intended and this pressing forward here required by desiring more perfection 36. How are Angels so obeying As they are and were ever understood to be 1. From the beginning so continuing and persevering 2. Winged messengers with all speed and diligence doing their duty 3. Wholly addicted to his service continually before him 4. Reverently behaving themselves hiding their faces for his glory 5. Joyfully performing it alwaies singing Hallelujahs to the honour of his name 37. What opposite to this doing of Gods will I. Both our owne wills Our seeking our owne will or doing it Neglect of Gods will Not doing it or not doing it First with due 1. Diligence 2. Cheerfulnesse 3. Constancie Secondly or not willingly totally continually c. 38. Who worketh this opposition The Divell seducing our soules and corrupting our wills and other faculties by his fraud and collusion 39. How is our will so ill All wholly perverse of it selfe and we have no greater enemy to our soules then it so corrupted by Adams fall and continually corrupting us thence evill affections and all mischiefes and wickednesse 40. But doe we not sometimes will better things Not of ourselves as not able to thinke a good thought but if any goodnesse be in us it is from God as Philip. 3. 13. who worketh in us that will and deed for if at any time video meliora proboque deteriorasequor in morall things and much more in divine where our will is enmity with God desiring evill and death or failing in good and if 1. We would discerne truth we are deceived 2. If we looke at goodnesse we faint 3. If we thinke of resisting evill we faile and fall as a bird tyed to the earth so our soules to this body of dust we cannot flie towards heaven 41. What are we to doe then or pray for here That we may not 1. Desire 2. Seek or 3. Follow our owne will which is evil unholy and corrupt but deny the same And thereby bee prepared to doe Gods will which is holy just and perfect as willing our salvation and his owne glory 42. How is Gods will knowne I. In Christ manifesting it the incarnate word II. In Scripture the written word the 1. Law where his precepts promises prohibitions threatnings judgements c. 2. Prophets and Apostles writings expositions of the same 3. Gospel the full revelation thereof in Christ. III. In Ministery of the Word and Sacraments in the Church 43. Doe we desire that God will doe his owne will For the secret part we leave that to him but for the revealed part we pray for grace that it may be done by us and that he will yet therein begin and finish such good worke by his preventing continuing and subsequent graces yet our owne will so moved cooperating and working with his holy Spirit and direction in that obedience 44. How is that obedience Either active indoing or passive in suffering his holy will and both with Cheerfulnesse and alacrity Willingnesse and sincerity Constancie and perseverance 45. How active obedience In all holy and godly workes and duties as 1. Generall obedience and our inclination to it and Gods Commandement both Absolutely for Gods sake In matter and manner as he requireth Respectively for our own and our neighbours and all others good 2. Of our especiall callings 3. Of piety and charity c. 46. How passive obedience In hearing with cheerfulnesse what he pleaseth to lay on us since he is so pleased remembring That he is a Father and willeth our good That nothing is besides his will nor can be That he hath an absolute power over us and all That he is faithfull and will give a happy issue That he doth but chastise and will turne it to our good and glory if we with humility beare it 47. What is in the letter here expressed Our petition for our selves that we may so acceptably doe Gods will Our intercession for others for the same grace that Gods will may be by us all so godlily and readily performed 48. What further intimated 1. A confession of a 1. Due that Gods will ought to be done readily by all creatures 2. Duty of all to strive to doe it and to be obedient readily and willingly 3. Neglect of it to be lamented II. A deprecation against the neglect and disobedience III. Thanksgiving and praise for 1. That portion of obedience we or others are enabled unto 2. That performance Saints and Angels do 3. That hope of better obedience by us 4. The grace we have to desire it and assurance God will heare us 49. How summe you up this in order I. Our humble confession of the 1. Due and our duty that O Lord it is right and just that we and all creatures should be ready to obey thy most holy and just will 2. Neglect that it is too manifest we are not so obedient or carefull as becommeth us but unprofitable and disobedient sons and servants II. Our humble petition for 1. Gods power to be more manifested in our weaknesse 2. Grace to performe it our selves more readily constantly and joyfully III. Our humble intercession for others with us that we may all doe it and they with us receive more power and grace IV. Our humble deprecution that O Lord though all our neglects be too lamentable and we bewaile our disobedience way wardnesse and untowardnesse we pray that all obstacles may be removed in us and others V. Our humble thanksgiving for 1. That obedience in any measure by us or others performed and so fully in Christ and by Saints and Angels 2. That grace in us whereby we desire it and bewaile the contrary defect 3. That hope we have of more grace that it may be more readily and better done and performed in earth as it is in the petition even as willingly as by Saints in heaven 50. What followeth The three latter Petitions concerning ourselves and our owne particulars or necessities SECT 5. The three latter Petitions concerning ourselves the three latter Petitions considered and first the order and Analysis of the fourth observed the parts of it and what is to be understood by bread the supply of all our both spirituall and corporall necessity the word of God especially and Christ the bread of life in the spirituall sense as materiall bread or food and all other comforts of lâ—se in the other the literall sense to be understood which named ours tonote the honest getting and use of it as daily to minde us of our present necessity and short life and give to shew it is of Gods gift and blessing to us and all so this day to point out the present day of life or eternity in grace or glory and how both rich and poore equally need to use this petition and beg at Gods hand this very daily bread and who pray not aright or offend herein as also against what we pray and what in the letter expressed or otherwise intimated here briefly summed up and thus
is bare Idoll service idolatrising or offering Idolls in Gods Temple and to him in stead of true worship and which is before God but as Cains sacrifice or the Jews imperfect offering which the Prophet told them was no more accepted of God then if they cut off a dogs necke oâ— offered mans bloud rather an abomination then devout action 32. What is it impenitently to goe about Christian duties To offer Idol service also as not performing any true service so seeming with unwashen hands to prophane Gods Altars in offering what is abomination to him as what he requireth not Esay 1. 12. or what maketh him more angry by such presumption and the Divell thereby honoured more then he by worshipping as it were his Idol and defacing Gods Image the soule bringing in it the hatefull character of the Beast into Gods house comming without penitence 33. What are then the holy duties in the true worship commanded The substance of the true worship of God in 1. The old Testament by God prescribed intending to prayer the word sacrifices and sacraments 2. The new by Christ the devotions of prayer also hearing and handling of his holy word right use of Sacraments 34. What in prayer to be considered The parts or kindes of it order or direction in it 35. What parts The universall parts and comprehension of all sors of prayer whether 1. In humility confession of our selves of our wants and miseries Gods greatnesse excellency and bounty 2. In necessity petition of what we want desiring to bee supplyed from his mercy and bounty 3. In charity intercession for others 4. Thankefulnesse offering praise and thanksgiving for blessings 36. What is confession A fit exordium to all prayers confessing both the great majesty mercy and bounty and other soveraigne excellencies of God the fountaine of all goodnesse to erect our mindes to him of whose fulnesse we hope to receive grace The great vilenesse misery and unworthinesse of our selves that come before him The great want and misery we sustaine in our soules or bodies for which we desire his mercy and goodnesse whence our petitions 37. What Petition Our humble request in what respect soever to receive any grace or gift from him the 〈…〉 and giver of all goodnesse wherein to bee heard and accepted required faith fervency constancy 38. What intercession That sympathyzing effect of charity whereby we not only desire our owne but others good yea and pray for others as earnestly as for our selves and for our selves only as it may be also for the good of others and glory of God with assurance that thus we may onely hope to be heard and no further can our prayers be effectuall for our selves then our charity fervent in desiring the good of others 39. What is thankesgiving The true token of a religious minde and most effectuall kinde of prayer by praises and acknowledging the giver and former blessings pulling downe new graces which God can never withhold from such as be thankefull which perfectly expresseth the former devotions and prayers were not vaine but holy and gracious 40. What opposite vices Neglect and carelessenesse remissenesse and arrogancie in prayer security coldnesse hypocrisie uncharity and unthankefulnesse 41. What order and directions in prayer To consider 1. to whom 2. in what manner 3. for what things 4. the circumstances of time place and persons to pray 42. To whom To God the true and living God and to him alone and not to any Saints Angels or other subordinate meanes mans idoll or creatures to exhibite this sacred and divine worship 42. In what manner In the name of Christ the only Mediator aid of Gods Spirit helping our infirmities Rom. 8. 26. and so with faith and understanding in spirit and truth according to his will presented preparation of soul in all humility and reverence Attention of heart Intention of minde Circumcised lips and heart in godly meditation to speak to Gods honour opposite to which precipitancy rashnesse and offering the sacrifice of fooles calves of the lips without the heart and as without holinesse without acceptation 43. For what things For good things and that may be for 1. our owne and others good 2. glory of God Opposite to desire unlawfull and ill things from God the fountain of all goodnesse or good things to abuse them to our owne and others hurt and his dishonour 44. What circumstances For time all times especially Sabbath and solemne feasts his publicke service and worship For places all places on all occasions especially his House and Temple dedicated to his worship and this exercise the house of prayer in which a blessing attending For persons all persons publicke and private especially the Ministers and for all persons praying and making intercession and giving of thanks for all men and especially for Princes and magistrates and those of the houshold of faith of Gods house the Church 45. What concerning the hearing and handling the word As a prime part of his worship for the edification of the people and training them to his worship wherein the office of teacher hearers to bee considered 46. What the teacher The Pastor or Minister to bee endued with sufficiency of gifts and willingnesse to teach 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and so sent of God ought to doe his office in His explication of Scriptures according to the analogy of faith and right dividing of the word of God His application to the hearers best use and instruction by doctrine confutation exhortation reproofe or consolation and for such Ministers fit educatiion in Schooles for preparation and provision to be had for maintenance in their charge opposite to this the unable unwilling and dumb idle and idoll Ministers making merchandize of the word and intruded to the destruction of many by simony and sacriledge that like Judas betray Christ part his garments among them and pull on their heads the guilt of murdering soules 47. VVhat of the hearers Their duty and diligence required Before hearing 1. Preparation of affections and soules c. 2. Comming to and presence at holy exercises 3. Removing all impediments In hearing attention alacrity meeknesse and desire to learne After hearing meditation and conscience carefull and conscronable practice Opposite to which absenting themselves and unpreparednesse to heare drowzy dease cares and unprofitable hearing forgetfulnesse and unfruitfulnesse without cart or conscience of good duties afterwards which are prophanations of Gods worship 48. VVhat of the Sacraments The carefull holy conscienable and religious administration use and receiving of them to bee performed on all parts both by the Minister and people opposite to which the negligent prophane and superficiall or irreligious use or rather abuse of them and the like of all other holy rites and ceremonies whose due use may promote neglect abuse or contempt doth hurt and impaire the true worship of God 49. VVhat say you of fasts and feasts 〈◊〉 and if well used yeelding Furtherâ—nce to the true worship of God The one holy
