the cause of drawing any man to wickednesse There are tryals of proofe indeed the Lord may try his as hee did Abraham Gen. 22.1 A man doth not hurt his armour if it be good when as hee prooves it so God intends no evill to a man when as hee thus deales with him Q. In what manner doth God lead us into temptation A. Hee doth it three wayes 1. When the Lord withdrawes not those nets that are laid for us when GOD removes not our stumbling blocks nay God may put an object of temptatiō before us Thus a master may lay a baite for his servant by putting money in a corner now it is lawfull thus for a man to leave his money to discerne whether his servant be faithfull or no he desires not that he should steale but that he may try his fidelity So God justly permitteth occasions There must be heresies for the triall of Gods servants They that pitch their net first let it fall and then take it up this is to raine snares The favour of God accidentally is but a baite to a wicked man his prosperity is his ruine it is just with God to deale so because wicked men desire it So Iudas would faine have gotten something by the ointment it is just with God to suffer the Pharisees to give him 30. pence and ruine too Now his mind is pleased hee hath 30d. and damnation too 2. As God suffers occasions so hee lets sinne and Sathan loose a mans hart would faine bee hankering and God gives him up to his hearts lusts saying take him sinne and Sathan let him have field roome 1 King 22.22 Ahab would faine goe to warre it was a thing not allowed but hee desired it therefore God sends the Divell God askes who will prevaile over Ahab the Divell saith I will goe then God saith goe and doe it Abimelech and the men of Sichem did very ill Jud. 9.23 then God sent an evill spirit that is hee let loose the spirit of contention and they destroyed him and hee laboured to destroy them so God Rom. 1. is said to give them up when they departed from the government of the truth no saith God will you not be ruled by holines then take uncleanenesse many a man that hath a wrathfull disposition take him envy saith God let him bring blood on others and so ruine to himselfe thus God tooke away his spirit from Saul and gave him up to sinfull distempers of all plagues there is none that is like this 3. God leaves a man to himselfe and lendes him not the assistance of his grace but suffers him and Sathan to grapple together Thus he dealt with He-Zechiah 2 Chron. 32.31 who because he had a lease of his life begā to bee proud now God left him to himselfe to see what was in him hee thought himselfe a brave man therfore God leaves him as a father lets a child goe when hee will not be held so saith God see what thou canst doe try thine owne strength But deliver us from evill Hence observe that though God would doe nothing against us yet we are not able to deliver our selves from our corrupt heart Q. What is meant by evill A. Not so much trouble or punishment as sin in it are three things 1. The breach of the Law 2. The guilt that a man gets by this breach and so is liable to this punishment 3. The vigour of sinne which rules over the soule the two former wee pray against in the fifth petition because we stand guilty of the breach of the Law Therefore wee pray that hee would not enter into judgement with us wee pray now against the power of sin and that is in three particulars 1. Sinne would be a comander over the soule it is the King Sathan is the Jaylour it hath a Kingly soveraigne authority and would rule over him sin is often compared to a King his servants are his obeyers sinne is a master at least it would bee it is so in every naturall foule and it would bee so in the godly the law of life saith the Apostle hath freed mee from the law of death Rom. 8.2 sinne gives parliament lawes and edicts to the soule and as the Centurion bad one servant goe and hee went and another come and hee came so doth sinne say pride it is my pleasure you should bee proud therefore I would have you imperiall and snappish sayes anger I would have you spleneticke and rage sayes the soule then I will it shall be done thus sinne sets up it selfe as supreame in the soule hence a proud heart saith I will doe that I list say God what hee will tell not mee of lawes it is my mind Thus your proud heart sets you lawes and you yeeld to them Now wee pray here that how soever sin bee in the soule yet that God would snib it that it may bee an underling and daily bee subdued in us 2. As sinne desires to set up a master like rule and a supreame soveraigne Lord-like dominion so sinne carries the soule and sometimes separates it frō God whereas the command of God should be a guide to us and take place in our hearts this authority takes up armes resists and stands in defiance against the rule of the spirit hence came these phrases they forsooke God and turned their backs to his Commands What saith pride shall I be a slave that the world should awe mee and snub me I will never yeeld it while I live I will dye first this is a Divell that drawes you from God and will carry you to hell Rom. 7.23 That is the meaning of this place sin carries a man captive when the soule sees it selfe so ruled by him a gratious hart would teare it selfe off if it could but a naturall man is a slave to sinne and dares not affect any good in another nor labour for it himselfe 3. Sinne leaves a kind of blemish and staine upon the soule after the Commission of it there is a kind of jarring to the heart and of running wrong in the soule Peter after his deniall of Christ was averted from Christ so a man after sinne shall find himselfe so dull to any good and prone to any evil this is the staine of sin when a mans arme is put out of joint besides the fall there is a bruise so after a man hath broken the commandements of the Lord the law unjoints him hee is more awke to any good then ever Gal. 6. If any man be unjointed by sin so that of the Romans wound their owne soules this sin doth Now these wee pray against partly against the power of sin partly against the authority of sinne partly against the staine of sinne But deliver us from evill To deliver from evill implies three things 1. Wee pray that the Lord would prevēt those occasions and stragglings of sinne that trouble us wee pray that hee would take off these distempers whereby sinne would lay siege against
the soule that hee would remove those things that would remoove us from him This wisdome promiseth Prov. 6.21 That shee will walke with them that walke with her shee will keep them from the way of the wicked woman sinne is like an harlot therefore the Lord is pleased to expresse it after that manner Now it is the mercy of God that hee will turne our eyes from beholding of vanity that there may not bee violence of sinne assaulting us now wee pray therefore that wee may not come into the battaile if it be possible and that sin may not come in against us 2. That the Lord would assist us in the temptation that the temptation may not prevaile It is a mercy not to bee tempted but if wee must needs bee it is a great mercy not to be overcome by temptation if he will not wholly prevent us by his grace yet to assist us gratiously in it It is mercy not to bee assaulted and though assaulted yet assisted Now this assistance of God is twofold either extraordinary or mediate by the meanes wee speake not so much of the first though that be true but wee crave both at the hand of the Lord. 1. Sometimes we crave for the extraordinary help and assistance of the Lord to assist us even above meanes in the meanes wee know the Lord in the time of Queene Mary did help wonderfully their temptations were grievous and afflictions great yet the Lord did help them extraordinarily hee did let in abundance of sweetnesse but wee passe this and come to the other 2. Wee pray especially for such meanes as may help us and that appeares in foure particulars 1. That the Lord would discover the enemy before hee come that hee would make knowne unto