his own sins and then for the peoples for this he did once when he offered up himself V. 28. For the law maketh men High Priests which have infirmities but the word of the oath which was since the law maketh the Son who is consecrated for ever and so satisfie Gods justice b Rom. 3. 24 25 26. 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 saith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God V. 26. To declare I say at this time his righteousness that he might be just and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus procure his favour c Eph. 1. 6. To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved Mat. 3. 17. And lo a voice from Heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom alone I am well pleased purchase a peculiar people d Tâ—â— 2. 13 14. Looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saâ—â—â—ur Jesus Christ who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purifie unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works give his Spirit to them e Gal. 4. 6. And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father conquer all their enemies f Luke 1. 68 69 -71.-74 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for he hath visited and redeemed his people and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David V. 71. That we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us V. 74. That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear and bring them to everlasting salvation g Heb. 5. 8 9. Though he were a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered and being made perfect he became the author of everlasting salvation unto all that obey him Heb. 9 11. to the 16. But Christ being come an High Priest of good things to come by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle not made with hands that is to say not of this building V. 12. Neither by the blood of Goats and Calves but by his own blood he entred in once into the holy place having obtained eternal redemption for us V. 13. For if the blood of Bulls and of Goats and the ashes of an Heifer sprinkling the unclean sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh V. 14. 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. 15. And for this cause he is the Mediator of the New Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance Q. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be Man A. It was requisite that the Mediator should be Man that he might advance our nature h Heb. 2. 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham perform obedience to the law i Gal. 4. 4. But when the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law suffer and make intercession for us in our nature k Heb. 2. 14. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the Devil Heb. 7. 24 25. But this man because he continueth for 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 have a fellow-feeling of our infirmities l Heb. 4. 15. For we have not an High Priest that cannot be touched with the seeling of ouâ— infirmitâ—es but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin that we might receive the adoption of sons m Gal 4. 5. To redeâ—m â—hem that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons and have comfort and access with boldness unto the throne of grace n Heb. 4. 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need Q. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God and Man in one person A. It was requisite that the Mediator who was to reconcile God and Man should himself be both God and Man and this in one person that the proper works of each nature might be accepted of God for us o Matth. 1. 21. 23. And she shall bring forth a Son and thou shalt call his Name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins V. 23. Behold a Virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son and they shall call his Name Emmanuel which being interpreted is God with us Mat. 3. 17. And lo a voyce from heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased 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 and relied on by us as the works of the whole person p 1 Pet. 2. 6. Wherefore it is contained in the Scripture Behold I lay in Sion a choice Corner-stone elect and pretious and he that beleeveth on him shall not be confounded Q. Why was our Mediator called Jesus A. Our Mediator was called Jesus because he saveth his people from their sins q Mat. 1. 21. And she shall bring forth a Son and thou shalt call his name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins Q. Why was our Mediator called Christ A. Our Mediator was called Christ because he was anointed with the Holy Ghost above measure r Joh. 3. 34. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him Psal 45. 7. Thou lovest righteousness and hatest wickedness therefore God thy God hath annointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellowes and so set apart and fully furnished with all authority and ability Å¿ John 6. 27. Labour not for the meat that perisheth but for that meat which endureth to everlasting life which the Son of Man shall give unto you for him hath God the Father sealed Mat. 28. 18 19 20. Jesus came and spake unto them saying All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth
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
Gen. 38. 26. And Judah acknowledged them and said she hath been more righteous then I because I gave her not to Shelah my son and he knew her again no more having more wives or husbands then one at the same time b Mal. 2. 14. 15. Yet ye say Wherefore because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth against whom thou hast dealt treacherously yet is shâ— thy companion and the wife of thy covenant V. 15. And did not he make one yet had he the residue of the spirit and wherefore one that he might seek a godly seed therefore take heed to your spirit that ye deal not treacherously Mat. 19. 5. For this cause shall a man leave father and mother and shall cleave to his wife and they twain shall be one flesh unjust divorce c Mal. 2. 16. For the Lord the God of Israel saith that he hateth putting away for one covereth violence with his garment saith the Lord of hosts therefore take heed to your spirits that ye deal not treacherously Mat. 5. 32. But I say unto you that whosoever shall put away his wife saving for the cause of fornication causeth her to commit adultery and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery or disertion d 1 Cor. 7. 12. 13. But to the rest I speak not the Lord If any brother hath a wife that believeth not and she be pleased to dwell with him let him not put her away V. 13. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not and if he be pleased to dwell with her lâ—t her not leave him idleness gluttony drunkenness e Ezek. 16. 49. Behold this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom pride fulness of bread and abundance of idleness was in her and her daughters neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy Pro. 23. 30 31 -33 They that tarry long at the wine they that go to seek new wine V. 31. Look not upon the wine when it is red V. 33. Thine eyes shall behold strange women and thy heart shall utter perverse things unchast company f Gen. 39. 10. And it came to pass as she spake to Joseph day by day that he hearkned not unto her to lie by her or to be with her Prov. 5. 8. Remove thy way far from her and come not neer the door of her house lascivious songs books pictures dancings stage-playes g Eph. 5. 4. Neither filthiness nor foolish talking nor jestings which are not convenient but rather giving of thanks Ezek. 23. 14 15 16. And that she encreased her whoredom for when she saw men pourtrayed upon the wall the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion V. 15. Girded with girdles upon their loynes exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads all of them Princes to look to after the manner of the Babylonians of Chalde the land of their nativity V. 16. And as soon as she saw them with her eyes she doted upon them and sent messengers unto them into Caldea Isai 23. 15 16 17. And it shall come to pass in that day that Tyre shall be forgotten 70 years according to the dayes of one King after the end of 70. years shall Tyre sing as an harlot V. 16. Take an Harp go about the city thou harlot thou hast been forgotten make sweet melody sing many songs that thou maist be remembred V. 17. And it shall come to pass after the end of 70. years that the Lord will visit Tyre and she shall turn to her hire and commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth Isal 3. 16. Moreover the Lord saith Because the daughters of Sion are haughty and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes walking and mincing as they go and making a tinckling with their feet Mar. 6. 12. And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in and danced and pleased Herod and them that sat with him the King said unto the damsel Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt and I will give it thee c. Rom. 13. 13. Let us walk honestly as in the day not in rioting and drunkenness not in chambring and wantonness not c. 1 Pet. 4. 3. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles when we walked in lasciviousness lusts excess of wine revellings banquettings and abominable idolatries and all other provocations to or acts of uncleanness either in our selves or others h 2 King 9. 30. And when Jehu was come to Jezreel Jezabel heard of it and she painted her face and tired her head and looked out at a window Compared with Jer. 4. 30. And when thou art spoiled what wilt thou do though thou cloathest thy self with crimson though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold though thou rentest thy face with painting in vain shalt thou make thy self fair thy lovers will despise thee they will seek thy life and with Ezek. 23. 40. And furthermore ye have sent for men to come from far unto whom a messenger was sent and lo they came for whom thou didst wash thy self paintedst thine eyes and deckedst thy self with ornaments Q. Which is the eighth Commandment A. The eighth Commandment is Thou shalt not steal i Exod. 20. 1â— Q. What are the duties required in the eighth Commandment A. The duties required in the eighth Commandment are truth faithfulnesse and justice in contracts and commerce between man and man k Psal 15. 2-4 He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousness and speaketh the truth in his heart V. 4. he that sweareth to his own hurt and changeth not Zech. 7. 4 -10 Then came the word of the Lord of hosts unto me saying V. 10 And oppress not the widdow nor the fatherless nor the stranger nor the poor and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart Zech. 8. 16 17. These are the things that ye shall do Speak every man the truth to his neighbour execute the judgement of truth and peace in your gates V. 17. And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour and love no false oath for all these are things that I hate saith the Lord. rendring to every one his due l Rom. 13. 7. Render therefore to all their dues tribute to whom tribute is due custome to whom custome fear to whom fear honour to whom honour restitution of goods unlawfully detained from the right owners thereof m Lev. 6. 2 3. 4 5. If a soul sin and commit a trespass against the Lord and lie to his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep or in fellowship or in any thing taken away by violence or hath deceived his neighbour V 3. Or have found that which was lost and lieth concerning it and sweareth falsely in any of all these that a man doth sinning therein V. 4 Then it shall be because
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
THE CONFESSION OF FAITH Together with The LARGER and LESSER Catechismes Composed by the Reverend ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES Sitting at WESTMINSTER Presented to both Houses of Parliament Again Published with the Scriptures at large and the Emphasis of the Scriptures in a different Character To which is annexed two sheets of Church-Government with the SCRIPTURES at large The second Edition Deut. 6. 6 7. And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thy heart and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children and shalt talk of them when thou fittest in thy house and when thou walkest by the way and when thou liest down and when thou risest up London Printed by E. M. for the Company of Stationers and are to be sold by John Rothwel at the Fountain in Cheapside 1658. The LARGER CATECHISM Agreed upon by the ASSEMBLY of DIVINES At VVESTMINSTER Quest WHat is the chief and highest end of man A. Mans Chief and Highest End is to glorifie God a Rom. 11. 36. For of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for ever Amen 1 Cor. 10. 31. Whether therefore ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do do all to the glory of God and fully to enjoy him for ever b Psal 73. 24. to the end Thou shalt guide me with thy counsels and afterwards receive me to glory Whom have I in heaven but thee and there is none on earth that I desire besides thee My flesh and my heart fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever For lo they that are far from thee shall perish thou shalt destroy all them that go a whoring from thee but it is good for me to draw nigh to God I have put my trust in the Lord God that I may declare all thy works John 17. 21 22 23. 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 and the glory which thou gavest me have I given them that they may be one even as we are one I in them and thou in me that they may be made perfect in one and that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them as thou hast loved me Quest How doth it appear that there is a God Ans The very light of Nature in man and the works of God declare that there is a God c Rom. 1. 19 20. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them for God hath shewed it unto them For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternal power and Godhead so that they are without excuse Psal 19. 1 2 3. The heavens declare the glory of God and the Firmament sheweth his handy-work Day unto day uttereth speech and night unto night sheweth Knowledge There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard Acts 17. 28. For in him we live and move and have our being but his Word and Spirit only do sufficiently and effectually reveal him unto men for their salvation d 1 Cor. 3. 9 10. But as it is written Eye hath not seâ—n nor ear heard neither hath it entred into the heart of man the things that God hath prepared for them that love him But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit for the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God 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 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God is profitable for doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works Isai 59. 21. As for me this is my Covenant with thee saith the Lord my Spirit which is upon thee my words which I have put into 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 Q. What is the word of God A. The Holy Scriptures of the old and new Testament are the Word of God e 2 Tim. 3. 16. All Scripture is given by inspiration 2 Pet. 1. 19 20. We have also a more sure word of Prophecy whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place untill 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 the only rule of Faith and Obedience f Eph. 2. 20. And are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone Rev. 22. 18 19. For I testifie unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book if any man shall adde unto these things God shall adde unto him the plagues that are written in this book V. 19. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this Prophecy God shall take away his part out of the book of life and out of the holy city and from the things which are written in this book Isa 8. 20. To the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them Luke 16. 29 31. They have Moses and the Prophets let them hear them if they believe not Moses and the Prophets neither will they be perswaded though one rose from the dead Gal. 1. 8 9. But though we or angel from heaven preach any other Gospel unto you then that which we have preached unto you let him be accursed As we said before so say I now again if any man preach any other Gospel unto you then that ye have received let him be accursed 2 Tim. 3. 15 16. Before Q. How doth it appear that the Scriptures are the word of God A. The Scriptures manifest themselves to be the word of God by their Majesty g Hos 8. 12. I have written to them the great things of my law but they were counted as a strange thing 1 Cor. 2. 6 7 13. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect yet not the wisdom of this World nor of the Princes of this World that come to nought but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world unto our glory Which things also we speak not in the words which mans wisdom teacheth but which the Holy Ghost teacheth
comparing spiritual things with spiritual Psal 119. 18 129. Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law Thy Testimonies are wonderful therefore doth my soul keep them and Purity h Psal 12. 6. The words of the Lord are pure words as silver tried in a furnace of earth purified seven times Psal 119. 140. Thy word is very pure therefore thy servant loveth it by the consent of all the parts i Act. 10. 43. To him give all the Prophets witness that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins Act. 26. 22. Having therefore obtained help of God I continue unto this day witnessing both to small and great saying none other things then those which the Prophets and Moses did say should come and the scope of the whole which is to give all glory to God k Rom. 3. 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 become guilty before God by their light and power to convince and convert sinners to comfort and build up believers to salvation l Act. 18. 28. For he mightily convinced the Jews and that publickly shewing by the Scripture that Jesus was Christ Heb. 4. 12. For the word of God is quick powerful and sharper then any two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart I am 1. 18. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures Psal 19. 7 8 9. The Law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul the testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple the statutes of the Lord are right rejoycing the heart the commandment of the Lord is pure enlightning the eyes the fear of the Lord is clean enduring for ever the judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether Rom. 15. 4. For whatsoever things were written afore time were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope Acts 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 but the Spirit of bearing witness by and with the Scriptures in the heart of man is alone able fully to perswade it that they are the very word of God m Joh. 16. 13 14. Howbeit when He the Spirit of Truth is come He will guide you into all Truth for He shall not speak of himself but whatsoever He shall hear that shall He speak and He will shew you things to come 1 John 2. 20. 27. But ye have an unction from the Holy One and ye know all things V. 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 John 20. 31. But these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that believing ye might have life through his name 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 n 2 Tim. 1. 13. Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me in Faith and Love which is in Christ Jesus Q. What do the Scriptures make known of God A The Scriptures make known what God is o Heb. 11. 6. But without faith it is impossible to please God for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him the Persons in the Godhead p 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. the Decrees q Act. 15. 14 15 18. Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles to take out of them a people for his name V. 15. And to this agree the words of the Prophets as 't is written V. 18. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the World and the execution of His Decrees r Acts 4. 27 28. For of a truth against the holy child Jesus whom thou hast anointed both Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together V. 28. For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy councâ—l dâ—terminâ—d before to be done Q. What is God A. God is a Spirit Å¿ Joh. 4. 24. God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worshâ—p him in Spirit and Truth in and of himself infinite in Being t 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 Job 11. 7 8 9. Canst thou by searching find out God canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection it is as high as Heaven what canst thou do deeper then Hell what canst thou know the measure thereof is longer then the earth and broader then the sea Glory u Act. 7. 2. The God of Glory appeared unto our Father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia before he dwelt in Charran Blessedness * 1 Tim. 6. 15. Which in his times he shall shew who is the blessed and only Potentate the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and Perfection x Mat. 5. 48. Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father who is in Heaven is perfect All-sufficient y Gen. 17. 1. When Abram was ninety years old and nine the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him I am God All sufficient walk before me and be thou perfect Eternal z 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 Unchangeable a Mal. 3. 6. For I am the Lord I change not therefore ye the sons of Jacob are not consumed Jam. 1. 17. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights with whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning Incomprehensible b 1 King 8. 27. But will God indeed dwell on the earth behold the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee how much lesse this house that I have built Every where present c Psal 139. 1. to 13. O Lord thou hast searched me and known me thou knowest my down sitting and mine up-rising and thou understandest my thoughts afar off c. Whither
