appointed us to labour six dayes Secondly the Lords own example in Resting also from worke the seventh day and Rested the seventh day Thirdly the Lords institution and appointment of the seventh day to be a holy Rest for his service wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it Quest 6. But is there no worke to be done upon the Sabbath day nor by any manner of persons Answ I answer yes first workes of piety may be done by all in their severall places and in particular by the Ministers of Christ as of old time the Priests did performe their workes upon the Sabbath day Mat. 12.5 and were blamelesse and as men went a Sabbath dayes jorney to the Prophets Acts 1.12 2 Kings 4 22 23. and places appointed for Gods publike worship Secondly workes of Mercy and Charity may be done upon the Sabbath day without blame as being acceptable to God at all times in Christ Jesus Acts 20.9 1 Cor. 16.2 Luke 14.5 and not condemned on that day but appointed Thirdly workes of necessity which require present helpe and could not have been done the day before nor stay untill the day following Mark 2.23 24 25 26 27. Mat. 12.11 12. Luke 13.15 15 16. these workes may also bee done upon the Sabbath day as necessary provision of meate for man or beast the necessary worke of the Phisitian or others for a sick or disseased person or of a Chyrurgeon for the wounded or a Midwife or others for Women in travell all such workes of necessity in truth and without hypocrisie may be done upon the Sabbath day But other Workes which are neither workes of piety of Charity nor of true necessity I believe ought not to be done upon that day Quest But is not the Sabbath day ceremoniall and so to be abolished Colos 2.16 17. or at least to be left at liberty now in the time of the Gospell since the Apostle seemeth to hold forth a Sabbath as a ceremony in that Epistle to the Collossians and before to the Galatians he blameth them for observing dayes and moneths and yeares Gala. 4.10 Is not the Sabbath day then abolished by the Comming of Christ Ans First I answer it is certaine there were diverse Sabbaths which the Jewes were required to sanctifie Levit. 23.38 39 c. Ezek. 20.21 and not to prophane or pollute as is evident by that of the Prophet Ezekiel they polluted my Sabbaths then I said I will poure out my fury upon them Thus in this sence the name Sabbath was applied to all those Ceremoniall Levit. 23.26 27 28 29 30 31 32. Feastivalls yea and daies of Fastings which were to be kept without doing any worke on those dayes as a Sabbath or Rest of the Lord. Levit. 23.15 16. Levit. 25.2 3. Lâ—vit 25.8 9. Againe there was a Sabbath of Sabbaths and a Sabbath of yeares when was the yeare of Jubile and these were Ceremoniall Types indeed and Shadowes with the Sacrifices and services herein And of these I conceive the Apostle speakes as abolished and in which the children of God in the Gospell are not to be condemned Colos 2.17 because Christ who is the body figured by all these is come But he doth not speake of this Sabbath which the Lord commanded to be sanctified in the Decalogue or Ten Commandements at least in no wise of the substance of the Commandement that a Seventh day is to be sanctified as holy to the Lord. Quest 8. But wherefore then is not the Seventh day from the Creation kept as a Sabbath day or by what authority is this Seventh day now sanctified and kept as a Sabbath called in Scripture the Lords Day Ans First Isai 56.2 3 4 5. the keeping of a seventh day for a Sabbath is absolutely morall and perpetuall instituted in Paradise before the fall and in the Decalogue or Ten Commandements given on Mount Sinai and that Commandement bindes to a seventh day for ever Secondly although there be not an absolute command in the New Testament to change the day evidently held forth unto us yet there is Divine Authority sufficient in the constant practize of the Apostles and Saints to meete on this seventh day Acts 2.46 Acts 20.7 8 c 1 Cor. 16.1 2. being then called the first day of the weeke to performe the duties of the Sabbath on this day in Preaching and Hearing of the word and receiving of the Sacrament called breaking of bread and in Prayer and giving Almes and the like as being the Lords owne day as the day of the Lords Resurrection and to be sanctified as the Lords day to meet Christ in all his Ordinances of the Sabbath Revel 1.10 as John the 〈◊〉 Divine was ravished in the spirit and met Christ on that day for the great comfort of himselfe and the Churches of Christ that day then called and esteemed and reckoned to be the Lords own day and so to be kept as the Lords day by the Churches of Christ Quest 9. What is the generall duty required in this fourth Commandement and what light from Christ for this duty Ans To be mindefull of and remember the Sabbath Isai 58.13 Heb. 4.9.10 Mark 1.35 39. or Lords day to keep it as a day of Rest from