which what good Christian is free and so good a preparative to our end and calling hence of which who is certaine or who can be too religiously carefull especially since they are so often in holy Scripture called on for it and should often remember their end and the strict account then to be made of all the things committed to their charge and of all that they have done in the flesh which with the holy Father that thought he heard the trumpet of God and Archangells voice continually sounding in his eare that surgite mortui venite ad judicium often meditated on this and the like thoughts and preparations would as to this also be motives to much good and to prevent much evill 50. But how is the Minister able to discerne the spirits or to do this sufficiently not knowing the secrets of the heart or sins lurking there The Priest indeed cannot nor may not absolve any but the penitent nor can know their penitency but by their outward expression it is Gods prerogative to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to know the thoghts and secrets of the heart the Priests eye pierceth not so farre he onely reads the sorrowes of our hearts by our words and outward confession without which he cannot give nor we receive the benefit of absolution 51. But is not private or auricular confession how ever it seeme needfull sometimes rooted out of our Church and abolished Though not so generally and peremptorily commanded or in the Priests power to enforce or require it yet it is not rooted quite out neither nor utterly abolished as we see by that second exhortation before the Communion urging the penitents to it and by the forme prescribed for the visitation of the sicke and their absolution after their private or auricular confession and by the Canon enjoyning the Ministers silence on paine of suspension of such crimes so privately by the humble penitent revealed and confessed in all which passages we see it by Law approved so though the Ministers power of calling them to it be abridged the thing it selfe yet and use of it is not abolished 52. What differs the Priests power ministerialiter that you shewed before and this declarative If you meane declarative onely very much or as much as the Judges and his â—riers declaration of the same things otherwise ministerialiter is declarative too but not that only as ministerialiter in respect of God and his Church may be authoritative also in respect of Gods commission granted to them to be Judges of the sinnes and soules of his people as aforesaid as Gods deputed Judges on earth for those things and so the Kings Judges as his Ministers of justice Ministers in that point to the King and Commonwealth yet having authority from him authoritativé proceed and pronounce sentence of the things in their commission and ministerially execute his the Kings judgements according to his Lawes and have power so to doe and declarative pronounce the same and their authority granted doth no way lessen the Kings which the exercise mediately rather doth more shew and promulge the same but to say they had therefore power but declarative because ministerialiter they execute the Kings authority or declarative only not authorative because ministerialiter they do it whereas they may well stand together yet each in their order and degree were to derogate from their authority and dignity as these schismaticks do in the like manner from the Churches office and authority 55. This authority then of the Church and Priests in that point is cleare enough It is and though ministerialiter to the honour of God and good of his Church executed and declarative uttered or published by them not to be denied authoritative also by power and vertue of his commission granted to them in whose name they doe it as originally in him in his own proper right and only doe existent to them only mediately and by grace derived and thus by The Doctrine of the Church of England according to the true record and rule of holy Scriptures and the consent of the Fathers from all antiquity we are assured hereof and taught this truth against all novelties of Schismatickes so that if we either Assent to our mother Church Beleeve the Scriptures or Credit the ancient Fathers as aforesaid wee cannot deny the Priest this power of the remitting sinnes having thus Gods word and Scriptures sure record his Sonnes promise and holy Spirits testimony so many wayes to assure us of it and since he can in the name of God forgive us our sinnes good reason have we to make our confession to him for surely God who doth nothing in vaine never gave the Priest this power in vain but for our benefit and expects our doing the best we can to make good use of it having ordained in the Priest the power of absolution that wee should use the best meanes we can to obtaine that blessing which is our confession to him nor can we sleight this but we may quickly and well heare Saint Augustine Tom. 10. Homil. 49. applying his speech close to such slieghters teaching us a better lesson nemo sibi dicat saith he occulte ago quia apud Deum ago c. let no man flatter himselfe and say I confesse in private to God and God that knoweth my heart will or shall pardon me though I never confesse at all to the Priest ergo sine causâ dictum esset quae solveritis in terra c. hath God in vaine said whose sinnes ye remit they are remitted Hath he in vaine given that power of the keyes to the Priest Frustramus ergo Dei verbum by our wilfull neglect shall we goe about to make void the promise of Christ God forbid if we have offended this way preveniamus judicium Dei per confessionem let us let us yet now at last prevent the terrible judgement of the last day by timely confession of our sinnes to God and the Priest as he hath commanded who as he hath prime and originall power of absolution Esay 43. 25. and is our high Confessor in the heavens hath not in vaine done any thing or commanded us to humble our selves in his Church and to his substitutes the Priests our confessors here on earth and thus much of the power of the Church in the dispensing of absolution requiring our duty of confession 54. If this were the doctrine of the ancients how was it seconded by their practise Accordingly to all intents both privately to the comfort and absolution of such humble penitents and more publickly in reforming the stubborne or notorious offenders and as with all authority thus commanded with all gravity by them exercised and with all humility and dutifulnesse by all the sonnes of the Church even to the greatest of them obeyed as the Ecclesiasticall Histories doe plentifully declare whereby the Churches discipline grew so religiously admired that even famous for it to succeeding times awfull feare and obedience
orationibus expiâ—ti On Palme-Sunday instructed in Baptisterio then only used ordinarily but at that time of the yeare on Easter Eve so commanded they did publickly say the Creed and professinâ— that faith were baptized semel velâ—ter intincti ut in nomine 3. personarum in earum vel unius Dei memoriam and so then with baptisme signo crucis muniti being of â—â—ll age received also confirmâ—tion 5. Intâ—ncti Neophyti or Tyrones so baptized they might learne and say the Lords prayer and not before and were publickly to reheaâ—se it on Low-Easter-Sunday and using whitâ— garments till that Dominica in albis thence so called were then admitted to see and partake of the holy mysteries 6. Fideles they were thence forward accounted and of these onely and noâ— of the Intincti Neophyti Catechumeni or others might any be to holy orders and not without great exploration of their vertues to be Deacons Priests or Bishops admitted 53. Was this order so strictly then observed Yes aâ—â—uâ—edly and as for the Abstenti oâ— Excammunicati poenitentes ordinary Audientes Competentes and Catâ—chumeni the former excluded the Church those last might not come neere or see the most sacred mysteries which were celebrated In Sacrario or Secretorio as some meane it the innermost or uppermost part of the Church and severed from the rest resembling as it were the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Jewes that was resembled by the Adyta of the Gentiles Not in Auditorio or the body of the Church as some have dreamed though there too be tribunall Ecclesiae the Pew and Pâ—lpit unde Evangelii praecept a leguntur Cypr. lib. 4. Ep. 5. This most apparant out of all Authors Councels and Fathers that mention the Sacrarium Secretorium Presbyterium and Cancellos within which they were most religiously and solemnly celebrated and with such retirement for their majesty and holinesse reserved that not lawfull for many of the former sorts so much as to see them as before related and as we finde in Numeritius the Emperour repulsed by Bishop Babylas who but desired per transennaÌ„ in mysteria Christianorum inspicere prohibited contaminatis oculis ea spectare denied with eyes deâ—iled with Idols to behold the divine mysteries and if the Catechumeni saw casu aliquo secreta by any chance those mysteries not the Table onely they were straight to bee baptized without staying the ordinary time till Easter as writes Albaspinus lib. 2. observat c. 2. 54. But some have transgressed anciently against those both Orders and Decorum in the Church And as anciently corrected by the godly Bishops Councels and their Canons confirming these things and therein lively depainting the manners of Heretickes and Schismatiâ—kâ—s of both their and our times as learned Tertullian describing mores haereticoruÌ„ and schismaticoruÌ„ with their confusion of all things as neerly toucheth those with us that deale so confusedly neglecting such good order and all antiquity making so little difference or having no better respect to sacred things as if the holy Table and reading Pew Chancell and lower end of the Church Altar and Belfrey were scarce worthy to bee distinguished the end or cunning of those that thus turne out all good order and distinction as our late Schismatickes and Puritans that orders and degrees taken away they may hand over head suddenly leap or step over all to the highest place a quick way of preferment or at least to have all rowly-powly hail-fellow well met and sit cheek by jowle like mother Zebedees sonnes with Christ in his Kingdome their knees being too stiffe to kneel at the communion or neck and back to bow towards the holy Altar or almost to any in authority rather ready to kick against and countermand all or any authority or as if all equalls at least and all places persons houses of equall holinesse degree and respect and no difference or no order or degree no Altar or consecration no house place or person holier or more to be so respected or regarded one then other but as Christians I hope all Priests since a Royall Priesthood and then all Kings too perhaps as the Lords annointed so this a short cut a quick way indeed but to Anarchy and confusion and that to endlesse trouble for if it might be allowed as some mighâ—ily affect and desire it we should shortly have no Church but a meeting-place and consequently no Bishop a prime policie of theirs and if no Altar no Church no consecration and so no Priest no Deacon a happy day for Lecturers only but hence to be doubted nor Fideles nor Catechumeniâ— or other ranke of Christians to be found 55. Whence may we gather such order and degrees and thence arising different respects to be or to be warranted in the holy places persons or things From all approved authority and practise of antiquity with Church and Fathers best Interpreters of holy Scriptures and their meaning as well as from Gods owne order words and the holy Scriptures themselves even totidem and expressis terminis divers where if we observe them and that both before since and under the Law testified as under the Law particularly seen in the Courts of the Lords house and sâ—verall attendants in their stations the sacrificiâ—s and others with the Altars and sacrifices theâ—â— to be noted the Sanctum and Sanctum Sanctorum atrium populi and sacerdotum the outer and innermost Courts without and within the vesle the Altar of incense and other sacrifices with the Oracle and such other types of holy and holiest things so a distinction of holinesse in the persons Exod. 29. Levit. 8. Numb 8. in their garments Exod. 28. and 29. in their sacrifices Levit. c. 1. c. 2. and 3. in the ornaments Exod. 26. and 27. in the other furniture of the Temple some holy most holy others Exod. 30. 10. 29. 36. and Gershoms charge holier then Meraryes Coath's then Gershoms and that of Aarons family then eithers the whole campe holy and therefore no uncleane person must be in this Numb 5. the Tabernacle holier then the Campe and â—herefore the Levites alone must pitch round about that Numb 1. 50. 53. the Sanctuary holier then the Tabernacle and therefore the Priests only must enter there Levit. 21. 6. 22. and into the Tabernacle without washing but not into this or within the veile Exod. 30. 20. 21. and 40. 30. the Oracle holier then all and therefore none but Aaron the holiest of all to approach there and that our once a yeare and not without Lotions propitiatory vestments sprinkling and a cloud of incense Heb. 9. 3. 7. c. as Solomons Temple also shewed the like distinction and degrees in the same things according to that of Gods owne platforme in the Mount nor were these degrees or distances before the Law given unobserved for Jacob notes Bethel for a fearfull place for the holinesse presence of God manifested to him in vision and by that appearing of Angels whence flowed the
caring for the Lords body and comming but as Hogges swine these best things are to them an occasion of falling and they will be plagued for their presumption as making the Table of the Lord and feast of salvation a table of condemnation by their profanesse against which carelesnesse and contempt God hath threatned severe judgement and casting out of his presence to bee punished in utter darknesse with the Divell and his Angels for ever From which fearfull doome hee in his mercy deliver us SECT V. An Appendix concerning the summe and use of the Catechisme An Appendix shewing the sum and use of the Catechisme to be the foundation of our profession of Christianity in the laying thereby the grounds of religion specified In those rites of Our faith and good works the Creed and Commandâ—nents and the rule and doctrine of Prayer and the Sacraments all taken out of holy Scripture and the expresse word of God whose bookes are in this order remembred the Chiefe of which as the Canon â—aith and rule of all godly obedience are received the others for good example and that History admitted and read though not so generally approved as many Pseudâ—graphe were by the Church utterly rejected but the true worth of the Canonicall proved by the most evident testimonies of Gods Spirit the Churches and Fathers as well Arguments drawne from the things themselves as the antiquity miraculous preservation matter handled confession of the very heathens of their excellency consent of themselves and with truth commonly wanting in other Writers and the like all oâ— them testifying to the â—â—nscience the excellencie of the same and more commending the hearing reading and meditating of them to the tâ—uly devout and godly Christian to the eternall comfort of his soule which is more effectually wrought also from the same word of God by his owne ordinance of the right dividing pâ—â—aching and expounding the same here explained whence the duty of hearers also touched who are the better prepared thereunto by the grounds of Religion thus said in the Catechisme and Gods blessing to be praied for the seconding the same 1. VVHat is the summe of all As saith the wise man the Preacher to feare God and keep his commandements this is the whole duty of man Eccles. 12. ult 2. What the summe of the Catechisme The very same being the explication of that duâ—y of ours to God 1. By fearing him according to that holy rule of faith expressed in the Creed 2. By keeping his Commandements in doing as in the Law appointed praying as hee hath taught us Receiving the Sacraments holy mysteries and pledges of his love seales of grace as he hath instituted and ordained 3. What the use of it To conforme us outwardly and inwardly in soule and body or whole course of life and conversation to that we make profession of the name and calling of a Christian. 