what man knoweth the things of a man save the spirit of man that is in him even so the things of God knows no man but the Spirit of God works r Col. 1. 16. For by him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth visible and invisible whether they be Thrones or Dominions or Principalities or Powers all things were created by him and for him Gen. 1. 2. And the earth was without form and void and darkness was upon the face of the earth and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters and worship Å¿ Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost 2 Cor. 13. 14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the Communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all Amen are proper to God onely Q. What are the Decrees of God A. God's Decrees are the wise free and holy acts of the counsel of his will t Ephes 4. 11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance being Predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will Rom. 11. 33. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgements and his wayes past finding out Rom. 9. 14 15 18. What shall we say then Is there unrighteousness with God God forbid For he saith to Moses I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion Therefore he hath mercy on whom he will have mercy and whom he will he hardeneth whereby from all eternity he hath for his own glory unchangeably fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass in time u Eph. 1. 4 11. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love In whom also we have obtained an inheritance being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will Rom. 9. 22 23. What if God willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction and that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy which he had before prepared unto glory Psal 33. 11. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever the thoughts of his heart unto all generations especially concerning Angels and men Q. What hath God especially decreed concerning Angels and men A. God by an eternal and immutable decree out of his meer love for the praise of his glorious grace to be manifested in due time hath elected some Angels to glory * 1 Tâ—m 5. 21. I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect Angels that thou observe these things without preferring one before another doing nothing by partiality and in Christ hath chosen some men to eternal life and the means thereof x Eph. 1. 4 5 6. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundations of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will to the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved 2 Thes 2. 13 14. But we are bound to give thanks to God alway for you Brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth whereunto he called you by our Gospel to the obtaining of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ and also according to his sovereign power and the unsearchable counsel of his own will whereby he extendeth or withholdeth favour as he pleaseth hath passed by fore-ordained the rest to dishonour and wrath to be for their sin inflicted to the praise of the glory of his justice y Rom. 9. 17 18-21 22. For the Scripture saith unto Pharaoh even for this same purpose have I raised thee up that I might shew my power in thee and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy and whom he will he hardeneth Hath not the Potter power over his clay of the same lump to make one vessell unto honour and another unto dishonour What if God willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction Matth. 11. 25 26. At that time Jesus answered and said I thank Thee O Father Lord of Heaven Earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise the prudent and hast revealed them unto Babes Even so Father for so it seemed good in thy sight 2 Tim. 2. 20. But in a great house there are not onely vessels of gold and of silver but also of wood and of earth and some to honor and some to dishonor Jude v. 4. For there are certain men crept in unawares who were before of old ordained to this condemnation ungodly men turning the grace of God into wantonness denying the onely God and our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 2. 8. And a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence to them that stumble at the word being disobedient whereunto also they were appointed Q. How doth God execute his Decrees A. God executeth his Decrees in the works of Creation and Providence according to his infallible fore-knowledge and the free and immutable counsel of his own will z Ephes 1. 11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things according to the counsel of his own will Q. What is the work of Creation A. The work of Creation is that wherein God did in the beginning by the Word of his power make of nothing the World and all things therein for himself within the space of six dayes and all very good a Gen. 1. Heb. 11. 3. Through faith we understand that the Worlds were framed by the word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear Prov. 16. 4. The Lord hath made all things for himself yea even the wicked for the day of evill Q. How did God create Angels A. God created all the Angels b Col. 1. 16. For by him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth visible and invisible whether they be Thrones or Dominions or Principalities or Powers all things were created by him and for him Spirits c Psal 104. 4. Who maketh his Angels Spirits his Ministers a flame of fire Immortal d Mat. 22. 30. For in the Resurrection they neither
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
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
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
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
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
marry nor are given in marriage but are as the Angels of God in heaven Holy e Matth. 25. 31. When the Son of Man shall come in his glory and all the holy Angels with him then shall he sit upon the Throne of his glory excelling in knowledge f 2 Sam. 14. 17. Then thine handmaid said The word of my Lord the King shall now be comfortable for as an Angel of God so is my Lord the King to discern good and bad therefore the Lord thy God will be with thee Matth. 24. 36. But of that day and hour knoweth no man no not the Angels of heaven but my Father onely mighty in power g 2 Thess 1. 7. And to you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels to execute his Commandments and to praise his Name h Psal 103. 20 21. Blesse the Lord ye his Angels that excell in strength and do his commandments hearkning to the voice of his word Blesse the Lord all ye his Hosts ye Ministers of his that do his pleasure yet subject to change i 2 Pet. 2. 4. For if God spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them down to Hell and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgment Q. How did God create Man A. After God had made all other creatures He created man male and female k Gen. 1. 27. So God created Man in His own Image in the Image of God created He him Male and Female created He them formed the body of the man of the dust of the ground l Gen. 2. 7. And the Lord God formed Man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and the woman of the rib of the man m Gen. 2. 22. And the rib which the Lord had taken from man made He a woman and brought her unto the man indued them with living reasonable and immortal souls n Gen. 2. 7. And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul Compare this with Job 35. 11. Who teacheth us more then the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser then the fowls of heaven And with Eccl. 12. 7. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was and the Spirit shall return to God who gave it And with Matth. 10. 28. Fear not them who can kill the body but are not able to kill the soul but rather fear him who is able to destroy both body soul in hell And with Luke 23. 43. And Jesus said unto him To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise made them after his own image o Gen. 1. 27. So God created man in his His own Image in the Image of God created He him male and female created he them in knowledge p Col. 3. 10. And have put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the Image of Him that created him righteousnesse and holinesse q Eph. 4. 24. And that ye put on the new man which after God is created in righteousnesse and true holinesse having the Law of God written in their hearts r Rom. 2. 14 15. For when the Gentiles who have not the Law do by nature the things contained in the Law these having not the Law are a Law unto themselves which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts their conscience also bearing witnesse and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another and power to fulfill it Å¿ Eccl. 7. 29. Lo this onely have I found that God hath made man upright but they have sought out many inventions with dominion over the creatures t Gen. 1. 28. And God blessed them and said unto them Be friutful and multiply and replenish the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fiâ—h of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth yet subject to fall u Gen. 3. 6. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasant to the eyes and a tree to be desired to make one wise she took of the fruit thereof and did eat and gave also unto her husband with her and he did eat Eccl. 7. 29. Lo this only have I found that God made man upright but they sought out many inventions Q. What are Gods works of Providence A. Gods works of Providence are his most holy * Psal 145. 17. The Lord is righteous in all his wayes and holy in all his works wise x Psal 104. 24. O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches Isa 28 29. This also cometh from the Lord of hosts who is wonderful in counselling and excellent in working and powerful preserving y Heb. 1. 3. Who being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person and upholding all things by the word of his power when he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hâ—nd of the Majesty on high and governing all his creatures z Psal 103. 19. The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens and his Kingdom ruleth over all ordering them and all their actions a Mat. 10. 29 30 31. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father but the very haires of your head are all numbred Fear not therefore ye are of more value then many sparrowes Gen. 45. 7. And God sâ—nt me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance to his own glory b Rom. 11. 36. For of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for ever Amen Isai 63. 14. As a beast goes down into the valley the Spirit of the Lord caused him to rest so didst thou lead thy people to make thy self a glorious name Q. What is Gods Providence towards the Angels A. God by his Providence permitted some of the Angels wilfully and irrecoverably to fall into sin and damnation c Jude v. 6. And the Angels which kept not their first estate but left their own habitation he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgement of the great day 2 Pet. 2. 4. For if God spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgement Heb. 2. 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham John 8. 44. Ye are of your father the Devil and the lusts of your father ye will do he was a murtherer from the beginning and abode not in
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
gathered together against it V. 4. In that day saith the Lord I will smite every horse with astonishment and his rider with madness and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah and will smite every horse of the people with blindness V. 8. In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David and the house of David shall be as God as the Angel of the Lord before them V. 9. and it shall come to pass in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem and of enjoying the communion of Saints the ordinary means of salvation a Act. 2. 39-42 For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call V. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles Doctrine and in fellow-ship and in breaking of bread and in prayers offers of grace by Christ to all the members of it in the ministery of the Gospel testifying that whosoever believes in him shall be saved b Psal 147. 19 20. He sheweth his words unto Jacob his statutes and his judgements unto Israel He hath not dealt so with any nation and as for his judgements they have not known them praise ye the Lord. Rom. 9. 4. Who are Israelites to whom pertaineth the adoption and the glory and the Covenants and the giving of the Law and the service of God and the promises Eph. 4. 11 12. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the ministery for the edifying of the body of Christ Mark 16. 15 16. And he said unto them Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned and excluding none that will come unto him c Joh. 6. 37. All that the father giveth me shall come unto me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Q. What is the invisible Church A. The invisible Church is the whole number of the elect that have been are or shall be gathered into one under Christ the Head d Eph. 1. 10-22 23. That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ both which are in heaven and which are on earth even in him V. 22. And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be head over all things to the Church which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all Joh. 10. 16. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold them also I must bring and they shall hear my voice and there shall be one fold and one shepherd John 11. 52. And not for that nation onely but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad Q. What speciall benefits do the Members of the invisible Church enjoy by Christ A. The Members of the Invisible Church by Christ enjoy Union and Communion with him in grace and glory e Joh. 17. 21. That they all may be one as thou Father art in me and I in thee that they also may be one in us that the world may believe that thou hast sent me Eph. 2. 5 6. Even when we were dead in sins hath quickned us together with Christ by grace ye are saved And hath raised us up together and hath made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus John 17. 24. Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world Q. What is that Union which the Elect have with Christ A. The Union which the Elect have with Christ is the work of Gods grace f Eph. 1. 22. And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be head over all things to the Church Eph. 2. 6 7 8. And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus V. 7. That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness towards us in Christ Jesus V. 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God whereby they are Spiritually and mystically yet really and inseparably joyned to Christ as their head and husband g 1 Cor. 6. 17. But he that is joyned to the Lord is one Spirit John 10. 28. And I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand Eph. 5. 23-30 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the Church and he is the Saviour of the body V. 30. For we are members of his body of his flesh and of his bones which is done in their effectual Calling h 1 Pet. 5. 10. But the God of all grace who hath called us into his eternal glory by Christ Jesus after that ye have suffered a while make you perfect stablish strengthen settle you 1 Cor. 1. 9. God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Q. What is effectual calling A. Effectual Calling is the work of Gods almighty power and grace i Joh. 5. 25. Verily verily I say unto you the hour is coming and now is when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God and they that hear shall live Eph. 1. 18 19. 20. The eyes of your understanding being enlightned that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints V. 19. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places 2 Tim. 1. 8 9. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord nor of me his prisoner but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel according to the power of God V. 9. Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began whereby out of his free and especial love to his Elect and from nothing in them moving him thereunto k Tit. 3. 4 5. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour towards man appeared not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us by
the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost Eph. 2. 4 5-7 8 9. But God who is rich in mercy for his great love wherewith he loved us V. 5. Even when we were dead in sins hath quickned us together with Christ by grace ye are saved V. 7. That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness towards us through Christ Jesus V. 8. For by grace ye are saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God V. 9. Not of works lest any man should boast Rom. 9. 11. For the children being not yet born neither having done any good or evil that the purpose of God according to election might stand not of works but of him that calleth he doth in his accepted time invite and draw them to Jesus Christ by his Word and Spirit l 2 Cor. 5. 20. Now then we are Ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God Compared with 2 Cor. 6. 1 2. We then as workers together with him beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain for he saith I have heard thee in a time accepted and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee Behold now is the accepted time behold now is the day of salvation Joh. 6. 44. No man can come to me except the Father who hath sent me draw him and I will raise him up at the last day 2 Thess 2. 13 14. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth Whereunto he hath called you by our Gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ savingly inlightning their mindes m Acts 26. 18. To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith which is in me 1 Cor. 2. 10 -12 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit for the Spirit searcheth all things yea even the deep things of God V. 12. Now we have not received the Spirit of the world but the Spirit which is of God that ye might know the things freely given us of God renewing and powerfully determining their wills n Ezek. 11. 19. I will give them one heart and I will put a new Spirit within you and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh and will give them an heart of flesh Ezek. 36. 26 29. A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh V. 29. I will also save you from all your uncleannesses and I will call for the corn and increase it and lay no famine upon you Joh. 6. 45. It is written in the Prophets And they shall be all taught of God every man therefore that hath heard and learned of the Father cometh unto me so as they although in themselves dead in sin are hereby made willing and able freely to answer his call and to accept and imbrace the grace offered and conveyed therein o Eph. 2. 5. Even when we were dead in sins hath quickned us together with Christ by grace ye are saved Phil. 2. 13. For it is God that worketh in you to will and to do of his good pleasure Deut. 30. 6. And the Lord thy God will circumcise thy heart and the heart of thy seed to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul that thou maist live Q. Are the Elect effectually called A. All the Elect and they onely are effectually called p Act. 13. 48. And when the Gentiles heard this they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed although others may be and often are outwardly called by the ministery of the Word q Mat. 22. 14. For many are called but few are chosen and have some common operations of the Spirit r Mat. 7. 22. Many will say unto me in that day Lord Lord Have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name cast out Divels and in thy name done many wonderful works Mat. 13. 20 21. But he that received the seed into stony places the same is he that heareth the word and anon with joy received it yet hath he not root in himself but dureth for a while for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word by and by he is offended Heb. 6. 4 5. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightned and have tasted of the heavenly gift and were made partakers of the holy Ghost and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come If they c. who for their wilful neglect and contempt of the grace offered to them being justly left in their unbelief do never truly come to Jesus Christ Å¿ Joh. 12. 38 39 40. That the saying of Esaias the Prophet might be fulfilled which he spake Lord who hath believed our report and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed V. 39 Therefore they could not believe because that Esaias said again V. 40. He hath blinded their eyes and hardned their heart that they should not see with their eyes and understand with their heart and be converted and I should heal them Act. 28. 25 26 27. And when they agreed not among themselves they departed after that Paul had spoken one word Well spake the Holy Ghost by the Prophet Esaias unto our Fathers saying V. 26. Go unto this people and say Hearing ye shall hear and shall not understand and seeing ye shall see and not perceive V. 27. For the heart of this people is waxed gross and their ears are dull of hearing and their eyes have they closed least they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears understand with their heart and be converted and I should heal them Joh. 6. 64 65. But there are some of you that believe not For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not and who should betray him V. 65. And he said Therefore said I unto you that no man can come unto me except it were given him of the Father Psal 81. 11 12. But my people would not hearken to my voice and Israel would have none of me so I gave them up to their own hearts lusts and they walked in their own counsels Q. What is the Communion in Grace which the Members of the Invisible Church have with Christ A. The Communion in Grace which the Members of the Invisible Church have with
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