our own works and bodily labour and as a spirituall rest from the sinfull workes of our soules and bodies and to sanctifie it as a holy Rest in the performance of the Lords Workes of holinesse and his holy service to glorifie the Lord of Sabbath in a speciall manner on that Day Quest 10. What is the generall sinne forbidden in this Commandement Ans All prophanation of the Sabbath or Lords day Isaia 58.13 by ommission of Gods workes or performing of our owne workes or worldly businesse of this life outward in our bodies except in case of true extraordinary necessity or performing of any our owne workes of sinne in bodies or soules as all other dayes so especially onâ— the Lords day or the day of Gods Rest Heb. 4.9.10 and Sabbath Day Quest 11. What are the particular duties required for the sanctification of the Christian Sabbath or Lords day what light from Christ for these Ans They are diverse wee may remember these especiall First a preparation for the right sanctification of this day by minding of it before it come that we may be more fit to serve the Lord in it when it is come and by rising early in the morning as bodily health will suffer that wee may have time to exercise preparative duties before wee come to the publike Ordinances Quest 12. What is the sinne contrary unto this Ans To forget the Lords Day or be so unmindfull of it as either in our own persons or by compelling or suffering our children or servants so long to labour Ex. 12.3.6 Exo. 3.5 Ex. 19.10.15 Deut. 33.3 Mat 27.62 As Amos 4.12 so here and over-wearie our bodies or spirits on
the great God That the Lord will blesse and honour them that honour him 1 Sam. 2.30 and extoll them who seeke in Christ to give God the praises due unto his name Quest 28. What may the diligent observation of all these duties commanded and sinnes forbidden with the threatning and promises annexed hold forth unto the sonnes of men or what may this instruct Ans First to wicked and prophane men this holds forth and may teach them to take notice of their miserable condition living in a continuall prophanation of Gods name either in his Titles Word Ordinance or workes of Mercy or Judgement and so of a continuall subjection to the curse of God spirituall and temporall here and to an everlasting curse hereafter Quest 29. What further may such wicked men who are out of Christ learne from hence Ans Not to give sleepe to their eyes with quiet nor take delight in any creature-comfort but waite on Christ in all the meanes of Grace untill Christ make them by his Spirit sensible of their sinne and misery and give them faith and repentance that closing with Christ they may be freed from the guilt and punishment of their sinnes Quest 30. What may the Saints of God learn from hence by light from Christ for instruction 1 Cor. 13.9 Phil. 3.12 13 Ans To see the perfection of this holy Law of God and their owne imperfection and seeke daily to Christ as for assurance of Justification and Pardon of sin so for assured power of Sanctification and increase of strength from Christ that they may be inabled more and more to honour and glorifie the most holy Name of their most blessed Lord God and tender Father in Christ Jesus and that one day they shal glorifie this sacred Name in Heaven with Saints and Angels for evermore The thirty one Classis or company of Questions Question 1. YOu have answered concerning the Third now what is the fourth Commandement Ans Remember the Sabbath day to keepe 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 doe any worke Thou nor thy Son nor thy Daughter thy Man-Servant nor thy Maide-servant nor thy Cattell 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 Seventh day and hallowed it Quest 2. What doe you principally observe and consider in this Fourth Commandement Ans First I observed the substance o◠sum of the Commandement set down in the first words Remember the Sabbath day to Sanctifie it or to keep it holy Secondly the explication or further Declaration of Gods will and pleasure in the next words that follow Six dayes shalt thou labour and do all that thou hast to doe or all thy worke but the Seventh day is the Sabboth of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any worke thou nor thy Son nor thy Daughter thy Man-servant nor thy Maid-servant nor thy Cattell nor thy Stranger that is within thy gates Thirdly I observe the grand or chiefe reason and ground of this Commandement in the last words For in Six dayes the Lord made Heaven and Earth the Sea and all that in them is and nested the Seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Seventh day and hallowed it Quest 3. What doe you consider in the first of these the substance or sum of the Commandement in the first words Answ I consider three things First the memento Remember as holding forth a duty of Minding Deut. 5.15 Genes 2.1 2 