us the engins wiles and depths of Sathan and the subtilty of our owne corrupt hearts which are ready on every hand to surprize us For to be surprized before wee are aware is great danger Therfore wee pray that the Lord would give us the spirit of Revelation that wee may take notice of the engines of Sathan and that hee may be discovered to us The discovery wee know of an evill is a meanes to prevent it not foreseeing misery we cannot prevent it he that sees not an evill before it comes wil be overthrown by it when it comes Many a man perisheth by pride knowes not what hurts him this corruption blowes up the soule This the Lord promised Isay 30.21 Thou shalt heare a word behind thee saying this is the way that GOD may keep a man from sinne hee sends the Spirit of Christ to say this is the way walke in it The text saith 2 Cor. 2. there speaking of the incestuous man wee are not ignorant of the methods of Sathan so we pray the Lord that hee would discover the methods of Sathan to us Matt. 26. When the great skirmish was to come our Saviour forewarned Peter said I wil smite the shepheard c. And saith watch and pray for the houre is come hee gives him the warning peece wee pray thē that God would make knowne to us the engines of sinne and Sathan before they come Wee know it is a great help in warre to know the quarters orders of enemies that so a man may order his according thereunto So wee must know where the Divell and our corruptions lye quartered know what be the haunts of our wretched harts so order the helps God hath put into our hands for the resisting of them 2. That the Lord as it were would entrench about us if wee bee not foretold of the enemies that if wee should not see sinne to prevent it yet that God would lay some heavy impediment upon us and build some trench about us that wee may not commit those evills wee are tempted unto that though hee doth not reveale the policy of Sathan yet that hee would lay some snares that wee may not commit that sin which otherwise wee would doe and this is a marvellous mercy Gen. 20.7 Abimelech tooke Sarah and thought she had been Abrahams sister as hee himselfe told him and no question hee had a purpose to take her to be his wife but the Lord laid an impediment the LORD kept Abimelech from Sarah hee tooke off the edge of his desire and laid a barre betweene them Hos 2.6.7 The Church was running after her abominations now how did the Lord prevent her The text saith I will hedge thy wayes with thornes and build a wall about thee the lovers were corruptions and the following of them was the eager pursuite of thē Now God hedges the wayes with thornes that is hee layes afflictions on her that she had no liberty to sinne so that shee hath enough to doe to mind her owne miseries sometimes a man is addicted to base company and then the Lord layes sicknesse upon him to prison him and keep him from that sinne this is Mercy 3. The Lord puts armour and weapons on them to fight against their enemies that are opposite to his grace and children Ephe. 6. from the 10. to the 18. bee yee strengthned in all might putting on all spirituall abilities to bee strengthned in every good worke God saith hee covers the head of his 1. Pet. 15. God keepes them by the power of his grace God gives his the whole armour the sword of faith the brest plate of righteousnes to quench the firy darts of Sathan and to resist him 4. God gives a dominion over and a conquest of all our enemies and over all our victorious corruptions hee gives a happy issue and successe with the fight hee gives issues with the victory Rev. 1.6 hee hath made us Kings that is hee hath given us a Kingly authority over all our corruptions So Rom. 6. sinne shall not have dominion over you and Psal 119.133 Let no iniquity have dominion over mee thus the Lord assists his in trouble 3. As wee pray that the Lord would prevent the occasions of evill and if they come to assist us in them So lastly if we bee foyled and brought under by the temptations of Sathan and our owne corruption that the Lord would rescue us from thē that have had too much power over us and too too much prevailed against us This wee know was the request and desire of the Prophet David Psal 39. O spare me that I may recover strength before I goe away hence and bee no more seene as who should say my base lusts are too strong for mee These hands were stout but now feeble therefore good Lord give mee that former strength his sins were as sickenesse therefore hee saith I knew the time when I had a broken heart for my transgression but now a hardned therefore O Lord spare mee a little while before I goe hence and be no more seene that I may recover my former zeale and strength againe Rom. 8.2 The law of the spirit of life in Christ hath made mee free from
thing 3. That he is an infinite and Almighty God the sole Creator and Governour of all things Q. What is it to create A. To make something of nothing Q. Wherein doe Mans works and Gods differ Ans 1. Man must have something to work upon God needeth not any thing a word of his mouth is sufficient 2. Man is subject to be weary but GOD cannot Q. What is meant by Government A. A seasonable succouring and guiding of the Creature Such is the weaknesse of poore mortals that as they were first made of nothing so unlesse God upholds them they will soon resolve to their first nothingnesse Q. What are the particulars of this Government A. Two First Sustentation Secondly Direction Q. What is Sustentation A. The good providence of God whereby he protects and provides for his people Q. What is Direction H. A power of the Lord whereby he orders every thing to its right end Q. How doth he direct the creature to its end Ans 1. God gives them direction whereby to work and puts forth their ability into action Q. What may we learn from hence Ans 1. Comfort to the Saints seeing God is so great a Creator and powerfull a Governour there is no people under heaven that worship any other God are so blessed as they are Among the Gods there is none like unto thee O Lord neither are there any works like unto thy works Psal 86.8 2. This should teach us to mind Gods dealing with us in every passage of our lives and to stand in awe of his Majesty Q. How is God distinguished A. Into three Persons Q. What is meant by a Person A. A Person is a manner of Divine being Q. Why doe you say a being A. Because the Deity and the Person is all one Q. Why doe you say a manner A. Because there be divers turnings that the God-head puts upon it selfe Q. How A. The God-head is full of wisdome and understanding Now the Fathers understanding casts it back againe upon himselfe for if he had understanding before the world then there must needs be somewhat to be understood but there was none but himself therefore he casts it back upon himself 2. This being understood is the Son the wisdome of the Father and the third Person being willed is the Spirit who not withstanding are all one As long as a man teacheth he is a Master but when he is taught he is a Scholar practice comes from teaching after a man is taught hee becomes a practicioner here now be divers behaviours yet all but one man As a Sun beame falling upon a wall casts back its heat so doth the Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Son Quest What is that which is common to all the Persons A. The God-head is common to them all and whatever is proper to the God-head is proper to all the rest with this difference in regard of the particular relation that every one of them hath the Fathers property being to beget the Son to be begotten and the Spirit to proceed none of them exceeding the other in time but in order onely The second Principle Man wholly corrupted by Adams fall became a slave of Sathan and heire of Damnation Quest HOw must we conceive of Adams fall A. Look into the height of happinesse he once enjoyed and the depth of misery his sin produced Q. Were any else in this estate A. No. Q. How then came all creatures to have