem defending also he will deliver it and passing over he will preserve it Zech. 12. 2 3 4-8 9. Behold I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and Jerusalem V. 3. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burthensom stone for all people all that burthen themselves with it shall be cut in pieces though all the people of the earth be