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Shabath rest Remembring and Observing the Sabbath day before it come for preparation as a day holy to the Lord by his appointment of old even in Paradise before the Fall and as too much forgotten and neglected and therefore he requireth his peple to remember the day with greater observation Heb. 4.10 Secondly I consider the day the Sabbath day or day of Rest the rest-Rest-day a day of ceasing from our owne works as God did from his Thirdly I consider another duty namely the end to remember the sanctification of this Rest day or separating and setting it apart from common and ordinary workes which concerne this present naturall life and a Consecrating of it unto God and to holy spirituall workes such as concerne our spirituall life and these things amongst other I observe considerable in the first expression of the Lord in this Commandement Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy Quest 4. What do you consider in the second part Ans First a permission and in this the equity of this Commandement as a strong reason or motive to obedience six dayes shalt thou labour and do all thy worke Secondly a Commission or Commandement to worke for since God made all the seven dayes as he did all the Trees of the Garden Gen. 2.16 17. and as hee might have forbid our first Parents halfe the Trees or all but on e if he had pleased and that without any wrong to them yet did forbid them but one Tree of the Garden So the Lord might have forbidden us to worke in three or foure of the dayes or more yea in all but one day And therefore since hee reserveth but one whole day of Seven for his solemne worship Great cause we should yeild most willing obedience to this Commandement and be carefull to keepe this in a holy rest to the Lord. and yet not mispend the six dayes but worke in our lawfull callings Secondly I consider a declaration of of the Lords right in this as being the Lords own separated day in a speciall manner and therefore a strong reason that man should not prophane this day but keepe it holy This in the next words But the Seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God Thirdly I consider a more generall and full prohibition of all manner of work In it thou shalt do no manner of worke that is of thy own workes for which I have allowed thee six dayes to labour in Fourthly I consider the persons who are prohibited from working in particular held forth in these seven expressions First Thou Secondly nor thy Son Thirdly nor thy Daughter Fourthly nor thy Man-servant Fifthly nor thy Made servant Sixtly nor thy Cattell Seventhly nor the Stranger that is within thy Gates or that is within or under thy power jurisdiction protection or command whatsoever Thou shalt not prophane the Sabbath thy self nor suffer any other in thy power to sin in this respect Quest 5. What do you consider in the third and last part you obsorved the principall reason of the Commandement Ans Frst the Lords owne example in the great work of Creation held forth for our imitation For in six dayes the Lord made Heaven and Earth The Sea and all that in them is and so the Lord
the evening before as to make our selves or any other under our charge unfit for the Lords service on the Lords Sabbath day when it comes the Lord requiring preparation for as well as performance of a duty Quest 13. What are the particular duties of preparation in the morning before the publike Ordinances Mark 16.1 Ephes 5.16 Ans To rise early and improve as much time as can possibly be spared from workes of necessity in private Reading Catechizing and Prayer in our Familes and in secret meditation and Prayer in our closets for Gods blessing upon the publike Ordinances both inabling the Minister of Christs for their duties and the people of God and our selves in the Ordinances to meete Christ 1 Cor. 10. â— and receive refreshing from Christ to our comfort and to Gods glory Quest 14. What is the particular sinne contrary to this particular duties Ans To mispend the morning of the Sabbath or Lords day by oversleeping our selves or otherwise neglecting reading Meditation Catechizing or Prayer for Gods Ministers the Congregations or our selves or any spirituall duty which wee have time to performe in private or secret and neglect to the disfurtherance of our spirituall refreshing in Gods holy Ordinances Quest 15. What reason can you give that all this is required for preparation to meet Christ in the Ordinances Ans Because in every duty all meanes and helpes to the performance of that duty are likewise required to be made use of As Ex. 36.37 So 1 Sam. 12.29 1 John 3.23 Rom. 10.17 and so the neglect of any one help or meanes of performance and Christs power to performe it must needs be a sinne Quest 16. But how may this appeare that when a Duty is required the use of meanes to performe the duty it required Ans We may illustrate this by an example or two First to believe on Jesus Christ is a duty being the command of God and hearing of Gods Word which is a meanes of faith is commanded likewise as well as to believe Therefore the meanes faith is commanded also as a duty Mat. 13.9 Ex. 19.10 11.28 1 Cor. 11.28 Eze. 36.37 1 Sam. 6.3.6 7. 