quicken vs to newnesse of life Expos 26. Christ by his death did conquer sinne and the old man in vs is truely said to be crucified dead and buried in and with the body of Christ we beeing ingrafted into the similitude of his death Col. 2. 12. 20. 27. Hauing communion with Christ in his life we are raised vp to a spirituall life Rom. 8. 11. and haue our conuersation in heauen Phil. 3. 20. But this life is onely begun here and groweth by degrees beeing perfected in heauen Q What are the benefits of Christs ascention A. The leading p Eph. 4. 8. 11. of captiuitie captiue the giuing of gifts vnto men the powring q Act. 2. 16 17. his spirit vpon his people and preparing r Ioh. 14. 3. a place for them Q. What are the benefits of his intercession A. The persons of the faithfull do alwaies remaine iust and their works Å¿ 1. Pet. 2. 5. Gen. 4. 4. Exod. 28. 38. acceptable in the sight of God hereby also they are defended against the accusations of all their enemies Q. How wil the knowledge of these things worke in the heart of him whom God will saue A. It brings him to a serious t Ier. 8. 6 7. Luk 15. 17. consideration of his owne estate to u Act. 2. 37. grieue for sinne and the feare of Gods displeasure whereby w Act. 9 6. the heart is 28 broken and humbled Expos 28. The heart is broken and humbled when it is cast downe with the sight of sinne Psa 51. 17. bruised with the weight of Gods wrath and melted away for feare Psal 119. 120. 2. Kin. 22. 19. knowing that God hath aduantage against him and that he is worthy to be condemned Q. What else will this knowledge worke A. It will bring x Luk. 15. 18. a man 2â— to confesse his sinne highly to y Matth. 13. 44. prize Christ and hunger 30 after z Esa 55. 1. Ioh. 7. 37. him vntill he obtaine his desire Expos 29. He will acknowledge his sinnes to God as particularly as he can 1. Tim. 1. 13. and with sighes and grones for pardon and forgiuenes Rom. 8. 26. 30. Hunger after Christ must be feruent as a thirstie man longeth for drinke and continuall neuer giuing ouer till the desire be obtained With this desire there is alwaies ioyned an high prizing of Christ and an aduised willingnes to for goe all things for Christs sake Phi. 1. 22. 23. with 3. 7 8. Q. How are we made partakers of Christ with all his benefits A. By 1 faith a Io. 3. 16. and 1. 12. Act. 13. 39. alone Expos 1. By faith alone we are ingrafted into Christ Rom. 11. 20. receiue him Io. 6. 56. haue communion with him Reu. 3. 20. and so are made partakers of all his benefits Io. 3. 36. also faith is the condition of the couenant of grace Act. 16. 31. Io. 3. 18. Mar. 16. 19. Io. 9. 30. Rom. 4. 3. 5. Q. What is faith A. A 2 resisting b Psal 2. 12. Act. 16. 31. vpon Christ alone for saluation Expos 2. Bare assenting to the truth of Gods promises vpon the credit of the reuealer is not true and iustifying faith Matth. 21. 32. Io. 2. 23. Luk. 24. 25. Luk. 8. 13. but when the poore soule doth cast it selfe vpon the free promise of God made in Iesus Christ for pardon of sin it doth truely beleeue Act. 9. 42. Io. 14. 1. Io. 5. 24. with Rom. 4. 5. Es 28. 16. with Rom. 9. 33. Act. 18. 8. with Rom. 10. 10 11. This faith is certaine Mat. 16. 18. though mixed with many doubtings Luk. 1. 18. and 17. 5. Mar. 9. 24. and continuall Luk. 22. 31. 32. though often shaken Luk. 24. 21. A full perswasion seemes rather an effect of a strong faith Rom. 4. 21. then the nature of true faith Ioy is a fruite of faith 1. Pet. 1. 8. Act. 8. 6 7 8. Rom. 5. 4. but not an inseparable companion thereof a man may haue true faith and feele little or no comfort Psal 22. 1. and 31. 10. and 77. 2. Q. What is the ground of faith A. The free 3 promises of c Rom. 4. 18. Heb. 11. 11. God made in Christ concerning the forgiuenes of sinnes and eternall righteousnes Expos 3. Temporall blessings Eccl. 9. 12. ciuill vertues Luk. 18. 12 13. 14. a generall notice that Christ wil saue the elect Matth. 13. 20. 21. sense reason experience feeling Psal 10. 1. and 51. 12. are not the grounds of saith but only the promises which God of his grace hath made vnto vs in Christ which ought to be receiued because God that cannot lie hath spoken them Tit. 1. 2. 2. Tim. 2. 13. Q. How is faith wrought in vs A. Inwardly by d Act. 16. 14. the 4 spirit as the Author outwardly by the e Rom. 10. 14. Heb. 5. 11. 12. and 6. 12. preaching of the word and 5 Catechising as the instrument thereof Expos 4. Faith is the gift of God Ph. 1. 29. and a grace supernaturall a man of himselfe can no more beleeue then a corrupt fountaine can send forth sweete waters 1. Cor. 2. 14. 5. By Catechising vnderstand a pure plaine briefe and orderly instruction of the people in the cheife grounds of Christian religion 1. Cor. 2. 4. 1. Cor. 3. 1. 1. Pet. 3. 15. Heb. 6. 