their being A. The stamps of Gods Attributes were no farther upon them then to put vertues into every one Q. Where may we conceive this vertue consisteth A. In the soule and body of man Q. How in his souls Answ 1. In the understanding Adam by that was full of knowledge and capable of Gods will Secondly in the will consisting in holinesse and righteousnesse God putting an aptnesse into Adam to love him above all and his Neighbour as himselfe Q. How is Gods Image seen in the affections of men A. In regard of that sweet Harmony and agreement which the affection hath with the will Quest How is Gods Image seens in the parts of the body Answ When they are subject to the reasonable will and understanding in such things as God commands Quest What is the Covenant God made with Adam Ans That which was of works was Doe this and live by living is meant a promise which God made unto Adam that if hee kept Gods Commandements he would preserve him for ever Quest Had onely Adam this Answ It reacheth not to him onely but to the good of all his posterity Q. What are the signes of this Covenant A. 1. The Tree of life which was a sign and seale whereby God assured Adam as sure as he saw the Tree if he obeyed his command he should live for ever 2. The tree of knowledge which perswaded him that if he obeyed God hee should certainly know good and evill Qu. Did Adam fall from this estate A. Yes by the allurement of Satan in 3. respects 1. By propounding his temptations unto him 2. In pursuing of him 3. In obtaining his desire Q. How by propounding A. He came to Eve changing himselfe into a Serpent Satan being now falne from God grudged the happy estate that Adam was in and thought much that he should not be in the same condition with himselfe whereupon he tempted him Q. What was Eves answer A. Of any tree of the Garden we may cate but not of this lest peradventure we dye now he took advantage of this when she began to doubt of Gods providence Q. How else did they fall A. By their owne free will attending to and parlying with Satan in two respects 1. In a light esteeme of Gods command 2. In their delusion 1. Saying the fruit was good when God said the contrary 2. Hearkning to Satan who told them it would be the cause of their good and not evill when as God told them when they eate thereof they should dye the death Q. What is the third cause of their fall A. The holy and blessed Law of God may after a measure be said to have some influence therein Q. What came to Adam after this A. He was made guilty and lyable unto the Law and Curse Q. What followeth upon this guiltinesse A. Punishment Q. what was that A. Originall and actuall sinne Q. What is originall sinne A. A naturall depravation of the whole man Q. What is actuall sinne A. A transgression of the Law in the least particular Q. Why did God punish them so severely Ans 1. Because they sinned against an extraordinary Majesty loving Satan more then God 2. Because they broke all the Commandements at once which were included in these two Love the Lord with all thy heart and thy Neighbour as thy selfe Q. Did Adam this onely to himselfe A. No but to his posterity Q. How commeth it so A. We did then what ever hee did for we were in his loynes it was equall with God to
we have obtained mercy 3. The testimony of Gods Spirit which assureth Gods children their sins are pardoned Q. What is meant by resting upon God A. It is discovered by two particulars 1. Casting our selves upon the Promise 2. A perswasion that they shall be fulfilled to us Q. What is lustification A. When a beleeving sinner is accounted just in Gods sight through Christ according to the Law Q. Why say you accounted A. Because Justification puts nothing into us nor findes nothing in us Q. Doth God justifie wicked men as they are in themselves A. God provided another to be their surety for whose sake he accepts them Q. Can one mans wisedome understanding and holinesse be accounted to another A. Yes if one mans offence be imputed to another then may one mans righteousnesse but Adams sinne was imputed to us Rom. 5. therefore Christs Righteousnesse may be accounted ours If the Law be that the surety may be punished for the debt as well as the debtor then may the sureties satisfaction be accounted to the debtor both because the surety and the debtor tooke upon them the same thing and subjected themselves to the same condition Q. What doe we learn out of these words according to the Law A. No man can be just except he be in some measure answerable to the rule of justice Q. What did the Law require A. Two things 1. Dying for sinne 2. Doing that wee may live Q. Was our sinne made Christâ— by commission A. No onely by imputation for when Christ dyed to save us did we dye also no onely his death was imputed to us Q. What doth Christ receive from us A. Guilt and punishment Q. What doe we receive from Christ A. His merits and obedience Q. Doth faith it selfe justifie a man A. We are not justified by faith for it s but an instrument whereby we lay hold upon Christ and so are justified Q. Must justification be joyned to sanctification A. Yes for justification goeth before and sanctification followes after Q. Wherein lyeth the difference A. lustification putteth nothing into a man nor findeth any thing in a man Sanctification puts a new frame of he art into us Q. But doth not God put grace into a justified sinner A. Yes but he doth it by sanctification not by justification We receive justification all at once and that neither admits of increase or decrease but holinesse is usually increased and decreaseth many times Q. What is sanctification A. It s the restoring of a justified man into the image of God wherein he was created Not a making new faculties in the soule but putting them into right order as when a clock falls in pieces the wheels being not broken the clock hath not new wheeles set into it but they are new made againe Q. How many things be there in sanctification A. Two Mortification and Vivification Q. What is mortification A. The first part of sanctification whereby sinne is killed in us by the power of Christs death applied unto us Q. Can sinne be wholly subdued in a man A. No but it may be lessened and filed away Q. Wherein lyes the difference between sin in a wicked and a godly man A. There is the neerest union that may be between sinne and the soule of a wicked man Sinne beareth greatest rule here and the soule yeelds greatest subjection unto it He hath a secret resolution to sinne in spight of God and his Ordinances But in a godly man the power of sinne is loosened and the union broken sinne is not in him as a King though it may be as a Tyrant Q. Can mortification and vivification bee severed A. No where God bestowes Mortification there hee likewise bestowes vivification Q. Which goeth first A. Mortification for before we can receive Christ we must make roome for him by casting out all wickednesse Q. What is meant by this word vivification A. It is that part of sanctification whereby wee are quickned to newnesse of life by Christ his Resurrection applyed unto us Q. How is this wrought by Christs Resurrection A. In sinne wee must conceive there is 1. The guilt 2. The punishment 3. The power of it the guilt and punishment Christ by his Death removed Q. But how did he take away the power of them A. We having sinned Christ dyed and rose again for us whereas sin and Satan would have kept him in still if they could but hee came out by force The fift Principle Faith commeth by hearing and is strengthned by the Word and Prayer Meanes to get and increase Faith Quest How may we get faith Answ By the hearing of the Word preached Q. Why is Faith wrought by the Word A. Because God hath promised a speciall blessing thereunto and the holy Spirit accompanies the same for this purpose Q. Why by the Word preached A. Because the Word preached doth evidently reveale truths to the soule and works more effectually upon a mans heart Q. How is Faith encreased A. By the Word