1 Cron. 15 13. and so helpes to duty as well as duties themselves the like I might say here of preparation to the Sacrament and so the neglect of any helpe or meanes to further the performance of a duty is sinne as to neglect prayers or helpes made and so in particular the neglect of right preparation for Ordinance on the Lords Day for God will be sought and served in a right order Quest 17. You have shewed the duty of preparation for the Sabbath both before it come and in the morning for better sanctification of the day now what is or are the particular duties which respect the Rest of the Lords day and what light from Christ for direction in these Answ To rest from all our owne workes of worldly profit Levit. 23.3 Nehe. 13.25 16. Jer. 17.22 Ex. 16.29 30. Ex. 34.21 or pleasure as from buying and selling carrying of burdens and journeis not of absolute necessity or any other of the like kind of labours though in earing time or harvest except such as are noted before to be workes of mercy and in case of necessity aforesaid Quest 18. What are the particular sins contrary to this duty Ans A pharisâ—icall overstrict Jewish superstition in the bare outward Rest refusing workes of mercy or necessity on the Sabbath day so much as to kindle a fire in a cold season for needfull refreshing or to prepare warme meate necessary the better to inable even the weake for Gods service 1 Macah. 2.37.38 Ex. 35.3 Mark 34 Mat. 12.1 2 3 4 5 9. â— necessary defence from the enemy seeking to destroy or any of the like nature Christ having eased us of this strictnesse declaring the Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath for mans good not hurt and respecting mercy above sacrifice Quest 19. What other particular sinnes are there contrary to the rest of the Sabbath or Lords day Ans To prophane this day by bodily unnecessary labours Levit. 15.32.35 Nehe. 13. Jerem. 17. or workes which might have beene done the day before or may be deferred untill the day following or by buying or selling bearing of burdens any the workes of mens ordinary worldly calling for worldly profits Isai 58.13 or by words of conference about such worldly things for our profit or the like Quest 20. It is evident this labour for profit is prohibited what thinke you of carnall pleasures and pastimes upon the Sabbath or Lords daye in gaming sporting to sit gazing at their dores or otherwise mispending of pretious time on the Lordâ— day Ans They are unlawfull also as being the sinfull practize of Idolaters in their Feasts and holy dayes Ex. 32.5 6 or the practice of prophane irreligious people hindering the improvement of that spirituall refreshment the soule hath or should receive in the Ordinance Isai 51.13 Colos 3.16 1 Cor. 10.31 and unbefiting Christians whose delights should be spirituall and heavenly in a sweet Communion with God in Christ and one with another in spiritull graces and exercise of them But in these carnall delights men rather dishonour then honour God as becommeth Christians Quest 21. You have declared the duties commanded and sinnes forbidden concerning the rest of the Sabbath is there no more required Genes 2.3 Exod. 20.8 Ans Yes there is a sanctification of this rest also commanded in all deligent practize performance of and attendance on Christ in all the Ordinances of Christ both private before we come to the Congregation Levit. 23.3 Ezek. 20.12 and publike when wee are present in the Congregation and private and secret duty when we returne home to our houses and Families Quest 22. You have already shewed the duties of preparation in private before wee come to the publike now what are the publike duties in which the people of God ought to sanctifie this rest and glorifie God in this his day and what light from Christ to enable for these Ans They are diverse but you may observe these that follow and first a timely presence in the house of God to be ready as one man to joyne with the Minister of Christ in publike Prayer to God for a blessing upon the worke of the day and his owne ordinances Gen. 28.16 17. Nehem. 8.1.23 and the pious endevours both of Christs Ministers and people every one being ready with the Congregation to heare what Gods Ministers shall speake unto them from God Acts 10.33 Quest 23. What is the particular sinne contrary unto this duty Ans A negligent late comming to the house of God not being ready to joyne with the Congregation in the beginning Eccles. 5.1 1 Cor. 14.40 and so are more ready to offer foolish Sacrifices then to heare and joyne with the Congregation as good order in the