1 2. Rom. 6. 17. so that the people may clearely and manifestly see the way vnto saluation and may knowe how to make vse both of the Lawe and of the Gospel for their humiliation and comfort vnderstanding how one thing dependeth vpon another goeth before or followeth after Hereby Christians are inabled to referre that which they read to some head readily to apply what they heare to fit purpose try it and haue it in readines in the time of neede In a word to profite by the publique ministerie Heb. 5. 11 12. and to knowe how to goe forward in godlines in an holy methode To say nothing that Catechising is profitable to informe the iudgement reforme the affection and quicken both to the duties of a Godly life Q. How doth the word worke faith in vs A. By shewing vs f Rom. 7. 7. Gal. 3. 22. our miserie and the true g Gal. 4. 4 5. meanes of our recouerie encouraging vs h Matth. 11. 28. Es 61. 1 2 3. Reu. 22. 17. being 6 humbled to receiue the promises of the Gospel Expos 6. The word commaundeth the humbled to beleeue promiseth them comfort Matth. 9. 13. Luk. 15. 32. setteth forth the necessity and exellency of faith Io. 3. 18. 39. the danger of vnbeleife Mar. 16. 15. Io. 12. 48. Act. 13. 46. the tender mercies and compassions of the Lord Psal 103. 8. 12. and how he inuiteth perswadeth and intreateth him to beleeue 2. Cor. 5. 20. Q. How doth the Spirit worke by the word A. It doth teach vs wisedome i Ezek. 36. 37. 31. to apply things
that the author of holy Scripture doth iustly challenge vnto himselfe which import independance of nature Exod. 3. 14. supereminencie of power and soueraigntie Psal 50. 1. 2. excellencie both of properties workes Gen. 17. 1. Esa 42. 5. and 40 12 26. 2. The manner vsed in teaching commaunding promising and threatning Things aboue reason hidden mysteries such as exceed all humane capacitie are vnfolded without all argumentation or furniture of perswasion 1. Cor. 2. 7. and wee are required to vnderstand and beleeue them relying vpon the truth and credit of the reuealer In giuing the law no proeme is vsed but Thus saith the Lord no conclusion but The Lord hath spoken Exod. 20. 1. 2. Commandements of which no reason can be rendered are enioyned Gen. 2. 17. and that which a naturall man would account foolishnes is peremptorily and with great securitie required Ioh. 3. 36. 1. Cor. 1. 23. 24. no argument beeing brought to perswade or confirme the equitie of those commaunds but onely the will of the Commander Promises aboue likelihood are made to assure of performance no reason is alledged but I the Lord haue spoken Esa 51. 22. and 52. 3. 4. and to incourage against difficulties and dangers present diuine assistāce is promised both as necessarie and sufficient Ex. 4. 12. Ios 1. 9. Ier. 1. 8. Esa 43. 5. In the manner of threatning also the like notes of the diuinitie of the style may bee obserued 3. That without respect of persons he doth prescribe lawes to all men priuate persons and publike Magistrates whole Kingdomes and seuerall estates commaunding what is distastfull to their nature and forbidding what they approue promising not terrene honour but life euerlasting if they bee obedient threatning not with racke or gybbet but eternall death if they disobey Ioel. 1. 1 2. Io. 3. 16. 1. Sam. 12. 25. 4. That the Ministers of the Lord of Hosts do require attention faith and obedience to whatsoeuer they speake in the name of the Lord whether it were prophesie commaundement or rebuke whether they called to repentance and reformation of things amisse or exhorted to obedience 1. Cor. 11. 23. Mic. 1. 1. 2. The lowe and humble manner of speech vsed in holy Scripture cannot iustly offend any man for it was penned to the vse and behoofe both of the learned and vnlearned Rom. 1. 14. though the phrase bee plaine the matter is high and excellent profound and vnutterable Hos 8. 12. Act. 2. 11. Easinesse and plainnesse doth best beseeme the truth a pearle needs not painting nor truth to be vnderpropped with forraine aids it is of it selfe sufficient to vphold and sustaine it selfe it becomes not the Maiestie of a Prince to play the Orator and though the Scripture bee simple in word it is great in power no writings of Man though neuer so well set forth with wit words order or depth of learning can so inlighten the mind mooue the will peirce the heart or stirre vp the affections as doth the word of God Neither do the Scriptures want eloquence if the matter bee well weighed no writing doth or can equalize them in pithinesse of prophesying or feruentnesse of praying The song of Moses and the beginning of Esay in varietie and force of eloquence do farre exceed all autors Greek Latin if comparison be made betwixt those places whatsoeuer is most excellētly indited by man either in Greeke or Latin you may easily discerne the one was written by a diuine the other by an humane spirit 13. The efficacy of this doctrine doth powerfully demonstrate the diuinitie thereof for it conuertes the soule illightens the eies Psa 19. 