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
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
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
of God in and for his onely Son Jesus Christ 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 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 to redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons whereby all those that are justified are received into the number of his children * Joh. 1. 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 have his Name put upon them x 2 Cor. 6. 18. And I will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my sons and daughters saith the Lord Almighty Rev. 3. 12. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the Temple of my God and he shall go no more out and I will write upon him the name of my God and the name of the City of my God which is new Jerusalem that cometh down out of heaven from my God and I will write upon him my new name the Spirit of his Son given to them y Gal. 4. 6. And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father are under his fatherly care and dispensations z Psal 103. 13. Like as a Father pittieth his children so the Lord pittieth them that serve him Prov. 14. 26. In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence and his children shall have a place of refuge Mat. 6. 32. For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things admitted to all the liberties and priviledges of the sons of God made heirs of all the promises and fellow-heirs with Christ in glory a Heb. 6. 12. That ye be not flothfull but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises Rom. 8. 17. And if children then heirs hoirs of God and joynt-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together Q. What is Sanctification A. Sanctification is a work of Gods grace whereby they whom God hath before the foundation of the world chosen to be holy are in time through the powerful operation of his Spirit b Eph. 1. 4. 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 1 Cor. 6. 11. And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God 2 Thess 2. 13. 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 applying the death and resurrection of Christ unto them c Rom. 6. 4 5 6. Therefore we are buried with him by Baptisme into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life V. 5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection V. 6. Knowing this that our old man is crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin renewed in their whole man after the Image of God d Eph. 4. 23 24. And be renewed in the Spirit of your mind and that ye put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness having the seeds of Repentance unto life and of all other saving graces put into their hearts e Act. 11. 18. When they heard these things they held their peace and glorified God saying Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life 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 and those graces so stirred up increased and strengthened f Jude v. 20. But ye beloved building up your selves in your most holy faith praying in the Holy Ghost 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 Eph. 3. 16 17 18 19. 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 depth and length and height V. 19. And to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God Col. 1. 10 11. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing being fruitfull in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God V. 11. Strengthened with all might according to his glorious power unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness as that they more and more die unto sin and rise unto newness of life g Rom. 6. 4-6-14 Therefore we are buried with him by baptisme unto death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father so we also should walk in newness of life V. 6. Knowing this that our old man is crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin V. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you for ye are not under the law but under grace Gal. 5. 24. And they that are Christs have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts Q. What is repentance unto life A. Repentance unto life is a saving Grace h 2 Tim. 2. 25. In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves if God peradventure may give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit i Zech. 12. 10. And I will pour upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and of supplications and they shall look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as one mourneth for his onely son and shall be in bitterness as one that is in bitterness for his first-born and word of God k Act. 11. 18 -20 21. When they heard these things they held their peace and glorified God saying Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life V. 20. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene who when they were come to
Antioch spake unto the Grecians preaching the Lord Jesus V. 21. And the hand of the Lord was with them and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. whereby out of the sight and sense not onely of the danger l Ezek. 18. 28-30-32 Because he considereth and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed he shall surely live he shall not die V. 30. Therefore I will judge you O house of Israel every one according to his wayes saith the Lord God Repent and turn your selves from all your transgressions so inâ—quity shall not be your ruine V. 32. For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dies saith the Lord God wherefore turn your selves and live ye Luke 15. 17 18. And when he came to himself he said How many hired servants of my fathers have bread enough and to spare and I perish with hunger I will arise and go to my father and say unto him father I have sinned against heaven and before thee Hos 2. 6 7. Therefore behold I will hedge up thy way with thorns and make a wall that she shall not find her paths V. 7. And she shall follow after her lovers but shall not overtake them and she shall seek them but shall not find them Then shall she say I will go and return to my first husband for then was it better with me then now but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins m Eze. 36. 31. Then shall ye remember your own evil wayes and your doings which were not good and shall loath your selves in your ownsight for your iniquities and for your abominations Isai 30. 22. Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven Images of silver and the ornaments of thy molten Images of gold thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth thou shalt say unto it get thee hence and upon the apprehension of Gods mercy in Christ to such as are penitent n 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 rent your heart and not your garments and turn unto the Lord your God for he is gracious and merciful slow to anger and of great kindness and repenteth him of the evil he so grieves for o 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 yoak Turn thou me and I shall be turned 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 hates his sins p 2 Cor. 7. 11. For behold this self 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 as that he turns from them all to God q Act. 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 that are sanctified by faith that is in me Ezek. 14. 6. Therefore say unto the house of Israel Thus saith the Lord God Repent and turn your selves from your Idols and turn away your faces from all your abominations 1 King 8. 47 48. Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives and repent and make supplication to thee in the land of them that carried them captives saying We have sinned and done perversly we have committed wickedness V. 48. And so return unto thee with all their heart and with all their soul purposing and endeavouring constantly to walk with him in all the wayes of new obedience r Psal 119. 6-59 -28 Then shall not I be ashamed when I have respect unto all thy commandments V. 59. I intreated thy favour with my whole heart be merciful unto me according to thy word V. 28. My soul melteth for heaviness strengthen thou me according unto thy word Luke 1. 6. And they were both righteous before God walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless 2 King 23. 25. And like unto him was there no King before him that turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might according to all the Law of Moses neither after him arose there any like him Q. Wherein do Justification and Sanctification differ A. Although Sanctification be inseparably joyned with Justification Å¿ 1 Cor. 6. 11. And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God 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 yet they differ in that God in Justification imputeth the righteousness of Christ t Rom. 4. 6-8 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works V. 8. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord will not impute sin in Sanctification his Spirit infuseth grace and enableth to the exercise thereof u Ezek. 36. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgements and do them in the former sin is pardoned * Rom. 3. 24 25. 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 in the other it is subdued x Rom. 6. 6-14 Knowing this that our old man is crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin V. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you for ye are not under the law but under grace the one doth equally free all believers from the revenging wrath of God and that perfectly in this life that they never fall into condemnation y Rom. 8. 3 334. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect It is God that justifieth who is he that condemneth It is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who is even at the righthand of God who also maketh intercession for us the other is neither equal in all z 1 Joh. 2. 12 13 14. I write unto you little children because your sins are forgiven you for his names sake V. 13. I write unto you Fathers because ye
possessed of z 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 made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus and as an earnest thereof enjoy the sense of Gods love a Rom. 5. 5. And hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us Compared with 2 Cor. 1. 22. Who hath also sealed us and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts peace of conscience joy in the Holy Ghost and hope of glory b Rom. 5. 1 2. Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ V. 2. By whom also we have access by faith into the grace wherein we stand and rejoyce in hope of the glory of God Rom. 14. 17. For the kingdome of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost as on the contrary the sense of Gods revenging wrath horror of conscience and a fearful expectation of judgement are to the wicked the beginning of their torments which they shall endure after death c Gen. 4. 13. And Cain said unto the Lord My punishment is greater then I can bear Mat. 27. 4. Saying I have sinned in that I have betrayed innocent blood And they said What is that to us see thou to it Heb. 10. 27. But a certain fearful looking for of judgement and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries Rom. 2. 9. Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doth evil of the Jew first and also of the Gentile Mark 9. 44. Where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched Q. Shall all men die A. Death being threatned as the wages of sin d Rom. 6. 23. For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternaal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. it is appointed unto all men once to die e Heb. 9. 27. And as it is appointed unto all men once to die but after death the judgement for that all have sinned f 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 Q. Death being the wages of sin why are not the righteous delivered from death seeing all their sins are forgiven in Christ A. The righteous shall be delivered from death it self at the last day and even in death are delivered from the sting and curse of it g 1 Cor. 15. 26 -55 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death V. 55. O death where is thy sting c. Heb. 2. 15. And deliver them who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage so that although they die yet it is out of Gods love h Isa 57. 1 2. The righteous perisheth and no man layes it to heart and merciful men are taken away none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come V. 2. He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in his uprightness 2 King 22. 20. Behold therefore I will gather thee unto thy fathers and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place to free them perfectly from sin and misery i 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 Eph. â— 27. That he might present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish and to make them capable of further communion with Christ in glory which they then enter upon k Luk. 23. 43. And Jesus said unto him Verily I say unto thee This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Phil. 1. 23. For I am in a streight betwixt two having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Q. What is the communion in Glory with Christ which the members of the invisible Church enjoy immediately after death A. The communion in Glory with Christ which the members of the invisible Church enjoy immediately after death is in that their souls are then made perfect in holiness l Heb. 12. 23. To the general assembly and Church 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 and received into the highest heavens m 2 Cor. 5. 1 -6-8 For we know that if our earthly house of this Tabernacle were dissolved we have a building of God an house not made with hands eternal in the heavens V. 6. Therefore we are alwayes confident knowing that while we are present in the body we are absent from the Lord V. 8. We are confident I say and willing rather to be absent from the body and present with the Lord. Phil. 1. 23. For I am in a streight betwixt two having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Compared with Act. 3. 21. Whom the heavens must receive untill the times of restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy Prophets since the world began And with Eph. 4. 10. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens that he might fill all things where they behold the face of God in light and glory n 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 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 I shall know even as also I am known waiting for the full redemption of their bodies o Rom. 8. 23. And not onely they but our selves also who have the first fruits of the Spirit even we our selves groan within our selves waiting for the Adoption to wit the Redemption of our body Psal 16. 9. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoyceth my flesh also shall rest in hope which even in death continue united to Christ p 1 Thess 4. 14. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him and rest in their graves as in their beds q Esa 57. 2. He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in his uprightness till at the last day they be again united to their souls r whereas the souls
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