Sacraments and Prayer The Word addeth fuell unto Faith provoking a man to come to Christ by shewing 1. the need we have of him by reason of our daily wants and infirmities 2. The all-sufficiency of Christ to supply us 3. And his willingnesse to receive all commers Q. When is Faith strong Ans 1. When it grasps as it were a whole handfull of Christ a little child can grasp but a little of any thing 2. When it holdeth firmly that it catcheth hold upon Q. How doe the Sacraments strengthen saith A. 1. They present Christ neerly and visibly to the soule 2. They shew Christs merits obedience inflaming our hearts with love to him Q. What is Prayer A. It is a going out of our selves to God craving things answerable to his will Q. How a going to God A. Not a bodily going but the mind affection and understanding stirting up themselves to present their suit to him Q. Can a wicked man pray A. No 1. Because true Prayer is from the Spirit and a sanctified heart 2. These men oppose what they beg for Q. How many parts be there in Prayer A. Two Petition which is a craving of that we want and Thanksgiving which is a giving God thanks for that we have Q. What is the pattern of Prayer A. The Lords Prayer which Christ gave to his Disciples Q. Into how many parts is it divided A. Into three 1. A Preface 2. Six Petitions 3. A Thanksgiving Q. What doe you meane by Father A. The first Person in the Trinity who is the fountain from whence all we have floweth Q. How is God said to be a Father Ans 1. In regard of Christ 2. In regard of us Q. How is God the Father of Christ Ans 1. By naturall generation 2. By personall union Q. How is God a Father in regard of us Ans 1. In regard of Creation so the Angels are sons of God 2. In regard of Adoption which is the taking one in stead of a child
meant that rule that Christ hath set up in the hearts of his for the providence of God I take it is not so much aymed at in this place or that ordinary providence of God over the creatures this is set forth in the fourth petition give us c. but it is the rule of Christ that is set up in his Church Q. How manifold is it A. It is that whereby Christ by his Spirit and grace in the ministery of the word takes place in the hearts of his and this he doth two wayes 1. By overpowering and casting downe all other things which are opposite thereunto whatsoever power of sinne and Sathan are opposite unto him 2. He sets up that frame of spirit whereby it is subject to grace and this takes place two wayes 1. By cutting downe killing of every sinne 2. The soule takes the stamp of every command of God and is ruled therby Q. What is the Kingdome of glory A. Gods immediate ruling in the hearts of glorified Saints Q. How doth the Kingdome of grace and glory differ A. Here in the Kingdome of grace God rules 1. By his spirit 2. By the ministery of his word and ordinances but in heaven he rules immediatly then no more word means but Christ fils the soule fully and then he rules gloriously when the understanding will and affections are full of Christ and are fully and wholly subject to him Here in the valley of teares wee meet with many rubs and oppositions but then Christ shall shine immediately forth in all his ordinances wee seeke a Christ now but then wee shall fully possesse him so that wee that have the spirit have a glimpse of heaven already therefore ashamed should wee bee to bee weary of God let us bee weary of sinfulnes of this wretched world It is a heaven to live here with God upon earth and if it be so glorious a thing to have but a glimpse of God here how much more to bee filled with God hereafter in his kingdome Q. How is this Kingdome said to come A. The coming of these two Kingdomes implyes three things 1. That the word may bee revealed in those places where it hath not been That the day spring from on high may visite them that sit in darknes That the Sunne of righteousnes might visite them that want it That the banquet of the Gospell may be set up Matth. 24. If any man say hee is in the wildernesse goe not out for where the Carkasse is thither will the Eagles resort This is the first thing a Kingdome is said to-come when a King rules in a place where hee did not before so it is here Let all the people praise thee saith David hee desires not that some tongues onely but that all tongues and languages should doe this 2. Where ever the Gospell doth shine wee desire that it should discover it selfe more fully and spread it selfe where ever it comes wee desire the Kings governmet should enlarge the Territories more and more So we desire that not onely Christ should bee revealed but that more and more may bee gathered that God may take in every where and that every knee may bow to Christ and licke the dust that so there may be an addition made to the Church that every man in every kind God would cast his skirt over him that more may bee caught in his net that the Jew and Gentile may be gathered into one sheep-fold and have one shepheard 3. That the power of it may be more settled as the house of David grew stronger stronger but the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker so when Christ sets up his candlesticke that the seed that is sowne there may take deep root When a King hath erected Castles then he hath his Kingdome So we desire God may entrench himselfe and reare castles of defence against his enemies which would remove him in us that hee would set up himselfe strongly that every traitour might bee crusht and every base lust subdued that God would slay thē and none but his lawes might take place in our soule In a word the issue returnes to thus much wee beseech Christ that his Gospell may spread and be strong and these dayes of sinne may bee wasted and that he may come in the clouds Rev. 22. and then come Lord Jesus come quickly that he would accomplish the number of his Elect and gather those that belong to his glory that they may be everlastingly with him Q. What is the carriage of the soule in putting up this petition A. It appeares in three things 1. The soule desires and labours to bee subject to the good pleasure of the Lord. The heart faith oh that I might once bee so disposed that I might submit to the pleasure of the Almighty We desire that all those things that are set up in our hearts which are contrary to the good will of the Lord might bee subdued Psal 119.4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy Precepts o Lord that my soule were so affected thou hast enjoyned mee to keepe thy Law oh that I could doe so The spirit should bee as waxe to the seale and inke to the paper that the soule might take the impression of every rule that God would set up in our hearts thus the soule should bee disposed and wish that the Lord would put this frame into us thou hast said seeke my face oh saith the soule that I could seeke thy face and echo to it behold Lord thy face doe I seeke to submit wholy without any contending not that the Lord should force us but take up your yoake put our necke to the yoak let the word of the Lord beare the sway when Mary wanted wine and our Saviour checked her shee submitted presently not a word more so what the Lord commands us let us doe without any quarrelling let the least inckling of the word beare the sway When our Saviour sent his disciples for the Asses colt they said but happily the men will not let him goe how then Tell them saith our Saviour the Master hath need of him and then they will not deny him It is enough let the Lord but speake and it is done this the soule should labour to attaine unto 2. The soule carries it selfe with an inward opposition to what ever is opposite to the government of the Lord Jesus Christ to the uttermost of our power It is in vaine to say it were well if it were so and I would it were so and yet stand still and not to set to our hand but we must joine with the Lord and as hee spake of Merosh Cursed be thou because thou wentest not out to help the Lord so truly the Lord Jesus is coming to our townes to our families therefore we should step out and help the Lord against those high mountaines of pride and stubbornenesse of heart when a proud heart stirres would wee but cry out good Lord help downe with that stubborne
