Christ being come in the flesh A. 1. Herein behold your happinesse aboue many who doe see and heare of these things for verily I say vnto you that many Prophets and righteous men haue desired to see those things which you see and haue not seene them and to heare those things which yee heare and haue not heard them Mat. 13.16.17 2 According to the voyce of one crying in the wildernesse Prepare ye the way of the Lord make his paths straigth Mark 1.3 in the desert an high way for our God Isa 40.3 3 Reioyce greatly O daughter of Zion shoute O daughter of Ierusalem behold thy King commeth vnto thee Zech. 9.9 and cry saying Hosanna to the son of Dauid Blessed is hee that commeth in the name of the Lord Hosanna in the highest heauens Mat. 21.9 And Blessed bee the Lord God of Israel for hee hath visited and redeemed his people and he hath raised vp a horne of saluation for vs in the house of his seruant Dauid as he spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets which haue beene since the world beganne Luke 1.68 c. Luke 1.54 55 46 47. Mat. 23.39 Mar. 11.10 4 Oh Zion that bringest good tidings get thee vp into the high mountaines of Ierusalem that bringest good tidings lift vp thy voyce be not afraide say vnto the Cities of Iudah behold your God Isa 52.7 and to the daughters of Zion behold thy saluation is come behold his reward is with him and his worke before him Isa 62.11 5 Then if any man shall say vnto you Lo heere is Christ or lo there beleeue it not For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets and shall shew great signes and wonders insomuch that if it were possible they shall deceiue the very Elect. Behold I haue told you before wherefore if they shall say vnto you Behold he is in the desert goe not forth behold hee is in the secret chambers beleeue it not c. Mat. 24.23 c. Ob. If these tydings be so good why is Christ said to be a stumbling-blocke and a rocke of offence to both the houses of Israel Isa 8.14 A. Vnto you which beleeue hee is precious onely vnto them which be disobedient the stone which the builders disallowed the same is made the head of the corner And iâ— stone of stumbling and a rocke of offence euen to them that stumble at the Word being disobedient whereunto also they werâ— appoynted 1 Pet 2.7.8 Isa 59.20 CHAP. IIII. Vnion with CHRIST Q. VVHat interest haue belieuers in Christ thus promised and exhibited A. Christ is wholly ours for heâ— came vnto his owne Ioh. 1.11 And vntâ— vs a Sonne is borne and vnto vs a childâ—â—â—â—iuen Isa 9.6 Q. By what meanes came Christ to bee ours A. By being vnited vnto him for we are in him that is true euen in the Sonne of God Iesus Christ 1 Ioh. 5.20 For saith hee Father I will that they may be one as thou O Father art in mee and I in thee that they may be one in vs I in them and thou in mee that they may bee made perfect in one Ioh. 17.21 23. He therefore that is ioyned to the Lord is one spirit 1 Cor. 6.17 for in the dispensation of the fulnes of times he doth gather together in one all things in Christ both which are in heauen and which are in earth euen in him Ephes 1.10 Ioh. 14.20.17.11 Q. By what similitudes doth the Scripture set out this our vnion with Christ A. They are many 1 Of a building For thus saith the Lord Behold I lay in Zion a stone a tryed stone a precious corner stone a sure foundation Isa 28.16 And other foundation can no man laie then that which is laid which is Iesus Christ 1 Cor. 3.11 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth vnto an holy Temple in the Lord Ephes 2.21 2 Of house and inhabitants Christ as a sonne is ouer his own house whose house are we Heb. 3.7 In whom you also are builded together for an habitation of God through the spirit Eph. 2.22 who dwelleth in you 1 Cor. 3.16 and maketh his aboade with you Iohn 14.23.6.56 1 Cor. 6.19 3 Of consanguinity For both he that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified being all one hee is not ashamed to call them brethren Heb. 2.11 But doth professe that whosoeuer doth the will of God is his brother sister and mother Mark 3.35 4 Of husband and wife