Church of God requires Quest 24. What is a second duty in publike Ans To joyne devoutly and understandingly with the Minister and Congregation in Prayer not onely attending with the eare to every confession of sinne petition for grace and all the powrings out of the Ministers soule in Prayer but with thy minde and heart to goe along with the Minister of Christ and to pour out thy soule with him and all the rest of the Congregation in every confession request or giving of thankes to God saying Amen in thy soule Psal 85.8 Phil. 4.13 Rom. 8.26 27. and in faith expecting a gratious returne of your prayers in Gods due time and this not in thy owne strength but by the assistance and strength of Christ and the spirit of Christ helping our infirmities and inabling the soule to wrastle with God in prayer Gen. 32. Quest 25. What is the sinne contrary to this duty declared Ans Not to attend diligently with our eares or to wander and be distracted in our mindes and hearts in time of Prayer or not to goe along with the Minister of God and heartily joyne with him in Prayer according to the Word of God and rule of Christ or to do this in a dead manner without any affection or life in Prayer or not to pray in faith and in faith expect an answer and gracious returne of our petitions put up rightly in matter and manner in the name of Christ John 19.23 Quest 26. What is a third duty in publike for sanctification of this blessed Sabbath and rest day of the Lord Ans This concerneth both the Ministers and People of God Ezra 7.10 Nehe. 8.8 Ezek. 3.17 Acts 20.20 21. And first the Ministers duty is to Reade Expound Catechize and Preach the Word of God without respect of persons in faithfulnesse sincerity and godly wisedome not with intising words of mans wisdome but in evidence of the spirit and of power and as becomes the Ministers of Christ Quest 27. What is the Ministers sin contrary to this duty Ans To neglect Expounding and Preaching of the Word or Catechizing or to doe it unfaithfully with entising words of mans wisdome and otherwise then becommeth the Gospell of Christ Quest 28. What is the peoples duty in this particular and what light from Christ for this Ans To attend diligently in the hearing of the Word or Catechizing to the voyce of Gods Ministers Acts 15.14 15. or to the Word of God as it is indeed the Word of God and not of man and that without wandring or sleeping with hunger after the mind of Christ in the Word and with faith and obedience as becommeth the children of God to the wil of their Heavenly Father Heb. 4.2 Quest 29. What is the sin contrary to this duty of the people Ans To neglect hearing of Gods Word or Catechizing or to heare it carelessely without devotion Faith Love or Obedience unprofitably either in respect of Gods glory or our owne salvation Quest 30. What is a fourth particular duty in which this rest-day or Lords day is to be sanctified Ans In a right communicating and partaking of the blessed Sacrament according to Christs institution Gods people being clothed upon with the wedding Garment as is declared at large in the former part of the Catechisme Quest 31. What is the contrary sinne to this duty Ans To neglect the Sacrament 2 Chron. 30. As 1 Chron. 15.13 1 Cor. 11.28 29 30. or not to receive it in a due and as right order to Gods glory and our own refreshing in Christ Jesus Quest 32. What are the duties to be performed in private in our Familes after the publike Ordinances are ended Ans Repetition and conference one with another of what we have heard Parents taking account of their children and Masters of their servants what they have remembred searching the Scriptures and examing by the Word what hath been delivered by the Minister of Christ Acts 17.11 12. in Catechizing those under our charge meditation and earnest Prayer unto God for a blessing upon the Word and Sacraments received and strength from Christ to bring forth fruits as Trees of righteousnesse Isaia 61.3 the planting of the Lord that hee may be glorified Quest 33. What is the sinne contrary to this duty Ans A meer resting in the outward hearing of the Word or partaking of the Sacrament and publike ordinance without any care of profiting our selves or Families by Repetition Conference searching the Scripture Catechizing or Prayer in our Family oâ— closets for a blessing endeavouring by the power of Christ to practice in our lives what we have heard and learned as the truth is in Jesus the neglect of any of which is sin Quest 34. This is a strict rest indeed and a strict sanctification of this rest is there any more required Ans Yes a giving of Almes and performing workes of charity and Mercy 1 Cor. 16 2. Nehe. 8.12 and that freely and liberally according to our ability and as the necessities of the Saints require Quest 35. What is the sin contrary unto this duty of Charity Ans To give no Almes and neglect workes of charity