than the word allowes then we can expect to bee bestowed upon us If wee have meate and cloth wee must not looke to the quantity so much a month or a quarter but goe to the Lord and let him dispose of all or else wee beg one thing and desire another The Lord will be content to give us bread not pearles not to cocker us but to give us what wee stand in need of That of Agar give mee not too much least I bee proud nor too little least I put forth my hand to wickednes but give me food convenient showes it is better to bee at Gods allowance then our owne A child happily would have a coate foure or five yards long to tire him and fire to burne him but a father will not have it for feare of harming him So wee would flow over but our Father measures out our portions according to our need It is with us as with dieted sick men they would have hot wines and salt meats and eat excessively but the Physitian orders all their dyets for if they should have their fill it would kill them a full stomack would encrease the humour so the Lord is a marvellous skilfull Physitian wee have proud hauty hearts and would have dainties and if wee should have riches as wee would God should loose his honour which now he hath by us beeing kept under hatches therefore the Lord diets us nothing would serve some if the Lord should not stint thē but they would bee as proud and saucy as ever they could therefore the Lord is compelled to diet them thus wee should be content with the least pittance that the Lord sees fit for us and hee that is thus the Lord will give him enough for his baite in this his pilgrimage and so much for this petition And forgive us our trespasses c. This is the fift petition touching the good of man three concerning God and three concerning us this life and a better the first wee have handled and they that concerne our spirituall being follow Wherein observe 1. The Order 2. The Sense and meaning of the words 3. The frame of the heart in putting up this petition 1. The order why it is thus placed namely Iustification before Sanctification the reason is because Sanctification flowes from Iustification Being justified we are sanctified first wee are acquitted of our sinnes whereof wee stand guilty before God and then hee sanctifies us first this then the other the other are the springs this the maine branch wee beg for faith and other graces but all are included in this 2. As for the sence of the words take notice 1. Here is the petition Forgive us our trespasses 2. The reason as wee forgive others or for even as we forgive others that trespasse against us so Lord forgive thou our debts this is the argument whereby we winne the favour of the Lord. Q. What is meant by debts A. By debts are meant all sinnes all failings whether of omission or commission Now they are called debts because wee owe all kind of obedience to God to love him above all and our neighbour as our selves Now these being the articles of agreement the slighting neglect of this same brings us into debt with God For first we are bound to these Secondly by breaking these wee deserve the punishment due to the breach of it now when wee omit any thing we forfeit and are cast behind hand Thirdly wee are liable to the execution of the punishment due for the breach of this Thus all sins are debts Q. What is it to forgive A. To forgive is this wee beg that the Lord would bee pleased not to take advantage of us because of our debts nor yet to proceed in the rigour of the Law to doe that it requires Now our sinnes require wee should bee condemned and executed a malefactor forfeiting his bond is cast in his cause throwne into prison and execution sued out for the satisfaction of his debt Now wee beg of the Lord that hee would not condemne us in the Court of conscience nor execute his Justice on us this is to forgive and this proceeds from mercy Q. But how can God doe this will this stand with the Justice of God not to bee satisfied for our facts to pardon them without satisfaction for them A. No but though the party doe not satisfy yet if the surety doe it is sufficient so though hee forgive us yet hee lookes for it at the sureties hand As the Creditor doth not require the debt at the debtors hands yet hee doth at his hands that is bound to make satisfaction for the same so the Lord doth not require satisfaction of us as hee might to exact the utmost farthing because thou sinnest thou shalt die the Lord will not exact this of us but he requires this satisfaction of the Lord Jesus So that God the Father is satisfied though not by us therein shewing mercy on my part and Justice on Christs part thus wee see what it is to forgive that the Lord would not arrest me but the surety that he would not exact of me but take all of Christ For we forgive others This is made an argumēt to prevaile with God wee beseech God to forgive us because wee forgive others as who should say If we forgive others forgive thou us as though first we could not forgive others before God forgive us hence the question drawes on namely Q. Whether is the soule able to forgive trespasses to others before the Lord forgive its trespasses A. No our forgiving others doth not goe before our owne forgivenesse God must first forgive us before wee can forgive others because it is a worke of grace to doe this as God requires and it comes from a gracious disposition of soule which God must put in us before wee can doe it for sanctification followes Justification Now to forgive trespasses is a worke of obedience flowing frō sanctification which sanctification followes Justification as a man should say a tree brings forth fruit from the sappe in the roote Q. But this is used as a cause we forgive others therefore forgive thou us it seemes A. No it is a fruit and effect to make way for this conveiance and assurance it makes us not to bee just but declares us to be just every reason propounded by the word because it doth not imply a cause as I proove fire to bee fire thus that which burnes is fire but that burnes therfore it is fire now burning is not the cause of fire but an effect of it for first there must bee fire before it can burne so it is a tree because it beares apples now apples are not the cause of the tree but the tree of the fruit Q. What is it to forgive the trespasses of our fellow brethren and how farre may wee doe it A. In the trespasse of a brother three things are considerable 1. The sinne it selfe 2. The guilt of that
sin 3. The punishment due to that sinne 1. Concerning the sin and guilt wee must know two things wherein is the answer 1. We must know that to forgive properly wee cannot it cannot be done by us for who can forgive sinnes but God onely it is one of Gods prerogatives to forgive sinnes and no creature can doe the same 2. As the guilt hath a respect to God so it hath a respect to us for as he is injured so are we when a man steales it is not onely a wrong to the Law of God but also a wrong to mee so farre as the sinne doth respect God he pardoneth it and as it concernes mee I forgive him and this is done when the heart is as willingly content to doe all good to a brother as though hee had never sinned against him wee say wee forgive him but wee will not forget him this is not to forgive but when betweene him and mee there is nothing to stop the doing of good this is true forgiving Q. Whether is a man bound to forgive punishment to another as when one hath stollen any thing from us should wee not follow the law on him how farre must a man goe in this case in taking punishment on such an one offending A. A man may nay it may bee so that a man is bound not to forgive it but to punish it and a man should sinne deeply in the neglect of it If a man hath murthered another a man is bound to follow