4. How doth it this By laying these maine grounds and foundation of religion which howsoever they may seem few and little as comprised in so small a booke as the Catechisme are yet the substance of many large volumes and the best learning in the world as all that we should or need to beleeve by faith doe in all duty pray for from God or desire in the covenant of grace whereby fitted to serve God and else to behave our selves outwardly and inwardly according to that our most holy profession 5. How is that As we are taught hereby fitted and furnished Both in wardly with faith knowledge and graces and all such things which a Christian ought to know and beleeve for his soules health and to confirme us in the truth And outwardly to the acts of a Christian life being hereby enabled to make profession of our hope and render account of our faith in some measure to reprove or convince the gainsayers And to other acts mentioned and in ended in the Title and beginning of the Catechisme 6. Which are they To be thought sufficiently prepared and fit 1. To be confirmed of the Bishop so receiving such confirmation and approbation 2. To be admitted to receive the holy communion To be surety for others at baptisme as able to teach them to answer for themselves 3. To have their owne suretie released as they enabled to stand for others sureties 4. To heare Sermons and Scriptures read or expounded more profitably And 5. To read holy Scriptures more comfortably themselves And 6. To understand it better being thus grounded in these principles of Religion taken out of holy Scripture as being the chiefest and most substantiall parts of the same that primarily concern our blessed estate and salvation 7. How the Creed Concerning 1. God the Father I beleeve c. I beleeve Lord help my c. You beleeve in the Father beleeve in me also I and the Father are one Luke 14. 1. c. Ps. The eyes of all things c. Gen. 1. 1. In the beginning c. 2. God the Sonne the whole doctrine of the Evangelists and Apostles in every point expressed in the Gospel 3. God the holy Ghost Joh. 14. 15. Joh. 15. 26. and Joh. 16. 7. and 16. 13. Ioh. 20. 22. Luke 24. 49. Acts 2. c. As concerning the Church Matth 16. 16 17 18 c. Jo. 17. 15 16 17. Act. 2. 47. Holy cath Church Commun of Saints Mat. 16 19. Luk 18. 13. 15. 10 11. 24. 47. Joh. 20. 23. Act. 2. 38. forgivenesse of sins Joh. 5. 28 6. 40 11. 25. Luk. 14. 14. resurrection of the body and life c. with many places of holy Scripture more 8. How the rest Concerning The CommandmeÌ„ts Exod. 20. 1. God spake c. Deut. 5. 6. I am the Lord c. The Lords Prayer Mat. 69. When ye pray say c. Luk. â—1 1. Our Father c. The Sacraments Baptis Mat. 28. 19 Mar. 16. 15 Acts 2. 41. Act. 10. 47 L. Sup. Mat. 26. 26. Mar. 14. Luk. 22. 19. 1 Cor. 11. 25. 9. What is the word of God The will or especially the promises and mercâ—es of God revealed 1. In the flesh Christ the incarnate word and truth and shewed both in the creation of the world and redemption of mankinde 2. In the characters of the voice the bookes of holy Scriptures the written word of God contained in the Bible or Book of God in the old and new Testament so called and the Bookes thereof 10. Which or how many are they The Canonicall Bookes of the old Testament so called by the Hebrews the 24. Genesis 2 Samuel Proverbes Exodus 2 Kings Ecclesiastes Levit. 2 Chron. Song of Solomon Numb Ezra Isaiah Deuter. Nehem. Jeremie with Lament Josua Hester Ezechiel Judges Job Daniel Ruth Psalmes The 12. small Prophets The new Testament all of them 21. or by dividing of the Epistles 27. viz. Gospels 4. Acts 1. The Epistles of Saint Paul 14. Peter 2. James 1. John 3. Jude 1. Revelation 1. Apocry phall Esdras Tobit Judith Hester Reliques of
the Churches command 10. But have not some kept their old names as those of yeares baptized Yes it may be so and no doubt but parents or themselves or others upon good occasions may and have authority at other times to change them as aforesaid 11. How are names then said received in Baptism Generally or for the most part and by common practice of all or most being a particular or personall and speciall priviledge doth not infringe or overthrow an universall law 12. But we finde many received names before baptisme It is true at Nations conversions and with people of yeares converted to Christianity it being at their owne choice to keepe or change their names but we speake generally here of children comming to baptisme of whom as well as the ancient manner thereof we shall speake more hereafter in the Sacraments 13. Jt is then most convenient to give names in Baptisme It is as at our birth wee receive the name of man and sirname of parents so at our new birth or regeneration in baptisme to receive a new name or Christian name in remembrance of the family of Saints whereinto we are by this meanes engrafted so also was it in Circumcision in whose place Baptisme succeedeth 14. But divers instances may bee given to the contrary for Circumcision To bee understood then of breach of the ordinance or in case of necessity or some extraordinary incumbrance or priviledge that doe not disanull or infringe a generall law 15. For Gersom he was named ere circumcised It was a plaine breach of the ordinance and Moses like to have beene punished and died for the fact and perversnesse of Zipporah his wife 16. All the children of Israel in the wildernesse not circumcised yet had names assuredly But that a place and case of extraordinary necessity and incumbrance when much good order and discipline was neglected and sometimes superciliously by the factious Israelites contemned 16. Benoni was named by Rachel before circumcision But as her wish onely held and at circumcision Benjamin by his father who had the absolute authority 17. But Saint John Baptist and Christ also by the Angels before circumcision Extraordinary revelation was the preparation of names for those sanctified persons yet the 8. day according to the Law ordinarily circumcised and the names solemnly imposed or published to the accomplishment of the very letter of Moses Law 18. It standeth then with best reason or conveniency to have the name imposed in baptisme It doth and from all antiquity so received at our new birth to receive that new or Christian name and that the Godfathers should impose or publish the same 19. Is that most convenient Yes for so is the generall use and we have no custome in the Churches to the contrary but many reasons for the same As 1. Not against Scripture but consonant to them 2. It is most anciently received and used 3. It proceeds from the love of parents requesting it and them undertaking it 4. It is a benefit to the infant if the parents die 5. It is a helpe to the parents by aiding and remembring them 6. It is a comfort encouragement and stirring up of the childe to remember the duties 7. It is a meanes to increase mutuall love and friendship among neighbours by performing this duty one for another 20. But why are children baptized being infants and not rather when they come to yeares and discretion For divers good reasons especially these foure viz. 1. Imitation of Circumcision in whose place it succeeded 2. After the example of Christs receiving little children 3. For that the covenant pertaines also to them as well as the parents and so that seale 4. That we may be so presented to God as earely as may be 21. How in imitation of circumcision As which was commanded the eight day and that being the seale of the Covenant and so this hence administred also to infants as that was by Gods speciall command 22. How from the example of Christ He not only not refusing the little children or their good will that brought them but blaming them that would have them kept from him and commanding them to be brought and suffered to come and more expressing his will and good will By his 1. Receiving them 2. Taking them in his armes 3. Laying his hands on them 4. Blessing them and his 5. Exhortation to all men to follow their innocency 6. Promising them and them only heaven 7. Affirming their Angels to stand before his Father in heaven c. 23. How pertaines the covenant to them As made to Abraham and his seed all the saithfull and their seed whosoever borne of faithfull parents and in the bosome of the Church and to whom as the Covenant so especially this seale at first as that of circumcision doth pertaine and though never so little ones yet we see respected by God and Christ in mercy 24. Why also presented so in the Church That as early as may be conveniently they may be testified so and Registred in the number of Gods children as what greater happinesse and so never too soone and from which to be kept a misery or abatement of the blisse as the utter deprivation endlesse misery 25. Then it is good children should be soon baptised As with conveniencie may be and to that purpose are divers Canons of the Church and though God can save without meanes yet we are called upon to shew our duty and love in not neglecting the ordinary meanes of our salvation 26. Is baptisme then a meanes thereof It is though not Ex opere operato in the bare worke yet our conduit of grace by the faith in Christ and application of other saving graces implied in the right use and receiving of the same 27. Then it is faith and not baptisme that saveth But that faith requireth also Baptisme as baptisme implyeth the vertue of faith and as Christ originally faith instrumentally so Baptisme Sacramentally cooperate worke and assure our salvation 28. Both faith and baptisme then are required Yes they are for he that beleeveth and is baptised shall be saved and except a man be borne of water and of the spirit he cannot be saved so not the bare circumcision but a new creature required 29 How doth this then pertain to Infants As they are borne in the bosome of the Church and the Covenant also made to them and are So 1. Presented to God in the Church and 2. By faithfull parents and 3. Upon Gods gracious promise in Christ in that covenant of grace 4. In the faith of the Church and parents 30. But is this enough For them it is but for others of riper yeares is required a due disposition to faith and repentance actually performed and grace to shew forth the fruits of the spirit and so in men of yeares as they are found in grace they were though fit to bee baptized as we read of Cornelius the Eunuch and others 31. Many then are baptized that are not
or tempters will but set on it to tempt the soule and seeke the subversion of the same 34. And this is a necessary consideration Yes and a good preparation to repentance but faith the principall and most necessary matter yet preferred and the rather for that in that one word I beleeve is necessarily included the forsaking of all these things and so that first part of the promise thus else overpassed is yet thereby as effectually as possibly may bee intimated The second part of the Catechism Wherein of the Creed in generall SECT 1. Quest. 5. The Creed of the Apostles and why so called How it is the Symboll or note of a Christian and so called the Symboll or token of their faith and unity in it The twelve Apostles composers of it by tradition and so partition of it into 12. Articles The authority of this Creed and compared with others received of the Church this being the most ancient and summe of them They the illustration of this and all the rule of faith and unity and so with the description of faith premised is set forth and declared How and why first propounded with the nature of saith and the severall sorts of it both historicall faith temporary faith and degrees thereof Faith of miracles and lastly true and saving faith which is onely properly called faith with the extent root and fruit of the same The substance also and degrees of this faith and difference from the others seene by the root fruit and continuance The wsake faith yet be true saith and how it is to be strengthned The strongest faith yet imperfect requiring increase and divers good effects of it How faith is else diversly in holy Scriptures taken with the causes whence produced the efficient God he giver Instrumentall the word and Sacraments Naturall and formall in our apprehension and application finall cause in Gods glory and our jestification The value of workes and of generall ana speciall Or explicate and implicise faith The effects of true and saving faith and how are need both iâ— and workes for a testification of the same both to our selves and our owne soules The comfort assurance of the true faith above the vaine arrogancy and presumption of the others the meanes of preserving it and parts of Creed 1. REcite the Articles of thy Beleefe I beleeve in God the Father Almighty c. 2. What is here contained Summa credendorum the summe of our faith or Christian beleefe 3. How are these Articles usually called Either the Symboll of the Apostles Symbolum Apostolorum or The Apostles Creed 4. Why so called Because it summarily containeth the principall points of Religion handled and propounded in the doctrine and bookes of the Evangelists and Apostles 5. Is there any other reason rendered Yes as though by some compiled by the Apostles themselves yet wheresoever dispersed over the whole world in preaching or propagating the Gospell as an abridgement thereof this holy Symboll might be a rule to their Disciples and a token of their agreement in the one onely and true faith 6. To what end Both by the analogy thereof to direct the doctrine of the teachers and right understanding of the hearers in these principall points of faith and so consequently any heresies arising by these as a touchstone tryed found drosse might be rejected and so thereby to know a true Christian. 7. Js it then thought composed by the Apostles themselves So Saint Augustine and others have beene of opinion but whether by themselves or their disciples out of their writings and preachings it is assuredly found to be most Orthodox and even from their times Most Anciently Universally received 8. Why called a Symboll As a token or badge of their faith and also as jointly compiled by them as aforesaid and so thought according to the number of the 12. distributed into 12. Articles by Saint Augustine and others remembred 9. In what manner To each of the 12. Apostles as to the compilers thereof an Article assigned viz. 1. To Saint Peter I beleeve in God the Father c. 2. John Maker of heaven and earth c. 3. Iames And in Jesus Christ his onely Sonne our Lord c. 4. Andrew Which was conceived c. 5. Philip He suffered under Pontius Pilate c. 6. Thomas He descended into hell the third day c. 7. Bartholomew He ascended into heaven and sitteth c. 8. Matthew From thence he shall come to c. 9. Iames Alph. I beleeve in the holy Ghost c. 10. Simon Zelot The communion of Saints c. 11. Judas Iacobi Forgivenesse of sinnes resurrection of c. 12. Matthias Life everlasting Or thus 1. I beleeve in God c. 2. And in Jesus Christ c. 3. Which was conceived c. 4. He suffered under c. 5. The third day he rose c. 6. He ascended into heaven c. 7. From thence he c. 8. I beleeve in the holy Ghost c. 9. Holy Catholique Church the communion of c. 10. Forgivenesse of sinnes c. 11. Resurrection of bodie c. 12. Life everlasting 10. Of what authority is this Creed If it were penned by the Apostles then as Canonicall Scripture indeed but howsoever of greatest authority next to them above and before all others as most anciently and universally received 11. Are there any other Creeds then Other in forme of words according to severall occasions of the times and compilers but one and the same in substance and matter and so may seem expositions of this former 12. Who were those compilers of them Some of them Generall Councels some others worthy and reverend Fathers lights of the church in those times and for the most part occasioned by heresies arising for the plainer discerning and confutation of the same 13. Which are they The Nycene Creed composed by the Fathers in that Councell Constantine the great Emperor being present and President to explaine the Apostles Creed and extirpate Arrius impiety Athanasian Creed compiled by Saint Athanasius persecuted by the Aâ—ians for a testimony of his sincerity in the truth and to instruct and confirme others Ephesine Chalcedon Agathen and others the like in severall Councels on the like occasions set forth 14. How should I then know and rightly understand which to receive and embrace In receiving this one of the Apostles wee receive all for they are but expositions upon severall occasions or explanations of this former 15. What use of this and those others Divers and sundry uses and no lesse manifold then excellent both for a 1. Rule of faith 2. Preservative from and against heresie 3. Meanes of distinguishing true Christians from heretiques 4. Briefe memoriall at entrance into Christianity to know thereby what 1. To have continually before their eyes for profession 2. To stand in defence of it even to the death 3. To answer at Baptisme 16. In what forme was the Creed first propounded In forme of an answer as that of