and mercy though God hath given us ability to helpe the afflicted brethren in their time of neede Quest 36. Here are many outward acts of duty to bee performed are there noâ— some inward and spirituall required also Ans Yes it is required that the childdren of God should make the Sabbath his delight and keepe a spirituall rest from sinne of omission or commission and so keepe a spirituall and holy restj indeed Heb. 4.9.10 11 c. Isai 58.13.14 as all the dayes of our lives from sinne so especially on the Lords day a preperation to that eternall Sabbath and rest from all sinne and misery which we shall enjoy for ever in the Kingdome of Heaven Quest 37 What is the sinne contrary to this duty of delight in the Sabbath and spirituall rest from sin Ans To be weary of the Sabbath or Lords Day to say or thinke as those in Amos when will the Sabbath be gone Amos 8.5 Isaia 1.12 13 14. when will the Sabbath be gone And not to rest from sin but to doe the Devills worke on Gods Day to swear to drinke tipling and distempering themselves to Whore Amos 5.21 or keepe company with Harlots Jer. 5.7 or abuse Gods Day in any wickednesse whatsoever and so to make even our outward performances odious to God and to all good men Luke 13.25 26. endangerinâ— the soule and body to a restlesse condition in Hell fire for ever Luke 16.24 Quest 38. This is a most perfect Law indeed that requireth all this in one of the Ten Commandements but J pray you who is bound to performe this duty Answ The Commandement it selfe holdeth forth this in the next words Thou thy Sonne thy Daughter thy Man-servant thy Maide-servant nor thy Ox nor thy Asse nor
the Stranger that is within thy Gates That is thou and all that are in thy power without exception Quest 39. But wherefore doth the Lord give this speciall command and direction to his people not onely for themselves but for all under their command Ans That Gods children being carefull and dutifull themselves and diligently performing their duties to all that are under their charge they might not be partakers of other Mens sins Quest 40. But how may one man be guilty of another mans sinne what light have you from Christ to reveile this Ans One may be guilty of another mans sin divers wayes First when a superior commands an inferior to commit a sinne and the sinne be committed of this the superior is guilty as Saul was of killing the Lords Priests 1 Sam. 22.18 2 Sam. 11.15 when hee commanded Doeg to do it and wicked Doeg did it accordingly David kild Vrias by Joab and the sword of the children of AmmoÌ„ And so Iezabell was guilty of that sin of the sons of Belial 1 Kings 21 10. who did beare false witns against Naboth for his Vineyard and thus Magistrates or masters or parents are guilty when they command their subjects or children or servants to prophane the Lords Sabbath Quest 41. What is a second way of being guilty Answ When superiors have power and doe not hinder but suffer inferiors to commit sinne 1 Sam. 3.13 as old Eli suffered his sonnes and did not punish them nor restraine them as hee ought and so when Parents suffer their children or Masters their servants to prophane the Lords Day They are guilty of their childrens sinne and servants sinne Quest 42. What is a third manner how one man may be guilty of another mans sinnes have you any light from Christ for this Ans Wen one man giveth another wicked councell to commit sinne as when Ahitophet counselled Absolom to commit wickednesse with his Fathers concubines 2 Sam. 16 21. or Herodias counselled her Daughter to aske the head of John Baptists Mark 6.24 or when a Master or Father adviseth or counselleth his sonne or servants or any under his charge to prophane the Sabbath Quest 43. What is a fourth manner Ans When Minister or people man or woman doth consent to sinne in others Acts 8.1 Eze. 3.18 or not reprove sin as Saul before his conversion consented to the death of blessed Stephen the Martyr of Christ and for Prophets not to warn the wicked Levit. 19.17 so when Parents or Masters consent to their childrens and servants prophanation of the Lords Day when as they should not suffer sin to lie upon them but reprove them rather So when unworthy Receivers are suffered without any admonition or reproofe Quest 44. What is a fift manner of being guilty Ans When one Man or Woman provokes and stirreth up another to sinne 1 Kings 21 25. as Jezabell provoked Ahab to commit wickednesse and Jobs Wife her Husband to curse God and die Job 2.9 And so when Parents or Masters provoke and stirre up their children or servants by Labour or Pastimes to prophane the Sabbath Quest 45. What is a sixt manner of becomming guilty of other mens sins Ans When men grow to such a height of impudency as to defend other mens sinnes Who call good evill and evill good Isai 5.20 1 Kings 22 6.11.24 1 Sam. 15.22 as wicked Zedechiah defended wicked Ahab in his sinfull