of grace and that they shall persevere therein unto salvation A. Such as truly believe in Christ and endeavour to walk in all good conscience before him n 1 Joh. 2. 3. And hereby we do know that we know him if we keep his commandments may without extraordinary revelation by faith grounded upon the truth of Gods promises and by the Spirit enabling them to discern in themselves those graces to which the promises of life are made o 1 Cor. 2. 12. Now we have received not the Spirit of the world but the Spirit which is of God that we might know the things that are freely given us of God 1 Joh. 3. 14-18 19-21-24 We know that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren he that loveth not his brother abideth in death V. 18. My little children let us not love in word nor in tongue but in deed and in truth V. 19. And hereby we know we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before him V. 21. Beloved if our heart condemn us not then have we confidence towards God V. 24. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him and he in him and hereby we know that he abideth in us by the Spirit which he hath given us 1 Joh. 4. 13-16 Hereby we know that we dwell in him and he in us because he hath given us of his Spirit V. 16. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us God is love and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him Heb. 6. 11 12. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end V. 12. That ye be not slothful but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises and bearing witness with their Spirits that they are the children of God p Rom. 8. 16. The Spirit it self beareth witness with our Spirit that we are the children of God be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace and shall persevere therein unto salvation q 1 Joh. 5. 13. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God Q. Are all true believers at all times assured of their present being in the estate of grace and that they shall be saved A. Assurance of grace and salvation not being of the essence of faith r Eph. 1. 13. In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the word of truth the Gospel of your salvation in whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise true believers may wait long before they obtain it Å¿ Isa 50. 10. Who is among you that feareth the Lord that obeyeth the voice of his servant that walketh in darkness and hath no light let him trust in the Lord and stay upon his God Psal 88. throughout O Lord God of my salvation I have cried day and night c. and after the enjoyment thereof may have it weakened and intermitted through manifold distempers sins temptations and desertions t Psal 77 1. to the 12. verse I cried unto thee with my voice c. Cant. 5. 2 3 -6 I sleep but my heart waketh it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh saying Open to me my sister my love my dove my undefiled for my head is filled with dew and my locks with the drops of the night V. 3. I have put off my coat how shall I put it on I have washed my feet how shall I defile them V. 8. I opened to my beloved but my beloved had withdrawn himself and was gone my soul failed when he spake I sought him but I could not find him I called him but he gave me no answer Psal 51. 8-12 Make me to hear joy and gladnesse that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoyce V. 12. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free Spirit Psal 31. 22. For I said in my haste I am cut off from before thine eyes nevertheless thou heardst the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee Psal 22. 1. My God my God why hast thou forsaken me why art thou so far from helping me and from the words of my roaring yet are they never left without such a presence and support of the Spirit of God as keeps them from sinking into utter despair u 1 Joh. 3. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God Job 13. 15. Though he slay me yet will I trust in him but I will maintain mine own wayes before him Psal 73. 15 -23 If I say I will speak thus behold I should offend against the generation of thy children V. 23. Nevertheless I am continually with thee thou hast holden me by thy right hand Isa 54. 7 8 9 10. For a small moment have I forsaken thee but with great mercies will I gather thee V. 8. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee saith the Lord my Redeemer V. 9. For this is as the waters of Noah unto me for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah shall no more go over the earth so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee nor rebuke thee V. 10. For the mountaines shall depart and the hills shall be removed but my kindness shall not depart from thee neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee Q. What is the communion in Glory which the members of the Invisible Church have with Christ A. The communion in glory which the members of the Invisible Church have with Christ is in this life * 2 Cor. 3. 18. But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord. immediately after death x Luk. 23. 43. And Jesus said unto him Verily I say unto thee To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise and at last perfected at the resurrection and day of Judgment y 1 Thess 4. 17. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Q. What is the communion in Glory with Christ which the members of the Invisible Church enjoy in this life A. The members of the Invisible Church have communicated to them in this life the first fruits of glory with Christ as they are members of him their head and so in him are interested in that glory which he is fully
of the wicked are at death cast into hell where they remain in torments and utter darkness and their bodies kept in their graves as in their prisons till the resurrection and judgement of the great day Å¿ Luk. 16. 23 24. And in hell he lift up his eyes being in torments and seeth Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosome V. 24. And he cried and said Father Abraham have mercy on me and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue for I am tormented in this flame Act. 1. 25. That he may take part of this Ministery and Apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell that he might go to his own place Jude v. 6 7. And the Angels which kept not their first estate but left their own habitation he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgement of the great day V. 7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha and the Cities round about them in like manner giving themselves over to fornication and going after strange flesh are set forth for an example suffering the vengeance of eternal fire t Job 19. 26 27. And though after my skin worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God V. 27. Whom I shall see for my self and mine eyes shall behold and not another though my reins be consumed within me Q. What are we to believe concerning the Resurrection A. We are to believe that at the last day there shall be a general resurrection of the dead both of the just and unjust t Act 24. 15. And have hope towards God which they themselves also allow that there shall be a resurrection of the dead both of the just and unjust when they that are then found alive shall in a moment be changed and the self same bodies of the dead which were laid in the grave being then again united to their souls for ever shall be raised up by the power of Christ u 1 Cor. 15. 51 52 53. Behold I shew you a mystery we shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed V. 52. In a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last trump for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed V. 53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality 1 Thess 4. 15 16 17. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord that we who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them who are asleep V. 16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of the Archangel and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first V. 17. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Joh. 5. 28 29. Marvail not at this for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice V. 29. And shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation the bodies of the just by the Spirit of Christ and by vertue of his resurrection as their head shall be raised in power spiritual incorruptible and made like to his glorious body * 1 Cor. 15. 21 22 23 -42 43 44. For since by man came death by man came also the resurrection of the dead V. 22. For as in Adam all die even so in Christ shall all be made alive V. 23. But every man in his own order Christ the first fruits afterwards they that are Christs at his coming V. 42. So also is the resurrection of the dead it is sown in corruption it is raised in incorruption V. 43. It is sown in dishonour it is raised in glory it is sown in weakness it is raised in power V. 44. It is sown a natural body it is raised a Spiritual body Phil. 3. 21. Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself and the bodies of the wicked shall be raised up in dishonour by him as an offended Judge x Joh. 5. 27 28 29. And hath given him authority to execute judgement also because he is the son of man V. 28 Marvail not at this for the hour is coming in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice V. 29. And shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation Mat. 25. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand but the goats on the left Q. What shall immediately follow after the resurrection A. Immediately after the resurrection shall follow the general and final judgement of Angels and men y 2 Pet. 2. 4. For if God spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgement Jude v. 6 7-14 15. And the Angels which kept not their first station but left their own habitation he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgement of the great day V. 7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities about them in like manner giving themselves over to fornication and going after strange flesh are set forth for an example suffering the vengeance of eternal fire V. 14. And Enoch also the seventh from Adam prophesied of these saying Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his Saints V. 15. To execute judgement upon all and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him Mat. 25. 46. And those shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal the day and hour whereof no man knoweth that all may watch and pray and be ever ready for the coming of the Lord z Mat. 24. 36-42-44 But of that day and hour knowes no man no not the Angels of heaven but my Father onely V. 42. Watch therefore for ye know not the hour when your Lord doth come V. 44. Therefore be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh Luke 21. 35 36. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth V. 36. Watch ye therefore and pray alwayes that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of man Q. What shall be done to the wicked at the day of judgement A. At the day of judgement the wicked shall be set on Christs
the law V. 22. But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe and of the perfection of his obedience a Rom. 10. 4. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth Q. What particular use is there of the Moral law to unregenerate men A. The Morall Law is of use to unregenerate men to awaken their consciences to fly from wrath to come b 1 Tim. 1. 9 10. Knowing this that the Law is not made for a righteous man but for the lawless and disobedient for the ungodly and sinners for unholy and profane for murderers of fathers and murtherers of mothers for man-slayers V. 10. For whore-mongers for them that defile themselves with man-kind for men-stealers for liars for perjured persons and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine and to drive them to Christ c Gal. 3. 24. Wherefore the Law was our School Master to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by faith or upon their continuance in the estate and way of sin to leave them inexcusable d Rom. 1. 20. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are cleerly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternal power and Godhead so that they are without excuse Compared with Rom. 2. 15. Which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts their consciences also bearing witness and their thoughts the meane while accusing one another and under the curse thereof e Gal. 3. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all the things which are written in the book of the Law to do them Q. What special use is there of the Moral Law to the regenerate A. Although they that are regenerate and believe in Christ be delivered from the Moral Law as a Covenant of works f Rom. 6. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you for ye are not under the law but under grace Rom. 7. 4 6. Wherefore my brethren ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ that ye should be married to another even to him who is raised from the dead that we should bring forth fruit unto God V. 6. But now we are delivered from the law that being dead wherein we were held that we should serve in newness of spirit and not in the oldness of the letter Gal. 4. 4 5. But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his son made of a woman made under the law V. 5. To redeem them that were under the Law that we might receive the adoption of sons so as thereby they are neither justified g Rom. 3. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the Law shall no flesh be justified in his sight for by the law is the knowledge of sin nor condemned h Gal. 5. 23. Meekness Temperance against such there is no law Rom. 8. 1. There is now therefore no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit yet beside the general uses thereof common to them with all men it is of special use to shew them how much they are bound to Christ for his fulfilling it and enduring the curse thereof in their stead and for their good i Rom. 7. 24 25. O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from this body of death V. 25. I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord so then with the mind I my self serve the law of God but with the flesh the law of sin Gal. 3. 13 14. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us for it is written Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree V. 14. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith Rom. 8. 3 4. For what the law could not do for that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinfull flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh V. 4. That the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit and thereby to provoke them to more thankfuluess k Luk. 1. 68 69 74 75. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel who hath visited and redeemed his people V. 69. And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David V. 74. That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without feare V. 75. In holiness and righteousness before him all the daies of our life Col. 1. 12 13 14. Giving thanks unto the father who hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light V. 13. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the Kingdom of his dear Son V. 14. In whom we have redemption through his blood even the forgiveness of sins and to express the same in their greater care to conform themselves thereunto as the rule of their obedience l Rom. 7. 22. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man Rom. 12. 2. And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mindes that ye may prove what is that good that acceptable and perfect will of God Tit. 2. 11 12 13 14. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men V. 12. Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present evil world V. 13. Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Lord Jesus Christ V. 14. Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purifie unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works Q. Where is the Moral Law summarily comprehended A. The Morall Law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments which were delivered by the voice of God upon mount Sinai and written by him in two tables of stone m Deut. 10. 4. And he wrote in the Tables according to the first writing the ten Commandments which the Lord spake unto you in the Mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly and the Lord gave them unto me Exod. 34. 1 2 3 4. And the Lord said unto Moses Hew thee â—wo Tables of stone like unto the first and I will write upon these Tables the words that were in the first Tables which thou brakest V. 2. And be ready in the morning and come up into Mount Sinai and present thy self there to me in the top of
the mount V. 3. And no man shall come up with thee c. V. 4. And he hewed two Tables of stone like the first and rose early in the morning and went up into Mount Sinai as the Lord had commanded him and took in his hand the two Tables of stone and are recorded in the twentieth chapter of Exodus the four first Commandments containing our duty to God and the other six our duty to man n Matth. 22. 37 38 39 40. Jesus said unto him Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind V. 38. This is that first and great Commandment V. 39. And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self V. 40. On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets Q. What Rules are to be observed for the right understanding of the ten Commandments A. For the right understanding of the ten Commandments these rules are to be observed 1. That the Law is perfect and bindeth every one to full conformity in the whole man unto the righteousness thereof and unto intire obedience for ever so as to require the utmost perfection of every duty and to forbid the least degree of every sin o Psal 19. 7. The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul the testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple Jam. 2. 10. For whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all Mat. 5. 21. to the end Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time Thou shalt not kill But I say and so on to the end 2. That it is spiritual and so reacheth the Understanding Will Affections and all other powers of the soul as well as words works and gestures p Rom. 7. 14. For we know that the law is spiritual but I am carnal sold under sin Deut. 6. 5. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy might Compared with Mat. 22. 37 38 39. Jesus said unto him Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind V. 38. This is the first and great Commandment V. 39. And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Matt. 5. 21 22-27 28 36. to the end Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time Thou shalt not kill and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgement V. 22. But I say unto you that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement and whosoever shall say to his brother Raca shall be in danger of the Council but whosoever shall say Thou fool shall be in danger of hell-fire V. 27. Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time Thou shalt not commit adultery But I say unto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart V. 36. Neither shalt thou swear by thine head c. to the end of the chapter 3. That one and the same thing in divers respects is required or forbidden in several Commandments q Col. 3. 5. Mortifie therefore your members which are upon the earth fornication uncleanness inordinate affection evil concupiscence and covetousness which is idolatry Amos 8. 5. Saying when will the New Moon be gone that we may sell corn and the sabbath that we may set forth wheat making the Ephah small and the shekel great and falsifying the balances by deceit Pro. 1. 19. So are the wayes of every one that is greedy of gain which taketh away the life of the owners thereof 1 Tim. 6. 10. For the love of money is the root of all evil which while some have coveted after they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrowes 4. That as where a duty is commanded the contrary sin is forbidden r Isa 58. 13. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day and call the Sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and shalt honour him not doing thine own wayes nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words Deut. 6. 13. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God and serve him and shalt swear by his Name Compared with Mat. 4. 9 10. And saith unto him All these things will I give thee if thou wilt fall down and worship me V. 10. Then said Jesus unto him Get thee hence Satan for it is written Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him onely shalt thou serve Mat. 15. 4 5 6. For God commanded saying Honour thy father and thy mother and he that curseth father or mother let him die the death V. 5. But ye say that whosoever shall say to his father or mother It is a gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me And honour not his father or his mother he shall be free Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition and where a sin is forbidden the contrary duty is commanded Å¿ Mat. 5. 21 22 23 24 25. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time Thou shalt not kill and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgement V. 22. But I say unto you whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement and whosoever shall say to his brother Raca shall be in danger of the Council but whosoever shall say Thou fool shall be in danger of Hell fire V. 23. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the Altar and there remember that thy brother hath ought against thee V. 24. Leave there thy gift and go thy way first be reconciled to thy brother and then come and offer thy gift V. 25. Agree with thine adversary while thou art in the way with him least c. Eph. 4. 28. Let him that stole steal no more but rather let him work with his hands the thing that is good that he may have to give to him that needeth so where a promise is annexed the contrary threatning is included t Exod. 20. 12. Honour thy father and mother that thy dayes may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Compared with Prov. 30. 17. The eye that mocketh at his father and despiseth to obey his mother the ravens of the valleys shall pick it out and the young eagles shall eat it and where a threatning is annexed the contrary promise is included u Jer. 18. 7 8. At what instant I shall speak concerning a Nation or Kingdom to pluck up and to pull down and to destroy it V. 8. If that nation against whom I have pronounced turn from their evil I will repent of the evil