the law on him and to give him the punishment due to the fact Q. How farre may a man goe in this case A. It appeares in these particulars 1. When all things considered a man sees it may doe good then hee is bound to give punishment when there is nothing but a bridewell will doe a servant good give it him when a child is stubborne give him correction and spare him not It is as good as his meate If a wretch belch out his malice if a man can reforme him by punishment give it him who knowes but it may be the best Physicke that hee ever had and to let him goe unpunished in such a case makes a man guilty of his sinne because he might have reformed him by this meanes 2. If this bee a way and meanes to bind a mans hand and to hinder him from the practise of some sinne if a man have a suite of law against him hee is bound to cast him into prison for that keeps him from sinning deepely It is a worke of mercy to take a knife from a mad man so GOD put an opportunity into a mans hands hee is bound to take the Law and it is mercy to him thus to doe 3. When a man cannot otherwise maintaine his owne honour life or some other particular good for the taking off his owne wrong a man is bound in Justice so to doe as thus if one should raise a false report upon a man it is not a worke of Tyranny but a worke of mercy hee ought to right his owne wrong by punishment when it cannot be otherwise maintained we are bound to take this course for why mine owne honour life and estate is to bee preferred before others 4. When this course being Just will maintaine the goodnesse of a mans profession and Gods glory this should bee done when a mans profession lyes at the stake a man is bound to be meale mouthed but to mak those black-mouthed wretchesknown to others that they may not dare to bring a scandall upon the glorious gospell of Christ nor on the professours thereof thus a man must doe and yet forgive a man for all this if his good or mine or the profession of the Gospell may be furthered thereby and thus farre a man may goe in these cases and the like Q. Now wee come to the force of the argument how is this an argument to prevaile with God to forgive us because we forgive others where lies the force of the argument what vertue is there in this A. It lies in three particulars this being a speciall meanes to obteine mercy Lord I forgive others therfore forgive thou mee 1. All the mercy I have is not first in my selfe it is but a river and spring coming from the sea but mercy is first in thy selfe O Lord the fountaine and sea of mercy is in thee Now Lord if I have but some bowells of mercy and some drops of that Ocean of thy mercy and yet can forgive others much more then thou the fountaine of mercy canst forgive me The servants you know fel out and the one pulled the other by the throat saying pay me that thou owest me now when the master heard of it he said a thou wretch dost thou deale thus with him when I dealt so favourably with thee if a sinner must forgive his brother 77. times how much more the God of mercy if hee that had but some mercy received from the fountaine how much more the Lord the fountaine 2. As wee have it not from our selves but from God so also that we have is mixt with a great deale of spleene though some compassion yet mingled with a great deale of envy though some mercy yet mingled with a great deale of cruelty there is a great deale of darkenes with this little star-light but the Lord hath all love without any hatred all mercy without any cruelty there is no hinderance in the Lord to hinder him Now the soule saith Lord if I that have a great deale of malice can forgive my brethren then how much more thou that hast all mercy and no spleene wilt forgive if men humble their foules before thee 3. That mercy that is in us is but little but it is infinit in the Lord what we can doe is but the first fruit a drop a graine a mustard seed but abundant in the Lord the soule saith Lord thou art boundlesse and bottomlesse in mercy how much more wilt thou forgive true Lord the talents debts whereby wee are engaged unto thee are many great but yet if wee poore creatures that have but from the fountaine that wee have is mingled with a great deale of malice and that but a drop and yet can forgive how much more thou that hast all first from thy selfe and purely without all mixture of envy and in an infinite abundance how much more canst thou forgive whom thou wilt therfore Lord forgive us for we forgive others Q. How ought the soule to bee framed in the putting up of this petition A. It appeares in foure particulars 1. The soule must see and acknowledge it selfe guilty of those sinnes that appeare in his life wee must see our selves stand in need of forgivenesse now wee cannot doe this till we see our selves faulty he that owes nothing what need hee crave forgivenesse so forgivenesse of sinnes implies that we are guilty thereof and liable to the punishment due to sinne They that confesse sin and forsake it shall
the Law of sin and death saith Paul Sinne makes Lawes but we entreate the Lord that hee would prevent corruption that he would assist us in temptations ordinarily and extraordinarily that hee would discover the enemy before hee come that hee would entrench about us vouchsafe us armour and weapons to resist give us dominion over our enemies and if we bee overcome that he would rescue and recover us out of them all this is the summe of this petitioÌ„ Now wee come to the frame of heart that wee should bring before God that so wee may bee fit to receive the good wee sue for from his hands Q. First wherein doth this appeare A. The frame of heart and disposition of soule that best beseemes us in the putting up of this petition appeares principally in foure things 1. When wee truly desire that the Lord would not let us bee drawne asâ—â—â—â—â— or lead into temptation we must labour to auoid all such occasions as may be too strong for us or prevaile over us In vaine wee desire to be delivered from evill when wee rush into evill as if a man should take pitch into his hands and desire not to bee defiled or put fire into his bosome and pray not to be burnt this is a slighting of Gods mercy and provoking of him to wrath rather then a begging of favour Wee would count it a madnes for a man to cast himselfe into the sea and then desire to bee saved to make our selves sicke that God may make us whole againe it is nothing else but as wee may say so to make God worke thus to run into evill and then to pray the Lord hee would deliver us from evill it is a provoking mocking of the Lord the wise mans rule is here memorable Prov. 23.2 3. If a man bee given to his appetite Let him put a knife to his throate if thou lovest the wine looke not upon it if a man be given to his appetite it is in vaine to pray against it yet cate but put thy knife to thy throate absteine therefrom please not thy appetite The promise and the providence of God goe together Psal 90. hee will succour and relieve us but it must bee in the way of his providence hee that goes out of the way and craves Gods assistance shall never have it but hales on evill to himselfe Matth. 