vnto whom we are betrothed and espowsed Hos 2.19 20 2 Cor. 11.2 euen as the bride-grome to the bride Ioh. 3.29 whereby our maker is become our husband Isa 54.5 And is the head of his Church as the husband is the head of his wife Eph. 5.23 5 Of head and members Hee is the head of the body the Church Col. 1.18 and we are members of his body of his flesh and of his bones Eph. 5.30 for as the body is one hath many members all the members of that one body being many are one body so also is Christ 1 Cor. 12.12 Know ye not therefore that your bodies are the members of Christ 1 Cor. 6.15 Ephes 1.22 23. Collos 1.24 Rom. 12.4 5. 6 Of the vine and branches Whereof Christ is the vine and we are the branches Iohn 15.5 Q. What may this our Vnion with Christ teach A. To examine and to prooue your owne selues Kow yee not your owne selues how that Iesus Christ is in you except yee be reprobates 2 Cor. 13.5 Q. Lay me down some marks wherby our vnion with Christ may be known A. 1 Because Christ dwelleth in our hearts by faith Ephes 3.17 Therefore examine your selues whether you bee in the faith 2 Cor. 13.5 2 Heereby we know that hee abideth in vs by the Spirit which he hath giuen vs. 1 Iohn 3.24 But if any man haue not the spirit of Christ the same is not his Rom. 8.9 1 Ioh. 4.13 3. Whosoeuer shall confesse that Iesus is the Sonne of God dwelleth in him and he in God 1 Ioh. 4.15 4. By this shall all men know that you are his Disciples if yee haue loue one to another Ioh. 13. â—5 God is loue and he that dwelleth in loue dwelleth in God God in him 1 Ioh. 4.16.1.4.11 12 1.2.9.10 5. Whosoeuer abideth in him sinneth not whosoeuer sinneth hath not seene him nor knowne him 1 Ioh. 3.6 But he that keepeth the commandements dwelleth in him and he in him 1 Ioh. 3.24 Ioh. 15.5.6 13.18 Gal. 5.24 Q. What if vpon due examination I doe find my selfe to be out of Christ A. For this cause bow your knees vnto the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ that he would grant you according to the riches of his glory c. that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that you beeing rooted and grounded in loue may be able to comprehend with al Saints what is the bredth length and depth and height to know the loue of Christ which passeth knowledge that
thee Iob 22.27 In an acceptable time and in the day of saluation Isa 49.8 Thou shalt call and the Lord shall say heere I am Psa 58.9 At the voyce of thy cry when hee shall heare it hee will answer thee Isa 30.19 Yea it shall come to passe that before you call hee will answer and whiles you are yet speaking he will heare Isa 65.24 Math. 18 19 Ierem. 29.12 Ioh. 4 10. Gen. 20.7 For in my distresse I called vpon the Lord and cryed vnto my God hee heard my voice out of his Temple and my cry came before him euen into his eares Psal 18.6 And whiles Daniel was speaking in prayer the man Gabriel came vnto him said at the beginining of thy suppications the coÌ„mandement came forth and I am come to shew thee the vision Dan. 9.20 And so the Lord answerd the Angel praying for Ierusalem with good words and comfortable words Zec. 1.13 Gen. 19.20 21 20.17.24.12 c. Exod. 2.23 8.12 c. 12.30.9.33 10.18.15.24 25.17.11.32.9.10.33.17 Numb 21.6 7 8 14.19 20 Iosua 10.12 1 Sam. 1.27.7.9.12.18 1 Kings 13.6.17.21 18.38 2 Kings 1.9 6 â—7 1 Chron. 4.10 2.20 12.30.27 Ezra 8.23 Psal 6.8 Iona. 2.10 Acts 4.31 10.4 12.5 16.25 Heb. 5.7 Ob. I am sure there is no day wherein I doe misse prayer and yet I am neuer the neere A. You aske and receiue not because you aske amisse Iames 4.3 And your iniquities haue turned away these things and your sinnes haue withheld good things Ier. 5.25 Q. What is then required of a man that he may pray aright and with assurance of being heard A. 1 Concerning the person and first that he be in Christ who because hee prayeth not for the world but for those the Father hath giuen him Iohn 17 9. If yee abide in him aske what you will and it shall be done vnto you Ioh. 15.7 2 That hee be righteous the prayer of the righteouus auaileth much Iames 5.16 For the eyes of the Lord are ouer the righteous and his eares