that I thought to do unto them Exod. 20. 7. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltlesse that taketh his name in vain Compared with Psal 15. 1 -4 5 Lord who shall abide in thy Tabernacle and who shall dwell in thy holy Hill V. 4. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned but he honoureth them that fear the Lord he that sweareth to his own hurt and changeth not V. 5. He that putteth not his money out to usury nor He that doth these things shall never be moved And with Psal 24. 4 5. He that hath clean hands and a pure heart who hath not lift up his hands unto vanity nor sworn deceitfully V. 5. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation 5. That what God forbids is at no time to be done * Job 13. 7 8. Will ye speak wickedly for God and talk deceitfully for him V. 8. Will ye accept his person will ye contend for God Rom 3. 8. And not rather as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say Let us do evil that good may come whose damnation is just Job 36. 21. Take heed regard not iniquity for this hast thou chosen rather then affliction Heb. 11. 25. Chusing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season what he commands is alwayes our duty x Deut. 4. 8 9. And what nation is there so great that hath statutes and judgements so righteous as all this law which I set before you this day V. 9. Onely take heed to thy self and keep thy soul diligently least thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen and least they depart from thy heart all the dayes of thy life but teach them thy sons and thy sons sons and yet every particular duty is not to be done at all times y Mat. 12. 7. But if ye had known what this meaneth I will have mercy and not sacrifice ye would not have condemned the guiltless 6. That under one sin or duty all of the same kind are forbidden or commanded together with all the causes means occasions and appearances thereof and provocations thereunto z Matt. 5. 21 22-27 28. See s before V. 27. Ye have heard that it hath been said of old Thou shalt not commit adultery But I say unto you whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart Mat. 15. 4 5 6. For God commanded saying Honour thy father and thy mother and he that curseth his father and his mother let him die the death V. 5. But ye say that whosoever shall say to his father or mother It is a gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me and honour not his father and his mother he shall be free thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition Heb. 10. 24 25. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and unto good works V. 25. Not forsaking the assembling of our selves together as the manner of some is but exhorting one another and so much the more as ye see the day approaching 1 Thess 5. 22. Abstain from all appearance of evil Jude v. 23. And others save with fear pulling them out of the fire hating even the garment spotted by the flesh Gal. 5. 26. Let us not be desirous of vain-glory provoking one another envying one another Col. 3. 21. Fathers provoke not your children to anger least they be discouraged 7. That what is forbidden or commanded to our selves we are bound according to our places to endeavour that it may be avoided or performed by others according to the duty of their places a Exod. 20. 10 But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt do no manner of work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter nor thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor the stranger that is within thy gates Lev. 19. 17. Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour and not suffer sin upon him Gen. 18. 19. For I know him that he will command his children and his houshold after him and they shall keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgement that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoke of him Josh 24. 15. And if it seem evil to you to serve the Lord chuse you this day whom ye will serve but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Deut. 6. 6 7. And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thy heart and thou shalt teach them diligently to thy children and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house and when thou walkest by the way and when thou liest down and when thou risest up 8. That in what is commanded to others we are bound according to our places and callings to be helpful to them b 2 Cor. 1. 24. Not for that we have dominion over your faith but are helpers of your joy and to take heed of pertaking with others in what is forbidden them c 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins keep thy self pure Eph. 5. 11. And have no fellowship with the unprofitable works of darkness but rather reprove them Q. What special things are we to consider in the ten Commandments A. We are to consider in the ten Commandments the Preface the substance of the Commandments themselves and several reasons annexed to some of them the more to inforce them Q. What is the Preface to the Commandments A. The Preface to the Commandments is contained in these words I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage d Exod. 20. 2. wherein God manifesteth his Soveraignty as being Jehovah the Eternal Immutable and Almighty God e Isai 44. 6. Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel and his Redeemer the Lord of hosts I am the first and I am the last and besides me there is no God having his Being in and of himself f Exod. 3. 14. And God said unto Moses I AM THAT I AM and he said Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel I AM hath sent me unto you and giving being to all his words g Ex. 6. 3. And I appeared unto Abraham and Isaac and Jacob by the name of God Almighty but by my name Jehovah was I not known to them and works h Act. 17. 24-28 God that made the world and all things therein seeing that he is Lord of heaven and of earth dwelleth not in temples made with hands V. 28. For in him we live and move and have our being as certain also of your
the stedfastness of your faith in Christ vain credulity d 1 Joh. 4. 1. Beloved believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they be of God because many false Prophets are gone out into the world unbelief e Heb. 3. 12. Take heed brethren lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God heresie f Gal. 5. 20. Idolatry Witch-craft Hatred Variance Emulations Wrath Strife Seditions Heresies Tit. 3. 10. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject misbelief g Act. 26. 9. I verily thought with my self that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth distrust h Psal 78. 22. Because they believed not in God nor trusted in his salvation despair i Gen. 4. 13. And Cain said unto the Lord My punishment is greater then I can hear incorrigibleness k Jer. 5. 3. O Lord are not thine eyes upon the truth thou hast stricken them but they have not grieved thou hast consumed them but they have refused to receive correction they have made their faces harder then a rock they have refused to return insensibleness under judgements l Isai 42. 25. Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger and the strength of battel and it hath set him on fire round about yet he knew it not and it burned him yet he laid it not to heart hardness of heart m Rom. 2. 5. But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thy self wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God pride n Jer. 13. 15. Hear ye and give ear be not proud for the Lord hath spoken it presumption o Psal 19. 13. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins let them not have dominion over me then shall I be upright innocent from the great transgression carnal security p Zeph. 1. 12. And it shall come to pass at that time that I will search Jerusalem with candles and punish the men that are setled on their lees that say in their hearts The Lord will not do good neither will he do evil tempting of God q Mat. 4. 7. Jesus said unto him it is written again Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God using unlawful means r Rom. 3. 8. And not rather as we be slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say Let us do evil that good may come whose damnation is just and trusting in lawful means Å¿ Jer. 17. 5. Thus saith the Lord Cursed be the man that trusteth in man and maketh flesh his arm and whose heart departeth from the Lord. carnal delights and joyes t 2 Tim. 3. 4. Traitors heady high-minded lovers of pleasure more then lovers of God corrupt blind and indiscreet zeal u Gal. 4. 17. They zealously affect you but not well yea they would exclude you that ye might affect them Joh. 16. 2. Yea the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think that he doth God good service Rom. 10. 2. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God but not according to knowledge Luk. 9. 54 55. And when his disciples James and John saw this they said Lord wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven and consume them even as Elias did V. 55. But he turned and rebuked them and said Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of luke-warmness * Rev. 3. 16. So then because thou art luke-warm and neither cold nor hot I will spew thee out of my mouth and deadness in the things of God x Rev. 3. 1. And unto the Angel in the Church of Sardis write These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars I know thy works that thou hast a name that thou livest and art dead estranging our selves and apostatizing from God y Ezek. 14. 5. That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart because they are all estranged from me through their Idols Isa 1. 4 5. Ah sinfull Nation a people laden with iniquity a seed of evil-doers children that are corrupters they have forsaken the Lord they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger they are gone backward V. 5. Why should ye be stricken any more ye will revolt more and more the whole head is sick c. praying or giving any religious worship to Saints Angels or any other creatures z Rom. 10. 13 14. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved V. 14. How then shall they call upon him in whom they have not believed and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher Hos 4. 12. My people ask counsel at their stocks and their staff declareth unto them for the spirit of whoredomes hath caused them to erre and they have gone a whoring from under their God Act. 10. 25 26. And as Peter was coming in Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshipped him V. 26. But Peter took him up saying stand up I my selfe also am a man Rev. 19. 10. I fell at his feet to worship him and he said unto me See thou do it not I am thy fellow-servant and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus worship God for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy Mat. 4. 10. Then said Jesus unto him Get thee hence Sathan for it is written Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him onely shall thou serve Col. 2. 18. Let no mâ—n beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of Angels intruding into those things which he hath not seen vainly puft up by his fleshly mind Rom. 1. 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creature more then the Creator who is blessed for ever Amen all compacts and consulting with the devil a Lev. 20. 6. And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits and after wizards to go a whoring after them I will even set my face against that soul and will cut him off from among his people 1 Sam. 28. 7-11 Then said Saul to his servants Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit that I may go to her and enquire of her and his servant said unto him Behold there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor V. 11. Then said the woman whom shall I bring up unto thee and he said bring me up Samuel Compared with 1 Chron. 10. 13 14. So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord even against the word of the Lord which he kept not also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit to enquire of it V. 14. And enquired not of the Lord therefore
Altar and ye say Where have we polluted thee In that ye say The table of the Lord is contemptible V. 8. And if ye offer the blind for a sacrifice is it not evil and if the lame and sick is it not evil Offer it now to thy Governor will he be pleased with thee or accept thy person saith the Lord of hosts V. 14. But cursed be the deceiver who 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 adding to it taking from it o Deut. 4. 2. Ye shall not adde unto the word which I command you nor shall ye diminish ought from it that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you whether invented and taken up of our selves p Psal 106. 39. Thus were they defiled with their own works and went a whoring with their own inventions or received by tradition from others q Mat. 15. 9. But in vain do they worship me teaching for doctrine the commandments of men though under the title of Antiquity r 1 Pet. 1. 18. Forasmuch as ye know ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers Custome Å¿ Jer. 44. 17. But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth to burn incense to the Queen of heaven and to pour out drink-offerings unto her as we have done we and our fathers our Kings and our Princes in the Cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem for then we had plenty of victuals and were well and saw no evil Devotion t Isa 65. 3. 4 5. A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face that sacrificeth in gardens and burns incense upon Altars of brick V. 4. Which remain among the graves and lodge in the monuments which cat swines flesh and broth of abominable things is in their vessels V. 5. Which say Stand by thy self come not neer me for I am holier then thou these are a smoke in my nose a fire that burns all the day Gal. 1. 13 14. For ye have heard of my conversation in times past in the Jewes religion how that beyond measure I persecuted the Church of God and wasted it V. 14. And profited in the Jewes religion above many mine equals in mine own nation being exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers good Intent or any other pretence whatsoever u 1 Sam. 15. 21. But the people said Saul took of the spoil sheep and oxen the chief of those things which should have been utterly destroyed to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in Gilgal fimony * Act. 8. 18. And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the Apostles hands the Holy Ghost was given he offered them money sacriledge x Rom. 2. 22. Thou that abhorrest Idols dost thou commit sacriledge Mal. 3. 8. Will a man rob God yet ye have robbed me But ye say Wherein have we robbed thee in tithes and offerings all neglect y Exod. 4. 24 25. And it came to pass by the way in the Inne that the Lord met him and sought to kill him V. 25. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her son and cast it at his feet c. contempt z Mat. 22. 5. But they made light of it and went their way one to his farm another to his merchandize Mal. 1. 7-13 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. 13. Ye said also Behold what a weariness is it and ye have snuffed at it saith the Lord of hosts and ye brought that which was torn and the lame and sick should I accept this of your hand saith the Lord. hindering a Mat. 23. 13. But wo unto you Scribes and Pharisees hypocrites for ye shut up the kingdome of heaven against men for ye neither go in your selves nor suffer them that are entring to go in and opposing the worship and Ordinances which God hath appointed b Act. 13. 44 45. And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole City together to hear the word of God V. 45. But when the Jews saw the multitudes they were filled with envy and spake against those things which weee spoken by Paul contradicting and blaspheming 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 that they might be saved to fill up their sins alwayes for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost Q What are the Reasons annexed to the second Commandment the more to enforce it A. The Reasons annexed to the second Commandment the more to enforce it contained in these words For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquities 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 c Exod. 20. 5 6. are besides Gods soveraignty over us and property in us d Psal 45. 11. So shall the King greatly desire thy beauty for he is thy Lord and worship thou him 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 works 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 judgements are made manifest his fervent zeal for his own worship e 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 and his revengeful indignation against all false worship as being a spiritual whoredom f 1 Cor. 10. 20 21 22. But I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to Devils and not to God and I would not ye should have fellowship with Devils V. 21. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of Devils ye cannot be partakers of the Lords table and the table of Devils V. 22. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousie are we stronger then he Jer. 7. 18 19 20. The children gather wood and the fathers kindle the fire and the women knead their dough to make cakes to the Queen of heaven and to pour out drink-offerings to other gods that they may provoke me to anger V. 19. Do they provoke me
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
see afar off and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins and offensive walkings q Rom. 2. 23 24. Thou that makest thy boast of the law through breaking the law dishonourest thou God V. 24. For the Name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you as it is written or backsliding from it r Gal. 3. 1 3. O foolish Galatians who hath betwitched that you should not obey the truth before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth crucified among you V. 3. Are ye so foolish having begun in the spirit are ye now made perfect in the flesh Heb. 6. 6. If they shall fall away to renew them again unto repentance seeing they crucifie to themselves afresh the Son of God and put him to open shame Q. What Reasons are annexed to the third Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the third Commandment in these words The Lord thy God and For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain Å¿ Exod. 20. 7. are because he is the Lord and our God and therefore his Name is not to be profaned or any way abused by us t Lev. 19. 12. And ye shall not swear by my Name falsely neither shalt thou profane the Name of thy God I am the Lord. especially because he is so far from acquitting and sparing the transgressors of this Commandment as that he will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgement u Ezek. 36. 21 22 23. But I had pity for mine holy Name which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen whither they went V. 22. Therefore say unto the house of Israel Thus saith the Lord God I do not this for your sakes O house of Israel but for mine holy Names sake which ye have profaned among the heathen whither ye went V. 23. I will sanctifie my great Name which was profaned among the heathen which ye have profaned in the midst of them and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord saith the Lord God when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes Deut. 28. 58 59. If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this Law that are written in this book that thou maist fear this glorious and fearful Name THE LORD THY GOD. V. 59. Then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful and the plagues of thy seed even great plagues and of long continuance and sore sicknesses and of long continuance Zech. 5. 2 3 4. And he said unto me What seest thou and I answered I see a flying roll the length thereof twenty cubits and the breadth thereof thirty cubits V. 3. Then said he unto me This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it V. 4. I will bring it forth saith the Lord of hosts and it shall enter into the house of the thief and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my Name albeit many such escape the censures and punishments of men * 1 Sam. 2. 12 -17.-22.-24 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial they knew not the Lord. V. 17. Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord for men abhorred the offering of the Lord. V. 22. Now Eli was very old and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation V. 24. Nay my sons for it is no good report that I hear ye make the Lords people to transgress Compared with 1 Sam. 3. 13. For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth because his sons made themselves vile and he restrained them not Q. Which is the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment is Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy six dayes shalt thou labour and do all thy worke but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates for in six dayes the Lord made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it x Exod. 20. 8 9 10 11. Q. What is required in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment requireth of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God such set time as he hath appointed in his Word expresly one whole day in seven which was the seventh from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ and the first day of the week ever since and so to continue to the end of the world which is the Christian Sabbath y Deut. 5. 12 13 14. Keep the Sabbath day to sanctifie it as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee V. 13. Six dayes shalt thou labour and do all thy work V. 14. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter nor thy man-servant nor thy maid servant nor thine ox nor thine asse nor any of thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates that thy man-servant and thy maid-servant may rest as well as thou Gen. 2. 2 3. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he made V. 3. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because that in it he rested from all his work which God created and made 1 Cor. 16. 1 2. Now concerning the collection for the saints as I have given order to the Churches of Galatia so do ye V. 2. The first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him that there be no gatherings when I come Act. 20. 7. And upon the first day of the week when the disciples came together to break bread Paul preacht to them ready to depart on the morrow c. Mat. 5. 17 18. Think not that I come to destroy the Law or the Prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfil V. 18. For verily I say unto you till heaven and earth pass one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled Isai 56. 2 -4 6 7. Blessed is the man that doth this and the son of man that layeth hold on it that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it and keepeth his hand from doing evil V. 4. For thus saith the Lord unto the Eunuchs that keep my Sabbaths and chuse the things that please me and take hold of my Covenant V. 6. Also the