Lord. Compared with Numb 25. 11. Phineas the son of Eleazar the son of Aaron the Priest hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel while he was zealous for my sake amongst them that I consumed them not in my jealousie calling upon him giving all praise and thanks h Phil. 4. 6. Be carefull for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God and yeilding all obedience and submission to him with the whole man i Jer. 7. 23. But this thing commanded I them saying Obey my voice and I will be your God and ye shall be my people and walk ye in all the wayes that I have commanded you that it may be well with you Jam. 4. 7. Submit your selves therefore to God resist the Devil and he will flee from you being carefull in all things to please him k 1 Joh. 3. 22. And whatsoever we ask we receive of him because we keep his commandment and do those things that are pleasing in his sight and sorrowfull when in any thing he is offended l Jer. 31. 18. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus Thou hast chastised me and I was chastised as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoak turn thou me and I shall be turned thou art the Lord my God Psal 119. 136. Rivers of waters run down mine eyes because men keep not thy law and walking humbly with him m Mich. 6. 8. He hath shewen thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justice and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Q. What are the sinnes forbidden in the first Commandment A. The sins forbidden in the first Commandment are Atheism in denying or not having a God n Ps 14. 1. The fool hath said in his heart There is no God Eph. 2. 12. That at that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel and strangers from the Covenant of promise having no hope and without God in the world Idolatry in having or worshipping more Gods then one or any with or instead of the true God o Jer. 2. 27 28. Saying to a stock Thou art my father and to a stone Thou hast brought me forth for they have turned their back upon me and not their face but in the time of their trouble they will say arise and save us V. 28. But where are thy Gods that thou hast made thee let them arise if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble for according to the number of thy Cities are thy Gods O Judah Compared with 1 Thess 1. 9. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entring in we had unto you and how ye returned to God from Idols to serve the living and true God the not having and avouching him for God and our God p Psal 81. 11. But my people would not hearken to my voice Israel would have none of me the omission or neglect of any thing due to him required in this Commandment q Isa 43. 22 23 24. But thou hast not called upon me O Jacob but thou hast been weary of me O Israel V. 23. Thou hast not brought me the â—mall cattel of thy burnt-offerings neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices V. 24. Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money nor hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices but hast made me to serve with thy sins thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities ignorance r Jer. 4. 22. For my people is foolish they have not known me they are foolish children and have no understanding they are wise to do evill but to do good they have no knowledge Hos 4. 1-6 Hear the word of the Lord ye children of Israel for the Lord hath a controversie with the inhabitants of the land because there is no truth nor mercy nor knowledge of God in the land V. 6. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge because thou hast rejected knowledge I also will reject thee that thou shalt be no Priest to me seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God I also will forget thy children forgetfulness Å¿ Jer. 2. 32. Can a maid forget her ornaments or a bride her attire yet my people have forgotten me dayes without number misapprehensions t Act. 17. 23-29 For as I passed by and beheld your devotion I found an Altar with this inscription TO THE UNKNOWN GOD whom therefore ye ignorantly worship him I declare unto you V. 29. Forasmuch then as we are the off-spring of God we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold or silver or stone graven by art or mans device false opinions u Isai 40. 18. To whom then will ye liken God or what likeness will ye compare unto him unworthy and wicked thoughts of him * Psal 50. 21. These things hast thou done and I kept silence thou thoughtest that I was altogether such a one as thy self but I will reprove thee and set them in order before thine eyes bold and curious searching into his secrets x Deut. 29. 29. Secret things belong unto the Lord our God but those things that are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever that we may do all the words of the law all profaneness y Tit. 1. 16. They profess they know God but in works they deny him being abominable disobedient and to every good work reprobate Heb. 12. 16. Least there be among you any fornicator or profane person as Esau who for one morsel of meat sold his birth-right hatred of God z Rom. 1. 30. Backbiters haters of God despightful proud boasters c. self-love a 2 Tim. 3. 2. For men shall be lovers of themselves covetous boasters proud blasphemers disobedient to parents unthankful unholy self-seeking b Phil. 2. 21. For all seek their own not the things that are Jesus Christs and all other inordinate and immoderate setting of our mind will or affections upon other things and taking them off from him in whole or in part c 1 Joh. 2. 15 16. Love not the world nor the things of the world If any man love the world the love of the father is not in him V. 16. For all that is in the world the lust of the flesh the lust of the eyes and the pride of life is not of the Father but is of the world 1 Sam. 2. 29. Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering which I have commanded in my habitation and honourest thy sons above me to make your selves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people Col. 3. 2-5 Set your affections on things above not on things on the earth V. 5. For though I am absent in the flesh yet I am with you in the Spirit joying and beholding your order and
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
he slew him c. and hearkening to his suggestions b Act. 5. 3. But Peter said Ananias why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Ghost and to keep back part of the price of the land making men the Lords of our faith and Conscience c 2 Cor. 1. 24. Not for that we have dominion over your faith but are helpers of your joy for by faith ye stand Mat. 23. 9. And call no man your father upon earth for one is your father which is in heaven slighting and despising God and his commands d Deut. 23. 15. But Jeshurun waxed fat and kicked thou art waxed far thou art grown thick and thou art grown thick and thou art covered with fatness then he forsook the God that made him and lightly esteemed the rock of his salvation 2 Sam. 12. 9. Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord to do evil in his sight thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword and hast taken his wife to be thy wife c. Prov. 13. 13. Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded resisting and grieving of his spirit e Act. 7. 51. Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears ye do alwayes resist the Holy Ghost as your fathers did so do ye Eph. 4. 30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed to the day of redemption discontent and impatience at his dispensations charging him foolishly for the evils he inflicts on us f Psal 73. 2 3-14 15-22 But as for me my feet were almost gone my steps had well nigh slipt V. 3. For I was envious at the foolish when I saw the prosperity of the wicked V. 13. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain and washed mine hands in innocency For all the day long have I been plagued and chastened every morning V. 15. If Isay I will speak thus behold I should offend against the generation of thy children V. 22. So foolish was I and ignorant I was even as a beast before thee Job 1. 22. In all this Job sinned not nor charged God foolishly and ascribing the praise of any good we either are have or can do to fortune g 1 Sam. 6. 7 8 9. Now therefore make a new cart and take two milch kine on which there hath come no yoke and tie the kine to the cart and bring the calves home from them V. 8. And take the Ark of the Lord and lay it upon the cart and put the jewels of gold which ye return him for a trespass-offering in a coffer by the side thereof and send it away that it may go V. 9. And see if it goeth on by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh then he hath done us this great evil but if not then we shall know that it is not his hand that smote us it was a chance that happened to us Idols h Dan. 5. 23. But hast lifted up thy self against the Lord of heaven and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee and thou and thy Lords thy wives and thy concubines have drunk wine in them and thou hast praised the Gods of silver of brass iron wood and stone which see not nor hear nor know and the God in whose hand thy breath is and whose are all thy wayes hast thou not glorified our selves i Deut. 8. 17. And thou say in thy heart my power and the might of my hand hath gotten me this wealth Dan. 4. 30. The King spake and said Is not this great Babylon that I have built for the house of the Kingdom by the might of my power and for the honour of my Majesty or any other creature k Hab. 1. 16. Therefore they sacrifice unto their net and burn incense unto their drag because by them their portion is fat and their meat plenteous Q. What are we especially taught by these words before me in the first Commandment A. These words before me or before my face in the first Commandment teach us that God who seeth all things takes special notice of and is much displeased with the sin of having any other God that so it may be an argument to disswade from it and to aggravate it as a most impudent provocation l Ezek. 8. 5. to the end Then said he unto me Son of man lift up thine eyes now the way towards the North so I lift up mine eyes and behold at the gate of the Altar this image of Jealousie in the entry And he said so on Psal 44. 20 21. But if we have forgotten the name of our God or stretched out our hands to a strange God shall not God search this out for he knoweth the secrets of the heart as also to perswade us to do as in his sight what ever we do in his fervice m 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 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 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 n Exod. 20. 4 5 6. Q. What are the duties required in the second Commandment A. The duties required in the second Commandment are the receiving observing and keeping pure and entire all such religious worship and Ordinances as God hath instituted in his word o Deut. 32. 46 47. 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 V. 47. For it is not a vain thing for you because it is your life and through this thing ye shall prolong your dayes in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it Mat. 28. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and â—o I am with you alway 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 prayer 1 Tim. 6. 13. 14. I give thee charge in the fight of God who quickeneth all things and before Christ Jesus who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession V.
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
to anger saith the Lord do they not provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces V. 20. Therefore thus saith the Lord God Behold mine anger and fury shall be poured out upon this place upon man and beast and the trees of the field and the fruit of the ground and it shall burn and none shall quench it Ezek. 16. 26 27. Thou hast also committed fornication with the Egyptians thy neighbors great of flesh and hast encreased thy whoredomes to provoke me to anger V. 27. Behold therefore I have stretched out my hand over thee c. Deut. 32. 16 17 18 19 20. They provoked him to jealousie with strange Gods with abominations provoked him to anger V. 17. They sacrificed to Devils not to God to gods whom they know not to new gods c. V. 18. Of the rock that begat thee thou art unmindful and hast forgotten God that formed thee V. 19. And when the Lord saw it he abhorred them because of the provoking of his sons and daughterâ— V. 20. And he said I will hide my face from them I will see what their end shall be for they are a very froward generation children in whom there is no saith accounting the breakers of this Commandment such as hate him and threatning to punish them unto divers generations g Hos 2 2 3 4. Plead with your mother plead for she is not my wife neither am I her husband let her therefore put away her whoredomes out of her sight and her adulteries from between her breasts V. 3. Lest I strip her naked and set her as in the day that she was born and make her as a wilderness and set her like a dry land and slay her with thirst V. 4. And I will not have mercy upon her children for they are the children of whoredomes and esteeming the observers of it such as love him and keep his Commandments and promising mercy to them unto many generations h Deut. 5. 29. O that there were such a heart in them that they would fear me and keep my Commandements alwayes that it might be well with them and with their children for ever 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 i Exod. 20. 7. Q. What is required in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment requires that the Name of God his titles attributes k 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 written in this book that thou maist fear this glorious and fearful name THE LORD THY GOD. Psal 29. 2. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his Name c. Psal 68. 4. Sing unto God sing praises unto his Name extoll him that rideth upon the heavens by his Name JAH and rejoyce before him Rev. 15. 3 4. See above in d ordinances l Mal. 1. 14. Cursed be the deceiver that hath in his flock a male and offereth 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 Eccl. 5. 1. 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 the word m Psal 138. 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 Sacraments n 1 Cor. 11. 24. 25 -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 c. V. 28. But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of this bread and drink of this cup. V. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lords body prayer o 1 Tim. 2. 8. I will therefore that men pray every where lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting oaths p Jer. 4. 2. And thou shalt swear the Lord liveth in truth in judgement and in righteousness and the nations shall bless themselves in him shall they glory vowes q Eccl. 5. 2-4 5 6. Be not rash with thy mouth and let not thy heart be hasty to utter any thing before God for God is in heaven and thou upon earth therefore let thy words be few V. 4. When thou vowest a vow unto God defer not to pay it for he hath no pleasure in fools pay that which thou hast vowed V. 5. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow then that thou shouldest 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 hand lots r Act. 1. 24 26. And they prayed and said Thou Lord who knowest the hearts of all men shew whether of these two thou hast chosen V. 26. And they gave forth their lots and the lot fell upon Matthias and he was numbred with the eleven Apostles his works Å¿ Job 36. 24. Remember that thou magnifie his work which men behold and whatsoever else there is whereby he makes himself known be holily and reverently used in thought t Mal. 3. 16. Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another and the Lord hearkened and heard it and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and thought upon his Name meditation u Psal 8. throughout O Lord our Lord how excellent is thy Name throughout the earth to the end word * Col. 3. 17. Whatsoever ye do in word or in deed do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God and the Father by him Psal 105. 2-5 Sing unto him sing Psalms unto him talk ye of all his wondrous works V. 5. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done his wonders and the judgements of his mouth writing x Psal 102. 18. This shall be written for the generation to come and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord. by an holy profession y 1 Pet. 3. 15. But sanctifie the Lord God in your hearts and be ready alwayes to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear Mic. 4. 5. For all people will walk every one in the name of his God and we will walk in the name of our God for ever and ever and answerable conversation
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
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
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
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
holy and beloved bowels of mercy kindness humbleness of mind meekness long-suffering V. 13 Forbearing one another and forgiving one another if any man hath a quarrel against any even as Christ forgave you so also do ye peaceable y Jam. 3. 17. But the wisdome which is from above is first pure then peaceable gentle and easie to be intreated full of mercy and good fruits c. mild and courteous speeches and behaviour z 1 Pet. 3. 8 9 10 11. Finally be all of one mind having compassion one of another love as brethren be pitiful be courteous V. 9. Not rendring evil for evil or railing for railing but contrariwise blessing knowing that ye are therefore called that ye should inherit a blessing V. 10. For he that will love life and see good dayes let him refrain his longue from evil and his lips that they speak no guile V. 11. Let him eschew evil and do good let him seek peace and ensue it Prov. 15. 1. A sost answer turneth away wrath but grievous words stir up anger Judg. 8. 1 2 3. And the men of Ephraim said unto him Why hast thou served us thus Thou calledst us not when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites and they did chide with with him sharply V. 2. And he said unto them What have I done now in comparison of you Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better then the vintage of Abiezer V. 3. God hath delivered into your hands the Princes of Midian Oreb and Zeeb and what was I able to do in comparison of you Then their anger was abated towards him when he had said that forbearance readiness to be reconciled patient bearing and forgiving of injuries and requiting good for evil (a) Mat. 5. 24. Leave there thy gift before the Altar and go thy way first be reconciled to thy brother Eph. 4. 2 -32 With all lowlinesse and meeknesse with long-suffering forbearing one another in love V. 32. And be kinde one to another tender-hearted forgiving one another even as God for Christs sake hath forgiven you Rom. 12. 17 -20 21. Recompence to no man evil for evil c. V. 20. Therefore if thine enemy hunger feed him if he thirst give him drink for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head V. 21. Be not overcome with evil but overcome evil with good comforting and succouring the distressed and protecting and defending the innocent (b) 1 Thes 5. 14. Now we exhort you brethren warn them that are unruly comfort the seeble-minded support the weak be patient towards all men Job 31. 19 20. If I have seen any perish for want of clothing or any poor without covering V. 20. If his loins have not blessed me and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep Mat. 25. 35 36. For I was an hungred and ye gave me meat I was thirsty and ye gave me drink I was a stranger and ye took me in V. 36. Naked and ye clothed me I was sick and ye visited me I was in prison and ye came unto me Prov. 31. 8 9. Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction V. 9. Open thy mouth judge righteously and plead the cause of the poor and needy Q. What are the sins forbidden in the sixth Commandment A. The sins forbidden in the sixth Commandment are all taking away the life of our selves (c) Act. 16. 28. But Paul cried with a loud voice saying Do thy self no harm for we are all here or of others (d) Gen. 9. 6. Whoso sheddeth mans blood by man shall his blood be shed for in the image of God made he man except in case of publick Justice (e) Num. 35. 31 -33 Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer which is guilty of death but be shall surely be put to death V. 33. So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are for blood it defileth the land and the land cannot be cleansed from the blood that is shed therein but by the blood of him that shed it lawful war (f) Jer. 48. 10. Cursed be he that doth the work of the Lord deceitfully and cursed be he that keepeth his sword from blood Deut. 20. Chap. throughout or necessary defence (g) Exod. 22. 2 3. If a thief be found breaking up and be smitten that he die there shall be no blood shed for him V. 3. If the sun be risen upon him there shall be blood shed for him for he should make full restitution if he have nothing then he shall be sold for his theft the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life (h) Mat. 25. 42 43. For I was an hungred and ye gave me no meat 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 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 notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body what doth it profit Eccles 6. 1 2. There is an evil under the Sun and it is common amongst men V. 2. A man to whom God hath given riches wealth and honour so that he wants nothing for his soul of all that he desireth yet God gives him not power to eat thereof but a stranger eateth it This is vanity and an evil disease sinful anger (i) Mat. 5. 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 c. hatred (k) 1 Joh. 3. 15. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murtherer and ye know that no murtherer hath eternal life abiding in him Levit. 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 envy (l) Prov. 14. 30. A sound heart is the life of the flesh but envy the rottonness of the bones desire of revenge (m) Rom. 12. 19. Dearly beloved avenge not your selves but rather give place unto wrath for it is written vengeance is mine I will repay saith the Lord. all excessive passions (n) Eph. 4. 31. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and evil-speaking be put away from you with all malice distracting cares (o) Mat. 6. 31-34 Therefore take no thought saying what shall we eat or what shall we drink or wherewithall shall we be clothed V. 34. Take therefore no thought for the morrow for the morrow shall take thought for the things of it self sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof immoderate use of meat drink (p) Luk. 21. 34. And take heed to your selves least