course and Saul defended the peoples sin as Lawers plead in unjust causes or when Parents or Masters or any other will plead for Baal and defend the sinnes of their children or servants or Neighbours when they prophane the Lords Day all these ways at least may men be guilty of other mens sins Quest 46. Most certaine the Lord is a most holy God and is Law a most holy Law and perfect rule of holinesse which holdeth forth to us so many duties and so many sinnes in one Commandement of the Sabbath day and sanctification of the rest what use therefore my the knowledged of this truth be of unto the sons of men Ans First concerning wicked men out of Christ the many duties commanded Jer. 17.27 Gâ—lat 3.24 Acts 8.21 22. and sinns forbidden may cause them to tremble for feare of the curse and wrath of God due to them for their prophanation of the Lords day and so be a Schoolemaster to bring them to Christ to see if they may finde pardon and escape the curse and damnation Acts 13.38 39 1 Thess 10 Secondly concerning saints in Christ the Meditation of these things may likewise minde them of Christ First Christ as a justifyer without whose Righteousnesse and Merits they could not be saved 1 Cor. 1.30 and in whom salvation is their portion 2 Cor. 5.17 Secondly Christ as a sanctifyer in whom there is holinesse and power to sanctifie this holy rest this blessed Sabbath as the Lords day in all holinesse and righteousnesse to Gods glory and good of our own soules Quest 47. What benefit is this to the Church that the Lord hath ordained Mat. 28.6 9.17 18. and by his Resurrection and appearing to his Disciples so often one that day consecrated this holy Sabbath Mark 1â— 12 Luk. 24.13 as a day to and for himselfe and for his speciall service and ordinances wherein he now appeareth to his Church Ans A speciall cause of joy that the Saints may once a weeke be as it were in Heaven with Christ meeting Christ in his glorious Ordinances Luke 24.33 34.36 1 Cor. 16.1.2 Mat. 18.20 Ex. 25.21 22. Isai 66.11 John 15.4 5 6. Heb. 4.9 Revel 14.13 and sucking the brests of consolation in all his gracious promises so receiving the sweet juyce and sappe of the life of grace to nourish us in this time of trouble to that Kingdom of glory that eternall Sabbath of rest and peace for ever Quest 48. What is the principall motive or moving cause to stir up and draw the heart of a child of God and your soule in particular to desire and labour in all sincerity and faithfullnesse to glorifie God in a full obedience to every duty commanded and in a full avoyding of every sinne forbidden in these foure Commandemmts or first Table of the Law of God Ans The free love of God in Christ to my soule John 3.16 in the free gift of his onely begotten Sonne and the free love of God the Sonne John 10.15 the Lord Christ himselfe in giving himself and laying down his Life for mee 1 Cor. 5.14 15. to reconcile mee to God and to procure for mee grace and glory this doth constraine mee with a kind of holy and sweet violence or rather powerfull attractive or loadstone of love to love my God againe and to declare my love in a loving Isai 16.9 Psal 119.6 ready willing faithfull and cheerfull obedience yea sincere desire and endevour to fullfill every one of the
thirty years Studies and pains night and day rent in pieces and taken away the greatest part then and the rest after from a Garrison of the Parliament W. Manor taken by the same Earl of Newcastles Army And for all my losses besides what will be due to me upon the Publike Faith I expect no recompence but from the Lord except it please God to setle the Kingdom in Truth and Peace and to enable Your Honorable Houses of Parliament according to Your Religious Declarations to take notice of my losses as of others my Brethren and Companions in the same Tribulations Your faithful Friends and to direct a way of Reparation as to Your Wisdoms and Piety shall seem most convenient That Declaration of Both Kingdoms although I cannot say it was an encouragement unto me because I had lost all before yet I may say it was a a ground of comfort in faith and hope that the Lord would work mightily for these Kingdoms and so there might be some expectation of outward good and Reparation again in Gods due time to me or mine I must beg pardon for this digression And yet this I cannot but declare Hos 4.1 2. Prov. 29.18 That I am assured this abominable blinde prophane superstitious ignorance not only in that but in other parts of the Kingdom was one principal occasion of these and the like sad miseries both to me and many Thousands in the Land Ioh. 16.1 2 3. especially the Religious part who have commonly been the objects of the Malice and Rapine of these ignorant prophane or Popish persons besides their oppressions by other men not Religiously affected Now if Your Honours ask me What hath been or is the cause of this ignorance In all