are open to their prayers 1 Pet. 3.12 If ye regard wickednesse in your heart the Lord will not heare you Psal 66.18 But if your heart condemne you not then may you haue confidence towards God and whatsoeuer you aske you shall receiue of him because you keepe his commandements and doe those things that are pleasing in his sight 1 Iohn 3.21 For the Lord is farre from the wicked but hee heareth the prayer of the righteous Prou. 15.29 The feare of the wicked it shall come vpon him but the desire of the Righteous shall be granted Pro. 10.24 Now because in many things wee sinne all Eccles 7.20 What praier and supplication soeuer be made by any man or by all the people Israel which shall know euery man the plague of his owne heart then will God heare in heauen his dwelling place 1 Kings 8.38 Psalme 145.19 Ioh. 15.7 1.3.22 CONTRA Iud. 10. 14.11.7 Isa 59. 1. Ier. 3.4.7.16 Hos 5.7.14 Micha 3.4 Prou. 1 24.21.1â— Iudges 11.7 2 The thing wee pray for must be good For they that seeke the Lord shâ— want no good thing Psalm 34.10 Fâ—â— what man is there of you whom if his sonâ— aske bread will he giue him a stone or if aske a fish will he giue him a serpent If then being euill know how to giue good gifâ— to your children how much more shâ— your Father which is in heauen giue goâ—â— things to them that aske him Mat. 7.9 3 The manner must be according tâ— Gods will For this is the confidence thâ— wee haue in him that if wee aske anâ— thing according to his will hee hearetâ— vs 1 Ioh. 5.14 Q. what is then the will of God concerning the manner of prayer that so praying wee may obtaine A. 1 You must aske in faith nothing wauerering for hee that wauereth is like â— waue of the sea driuen with the winde anâ— tossed neyther let not that man thinke that he shall receiue any thing of the Lord Iames 1.6 But if thou doe commit thy â—ay vnto the Lord and trust in him then â—hall hee bring it to passe Psal 37.5 2 In sinceritie For the Lord is nigh â—ll them that call vpon him to all that call â—pon him in truth Psal 145.18 3 Prayer shall bee auaileable if it bee â—ruent Iames 5.16 Open thy mouth â—ide and hee will fill it Psal 81.10 â—ry aloud and hee shall heare thy voyce Psal 55.17 And if with Iacob thou â—rastle with God thou as a Prince shalt â—aue power with God and man and â—halt preuaile Gen. 32.26 Hosea 12.4 Exod. 32.10 Luke 11.5 Heb. 5.7 4 Pray continually 1 Thes 5.17 euen â—uery day saying Giue vs this day our â—aly bread Mat. 6.11 and without ceaâ—ng praying night and day 2 Tim. 1.3 â—ea euening and morning and at noone â—hen you pray hee shall heare thy voyce Psalme 55.17 For Peter and Iames and Iohn with the â—est continued with one accord in praier and supplication Acts 11.4 And suddenâ— there came a sound from heauen as of a rusâ—ing mighty winde which filled all the houâ— where they were sitting And there appeâ—red vnto them clouen tongues like as of firâ—â— and it sate vpon each of them and they weâ—â— all filled with the holy Ghost and beganâ— to speake with other tongues as the Spirâ—â— gaue them vtterance Act. 2.2.9.2.3 5 We must submit our selues vntâ— Gods will for the successe as diâ— Christ who praied saying O my Father if it be possible let this cup passe from mâ— neuerthelesse not as I will but as thou wilâ— Math. 26.39 and was heard in that hâ— feared Hebr. 5.7 6. With charity towards men wheâ— yee stand praying forgiue if you haâ—â— ought against any that your Father alâ— which is in heauen may forgiue you Marâ— 11.24 For with what measure you meâ—â— it shall be measured to you againe Mat. 7. â— 7 Wee must doe all in the name 〈◊〉 Christ For through him wee both haue aâ— accesse by one spirit vnto the Father Eph 2.18 In whose name whatsoeuer yee shall aske the Father that will he doe that the Father may bee glorified in the Sonne Iohn 14.13 Ob. All these things I haue striuen for in prayer but I am so cumbred with sinne as may iustly moue the Lord to keepe good things from mee A Elias was a man subiect to the like passion as we are and hee prayed earnestly that it might not raine and it rained not Iames 5.17 Ob. That might be but a chance A. Hee prayed againe and the heauens gaue raine and the earth brought forth her increase Iames 5.18 Ob. But what is that to mee A. This was written for the generations to come Psal 102.18 And there is no difference betweene the Iew and the Greeke for the same Lord ouer all is rich vnto all that call vpon him Rom. 10.12 For which shall euery one that is godly pray vnto him in a time when hee may bâ— found Psalm 32.6 Iohn 17.20 Q. What are the