7 8. discouers sinne Rom. 7. 7. conuinces the gainsaier 2. Tim 3. 16. killeth and terrifieth 2. Cor. 3. 6. reioyceth the heart Psal 19. 8. Psal 119. 103. quickneth Psal 119. 50. 93. and comforteth Rom. 15. 4. manifesteth the thoughts 1. Cor. 14. 25. ouerthrowes false religions casteth downe strong holds and the whole kingdom of Satan stoppeth the mouth of Oracles destroies Idols 2. Cor. 10. 4. Zeph. 2. 11. Zach. 13. 2. and remaines inuincible notwithstanding all opposition Act. 5. 38. 39. These things commend the efficacy of this word 1. The nature thereof is opposite to the wisedome and will of a naturall man 1. Cor. 1. 21. and 2. 14. Rom. 8. 6. and yet it hath preuailed 2. It hath preuailed not onely with the grosse and sottish Gentiles who serued other Gods Gal. 4. 8. but euen with the most feirce and bitter enemies thereof Act. 9. 5. 6. 20. 21. 3. The enemies who did oppose this truth were many mighty and subtile as principally the Deuill out of his hatred against Gods glory and mans saluation Eph. 6. 12. Apo. 2. 10. and the Romane Emperours as his instruments the rest of the world furthering and the Iewes stirring them vp all which out of their loue to falsehood and Idolatrie and their malice against the Christian religion did with incredible fury and vigilancie labour the vtrer abolition of this truth Act. 4. 27. and 9. 2. Matth. 10. 18. 22 Io. 16. 2. Act. 13. 50. and 14. 2. 5. 19. 1. Thes 2. 15. 16. 4. The persons whom the Lord did chuse to be publishers of this heauenly doctrine were in number fewe in outward appearance simple rude base and weake and sometimes also negligent Matth. 4. 18. 19. 20. Luk. 6. 13. 2. Cor. 4. 7. 8. Matth. 13. 25. 5. These simple and weake men subdued the world by preaching the Crosse of Christ and prescribing long suffering and patience 1. Cor. 2. 4. 1. Thes .. 3. 4. Act. 9. 16. 2. Tim. 3. 12. The number of all sorts ages condititions sexes nations who gaue credit to this doctrine confirmed the same with the losse of their liues was innumerable Apo. 6. 9. 10. 7. In short time a great part of the habitable world was conuerted brought to the obedience of faith so that Paul filled all places frō Ierusalem to Illyricum with the sound of the Gospel Col. 1. 6. Rom. 35. 19. 8. The more the truth was persecuted the more it did preuaile Act. 8. 3. 4. Phil. 1. 14. 9. Though the Iewes were wasted with many and great slaughters yet the Scriptures did still remaine safe and intire in their custody when the Hebrew language did lie almost vnknowne and had perished altogether had not the Lord prouided for religion then by the Iewes the deadly enemies of Christ was the doctrine of Christian faith preserued 10. To these we may adde the dreadfull iudgements of God which fell vpon the persecutors of the Christian faith amongst whom some were forced at their last gaspe to acknowledge the diuinity of this word All which things doe strongly confirme the propagation defence and conseruauation of this truth and doctrine to be admirable and of God 14. The sweette and admirable consent which is found in all and euery part of Scripture cannot be ascribed to any but the Spirit of God each part so
said to be made in the image of God Genes 9. 6. 8. As God knowes himselfe Ioh. 8. 55. 1. Cor. 20. 10. and all things besides Ioh. 16. 30. so man did truely distinctly perfectly and effectually knowe God Rom. 1. 19. 20. his will Rom. 2. 15. and workes Gen. 2. 20. 23. and his own happinesse in God and his owne present estate though he was ignorant of the future 9. As God willeth himselfe as the cheife good Esa 42. 8. and can will nothing but what is good so mans wil was able to choose God and all good freely readily and orderly and to doe what was required 1. Chron. 28. 9. and 29. 9. His affections also were subiect to the rule of perfect reason duely and with an holy moderation caried vnto that which is good respecting God or man Tit. â— 5. 12. 1. Tim. 3. 2. Matth. 22. 37 38 39. Deut. 6. 5. Q. Wherein did mans happinesse consist A. In the enioying w Gen. 1. 29. of 10 sweet peace and communion with the Lord. Expos 10. God did loue fauour and accept of man and man did behold reioyce and rest in the Lord with full delight Q. What further priuiledges did man enioy in this state of innocencie A. Hee was placed in x Gen. 2. 15. paradise had libertie to eate of y Gen. 2. 16. euerie tree in the garden except the tree of 11 knowledge of good and euill and was made a Gen. 2. 19. Psa 8. 6. ruler of all earthly creatures z Gen. 2. 