that there should be no burden brought in on the Sabbath day Q. Why is the charge of keeping the Sabbath more specially directed to governours of families and other superiours A. The charge of keeping the Sabbath is more specially directed to governours of families and other superiours because they are bound not only to keep it themselves but to see that it be observed by all those that are under their charge and because they are prone oft times to hinder them by imployments of their own f Exod. 20. 10. In it thou shalt do no manner of work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter nor thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor the stranger that is within thy gates Josh 24. 15. but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Neh. 13. 15-17 In those dayes saw I in Judah some treading the wine-presses c. See above in b Jer. 17. 20 21 22. And say unto them Hear the word of the Lord ye Kings of Judah and all Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem that enter in by these gates V. 21. Thus saith the Lord Take heed to your selves and bear no burden on the Sabbath day c. See above in b Exod. 23. 12. Six dayes shalt thou do thy work and on the seventh day thou shalt rest that thine oxe and thine asse may rest and the son of thine hand-maid and the stranger may be refreshed Q. What are the sins forbidden in the fourth Commandment A. The sins forbidden in the fourth Commandment are all omissions of the duties required g Ezek. 22. 26. Her Priests have violated my law and profaned mine holy things they have put no difference between the holy and profane neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and clean they have hid their eyes from my Sabbaths and I am profaned among them all careless negligent and unprofitable performing of them and being weary of them h Act. 20. 7 -9 And upon the first day of the week when the Disciples came together to break bread Paul Preached unto them ready to depart on the morrow and continued his speech until midnight V. 9. And there sate in a window a certain young man named Eutychus being fallen into a deep sleep and as Paul was long preaching he sunk down with sleep and fell down from the third loft and was taken up dead Ezek. 33. 30 31 32. Also thou son of man the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls and in the doors of the houses and speak one to another every one to his brother saying Come I pray you and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the Lord. V. 31. And they come unto thee as the people cometh and sit before thee as my people and hear my words but they will not do them for with their mouth they shew much love but their heart runneth after their covetousness V. 32. And lo thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument for they hear thy words but they do them not Amos 8. 5. Saying When will the new Moon be gone that we may sell corn and the sabbath that we may set forth wheat making the Ephah small and the shekel great falsifying the balances by deceit Mal. 1. 13. Ye said also Behold what a weariness is it and ye snuffed at it saith the Lord of hosts and ye brought that which was torn and the lame and the sick thus ye brought an offering Should I accept this of your hand saith the Lord all profaning the day by idleness and doing that which is in it self finful i Eze. 23. 38. Moreover this they have done to me They have defiled my sanctuary in the same day and have profaned my Sabbaths and by all needless works words and thoughts about our worldly imployments and recreations k Jer. 17. 24 -27 And it shall come to passe if ye diligently hearken unto me saith the Lord to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day but Hallow the Sabbath day to do no work therein V. 27. But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the Sabbath and not to bear a burden even entring in at the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem and shall not be quenched Isai 58. 13. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day and call the Sabbath a delight the Holy of the Lord honourable and shall honour him not doing thine own wayes nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment the more to enforce it A. The Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment the more to enforce it are taken from the equity of it God allowing us six dayes of seven for our own affairs and reserving but one for himself in these words Six dayes shalt thou labour and do all thy work l Exod. 20. 9. from Gods challenging a special propriety in that day The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God m Exod. 20. 10. from the example of God who in six dayes made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day and from that blessing which God put upon that day not onely in sanctifying it to be a day for his service but in ordaining it to be a meanes of blessing to us in our sanctifying it wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hollowed it n Exod. 20. 11. Q. Why is the word Remember set in the beginning of the fourth Commandment A. The word Remember is set in the beginning of the fourth Commandment o Exo. 20. 8. partly because of the great benefit of remembring it we being thereby helped in our preparation to keep it p Exo. 16. 23. And he said unto them This is that which the Lord hath said To morrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord bake that which ye will bake to day and seeth that ye will seeth and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept till morning Luk. 23. 54 -56 And that day was the Preparation and the sabbath drew on V. 56. And they returned and prepared spices and ointments and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment Compared with Mar. 15. 42. And now when the even was come because it was the preparation that is the day before the sabbath Neh. 13. 19. And it came to passe that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the Sabbath I commanded that the gates should be shut and charged that they should not be opened till after the Sabbath and in keeping it better to keep all the rest of the Commandments q Psal 92.
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
and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed V. 31. Behold the dayes come that I will cut off thine arm and the arm of thy fathers house that there shall not be an old man in thine house Q. What are the duties of equals A. The duties of equals are to regard the dignity and worth of each other (p) 1 Pet. 2. 17. Honour all men love the brother-hood fear God honour the King in giving honour to go one before another (q) Rom. 12. 10. Be kindly affectioned one towards another with brotherly love in honour preferring one another and to rejoyce in each others gifts and advancement s as in their own r Rom. 12. 15 16. Rejoyce with them that do rejoyce and weep with them that weep V. 16. Be of the same mind one towards another mind not high things but condescend to men of low estate c. Phil. 2. 3 4. Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better then themselves V. 4. Look not every man on his own things but every man also on the things of others Q. What are the sinnes of equals A. The sins of equals are beside the neglect of the duties required (Å¿) Rom. 13. 8. O we no man any thing but to love one another for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the Law the undervaluing of the worth (t) 2 Tim. 3. 3. Without natural affection c. envying the gifts (u) Act. 7. 9. And the Patriarchs moved with envy sold Joseph into Egypt but God was with him Gal. 5. 26. Let us not be desirous of vain glory provoking one another envying one another grieving at the advancement or prosperity one of another (*) Num. 12. 2. And they said Hath the Lord indeed only spoken by Moses hath he not also spoken by us and the Lord heard it Esth 6. 12 13. And Mordecai came again to the Kings gate but Haman hasted to his house mourning and having his head covered V. 13. And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had be fallen him Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him if Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews before whom thou hast begun to fall thou shalt not prevail against him but shalt surely fall before him and usurping preheminence one over another (x) 3 Joh. ver 9. I wrote unto the Church but Diotrephes who loveth to have the preheminence amongst them receiveth us not Luke 22. 24. And there was also a strife among them which of them should be the greatest Q. What is the Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment the more to enforce it A. The Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment in these words That thy dayes may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee (y) Exod. 20. 12. is an expresse promise of long life and prosperity as far as it shall serve for Gods glory and their own good to all such as keep this Commandment (z) Deut. 5. 16. Honor thy father and thy mother as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee that thy dayes may be prolonged and that it may go well with thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee 1 King 8. 25. Therefore now Lord God of Israel keep with thy servant David my father that which thou promisedst him saying There shall not fail thee a man in thy sight to sit on the throne of Israel so that thy children take heed to their way that they walk before me as thou hast walked before me Eph. 6. 2 3. Honour thy father and thy mother which is the first Commandment with promise V. 3. That it may be well with thee and thou maist live long on the earth Q. Which is the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment is Thou shalt not kill (a) Exod. 20. 43. Q. What are the duties required in the sixth Commandment A. The duties required in the sixth Commandment are all careful studies and lawful endeavours to preserve the life of our selves (b) Eph. 5. 28 29. So their own wives as their own bodies He that loveth his wife loveth himself V. 29. For no man ever hated his own flesh but nourisheth and cherisheth it even as the Lord the Church and others (c) 1 King 18. 4. For it was so when Jezebel cut off the Prophets of the Lord that Obadiah took an hundred Prophets and bid them by fifty in a cave and fed them with bread and water by resisting all thoughts and purposes d Jer. 26. 15 16. But know ye for certain that if ye put me to death ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon your selves and upon this City and upon the inhabitants thereof for of a truth the Lord hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears V. 16. Then said the Princes and all the people to the Prophets This man is not worthy to die for he hath spoken unto us in the Name of the Lord our God Act. 23. 12-16 17-21-27 And when it was day certain of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under a curse saying That they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul V. 16. And when Pauls sisters sen heard of their lying in wait he went and entred into the Castle and told Paul V. 17. Then Paul called one of the Centurions unto him and said Bring this young man unto the chief Captain for he hath a certain thing to tell him V. 21. There lie in wait for him more then sorty men which have bound themselves with an oath that and now are they ready looking for a promise from thee V. 27. This man was taken of the Jews and should have been killed of them then came I with an army and rescued him having understood that he was a Roman subduing all passions e Eph. 4. 26 27. Be ye angry and sin not let not the sun go down upon your wrath V. 27. Neither give place to the devil and avoiding all occasions f 2 Sam. 2. 22. And Abner said again to Asahel Turn thee aside from following me wherefore should I smite thee to the ground how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother Deut. 22. 8. When thou buildest a new house then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof that thou bring not blood upon thy house if any man fall from thence temptations g Mat. 4. 6 7. And saith unto him If thou be the Son of God cast thy self down for it is written He shall give his angels charge over thee and in their hands they shall bear thee up least at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone V. 7. Jesus said unto him It is written again Thou shall not tempt the Lord thy God Pro. 1. 10 11-15 16. My son if sinners entice thee consent thou not V. 11. If they say
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
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
4. Who have said with our tongues we will prevail our lips are our own who is Lord over us Ps 52. 1 2 3 4. Why boastest thou thy self in mischief O thou mighty man the goodness of God endureth continually v. 2. Thy tongue deviseth mischief like a sharp razor working deceitfully v. 3. Thou lovest evil more then good lying rather then to speak righteousness Selah v. 4. Thou lovest all devouring words O thou deceitful tongue passing unjust sentence (g) Prov. 17. 15. He that justified the wicked and he that condemneth the just even they both are abomination unto the Lord. 1 King 21. from ver 9. to the 14. And Jezebel wrote in the letter saying Proclaim a fast and set Naboth on high and set two men sons of Belial before him to bear witness against him saying Thou didst blaspheme God and the King and then carry him out stone him v. 11. And the men of the city even the Elders and the Nobles did so as Jezebel had sent unto them And they stoned him with stones that he died calling evil good good evil rewarding the wicked according to the work of the righteous and the righteous according to the work of the wicked (h) Isai 5. 23. Who justify the wicked for a reward take away the righteousness of the righteous from him forgery (i) Psal 119. 69. The proud have forged a lye against me but I will keep c. Luke 19. 8. And Zacheus stood and said unto the Lord Behold Lord the half my goods I give to the poor and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation I restore him four-fold Luke 16. 5 6 7. So he called every one of his Lords debtors unto him and said unto the first how much owest thou unto my Lord v. 6. And he said an hundred measures of oil And he said unto him Take thy bill and write fifty v. 7. Then said he to another c. concealing the truth undue silence in a just cause (k) Lev. 5. 1. And if a Soul sin and hear the voice of swearing and is a witness whether he hath seen or known of it if he do not utter it then he shall bear his iniquity Deut. 13. 8. Thou shalt not consent unto him nor hearken unto him nor shall thine eye pity him nor shalt thou spare nor shalt thou â—onceal him Act. 5. 3-8 9. But Peter said Ananias why hath Satan filled thy heart to lye to the Holy Ghost and to keep back part of the price of the land v. 8. And Peter answered unto her tell me whether you sold the land for so much And she said yea for so much v. 9. Then Peter said unto her How is it that ye have agreed together to temp the Spirit of the Lord Behold the feet of c. 2 Tim. 4. 16. At my first answer no man stood with me but all men forsook me I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge holding our peace when iniquity calleth for either a reproof from our selves (l) 1 King 1. 6. And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying why hast thou done so Lev. 19. 17. Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy brother and not suffer sin upon him or complaint to others (m) Isai 59. 4. None called for justice nor any pleadeth for truth they trust in vanity and speaklyes they conceive mischief and bring forth iniquity speaking the truth unseasonably (n) Prov. 19. 11. A fool uttereth all his mind but a wise man keepeth it till afterwards or maliciously to a wrong end (o) 1 Sam. 12. 9 10. Then answered Doeg the Edomite who was set over the servants of Saul and said I saw the son of Jesse coming to Noh to Abimelech the son of Ahitub v. 10. And he enquired of the Lord for him and gave him victuals and the sword of Goliah the Philistim Compared with Psal 52. 1 2 3 4. A Psalm of David when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul c. v. 1. Why boastest thou thy self in mischief O mighty man the goodness of God c. and so on to v. 5. or perverting it to a wrong meaning (p) Psal 56 6. Every day they wrest my words all their thoughts are against me for evil Joh. 2. 19. Jesus answered and said unto them Destroy this Temple in three dayes I will raise it up Compared with Matt. 26. 60 61 At the last came two false witnesses v. 61 And said This follow said I am able to destroy the Temple of God and to build it in three dayes or in doubtful and equivocal expressions to the prejudice of truth or justice (q) Gen. 3. 5. For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof then your eyes shall be opened and ye shall be as Gods knowing good and evil Gen. 26. 7-9 And the men of the place asked him of his wife and he said She is my sister for he feared to say she is my wife lest c. speaking untruth (r) Isai 59. 13. In transgressing and lying against the Lord and departing away from our God speaking oppression and revolt conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falshood lying (Å¿) Lev. 19. 11. Ye shall not steal nor deal falsly nor lie one to another Col. 3. 9. Lie not one to another seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds slandering (t) Psal 50. 20. Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother thou slanderest thine own mothers son backbiting (u) Psal 15. 3. He that backhiteth not with his tongue nor doth evil to his neighbor nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour detracting (*) Jam. 4. 11. Speak not evil one of another Brethren he that speaketh evil of his brother and judgeth his brother speaketh evil of the law and judgeth rhe law but if thou judg the law thou art not a doer of the law but a judge Jer. 38. 4. Therefore the Princes said unto the King we beseech thee let this man be put to death for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in the city and of all the people in speaking such words unto them for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people but the hurt tale-bearing (x) Lev. 19. 16. Thou shalt not go up and down as a tale bearer among thy people neither shalt thou stand against the good of thy neighbour I am the Lord. whispering (y) Rom. 1. 29 30. Bring filled with all unrighteousness fornication wickedness covetousness maliciousness full of envy murder debate deceit malignity whisperers v. 30. Back-biters haters of God c. scoffing (z) Gen. 21. 6. And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian which she had born unto Abrabaâ— mocking Compared with Gal. 4. 29. But as then he that was born after