Abrahams seede and heyres according to promise Gal. 3.29 Neither because they are the seed of Abraham are they all children but in Isaac shall thy seed be called that is they which are the children of the flesh they are not the children of God but the children of the promise are counted for the seede Rom. 9.7 Now wee brethren as Isaac was are the children of promise Gal. 4.28.3.7 1 Pet. 3.6.1.2.10 Luk. 19.9 Mat. 3.9 Ioh. 8.39.47 Hos 1.10.2.23 Isa 65.1 Ob. This priuiledge may concerne some great personages of the Gentiles but not such abiect and dispised persons as I am A. Hearken my beloued brethren hath not God chosen the poore of this world rich in faith and heires of the Kingdome which he hath promised to them that loue him Iames 2.5 For you see your calling how that not many wise men after the flesh nor many mighty nor many noble are called but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and God hath chosen the weake things of the world confound the things that are mighty aâ— base things of the world and things whâ— are despised hath God chosen yea thiâ— which are not to bring to nought thiâ— that are that no flesh should glory in presence 1 Cor. 1.26 Isa 66.2 Ob. If I could doe some thing woâ—thy of such a reward there were thâ— some hope A. God hath called vs not according workes but according to his own purpose aâ— grace whieh was giuen vs in Christ Iesâ—â— before the world began 2 Tim. 1.9 For 〈◊〉 promise made to Abraham that he shoâ— be the heyre of the world was not to â—braham and his seed through the Law 〈◊〉 through the righteousnesse of faith For they which are of the Law be heires faith made voyd the promise made of none â—fect Ro. 4.13.11.5 Luk. 17.7 Tit. 3.3 Ob. Notwithstanding it will not oâ— of my minde but that it is my well dâ—ing if at all that must enter mee in this estate A. This perswasion commeth not of him that calleth you Gal. 5.8 For God sent foorth his Sonne made of a woman made vnder the Law to redeeme them that are vnder the Law that we might receiue the adoption of Sonnes Gal. 4.4.5 And therefore tell me you that desire to be vnder the Law doe you not heare the Law For it is written Cast out the bondwoman and her sonne for the sonne of the bondwoman shall not be heyre with the sonne of the freewoman Gal. 4.21 Gen. 21.10 Q. How comes it then to passe that wee miserable creatures should be so highly exalted A. We haue not chosen him but he hath chosen vs Ioh. 15.16 And hath predestinated vs vnto the adoption of children by Iesus Christ to himselfe according to the good pleasure of his will Ephes 1.5.11 For behold the heauen and the heauen of heauen is the Lords the earth also with all things that therein is Only the Lord hath a delight in vs hath chosen vs aboue al people as it is this day Deu. 10.14 Isa 60.21 Rom. 11.5 Ob. Can it bee imagined that meâ— instamped with the diuels image should become the children of God A No For there are also giuen vnto vs great and precious promises that 〈◊〉 these ye might be partakers of the diuine nâ—ture hauing escaped the corruption that 〈◊〉 in the world through lust 2 Pet. 1.4 Wherby we haue put off the old man witâ— his deeds and haue put on the new maâ— which is renewed in knowledge after thâ— image of him that created vs Col. 3.9 Anâ— are changed into the same image from glory to glory 2 Cor. 3.18 Q. What are the causes by which this Image of God is wrought in vs A. 1 Principall efficient the Spirit of the Lord 2 Cor. 3 18. For we are borne not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God Ioh. 1.13 That which is borne of the flesh is flesh and that which is borne of the Spirit is Spirit