17. Expos 11. The euent of mans eating or forbearing that fruit did giue the name to that tree If he had obeyed he should be happie hauing experience of good if he did eate thereof he by experience should knowe what good hee lost thereby and what miserie he brought on himselfe Q. Were these things bestowed vpon man that he might liue as he list A. No but that hee might 12 serue the b Reu. 4. 11. Psal 95. 6. Lord his Maker who therefore gaue man a law binding him alwaies to perfect obedience and a speciall commaundement to try him c Rom. 2. 14. Expos 12. God the Creator of man Psal 100. 3. and in that respect his supreame and absolute soueraigne hauing bestowed so great gifts and maine liberties vpon man freely might vpon his owne will and pleasure require at the hands of man what obedience soeuer he had or would inable him to performe Deut. 11. 31. 32. Ier. 27. 5. and might also inioyne him to manifest his loaâ—tie and humilitie by abstaining from some act in it selfe indifferent for no other reason but because he was so commanded Dan. 4. 32. 35. Psa 115. 3. Q. What was that speciall commaundement A. Of the tree of d Gen. 2. 17. knowledg of good and euill thou shalt not eate for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt die the death Q. Death we heare was threatned if hee did disobey what promise was made to incourage him to this dutie A. The continuance e Gen. 2. 9. both of 13 himselfe and his 14 posteritie in that good estate Expos 13. The tree of life seemes to be a signe and seale of the continuance of his happinesse if he had obeyed Gen. 3. 22 23 24. Pro. 3. 18. Apoc. 2. 7. 14. All mankind was created good in Adam Eccl. 7. 31. Rom. 5. 12. 1. Cor. 15. 22. as other creatures were in their kind Gen. 1. 31. and God did enter into couenant with our first parents Gen. 2. 17. as they were the roote of all their posterity so that what they had actually promised to them we had promised to vs also in them Q. Did man continue in that good estate A. No but 15 he f 1. Tim. 2. 14. fell from God thorough the enticements of Sathan Expos 15. Man was created good but mutable so that he might fall Gen. 2. 17. Eccl. 7. 31. and God not beeing bound to vphold him Rom. 11. 35. Gen. 17. 1. did suffer him to fall knowing how to order the same for the setting forth of his glorie Prou. 16. 4. God knew before that â—â—an would transgresse Act. 15. 18. Psal 139. 2. yet was he not therefore to forbeare to giue man a most wise iust and easie precept whereby he would shewe forth his Soueraigntie ouer man 1. Sam. 15. 2. 9. Q. How did he fall A. By sinning g Eccl. 7. 29. or 31. Rom. 5. 12. 1. Ioh. 3. wilfully 16 against God taansgressing his law Expos 16. Sathan was the principall outward cause of the sinne of man Gen. 3. 1. Ioh. 8. 44. Apoc. 12. 9. who enuying the glorie of God and the saluation of man did vse the serpent as his instrument to seduce the woman Gen. 3. 1. 2. Cor. 11. 3. and the helpe of the woman to seduce the man Gen. 3. 6. The qualitie of the fruite by accident was a cause to mooue them to eate thereof Gen. 3. 6. and the iust and good law of God forbidding that sinne may be said to be an occasion of the sinne as it did forbid an act in it selfe indifferent that man could not commit it without sinne but the principall inward cause of mans fall was his owne free-will freely and voluntarily transgressing Gods commandement which he might and ought to haue obeied but would not Gen. 2. 7. 17. and 3. 23. 24. Rom. 5. 19. Eccl. 7. 31. Q. What was the sinne he did commit A. The h Gen. 3. 6. eating of 17 the forbidden fruit Expos 17. The tree of knowledge in it selfe was good Gen. 11 12. 1. Tim. 4. 4. Gen. 3. 6. but the fruit thereof vnlawfull to be eaten because God had forbidden it to be eaten 1. Ioh. 3. 4. Gen. 2. 17. And this sinne of Adam was exceeding great because it was the breach of so easie a commaundement Gen. 1. 29. with Gen. 2. 17. that God had giuen for the the triall of his obedience committed by him that had receiued great fauours from God Gen. 1. 26 27 28 c. and that in Paradise Gen. 3. 6. 23. Also it was accompanyed with an heape of other sins infidelie idolatrie vnthankefulnesse to God and contempt of him blasphemie in subscribing to the deuil murther c. Q. Did all mankind sinne in Adam A. Yes i for 1â— wee were all in his loynes 1. Rom. 5. 12. 1. Cor. 15. 22. Heb. 7. 9 10. Expos 18. Adam was not a priuate person but the common parent of vs all and as hee receiued integâ—itie for himselfe and vs so he lost it for himself vs. Q. What is the state of all men hy reason of Adams fall A. They are k Eph. 2. 1. 2. dead 19 in Sinne and bondslaues 20 of Sathan Expos 19. To bee dead in sinne is to be vtterly depriued of all life of grace Eph. 5. 18. so that we can mooue to nothing of our selues that is truly acceptable in the sight of God 20. To be Bondslaues of