man standing at the right hand of God v. 57. Then they cryed out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and ran upon him with one accord Iob 31. 13 14. If I did despise the cause of my man-servant or maid-servant when they contended with me v. 14. What then shall I do when God riseth up and when he visiteth what shall I answer him evil suspition (q) 1 Cor. 13. 5. Charity doth not behave it self unseemly seeketh not her own is not easily provoked thinketh no evil 1 Tim. 6. 4. He is proud knowing nothing but doting about questions and strifes of words whereof cometh envy strife railings evil surmisings envying or grieving at the deserved credit of any (r) Num. 11. 29. And Moses said unto him Enviest thou for my sake Would God that all the Lords people were Prophets and that the Lord would pour out his Spirit upon them Mat. 21. 15. And when the chief Priests and Scribes saw the wonderful things that he did and the children crying in the Temple and saying Hosanna to the Son of David they were sore displeased endeavouring or desiring to impair it (Å¿) Ezra 4. 11 13. Be it known unto the King that the Jewes who came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem building the rebellious and bad city and have set up the walls c. v. 13. Be it known now unto the King that if this City be built and the walls set up again they will not pay tole tribute and custome and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the Kings rejoicing in their disgrace and infamy (t) Jer. 48 27. For was not Israel a derision unto thee was he found among thieves for since thou spakest of him thou skippest for joy scornful contempt (u) Psal 35. 15 16 -21 But in mine adversity they rejoiced and gathered themselves together yea the abjects gathered themselves together c. v. 16. which hypocritical mockers in feasts they gnashed upon me with their teeth v. 21. Yea they opened their mouth wide against me and said Aha Aha our eye hath seen it Mat. 27. 28 29. And they stripped him and put on him a scarlet robe v. 29. And when they had platted a crown of thorns they put it on his head and a reed in his right hand and they bowed the knee before him and said Hail King of the Jewes fond admiration (*) Jude v. 16. These are murmurers complainers walkers after their own lusts and their mouth speaks great swelling words having mens persons in admiration because of advantage Act. 12. 22. And the people gave a great shout saying It is the voice of a God and not of a man breach of lawful promises (x) Rom. 1. 31. Without understanding Covenant-breakers c. 2 Tim. 3. 3. Without natural affection Truce breakers false accusers c. neglecting such things as are of good report (y) 1 Sam. 2. 24. Nay my sons for it is no good report that I hear ye make the Lords people to transgress and practising or not avoiding our selves or not hindring what we can in others such things as procure an ill name (z) 2 Sam. 13. 12 13. And she Tamar answered Amnon Nay my brother do not force me for no such thing ought to be done in Israel do not thou this folly v. 13. And I whither shall I cause my shame to go And as for thee thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel now therefore c. Prov. 5. 8 9. Romove thy way far 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 cruel Prov. 6. 33. A wound and dishonour shall he get and his reproach shall not be wiped away Q. Which is the tenth Commandment A. The tenth Commandment is Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house thou shalt not covet thy neighbours wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his ox nor his ass nor any thing that is thy neighbours (a) Exod. 20. 17. Q. VVhat are the duties required in the tenth Commandment A. The duties required in the tenth Commandment are such a full contentment with our own condition (b) Heb. 13. 5. Let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as ye have for he hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee 1 Tim. 6. 6. But Godliness with contentment is great gain and such a charitable frame of the whole Soul toward our neighbour as that all our inward motions and affections touching him tend unto and further all that good which is his (c) Job 31. 29. If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me or lift up my self when evil found him Rom. 12. 15. Rejoice with them that do rejoice and weep with them that weep Psal 122. 7 8 9. Peace be within thy walls prosperity within thy palaces v. 8. For my brethren and companions sake I will now say Peace be within thee v. 9. Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good 1 Tim. 1. 5. Now the end of the Commandment is Charity out of a pure heart and of a good conscience and of faith unfeigned Esth 10. 3. For Mordecai the Jew was next unto King Ahasuerus and great among the Jews and accepted of the multitude of his brethren seeking the wealth of his people and speaking peace to all his seed 1 Cor. 13. 4 5 6 7. Charity suffereth long and is kind charity envieth not charity vaunteth not her self is not puffed up v. 5. Doth not behave is self unseemly seeketh not her own is not easily provoked thinketh no evil v. 6. Rejoiced not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth v. 7. Beareth all things believeth all things hopeth all things endureth all things Q. What are the sins forbidden in the tenth Commandment A. The sins forbidden in the tenth Commandment are discontentment with our own estate (d) 1 King 11. 4. And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth 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 me nothing so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the Kings gate 1 Cor. 10. 10. Neither murmur ye as some of them also murmured and were destroyed of the destroyer envying (e) Gal. 5. 26. Let us not be desirous of vain glory provoking one another envying one another Jam. 3. 14-16 But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts glory not and lye not against the truth v. 16. For where envying and strife is there is confusion and every evil work and grieving at the good of our neighbours (f) Psal 112. 9 10. He hath dispersâ—th he hath given to the poor his
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
establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God c. Rom. 15. 4. For whatsoever things were written afore-time were written for our learning that through patience and comfort of the Scriptures we might have hope Rom. 10 13 14 15 16 17. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved v. 14. How then shall they call on him on whom they have not believed and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a Preacher v. 15. And how shall they preach except they be sent as it is written How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things v. 16. But they have not all obeyed the Gospell for Esaias saith Lord who hath believed our report v. 17. So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God Rom. 1. 16. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto Salvation to every one that believeth to the Jew first and also to the Greek Q. Is the word of God to be read by all A. Although all are not to be permitted to read the Word publickly to the Congregation (u) Deut. 31. 9 -11 12 13. And Moses wrote this Law and delivered it unto the Priests the sons of Levi which bare the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord and unto all the elders of Israel v. 11. When all Israel is come to appear before the Lord thy God in the place which he shall chuse thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing v. 12. Gather the people together men and women and children and thy stranger that is within thy gates that they may hear and learn and fear the Lord your God and observe to do all the words of this law v. 13. And that their children which have not known any thing may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as ye live in the land c. Neh. 8. 2 3. And Ezra the Priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women and all that could hear with understanding v. 3. And he read therein before the street that was before the water-gate from morning till noon before the men and women and those that could understand and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law Neh. 9. 3 4 5. And they stood up in their place and read in the book of the law of the Lord their God one fourth part of the day and another fourth part they confessed and worshipped the Lord their God v. 4. Then stood up upon the stairs of the Levites Jeshua and Bani c. and cryed with a loud voice unto the Lord their God v. 5. Then the Levites Jeshua and Kâ—dmiâ—l c. said stand up and bless the Lord your God c. yet all sorts of people are bound to read it apart by themselves (*) Deut. 17. 19. And it shall be with him and he shall read therein all the dayes of his life that he may learn to fear the Lord his God to keep all the words of this law and these statutes to do them Rev. 1. 3. Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this Prophecy and keep those things which are written therein for the time is at hand Joh. 5. 39. Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life and they are they which testifie of me Isa 34. 16 Seek ye out of the book of the Lord and read no one of these shall fail c. and with their families (x) Deut. 6. 6 7 8 9. And these words which I command this day shall be in thine heart v. 7. And thou shalt teach them diligently to thy children and thou shale talk of them when thou sittest in thine house and when thou walkest by the way and when thou lyest down and when thou risest up v. 8. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes v. 9. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house and upon thy gates Gen. 18. 17-19 And the Lord said Shall I hide from Abraham the thing which I do v. 19. For I know him that he will command his children and his houshold after him and they shall keep the way of the Lord c. Psal 78. 5 6 7. For he established a Testimony in Jacob and appointed a Law in Israel which he commanded our fathers that they should make known to their children v. 6. That the generations to come might know them even the children which should be born who should arise and declare them to their children v. 7. That they might set their hope in God and not forget the works of God but keep his Commandments to which end the holy Scriptures are to be translated out of the Original into vulgar languages (y) 1 Cor. 14. 6-9-11 12-15 16-24-27 28. Now brethren if I come unto you speaking with tongues what shall I profit you except I shall speak to you either by revelation or by knowledg or by prophecying or by doctrine v. 9. So likewise ye except ye utter by the tongue words easie to be understood how shall it be known what is spoken for ye shall speak into the air v. 11. Therefore If I know not the meaning of the voice I shall be unto him that speaketh a Barbarian and he that speaketh shall be a Barbarian unto me v. 12. Even so ye for as much as ye are zealous of Spiritual gifts seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the Church v. 15. What is it then I will pray with the Spirit and will pray with understanding also I will sing with the Spirit and with understanding also v. 16. Else when thou shalt bless with the Spirit how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest v. 24. But if all prophecy and there come in one that believeth not or one unlearned he is convinced of all he is judged of all v. 27. If any man speak in an unknown tongue let it be by two or at most by three and that by course and let one interpret v. 28. But if there be no interpreter let him keep silence in the Church and let him speak to himself and to God Q. How is the word of God to be read A. The holy Scriptures are to be read with an high and reverend esteem of them (z) Psal 19. 10. More to be desired are they then glod yea then much fine gold sweeter also then the honey and the honey-comb Neh. 8. from ver 3. to ver 10. And he read therein from morning till noon c. and the ears of the people were attentive unto the book of the Law V. 4 And Ezra the Scribe
stood upon a pulpit of wood which they had made for the same purpose c. v. 5. And he opened the book c. v. 6. And he blessed the Lord the great God and all the people answered Amen Amen with lifting up their hands and they bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground c. Exod. 24. 7. And he Moses took the book of the Covenant and read in the audience of the people and they said All that the Lord hath said will we do and be odedient 2 Chron. 34. 27. Because thine heart was tender and thou didst humble thy self before God when thou heardest his words against this place and humblest thy self before me and didst rent thy clothes and weep before me I have heard thee also saith the Lord. Isa 66. 2. But to this man will I look even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit and trembleth at my word with a firm perswasion that they are the very Word of God (a) 2 Pet. 1. 19 20 21. We have also a more sure word of prophecy whereunto you do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place till the day dawn and the day-star arise in your hearts v. 20. Knowing this first that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation v. 21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost and that he onely can enable us to understand them (b) Luk. 24. 45. Then opened he their understandings that they might understand the scriptures 2 Cor. 3. 13 14 15 16. And not as Moses who put a vail over his face that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished v. 14. But their mindes were blinded for untill this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the Old Testament which vail is done away in Christ v. 15. But even to this day when Moses is read the vail is upon their heart v. 16. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord the vail shall be taken away with desire to know believe and obey the will of God revealed in them (c) Deut. 17. 19 20. And it shall be with him and he shall read therein all the dayes of his life that he may learn to fear the Lord his God to keep all the words of this law and these statutes to do them v. 20. That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren and that he turn not aside from the Commandment to the right hand or to the left to the end that he might prolong his dayes in c. with diligence (d) Act. 17. 11. These Bercans were more noble then those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures daily whether these things were so and attention to the matter and scope of them (e) Act. 8. 30-34 And Philip ran thither to him and heard him read the Prophet Esaias and he said understandest thou what thou readest v. 34. And the Eunuch said to Philip I pray thee of whom speaketh the Prophet this of himself or of some other man Luk. 10. 26 27 28. What is written in the law how readest thou v. 27. And he answering said Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heaâ—t and with all thy soul and with all thy strength and with all thy mind and thy neighbour as thy self v. 28. And he said to him Thou hast answered right this doe and thou shalt live with meditation (f) Psal 1. 2. But his delight is in the Law of the Lord and in that law doth he meditate day and night Psal 119. 97. O how love I thy Law it is my meditation all the day application (g) 2 Chr. 34. 21. Goe enquire of the Lord for me and for them that are left in Israel and Judah concerning the words of the book that is found for great is the wrath of the Lord that is poured out upon us because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord to do all that is written in this book self-denial (h) Prov. 3. 5. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding Deut. 33. 3. Yea he loved the people all his saints are in thy hand and they sat down at thy feet every one shall receive of thy words and prayer (i) Prov. 2. 1 2 3 4 5 6. My son if thou wilt receive my words and hide my commandements with thee v. 2 So that thou encline thine ear to wisdom and apply thy hearâ— to understanding v. 3. Yea if thou cryest after knowledg and liftest up thy voice for understanding v. 4. If thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hid treasures v. 5. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledg of God v. 6. For the Lord giveth wisdom out of his mouth cometh knowledg and understanding Psal 119. 18. Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law Neh. 8. 6-8 And Ezra blessed the Lord the great God and all the people answered Amen Amen with lifting up their hands and they bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground v. 8. So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly and gave the sense and caused them to understand the reading Q. By whom is the Word of God to be preached A. The Word of God is to be preached onely by such as are sufficiently gifted (k) 1 Tim. 3. 2 -6 A bishop then must be blameless the husband of one wise vigilant sober of good behaviour given to hospitality apt to teach v. 6 Not a novice least being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation c. Eph. 4. 8 9 10 11. Wherefore he saith when he ascended up on high he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men v. 9. Now that he ascended what is it but that he also descended c. v. 11. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastours and Teachers c Hos 4. 6. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledg because thou hast rejected knowledg I will reject thee that thou shalt be no priest to me seeing thou hast forgotten the Law of thy God I will also forget thy children Mal. 2. 7. For the Priests lips should keep knowledg and they should seek the Law at his mouth for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts 2 Cor. 3. 6. Who also hath made us able ministers of the new Testament not of the letter but of the Spirit for the letter killeth but the Spirit giveth life and also duly approved and called to that office (l) Ier. 14. 13. Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the Prophets
that prophecy in my Name and I sent them not yet they say c. Rom. 10. 15. And how shall they preach except they be sent as it is written How beautiful c. Heb. 5. 4. And no man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron 1 Cor. 12. 28 29. 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 v. 29 Are all Apostles are all Pâ—opets are all Teachers are all workers of Miracles 1 Tim. 3. 10. And let these also first be proved then let them use the office of a Deacon being found blameless 1 Tim. 4. 14. Neglect noâ— the gift that is in thee which was given thee by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins c. Q How is the Word of God to be preached by those that are called thereunto A. They that are called to labour in the ministry of the Word are to preach sound doctrine (m) Tit. 2. 1 -8 But speak thou the things that become sound doctrine v. 8. Sound speech that cannot be condemned that he who is of the contrary part may be ashamed having no evil thing to say of you diligently (n) Act. 18. 25. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord and being servent in the Spirit he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord c. in season and out of season (o) 2 Tim. 4. 2. Preach the word be instant in season out of season rebuke reprove exhort with all long suffering and doctrine plainly (p) 1 Cor. 14. 19. Yet in the Church I had rather speak five words with my understanding that by my voice I might teach others also then ten thousand words in an unknown tongue not in the enticing words of mans wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and power (q) 1 Cor. 2. 4. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of mans wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power faithfully (r) Jer. 23. 28. The Prophet that hath a dream let him tell a dream and he that hath my word let him speak my word faithfully What is the chaff to the wheat saith the Lord 1 Cor 4. 1 2. Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God v. 2. Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful making known the whole counsel of God (Å¿) Act. 20. 27. For I have not shunned to declare unto you the whole counsel of God wisely (t) Col. 1. 28. Whom we preach warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus 2 Tim. 2. 15. Study to shew thy self approved unto God a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth applying themselves to the necessities and capacities of the hearers (u) 1 Cor. 3. 2. I have sed you with milk and not with meat for hitherto ye were not able to bear it neither yet now are ye able Heb. 5. 12 13 14. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the Oracles of God and are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat v. 13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness for he is a babe v. 14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil Luk. 12. 42. And the Lord said Who then is that faithful and wise steward whom his Lord shall make ruler over his houshold to give them their portion of meat in due season zealously (*) Act. 18. 25. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord and being fervent in the Spirit he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord c. with fervent love to God (x) 2 Cor. 5. 13 14. For whether we be besides our selves it is to God or whether we be sober it is for your cause v. 14. For the love of Christ constraineth us because we thus judge that if one dyed for all then were all dead Phil. 1. 15 16 17. Some indeed preach Christ out of envy and strife and some also of good will v. 16. The one preach Christ of contention not sincerely supposing to adde affliction to my bonds v. 7. But the other of love knowing that I am set for the defence of the Gospel and the souls of his people (y) Col. 4. 12. Epaphras who is one of you a servant of Christ saluteth you alwayes labouring servently for you in prayers that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God 2 Cor. 12. 15. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you though the more abundantly I love you the less I be loved sincerely (z) 2 Cor. 2. 17. For we are not as many who corrupt the word of God but as of sincerity but as of God in the sight of God speak we in Christ 2 Cor. 4. 2. But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully but by manifestation of the truth commending our selves to every mans conscience in the sight of God aiming at his glory (a) 1 Thes 2. 4 5 6. But as we are allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel even so we speak not as pleasing men but God who tryeth the hearâ—s v. 5. For neither at any time used we flattering words as ye know not a cloak of covetousness God is witness v. 6. Nor of men sought we glory neither of you nor yet of others when we might have been burdensome as the Apostles of Christ Joh. 7. 18. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory but he that seeketh his glory that sent him the same is true and no unrighteousness is in him and their conversion (b) 1 Cor. 9. 19 20 21 22. For though I be free from all men yet have I made my self servant unto all that I might gain the more v. 20. And unto the Jewes I became as a Jew that I might gain the Jewes to them that are under the Law as under the Law that c. v. 21. To them that are without Law as without Law that c. v. 22. To the weak became I as weak that I might gain the weak I am made all things to all men c. edification (c) 2 Cor. 12 19. Again think you that we excuse our selves unto you we speak before God in Christ but we do all things dearly beloved for