at any time your hearts be over-charged with surfeting and drunkenness and the cares of this life and so that day come upon you unawares Rom. 13. 13. Let us walk honestly as in the day not in rioting and drunkenness not in chambering and wantonness not in strife and envying labour (q) Eccl. 12. 12. Furthermore by these my son be admonished of making many books there is no end and much study is a weariness of the flesh Eccl. 2. 22 23. For what hath a man of all his labour and of the vexation of his heart wherein he hath laboured under the Sun V. 23. For all his dayes are sorrow and his travel grief yea his heart taketh not rest in the night This is also vanity and recreations (r) Isa 5. 12. And the harp and the viol and the tabret and pipe and wine are in their feasts but they regard not the work of the Lord nor consider the operation of his hands provoking words (Å¿) Prov. 15. 1. A soft answer turneth away wrath but grievous words stir up anger Prov. 12. 18. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword but the tongue of the wise is health oppression (t) Ezek. 18. 18. As for his father because he cruelly oppressed and spoiled his brother by violence and did that which was not good among his people lo even he shall dye in his iniquitie Exod. 1. 14. And they made their lives bitter with bondage in mortar and brick and all manner of service in the field all their service wherein they made them serve was with rigour quarrelling (u) Gal. 5. 15. But if ye bite and devour one another take heed ye be not consumed one of another Prov. 23. 29. Who hath wo who hath sorrow who hath contentions who hath babling who hath wounds without cause c. striking wounding * Num. 35. 16 17 18-21 And if he smite him with an instrument of iron so that he dye he is a murderer the murderer shall surely be put to death V. 17. And if he smite him with throwing a stone so that he dye he is a murderer the murderer shall surely be put to death V. 18. Or if he smite him with a hand-weapon of wood wherewith he may dye and he dye he is a murderer the murderer shall surely be put to death V. 21. Or in enmity smite him with his hand that he dye he that smote him shall surely be put to death for he is a murderer and whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any (x) Exod. 21. from ver 18. to the end containing laws for smiters for an hurt by chance for an oxe that goreth and for him that is an occasion of harm Q. Which is the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment is Thou shalt not commit adultery (y) Exod. 20. 14. Q. What are the duties required in the seventh Commandment A. The duties required in the seventh Commandment are Chastity in body mind affections z 1 Thes 4. 4. That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour Job 31. 1. I have made a Covenant with mine eyes why then should I thâ—nk upon a maid 1 Cor. 7. 34. There is a 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 body and spirit but she that is married careth for the things of the world how she may please her husband words a Col. 4. 6. Let your speech be alwayes with grace seasoned with fall that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man and behaviour b 1 Pet. 3. 2 While they behold your chast conversation coupled with fear and the preservation of it in our selves and others c 1 Cor. 7. 2-35 36. Nevertheless to avoid fornication let every man have his own wife and every woman her own husband V. 35. And this I speak for your profit not that I may cast a snare upon you but for that which is comely and that ye may attend upon the Lord without destraction 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 do require let him do what he will he sinneth not let them marry watchfulness over the eyes and all the senses d Job 31. 1. I have made a covenant with mine eyes why then should I think upon a maid temperance e Act. 24. 24 25. And after certain dayes when Felix came with his wife Drusilla which was a Jew he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith of Christ V. 25. And as he reasoned of Righteousness Temperance and Judgement to come Felix trembled c. keeping of chast company f Prov. 2. 16 17 18 19 20. To deliver thee from the strange woman even from the stranger which flattereth with her words V. 17. Which forsaketh the guide of her youth and forgetteth the covenant of her God V. 18. For her house inclineth to death and her paths unto the dead V. 19. None that go unto her return again neither take they hold of the paths of life V. 20. That thou maist walk in the way of good men and keep the paths of the righteous modesty in apparel g 1 Tim. 2. 9. In like manner also that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel with shamefastness and sobriety not with broidered haire or gold or pearl or costly array marriage by those that have not the gift of continency h 1 Cor. 7. 2-9 Nevertheless to avoid fornication let every man have his own wife and every woman her own husband V. 9. But if they cannot contain let them marry for it is better to marry then to burn conjugall love i Prov. 5. 19 20. Let her be as the loving Hind and pleasant Roe let her breast satisfie thee at all times and be thou ravisht alwayes with her love V. 20. And why wilt thou my son be ravished with a strange woman and embrace the bosome of a stranger and cohabitation k 1 Pet. 3. 7. Likewise ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledge giving honour to the wife as unto the weaker vessel and as being heires together of the grace of life that your prayers be not hindred diligent labour in our callings l Prov. 31. 11-27 28. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her so that he shall have no need of spoile V. 27. She looketh well to the wayes of her houshold and eateth not the bread of idleness V. 28. Her children arise up and call her blessed her husband he also praiseth her shunning all occasions of uncleanness and resisting temptations thereunto m Prov. 5. 8. Remove thy way from her and come not nigh the door of her house Gen. 39. 8 9 10. But Joseph refused and said unto his
masters wife Behold my master knoweth not what is with me in the house and he hath committed all that he hath into my hand V. 9. There is none greater in this house then I neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee because thou art his wife How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God V. 10. And it came to pass as she spake to Joseph day by day that he hearkned not unto her to lye by her or to be with her Q. What are the sinnes forbidden in the seventh Commandment A. The sinnes forbidden in the seventh Commandment besides the neglect of the duties required n Pro. 5. 7. Hear me now therefore O ye children and depart not from the words of my mouth are adultery fornication o Heb. 13. 4 Marriage is honourable in all and the bed undefiled but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge Gal. 5. 19. Now the workes of the flesh are manifest which are these Adultery Fornication uncleanness Lasciviousness c. rape incest p 2 Sam. 13. 14. Howbeit he viz. Amnon would not hearken unto her voice but being stronger then she forced her and lay with her 1 Cor. 5. 1. It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you and such fornication as is not so much as to be named among the Gentiles that one should have his fathers wife sodomy and all unnatural lusts q Rom. 1. 24-26 27. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts to dishonour their own bodies between themselves V. 26. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature V. 27. And likewise also the men leaving the natural use of the woman burned in their lust one towards another men with men working that which is unseemly and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet Lev. 20. 15 16. And if a man lie with a beast he shall surely be put to death and ye shall slay the beast V. 16. If a woman approach unto any beast and lie down thereto thou shall kill the woman and the beast they shall surely be put to death their blood shall be upon them all unclean imaginations thoughts purpose and affections r Mat. 5. 28. But I say unto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her alâ—eady in his heart Mat. 15. 19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts murders adulteries fornications thefts false witness c. Col. 3. 5. Mortifie therefore your members which are upon the earth fornication uncleâ—nness inordinate affection evil concupâ—scence and covetousness which is idolatâ—y all corrupt or filthy communications or listening thereunto Å¿ Eph. 5. 3 4. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness let it not be once named amongst you as becometh Saints V. 4. Neither filthiness nor foolish talking nor jesting which are not convenâ—ent Pro. 7. 5-21 22. That they may keep thee from the strange woman from the stranger which flattereth with her words V. 21. With much fair speech she caused him to yield with the flattering of her lips she forced him V. 22. He goeth after her straightway as an ox goes to the slaughter or as a fool to the correction of the stocks wanton looks t Is 3. 16. Moreover the Lord saith because the daughters of Sion are haughty walk with stretched out necks and wont on eyes walking mincing as they go and making a tinckling with their feet 2 Pet. 2. 14. Having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin beguiling unstable souls c. impudent or light behaviour immodest apparel u Pro. 7. 10-13 And behold there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot and subtil of heart V. 13. So she caught him and kâ—ssed him and with an impudent face said unto him prohibiting of lawful * 1 Tim. 4. 3. Forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from meats which God hath commanded to be received with thanksgiving of them who believe and know the truth and dispensing with unlawful marriages x Lev. 18. from ver 1. to the 21. Mark 6. 18. For John said unto Herod It is not lawful for thee to have thy brothers wife Mal. 2. 11 12. Judah hath dealt treacherously and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the Lord which he loved and hath married the daughter of a strange God V. 12. The Lord will cut off the man that doth this the master and the scholar out of the Tabernacles of Jacob and him that offereth an offering unto the Lord of host allowing tolerating keeping of stewes and resorting to them y 1 Kin. 15. 12. And he viz. Asa took away the Sodomites out of the land and removed all the Idols that his fathers had made 2 King 23. 7. And he viz. Josiah brake down the houses of the Sodomites that were by the houses of the Lord where the women wove hangings for the grove Deut. 23. 17 18. There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel nor a Sodomite of the sons of Israel V. 18. Thou shalt not bring the hiâ—e 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 unto the Lord thy God Lev. 19. 29. Do not prostitute thy daughter to cause her to be a whore least the land fall to whoredom and become full of wickedness 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 commâ—tted adultery and assembled themselves by troopes in the harlots houses Pro. 7. 24. 25 26 27. Hearken unto me now therefore O ye children and attend to the words of my mouth V. 25. Let not thine heart decline to her wayâ—s go not astray in her paths V. 26. For she hath cast down many wounded yea many strong men have been slain by her V. 27. Her house is the way to hell going down to the chambers of death intangling vowes of single life z Mal. 19. 10 11. His disciples say unto him If the case of the man be so with his wife it is not good to maâ—ry V. 11. But he said unto them all men cannot receive this saying save they to whom it is give undue delay of marriage a 1 Cor. 7. 7 8 9. For I would that all men were even as I my self but every man hath his proper gift of God one after this manner another after that V. 8. I say therefore to the unmarried and widowes It is good for them if they abide even as I. V. 9. But if they cannot contain let them marry for it is better to marry then to burn
make themselves wings they flee away as an Eagle towards heaven Psal 62. 10. If riches increase set no your heart upon them distrustful and distracting cares and studies in getting keeping and using them u Mat. 6. 25 -31.-34 Therefore I say unto you Take no thought for your life what ye shall eat or what she shall drink nor yet for your body what ye shall put on is not the life more then meat and the body then raiment V. 31. Therefore take no thought saying what shall we cat or c. V. 34. Take therefore no thought for the morrow for the morrow shall take thought for the things of it self sufficient to the day is the evil thereof Eccl. 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 envying at the prosperity of others * Psal 73. 3. For I was envious at the foolish when I saw the prosperity of the wicked Psal 37. 1-7 Fret not thy self because of evil doers nor be thou envious against the workers of iniquity V. 7. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him fret not thy self because of him who prospereth in his way because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass as likewise idleness x 2 Thes 3. 11. For we hear that there are some who walk among you disorderly working not at all but are busie-bodies Pro. 18. 9. He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster prodigality wastful gaming and all other wayes whereby we do unduly prejudice our own outward estate y Prov. 21. 17. He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich Prov. 23. 20 21. Be not among wine bibbers among riotous eaters of flesh V. 21 For the drunkard and glutton shall come to poverty and drowsiness shall cloth a man with rags Prov. 28. 19. He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough and defrauding our selves of the due use and comfort of that estate which God hath given us z Eccl. 4. 8. There is one alone and there is not a second yea he hath neither child nor brother yet there is no end of all his labour nor is his eye satisfied with riches neither saith he For whom do I labour and bereave my soul of good This is also vanity yea it is a sore evil Eccl. 6. 2. A man to whom God hath given riches wealth and honour so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof but a stranger eateth it This is vanity and an evil disease 1 Tim. 5. 8. But if any â—â—ovide not for his own and especially for those of his own house he hath denied the faith and is worse then an infidel Q. Which is the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment is Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour a Exod. 20. 16. Q. What are the duties required in the ninth Commandment A. The duties required in the ninth Commandment are the preserving and promoting of truth between man and man b Zâ—ch 8. 16. These are the things that ye shall do Speak every man truth to his neighbour execute the judgement of truth and peace in your gates and the good name of our neighbour as well as our own c 3 John ver 12. Demetrius hath a good report of all men and of the truth it self yea and we also bear record and ye know that our record is true appearing and standing for d Prov. 31. 8 9. Open thy mouth judge righteously and plead the cause of the poor V. 9. Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction and from the heart e Psal 15. 2. He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousnesse and speaketh the truth from his heart sincerely f 2 Chron. 19. 9. And he charged them saying Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord faithfully and with a perfect heart freely g 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 to thee-ward have been very good V. 5. For he did put his life in his hand and slew the Philistine and the Lord wrought 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 cleerly h Jos 7. 19. And Josuâ—h said unto Achan My son give I pray thee glory to the Lord God of Israel and make confession unto him and tell me now what thou hast done hide it not from me and fully i 2 Sam. 14. 18 19 20. Then the King answered and said unto the woman Hide not from me I pray thee the thing that I shall ask thee And the woman said Let my Lord the King now speak V. 19. And the King said Is not the hand of Joab with thee in all this and the woman answered and said As thy soul liveth my Lord the King none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my Lord the King hath spoken for thy servant Joab he bad me and he put all these words in the mouth of thine hand-maid V. 20. To fetch about this forme of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing and my Lord is wise c. speaking the truth and onely the truth in matters of judgement and justice k Lev. 19. 15. Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgement thou shalt not respect the person of the poor nor honour the person of the mighty but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour Prov. 14. 5-25 A faithfull witness will not lye but a false witness will utter lyes V. 25. A true witness delivereth soules but a deceitful witness speaketh lyes and in all other things whatsoever l 2 Cor. 1. 17 18. When I therefore was thus minded did I use lightness or the things that I purpose do I purpose according to the flesh that with me there should be yea yea and nay nay V. 18. But as God is true our word toward you was not yea and nay Eph. 4. 25. Wherefore putting away lying speak every man truth with his neighbour for we are members one of another a charitable esteem of our neighbours m Heb. 6. 9. But beloved we are perswaded better things of you and things that accompany Salvation 1 Cor. 13. 7. Charity beareth all things beleeveth all things hopeth all things endureth all things loving desiring and rejoycing in their good name n Rom. 1. 8. First I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all