Heb. 7. 1 2. Aaron and his successors were but Ministers but Christ is the author of saluation Heb. 5. 9. all which doe shewe the absolutenesse perfection and excellencie of Christ his Priesthood Q. What are the functions of his Priestly office A. Offering 19 vp g Heb. 5. 1. and 9. 26. and 7. 25. himselfe a sacrifice once for all and 20 making request for vs Expos 19. Christ thorough the eternal Spirit Heb. 9. 14. offered vp his soule and body as a sweete smelling sacrifice to the Father Eph. 5. 2. once for all Heb. 10. 12. whereby he was consecrated and did enter into heauen presenting himselfe before the Father for vs Heb. 9. 24. and 10. 20. 20. Christâ— intercession is his most gracious will feruently and vnmooueably desiring that all his members for the perpetuall vertue of his sacrifice may be accepted of the Father Rom. 8. 34. This is both vniuersall and particular heauenly and glorious euer effectuall no way reciprocall and tendered onely for the vertue of his sacrifice Q. Why was Christ a 20 King A. To 21 bridle h Psal 110. 1. Col. 2. 14. 1. Cor. 15. 28. 1. Ioh. 10. 16. Hag. 2. 7. and subdue all his enemies but i to 22 gather and k Ezek. 34. 23 24. gouerne 23 his elect and chosen Expos 20. The Kingly office of Christ is his spirituall eternall and absolute dominion Luk. 17. 20. Ioh. 18. 36. Dan. 2. 44. and 7. 14. Heb. 1. 8. Reu. 3. 7. whereby beeing appointed of the Father Psal 2. 6 7. and 45. 7. Psal 110. 2. Matth. 11. 27. Act. 2. 33. Lord of all things in heauen and earth Heb. 2. 7 8. and peculiarly King and Head of his Church Eph. 1. 21 22. he doth confound and destroy all his enemies but doth gather and goueâ—n his elect Hos 1. 7. Esa 33. 22. by his word and spirit for their saluation and the glorie of God Esa 32. 15. and 59. 21. 1. Thess 1. 5. 21. The enemies of Christ are Sathan and all his angels with all their workes to wit sinne and death Gen. 3. 15. Eph. 2. 2. 2. Cor. 4. 4. 2. Cor. 6. 15. to which we must adde all wicked men who bee the instruments of Sathan Ioh. 8. 44. 1. Ioh. 3. 8. amongst whom the Antichrist of Rome is cheife 2. Thess 2. 3. These enemies Christ hath alreadie ouercome in his owne person Eph. 4. 8. Col. 2. 14. Io. 12. 31. he doth daily bridle and represse by his wisedome power word and spirit Luk. 10. 18 19. Luk. 2. 34. Reu. 12. 5. and 2. 27. 2. Cor. 10. 4 5. and he will perfectly subdue at the day of iudgement 1. Cor. 15. 25. adiudging the deuill and all his partakers to eternall condemnation Mat. 25. 46. and vtterly abolishing sinne and death 1. Cor. 15. 26. Further is to be noted that Christ as Mediatour in the execution of his Kingly office doth outwardly call some wicked and vngodly men Mat. 22. 1. 14. and 20. 16. prescribe a law how they ought to walke Iam. 4. 12. bestowe many good things vpon them both spirituall and temporall though not such as accompanie saluation Heb. 6. 4 5. Mat. 13. 19 20 21. Luk. 8. 13 14. Iob 22. 18. and inflict diuerse punishments vpon them in this life and the life to come for their sinne and disobedience Matth. 13. 12. and 25. 28. Es 6. 10. 2. Thess 2. 10 11. Luk. 16. 23. 22. Christ doth not onely by his word call his elect to faith repentance and the participation of the couenant of grace Mark 1. 14 15. Matth. 11. 28. but he doth also effectually mooue them by his Spirit to repent and beleeue Ps 110. 3. 2. Thes 2. 13 14. Eph. 3. 16 17. 23. The functions of Christs Kingly office appertaining to the gouernement of his elect are 1. The prescription of lawes according to which his subiects ought to beleeue and liue which stands not onely in appointing the faithfull by the ministerie of his word to liue godly iustly and soberly but also in writing his lawe in their hearts by his holy Spirit and inabling them by the same Spirit to doe in some measure what hee requireth Tit. 2. 11 12. Ier. 31. 33. Ezeck 36. 27. Ioh. 1. 16. 2. The communication and bestowing of all good things vpon them appertaining to this or a better life so farre as he knowes it needfull or profitable vnder which we are to comprehend the remoouing of things hurtfull and the defending of his subiects against them Psa 68. 18. Iam. 1. 16 17. Ps 23. 1 2 3. 1. Cor. 12. 8 9 10 11. Eph. 1. 7. Act. 26. 18. Matth. 9. 6. Gal. 4. 4 5. Rom. 8. 15 16. 2. Cor. 12. 9. Phil. 4. 13. Luk. 22. 32. Ioh. 17. 11 12. 22. 23. 1. Ioh. 4. 4. Gen. 9. 26. 27. Psal 81. 13 14. Act. 4. 16. and 5. 13. Psal 34. 9 10. Tit. 1. 15. Rom. 14. 14 15. Esa 27. 7. Ier. 46. 28. 3. The receiuing of his elect vnto himselfe and the giuing of eternall life vnto them hauing pronounced sentence on their side Matth. 25. 