of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision onely but also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham which he had being yet uncircumcised 1 Pet. 3. 21. The like figure whereunto even batpisme 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 Jesus Christ by drawing strength from the death and resurrection of Christ into whom we are baptized for the mortifying of sin and quickning of grace (t) Rom. 6. 3 4 5. See above in q and by endeavouring to live by faith (u) Gal. 3. 26 27. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ V. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ to have our conversation in holinesse and righteousnesse (*) Rom. 6. 22. But now being made free from sin and become servants to God ye have your fruit unto holiness and the end everlasting life as those that have therein given up their names to Christ (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 and to walk in brotherly love as being baptized by the same Spirit into one body (y) 1 Cor. 12. 13 25 26 27. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body whether we be Jewes or Gentiles bond or free and are all made to drink into one Spirit V. 25. That there should be no Schisme in the body but the members should have the same care one of another V. 26. And whether one member suffer all the members suffer with it or one member be honoured all the members rejoyce with it V. 27. Now ye are the body of Christ and members in particular Q. VVhat is the Lords Supper A. The Lords Supper is a Sacrament of the New Testament (z) Luk. 22 20. Likewise also the cup after supper saying This cup is the New Testament in my blood which is shed for you wherein by giving and receiving bread and wine according to the appointment of Jesus Christ his death is shewed forth and they that worthily communicate feed upon his body and blood to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace (a) Mat. 26. 26 27 28. And as they were eating Jesus took bread and blessed it and brâ—ke it and gave it to the disciples and said Take eat this is my body V. 27. And he took the cup and gave thanks and gave it to them saying Drink ye all of it V. 28. For this is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins 1 Cor. 11. 23 24 25 26. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you that the Lord Jesus in the same night wherein he was betrayed took bread V. 24. And when he had given thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my body which is broken for you this do in remembrance of me V. 25. After the same manner also he took the Cup when he had Supped saying This Cup is the New Testament in my blood this do ye as oft as ye drink it in remembrance of me V. 26. For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this Cup ye shew the Lords death till he come have their union and communion with him confirmed (b) 1 Cor. 10. 16. The cup of blessing which we bless is it not the Communion of the blood of Christ and the bread which we break is it not the Communion of the body of Christ testifie and renew their thankfulnesse (c) 1 Cor. 11. 24 25 26. For I have received of the Lord c. See above in a and ingagement to God (d) 1 Cor. 10. 14 15 16. 21. Wherefore my dearly beloved flee from idolatry V. 15. I speak as to wise men judge ye what I say V. 16. The cup of blessing which we blesse is it not the communion of the blood of Christ that bread which we break is it not the communion of the body of Christ V. 21. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of Devils ye cannot be partakers of the Lords table and of the table of Devils and their mutual love and fellowship each with other as members of the same mystical body (e) Cor. 10. 17. For we being many are one bread and one body for we are all partakers of that one bread Q. How hath Christ appointed bread and wine to be given and received in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper A. Christ hath appointed the Ministers of his Word in the administration of this Sacrament of the Lords Supper to set apart the bread and wine from common use by the word of institution thanksgiving and prayer to take and break the bread and to give both the bread and the Wine to the Communicants who are by the same appointment to take and eat the Bread and to drink the Wine in thankful remembrance that the body of Christ was broken and given and his blood shed for them (f) 1 Cor. 11. 23 24. For I have received of the Lord that which c. See before under a Mat. 26. 26 27 28. And as they were eating Jesus took bread c. See before at a Mark 14. 22 23 24. And as they did eat Jesus took bread and blessed it and brake it and gave to them and said Take eat this is my body V. 27. And he took the cup and when he had given thanks he gave it to them and they all drank of it V. 28. And he said unto them This is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many Luke 22. 19 20. And he took bread and gave thanks and brake it and gave it to them saying This is my body which it given for you This â—â— in remembrance of me V. 20. Likewise also the cup after supper saying This cup is the New Testament in my blood which is shed for you Q. How do they that worthily communicate in the Lords Supper feed upon the body and blood of Christ therein A. As the body and blood of Christ are not corporally or carnally present in with or under the Bread and Wine in the Lords Supper (g) Act. 3. 21. Whom the heaven must receive until the time of the restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy Prophets since the world began and yet are spiritually present to the faith of the receiver no less truly and really then the elements themselves are to their outward senses (h) Mat. 26. 26-28 And as they were eating Jesus took bread and blessed it and brake it and gave it to the disciples and said Take eat this is my body V. 28. For this is
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
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
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
get wealth that he may establish his covenant which he swear unto thy fathers as it is this day but prone to desire (n) Jer. 6. 1â— For from the least of them to the greatest every one of them is given to covetousness c. Mark 7. 21 22. For from within out of the heart of men proceed evil thoughts adulteries fornications murders V. 22. Thefts covetousness wickedness c. get (o) Hos 12. 7. He is a merchant the balance of deceit are in his hand he loveth to oppress and use them unlawfully (p) Jam. 4. 3. Ye ask and receive not because ye ask amiss that ye may consume it upon your lusts we pray for our selves and others that both they and we waiting upon the providence of God from day to day in the use of lawful means may of his free gift and as to his fatherly wisdome shall seem best injoy a competent portion of them (q) Gen 43. 12 13 14. And take double money in your hand and the money that was brought again in the mouth of the sacks pâ—râ—dvenâ—ure it was an oversight V. 13. Take also your brother and arise go unto the man V. 14. And God Almighty gave you mercy before the man that he mâ—y send c. Gen. 28. 20. And Jacob vowed a vow saying if God will be with me and keep me in this way that I go and will give me bread to eat and raiment to put on c Eph. 4. 28. Let him that stole steal no more but rather let him labour working with his hands the thing that is good that he may have to give to him that needeth 2 Thes 3. 11 12. For we hear that there are some who walk among you disorderly working not at all but are busy-bodies V. 12. Now they that are such we command and exâ—ort by our Lord Jesus Christ that with quietness they work and eat their own bread Phil. 4. 6. Be careful fâ—r nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be make known unto God and have the same continued and blessed unto us in our holy and comfortable use of them (r) 1 Tim. 4. 3 4 5. Forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from meats which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth V. 4. For every creature of God is good and nothing to be refused if it be received with thanksgiving V. 5. For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer and contentment in them (Å¿) 1 Tim. 6. 6 7 8. But goodnesse with contentment is great gain V. 7. For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we can carry nothing out V. 8. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content and be kept from all things that are contrary to our temporal support and comfort (t) Prov. 30. 8 9. Remove from me vanity and lies give me neither poverty nor riches feed me with food convenient for me V. 9. Lest I be full and deny thee and say who is the Lord and lest I be poor and steal and take the name of my God in vain Q. What do we pray for in the fifth Petion A. In the fifth Petition which is Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors (u,) Mat. 6. 12. ackowledging that we and all others are guilty both of original and actual sin and thereby become debtors to the justice of God and that neither we nor any other creature can make the least satisfaction for that debt (*) Rom. 3. from v. 9. to 22. What then are we better then they no in no wise for we have before proved both Jew and Gentiles that they are all under sin V. 10. As it is written There is none righteous no not one V. 11. There is none that understandeth none that seeketh after God They are all gone out of the way c. V. 19. that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God c. Mat. 18. 24 25. And when he had begun to reckon one was brought unto him who owed him ten thousand talent V. 25. But forasmuch as he had not to pay his Lord commanded him to be sold and his wife and his children and all that he had and payment to be made Psal 130. 3 4. If thou Lord shouldst mark iniquities O Lord who shall stand V. 4. But there is forgiveness with thee that thou maist be feared we pray for our selves and others that God of his free grace would through the obedience and satisfaction of Christ apprehended and applyed by faith acquit us both from the guilt and punishment of sin (x) Rom. 3. 14. 25 26. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus V. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remision 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 Heb. 9. 22. And almost all things are by the Law purged with blood and without shedding of blood is no remission accept us in his beloved (y) Eph. 1. 6 7. To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved V. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace continue his favour and grace to us (z) 2 Pet. 1. 2. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledg of God and of Jesus our Lord. pardon our daily failings (a) Hos 14. 2. Take with you words and turn to the Lord say unto him Take away all iniquity and receive us graciously so will we render the calves of our lips Jor. 14. 7. O Lord though our iniquities testifie against us do thou it for thy names sake for our back-slidings are many we have sinned against thee and fill us with peace and joy in giving us daily more and more assurance of forgiveness (b) Rom. 15. 13. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost Psal 51. 7 8 9 10 12. Purge me with hysop and I shall be clean wash me and I shall be whiter then snow V. 8. Make me to hear joy and gladness that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoyce V. 9. Hide thy face from my sins and blot out all mine iniquities V. 10. Create in me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me V. 12. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation and uphold me with thy free Spirit which we are the rather imboldened to ask and incouraged to expect when we have this testimony in our selves
comes to passe (r) Eph. 1. 4. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundations of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love v. 11. In whom also we obtained an inheritance being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the purpose of his own will Rom. 9. 22. What if God willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction v. 23. And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy which he had afore prepared unto glory Q. How doth God execute his decrees A. God executeth his decrees in the works of Creation and Providence Q. VVhat is the work of Creation A. The work of Creation is Gods making all things of nothing by the Word of his Power in the space of six dayes and all very Good (Å¿) Gen. 1. throughout Heb. 11. 3. Through Faith we understand that the world were framed by the Word of God so that things which were seen were made of things that do appear Q. How did God create man A. God created man male and female after his own image in knowledge righteousness and holiness with dominion over the creatures (t) Gen. 1. 26. And God said let us make man in our own image after our likeness and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over the cattel and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth v. 27. So God created man in his own image in the image of God created he him male and female created he them v. 28. And God blessed them and God said unto them be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that creepeth upon the earth Col. 3. 10. And have put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him Eph. 4. 24. And that ye put on that new man which after God is created in righteousnesle and true holinesse Q. What are Gods works of Providence A. Gods works of Providence are his most holy (u) Psal 145. 17. The Lord is righteous in all his wayes and holy in all his works wise * Psal 104. 24. O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches Isa 28 29. This also cometh from the Lord of hosts which is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working and powerful preserving (x) Heb. 1. 3. Who being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person and upholding all things by the word of his power when he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high and governing all his creatures and all their actions (y) Psal 103. 19. The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heaven his kingdom ruleth over all Matth. 10. 29. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father v. 30. But the very hairs of your head are all numbred v. 31. Fear ye not therefore ye are of more value then many sparrows Q. What speciall act of Providence did God exercise towards man in the estate wherein he was created A. When God had created man he entred into a Covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil upon pain of death (z) Gal. 3. 12. And the law is not of faith but the man that doth them shall live in them Gen. 2. 17. But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not â—â—â—â—f it for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Q. Did our first Parents continue in the state wherein they were created A. Our first Parents being left to the freedom of their own will fell from the estate wherein they were created by sinning against God (a) Gen. 3. 6. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was pleasant to the eyes and a tree to be desired to make one wise she took of the fruit thereof and did eat and gave also to her husband with her and he did eat v. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened and they knew that they were naked and they sewed fig-leaves together and made themselves aprons v. 8. And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden v. 13. And the Lord God said unto the woman what is this that thou hast done and the woman said the Serpent beguiled me and I did eat Eccles 7. 29. Lo this onely have I found that God hath made man upright but they have sought out many inventions Q. What is sin A. Sin is any want of conformity unto or transgression of the Law of God (b) 1 John 3. 4. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law for sin is the transgression of the law Q. What was the sin whereby our first Parents fell from the estate wherein they were created A. The sin whereby our first Parents fell from the state wherein they were created was their eating the forbidden fruit (c) Gen. 3. 6. vide supra V. 12. The woman which thou gavest to be with me she gave me of the tree and I did eat Q. Did all mankind fall in Adams first transgression A. The Covenant being made with Adam not only for himself but for his posterity all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation sinned in him and fell with him in his first transgression (d) Gen. 2. 16. And the Lord God commanded the man saying of every tree of the garden thou mayst freely eat v. 17 But of the tree of the knowledg of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Rom. 5. 12. Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned 1 Cor. 15. 21. For since by man came death by man also came the resurrection of the dead v. 22. For as in Adam all die so in Christ shall all be made alive Q. Into what estate did the fall bring mankind A. The Fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery (e) Rom. 5. 12. Wherefore as by one man sin entred in to the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Q. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell
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
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
all manner of burdens which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals V. 16. There dwelt men of Tyre also therein which brought fish and all manner of wares and sold on the Sabbath day unto the children of Judah and in Jerusalem V. 17. Then I contended with the Nobles of Judah and said unto them What evil thing is this that ye do and profane the Sabbath day V. 18. Did not your fathers thus and did not God bring all this evil upon us and upon this Ciâ—y Yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath V. 19. And it came to pass that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the Sabbath I commanded that the gates should be shut and charged that they should not be opened till after the Sabbath and some of my servants I set at the gates that there should be no burden brought in on the Sabbath day V. 21. Then testified I against them and said unto them Why lodg ye about the wall If ye do so again I will lay hands on you From that time forth came they no more on the Sabbath V. 22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves and that they would come and keep the gates to sanctifie the Sabbath day Remember me O my God concerning this â—lso c. and spending the whole time in the publick and private exercises of Gods worship (m) Luk. 4. 16. And he came to Nazareth where he had been brought up and as his custome was he went into the Synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up for to read Act. 20. 7. And upon the first day of the week c. See letter i Psal 92. Title A Pâ—alm or song for the Sabbath day Isa 66. 23. And it shall come to pass that from one new Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another shall all flesh come to worship before me saith the Lord. except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy (m) Mat. 12. from ver 1. to ver 13. At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the corn and his Disciples were an hungry and began to pluck ears of corn and to eat But when the Pharisees c. ver 12. Is it lawful to do well on the Sabbath dayes Q. What are the sins fordiden in the fourth Commandment A. The fourth Commandment forbiddeth the omission of careful performance of the duties required (o) Ezek. 22. 26. Her Priests have violated my law and profaned mine holy things they have put no difference between the holy and profane neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and clean and have hid their eyes from my Sabbaths and I am profaned among them Amos 8. 5. Saying When will the New Moon be gone that we may sell corn and the Sabbath that we may set forth wheat making the Ephah small and the shekel great and falsifying the balances by deceit Mal. 1. 13. Ye said also Behold what a weariness is it and ye have snuffed at it saith the Lord of hosts and ye brought that which was torn and the lame and the sick thus ye brought an offering Should I accept this of your hand saith the Lord and the profaning the day by idleness (p) Act. 20. 7 -9 And upon the first day of the week when the Discipâ—es came together to break bread Paul preached unto them ready to depart on the morrow and continued his speech untill midnight v. 9. And there sate in a window a certain young man named Eutychus being fallen into a deep sleep and as Paul was long Preaching he sunk down with sleep and fell down from the third loft and was taken up dead or doing that which is in it self sinful (q) Ezek. 23. 38. Moreover this they haâ—e done to me They have defiled my Sanctuary in the same day and have profaned my Sabbaths or by unnecessary thoughts words or works about our worldly imployments or recreations (r) Jer. 17. 24 25 26. And it shall come to pass if ye diligently hearken unto me saith the Lord to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day but hallow the Sabbath day to do no work therein v. 25. Then shall there enter into the gates of this City Kings and Princes sitting upon the throne of David riding in chariots and on horses they and their Princes the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and this City shall remain for ever V. 26. And they shall come from the Citie of Judah and from the places about Jerusalem and from the land of Benjamin and from the Plain and from the mountains and from the South bringing burnt-offerings and sacrifices and meat-offerings and incense and bringing sacrifices of praise unto the house of the Lord. Isa 58. 13. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy-day and call the Sabbath a delight the Holy of the Lord honourable and shall honour him not doing thine own wayes nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the fourth Commandment are Gods allowing us six daies of the week for our own imployment (Å¿) Exod. 20. 9. Six dayes shalt thou labour and do all thy work his challenging a special property in the seventh his own example and his blessing the Sabbath day (t) Exod. 20. 11. For in six dayes the Lord made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day and hallowed it Q. What is the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment is Honour thy father and thy mother that thy dayes may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee (u) Exod. 20. 12. Q. What is required in the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment requireth the preserving the honour and performing the duties belonging to every one in their several places and relations as superiors (*) Eph. 5. 21. Submitting your selves one to another in the fear of God inferiors (x) 1 Pet. 2. 17. Honour all men Love the brotherhood Fear God Honour the King or equals (y) Rom. 12. 10. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love in honour preferring one another Q. What is forbidden in the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of or doing any thing against the honour and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations (z) Mat. 15. 4. For God commanded saying Honour thy Father and mother he that curseth father or mother let him die the death v. 5. But ye say whosoever shall say to his father or his mother it is a gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profiâ—ed by me v. 6.