arguments retorted on themselves and other scisenatiques and Heretiques or misbeleevers but showne more strengthning and confirming our present assertion with the use to be made of the same 1. VVHat is the last degree of Christs humiliation His descent into Hell expressed in these words He descended into Hell which some annex to the former as included in them others to the following words as a preparation to the consideration of his resurrection from the dead some repute it a distinct Article 2. How is it then interpreted After divers manners and so consequently as diversly understood so variously referred 3. Whence growes this difference From the divers significations and interpretations of this word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 used in the Hebrew and more Easterne Churches as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Greeke Church 4. What is the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It signifieth either the Grave or Hell and so divers times either way accepted and used 5. What is the Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 By it also signified the Grave and Hell and no lesse the estate of the departed indifferently whether good or bad to joy or torment 6. How many severall interpretations are there then Six at the least deduced from this ground or difference 7. Which are they The first figuratively understood for the torments of soule and in his soule suffered at in and before his death the heavy anger of God against our sins which caused his agony and bloudy sweat and crying out Eli Eli c. even as it were the paines of hell being depraved of that solace which he was wont to finde in God as learned Doctor Field speakes l. 5. de Eccles. c. 18. 8. Which the second Literally understood of the place of the damned whither he is said to descend not to suffer any torments for consummatum est was said before and the worke finished of redemption and he assured the penitent thiefe This day thou shalt bee with me in Paradise but to triumph over the Divell and Hell conquered and for manifestation of his glory there and to the disobedient spirits to their greater torments and confusion 1 Pet. 3. 19. 9. Which the third Understood the lower parts or some places neare hell but not the hell of the damned where the Patriarchs or Saints before were supposed to abide not having full sight and fruition of God 10. Which the fourth Literally by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 understanding the grave to which his body descended 11. Which is the fifth Figuratively thereby understood in the phrase of the Greeke the estate of the dead 12. Which the sixth Figuratively also to signifie his stay in that state or the grave three dayes as it were the duration or permanency thereof 13. Which is the most approved interpretation The first and second as most consonant to the analogy of faith and expressed or allowed in the doctrine of our Church the others either exploded or impertinent 14. How the first approved For that it is most assuredly true that our Saviour felt most extreame torments in his soule that even the paines of hell after a sort gat hold upon him as the Psalmist and Prophet David speaketh when he sweat drops of bloud and that there needed an Angell from heaven to comfort him as Luc. 22. 34. and after cryed Eli Eli c. by the dismall apprehension of the heavie wrath of God and sorrowes endlesse due to us and lying so heavy on his soule which may further bee illustrated and proved by these reasons following 15. Which be they That such and so great sorrowes did seize on his soule appeareth in that 1. That with onely consideration of them hee was so troubled that he confessed My soule is heavie even unto the death and prayed those three times with that fervency Father if it be possible c. Mat. 26. 28. c. 2. His apprehension of the sorrowes caused these drops bloudy sweat and agony and so terrible griefe and trouble of soule that needed the Angell from heaven Luke 22. 42. c. 3. The feare of death so terrible was so apprehended that it wrested those prayers and supplications from him with strong cryings and tears to him that was able to save from death whereby he was heard in that hee feared Heb. 5. 7. which shewes the greatnesse of the trouble of his soule 4. So wonderfull was that feare he was surprised withall when he suffered that hee cryed Eli Eli c. and a second time and gave up the ghost that offering for sin 5. As he was more powerfull then all the Martyrs so he suffered more then all if all were put together from righteous Abel to this day 6. His soule being an offering for sin and soules having sinned and all the faithfull in him and their sins in his soule to be expiated and everlasting death due heavy indeed and grievous paines must needs take hold on him by which we delivered in his power though with extreame paines and sufferings 16. But what is the end thereof That howsoever insupportable by men and Angels or unutterable yet thereby perfectly redeemed both body and soule by passions both of body and soule in the power of his divinity that never left him not even in that agony passion and death when hee seemed to bee overcome whereby yet he became conqueror 17. This interpretation then of his descent into hell is approved of Yes though perabolically interpreting it yet as agreeable to Scriptures and the analogy of faith 18. How the second interpretation Literally true also as consorting with the plain text of Scripture words of the Creed and testimony of Fathers and expounded by our Church so in regard of his triumph over hell and Satan and manifestation of his glory there and to them to their greater terror torments and confusion as Saint Peter seemeth to intimate saying in the spirit hee went and preached to the spirits in prison which were disobedient in the dayes of Noah 1 Pet. 3. 19. 19. How of the third Exploded by our Church and holy Scriptures as that acknowledge no third place or state of soules departed but Heaven or Paradise the place of joy and hell the state of the damned 20. How the fourth As lesse pertinent or proper since thereby is only signified what was before expressed by hee was buried and so a tautology of buriall as to say He was buried and descended to the grave in effect but he was buried and he was buried 21. How the fifth A like impertinent interpretation and inferring A tautologie of death before expressed in that he was dead for what difference betweene he was dead and descended into the state of the dead 22. How the sixth Little other then the former for being in that state it importeth some stay and how long that was is declared in the words following The third day he rose againe from the dead 23. What then Catholiquely understood by his descent Either
the grievous torments that he suffered in his righteous soule beyond compare or that he descended or stooped so low in his humility and exinanition of himselfe to manifest his love extended to mankinde and glory now asserted and assumed to the very gates and into the dungeon of hell to the soules and spirits there desolate and deserted of the grace of God or out of his gracious presence there plunged in unspeakable griefe and torments by their wretched and wicked fall from God or prevarication against God and his Christ which though never so great joy to Saints Angels and soules of the Just onely served to them to increase their torments and so after his victory on the Crosse over sin and death this representing a triumph over hell and all that wicked rabble or all that is accounted evill and that hold of sinne and hell or the Prince of hell the Divell 24. But as is said in the story of Dives there is a great space set that none can goe from heaven to hell or returne thence to heaven Luke 16. It is true of any other but the Son of God hee only excepted and yet they also there saw and spake to one another but indeed there is so great a gulfe between them and their estates of despaire and other ugly hellish terror and griefe they can never come one at the other or to the joy and comfort or other estate one of the other such endlesse distance is there betweene their severall habitations and conditions the one injoying eternall blisse by the other quite forfeited and utterly desperate of all remedy and within himselfe as well as before God judged and condemned or this one having unrecoverably lost all grace and time of grace but the other made so good use of it and by grace and in the day of grace momentae unde pendit eternitas improved both that eternally and invincibly impossible to be cast out and possessed of glory which is the joy of the elect summe of all blisse and so the one of all things receiving joy and comfort as delighted in and pleased with the will of God the other in all things tormented that if in heaven as Satan came before God and among the children of God Job 1. yet no comfort in or joy from the glory of that place but rather griefe and torment to be or be accounted no more worthy of it having forfeited it and the price of it the time graces and what else once granted them for the gaine and obtaining that pearle or treasure and the very joy of the Saints a corrasive to them so this such a gulfe they can never passe and though see and speake can never come one at the other yet as these might see and speake as it were at enterview one to another and God is every where much more may Christ who is God how he please descend to shew his victorious conquest and triumph there and so truely divers wayes to be understood he descended into hell 25. But this phrase was left out in some Creeds It is true so it was in the Symbol of the Church of Rome and divers of the Easterne parts as appeareth by the Smyrnian Sardian Toletan Ephesine Constantinopolitan Chalcedon Councels and other ancient confessions but in some of them as the Roman since added is and may be well thus interpreted Whether Literally for his descent in triumph and manifestation of his glory Figuratively and parabolically for the pains of hell sustained in soule at and before his passion under the heavy wrath of God and curse due to us in body and soule Ruf. in Exposit. symb Jerom. Epist. 41. part 1. 26. But there are many and maine objections used against this his descent into hell Many but not so maine or indeed of any consequence to evince what they would or subject so plaine an Article of the faith so universally received and so fully confirmed by holy Scripture 27. They may be easily solved then They are and more pregnant places and proofs by farre produced to the contrary and in confirmation of the truth of the position evidently shewing them but in a manner falacies or captious and sophisticall argumentations 28. But many have infisted on them Yes and no point of doctrine almost never so sound but hath had many impugners no conceit so foolish but hath had many maintainers and upholders 29. It may be profitable to heare them Yes related and resolved since not once but so often stirred and agitated by uncircumspect and simple persons that have erred by them so to receive and have more full solution and to insist more firmly in the truth cleare foundation and though else it might seeme Camarinam movere to stirre up the stinke of some old heresie yet in this respect needfull to satisfie and recall the erring judgements of any missed by partiality or misinterpretation against the current and generally received doctrine of the Church and holy Scripture and such onely left to erre that are either 1. Lazie and will not seeke to know the truth and full satisfaction 2. Wilfull and bent to follow any by-way whatever evident proofe and reason able to satisfie any judicious evince the contrary of which overweening and wilfull spirits every age affording too much plenty and ours superabounding to the sowing and planting or replanting of many an ancient and later heresie 30. May we heare some of the principall objections then It is objected out of that Luke 23. 4. c. Father into thy hands I commend my spirit that therefore hee was not in hell but as a bare conceit scarce worth an answer as falling of it selfe for as by Gods hand his power and protection meant what place is free or out of the hand of God the Psalmist teacheth us as Psal. 139. 8. If I ascend to heaven thou art there if I goe downe to hell thou art there also if I take the wings of the morning and flye to the uttermost parts of the earth there also shall thy right hand hold me So our blessed Saviour in the words of the same Psalmist commendeth his Spirit into his Fathers hand or protection which he was also assured of whether in Heaven and Paradise and hell 31. How secondly It is objected out of that saying This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise spoken to the thiefe on the Crosse that therefore he was not in hell But the answer most plaine both that of Saint Augustine that he filleth all places Heaven Paradise and hell and no place free from his presence as before and so as he was God with him in Paradise or Heaven in regard of his divinity as in his Epistle 57. ad Dardanum Secondly his Soule and Spirit might both ascend into Paradise as was convenient and the same day to hell also for the manifestation of his glory or descending first and ascending after Ephes. 4. 9. as we see the excellent quick motions of the minde and soule and