Ioh. 3.6.8 Tit. 3.5 2 Instrumentall the word For of his owne will begat hee vs with the word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures Iames 1.18 Being borne againe not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the word of God which liueth and abideth for euer 1 Pet. 1.23 3 Ministring the Preachers who do beget vs by the Gospell 1 Corinth 4.15 And doe trauell in birth vntill Christ bee formed in vs Gal. 4.19 Isa 66.8 1 Cor. 9.1.2 Q. How may we know our selues to haue this image and so to be the children of God A. By these markes wee know that we are of God when yet the whole world lyeth in wickednesse 1 Ioh. 5.19 1 God himselfe hath sealed vs and hath giuen the earnest of the spirit in our hearts 2 Cor. 1.22 which spirit beareth witnesse with our spirits that wee are the children of God Rom. 8.16 2 Hee that beleeueth on the Sonne hath the witnesse in himselfe that hee is borne of God 1 Ioh. 5.10.5.1 3 He that is of God heareth Gods word Iohn 8.47 And as new borne babes doâ— desire that sincere milke of the Word thaâ— he may grow thereby 1 Peter 2.2 4 If you know that hee is righteous you know euery one that doth righteousnesse iâ— borne of him 1 Iohn 2.29 And being new borne hee doth not commit sinne because his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sinne because hee is borne of God In thiâ— therefore are the children of God knowne and the children of the diuell whosoeuer doth not righteously is not of God 1 Ioh. 3.9.3 Epist 11 Rom. 8.14 5 Loue is of God and euery one that loueth is borne of God and knoweth God 1 Iohn 4.7 6 Blessed are the peace-makers for they shall be called the children of God Mat. 5.9 But if you haue bitter enuying and strife in your hearts glory not and lye not against the truth Iames 3.14 For your spot is not the spot of his children they that are such are a crooked and peruerse generation Deut. 32.5 Hosea 1.9 Deut. 32.32 33. Iohn 8.44 Isa 57.3 Q. What may this priuiledge of being the children if God teach vs A. 1 To pray that the eyes of your vnderstanding being inlightned ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance is in the Saints and what is the exceding greatnesse of his power to vsward who beleeue according to the working of his mighty power Ephes 1.18 2 To call no man your father on earth for one is your father in heauen Math. 23.9 But be yee followers of God as deare children For yee were once darknesse now are yee light in the Lord walke as children of the light Ephes 5.1.8 And let your light so shine before men that they may see your good workes and glorifie your Father which is in heauen Math. 5.16 Mal. 1.6 1 Pet. 1.17 Ephes 4.30 3 To
But yet let vs see how by Scripture it may bee prooued that Iesus was the Christ A. Diuers wayes 1 By the predictions in him fulfilled As Micha 5.2 with Mat. 2.5 As Hos 11.1 with Mat. 2.15 As Isa 40.3 with Mat. 3.3 As Isa 9 1. with Mat. 4.13.14 As Isa 53.4 with Mat. 8.17 As Zech. 9.9 with Mat. 21.2 As Isa 53.9 with 1 Pet. 2.22 As Zach. 11.13 with Mat. 27.7 As Psal 22.18 with Mat. 27.35 As Isa 53.1 with Ioh. 12.37 38. As Psal 35.19 with Ioh. 15.24.25 As Psal 109.7 with Ioh. 17.12 As Psal 2.7 with Acts 13.33 As Exo. 12.46 with Ioh. 19.36 As Zech. 12.10 with Ioh. 19.37 2 By comparing the types of Christ with the truth As Psal 78.2 with Mat. 13.34 As Psal 69.21 with Mat. 27.48 As Ionah 1.17 with Mat. 12.39 3 By the witnesses of his comming For lo the Angell of the Lord came vpon 〈◊〉 Shepheards by night and said vnto them Feare not for behold I bring you good tidings of great ioy which shall be to all people for vnto you is borne this day in the City of Dauid a Sauiour which is Chrisâ— the Lord Luke 2.8 2 There came Wisemen from the East to Ierusalem to worship him saying where is hee that is borne King of the Iewes for wee have seene his starre in the East Where upon they being sent by Herod the King to Bethlehem lo the starre which they had seene in the East went before them tiâ—â— it came and stood ouer the place where the babe was Mat. 2.1 9. 