46. Q. What benefits doe wee receiue by the death and resurrection of Christ A. We are redeemed from the 24 guilt l Col. 1. 14. punishment 25 and power m Luk. 2. 74. Tit. 2. 14. 1. Cor. 15. 13. of sinne shall be raised vp at the last day Expos 24. Christ hath paid our debts and answered whatsoeuer the lawe did require at our hands 1. Pet. 2. 21. 24. and laid downe his life according to the wil of his Father Ioh. 10. 15. so that the law hath nothing against vs Col. 2. 14. Christs death must needs bee acceptable Eph. 5. 2. and consequently wee are not bound ouer to punishment 25. Punishment is inflicted because of sinne Iob. 4. 8. Prou. 22. 8. and 28. 18. Hos 10. 13. and 14. 1. beeing freed from sinne we are not liable to iudgement 1. Sam. 12. 13. Ier. 4. 14. Ezeck 18. 32. It stands not with the iustice of God beeing once fully satisfied to require a second paiment at our hands Gen. 18. 25. Matth. 3. 17. neither will it stand with his glorious mercy the honour of Christ who is a perfect Redeemer Tit. 2. 14. the price of his blood 1. Cor. 6. 21. nor with our faith in praying for full pardon of all our debts Matth. 6. 12. or our peace with God Rom. 5. 1. nor yet with right reason that the guilt of sinne should be remooued and yet punishment for sinne inflicted Q. How are we redeemed from the guilt and punishment of sinne A. God the Father accepting the death of Christ as a full n Rom. 3. 24 25. Col. 1. 14. ransome and satisfaction to his iustice doth freely discharge and acquite vs from all our sinnes Q. How are we redeemed from the power and tyrannie of sinne A. Christ by 26 his o Rom. 6. 3. 4. death killeth sin in vs and by his 27 resurrection doth
particular sinnes Reu. 3. 2 3. Ier. 3. 13. purge the heart of them by iudging and condemning Iam. 4. 8 9. c. and quicken the loathing of them in the heart so that the verie thought of them may be bitter Ier. 31. 19. 2. Tim. 1. 6. 23. We should desire to haue our faith encreased before we come to the Lords table for faith was required of such who did desire to be baptized Act. 8. 37. and 16. 33. 34. It is the eye by which we discerne 2. Cor. 3. 18. Ioh. 3. 14 15. and 8. 56. and the hand by which wee receiue Christ Ioh. 1. 12. 6. 35. making this feast of the Lord exceeding sweet Psal 119. 103. 24. When we come to the Lords table we professe our selues to be children of the same Father 2. Cor. 6. 18. the redeemed of the same Lord 1. Cor. 8. 6. such as be guided by the same spirit 1. Cor. 12. 13. ruled by the same word fed at the same table 1. Cor. 10. 16 17. members of the same body Eph. 4. 4 5 6. and heires of the same kingdome Rom. 8. 14. 17. should we not then heartily desire the good of one another both in soule and bodie Eph. 4. 3. 1. Pet. 3. 8. Q. What if a man finde himselfe weake in faith and full of doubting A. He must bewaile g Mark 9. 24. his 25 vnbeleefe pray for faith seek to haue his doubts resolued and so receiue to bee further strengthened 26 in h Iudg. 6. 37 38. Exod. 12. 1 2 3 4. beleeuing Expos 25. Vnbeleefe hinders the sweetnesse of the Lords ordinances Ioh. 6. 54. 63. 64. godly sorrow for it quickens a desire and makes way for the increase of faith 2. Cor. 7. 10. wherefore doubtings are to be bewailed but wee must not thereby bee kept from feasting with Christ 26. The weake were admitted by Christ vnto this table Mat. 26. 26. with 26. 56. Mark 16. 14. Act. 1. 6. The Sacrament was ordained not onely for the strong man but euen for babes in Christ that they might waxe stronger Rom. 4. 11. 1. Cor. 3. 2 3. they may therefore approach vnto this banquet being inuited by the Master of the feast Pro. 9. 6. Mat. 22. 9. Luk. 14. 21 22. Q. How ought a mans heart to bee affected in receiuing the Sacrament A. With i Exod. 3. 5. Gen. 28. 17. reuerence k Deut. 16. 15. ioy and â—7 comfort l 1. Cor. 11. 25. meditating on the outward signes and what they signifie the dainties prepared and loue of him that prepared them our communion with Christ his graces and faithfull people whereby the heart is m 1. Kin. 8. 66. stirred vp to thanksgiuing Expos 27. From that which we noted before touching the actions of the minister and the people in the deliuerie and receiuing of this Sacrament wee may learne how wee ought to behaue our selues in this holy businesse Exercise the eye in seeing the elements and the actions belonging thereunto Exo. 24. 8. the eare in hearing the mysteries explained the hand in receiuing the elements and the tast in feeling the comfort of them exercise also the mind in meditating and remembring of Christs sufferings the loue of God not onely giuing his Sonne to die for vs Ioh. 3. 16. but offering and sealing vnto vs our redemption thereby and stirre vp the heart to receiue Christ Esa 64. 7. and mourne for sinne Zach. 12. 10. desire Gods fauour reioyce in his loue Neh. 8. 