effects of the same 10. How is the Spirit of God so called Of his secret and hidden originall and proceeding as well as actions and operations in the hearts of the faithfull How in particular 1. Of his spirituall nature incorporeall and invisible spiration and secret proceeding from the Father and Son 2. Equality with Father and Son so as God a Spirit 3. Spiration and secret operation of graces in the Church 11. How called Gods Spirit As proceeding from the Father and the Sonne their holy power and vertue 12. How called holy Spirit 1. Of his originall the holy Father and the Sonne 2. Being himselfe Holy God and Holy One of Israel 3. Operations Sanctifying the Church Working all holy motions in the heart of the faithfull 13. How is his manner of existence in the Trinity As in blessed Athanasius Creed expressed not made or created nor begotten but proceeding by internall spiration from the Father his love to the Son and from the Son his love to the Father eternall with them and from both the love proceeding to the comfort and conservation of all things this good and loving Spirit of God 14. VVhat is his order in the Trinity Though in the Trinity in essence power or eternity none be afore or after other none greater or lesse then another but all three persons coeternall and coequall yet in order the Father is first from eternity producing the Son the Son second from eternity begotten in that eternall generation and the holy Ghost the third in order as eternally proceeding from both 15. VVhat is his personall propriety Proceeding from them and so distinguished from both for the holy Spirit onely is proceeding and not either Father or Son as the Son onely begotten and not the Father nor Spirit though all the three indifferently and equally named and said to be God and Lord uncreate invisible and all other the like attributes 16. VVhat are the actions of the Spirit Especially attributed to him as to his office and person the comfort renewing sanctification and conservation of all things by and in Scriptures testified as Job 38. 4. The Spirit of the Lord hath made me and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life So Gen. 1. The Spirit of the Lord moved on the waters and God breathed into man a living soule Exod. 31. 3. I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisedome c. Psal. 51. 11. Take not thy holy Spirit from me and verse 12. Stablish me with thy free Spirit Psal. 104. 30. If thousend forth thy Spirit they are created so thou renewest the face of the earth Esa. 11. 2. The Spirit of the Lord is upon him the Spirit of wisedome c. and Esa. 61. 10. The Spirt of the Lord is upon me as recited Luke 4. 18. and so most abundantly in the New Testament 17. How there showne As the gifts and graces of God by that Spirit are said bestowed upon the Church and faithfull in Christ 1 Cor. 12. and plentifully else As 2. Tim. 3. 16. Scriptures by inspiration of the holy Ghost 2 Pet. 1. 12. Holy men moved by the Spirit of God Rom. 8. 15. By that Spirit to cry Abba Father and Rom. 8. 16. The Spirit witnesseth with our spirit that sons c. Iohn 3. 3. Except regenerate of water and the holy Ghost not see the kingdome of God Mat. 3. 11. Where Christ is said Baptizing with the holy Ghost and being baptized the holy Ghost visibly descended c. As also in the Acts and many like places 18. How is comfort attributed As he is called the Comforter and sanctification attributed as the holy Spirit or sanctifier also teaching illumination and the like Iohn 14. 26. and 15. 26. and 16. 7. c. where the holy Spirit the Comforter shall teach them all things and lead them into all truth and bring all things to their remembrance and shew them all things to come 19. But are not these things from the Father also Yes from the Father in the Son but by the dispensation of the holy Spirit and attributed more particularly to him as the Comforter in respect of their end the comfort and sanctification of the Church by all saving graces when else in respect of the power and originall it is true Opera Trinitatis ad extra sunt indivisa All three persons jointly produce these holy actions 20. What is the holy Ghost then in briefe The third person in Trinity proceeding from the Father and Son distinct in person but one in essence and coequall with them in substance eternity majesty and glory 21. What his office To effect the workes of God in his creatures and to bestow his gifts on them and especially to sanctifie the elect to eternall life 22. What are those gifts Divers according to the good working of that holy Spirit as well in regard of diversitie of times and other occasions and circumstances as persons 23. How in regard of the persons Either particular to the elect as the adoption and confirmation thereof in sanctification and other saving graces to salvation Or common to others also as knowledge power to doe excellent things yea with show of some sanctification as members of the visible Church though else reprobates found at last as seene in very Iudas and divers others 24. How in regard of the times or other circumstances Some ordinary in the Church at all times and common to all the faithfull as saving graces illumination holinesse sanctification Others extraordinary as in primitive times and else as it were in stablishing and confirmation of the faith then new planted or preached as the gifts of healing miracles tongues and such like 25. How is the Spirit given From the Father and the Sonne Joh. 14. 26. or from the Father by the Son Iohn 15. 26. 26. How is the name of the Spirit of God taken For the Spirit himselfe illuminating comforting and sanctifying the faithfull and sometimes for the gifts of the same Spirit shed into the hearts of those vessels of grace 27. Is it necessary to have the holy Ghost Yes for except we bee borne againe of water and the Spirit wee cannot inherit the kingdome of God Ioh. 3. 5. and that Spirit beareth us witnesse we are the children of God and in him only we cry Abba Father Rom. 8. 15. and without that Spirit flesh and bloud cannot inherit the kingdome of God 1 Cor. 15. 50. 28. By what meanes is the holy Ghost attained The ordinary meanes the ministry of the word use of the Sacraments frequent and fervent praier Extraordinary the good occasions offered at the pleasure of God 29. How is that holy Spirit retained By the same meanes that attained with meditation and godly care not to offend that good Spirit or neglect his graces 30. Can the Spirit of God be taken away The Spirit of adoption and regeneration is never wholly taken away from the elect though the operation sometimes eclipsed to the eye and
setteth forth the glory of God and salvation of soules in the same 7. How doth faith see it so cleerly In all the Scriptures even from the time of Adam in Paradise and Noah in the Ark Abraham the father of the faithfull to these dayes though in narrow bounds of one House Arke or family in the flourishing estate of the Jews in one people or Common-wealth yet still a true Church and company of faithfull beleevers and servants of God but now since by Gods mercies in Christ most flourishing spred over the face of the whole earth as we both see at this day and reade in the histories of the Old and New Testament 8. What Church or Churches One and the same though distinguished in times 1. In the Old Testament in Adam Noah and Abrahams housholds and chiefe of their families in Israel and all his sons the state of the Jewes 2. In the New Testament among The Nations of the Jewes Many 1. Apostles 2. Disciples 3. Beleevers All Nations else the Churches to the very ends of the earth and so far as as we are dispersed As those of Corinth Ephesus Rome c. Achaia Macedonia Antioch c. Asia the 7. Churches in Rev. 1. Which all together make up the Catholique Church 9. What signifies or whence this name Church Ecclesia Of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the calling together as out of the world into the Lords house and company so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying in Greeke the Lords house whence name of our Church and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his congregation 10. What is the Church then That company of Saints elected of God to eternall life called and gathered together out of all mankinde by the preaching of the word saved by the Messiah Christ and in his faith preserved defended and sanctified here to be glorified in heaven and out of the Church there is no salvation 11. Js there but one Church But one true Church whereof Christ Jesus is the head yet of which Catholique Church all particular Churches professing the true faith are parts and all faithfull persons members and all Synagogues though they call themselves Churches if they want that head or the true faith doe falsly chalenge that title as the harlot may of an honest woman but are indeed but Synagogues of Satan 12. How heare we then of many Churches even in the Scriptures and Apostles writings As the particular Churches in several Countries part or members of this one universall Church in that and many other respects so distinguished and divided 13. In what respects Most usually in regard of the 1. Time the Church of the 1. Jewes and 2. Christans 2. Extent universall Church Catholicke Particular Church c. 3. Apparant to men visible on earth in the professors Invisible to men 4. Places Heaven among the Saints and Angels Earth among men 5. Exercises in it Militant in grace Triumphant in glory As other distinctions also in regard of the circumstances may be of this one and the same Church 14. How could the Iewes Church and the Christians be one As both were united in Christ the head profession of the true faith and so elected called and ordained of God 15. How could Christ be the head or his faith in the Church of the Jewes As the Fathers and Patriarkes and all holy men before Christ trusted in the Messias Christ that was to come and in that faith walked with God and attained heaven as all Saints since in the faith of the Messias already come so all of one faith and under one head 16. Is our faith then the same with Abrahams The very same in substance onely diversified by the distinction of time and respect of the same Messias onely exhibitum or exhibendum as already showne or to be exhibited their faith farther off and in hope our more plainly and fully informed all shadowes and vailes removed the substance presented 17. But faith is of things not seene And so are the mysteries of this faith even in the very Messiah though seene with mortall eye yet much more unseene not onely for his divinity but divine actions office and doctrine also onely apprehensible by the eye of faith 18. What are the particular Churches Members of the Univerall Church of which Christ is the head planted by the ministry of good men in the power of God and his word in all parts of the world and in all times preserved by his grace in one part or other so all those famous Churches of Asia Phrygia and Pamphilia of Rome Ephesus Corinth Greece and generally in Europe Asia Africa and now America also and that were in all times as well of the Fathers and Patriarkes even Adam Noah Abraham Moses the Jewes and to our times make up this one Catholicke Church of God or to goe further even all men and Angels elected and saved 19. How expresse you the Church visible or invisible The invisible company of Saints elected of God to eternall life onely knowne to God and not to be discerned of men therefore called invisible whereas all professors of the faith living in the Church and seene in that society charity bindes us to acknowledge as the outward signes and profession shew to be the Church and which we call the visible Church 20. Is the visible Church perfect Nothing lesse for as shee is in the uncleane world she must needs be corrupted with that aire and in her are vessels of honour and dishonour and so as in regard of both shee is called a Net Mat. 13. 47. yet in regard of the better part also called the Kingdome of Heaven 21. How those other distinctions of the Church As in respect of place Heaven where Saints and Angels and earth where men are members of it so in regard of their exercises on earth the Church militant yet in her spirituall warfare and under the crosse but aspiring towards heaven the triumphant part thither already aspired having past the troubles of the world in joy and felicity both together when complete and united make up the Catholique Church 22. How said Catholique In regard of universality of times places and persons as well as Catholique doctrine of truth therein propounded 23. How holy In regard of the holinesse there to be found in the Head Christ the Lord imparting holinesse to the members Holy Father electing it Holy Ghost sanctifying it Holy Faith professed in it Holy Scriptures taught in it Sacraments and Ceremonies Prayers and actions used and exercised in it Life and conversation of the Members in comparison of the rest of the world 24. What are notes of the true Church The true preaching of the word of God and right use and administration of the Sacraments which cannot be well exercised but under a godly discipline and joyned with holy life and conversation 25. How is this proved For that thereby the Church is called together and distinguisht from all other companies whatsoever the word being the meanes the Sacraments