3 There was a man sent from God whose name was Iohn thissame came for a witnesse to beare witnesse of the light that all men through him might beleeue Ioh. 1.6 7 15. 4 His Disciples came and worshipped him saying of a truth thou art the Sonne of God Math. 14.33 And we beleeue and are sure that thou art that Christ c. Ioh. 6. 69 11 27.4.29.39 41 42. 1 Ioh. 5.20 5 The multitude that went before him and followed cryed saying Hosanna to the Sonne of Dauid blessed is he that commeth in the name of the Lord Hosanna in the highest Mat. 21.9 And many of the people said of a truth this is the Prophet Others said this is the Christ Ioh. 7.40 41. And all men came to him Ioh. 3.26 10.41.42 6 Many of the chiefe rulers beleeued in him Ioh. 12.42 For the Centurion and they that were with him said of him truely this was the sonne of God Mat. 27.54 And Nichodemus a ruler of the Iewes said vnto him Rabby wee know that thou art a teacher come from God Ioh. 3.2 7 The diuell in the man possessed crying said what haue wee to doe with thee Iesus thou sonne of God most high we beseech thee torment vs not Mat. 8.29 8 God the Father who both at his baptisme Mat. 3.17 and transfiguration spake from heauen saying this is my beloued sonne in whom I am well pleased heare yee him Mat. 17.5 Iohn 5.32 2 Pet. 1.17 9 God the Sonne beareth witnesse of himselfe saying that hee was the Sonne of God Mat. 27.11.43 who though he doe beare record of himselfe yet his record is true Ioh. 8.14 10 God the holy Ghost when at his baptisme the heauens opened vnto him Iohn saw the Spirit of God descending like a Doue and lighting vpon him Math. 3.16 11 Hee that beleeueth in the Sonne of God hath the witnesse in himselfe and hee that beleeueth not hath made God a lyer because hee beleeueth not the record God gaue of his Sonne 1 Ioh. 5.10 and so shall dye in his sinnes Ioh. 8.24 Ob. Notwithstanding these so many witnesses that which you doe auouch concerning this man is questioned by many both Turks and Pagans A. Flesh and blood can not reueale these things vnto them Mat. 16.17 neither can any man say that Iesus is the Lord but by the holy Ghost 1 Cor. 12.3 nor come vnto Christ except the Father draw him Onely they which haue heard and haue learned of the Father doe come vnto him Ioh. 6.44 45. Ioh. 5.44 Ob. Not only those of the Gentiles but many of the Iewes also which were his owne receiued him not Ioh. 1.11 And his brethren did not beleeue in him Ioh. 7.5 Mat. 13.55 56. A. A Prophet is not without honour saue in his owne Countrey Mat. 13.57 And did you neuer reade in the Scriptures The stone which the builders reiected the same is become the head of the corner Mat. 21.42 Yet Apolloes helped them much which had beleeued through grace Acts 18.28 And Paul mightily conuinced the Iewes and that publikely shewing by the Scriptures that Iesus was the CHRIST Acts 9.22 17.2.3 Q. But what signe did he shew that wee also may see and beleeue in him A. The blinde receiued their sight the lame did walke the leopers were cleansed the deafe did heare and the dead were raised vp Mat. 11.5 Thus this Iesus of Nazareth was approued of God by miracles wonders a dsignes as the Iewes themselues could not deny Acts 2.22 So as when that Christ commeth will hee doe more miracles than this man hath done Ioh. 7.31 But if he wrought such works as no meere man euer did although yee beleeue not him yet beleeue the workes that yee may know and beleeue that the Father was in him and he in him Ioh. 10.37 38.14.10.11 Heb. 2.4 Q. But did he not worke these works by the power of Satan and by Beelzebub cast out diuels A. If this man had not beene of God he could haue done nothing Ioh. 9.33 Therefore not Satan but the Father that dwelleth in him hee did the workes Ioh. 14.10 For can the diuell open the eyes of the blinde Ioh. 10.21 Euery Kingdome diuided against it selfe shall not stand c. And if Satan cast out Satan he is diuided against himselfe how shall then his kingdome stand c. But if Christ did cast out diuels by the Spirit of God then the Kingdome of God is come vnto you c. Mat. 12.25 c. Luke 11.20 And therfore how long will ye prouoke the Lord how long will it be ere ye doe