the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit even so it is now reviling (a) 1 Cor. 6. 10. Nor thieves nor covetous nor revilers nor drunkards nor extortioners shall inherit the Kingdom of God rash (b) Matt. 7. 1. Judge not that ye be not judged harsh (c) Act. 28. 4. No doubt this man is a murderer whom though he hath escaped the sea yet vengeance suffereth not to live and partial censuring (d) Gen. 38 24. And it came to pass about three months after that it was told Judah saying Thamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot and also behold she is with child by whoredom and Judah said Bring her forth and let her be burnt Rom. 2. 1. Therefore thou art inexcusable O man whosoever thou art that judgest for wherein thou judgest another thou condemnest thy self for thou that judgest doth the same things misconstruing intentions words and actions (e) Neh. 6. 6 7 8. In which letter that Sanballat sent was written it is reported among the heathen and Cashmu saith it that thou and the Jews think to rebel for which cause thou buildest the wall that thou maist be their King according to these words v. 7. And thou hast also appointed Prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem saying There is a King in Judah and now shall it be reported to the King according to these words Come now therefore and let us take counsel together v. 8. Then I sent unto him saying There are no such things done as thou saist but thou fainest â—hem out of thine own heart 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 Psal 69. 10. When I wept and chastened my Soul with fasting that was to my reproach 1 Sam. 1. 13 14 15. Now Hannah she spake in the heart only her lips moved but her voice was not heard therefore Eli thought she had been drunken v. 14. And Eli said unto her How long wilt thou be drunken put away thy wine from thee v. 15. And Hannah answered and said No my Lord I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit I have drunk neither wine c. 2 Sam. 10. 3. And the Princes of the children of Ammâ—n said unto Hâ—nun their Lord Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father that he hâ—â—h senâ— comforâ—ers unto thee hath not David rather sent his servant unto thee to search the city and to sâ—y it out â—nâ— to overthrow it flattering (f) Psal 12. 2 3. They speak vanity every maâ— with his neighbour with flattering lips and with a double heart doth he speak v. 3. The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaketh proud things vain-glorious boasting (g) 2 Tim. 3. 2. For men shall be lovers of themselves covetouâ— hoâ—sters c. thinking or speaking too highly or too meanly of our selves or others (h) Luk 18. 9-11 And he spake this Parable to certain that trusted in themselves That they were righteous and despised others v. 11 And the Pharisee stood up and prayed thus with himself God I thank thee that I am not as other men are extortioners unjust adulterers or even as this publican Rom. 12. 16. Mind not high things but condescend to men of low estate be not wise in your own conceits 1 Cor. 4. 6. And these things brethren I have in a figure transferred to my selfe and to Apollo for your sakes that you might learn of us not to think of men above that which is written that no one of you be puffed up for one against another Act. 12. 22. And the people gave a shout saying It is the voice of God and not of man Exod. 4. 10 11 12 13 14. And Moses said O my Lord I am not eloquent neither heretofore nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant but am slow of speech and of a slow tongue v. 11. And the Lord said unto him Who hath made the mouth or who maketh the dumb or deaf or the seeing or the blind have not I the Lord v. 12. Now therefore go and I will be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say v. 13 And he said O my Lord send I pray thee by the hand of him whom thou wilt send v. 14. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses c. denying the gifts and graces of God (i) Job 7 5 6. God forbid that I should justifie you till I dye I will not remove mine integrity from me v. 6. My righteousness I will hold fast and not let it go my heart shall not reproach me as long as I live Job 4. 6. Is not this thy fear thy confidence the uprightness of thy wayes and thy hope aggravating smaller faults (k) Mat. 7. 3 4 5. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brothers eye but considerest not the beam which is in thine own eye v. 4. Or how wilt thou say to thy brother Let me pull out c. v. 5. Thou hypocrite first cast out the beam out of thine own eye and then thou shalt see cleerly to cast out the more out of thy brothers eye hiding excusing or extenuating of sins when called to a free confession (l) Prov. â—8 13. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shal find mercy Prov. 30. 20. Such is the way of an adulterous woman she eateth and wipeth her mouth and saith I have done no wickedness Gen. 3. 12 13. And the man said The woman whom thou gavest to be with me she gave me of the tree and I did eat v. 13. and the woman said The Serpent beguiled me and I did eat Jer. 2. 35. Yet thou saist Because I am innocent surely his anger shall turn from me behold I will plead with thee because thou saist I have not sinned 2 Kin. 5. 25. and Elisha said to him Whence comest thou Gehazi And he said Thy servant went no whither Gen. 4. 9. And the Lord said unto Cain where is Abel thy brother And he said I know not Am I my brothers keeper unnecessary discovering of infirmities (m) Gen. 9. 22. And C ham the father of Canaan saw the wickedness of his father and told his two brethren without Prov. 25. 9 10. Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself and discover not a secret to another v. 10. Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame and thine infamy turn not away raising false rumours (n) Exod. 23. 1. Thou shalt not raise a false report put not thy hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness receiving and countenancing evil reports (o) Prov. 29. 12. If a Ruler hearken to lies all his servants are wicked and stopping our eares against just defence (p) Act. 7. 56 57. And Stephen said Behold I see the heavens opened and the Son of
righteousness endureth for ever his horn shall be exalted for ever v. 10. The wicked shall see it and be grieved he shall gnash with his teeth and melt away the desire of the wicked shall perish Neh. 2. 10. When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the servant the Ammonite heard of it it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel together with all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his (g) Rom. 7. 7 8. 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 v. 8. But sin taking occasion by the Commandment wrought in me all manner of concupiscence for without the law sin was dead Rom. 13. 9. For this Thou shalt not commit adultery Thou shalt not kill Thou shalt not steal Thou shalt not bear false witness Thou shalt not covet and if there be any other Commandment it is briefly comprehended in this saying namely Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Col. 3. 5. Mortifie therefore your members which are upon the earth fornication uncleanness inordinate affection evil concupiscence and covetousness which is idolatry Deut. 5. 21. Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbours wife nor shalt thou covet thy neighbours house his field his man-servant or his maid-servant his ox or his ass or any thing that is thy neighbours Q. Is any man able perfectly to keep the Commandments of God A. No man is able either of himself (h) Jam. 3. 2. For in many things we offend all If any man offend not in word the same is a perfect man and able also to bridle the whole body Joh. 15. 5. I am the vine ye are the branches he that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit for without me ye can do nothing Rom 8. 3. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemneth sin in the flesh or by any grace received in this life perfectly to keep the Commandements of God (i) Eccl. 7. 20. For there is not a just man upon earth that doth good and sinneth not Joh. 1. 8-10 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 liar and his word is not in us Gal. 5. 17. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh and these are contrary the one to the other So that ye cannot do the things that ye would Rom. 7. 18 19. 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. 19. For the good that I would I do not but the evil that I would not that do I. but doth daily break them in thought (k) 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 onely evil continually Gen. 8. 21. And the Lord said in his heart I will curse the ground no more for mans sake for the imagination of mans heart is evil from his youth c. word and deed (l) Rom. 3. from ver 9. to ver 21. for we have before proved that both Jewes and Gentiles that they are under sin v. 10. As it is written There is none righteous no not one v. 11. There is none that under standeth 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 c. v. 20. that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God Jam. 3. from ver 2. to ver 13. For in many things we offend all c. Q. Are all transgressions of the Law of God equally hainous in themselves and in the sight of God A. All transgressions of the Law of God are not equally hainous but some sins in themselves and by reason of several aggravations are more hainous in the sight of God then others (m) Joh. 19. 11. Jesus answered Thou coulst have no power at all against me except it were given thee from above therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin Ezek. 8. 6 -13.-15 But turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations v. 13. Turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do v. 15. Turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations then these 1 Joh. 5. 16. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death he shall ask and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death There is a sin unto death I do not say that he shall pray for it Psal 78. 17 -32.-56 And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness v. 32. For all this they sinned still c. v. 56. Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God and kept not his testimonies Q. What are those aggravations which make some sins more hainous then others A. Sins receive their aggravations From the persons offending (n) Jer. 2. 8. The Priests said not Where is the Lord and they that handle the Law knew me not the Pastors also transgressed against me and the Prophets prophesied by Baal and walked after things that do not profit if they be of riper age (o) Job 32. 7 -9 I said Dayes should speak multitude of yeares should teach wisdom v. 9. Great men are not alwayes wise neither do the aged understand judgment Eccl. 4. 13. Better is a poor and a wise child then an old and foolish King who will no more be admonished greater experience or grace (p) 1 King 11. 4 -9 For it came to pass when Solomon was old that his wives turned away his heart after other gods c. v. 9. And the Lord was angry with Solomon because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel which had appeared to him twice eminent for profession (q) 2 Sam. 12. 14. Howbeit because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme the childe that is born unto thee shall surely dye 1 Cor. 5. 1. It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles that one should have his fathers wife gifts (r) Jam. 4. 17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good and doth it not to him it is sin Luk. 12. 47 48. And that servant that knew his
it he that hated me that did magnifie himself against me then I would have hid my self from him v. 13. But it was thou a man mine equal my guide and my acquaintance v. 14. We took secret counsel together and walked c. v. 15. Let death seize upon them and let them go down quickly into bell wickednesse is in their dwellings and among them against any of the Saints (h) Zech. 2. 8 -10 11. I have heard the reproach of Moab and the revilings of the children of Ammon whereby they have provoked my people c. v. 10. This shall they have for their pride because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the Lord of hosts v. 11. The Lord wiâ—l be terrible unto them c. Mat. 18 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck c. 1 Cor. 6. 8. Nay you do wrong and defraud and that your brethren Revel 17. 6. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the Saints and of the Martyrs of Jesus c. particularly weak brethren (i) 1 Cor. 8. 11 12. And through thy knowledg shall thy weak brother perish for whom Christ dyed v. 12. But when ye sin so against the brethren and wound their weak conscience ye sin against Christ Rom 14. 13 -15.-21 Let us not therefore judg one another any more but judg this rather that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brothers way v. 15. But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat now walkest thou not charitably Destroy not him with thy meat for whom Christ dyed v. 21. It is good neither to eat flesh nor to drink wine nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth or is offended or is made weak the souls of them or any other (k) Ezek. 13. 19. And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread to slay the souls that should not die and to save the souls alive that should not live by your lying to my people that hear your lyes 1 Cor. 8. 12. But when you sin so against the brethren and wound their weak consciences ye sin against Christ Rev. 18. 13. The merchandize of gold And cinamon and odours and ointments and wine and oil and wheat and beasts and sheep and horses and chariots and slaves and souls of men Mat. 23. 15. Wo unto you Scribes and Pharisces hypocrites for ye compass sea and land to make one prosâ—lite and when he is made ye make him two-fold more the child of hell then your selves and the common good of all or many (l) 1 Thes 2. 15 16. Who both killed the Lord Jesus and their own Prophets and have persecuted us and they please not God and are contrary to all men v. 16. Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles c. Josh 22. 20. Did not Achan the son of Zorah commit a trespass in the accursed thing and wrath fell on all the Congregation of Israel and that man perished not alone in his iniquity From the nature and quality of the offence (m) Prov. 6. 30. to the end Men do not de spise a thief if he steal to satisfie his soul when he is hungry v. 31. But if he be found he shall restore seven-fold c. v. 3. 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 c. if it be against the expresse letter of the Law (n) Ezra 9. 10 11 12. And now O our God what shall we say after this for we have forsaken thy Commandments V. 11. Which thou hast commanded by thy Prophets saying The land unto which ye go is an unclean land with the filthiness of the people c. v. 12. Now therefore give not your daughters to their sons nor c 1 King 11. 9 10. And the Lord was angry with Solomon because his heart was turned away from the Lord God of Israel who had appeared to him twice v. 10. And had commanded him concerning this thing that he should not go after other gods but he kept not that which the Lord commanded him break many Commandments contain in it many sins (o) Col. 3. 5. Mortifie therefore your members which are upon the earth fornication uncleanness inordinate affâ—â—ction evil concupiscence and covetâ—usness which is Idolatry 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 piâ—rced themselves through with many sorrows Prov. 5. 8 9 10 11 12. Remove thy way fâ—r from her and come not nigh the door of her house v. 9. Lest thou give thine honour unto others and thy years unto the câ—uel v. 10. Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth c. v. 11. And thou mourn at the last when thy flesh and body are consumed v. 12. And say How have I hated instruction and my heart despised reproof Prov. 6. 32 33. 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 c. Josh 7. 21. When I saw among the spoiles a goodly Babylonish garment and 200 shekels of silver and a wedge of gold of 50 shekels weight then I coveted them and took them c. if not onely conceived in the heart but breaks forth in words and actions (p) Jam 1. 14 15. But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lusts and enticed v. 15. Then when lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death Mat. 5. 22. But I say unto you that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment 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 Mich. 2. 1. Wo unto them that devise iniquity that work evil upon their beds when the morning is light they practise it because it is in the power of their hand scandalize others (q) Mat. 18. 7. Wo to the world because of offences for it must needs be that offences come but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh 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 blâ—sphemed among the Gentiles through you as it is written and admit of no reparation (r) Deut. 22. 22. If a man be found lyiâ—g with a woman married to an husband then they shall both of them dye So shalt thou put away evil from Israel Compared with v. 28 29. If a man find a
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
Satan entred into him Then said Jesus unto him what thou dost do quickly v. 10. He then having received the sâ—p went immediately out c. or other helps to prevent or remedy such miscarriages (y) Ezr. 9. 13 14. And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great trespass seeing that thou our God hast punished us less then our iniquities deserve and given us such deliverance as this v. 14. Should we again break thy Commandments and join in affinity with the people of those abominations wouldst thou not be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us so that there should be no remnant nor escaping if in publick or in the presence of others who are thereby likely to be provoked or defiled (z) 2 Sam. 16. 22. So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house and Absalom went in unto his fathers concubines in the fight of all Israel 1 Sam. 2. 22 23 24. 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 c. v. 23. And he said unto them why do ye do such things for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people v. 24. Nay my sons for it is no good report that I hear ye make the Lords people to transgress Q. What doth every sin deserve at the hands of God A. Every sin even the least being against the soveraignty (a) 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 c. goodness (b) Exod. 20. 1 2. God spake all these words saying v. 2. I am the Lord thy God who brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage and holiness of God (c) Hab. 1. 13. Thou art of purer eyes then to behold evil and canst not look on iniquity wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous then he Lev. 10. 3. Then Moses said unto Aaron This is that the Lord spake saying I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me and before all the people will I be glorified Lev 11. 44 45. 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 c. v. 45. For I am the Lord which bringeth you up from the land of Egypt to be your God ye shall therefore be holy for I am holy and against his righteous law (d) 1 Joh. 3. 4. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law for sin is the transgression of the law Rom 7. 12. Wherefore the law is holy and the commandment is holy just and good deserveth his wrath and curse (e) Eph. 5. 6. Let no man deceive you with vain words for because of these things the wrath of God cometh upon the children of disobedience 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 continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them both in this life (f) Lam. 3. 39. Wherefore doth aliving man complain a man for the punishment of his sin Deut. 28. from v. 15. to the end But it shall come to pass if thou wilt not hearken to 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. 29. Cursed shalt thou be in the City and cursed in the Field cursed in the basket and store c. and that which is to come (g) Mat. 25. 41 Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels and cannot be expiated but by the blood of Christ (h) Heb. 9. 22. And almost all the things are by the law purged with blood and without shedding of blood there is no remission 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. 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. VVhat doth God require of us that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us by reason of the transgression of the Law A. That we may escape the wrath and curse of God due to us by reason of the transgression of the Law he requireth of us repentance toward God and Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ (i) Act. 20. 21. Testifying both to the Iews and also to the Greeks repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Iesus Christ Matt. 3. 7 8. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadduces come to his Baptism he said unto them O generation of vipers who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come v. 8. Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance Act 16. 30 31. And he the Jaylor brought them out and said Sirs what shall I do to be saved v. 31. And they said Believe on the Lord Iesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thine house Ioh. 3. 16-18 For God so loved the world that he gave his onely begotten Son thâ—t whosoever believeth on him might not perish but have everlasting life v. 18. He that believeth on him is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already because c. and the diligent use of the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation (k) Prov. 2. from v. 1. to v. 6 My son if thou wilt receive my words and hide my Commandments with thee v. 2. So that thou encline thine ear unto wisdom and apply thy heart to understanding v. 3. Yea if thou criest after knowledg and lifâ—est up thy voice for understanding v. 4. If thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hide treasure v. 5. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledg of God Prov. 8. 33 34 35 36. Hear instruction and be wise and refuse it not v. 34. Blessed is the man that heareth me watching daily at my gates waiting at the posts of my doors v. 35. For whoso findeth me findeth life and shall obtain favour of the Lord. v. 36. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own Soul all they that hate me love death Q. VVhat are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to his Church the benefits of his mediation