the signes and seales of the covenant of grace 26. How the word and preaching of it For that by it is the Calling together Building up Badge or cognizance of Gods true Prophets and servants to know them of the Church Testimony of the truth most sure and firme so as no other doctrine whatsoever 27. How shew you this For that by this the faithfull are called to bee Saints so Rom. 1. 7. and the Church is built upon the doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles Christ being the head corner stone and by this the Lord addeth to the Church those that should be saved Acts 2. 47. so of the contrary if not this it is not the Church 28. How appeares that Because if it be not by Gods word called it is not Ecclesia Dei but rather the Synagogue of Satan as appeares by any company assembled by any other meanes as if assembled by the Talmude a Synagogue of Christs enemies the Jewes Alcaron an assembly of Turkes his enemies Very Word if corrupted with false Interpreters or Glosses a sect of Heretiques and so all heretiques enemies of him and unity but the word truly preached and set forth the only cognizance of his true Prophets and Servants as testified in holy Scriptures 29. How testified in them In the prophet Esay 8. and 20. If they speake not according to this word it is because the truth is not in them So Saint Matthew 15. 7. O hypocrites Jsaiah prophesied well of you In vaine doe they worship me teaching for doctrines traditions of men And John 2. 10. If any come to you and bring not this doctrine receive him not as if hee should say This is the note or token to know him by And Gal. 1. 8. Though we or an Angell from heaven preach otherwise then this doctrine let him be accursed So this firme and true testimony as no doctrine else whatsoever 30. How the Sacraments As instituted for seales of grace so also in their right use and administration the cognizance of the Church and badge of all true beleevers as was spoken 1. To the Fathes This shall bee a signe Exod. 12. 2. 5. 2. Of the Fathers They all eate of the same spirituall meat and drink of the same spirituall drink the Rocke that followed them And all baptized in the cloud and in the sea to Moses 1 Cor. 10. 2. 3. Of the Church since and to the Disciples Goe teach all Nations and baptize c. and Doe this in remembrance of me So it is most apparant they are the true notes and signes as most essentiall of the true Church 31. What say you by those markes of universality antiquity visibility succession consent and the like Though these are not to be neglected as insisted on by Vincentius Lyrinensis and many holy and good men yet we must know that the former are more essentiall and sure these by themselves alone more uncertaine extraneous and as may be found failing and accidentall 32. What use of these If joyned with the former they serve for the better illustration of the truth without them no assurance so we thereby may see the worth of the former and the weaknesse of these as may easily be demonstrated 33. How demonstrated For that without contradiction The true Church hath existed without them The Synagogue of Satan even defections from God and his Church may enjoy them And that not onely in singular but in generall all of them if exempted from holinesse or the former notes 34. How make you that to appeare First that the true Church may be without them is cleere 1. In primitive times without that universality or antiquity 2. Adams sons and Noahs family most of them worst and Christ times and the Apostles fewest good and scarce any visibility much lesse universality or antiquity 3. All first times all such successions troubled by the persecution of Saints both by the Gyants and sons of men in the first ages of the world against the sons of God and the Jewes Church as well as by the tyrants in the first times of the Christians Church and when more consenting against the truth then with or striving for the same 35. How found in the false Synagogues Where ever God had his Church the divell his chappell by instituted by Adams disobedience in Paradise so what more ancient then defection from God In Angels first the companies that fell Ecclesia malignantium in Adam then and all Adams sons that perish what more universall then that contagion what more constant succession then that of sin in mankinde and the divell a most vigilant Bishop in his Diocesse and as ready substitutes his wicked agents and instruments what more visibility then of his kingdome and Church and what more evident consent then of Simeon and Levi brethren in evill and of Herod and Pilate against Christ as of all wicked ones against the Church of God 36. How more particularly The Temples of Idols and Heathen religion we may see what antiquity universality visibility succession and consent even from the first times and Adams disobedience they can shew when Gyants sons of men before the Flood builders of Babell after and all Heathens then and still the greatest part of the world in blindnesse and idolatry bondslaves of Satan and for all sects and heresies as of Mahumetans Nestorians Arrians and such dens of wilde beasts and nests of uncleane birds we may see how great a pretence they may make to these notes without holinesse or the former 37. What shall we say then of these Notes That if they be joyned with holinesse and the former then we may make very good use of them to distinguish and know the Church more plainly for alone they may faile us 38. What say you of the Church of Rome As of a particular Church and by these markes to be examined how a member of the universall Church 39. But is not there holinesse without antiquity If there were it were not to be denied but that it were a true and sound Church of God but as it is we deny it not to be a Church a true Church or truly a Church a particular one as that it is an unsound or much corrupted one can they themselves when put closely to it scarce or hardly denie 40. But the faith and holinesse of that Church is commended in Scriptures and said to be famous throughout the world It is true of the Primitive times thereof but we now speake of the present and late bred corruptions and defections of the same 41. Where is the true Church then Where the truth and purity of Religion is restored according to Gods word and his truth and the corruptions purged and done away as in our and other the best reformed Churches 42. Have not some in pretence of this been too violent to purge or expunge things necessary If any have or seeke to doe so they stand or fall to their owne Judge we as private men must not be their
glory though their confusion that oppose it as seene in Pharaoh Herod Sennacherib and all Tyrants and who art thou in his hand that art so hellishly disposed that thou carest not to despite and despise God and blaspheme though thou goe to hell with shame and confusion 56. What the commination That they shall not be held guiltlesse but so guilty and beare the insupportable burthen of their sinnes that will presse their soules to hell as the most fearfull estate curse and punishment so signified and so too plainly seene in such blasphemies who commonly are as it were 1. Given over to a reprobate sense in lying filthy talke drinking and prophanenesse and vanity with this abuse of Gods name 2. Insensible of their sinnes by Gods just judgement in neglect of all holy duties of prayer and Gods honour with scorning and mocking at his Sabbaths or any reproofe though most just 3. Set downe in Gods booke for damned persons even condemned already bearing that palpable marke of prophanenesse like Cains marke in their foreheads that he that hath an eye to see may see them stand guilty and the sentence that they may reade in their conscience of heavy condemnation even written in their foreheads that every one may read it to their shame who shamed not to dishonour Gods holy name 57. Whence this so fearfull commination More fully to manifest the Lords fierce anger and jealousie as against idolaters and those that prophane his worship accounted to hate him in the second Commandement so here against all other prophane wretches that shall abuse his most holy name and any other way derogate from his glory which hee is most jealous of and will not give away or part with to any other much lesse lose it with contempt he chiefly standing on and above all things highly prizing his honour 58. But what followeth The fourth Commandement in a fourth respect also in regard of the due celebration of his Sabbaths aiming at the setting forth of his honour SECT 6. The fourth Commandement The Analysis of the 4. Commanaement shewing the parts and duties therein commanded and abuses opposite so prohibited whether intimated or more fully expressed where first the duty of sanctification of that day of rest called the Sabbath and of thh Christian Sabbath or Lords day with the reasons of the difference and alteration thereof but perpetuall necessity of the substance and duties of the same and our Christians Sabbath or Lords day proved to be established by many reasons and arguments as by the Lords oweâ— doings the Apostles preaching and doctrine or constitutions as received from the Lord himselfe to be understood as well as the practice of the Church directed by his Spirit according to his promise and who oppose it but troublesome and unquiet spirits or fanatick and fantasticke Schismaticks too commonly to be sound So of the rest and right use and observation thereof on the Lords day in holy duties and workes of piety and charity or of necessity on truly urgent not every frivolous occasion The factious schismaticks overnicenesse here as well as others loose prophanenesse deserving worthily to be taxed that on both sides disturbe the peace good order and peace of the Church the one of them prophanely with negligence contempt the other sedititiously with malice and disdaine to avoid both which extrenes and keepes an even and equall course betweene them we are carefully to distinguish betweene the morality and ceremony in this Commandment how far forth in the substance of it for the morall duty to God-ward perpetually to be observed and how for the ceremony and legall observances many of them interwoven with the said duty with which to the Iowes-ward in that Churches nonage as it were before Christs appearance in the flesh It was burdened but as now freed of them it ought to be discharged and so in that particular for the time among many others with them respecting the creation the greatest benefit ever till then manifested to be remembred by and in it now altered and the duty yet unchanged to the remembrance of a greater our redemption in that change of the ceremony not duty by us now principally respected and thus as we see by the Churches authority and power with sufficient warrant from holy Scriptures ordered and established whose power in that point to change it and wisdome in so well ordering it guided by Gods own president and direction of his blessed Spirit is here amply demonstrated and to be justified against the malevolent oblatrations or detractations and calumnies of any factious humorist and separatist whatsoever and thus the substance of the duty in the morality of the Commandement remaining entire to all holy intents and purposes the onely the illegall shadow removed is by them into a more divine respect and better for us Christians as more suting with our Church altered or changed and divers objections against it of no great moment the truth well weighed are hereby and withall answered as especially the Iudaizing faction and fancies confuted and so next for the due observing and sanctification of it we are to take notice of the rest and holy exercises commanded and others permitted for recreation and comfort of our weaknesse nature not to make a riotous revell or drunken Bacchanalia of that day as neither otherwise to prophane it by ordinary worldly labours or other Iewish superstitions or vain unlawfull and wicked exercises of any sort spending that so set apart and sanctified time to remember that rest and sit our selves to the same by removing the impediments using the helps studious to fit our selves to both private and publiqus duties of the day as well Minister as people the opposite which is here farther deciphered and in divers points particularized or especially the more common and enormous offences The use and reason of other Sabbath or holy dayes ordained and appointed by the Church as well in the times of the Old as New Testament as in particular many both feasting and fasting dayes set apart for divine worship the farther explication of the Commandement in the permission command of the six dayes for labour and works of our vocations whereby the Sabbath may be the better sanctified which as most necessary is sostrictly urged for the honour of God the generall good and besides other reasons even the very example of God himselfe so resting on it and blessing and sanctifying it 1. VVHat is the fourth Commandement Remember that thou keepe holy the Sabbath day six dayes shalt thou labour c. 2. What contained herein The Commandement in these words Remember c. The explication and illustration of the duty Six dayes c. The reasons of the duty and Commandment taken both from the Creators own example actions as well as the creatures profit necessity and duty But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy Lord c. 3. What is the order of this Commandement to the rest A fourth duty as fourth in
place appointing and establishing the time allotted to his publique service and worship his honour being the maine scope of the first Table And as it is to be set up in our hearts the intent of the first Commandement And as his outward worship rightly performed the intent of the second The glorifying of his name in all things the intent of the third The rightly observing of his Sabbaths the appointed times of his worship the intent of this fourth Commandement 4. What manner of Commandement An affirmative inferring and enforcing his opposite negative viz. to remember to sanctifie the Lords Sabbath and not negligently to let it passe or prophane the same 5. What the affirmative part 1. Our duty to sanctifie the Sabbath by setting a rest apart sanctifying the rest by holy exercises 2. Our duty to be mindfull and carefull of it so to remember to sanctifie it by preparing our selves using all good meanes removing impediments 6. What the negative part The forbidding of the prophanation of it by not setting apart a rest misspending it in any superstition idlenesse vanities sin c. The passing it over in forgetfulnesse by unpreparednesse neglect or contempt 7. How the parts and duties opposite seene opposed The sanctifying opposite to the prophanation of the Sabbath and holy exercises to the mis-spending it in ill actions The minding it opposite to forgetfulnesse and drowsinesse therein as the preparing the soule to that holy and fit celebration thereof opposite to neglect contempt or unpreparednesse 8. What is the duty of sanctification of the Sabbath The setting apart a day of rest and exercising our selves therein in such holy duties as the Lord requireth 9. What day is so to be set apart The seventh day so he appointeth and alloweth the six dayes for our labour whereby we with more chearfulnesse and readinesse may sanctifie his Sabbath the seventh 11. How is it that our Sabbath differeth from the Jewes Sabbath For divers reasons as to shew that the old Law hath given place to the new and so the Jews Sabbath to this of Christians That the ceremonies are vanished and what was ceremoniall in this vanished as the time altered though the morality remaine That the Sonne of Man indeed is Lord of the Sabbath and so hath power to alter it 11. How prove you this Commandement to be merall and perpetuall For that it is ranked there among the rest of the Commandements that are morall and to endure as well as from the necessity of it no lesse to us and to the worlds end for Gods honour then it was to the Jewes and all the holy Patriarkes and Fathers from the beginning and therefore vaine and impious is their assertion that as a ceremony would have it passed and vanished or account it needlesse or a burthen whereas it is indeed to all good Christians comfort and the especiall honour of God 12. What necessity of a Sabbath For divers and weighty reasons such as these 1. That the faith and obedience of men may hereby be exercised more particularly in setting themselves apart from worldly businesse what haste soever and dedicate themselves and this time holy to the Lord. 2. That concord and unity Doctrine and Gods service may be maintained which without this meanes would hardly be effected but confusion would follow every one let loose to his own will or fantasie as commonly so many heads so many opinions 3. That love and