humility I Answer from my own experience I am certain a principal cause was and is want of Catechizing Acts 20 22. First by Ministers in their particular Congregations And secondly by Parents and Masters in their particular Families Gen. 18.18 19. without which I conceive it impossible to cure this deadly Malady of base ignorance or ever to have the common sort of people know how to serve or obey either God or man Isa 27.11 29.11 12. according to the light of Christ and good Laws Established in a Kingdom As the Eunuch said unto Philip Acts. 8.31 How shall I understand except some man shall guide me So may it be said of such kinde of uncatechized people But is not the fault then in Ministers I Answer assuredly it is in great part Jer. 10.21 5.31 6.10 29.12 Isa 56.10 c. Ezek. 34.1 2 3 4. though not altogether First in many idle carelesse unconscionable Ministers who have had means sufficient to maintain them and common knowledge enough to instruct in the Principles of Religion but wanted Grace to perform their duties and in particular this duty of Catechizing Secondly in too many others Ier. 23.1 2. Zac. 11.16 17. blinde ignorant Ministers who have neither maintenance sufficient nor grace or abilities to perform their duties ns they ought Iudg. 17.10 1 Kin. 12.31 like Micahs Levite or Jeroboams Priests of the basest of the People And how can it be expected there should be Preaching and Catechizing in a right order where Ministers have but twenty Nobles or Ten pounds a year for their maintenance and twenty or thirty pounds a very high rate in esteem of some men where some have been constrained to keep common Ale-houses to get a livelyhood as they professed in my hearing and I have seen proved upon Oath in the High Commission where not so long since that I can forget their kindenesse in three years attendance Commissions and Hearing it cost me Three hundred pounds at least of my own purse besides my losse of my time and this for my Preaching too often as they Judged and keeping Fasting and Praying too long spending the most of the day an offence unsufferable as some learned in that Court were pleased at my sentence then publikely to aver although it was in the Plague time and when I thought I had both Kingly Episcopal Authority sufficient From the King A Proclâ—matioÌ„ And an Order from the Bishops for the Fasts And I am sure I Fasted and Prayed no otherwise then with my Congregation but as now is the constant Monethly practise of this Honorable Parliament and the Religious party in the Kingdom but all that saved me little in that Court There was blinde ignorance there as well as amongst those poor ignorant Ministers I spoke of before and such Ministers Ale-house keepers I my self have known in some places where there are great impropriations appropriated in times of Popery to Deans and Chapters and leased out to such as receive the profits but take no care at all for the souls of the people and too many of them yet in the hands of such who now are or have been open Enemies to the Parliament so that the people perish for lack of knowledge Hos 4.6 because for lack of convenient maintenance they want Ministers faithfully to Preach and Catechize as becometh the Ministers of Christ Verily every one will say the disease is lamentable But how can this be remedied fit maintenance provided or faithful Ministers procured to Preach and Catechize the people in this great Kingdom I Answer as Bernard once did in another matter Bern. in Cant. Non est meae humilitatis dictare vobis It is not for my humility Right Honorable to Dictate any thing nor was I called amongst my Reverend Brethren to Advise and except the golden Scepter of Grace be held forth unto me Esth 4.11 5.2 I may seem to have presumed too far already But since it hath pleased the Lord of Hosts so highly to honour You Give me leave I most humbly beseech You as a poor though a weak and unworthy Minister of Jesus Christ and as Gods Ministers have been in Ancient time unto Mighty Princes in all humility to became a Remembrancer Isa 62.6 7. as I have many times been unto God for You so now unto You for God You well know faithful Abraham that great Conquering Prince over four Kings at once that Religious Father of his Family Gen. 14.9 c. how careful he was to instrust and Catechize his Houshold and the Lord taketh special notice of it Gen. 18.18 c. and makes him one of his secret Counsel Christian Kings Princes and Magistrates are the Fathers of the Common-wealth and it is a high honour the Lord exalteth them unto to take care the Common-wealth which is their Family be Catechized in the knowledge of the Lord and of his will in Christ 2 Kin. 19.8 c. 2 Chron. 29.11 33.29 c. Yea somtimes to admonish and charge the Lords Ministers to perform their duties in the work of the Lord as those good Kings Jehoshaphat Hezekiah Eusebius in vita Constant and Josiah did in