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
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
11. And he received the sign of Circumcision a Seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised that he might be the father of all them that believe though they be not circumcised that righteousness might be imputed unto them also 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 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 unto those that are within the Covenant of grace (*) Rom. 15. 8. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a Minister of the Circumcision for the truth of God to confirm the promises made unto the fathers Exod. 12. 48. And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee and will keep the Passover to the Lord let all his males he circumcised and then let him come neer and keep it and he shall be as one that is born in the land for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof the benefits of his meditation (x) Act. 2. 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 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 strengthen and increase their faith and all other graces (y) Rom. 4. 11. See in u above Gal. 3. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ to oblige them to obedience (z) Rom. 6. 3 4. Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death v. 4. Therefore we are buried with him by Baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the father even so we also should walk in newness of life 1 Cor. 10. 21. Ye cannot drink of the Cup of the Lord and the cup of Divels ye cannot be partakers of the Lords Table and the table of Divels to testifie and cherish their love and communion one with another (a) Eph. 4. 2 3 4 5. With all lowlinesse and meeknesse with long-suffering forbearing one another in love v. 3. endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace v. 4. There is one body and one spirit even as ye are called in one hope of your calling v. 5. One Lord one Faith one Baptism 1 Cor. 12. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body whether we be Jewes or Gentiles bond or free and have been all made to drink into one spiriâ— and to distinguish them from those that are without (b.) Eph. 2. 11. 12. Wherefore remember that ye being in time passed Gentiles in the flesh who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands v. 12. That at that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel and strangers from the Covenant of promise having no hope and without God in the world Gen. 34. 14. And they said unto them We cannot do this thing to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised for that were a reproach to us Q. What are the parts of a Sacrament A. The parts of a Sacrament are two the one an outward and sensible signe used according to Christs own appointment the other an inward and Spiritual grace thereby signified (c.) Mat. 3. 11. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance but he that cometh after me is mightier then I whose shoes I am not worthy to bear he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire 1 Pet. 3. 21. The like figure whereunto even Baptisme doth also now save us not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Iesus Christ Rom. 2. 28 29. For he is not a Jew that is one outwardly neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh v. 29. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly and circumcision is that of the heart in the Spirit and not in the letter whose praise is not of men but of God Q How many Sacraments hath Christ instituted in his Church under the New Testament A. Under the New Testament Christ hath instituted in his Church onely two Sacraments Baptisme and the Lords Supper (d.) 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. 20 -23 When ye come together therefore into one place this is not to eat the Lords Supper ver 23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you that the Lord Iesus the same night wherein he was betrayed took bread c. Mat. 26. 26 27 28. And as they were eating Iesus took bread and c. See above in t Q. What is Baptisme A. Baptisme is a Sacrament of the New Testament wherein Christ hath ordained the washing with water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost (e) 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 to be a signe and seal of ingrafting into himself (f) Gal. 3. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ of remission of sins by his blood (g) Mark 1. 4. John did baptize in the wilderness and preach the baptisme of repentance for the remission of sins Rev. 1. 5. Unto him that loved us and wished us from our sins in his own blood and regeneration by his Spirit (h) 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. 5. 26. That he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word of Adoption (i) Gal. 3. 26 27. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus v. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ and resurrection unto everlasting life (k) 1 Cor. 15. 29. Else what shall they do that are baptized for the dead if the dead rise not at all why are they then baptized for the dead Rom. 6. 5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection and whereby the parties baptized are solemnly admitted
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
Ohr. 30. 18 19. For a multitude of the people even many of Ephraim and Manasseh Issachar and Zebulun had not cleansed themselves yet did they eat the Passeover otherwise then it was written but Hezekiah 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 Mat. 26. 26. And as they were eating Jesus took bread and blessed it and brake it c. Q. May one who doubteth of his being in Christ and of his due preparation come to the Lords Supper A. One who doubteth of his being in Christ or of his due preparation to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper may have true interest in Christ though he be not yet assured thereof (a) 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 Name of the Lord and stay upon his God 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 Psal 88. throughout Psal 77 from ver 1. to the 12. I cryed unto God with my voice c. V. 3. I remembred God and was troubled c. V. 4. Thou boldest mine eyes waking c V. 7. Will the Lord cast off for ever Is his mercy clean gone for ever Doth his promise fail for evermore V. 10 And I said This is mine infirmity but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High c. Jonah 2. 4 -7 Then I said I am cast out of thy sight yet I will look again towards thine holy Temple V. 7. When my soul fainted within me I remembred the Lord and my prayers came in unto thee into thine holy Temple and in Gods account hath it if he be duly affected with the apprehension of the want of it (b) 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 but with everlastinng kindness will I have mercy on thee saith the Lord thy redeemer V. 9 For this is as the waters of Noah unto me for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should 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 mountains shall depart and the hills be removed but my kindnesse shall not depart from thee nor shall the covenant of my peace be removed saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee Mat. 5. 3 4. Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven V. 4. Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted Psal 31. 22. For I said in mine hast I am cut off from before thine eyes nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplication when I cryed unto thee Psal 73. 13 -22 23. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain and washed mine hands in innocency V. 22. So foolish was I and ignorant I was as a beast before thee V. 23. Nevertheless I am continually with thee thou hast holdenn me by my right hand and unfainedly desires to be found in Christ (c) Phil. 3. 8 9. Yea doubtlesse and I account all things but losse for the excellency of the knowledg of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and do count them but dung that I may win Christ V. 9. And be found in him 10 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 Psal 10. 17. Lord thou hast heard the desire of the humble thou wiâ—t prepare their heart thou wilt cause thine ear to hear Psal 43. 1 2-5 Judge me O God and plead my cause against c. V. 2. For thou art the God of my strength why dost thou cast me off c. 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 and to depart from iniquity (d) 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 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 Name of the Lord and stay him upon his God Psal 66. 18 19 20. If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me V. 19. But verily God hath heard me he hath attended to the voice of my prayer V. 20. Blessed be God who hath not turned away my prayer nor his mercy from me in which case because promises are made and this Sacrament is appointed for the relief even of weak and doubting Christians (e) Isa 40. 11 -19.-31 He shall feed his flock like a Shepherd he shall gather the lambs with his arm and carry them in his bosom and shall gently lead those which are with yong V. 29. He giveth power to the faint and to them that have no might he increaseth strength V. 31. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings as Eagles they shall run and not be weary they shall walk and not faint Mat. 11. 28. Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest Mat. 12. 20. A bruised read shall he not break and smoking flax shall he not quench till he send forth judgment unto victory Mat. 26. 28. For this is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins he is to bewail his unbelief (f) Mar. 9. 24. And straitway the father of the child cried out and said with tears Lord I believe help thou mine unbelief and labour to have his doubts resolved (g) Act. 2. 37. Now when they heard this they were pricked in their hearts and said unto Peter and the rest of the Apostles Men and brethren what shall we do Act. 16. 30. And he brought them out and said Sirs what must I do to be saved and so doing he may and ought to come to the Lords Supper that he may be further strengthened (h) Rom. 4. 11. And he received the sign of Circumcision a Seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had being yet uncircumcised that he might be the father of all them that believe though they be not circumcised that righteousness might be imputed unto
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
Spirit (z) Rom. 8. 26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered with confession of our sins (a) Psal 32. 5 6. I acknowledged my sin unto thee and mine iniquity have I not hid I said I will confess my transgressions and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin v. 6. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou maist be found surely c. Dan. 9. 4. And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadful God c. and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies (b) Phil. 4. 6. Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God Q. Are we to pray unto God onely A. God only being able to search the hearts (c) King 8. 39. Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place and forgive and do and give to every man according to his wayes whose heart thou knowest for thou even thou onely knowest the hearts of all the children of men Act. 1. 24. And they prayed and said Thou Lord who knowest the hearts of â—oll men shew whether of these two thou hast chosen Rom. 8. 27. And he that seaâ—cheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit because he maketh intercession for the Saints according to the will of God hear the requests (d) Psal 65. 2. O thou that hearest prayers to thee shall all flesh come pardon the sins (e) Mic. 7. 18. Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance c. and fulfil the desires of all (f) Psal 145. 18 19. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him to all that call upon him in truth v. 19. He will fulfil the desires of them that feâ—r him he also will hear their cry and will save them and only to be believed in (g) Rom. 10. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed c. and worshipped with religious worship (h) 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 only shalt thou serve prayer which is a special part thereof (i) 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 is to be made by all to him alone (k) Psal 50. 15. Call upon me in the day of trouble I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorifie me and to none other (l.) Rom. 10. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed c. Q. What is it to pray in the name of Christ A. To pray in the Name of Christ is in obedience to his command and in confidence on his promises to ask mercy for his sake (m) Ioh. 14. 13 14. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name I will do that the Father may be glorified in the Sonâ— v. 14. If ye shall ask any thing in my name I will do it Ioh. 26. 24. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name ask and receive that your joy may be full Dan. 9. 14. Now therefore O our God hear the prayer of thy servant and his supplications and cause thy face to shine upon thy Sanctuary that is desolate for the Lords sake not by bare mentioning of his Name (n) 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 but by drawing our incouragement to pray and our boldness strength and hope of acceptance in prayer from Christ and his mediation (o.) Heb. 4. 14 15 16. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest that is passed into the heavens Iesus the Son of God let us hold fast our profession v. 15. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with a feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin v. 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need 1 Ioh. 5. 13 14 15. 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 v. 14. And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us v. 15. And if we know that he heareth whatsoever we ask we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him Q. Why are we to pray in the name of Christ A. The sinfulness of man and his distance from God by reason thereof being so great as that we can have no accesse into his presence without a Mediatour (p) Ioh. 14. 6. Jesus saith unto him I am the way the truth and the life no man cometh unto the Father but by me Isa 59. 2. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God and your sins have hid his face from you that he will not hear Eph. 3 12. In whom ye have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him and there being none in heaven or earth appointed to or fit for that glorious work but Christ alone (q) Ioh. 6. 27 Labour not for the meat that perisheth but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life which the son of man shall give unto you for him hath God the Father sealed Heb. 7. 25 26 27. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing that 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 his own sins and then for the peoples for this he did once when he offered up himself 1 Tim. 2. 5. For there is one God one Mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus we are to pray in no other name but his onely (r.) Col. 3. 17. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God and the Father by him Heb. 13. 15. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually that is the fruits of our lips giving thanks in