10. stand in awe before him Psa 5. 7. fearing after an holy manner least by any vnruly affections or vnfitting gesture we shew the least want of due esteeme and ioy in his presence Ps 2. 11. and 4. 4. 1. Cor. 11. 10. and 14. 40. Q. What must we doe after wee haue receiued A. We must 28 endeauour to finde an n Prou. 4. 18. Ezeck 47. 12. increase of faith loue and all sauing graces abounding more and more in well-doing Expos 28. The receiuing of the Lords Supper is a renewing of our couenant with God Exod. 13. 9. Genes 17. 11. 2. Chron. 30. 29. therein we feed spiritually vpon Christ 1. Cor. 10. 16. are refreshed by him and by faith draw vertue from him Rom. 8. 2. Phil. 4. 13. therefore after we haue receiued wee must growe more in grace and knowledge If we speed not well after wee haue receiued commonly our want of preparation was the cause thereof or defects willingly admitted in the act of receiuing 2. Chro. 30. 19 20. Iudg. 10. 14 15. But care must be taken that out of dislike of our selues we doe not dislike or deny that measure of grace which the Lord bestoweth vpon vs neither must wee be ouer-hastie the Lord doth not alwaies powre his gifts vpon vs the same day that we come vnto him in his holy ordinances Psa 97. 11. Cant. 3. 4. and 5. 6. Q. What order hath the Lord left in his Church to keepe his ordinances from contempt A. The vnruly 29 should 30 be o 1. Thes 5. 14. admonished the 31 obstinate p 1. Cor. 5. 5. excommunicated 32 and the penitent after their fall 33 restored and q 2. Cor. 2. 6 7. comforted Expos 29. They are vnruly who are inordinate liue dissolutely and such who are knowne by speech gestures and deedes not to walke according to the rule of the word or busi-bodies vaine boasters idle c. 2. Thes 3. 11 12. or be fallen into any outward sinne 1. Cor. 6. 9. 30. Such persons beeing members of the Church 1. Cor. 5. 11. 12. should be reprehended for their sinne certenly known both to be sinne and to be committed by them Leu. 19. 17. Admonition must be performed with meekenes and discretion Gal. 6. 1 2. 2. Tim. 2. 25. sometimes also with zeale and seueritie 1. Gor. 4. 21. Gal. 3. 1. fitted to the person sinning the sinne committed and the manner of doing Numb 12. 9. 10. 14. If the sinne be priuate knowne to few the admonition must be priuate Matth. 18 15. Luk. 17. 3. if knowne to part of the Church admonition must be before them that know it if knowne to the whole church the admonition must be publike 1. Tim. 5. 20. vnlesse it be known by their fault that haue published it without cause But alwaies respect is to be had to the condition of the partie offending 1. Thes 5. 14. and that must be done which tends most to the edification of the Church 1. Cor. 14. 26. If admonition at the first preuaile not then it is to be doubled vntill either the offender be reformed or declare his obstinacie Tit. 2. 10. 11. 31. Such are to be held obstinate who despise the Churches admonition will by no meanes be reclaimed from their sin notwithstanding the long suffering which the Church hath vsed towardes them Matth. 18. 17. Tit. 2. 10 11. 2. Tim. 2. 25. 32. To be excommunicated is to be debarred from the publike ordinances
of minde wishes and desiâ—es of heart and delightfull remembrances of euill against contentednes Iob. 31. 29. Q. Is any man able to keepe this law A. Not perfectly for the a Iam. 3. 2. godly often fall the most holy 33 faile b Exod. 28. 36 37 38. 34 alwaies in their best actions but the child of God ought c 1. Ioh. 2. 14. Ioh. 14. 15. 25. may and vsually doth d 1. King 15. 5. walke according to the law sincerely Expos 33. In the seruants of Christ there remaines some roote of bitternes Heb. 12. 1. Rom. 7. 23. the flesh lusteth against the spirit Gal. 5. 17. their knowledge is but in part 1. Cor. 13. 12. Psal 119. 18. their obedience therefore cannot be perfected Ios 9. 14. 15. 2. Sam. 12. 9. 12. 2. Chron. 35. 22. Luk. 1. 20. 34. Often in the matter and manner of doing Iosh 9. 14. 15. continually in the measure of dutie the most holy doe offend Neh. 13. 22. Q. Should not a Christian omit doing of good altogether seeing he cannot doe it in that measure that God requireth A. No but 35 with e 2. Cor. 7. 1. diligence and singlenes of heart striue against corruption looke f 2. Chron. 16. 9. Phil. 4. 13. for the assistance of Gods Spirit and labour to g 1. Pet. 2. 2. and 2. Pet. 3. 18. grow in grace Expos 35. The sinne which cleauing to the worke defiles it is by all means possible to be auoided Math. 6. 1 2 3 4. c. Psal 37. 27. but the worke it selfe is not to be forborne For we haue an absolute charge from God to exercise our selues in all good workes Esa 1. 17. 1. Pet. 3. 11. Col. 1. 10. 2. Pet. 1. 