charity and all graces were encreased by publicke teaching the duties required and reproving the vices as it is done by Gods word preached then whereby the good and vertuous encouraged the vitious shamed 4. That Gods service and publicke worship may be thus upheld that else were like to decay if men left to private devotions had not such publicke meetings some forgetting others nelecting all duty and most that did not ignorantly or superstitiously performing the same 5. That more acceptable service to God performed when prayer and holy duties so publickely exercised by all as many brands making a great flame so the prayers of many with greater fervency ascending up to God and every good servant of his more enflamed by joyning with others in these holy duties 6. That it may be for rest to the very servants and cattle that else groning under their yoake may be too much grieved by unmercifull minded masters without relaxation 7. That it may be a difference between Gods servants and the heathen that know not God by such sanctifying the Sabbath and so be a signe to us of that eternall Sabbath and rest in Heaven wherein as we are taught we may meditate how with Saints and Angels we all doe enjoy Sabbath dayes recreations of singing hymnes and Hallelujahs as we shall the prayses of God for evermore 13. But is not a Christians Sabbath every day Yes in spirituall rest from sinne and private satisfaction of the soule in practising of holy duties sitting a godly life not to forget thereby or neglect the publicke service of God on his appointed Sabbath whichevere to dishonour God most of all and bringing in confusion and iâ— religion 14. But since the Jewes Sabbath altered may not any Christian make or set out what day he please for Sabbath Nothing lesse for it were not onely temerity and presumption to break the Lord and his Churches institution as may be shewed but the high way to Atheisme and Irreligion when if every one might set out what Sabbath he pleased one setting out one day and another another there would be no day in effect kept holy and so not onely no order and uniformity but even no unity or charity and likely much uncharity jangling and dissention and consequently irreligion 15. How then is our Sabbath to be shewed or proved or established instead of the Jewes Sabbath Most firmly against all obstreperâ—as clamors of gainsayers 1. By the Lords owne approving and sanctifying it who is the Lord of the Sabbath 2. By the Apostles doctrine and continuall practice and keeping the same 3. By the whole Churches and all holy mens uniforme practice and consent ever since 16. How by the Lords owne doings Most plainly by his 1. Naming or giving his name to it in holy Scripture as Apocal. 1. 10. called the Lords day 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that as the Lords supper the Lords people and his Church or the like so his day 2. Sanctifying it by and with his First resurrection thereon and finishing the worke of our redemption and resting on the new Sabbath as God the Father the creation on the former Secondly presence and divers appearances to the Apostles on the same day at their holiest and Sabbath dayes exercises as I. To the women and the Disciples and Mary Magdalen at the first II. In the morning John 20. and to Simon III. And to the Disciples in the way to Emaus Luke 24. 34. IV. And to the Disciples and Thomas with them John 20. V. And at other times and to Saint Iohn in
explained the second petition for our selves or fifth in order with the order and Analysis and parts thereof observed what meant by forgivenesse and debts or trespasses and how we are debtors many waies and say justly our trespasses the condition whereon we aske forgivenesse as we forgive others and also no forgivenesse at Gods hand so how and how far men may and ought to forgive their brethren and their trespasses and who offend against this divers wayes how David Moses and others did curse and the Magistrate punisheth and not forgiveth and who truly or as they ought forgive others whereby the way is discussed the power and authority that the Church and Priest hath to forgive sins both according to the doctrine of the holy Scriptures and expositions thereon of the ancient Fathers and all orthodox Writers and so generally of the whole Church of God in all ages as well as the present Church of England with the right understanding of her tenet in that point and the good use to be made of it whereby confession is explaned how far forth requisite and coldly for the most part now used but the defect of discipline and other inconveninces plainly enough to be perceived issuing from the same so the true and genuine use thereof asserted and cleerly proved by many arguments as aforesaid and more fully by the generall practise of the Church and primitiva times demonstrated whereby the manner how it was by them exercised and so the order of the ancient Church discipline is on this occasion set forth and decyphered and for the present petition here is farther declared what herein we ought to doè or avoid so what is here expressed or intimated thus particularly summed up together and explaned 1. VVHat are the three latter Petitions Concerning us and our necessities for things either 1. Temporall as daily bread Give us this day our daily bread 2. Spirituall As forgivenesse of sins c. Deliverance from temptations 3. Partly spirituall and partly temporall as deliverances from all evill ghostly sin and bodily dangers 2. What the first of these Petitions The fourth of the Lords Prayer Give us this day c. wherein we pray for all things necessary for this present life under the name of bread or dayly bread and this day 3. What is the order Placed before those that desire spirituall things or blessings to shew 1. Our exceeding necessity in this life and so first desire food and raiment without which wee cannot subsist 2. Our Fathers mercy that considereth this our need and weaknesse 3. Our account and use wee ought to make of it since allowed to aske it to use it as a step or degree towards better blessings 4. What contained or to be confidered in it 1. The object bread and double epithetons of it 1. Our and 2. Daily bread 2. The action give and adjoyned circumstance twofold of the persons To us time to day 5. What understood by bread 1. Either spiritually bread of life panis vitae or coelestis Angelorum Manna Angels food Christ and Gods word and Sacraments in which respect it might be well preferred to all the rest of the Petitions but thus more improperly 2. Or temporally the staffe of bread food raiment and all other necessities all other comforts of this life whereby to make bread relish well and us to enjoy it 6. How for the first sense Spiritually taken it may be understood indeed that most divinely for Gods holy word which is food of souls bread of life called by such honorable epithetons shewing the vertue and efficacy to sustain the soule according to that of our Saviour Man liveth not by bread onely but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God Secondly also for Christ himselfe who is the incarnate Word and Wisedome of the Father who is the true bread of life and food indeed as thirdly of the Sacraments of his body and blood the spirituall food also of our soules and so this called panis coeli or coelestis Angelorum and the like but not so properly in this place intended since this bread in the first and second Petitions desired where Gods name and glory and kingdome are prayed for and whereas in patriâ wee desire to bee satiated with this heavenly Manna here more properly intended is the panis via or viatorum and that part that concerneth the temporall necessities of this life intimated also by Today and daily and so bread is said to be either Panis Nature of this life Doctrine of Gods word Gratia Christus in Sacramentis Gloriae Christus in Coelis 7. How is the word of God bread As it doth nourish comfort and strengthen the soule as materiall bread doth the body and so noted in these respects of our soules 1. Vivification raising it from death to life 2. Consolation comforting it in that life and against all tribulation 3. Confirmation in goodnesse and against all ill and assaults of the divell 4. Delectation with the heavenly taste and sweetnesse roborating strengthning and illuminating of the heart in the true faith 7. How is Christ the bread of life As the word of God manifested in the flesh to the quickening and raising up of our soules and bodies so panis hominum and as the comfort of Saints and Angels in glory so panis hominum Angelorum c. and so to bee noted this bread of life in I. The Sacraments are to be holâ—ly 1. Prepared for with reverence reached unto with feare received by faith 2. Ruminated with devotion that it may nourish us in Christ and make us one with him II. Heaven doth Satiate without any defect to eternity in glory Delight with eternall sweetnesse maintaine life eternally and so Angels food and as the Psalmist said Man did eat Angels food panem Angelorum thus in grace and glory 9. What then of other naturall or materiall bread As by it we understand the very materiall food of our bodies in this life with all the necessary appurtenances of quietnesse and peace friends house lands or revenewes rayment health and other blessings to make it sweet and comfortable to us as that stay of life the staffe of bread is or is accounted to be so we must remember that it ought to be 1. Got by our honest labour 2. Received with moderation and thankfulnesse and so onely properly our daily bread 3. Imparted to others with us as the poore our bread 10. But why is all food called bread To teach us the 1. Use we should intend for strengthning us the property of bread chiefly not for vanity or voluptuousnesse 2. Moderation that should be as the holy and abstemious men that lived with bread and water onely 3. Blessing if we have it from God it shall be sufficient and having food and rayment to bee content 11. Why say you Our bread To signifie both 1. The love of God that granteth it to be ours by the giving when else we
and Spirit sonus testimonii for it as in the 12. Section of the Creed is also more fully demonstrated 44. But is not this power of the Priests and of the Church controverted or denyed Not unlesse by Schismatiques or no better then Novatian heretiques as the Fathers stile them and so by Arrians and other heretiques greater matters even to the Trinity it selfe could be controverted or denied and none but such false brethren can deny this for if we beleeve Scriptures credit the ancient Fathers or assent to the Church of England we shall finde it a truth uncontroulably asserted and undenyable 45. How show you or confirme you it To begin with the Fathers that as neerest the Apostles times best knew the Scriptures and meaning of them delivered from Christ and his Apostles and so best expositors of them saith Saint Augustine Qui confiteri vult ut inveniat gratiam quaerat Sacerdotem scientem solvere ligare if hee will be sure of pardon let him seeke out a Priest and make his confession to him for God who alone hath the prime and originall right of forgiving sinne hath delegated the Priests his Judges here on earth and given them the power of absolution so that they can in his name forgive the sinnes of those that humbly confesse unto them but as the Scribes said once Is not this blasphemy if any Schismatiques amongst us shall say Is not this Popery we may well answer with holy Job or bid them take his counsell cap. 8. v. 8. enquire of the former generations aske of the Fathers and they shall tell thee the Fathers too pious to speake blasphemy too ancient to be suspected of Popery these may informe us farther herein 46. What ancient Fathers else With Saint Augustine take Saint Chrysostome in his 5. Hom. on those words of Esay I saw the Lord sitting on a Throne what is comparable saith he to that power of the Priest to whom Christ said Whatsoever ye binde on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever yee loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven heaven waits and expects the Priests sentence here on earth for the Priest sits Judge on Earth and the Lord follows the servant and what the servant bindes or looses Clave non erranâ—e that the Lord confirmes in heaven words most cleare for the formall judiciary absolution of the Priest nothing more plaine and Saint Jerom the supposed Patron of that opinion that holds the Priests power only declarative and so in effect none at all speakes yet home in his Epistle ad Heliodorum de vita solitariâ saying God forbid that I should speake a word amisse against the Priests Qui sacro ore Corpus Christi conficiunt in the holy Eucharist meant per quos nos Christiani sumus in baptisme qui claves Regni Coelorum habentes quodammodo ante diem judici judicant by remitting and retaining of sinnes where he that can but construe Judicant needs no further Comment of his words so Saint Grogory the Great 26. Hom. in Evangel Apostoli Principatum supremi judici sortiuntur ut vice Dei quibusdam peceaâ—aretineant quibusdam relaxent the Apostles and in them Priests are made Gods Vicegerents on earth in his name to retaine or forgive sinnes not declarative only but judicially animarum judicios siunt as he goes on speaking made judges of the soules of men casting the obstinate downe to the gates of hell by the fearefull power of excommunication and lifting the penitent into heaven I by the blessed power of absolution and he no better then a Novatian with Saint Ambrose in Psal. 38. that denies it as Saint Cyprian and many other Fathers also shew too pious to speak blasphemy and too ancient to be suspected of Popery as a foresaide and thus the Fathers enform us 47. But put all out of doubt how shew you it by Scripture If we looke to Matth. 18. 18 and John 20 and 23. there is plainly a power of remitting sinnes first propounded and promised and after fully performed and given or granted to the Apostles and the Priests their successors or as it were conferred and confirmed to them by our blessed Saviour saying Whose soever sinnes ye remit they are remitted c. which cannot bee otherwise understood for how ever some would faine expound it of preaching onely as those of the Novation straine or of baptizing as some others would guesse yet plaine it is both these they had power to doe before as Matth. 10. 7. Goe preach c. as John 4. 2. the Disciples baptized c. but this power most emphatically here delivered with a ceremony after his resurrection and so received where seene John 20. 22. he breathed on them as it were infusing that power and investing it on them and them in it he bad them receive it and joyneth to it that commission so amply saying Receive ye the holy Ghost whose sinnes ye remit c. which word of receiving the power could not bee properly used by him there if they had beene endued with it before as they were with power to preach and baptise though perhaps not in so ample a measure enabled to doe it this the genuine sense and thus the Fathers and all best Writers interpret it the peculiar power given as Gods deputed Judges on earth in his name to pardon and absolve the humbly penitent of their sinnes 48. Is this the tenet also of our Church It is for so in the second exhortation before the Communion the penitents are exhorted to come to some discreet and learned Minister of Gods word by his Ministery to receive comfort and the benefit of absolution to the quieting of their conscience so likewise in the forme of absolution prescribed by our Mother the Church for the visitation of the sicke after confession to the Priest he thus absolveth by the authority committed to me I absolve thee from all thy sins in the name of the Father c. 49. But here some may say at the time of death indeed in articulo mortis it may be more convenient though not else If so then it is enough and as much as we need desire for a good Christian will and ought so to prepare himselfe as if every day were the day of his death because nescit quando Dominus veniet and he should by this reason be thus often or alwaies prepared so all the holy Fathers teachus as our Saviour himself and from a glimmering of this light the very heathen could say omne crede dieÌ„ tibi deluxisse supremum thus then by this rule wee should not only allow it but the frequent use of it as perhaps the best Christians best know the use comfort and necessity of it they having to bee feared but hard and seared consciences that neglect or despise it or at least that find no need of the use or comfort and benefit in the use of it being so great a quiet well understood to a troubled consience of