18. Our Saviour speaking of offences saith If thy hand cause thee to offeÌ„d cut it off and if thy eye cause thee to offend plucke it out that is were thy sinnes as deare to thee as thy right hand in regard of profit or thy right eye in regard of pleasure cut them off pluck them out fling them away rather then bee foiled by them In vaine wee crave the assistance of the Lord and in the meane time lay blocks before us It is meere presumption No marvell then if many times the Lord leaves a man because hee strives not after that hee prayes for It is enough to cause the Lord to curse us when wee doe not avoid the occasions of evill hee that will not fall into the pit let him not come neere the brinke of it hee that will not be snared by evil let him shunne and avoid all the occasions of evill 2. If wee bee weake of our selves and cannot prevern the occasions of evil yet bee carefull to seeke all such meanes as may be succourable and holpefull to us if wee cannot help out these wil surprize us Let us seeke the meanes to succour us in our need the sicke man that craves succour of the Lord must use the meanes the Lord hath appointed happily thou findest temptations pressing on in thy calling thou canst not avoid it the more the occasions are the more seeke for meanes that may fortifie thee hee that will bee healed let him seeke the Physician hee that is out of the way and would bee set in the right way let him enquire it out and not sit still and say Lord have mercy upon mee but seeke It was that which Ioshua did Jos 7. he called yet the Lord did not help him but said Why dost thou so Israel hath sinned looke out the execrable thing Israel hath sinned looke to that It is in vaine to pray that the enemy may not prevaile if wee labour not to roote him out of the Camp doe that throughly and then the overthrow of thine enemies will be easy to thee 3. When we have found the meanes labour to bee content to bee ordered by all the meanes and helps that God hath been pleased to ordaine for our good It is a madnesse to crave as Balaam Oh that I might dye c. and yet see the way and will not walke in it Ier. 42. They said to the Prophet enquire at the word of the Lord and what ever hee commandeth we wil do but when they heard and knew it they would not obey the same In vaine it is to crave the pardon of sinne when we looke not to the promise to desire sinne to bee subdued yet cannot abide the meanes that should doe it When a man saith I will not be counselled but will have my proud heart and will walke in mine owne wayes how can such a one say deliver me from this proud heart when he wil not let counsell take place when a man is in horror of heart when conscience flyes in his face it is in vaine to whine then and yet wilt not thou bee ruled by the word of God but doe as vaine as ever as loose as ever as idle as ever thou beggest one thing dost practise another thing so long let us never put up this petition 4. We must rely on the Lord for a blessing on all a successe in all so use the meanes as if there were no promise to help and yet so depend upon God for all as if the meanes could doe nothing observe all thy occasions say counsell and advice is good but the Lord must set them on man lives not by bread onely but by the blessing of God in the meanes goe to the spirit of the Lord and see there a greater power then in all meanes 2 Kings 2. If thou canst see mee taken up then shalt thou have my spirit doubled upon thee If thou seest the God that takes mee up then hee wil give thee his Spirit looke to God above all meanes and hee that is thus disposed that man prayes aright to bee delivered For thine is the Kingdome We have done with the six petitions three concerning God his name Kingdome will three concerning our selves coÌ„cerning things of this life of a better Justification Sanctification wee come now to the conclusion and in it consider two things 1. The thanksgiving 2. The conclusion of faith in the word Amen In the thanksgiving is included both a reason of the petition as also a forme of thanksgiving as who should say wee doe not presume wee can doe
Q. How may this word Father be a preparative to Prayer Ans 1. If God be a Father then he is bountifull and we may receive what ever we aske 2. If God be a Father he is mercifull ready to pardon all our sins 3. He will take in good part any service done in truth of heart though never so small Q. Why doe we say Our Father A. Our betokeneth a kind of propriety and interest As we say This is our house we have a speciall interest therein So here it sheweth a speciall interest that Gods people have in him 2. Community of God to all his servants as the light is common to all none can say it is My Sun 3. The fellow-feelingnesse that the godly have of one anothers misery Q. What preparations are there in this Word to Prayer A. It causeth Reverence A child commeth reverently to his Father so must we 2. It teacheth us confidence in God because he is our Father And 3. cheerfulnesse in comming to him as a child unto his Father Q. Is God onely in heaven A. No he filleth every place Q. Why is God said to be in heaven Answ 1. That we may take notice of his power things above have advantage of things below 2. He is an holy God for he is in heaven where no uncleane thing is Q. What is the scope of the first Petition A. That Gods name might be honoured of all his creatures Q. What is meant by name A. That whereby God is made knowne Q. How is God made knowne to us Ans 1. By his titles and Attributes as when God is said to be holy gracious c. 2. By his Word and 3. by his works especially in the works of grace on the hearts of his children there is Gods name written as it were in great letters as the Apostle Peter saith They expresse the graces of him that hath called them so that when a man looketh upon a child of God he may say Surely God is an holy God because his children are so Q. When doe we honour Gods name A. When Gods name is to us as an holy thing when we see the worth of it and manifest it to others Q. What is the scope of the second Petition A. That God may rule over all especially over his Church Q. Why is it added to the former A. Because when God beareth rule then his name is honoured Q. What doth this word Kingdome signifie A. That rule which he exerciseth over his servants Q. How manifold is this Kingdome A. Twofold the Kingdome of grace and the Kingdome of glorie Q. How doth God rule in the Kingdome of grace A. By his Spirit in the Word he ruleth the hearts of his servants and aweth the hearts of hypocrites Q. How doth God rule in the Kingdome of glory A. Immediately by himself shining into their hearts and filling them with his grace Q. What doe we meane by Thy Kingdome come Ans 1. We desire that God would send his Gospel to such places Nations Countryes as have not had it 2. That God would spread inlarge his Gospel where it is 3. That God would confirm and stablish his Gospel and cause it to have better entertainment where it is spread Q. What is the scope of the third Petition A. That all humble subjection may be yeelded unto God Q. Why is this added unto the former A. Because then Gods Kingdome doth most of all come when his will is done Q. What is Gods will A. Gods good pleasure touching the performance or bringing to passe of any thing Q. What is Gods secret will A. That which God reserveth to himselfe in his own counsaile Q. What is Gods revealed will A. That which he hath made known unto us in his Word Q. How must we be like the Angels in obedience Ans 1. In readinesse they are they are said to have wings 2. In faithfulnesse they obey God in every thing so must we 3. Their obedience is constant so should ours Nothing should hinder our speedy and cheerfull obedience Q. What is the scope of the fourth Petition A. We desire a comfortable supply of all things concerning this life Q. Why is this put first A. A man must have a being before a well-being nature before grace Q. Why is bread put for all Ans 1. Because this is most necessary for subsistence All our endeavours ay me at this 2. We desire God would give us ability to use the means to attain it 3. That we may have a comfortable use thereof with a blessing attending it Q. What doe you meane by give A. First that God would give us what we want Secondly to continue and preserve still what we have Thirdly that God would give us an heart to make a right use thereof Q. Why doe you say us Ans Because we must have a fellow-feeling of the necessities of others we desire God to give us that we may help them Q. Why doe you say our daily bread A. Wee desire here a right and title to these outward things This title is two-fold 1. Divine in regard of God 2. Politicke in regard of men Q. Why do you say this day A. First it sheweth that wee must take care for the time present Secondly wee