5. and a mercifull promise that he wil forgiue the infirmities which our corruption doth fasten vpon them and fauourably accept our sincere endeauour to walke in all holy obedience though now and then we thorough weakenesse doe steppe awry Iob. 42. 7. 2. Chro. 30. 19 20. Esa 40. 11. Can. 2. 14. Numb 23. 21. Ezek. 34. 16. Q. What meanes should a man vse to grow in grace A. He must throughly examine 36 his h Hag. 1. 5. 7. waies 37 iudge i 1. Cor. 11. 31. himselfe watch 38 ouer his heart at all times in all places occasions and conditions k 2. Tim. 4. 5. Eph. 5. 16. redeeming the 39 time to store his 40 heart with good and preserue l Heb. 10. 35. 36. 38. his 41 faith Expos 36. Examination which is a diligent exquisite and vnpartiall search of our hearts thoughts and waies Lam. 3. 40. by the word of God Rom. 7. 7. as in his presence is a speciall meanes to preserue from pride securitie hardnesse of heart and falling into sinne Heb. 3. 13. Psal 4. 4. It doth quicken to prayer Gen. 24. 63. Psa 19. 12. is a good steppe to repentance Ps 119. 59. Hag. 1. 5. setleth in a Christian course Psal 39. 1. prouokes forward in godlinesse Ps 119. 59. 60. and makes charitable towards others Gal. 6. 37. To iudge a mans selfe is to passe an vnpartiall sentence against himselfe agreeable to the word of God according to the measure of that iniquitie which by examination he findeth in himselfe Ezec. 16. 61. and 20. 43. Dan. 9. 8. Luk. 15. 18 19. This awakeneth the heart Ezec. 36. 31. maketh vs afraid of sinne Gen. 39. 9. spurreth vs to sue to the throne of grace 1. King 8. 38. and preuenteth the iudgements of God 1. Cor. 11. 31. 38. Watchfulnesse which is a narrow carefull and continuall keeping obseruing and ouerseeing of our hearts and all our waies Prou. 4. 23. is both exceeding necessarie seeing that of our selues we are apt to erre Psa 95. 10. and haue many occasions besides to draw vs away from godlinesse Luk. 14. 18. 20. and exceeding profitable to preuent or withstand Sathan 1. Pet. 5. 8. Matth. 26. 41. keep vnder lusts avoid and cut off strayings and wandrings of mind and life 2. Tim. 4. 5. 1. Cor. 16. 13. Psa 101. 2. keepe the heart in good order and to eschewe dangerous decaies fals and discomforts which otherwise men shall runne into 2. Sam. 11. 2. 1. Tim. 2. 14. 2. Cor. 11. 3. 39. To redeeme time is so to husband it that euery moment thereof may bee spent for our best aduantage Eph. 5. 16. Col. 4. 5. Time is a precious thing beeing lost it is vnrecouerable though God may pardon it to the penitent Esa 1. 16. 18. therefore wee must redeeme the time of youth Eccl. 12. 1. of the Gospel 2. Cor. 6. 2. the Sabbath Exod. 20. 10. the time of sickenesse health and vacancie from businesse in our callings c. Luk. 19. 42. Ioh. 9. 4. Gal. 6. 10. Pro. 10. 5. 40. When mans heart is emptied of euill it will quickly gather filth again as garments will dust vnlesse it be fraught with good Matth. 12. 43 44 45. 41. If faith decay in vs as needes it must vnles it be carefully stirred vp preserued and exercised 2. Tim. 1. 6. godlinesse must needes wither 1. Tim 1. 5. for faith is the victorie whereby wee ouercome the world 1. Ioh. 5. 4. thereby wee wrestle against sinne by the almightie power of Iesus Christ Gal. 2. 20. and our liues must needes be full of doubtings or securitie drowned with carnall delights 1. Kin. 11. 4. and sinfull pleasures and the word will loose it efficacie Heb. 4. 2. the exercises of religion their sweetnesse To the end that faith might be preserued we must value it aboue gold and siluer 2. Pet. 2. 1. often meditate vpon the sweetnes Psal 119. 103. and 139. 17. constancie Reu. 1. 5. 2. Cor. 1. 20. and perpetuity of the most precious and free promises which are the grounds of faith Hos 14. 5. Ezec. 36. 22. walke according to the rules thereof learne to exercise it liuing thereby Heb. 10. 38. Rom. 1. 17. and sincerely constantly and conscionably vse all those means wherby faith is wrought or nourished Q. How else A. He must take m Ephes 6. 14. vnto him the whole armour 42 of God and with n Prou. 2. 3 4. Coloss 4. 2. care vprightnesse and constancie vse the meanes of grace before prescribed in one o Iob 27. 10. estate as well as another Exp. 42. All Christians are called to be soldiers Reu. 12. 7. to fight vnder Christ Iesus their captaine against the flesh Rom. 8. 13. the world 1. Ioh. 2. 16. and the deuill 1. Pet. 5. 8 9. a spirituall subtile and malitious enemie Eph. 6. 12. Reu. 20. 2. Matth. 13. 28. 39. that can neuer be appeased they had need therefore take vnto them the whole armour of God which they must daily put on and continually keep on that at all times they haue it readie for vse to repell and quench the fierie darts of the deuil The parts of this armour are sinceritie loue of righteousnes the