and distinct places observed answering to the severall sorts of persons and their degrees in the bosome of the Church in so comely order from all antiquitie to us in the form and structure of our Church or from the platform of them very lively representing to us the times practise and founders intentions may minde us of the same and teach its what order and decency or other respects of reverence before God and to God and all holy and consecrated things to him for his owne and to them for his sake were fit to be observed and by all dutifull sons of God and the Church religiously ought to be performed as by all godly and religious persons of all ages and devout Christians have ever been accustomea and never by any unlesse godlesse prophane or gracelesse mereticks and factious Sectaries detracted or denied so the degrees of the persons places and things consecrated as well as their consecration here instanced both in the Iewish Church and ours and thence issuing difference and degrees of the reverentiall respects to them usually exhibited both by us and them all which proved from holy Scripture and constant and continued practise of the people of God and more illustrated by the dictates of naturall justice equity and reason and so clearly vindicated from all shew of idolatry or superstition but the neglect and contempt hereof by the factious producing miserable and wretched effects both to the dishonour of God and disorder in religion Church State government wheresoever and such unreverence used and their prophanesse suffered to passe unâ—â—â— or uncorrected so the order In ours and the ancient Christian Church and why so necessary to be observed hereby sufficiently explained and against all sacrilegious gainsayers too commonly palpably found to be such plainly demonstrated and the name of Altar toward which such reverence is used and even anciently prescribed and enjoyned whence by such perhaps more despitefully handled from their calumnies and aspertions vindicated and to the true use of it according to the Churches ancient idiome asserted and restored and so both Churches Altar and other decent ceremenies in and about the same in our Church retained shewed in generall consonant to the practice of all approved antiquity and in particular of the Greek Easterne Churches thus In that point with our coâ—senting to be recoâ—ciled And for close to this Sacrament of baptisme certaine criticall disquisitions on the name of God so ordinarily used by us in our common discourses and writing usefull as more solemnly in the profession of our religious duty and observance or other acts of highest consequence as especially in the administration of the sacrament of baptisme and ceremony thereof whence also by the way other like observations on the mystery of iniquity and name of Antichrist the Beast and Whore of Babylon in such mysticall manner with much anigmaticall obsecurity by numbers and else expressed or rather unveyled and involved so in the first place the number of the heads hornes of the Beast considered as leaaing way to the number of the name of Antichrist being 666. with the illustration thereof from the name and nature of the Fiend calling himself Legion the very power at that time of that armed Pagan impiety that did afflict and oppresse the Church Saints of God the application whereof may be to to any the like times and occasions or oppressions referred and so lastly concluding with the Nomen Tetragrammaton so usually pronounced Jehovah but corruptly in stead of Jaho proved by the Text of the Bible and other authorities which might perhaps more regularly and orderly be by Iahvah yet all vowels to come nearest to the former sound though lesse rightly so as it is by some intended 1. VVHat is the outward signe in Baptisme Water wherein the person baptized is dipped or sprinkled with in the name of the Father and of the Sonne c. 2. What herein to be noted 1. The Matter or Element Water used so of old as is to be seen in 1. The leprous and unclean 2. Naaman the Syrian 3. The blind man sent to wash in Siloam Ioh. 9. 7. 4. John baptizing in Jordan 11. The Action 1. Dipping in Summer or warmer Countries 2. Sprinkling in colder Clymats or weather 3. Or for the tendernesse and danger of the infant 4. Form of words prescribed in the name c. of which outward signe and parts thereof none ought to be omitted or altered which would make the Baptisme else bee no Baptisme and which rightly once performed ought not to be iterated 4. What the inward grace The cleansing of the soul from sinne by sprinkling of Christs blood in the power of the Trinity whence a death to sinne and a new birth to righteousnesse is wrought in us 5. Whence is it Or what reason of this Because being by nature borne in sinne and the children of wrath wee are hereby made the children of grace 6. What is herein to be considered 1. The parts resembling one another the Relata and Corclata 2. Resembling our representation in the parts 3. The relation and presentation of the thing signified to the soule 4. The effect and efficacie or vertue of the Sacrament in the death to sin new birth to righteousnes And manner and reason thereof explained For whereas by nature c. 7. Which are the parts resembling one another The 1. Water representing the blood of Christ. 2. Sprinkling thereof on the body the washing the soul. 3. Action of the Priest The operation of Gods Spirit Blessing the action 4. Form of words prescribed Power of the Word and vertue of the Holy Trinity promised 8 How distinguished into Relata and Corelata The 1. Water 2. Sprinkling 3. Action 4. Words The outward part of Relata to the Blood of Christ Washing the soule Operation of the Spirit Power of God to the inward part or corelata 9. Which the Relation The representation that the parts have between themselves one to another as water to the blood of Christ the washing the body to the cleansing the soule the action of the Priest and words prescribed to the operation of Gods Spirit and power in the grace and blessing proposed and promised 10. How the presentation of it to the soule In those outward Emblemes as seales shewing the grace by faith throughout the whole life apprehended and exercised by the power and operation of Gods Spirit making it profitable to the soule 11. What the effect or efficacie and vertue thereof 1. The death to sinne being baptised into the death of Christ and the soule so washed in his blood made clean and dying unto sinne that is crucified in us as we unto it 2 The new birth unto righteousnesse as being baptized and buried with Christ in his death wee are also raised up in him to newnesse of life and sanctification 12. What is intended herein 1. Our mortification of sin and the old man in all the corrupt lusts of the flesh
Assyrian Babylon Grecian and Egyptian Militia and Armes had done before them but now numbred by legions whiles Saint John beheld the rude multitudes more swaying by number then by wisedom then reigning and raging in the world and afflicting the Church how appliable to all Aâ—tichristian practices oppressions and oppositions when and wheresoever that man of sinne that first began to move in the Apostles times by Schisme and Heresie the dregges of Gentilisme the nurse of later paganisme shall get head in the power of the Beast among the beasts of the people against the Saints and Church of God to be so high advanced there to defile and prophane it by his own presence bringing in the whore of Babylon or confusion with the Cup of abominations of false strange and wil worship unreverence and prophane novelties the idols of fancy innovating whorish inventions of those that run after strange Gods Religions where rude armed impiety by barbarous force more then gracious wisedome and godlinesse by good counsell can prevaile I leave to be considered by the wisest and most judicious So retur ning from this mystery of iniquity to that divine mystery of the name of God But why said you before that Nomen Tetragrammaton was corruptly pronounced Jehovah It is most evident though it have so long escaped the most curions inquisition of so many thousands nay Myriades or millions of searching eyes and wits that have long sought after it for whether the Jewes by their superstitious silence lost the true sound or by their supercilious envie conceal'd it from us the Gentiles and so at last perhaps lost it as they did their ancient Musicke and Meeter of Davids Psalms in their captivity or propter peccatum as they confesse yet what the true sound is easily to bee discerned by them and us may thus plainly appeare for that it is truly to be pronounced Jaho or Jahu trisyllabum is thus proved by their owne writings and strangers First we may finde in ancient Greek Copies and Poems yet extant that name rendred Iâ—â— Jao wanting the letter h or aspiration whereby to write as we may Jahoh But more then this in the Bible it selfe where that name is fixed to the end of any proper names they may most plainly perceive it there as in Isaiahu Jeremiahu Eliahu and the like Thirdly where it is prefixed to proper names as in Jehoram Jehoiada Jehoshap at and the like it is plain where we know by the Grammar Rules Camets by increase of syllables is turned into Shevah which yet is not so little an e as is now sounded but rather French i Feminine sounding our lessâ— a or broader as old Gramarianâ— testifie as in Solomon Rehoboam and many other like words expresly found Fourthly in the contracted name Jah it is evident the two last letters are cut off or left out as usuall with them and seene in many like words and especialâ—y in the Conjugations Lamed He and Lamed Aleph is most frequent where Aleph and He with their ending vowels are commonly cuâ— off much more might be added for confirmation but this may suffice but for the word Jehovah it is onely the vowels of Adonai used to be read for it is preposterously added to the letters of that name So ending with this Sacrament come we now to the Lords Supper SECT 3. Of the LORDS SUPPER The Lords Supper why instituted and how a memoriall of Christ and his death and that his sacrifices with the Analogy or resemblance that relation â—t hath to the same and to the Pascal Lambe and all those other legall saccrifices so often used all of them having relation to Christ being the perfection of them the benefit of whose sacriâ—ice and perpetuall memory thereof with thankfulnesse 〈…〉 prime reasons though other ends also proposed the institution how it differeth from baptisme many wayes and how it selfe in divers respects called by divers names the parts of it the outward signs ceremonies and actions by the Lord prescribed and observed the other circumstances to the same belonging also propounded to be considered the near resemblance and fit relation of the outward signe and inward or of our receiving the elements of bread and wine and other holy actions and ceremonies to the receiving of the body and blood of Christ by faith and our nourishing and strengthning by the same the manner of Christs presence in the blessed Sacrament as ineffable rather to be reverently admired and thankfully confessed then curiously to be disputed of or contentiously to be enquired after as the Fathers teached therein acknowledâ—ing a most divine Mystery yet neither transubstantiation 〈…〉 Consubstantiation thereby to be conceived but the Mystery rather more divinely to be understood and accordingly by the ancient â—tiled the figure of it and speeches of the Church and holy Scriptures concerning it and the worthy receiving thereof So the comforts and benefits in the religious receiving and using it and in the grases vertue and effects thereof come to be christianly meditated on and remembred and hereby reasons urged why kneeling at receving the holy Communion and other the like reverent gesturet and postures of the body are in the Church and at such holy actions to be used with the difference and distinction of all such religious and ceremonious as well as civill reverence from the divine worship aâ— also reasons for it why wâ— Christians doe usually worship and have our Churches so placed looking towards the East as it were thereby causing it 1. VVHy was the Sacrament of the Lords Supper ordained For a continuall remembrance of the sacrifice of the death of Christ and the benefits we receive thereby 2. What is hereby intimated Tâ—e end wherefore it was ordained viz. First The memoriall of the I. Thing it selfe 1. The Pasehall Lambe now offered indeed Christ. The death of the Lambe of God The sacrifice by his death immolate II. The benefits we receive thereby Secondly The perpetuity of this memoriall to be continued in the Church till his comming a-again at the end of the world as in the institution Do this in remembrance c. and To remember the Lords death till he come 1 Cor. 11. â—6 3. How is it a memoriall of Christ In that as bread and wine are prepared by many strokes of affliction and labour for the comfort of the body so was the bread of life and living water or wine of his bloud for comforting the heart prepared for us and our soules 4. How seene in this bread of life Christ As bread is prepared by 1. Threshing 2. Grinding 3. Baking 4. Breaking 5. Dividing to be eaten So Christ was 1. Threshed with many strokes of anguish and affliction of body and soule 2. Ground in the mill of much sorrows 3. Baked in the fiery oven of Gods anger against sin Mal. 4. 4. Broken for our sakes that we might be made whole and fed with this bread of life 5. How in this wine of his bloud As