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
thee and mine iniquity have I not hid I said I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin Selah V. 6. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou maist be found surely in the flâ—ods of great waters they shall come nigh unto him Dan. 9. 4. 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 to them that keep his commandments and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies (q) Phil. 4. 6. Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God Q. What rule hath God given for our direction in Prayer A. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in Prayer (r) 1 Job 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 speciall rule of direction is that form of Prayer which Christ taught his Disciples commonly called the Lords Prayer (Å¿) Mat 6. 9 10 11 12 13. After this manner therefore pray ye Our father c. Luke 11. 2. And he said unto them When ye pray say Our father c. Q. What doth the Preface of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The Preface of the Lords Prayer which is Our Father which art in heaven (t) Matth. 6. 9. teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence as children to a father ready to help us (u) Rom. 8. 15. For we have not received the Spirit of bondage again to fear but we have received the Spirit of Adoption wherebâ—y we cry Abba Father Luk. 11. 13. If ye 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 aâ—k him and that we should pray with and for others (*) Act. 12. 5. Peter therefore was kept in prison but prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. I exhort therefore that first of all supplications prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men v. 2. For Kinks and for all that are in authority c. Q. VVhat do we pray for in the first Petition A. In the first petition which is Hallowed be thy name (x) Mat. 6. 9. we pray that God would enable us and others to glorifie him in all that whereby he maketh himself known (y) 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 hee and that he would dispose all things to his own glory (z) Psal 83. throughout Q. What do we pray for in the second Petition A. In the second Petition which is Thy Kingdom come (a) Mat. 6. 10 we pray that Satans Kingdom may be destroyed (b) Psal 68. 1 -18 Let God arise let his enemies be scattered let them also that hate him fâ—â—e before him v. 18. Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captiviy captive thou hast received gifts for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them and that the Kingdom of Grace might be advanced (c) 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 down which accused them before God day and night v. 11. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death our selves and others brought into it and kept in it (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 Rom. 10. 1. Brethren my hearts desire and prayer to God for Israel is That they might be saved Joh. 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 thâ—se alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word and that the Kingdom of glory may be hastened (e) Rev. 22. 20. He which testifieth these things saith surely I come quickly Amen even so come Lord Jesus 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 (f) Mat. 6. 10. We pray that God would make us able and willing to know obey and submit to his will in all things (g) Psal 67. throughout Psal 119. 36. Encline my heart unto thy testimonies and not to covetousness 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 2 Sam. 15. 25. And the King said unto Zadok carry back the Ark of God into the city If I shall finde favour in the eyes of the Lord he will bring me again and shew me both it and his habitation Job 1. 21. And 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. as the Angels do in heaven (h) Psal 103. 20 21. Bless the Lord ye his Angels that excell 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 Q. What do we pray for in the fourth Petition A. In the fourth Petition which is Give us this day our daily bread (i) Mat. 6. 11. we pray that of Gods free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life and enjoy his blessing with them (k) Prov. 30. 8 9. Remove far from me vanity and lies give me neither poverty nor riches feed me with food convenient for me v. 9. Lest I be full and deny thee and say who is the Lord and lest I be poor and steal and take the name of my God in vain Gen. 28. 20. And Jacob vowed a vow saying if God will be with me and keep me in this way that I goe and will give me bread to eat and raiment to put on 1 Tim. 1. 4 5. For every creature of God is good and nothing to be refused if it be received with thanksgiving v. 5. For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer Q. What do we pray for in the fifth Petition A. In the
fifth Petition which is and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors (l) Mat 6. 12. we pray that God for Christs sake would freely pard on all our sins (m) Psal 51. 1 2 -7 9. Have mercy upon me O God according to thy loving kindness according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions v. 2. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin v. 7 Purge me with hysop and I shall be clean wash me 〈◊〉 I shall be whiter then snow v. 9. Hide thy face from my sins and blot out all mine iniquities Dan. 9. 17 18 19. Now therefore our God hear thou the prayer of thy servant and his supplication v. 19. O Lord hear O Lord forgive for thine own sake which we are the rather encouraged to ask because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others (n) Luk. 11. 4. And forgive us our sins for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us Mat. 18. 35. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also to you if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses Q. What do we pray for in the sixth Petition A. In the sixth Petition which is And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil (o) Mat. 6. 13. we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin (p) Mat. 26. 41. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation the Spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak or support and deliver us when we are tempted (q) 2 Cor. 12. 8. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice that it might depart from me Q. What doth the conclusion of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The conclusion of the Lords Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdom the power and the glory for ever Amen (r) Mat. 6. 13. teacheth us to take our incouragement in prayer from God onely (Å¿) Dan. 9. 4-7 8 9 -16 17 18 19. And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadful God keeping the Covenant and mercy to them that love him and keep his Commandments v. 7. O Lord righteousuess belongeth unto thee but unto us confusion of faces as at this day to the men of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and unto all Israel that are neer and that are far off thorow all the countreys whither thou hast driven them because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee v. 8. O Lord to us belongeth confusion of face to our Kings to our Princes to our Fathers because we have trespassed against thee v. 9. To the Lord our God belongs mercies and forgivenesses though we have rebelled against him v. 16. O Lord according to all thy righteousness I beseech thee let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy City Jerusalem thy holy mountain because for our sins and for the iniquities of our fathers Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us v. 17. Now therefore O our God hear the prayer of thy servant and his supplications and cause thy face to shine upon the Sanctuary that is desolate for the Lords sake v. 18. O my God encline thine ear and hear open thine eyes and behold our desolation and the City that is called by thy Name for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness but for thy great mercies v. 19. O Lord hear O Lord forgive O Lord hearken and doe defer not for thine own sake O my God for thy City and thy people are called by thy Name and in our prayers to praise him ascribing Kingdom power and glory to him (t) 1 Chr. 29. 10 11 12 13. Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the Congregation and David said Blessed be thou Lord God of Israel our Father for ever v. 11. Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine thine is the Kingdom O Lord and thou art exalted as head above all v. 12. Both riches and honours come of thee and thou reignest over all and in thine hand is power and might and in thine hand it is to make great and to give strength unto all v. 13. Now therefore our God we thank thee and praise thy glorious name And in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard we say Amen (u) 1 Cor. 14. 16. Else when thou shalt bless with the Spirit how shall he that ocupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest Rev. 22. 20 21. He which testifieth these things saith Surely I come quickly Amen Even so come Lâ—rd Jesus v. 21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all AMEN The Ten COMMANDMENTS EXODUS XX. GOD spake all these words saying I am the LORD thy God which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage I. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth thou shalt not bow down thy self to them nor serve them For I the LORD thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments III Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain For the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain IV. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy Six dayes shalt thou labor and do all thy work but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates For in six dayes the LORD made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it V. Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee VI. Thou shalt not kill VII Thou shalt not commit adultery VIII Thou shalt not steal IX Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors house thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his ox nor his ass nor any thing that is thy neighbors FINIS The LORDS PRAYER Matth. 6. OVr Father which art in heaven Hallowed be thy name Thy Kingdom come Thy will be
done on earth as it is in heaven Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debters And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever Amen The CREED I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty maker of heaven and earth And in Jesus Christ his onely Son our Lord which was conceived by the holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified dead and buried he descended into hell * i. e. Continued in the state of the dead and under the power of death till the third day the third day he rose again from the dead he ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead I believe in the holy Ghost the holy Catholick Church the Communion of Saints the forgiveness of sins the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting Amen SO much of every Question both in the Larger and Shorter Catechism is repeated in the Answer as maketh every Answer an entire Proposition or sentence in it self to the end the Learner may further improve it upon all occasions for his encrease in knowledge and piety even out of the course of catechising as well as in it And albeit the substance of the doctrine comprised in that Abridgement commonly called The Apostles Creed be fully set forth in each of the Catechismes so as there is no necessity of inserting the Creed it self yet it is here annexed not as though it were composed by the Apostles or ought to be esteemed Canonical Scripture as the Ten Commandments and the Lords Prayer much less a Prayer as ignorant people have been apt to make both it and the Decalogue but because it is a brief sum of the Christian faith agreeable to the Word of God and anciently received in the Churches of Christ Cornelius Burges Prolocutor pro tempore Henry Roborough Scriba Adoniram Byfield Scriba To the Right Honorable THE LORDS COMMONS Assembled in Parliament The Humble Advice of the Assembly of Divines now sitting by Ordinance of Parliament at Westminster Concerning CHURCH-GOVERNMENT The Preface JEsus Christ upon whose shoulders the Government is whose name is called Wonderful Counsellour the Mighty God the Everlasting Father the Prince of Peace of the encrease of whose Government and Peace there shall be no end who sits upon the throne of David and upon his Kingdome to order it and to establish it with Judgment and Justice from henceforth even for ever having all power given unto him in Heaven and Earth by the Father who raised him from the dead and set him on his own right hand far above all Principalities and Power and Might and Dominion and every name that is named not only in this world but also in that which is to come and put all thing under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all He being ascended up far above all Heavens that he might fill all things received gifts for his Church and gave offices necessary for the edification of his Church and perfecting of his Saints Mat. 28. 18 19 20. v. 18. And Jesus came and spake unto them saying All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth v. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost v. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alway even unto the end of the world Amen Eph. 1. 20 21 22 23. v. 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 v. 21. Far above all Principality and Power and Might and Dominion and every name that is named not only in this world but also in that which is to come v. 22. And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church v. 23. Which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all compared with Eph. 4. 8 11. v. 8. Wherefore he saith when he ascended up on high he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men v. 11. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some pastors and teachers And with Psal 68. 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 Of the Church THere is one General Church visible held forth in the New Testament 1 Cor. 12. 12 13 28. For as the body is one and hath many members and all the members of that one body being many are one body so also is Christ v. 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 v. 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 Together with the rest of the Chapter The Ministry Oâ—acles and Ordinances of the New Testament are given by Jesus Christ to the General Church visible for the gathering and perfecting of it in this life until his second coming 1 Cor. 12. 28. See before Eph. 4. 4 5. 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 Compared with ver 10. 11 12 13 15 16. v. 10. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens that he might fill all things 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 v. 15. But speaking the truth in love may grow up into him in all things which is the head even Christ v. 16. From whom the whole body fitly joyned together and compacted by that which every joynt supplieth according to the effectual working in the measure of every part maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of it self in love Particular visible Churches Members of the General Church are also held forth in the New Testament Gal 1. 21 12. v. 21. Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia v. 22. And was unknown by face unto the Churches of Judea which were in
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