desire a moderation of these outward things Thirdly we must daily pray and depend upon God for our bread Q. What rules may wee here learne for the ordering of our lives in the desire of outward things Ans 1. Wee must goe to God for every mercy and acknowledge we receive all from him 2. Wee must onely look to the time present not caring for the morrow Q. What is the scope of the fifth Petition A. Iustification or the forgivenesse of sinne Q. What is meant by debts A. Sinnes Q. Why is sinne called a debt A. Because it maketh us lyable to Gods judgements Q. Can God forgive our sinnes without satisfaction A. No because it s against his justice Q. How then is this a mercy that God doth forgive us our sinnes A. Gods mercy appeares in that he followes the Law against our surety so that hee is made guilty and lyable to punishment and we cleared Is it not a great mercy that our sinnes may bee removed from us and Christs righteousnesse imputed unto us Q. How farre must a man forgive another A. In the offence we must consider three things 1. The breach of the Law 2. The wrong done to us 3. The inflicting vengeance for it Q. How farre may a man forgive the sinne as a breach of the Law A. Onely thus farre he must desire that God would not lay it to their charge so Christ prayed Father forgive them for they know not what they doe Q. Must a man alwaies forgive his enemie the wrongs and punishment done A. No when Gods glory and Religion is disgraced thereby and it may be for our brothers good Q. Doth God forgive us because we forgive others A. No He forgives us before
wee can forgive others on a right ground 1. Because all the mercy we have wee receive from him 2. All wee have is but a drop in comparison of that Ocean which is in God 3. Our mercy is mixed with cruelty and many oppositions but God is all compassion Q. What is the scope of the sixth Petition A. Sanctification Q. What doth temptation properly signifie A. A proving of grace so God tempted Abraham and proved his love Here by temptation is meant a solicitation to commit evill Q. Why not tentation of triall A. Because we ought rather to pray against this then against that Q. What doe you meane by deliver Ans 1. That God would give us a fore-sight of sinne 2. That God would give us power that we be not thereby overtaken 3 That God would recover us being falne and fortifie us against sinne for time to come Q. What doe you meane by lead Ans 1. That God would let us have no occasion of evill Secondly if occasions be offered that he would so assist and strengthen that they prevaile not against us Q. How hath God a hand in the sinnes of men A. Whatsoever may be said in the Law and Word of God may be said of God now the Law may be said to have an hand in the sins of men As when counsell and admonition comes the heart swells immediately as when a thing is put into a channell or any other place the water increaseth hugely not because there is any water put into it but by opposition Q. What doe you mean by evill A. There is no kinde of evill worse then the evill of sinne and punishment here is specially meant the evill of sinne and also punishment so farre as it may hinder us in the wayes of godlinesse Q. Why do you say deliver us A. Here wee desire that God would provide meanes for others good and make us instruments to deliver them 1 In watching over their conversation 2 In telling them of that which is amisse 3 To follow it and never leave till wee have convinced them of it Q. What is meant by Kingdome A. The right ruling over his servants By power is meant an ability and sufficiency to governe And by Glorie is meant 1 The worship of God 2 The shining of Gods glory Q. Why doe you say Thy A. All this is in God Secondly all that men have in the world is from God therefore they must render all to his glory Q. What is Amen A. The voyce and word of faith Q. What is here implyed A. Two things 1 An earnest desire of what wee beg as a man when his friend goeth beyond sea faith The Lord be with you 2 A repose of our selves upon God that he would grant our requests who hath promised whatever we aske in Christs Name wee shall have it The sixt Principle All men shall rise with their bodies to judgement the godly shall inherit the kingdome of Heaven but reprobates and unbeleevers shall bee cast into hell fire with the Devill and his angels Qu WHat are we to observe out of this Principle A. Two things 1. The judgement 2. The reward of every man In the judgement we must observe two things First the preparation to this judgement that is the resurrection 2. The judgement it selfe Q. What is resurrection A. It is the re-uniting and knitting the soule and body together that were separated by death Q. Why is it necessary that there must be a resurrection A. There are two grounds one is taken from the justice another from the mercy of God Wicked men they have the happinesse of this life and therefore they must have misery in the life to come else God were not just Againe the godly are here in misery and they that should be most respected have the worst entertainment therefore they must have a happinesse in heaven So the Author to the Heb. saith God is just that he should not forget their labour of love And the Apostle to the Thessal It is a righteous thing to render peace to you it were unjust if they did not see some good dayes Abraham tels Dives Son remember thou in thy life time receivedst thy pleasure and Lazarus paines therefore now he is comforted and thou art tormented It was the speech of Master Greenham that wicked men have some good in them therefore God gives them outward things but they have an infinite evill therefore they must perish eternally Secondly Gods mercy hath promised heaven to his servants therefore there must be a Resurrection heaven is not here There be two sorts of men that shall be judged First those that dye Secondly those that live when Christ shall come Q. How doe the godly rise againe A. By Christs Resurrection because Christ was dead and they are his members Christ being their Surety and whatsoever he doth he doth it not for himselfe but for them Q. How shall it be with the godly when Christ shall come A. They shall be freed from all sinne and weaknesse of body Q. Shall the same bodies arise A. Yea the same God shall gather together all the elect He that is able to make all things of nothing is able to raise men and gather them out of the dust for it is lesser to repaire a thing of the matter that it is made of then to make a thing of nothing Q. But is there no change in regard of substance A. Onely this The qualities conditions of the body shall be altered the body shall be incorruptible immortall whereas here we are subject to death and diseases Secondly the body shall bee spirituall that is there shall be no dependance upon any outward comforts Here we must use meat and drink for preservation of our lives but there shall be no need of them The Sadduces told Christ Such an one had seven brethren and they all married one woman one after another now say they In the Resurrection whose shall this wife be and Christ said to them Ye erre not knowing the Scriptures for in heaven they neither eate nor drinke marrie nor give in marriage but are as the Angels they need no meat nor apparel So the godly shall be there 3. All imperfections and weaknesses shall then be taken away If a man dyes sick he shall be whole when he rises againe If a man be lame or if he were born blind or if one dyed being a child all these shall be taken away then Object But it seemes it shall not be the same body for if a man shall have every limbe and be perfect in every part how can these things stand together Ans There is nothing added to the substance of the body but only changed and increased it is in the nature of many things to increase when as nothing is added unto them As may be observed in an Onyon take a great Onyon and hang it up in the house and it will grow bigger and bigger what is the cause of it not because