his name Q. How doth the Spirit help us to pray A. We not knowing what to pray for as we ought the Spirit helpeth our infirmities by inabling us to understand both for whom and what and how prayer is to be made and by working and quickning in our hearts although not in all persons nor at all times in the same measure those apprehensions affections and graces which are requisite for the right performance of that duty (Å¿) Rom. 8. 26 27. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered v. 27. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth the mind of the Spirit because he maketh intercession for the Saints according to the will of God Psal 10. 17. Lord thou hast heard the desire of the humble thou wilt prepare their heart thou wilt cause thine ear to hear Zech. 12. 10. And I will pour upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and Supplications and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced and mourn c. Q. For whom are we to pray A. We are to pray for the whole Church of Christ upon earth (t) Ephes 6. 18. Praying also alwayes with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all Saints Psal 28. 9. Save thy people and bless thine inheritance feed them also and lift them up for ever for magistrates (u) 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. I exhort therefore that first of all supplication prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men v. 2. For Kings and for all that are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty and Ministers (*) Col. 4. 3. Withall praying also for us that God would open to us a door of utterance to speak the Mysteries of Christ for which I am in bonds for our selves (x) Gen. 32. 11. Deliver me I pray thee from the hand of my brother from the hand of Esau for I fear him least he will come and smite me c. our brethren (y) Jam. 5. 16. Confess your faults one to another and pray one for another that you may be healed The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much yea our enemies (z) Mat. 5. 44. But I say unto you Love your enemies bless them that curse you do good to them that hate you and pray for them that despightfully use you and persecute you and for all sorts of men living (a) 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. See above in u or that shall live hereafter (b) Joh. 17. 20. Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word 2 Sam. 7. 29. Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant that it may continue for ever before thee for thou O Lord God hast spoken it and with thy blessing let the house of thy sevant be blessed for ever but not for the dead (c) 2 Sam. 12. 21 22 23. Then said his servants unto him What thing is this that thou hast done thou didst fast and weep for the child while it was alive but when the child was dead thou didst rise and eat bread v. 22. And he said While the child was yet alive I fasted and wept for I said Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me that the child may live v. 23. But now he is dead wherefore should I fast can I bring him back again I shall go to him but he shall not return to me nor for those that are known to have sinned the sin unto death (d.) 1 Ioh. 5. 16. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death he shall ask and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death There is a sin unto death I do not say that he shall pray for it Q. For what things are we to pray A. We are to pray for all things tending to the glory of God (e) Mat. 6. 9. After this manner therefore pray ye Our father which art in heaven hallowed be thy Name the welfare of the Church (f) Psal 51. 18. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Sion build thou the walls of Jerusalem Psal 122. 6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem they shall prosper that love thee our own (g) Mat. 7. 11. If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts to your children how much more shall your father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him or others good (h) Psal 125. 4. Do good O Lord to those that be good to them that are upright in their heart but not for any thing that is unlawful (i.) 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 heateth us Q. How are we to pray A. We are to pray with an awful apprehension of the Majesty of God (k) Eccl. 3. 1. Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God and be more ready to hear then to offer the sacrifice of fools for they consider not that they do evil deep sense of our own unworthiness (l) Gen. 18. 27. And Abraham said Behold now I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord who am but dust and ashes Gen. 32. 10 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which thou hast shewn unto thy servant c. necessities (m) Luk. 15. 17 18 19. And when he came to himself he said How many hired servants in my fathers house have bread enough and to spare and I perish with hunger v. 18. I will arise and go to my father and say unto him Father I have sinned against heaven and before thee v. 19. And am no more worthy to be called thy son make me as one of thy hired servants sins (n) Luk. 18. 13 14. And the Publican standing afar off would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven but smote upon his brest saying Lord be merciful to me a sinner v. 14. I tell you This man went down to his house justified rather then the other for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted with penitent (o) Psal 51. 17. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit a broken and a contrite heart O God wilt thou not despise thankful (p) Phil. 4. 6. Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and inlarged hearts (q) 1 Sam. 1. 15. And Hannah answered and said No my Lord I am a woman of a
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
Praise ye the Lord. Psal 138. 1 2 3. I will praise 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 v. 3. In the day when I cryed thou answerest me and strengthnedst me with strength in my soul 2 Cor. 2. 14 15. Now thanks be to God who alwayes causeth us to triumph in Christ and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledg by us in every place v. 15. For we are to God a sweet savour of Christ in them that are saved and in them that perish works and whatsoever he is pleased to make himself known by (q) Psal 145. throughout I will extoll thee O God my King c. Psal 8. throughout O Lord our Lord how excellent is thy Name in all the earth c. and to glorifie him in thought word (r) Psal 103. 1. Bless the Lord O my Soul and all that is within me bless his holy Name Psal 19. 14. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight O Lord our strength and our Redeemer and deed (Å¿) Phil. 1. 9 -11 And this I pray that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledg and in all judgment v. 11. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God that he would prevent and remove Atheism (t) Psal 67. 1 2 3 4. God be merciful unto us and bless us and cause his face to shine upon us v. 2. That thy way may be known upon earth and thy saving health among all Nations v. 3. Let the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee v. 4. O let the Nations be glad and rejoice for thou shalt judge the people righteously and govern the Nations upon earth ignorance (u) Eph. 1. 17 18. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of Glory may give unto you the spâ—rit 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 idolatry (*) Psal 97. 7. Confounded be all they that serve graven Images that boast themselves of Idols worship him all ye gods profaneness (x) Psal 74. 18 -22 23. Remember this that the enemy hath reproached O Lord and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy Name v. 22. Arise O God plead thine own cause remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily v. 23. Forget not the voice of mine enemies the tumult of those that rise up against thee encreaseth continually and whatsoever is dishonourable to him (y) 2 Kings 19. 15 16. And Hâ—zâ—kiah prayed unto the Loid and said O Lord God of Israel which dwellest between the Cherubims thou art the God even thou alone of all the Kingdoms of the earth thou hast made heaven and earth v. 16. Lord bow down thine ear and hear open Lord thine eyes and see and hear the words of Sennacherib which hath sent him to reproach the living God and by his over-ruling providence direct and dispose of all things to his own glory (z) 2 Chron. 20. 6 -10 11 12. And Jehoshaphat 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. 10. And now behold the children Ammon and Moab c. v. 11. Behold I say how they reward us to come to cast us out of our possessions which thou hast given us to inherit v. 12. O our God wilt thou not judge them for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us neither know we what to do but our eyes are upon thee Psal 83. throughout Keep thou not silence O God hold not thy peace c. Psal 140. 4 -8 Reep me O Lord from the hands of the wicked preserve me from the violent man who have purposed to overthrow my goings v. 8. Grant not O Lord the desires of the wicked further not his wicked devices lest they exalt themselves Q. What do we pray for in the second Petition A. In the second Petition which is Thy Kingdom come (a) Matth. 6. 10. acknowledging our selves and all mankind to be by nature under the dominion of sinne and Satan (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 v. 3. 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 we pray that the kingdom of sin and Satan may be destroyed (c Psal 68. 1 -18 Let God arise let his enemies be scattered let them also that have him flee before him v. 18. Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captivity captive thou hast received gifts for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them Rev. 12. 10 11. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven Now is come salvation and strength and the Kingdom of our God and the power of his Christ for the accuser of our brethren is cast out which accused them before God day and night v. 11. And they overcame by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death the Gospel propagated throughout the world (d) 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 the Jewes called (e) Rom. 10. 1. Brethren my hearts desire and prayer to God is That they might he saved the fulness of the Gentiles brought in (f) John 17 9 -20 I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them that thou hast given me for they are thine v. 20. Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word Rom. 11. 25 26. For I would not brethren that ye should be ignorant of this mystery â—est ye should be wise in your own conceits that blindness in part is hapned to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in v. 26. And so all Israel shaâ—l be saved as it is written There shall come out of Zion the deliverer and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. Psal 67. throughout God be merciful unto us and bless us and cause his face
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
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
estate of humiliation and exaltation (t) Act. 3. 22. For Moses truly said unto the Fathers A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shall you hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you Heb. 12. 25. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who râ—fused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven Compared with 2 Cor. 13. 3. Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me which to you ward is not weak but is mighty in you Heb. 5. 5. 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 v. 6. As he saith also in another place thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedeck v. 7. Who in the dayes of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and supplicitions with strong crying and tears unto him who is able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared Psal 2. 6. Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Sion Isa 9. 6. For unto us a child is born unto us a Son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulders and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor the mighty God the everlasting Father the Prince of peace v. 7. Of the increase 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 justice from henceforth even for ever the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this Mat. 21. 5. Tell ye the daughter of Sion behold thy King cometh unto thee meek and sitting upon an ass and a coalt the foal of an ass Psal 2. 8. Ask of me and I will 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 v. 10. Be wise now therefore O ye Kings be instructed ye judges of the earth v. 11. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoyce with trembling Q. How doth Christ execute the office of a Prophet A. Christ executeth the office of a Prophet in reveleing to us by his word and Spirit the will of God for our salvation (u) Ioh. 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 1 Pet. 1. 10. 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 reveled 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 Ioh. 15. 15. Henceforth I call 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 Ioh. 20. 3â— These things are written that you might believe that Iesus 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 up of himself a sacrifice to satisfie divine Justice (*) Heb. 9. 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your consciences 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 withouâ— sin unto salvation and reconcile us to God (x) Heb. 2 17. In all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a marciful and faithful High-Priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people and in making continual intercession for us (y) Heb. 7. 24. But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood v. 25. Wherefore he is able to save to the uttermost those that come to 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 subduing us to himself (z) Act. 15. 14. Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles to take out of them a people for his name v. 15. And to this agree the words of the Prophet as it is written v. 16. 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 in ruling (a) Isa 33. 22. The Lord is our Judg the Lord is our Law-giver the Lord is our King he will save us and desending us (b) Isa 32. 1. Behold a King shall reign in righteousness and Princes shall rule in judgement v. 2. And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind and a covert from the tempest as rivers of waters in a dry place as the shadow of a rock in a weary land and restraining and conquering all his and our enemies (c) 1 Cor. 15. 25. For he mâ—st reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet Ps 110. throughout Q. Wherein did Christs humiliation consist A. Christs humiliation consisted in his being born and that in a low condition (d) Luk. 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 made under the law (e) Gal. 4. 4. But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law undergoing the miseries of this life (f) 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 v. 3. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself lest ye be wearied and faint in your mindes Isa 53. 2. For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant and as a root out of a dry ground he hath no form nor comliness and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him v. 3. He is despised
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
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
in the land of Egypt and Canaan for the corn which they bought and Josâ—ph brought the money into Pharaohs house v. 20. And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh for the Egypâ—ians sold every man his field because the famine prevailed over them so the land became Pharaoh's Q. What is forbidden in the eighth Commandment A. The eighth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth or may unjustly hinder our own or our neighbors wealth or outward estate (l) Prov. 23. 20 21. Be not amongst wine bibbâ—rs amongst riotous eaters of flesh v. 21. for the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty and drowsiness shall cloath a man with rags Prov. 28. 19. He that tilleth his land shall have plenâ—y of bread but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough Eph. 4. 28. Let him â—hat 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 Q. What is the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment is Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour (m) Exod. 20. 16. Q. What is required in the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man (n) Zech. 8. 16. These are the things that ye shall do speak ye every man the truth to his neighbor execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates and of our own and of our neighbours good names (o) 3 Joh. v. 12. Demetrius had good report of all men and of the truth it self yea and we also bear record and ye know that our record is true especially in witness bearing (p) Prov. 14. 5. A faithful witness will not lie but a false witness will utter lies V. 25. A true witness delivereth souls but a deceitful witness speaketh lies Q. What is forbidden in the ninth Commandment A. The ninth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth or injurious to our own or our neighbors good name (q) 1 Sam. 17. 28. And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spâ—ke unto the men and Eliabs anger was kindled against David and he said why camest thou down hither and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness I know thy pride and the naughtiness of thy heart for thou are come down that thou mightest see the battel Lev. 19. 16. Thou shall not go up and down as a tale bearer among thy people neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbor I am the Lord. Psal 15. 3. He that backbiteth not with his tongue nor doth evil to his neighbor nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor Q What is the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment is 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 asse nor any thing that is thy neighbors (r) Exod. 20 17. Q. What is required in the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition (Å¿) Heb. 13. 5. Let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as you have for he hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee 1 Tim. 6. 6. But godliness with contentment is great gain with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbour and all that is his (t) Job 31. 29. If I rejoyced at the destruction of him that hated me or lift up my self when evil found him Rom. 12. 15. Rejoyce with them that do rejoyce and weep with them that weep 1 Tim. 1. 5. Now the end of the Commandment is charity out of a pure bea rt and of a good conscience and of faith unfeigned 1 Cor. 13. 4 5 6 7. Charity suffereth long and is kind charity envieth not charity vaunteth not it self is not puffed up V. 5. Doth not behave it self unseemly seeketh not her own is not easily provoked thinketh no evil V. 6. Rejoyceth not in iniquity but rejoyceth in the truth V. 7. Beareth all things believeth all things hopeth all things endureth all things Q. What is forbidden in the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate (u) 1 Kin. 21. 4. And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Nâ—both the Jezreelite had spoken to him for he had said I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers and he laid him down upon his bed and turned away his face and would eat no bread Esth 5. 13. Yet all this availeth mâ— nothing so long as I see Mordecal the Jew sitting at the Kingsgate 1 Cor. 10. 10. Neither murmur ye as some of them also murmured and were destroyed of the destroyer envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour * Gal. 5. 26. Let us not be desirous of vain glory provoking one another envying one another I am 3. 14. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts glory not and lie not against the truth V. 16. For where envying and strife is there is confusion and every evil work and all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his (x) 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 V. 8. But sin taking occasion by the commandment wrought in me all manner of concupiscence for without the law sin was dead Rom. 13. 9. For this thou shalt not commit adultery thou shalt not kill thou shalt not steal thou shalt not bear false witness thou shalt not covet and if there be any other commandment it is briefly comprehended in this saying namely thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Deut. 5. 21. Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbours wife neither shalt thou covet thy neighbours house his field or man servant or his maid-servant his â—xe â—r his asse or any thing that is thy neighbours Q. Is any man able perfectly to keep the Commandments of God A. No meer man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the Commandments of God (y) Eccl. 7. 20. For there is not a just man on earth that doth good and sinneth not 1 Joh. 1. 8. 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 liar and his word is not in us Gal. 5. 17. For the flesh lusteth against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh and these are contrary the one to the other so that ye cannot do the things that ye would but doth daily break them in thought word and deed (z) 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 Gen. 8. 21. And the Lord smelled a sweet favour and the Lord said in his heart I will not again curse the ground any more for mans sake for the imagination of mans heart is evil from his 〈◊〉 neither will I again smite any more every thing living as I have done Rom. 3. 9. What then are we better then they no in no wise for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles that they are all under sin and so on to verse 21. Jam. 3. 2. For in many things we offend all If any man offend not in word the same is a perfect man and able also to bridle the whole body and so on to verse 13. Q. Are all transgressions of the Law equally hainous A. Some sins in themselves and by reason of several aggravations are more hainous in the sight of God then others (a) Ezek. 8. 6. He said furthermore unto me Son of man seest thou what they do even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here that I should go far off from my sanctuary but turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations V. 13. He said also unto me turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do V. 15. Then said he unto me hast thou seen this Oh son of man turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations then these 1 Joh. 5. 16. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death he shall ask and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death there is a sin unto death I do not say that he shall pray for it Psal 78. 17. 32 56 And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness V. 32. For all this they sinned still and believed not for his wonderous works V. 56. Yet they tempted and provoked the most High God and kept not his testimonies Q. What doth every sin deserve A. Every sin deserveth Gods wrath and curse both in this life and that which is to come (b) Eph. 5. 6. Let no man deceive you with vain words for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience Gal 3. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse for it is writtted Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them Lam. 3. 39. Wherefore doth a living man complain a man for the punishment of his sins Mat. 25. 41. Then shall he also say unto them on the left hand depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels Q. What doth God require of us that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin A. To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin God requireth of us Faith in Jesus Christ repentance unto life (c) Acts 20. 21. Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption (d) Prov. 2. 1 -5 v. 1. My son if thou wilt receive my words and bide my commandments with thee c. v. 5. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledg of God Chap. 8. 33 34 35 v. 33. Hear instruction and be wise and refuse it not v. 34. Blessed is the man that heaveth me waiting daily at my gates waiting at the posts of my doors v 35 but who so findeth me findeth life and shall obtain favour of the Lord. Isai 55. 3. Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shalllive and I will make an everlasting covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Q. What is faith in Jesus Christ A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace (e) Heb. 10. 39. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition but of them that believe to the saving of the soul whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation as he is offered to us in the Gospel (f) Joh. 1. 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 Isa 26. 3. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee V. 4. Trust ye in the Lord for ever for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength 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 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 Iesus 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 Q. What is repentance unto life A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace (g) Act. 11. 18. When they heard these things they held their peace and glorified God saying then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life whereby a sinner out of true sense of his sin (h) Acts 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 V. 38. Then said Peter 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 and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ (i) Ioel 2. 12. Therefore also now saith the Lord turn ye even to me with all your heart and with fasting and with weeping and with mourning Ier. 3. 22. Return ye backsliding children and I will heal your backslidings behold we come unto thee for thou art the Lord our God doth with grief and hatred of his sin turn from it unto God (k) Ier. 31. 18. 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 smâ—te upon my thigh I was ashamed yea even confounded because I did bear the reproach of my youth Ezek. 36. 31. Than shall ye remember your own evil ways and your doings which were not good and shall loath your selves in your own sight for your iniquities and for you abominations with full purpose of and endeavour after new obedience
(l) 2 Cor. 7. 11. For behold this self same thing that ye sorrowed after a godly sort what carefulness it wrought in you yea what clearing of your selves yea what indignation yea what fear yea what vehement desire yea what zeal yea what revenge in all things you have approved your selves to be clear in this matter Isa 1. 16. Wash ye make ye clean put away the evil of your doings before mine eyes cease to do evil V. 17. Learn to do well seek judgment relieve the oppressed judg the fatherless plead for the widow Q. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption are his Ordinances especially the Word Sacraments and Prayer all which are made effectual to the Elect for salvation (m) Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore teach all nations baptizing them in â—he 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 low I am with you alway even unto the end of the world Amen Acts 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 convincing and converting sinners and of building them up in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation (n) Neh. 8. 8. So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly and gave the sense and caused them to understand the reading 1 Cor. 14 24. But if all prophesie 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 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 inheritance among them which are sanctifiâ—d by faith â—hat is in me Psal 19. 8. The statutes of the Lord are right rejoycing the heart the commandment of the Lord is pure enlightning the eyes Acts 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 Rom. 15 4. For whatsoever things were written afore-time were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope 2 Tim. 3. 15. 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 c. V. 17. That the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto good works Rom. 10. 14. 15. ver 14. How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher ver 15. and how shall they preach except they be sent c. and 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 Iew first and also to the Greek Q. How is the Word to be read and heard that it may become effectual to salvation A. That the Word may become effectual to salvation we must attend thereunto with diligence (o) Pro. 8. 34. Blessed is the man that heareth me watching daily at my gates waiting at the posts of my doors preparation (p) 1 Pet. 2. 1. Wherefore laying aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisies and envies evil speakings V. 2. As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby and prayer (q) Psal 119. 18. Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law receive it with faith and love (r) Heb. 4. 2. For unto us was the Gospel preached as well as unto them but the word preached did not profit them not being mixt with faith in them that heard it 2 Thes 2. 10. With all deceiveableness of unrighteousness in them that perish because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved lay it up in our hearts (Å¿) Psal 119. 11. Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee and practise it in our lives (t) Luk. 8. 15. But that on the good ground are they which in an honest and good heart having heard the word keep it and bring forth fruit with patience Iam. 1. 25. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty and continueth therein he being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the word this man shall be blessed in his dealing Q. How do the Sacraments become effectual means of salvation A. The Sacraments become effectual means of salvation not from any virtue in them or in him that doth administer them but only by the blessing of Christ (u) 1 Pet. 3. 22. The like figure whereunto even Baptisme doth also now save us not the putting away the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ Mat. 3. 11. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance but he that cometh after me is mightier then I whose shoes I am not worthy to bear he shall baptize you with the holy Ghost and with fire 1 Cor. 3. 6 7. I have planted Apollo watered but God gave the encrease V. 7. So then neither is he that planteth any thing neither he that watereth but God that giveth the encrease and the working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them * 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 made all to drink into one Spirit Q. What is a Sacrament A. A Sacrament is an holy Ordinance instituted by Christ wherein by sensible signs Christ and the benefits of the new Covenant are represented sealed and applied to believers (x) 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
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
to the ministery of the Word 2 Cor. 16. 1 2 3 4. v. 1. New 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 stâ—re as God hath prospered him that there be no gatherings when I come v. 3. And when I come whomsoever you shall approve by your letters them will I send to bring your liberality to Jerusalem v. 4. And if it be meet that I go also they shall go with me Gal. 2. 9 10. v. 9. And when James Cepl as and John who seemed to be pillars perceived the grace that was given unto me they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship that we should go unto the heathen and they unto the circumcision v. 10. Only they would that we should remember the poor the same which I also was forward to do And he hath also a ruling power over the Flock as a Pastor 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 Act. 20. 17. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the Church v. 28. Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flock over thee which the Holy Ghost hath made you over-â—eers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood 1 Thes 5. 12. And we beseech you brethren to know them which labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you Heb. 13. 7 17. v. 7. Remember them which have the rule over you who have spoken unto you the word of God whose faithf follow considering the end of their conversation v. 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 Teacher or Doctor THe Scripture doth hold out the name and Title of a Teacher as well as of the Pastor 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath set some in the Church First Apostles Secondarily Prophets Thirdly Teachers after that miracles then gifts of healing helps governments diversities of tongues Eph. 4. 11. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some pastors and teachers Who is also a Minister of the Word as well as the Pastor and hath power of administration of the Sacraments The Lord having given different gifts and divers exercises according to these gifts in the ministry of the word Rom. 12. 6 7 8. v. 6. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us whether prophesie let us prophesie according to the proportion of faith v. 7. Or ministry let us wait on our ministring or be that teacheth on teaching v. 8. 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. 11. 1 4 5. v. 1. Now concerning spiritual gifts brethren I would not have you ignorant v. 4. Now there are diversities of gifts but the same spirit and there are diversities of operations but it is the same God which worketh all in all v. 5. And there are differences of administrations but the same Lord. v. 7. But the manifestation of the spirit is given to every man to profit with all Though these different gifts may meet in and accordingly be exercised by one and the same minister 1 Cor. 14. 3. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification and exhortation and comfort 2 Tim. 4. 2. Preach the Word be instant in season out of season reprove rebuke exhort with all long-suffering and Doctrine 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 Yet where be several Ministers in the same Congregation they may be designed to several imployment according to the different gifts in which each of them do most excel Rom. 12. 6 7. 8. v. 6. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us whether prophefie let us prophesie according to the proportion of faith v. 7. Or ministry let us wait on our ministring or be 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 Pet. 4. 10 11. v. 10. As every man hath received the gift even so minister the same one to another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God v. 11. If any man speak let him speak as the Oracles of God if any man minister let him do it as of the ability which God giveth that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever Amen And he that doth more excel in exposition of Scripture in teaching sound Dâ—ctrine and in convincing gain-sayers then he doth in application and is accordingly imployed therein may be called a teacher or Doctor the places alledged by the Notation of the Word doth prove the Proposition Nevertheless where is but one Minister in a patticular Congregation he is to perform so far as he is able the whole work of the Ministry as appeareth in 2 Tim. 4. 2. Preach the word be instant in season out of season reprove rebuke exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine 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 gain-sayers 1 Tim 6. 2. And they that have believing masters let them not dispise them because they are brethren but rather do them service because they are faithful and beloved partakers of the benefit these things teach and exhort A Teacher or Doctor is of most excellent use in Schools and Universities as of old in the Shools of the Prophets and at Ierusalem where Gamaliel and others taught as Doctors Other Church-governours As there were in the Jewish Church Elders of the people joyned with the Priests and Levites in the Government of the Church as appeareth in 2 Chron. 19. 8 9 10. v. 8. Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites and of the Priests and of the chief of the fathers of Israel for the judgment of the Lord and for controversies when they returned to Jerusalem v. 9. And he charged them saying Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord faithfully and with a perfect heart v. 10. And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their Cities between blood and blood between law and commandment and statutes and judgments ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the Lord and so wrath come upon
Of Classical Assemblies THe Scripture doth hold out a Presbytery in a Church both in 1 Tim. 4. 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee which was given thee by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery And in Acts 15. 2 4 6. v. 2. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissention and disputation with them they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and Elders about this question v. 4. And when they were come to Jerusalem they were received of the Church and of the Apostles and Elders and they declared all things that God had done with them v. 6. And the Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of this matter A Presbytery consisteth of Ministers of the Word and such other publick Officers as are agreeable to and warranted by the Word of God to be Church-governours to joyn with the Ministers in the Government of the Church as appeareth Rom. 12. 7 8. v. 7. Or Ministry let us wait on our Ministring or he that teacheth on reaching 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 The Scripture doth hold forth that many particular Congregations may be under one Presbyterial Go ernment This proposition is proved by instances 1. First Of the Church of Jerusalem which consisteth of more Congregations then one and all these Congregations were under one Presbyterial Goverment This appeareth tâ—us â— First The Church of Jerusalem consisteth of more Congregations then one as is manifest 1. By the multitude of believers mentioned in divers Both before the dispersion of the believers there by means of the persecutions mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles chap. 8. in the beginning thereof witness Acts 1. 15. And in those dayes Peter stood up in the midst of the Disciples and said The number of the names together were about an hundred and twenty Acts 2. 41 46. 47. 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. 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 Acts 5. 14. And believers were the more added unto the Lord multitudes both of men and women Acts 6. 1. 7. v. 1. And in those dayes when the number of the Disciples was multiplied there a rose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration v. 7. And the Word of God increased and the number of the Disciples multiplyed in Jerusalem greatly and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith And also after the dispersion Acts 9. 31. Then had the Churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria and were edified and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the holy Ghost were multiplied Acts 12. 24. But the Word of God grew and multiplied Acts. 21. 20. And when they heard it they glorified the Lord and said unto him Thou seest brother how many thousand of Jews there are which believe and they are all zealous of the law Secondly By the many Apostles and other Preachers in the Church of Jerusalem And if there were but one Congregation there then each Apostle preached but seldome which will not consist with Acts 6. 2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the Discipleâ— unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables Thirdly The diversity of Languages amongst the Believers mentioned both in the second and sixth chapters of the Acts doth argue more Congregations then one in that Church 2. Secondly All those congregations were under one Presbyterial government because First They were one Church Acts 8. 1. And Saul was consenting unto his death And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria except the Apostles Acts 2. 47. Praising God and having favour with all the people And the Lord added unto the church daily such as should be saved Compared with chap. 5. 11. And great fear came upon all the church and upon as many as heard these things chap. 12 5. Peter therefore was kept in prison hut prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him chap. 15. 2. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and Elders about this question Secondly The Elders of the Church are mentioned Act. 11. 30. Which also they did and sent it to the Elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul Acts 15. 4 6 22. v. 4. And when they were come to Jerusalem they mere received of the Church and of the Apostles and Elders and they declared all things that God had done with them v. 6. And the Apostles and Elders came together to consider of this matter v. 22. Then it pleased the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Bâ—rnabas namely Judas sirnamed Barsabas and Silus chief men among the brethren And ch 21. 17 18. v. 17. And when we were come to Jerusalem the brethren received us gladly v. 18. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James and all the Elders were present Thirdly The Apostles did the ordinary Acts of Presbyters as Presbyters in that Church which proveth a Presbyterial Church before the dispersion Act. 6 Fourthly The several Congregations in Jerusalem being one Church the Elders of that Church are mentioned as meeting together for acts of Government Act. 11. 30. Which also they did and sent it to the Elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul Acts 15. 4 6 22. v. 4. And when they were come to Jerusalem they were received of the Church and of the Apostles and Ellers and they declared all things that God had done with them v. 6. And the Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of this matter v. 22. Then it pleased the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas namely Judas sirnamed Barsabas and Silas chief men among the brethren Acts 21. 17 18. v. 17. And when they were come to Jerusalem the brethren