hearing Neh. 8. 1 2 13. v. 1. And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water-gate and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which the Lord had commanded to Israel v. 2. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women and all that could hear with understanding upon the first day of the seventh moneth v. 3. and he read therein v. 13. And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people the priests and the Levites unto Ezra the sâ—r the even to understand the words of the law 2. That the Ministers of the Gospel have as ample a charge and commission to dispense the Word as well as other Ordinances as the Priests and Levites had under the law proved Isa 66. 21. And I will also take of them for Priests and for Levites saith the Lord. Mat. 28. 34. Wherefore behold I send unto you Prophets and wise men and scribes and some of them ye shall kill and crucifie and some of them shall ye scourge in your Synagogues and persecute them from City to City Where our Saviour intituleth the Officers of the New Testament whom he will send forth by the same names of the teachers of the Old Which Propositions prove that therefore the duty being of a moral nature it followeth by just consequence that the publick reading of the Scriptures belongeth to the Pastors Office To feed the flock by preaching of the Word according to which he is to teach convince reprove exhort and comfort 1 Tim. 3. 2. A Bishop then must be blameless the husband of one wise vigilant sober of good behaviour given to hospitality apt to teach 2 Tim. 3. 16 17. v. 16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Correction for Instruction in righteousness v. 17. That the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works Tit. 1. 9. Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught that he may be able by sound Doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers To Catechise which is a plain laying down the Principles of the Oracles of God Or of the Doctrine of Christ and is a part of preaching Heb. 5. 12. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers ye have need that one teach you again which be the first Principles of the Oracles of God and are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat To dispense other Divine Misteries 1 Cor. 4. 1 2. v. 1. Let a man so account of us as of the Ministers of Christ and stewards of the misteries of God v. 2. Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful To administer the Sacraments Mat. 28. 19 20. v. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost v. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alway even unto the end of the world Amen Mar. 16. 15 16. v. 15. And he said unto them Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel unto every creature v. 16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned 1 Cor. 11. 23 24 25. v. 23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread v. 24. And when he had given thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my body which is broken for you this do in remembrance of me v. 25. After the same manner also he took the cup when he had supped saying This cup is the New Testament in my blood this do ye as oft as ye drink it in remembrance of me Compared with 1 Cor. 10. 16. The cup of blessing which we bless is it not the communion of the blood of Christ the bread which we break is it not the communion of the body of Christ To bless the people from God Numb 6. 23. 24 25 26. v. 23. Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons saying On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel saying unto them v. 24. The Lord bless thee and keep thee v. 25. The Lord make his face to shire upon thee v. 26. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace Compared with Rev. 1. 4 5. v. 4. John to the seven Churches which are in Asia grace be unto you and peace from him which is and which was and which is to come and from the seven spirits which are before his throne v. 5. And from Jesus Christ who is the faithful witness and the first begotten of the dead and the prince of the Kings of the earth unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood Where the same blessings and persons from whom they come are expresly mentioned Isa 66. 21. And I will also take of them for Priests and for Levites saith the Lord. Here under the names of the Priests and Levites to be continued under the Gospel are meant Evangelical Pastors who therefore are by office to bless the people Deut. 10. 8. At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the Covenant of the Lord to stand before the Lord to minister unto him and to bless in his name unto this day 2 Cor. 13 14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all Amen Eph. 1. 2. Grace be to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ To take care of the poor Act. 11. 30. Which also they did and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul Act. 4. 34 35 36 37. v. 34. Neither was there any among you that lacked for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them and brought the prises of the things that were sold v. 35. And laid them down at the Apostles feet and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need v. 36. And Joses who by the Apostles was surnamed Barnabas which is being interpreted the son of conselation a Levite and of the country of Ciprus v. 37. Having land sold it and brought the money and laid it at the Apostles feet Act. 6 2 3 4. v. 2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the Disciples unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve Tables v. 3. Wherefore brethren look you out among you seven men of honest report full of the Holy Ghost and wisdome whom ye may appoint over this business v. 4. But we will give our selves continually to prayer and
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
received us gladly v. 18. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James and all the Elders were present and so forward Which proves that those several Congregations were under one Presbyterial Government And whether these Congregations were fixed or not fixed in regard of Officers or Members it is all one as to the truth of the Proposition Nor doth there appear any material difference betwixt the several Congregations in Jerusalem and the many Congregations now in the ordinary condition of the Church as to the point of fixednesse required of Officers or Members 3. Thirdly Therefore the Scripture doth hold forth that many Congregations may be under one Presbyterial Government II. Secondly By the instance of the Church of Ephesus for 1. That they were more Congregations then one in the Church of Ephesus appears by Act 10. 31. Therefore watch and remember that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears Where is mention of Pauls continuance at Ephesus in preaching for the space of three years And Acts 19. 18. And many that believed came and confessed and shewed their deeds v. 19. Many also of them which used curious arts brought their books together and burned them before all men and they counted the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver v. 20. So mightily grew the Word of God and prevailed Act. 19. 10. And this continued by the space of two years so that all they who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus both Jews and Greeks v. 17. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus and fear fell on them all and the Name of the Lord Jesus was magnified 1 Cor. 16. 8. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost v. 9. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me and there are many adversaries v. 19. The Churches of Asia salute you Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord with the Church that is in their house Where the special effect of the Word is mentioned and verse 10 and 17 of the same Chapter where is a distinction of Iews and Greeks and 1 Cor. 16. 8 9. where a reason of Pauls stay at Ephesus untill Pentecost and verse 19 where is mention of a particular Church in the house of Aquila and Priscila then at Ephesus as appears Acts 18. 19. And he came to Ephesus and left them there but he himself entred into the Synagogue and reasoned with the Iews v. 24. And a certain Iew named Apollos born at Alexandria an Eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures came to Ephesus v. 26. And he began to speak boldly in the Synagogue whom when Acquila and Priscilla had heard they took him unto them and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly All which laid together doth prove that the multitudes of believers did make more Congregations then one in the Church of Ephesus 2. That there were many Elders over these many Congregations as one flock appeareth 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 the which the holy Ghost hath made you overseers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood 3. That these many Congregations were one Church and that they were under one Presbyterial Government appeareth Rev. 2. 1 2 3 4 5 6. v. 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 v. 2. I know thy works and thy labour and thy patience and how thou canst not bear them which are evil and thou hast tryed them which say they are Apostles and are not and hath found them liars v. 3. And hast horn and hast patience and for my names sake hast laboured and hast not fainted v. 4. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love v. 5. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent and do the first works or else I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of his place except thou repent v. 6. But this thou hast that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans which I also hate Joyned with Act. 20. 17 28. of which see before Of Synodical Assemblies THe Scripture doth hold out another sort of Assemblies for the Government of the Church beside Classical and Congregational all which we call Synodical Acts 15. 2 6 22 23. v. 2. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no smal 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. 6. And the Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of this matter v. 22. Then pleased it the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas namely Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas chief men among the brethren v. 23. And wrote letters by them after this manner The Apostles and Elders and Brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia Pastors and Teachers and other Church-Governours as also other fit persons when it shall be deemed expedient are members of those Assemblies which we call Synodical where they have a lawful calling thereunto Synodical Assemblies may lawfully be of several sorts as Provinical National and Occumenical It is lawful and agreeable to the word of God that there be a subordination of Congregational Classical Provincial and National Assemblies for the Government of the Church Of Ordination of Ministers UNder the head of Ordination of Ministers is to be considered either the Doctrine of Ordination or the power of it Touching the Doctrine of Ordination NO man ought to take upon him the Office of a Minister of the Word without a lawful calling Joh. 3. 27. John answered and said a man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven Rom. 10. 14 15. v. 14. How then shall they call on 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 v. 15. And how shall they preach except they be sent as it is written How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things Jer. 14. 14. Then the Lord said unto me The prophets prophesie lies in my name I sent them not neither have I commanded them neither sake I unto them they prophesie unto you a false vision and divination and a thing of nought and the deceit of their heart Heb. 5. 4. And no man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called
world to come Cat. 14. R. Reading the Scripture a part of Religious Worship Con. 80. Rules for Reading the Scriptures Cat. 122 123. Redemption how wrought by Christ Con. 33. The vertue of it and efficacy from the beginning of the world Con. 34. Redemption how applyed and to whom Con. 34 35. Cat. 30. Repentance unto life what Con. 50. Repentance not satisfactory for sin nor cause of pardon Con. 51. Yet no pardon without Repentance nor Condemnation where it is Con. 52. A particular Repentance required of all for particular sins Con. 52. When Repentance is necessary to be testified to others Con. 53. Reprobation the Nature of it Con. 13 14. Resurrection of the Just and Unjust the manner of it Con. 116. Cat. 49. Righteous See Beleevers Righteousnesse of Justification See Justification Righteousnesse of Sanctification See Sanctification S. Sabbath to be kept Con. 83. And that the first day of the week Cat. 78. Con. 83. What it is to keep the Sabbath aright Con. 83 84 Cat. 79. How the Sabbath is profaned Cat. 80 81. Sacraments the nature ends of them Con. 112. Cat. 127. The parts of them Cat. 128. They conferre not grace by any power in themselves Con. 103. Upon what the efficacy of Sacraments depends ibid. Sacraments to be dispensed only by the Ministers of the Word Con. 103. The Sacraments of the Old and New Testament the same for substance Con. 104. How the Sacraments are made effectuall to salvation Cat. 126. The Sacrament of Baptisme and the Lords Supper wherein they agree Cat. 138 139. Wherein they differ Cat. 139 140. Sacrament of Baptisme See Baptisme Sacrament of the Lords Supper See Supper Saints See Bâ—leevers Saints not to be worshipped Con. 78. Salvation not to be attain'd by living up to the Light of Nature nor by any other but the Christian Religion Con. 40. Cat. 31. Salvation in Christ alone Cat. 31. No larger then Election Con 40. Cat. 35. What required of us in order to salvation Cat. 119. The outward meanes of salvation ibid. Sanctification what Con. 46 47. Cat. 40 41. Universall but imperfect in this life Con. 47. The reason why Sanctification is imperfect here Cat. 43. How Sanctification differs from Justification Cat. 42. Scandalous not to be admitted to the Lords Supper Cat. 135. Scriptures why necessary Con 2 What Books to be owned for Scripture ibid. Scripture the only Rule of Faith and Obedience Con 3. Cat. 2. The only Rule of Worship Con. 77 78. Upon what Authority the Scriptures are to be received and obeyed Con. 4. Scriptures how proved to be the Word of God Con. 4. Cat. 2 3. How we are fully assured of it Con. 4. Cat. 3. Of the Scriptures Sufficiency Perfection and Perspicuity Con. 5. What necessary to the saving understanding of the Scriptures Con. 5. The Originall Text of Scripture the Authenticall Con. 6. The Scripture ought to be Translated Con. 6. Cat. 122. and read by all Cat. 121. The infallible Rule of interpreting Scripture Con. 6. The Spirit speaking in Scripture the Supreme Judge of all Controversies in Religion Con. 7. Scripture how to be read Cat. 122 123. Sin what Cat 12. The guilt of it Con. 24. Sin how the object of Gods providence Con. 18 19 20 21. God not the Authour nor Approver of Sin Con. 19. Why God suffers his children to fall into Sin Con. 20. Originall Sin See Originall Actuall Sin See Actuall Sin how punisht in this world Cat. 13 14. How in the world to come Cat. 14. Sins when to be confessed to men Con. 53. Sin not pardoned without Repentance Con. 52. The greatest Sin cannot damn men if they truly Repent ib All Sins not equally hainous Cat. 111. The demerit of every Sin Cat. 118. Sins against the First CoÌ„mandment Cat. 62 c. against the Second Cat. 68 c. against the Third Cat. 73 c. against the Fourth Cat. 80 c. against the Fifth Cat. 87 89 90. against the Sixth Cat 94 c. against the Seventh Cat 97 c. against the Eighth Cat. 101 c. against the Ninth Cat. 105 c. against the Tenth Cat. 110 c. Aggravations of Sin under severall Heads See Aggravatâ—ons Singing of Psalms a part of Religious Worship Con. 80. Soule 's state after Death Con. 115. The Spirit 's illumination necessary to the saving understanding of the Scripture Con. 5. The Spirit speaking in the Scripture the supreme Judge of Controversies Con. 7. Supererogation impossible Con. 56. Superiours how to be honoured Cat. 85 86. How to carry themselves toward their Inferiours Cat. 87 88. Supper of the Lord the Institution Nature and ends of it Con. 107. Cat. 131. Christ not offered up to his Father in the Supper nor any reall sacrifice for sin made Con. 107. The Ministers duty in administring it Con. 108. Not to be received alone ibid. To be received in both kinds ibid. The Elements in the Supper not to be adored ibid. What relation the Elements in the Supper have to Christ Con. 109. How Christ is present in the Supper Con. 110. Cat. 132. How beleevers feed upon Christ in the Supper Con. 109 110. Cat. 132. Ignorant and scandalous not to be admitted to the Supper Con. 110. Cat. 135. What preparation required before receiving the Lord's Supper Cat. 133. What duties requiâ—ed in time of receiving Cat. 136 137. What duties after receiving Cat. 137 138. The Agreement and difference between the Lords Supper and Baptisme Cat. 138 139 140. Suspension from the Lords Supper Con. 112. Swearing See Oath Synods may be called by the Civil Magistrate Con. 90. 113. In what cases Ministers may meet in a Synod without the Call of the Civil Magistrate Con. 113. What power belongs to Synods and Councils Con. 114 What submission due to their Decrees and Determinations ibid. Synods not infallible since the Apostles dayes Con. 114. How far Synods may meddle in State-affaires ibid. T. Temptation how to be prayd against Cat. 152 153 154 Testament Old and New Con. 27 28. Thanksgiving the duty of every man Con. 78. What Toleration Christian Liberty is no friend to Con. 74 75. Transubstantiation an absurd fiction Con. 109. Of the Trinity Con. 10. Cat. 5. The Coëquality of the Persons in Trinity proved Cat. 5 6. V. Vocation See Calling Vowes a part of Religious Worship Con. 81. A Vow what how and to whom to be made Con. 87. What Vowes are unlawfull Con. 88. Union of the two Natures in Christ Con. 31 32. Union of the Elect with Christ what Cat. 34. Unregenerate men's best works sinfull Con. 57 58. W. War may be waged by Christians under the New Testament Con. 89. Wicked men's condition in Judgement and after Judgement Cat. 50. The Will of God how to be done and submitted to Cat. 149. The Will of Man renewed in Effectuall Calling Cat. 35. Free Will what Con. 35. Free Will to good in the state of Innocency Con. 36. Wholly lost by the Fall ibid. Restored in part by Regeneration Con. 36 37. Perfectly and immutably in the state of Glory only Con. 37. Word of God what Cat. 2. The Word how made effectuall to salvation Cat. 119 120. To be read by all Cat. 121 122. How to be read Cat. 122 123. How to be preached Cat. 124 125. How to be heard Cat. 125 126. Works not the cause of Justification Con. 41 Cat. 39. What are Good Works and what not Con. 53 54. The excellent uses and ends of Good Works ibid. Ability to do Good Works is wholly from Gods Spirit Con. 55. The actuall influence of the Spirit required to the performing of every Good Work Con. 55. Yet this no plea at all for negligence ibid. Good Works neither merit nor satisfie and why Con. 56. Yet they are accepted by God in Christ and rewarded Con. 57. The best Works of the Unregenerate sinfull and why Con. 57 58. Yet the neglect of the more sinfull ibid. Worship to be given to God alone Con. 78. And that through Christ ibid. The Worship that is acceptable to God is instituted by himself and not left to the Devices of men Con. 77 78. The parts of Religious Worship Con. 80 81. Religions Worship not tyed now to any place Con. 81. God to be Worshipped in private and in publick Con. 81 82. FINIS
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