beleeue in Iesus for all the signes which hee hath shewed among you Numb 14.11 Ioh. 9.16.9.30 Ob. Why then say the Scribes that Elias must first come A. I say vnto you that Elias is come already and they knew him not but they haue done vnto him whatsoeuer they listed Mat. 17.12 Q. For my owne part I haue no more to say against your allegations yet want I the comfort and assurance thereof still A. If you will doe the will of God you shall know the doctrine alledged to bee of God and not of man Ioh. 7.17 And the comforter whom Christ will send vnto you from the Father euen the Spiriâ— of truth which proceedeth from the Fatherâ— he shall testifie of him and you also shalâ— beare witnesse of him Iohn 15.26.27 Q. What vse are wee to make oâ— this Doctrine teaching vs the certainty of
euer them that are sanctified whereof also the holy Ghast is a witnesse Heb. 10.14 15. Not that Christ should offer himselfe often as the high Priests entred into the holy place euery yeere with the blood of others for then must he often haue suffered since the foundation of the world But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sinne by the sacrifice of himselfe Heb. 9.25.10.18 Q. Is then the guiltinesse and punishment of sin taken away by Christ A. This is a faithfull saying and worthy all acceptance that Christ Iesus came into the world to saue sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 And you know that he was made manifest that he might take away our sins 1 Ioh. 3.5 who his own selfe bare our sins in his own body on the Tree 1 Pet. 2.24 which was prefigured by the scape-gote Leu. 16.21 22. Thus it is written and thus it behoued Christ to suffer and that remission of sinnes should bee preached in his name among all Nations beginning at Ierusalem Luke 24.26.27 Be it knowne vnto you therefore men and brethren that through this man is preached vnto you the forgiuenesse of sinnes Act. 13.38 Math. 9.2 1.21 Reuelat. 1.5 6. Ioh. 1.29 Ob. By what authority did hee these thing And who gaue vnto Christ this authority to forgiue sinnes Math. 12.23 Mar. 2.7 A. As no man tooke this honour to himselfe to offer for sin but he that was called of God as was Aaron So also Christ glorified not himselfe to bee made an high Priest but hee that said vnto him Thou art my Sonne this day haue I begotten thee he gaue it him Heb. 5.4 And hath exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and Sauiour for to giue repentance vnto Israel and forgiuenesse of sinnes Act. 5.31 But that yee may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgiue sins he saith to one sicke of the palsie I say unto thee arise and take vp thy bed who immediatly arose and took vp his bed and went forth among them all Mar. 2.10 c. Q. What witnesses can you produce to conuince vs of remission of sinnes by Christ A. Caiaphas though his enemy yet being high priest professed that Iesus should dye for the Nation of â—he Iewes and not for that Nation only but that also hee should gather together in one the Children of God that were scattered abroad Ioh. 1â— 51 52. To whom also giue all the Proâ—hets witnesse That through his name whosoeuer beleeueth in him should receiue remission of sinnes Acts 10.43 This is hee that came bâ— water and blood euen Iesus Christ not by water onely but by water and blood and it is the Spirit that beareth witnesse because the Spâ—rit is truth For there are three that beare record in heauen the Father the Word and the holy Ghost and these three are one And there are three that beare witnesse in earth the Spirit and water and blood and these three agree in one Ioh. 15.6 c. Q. But wil God make good their testimony A. If we confesse our sinnes hee is faithfull and iust to forgiue vs our sinne 1 Ioh. 1.9 For when Dauid said vnto Nathan I haue sinned Nathan said vnto Dauid The LORD also hath put away thy sinne 2 Sam. 12.13 Isa 6.5 c. 2 Chro. 7.14 Mat. 18.26 27. Luk. 15.18 c. Q. Is there no forgiuenesse of sinne without confession A. Hee that couereth his sinnes shall not prosper onely hee that confesseth and forsakes his sins shall haue mercy Pro. 28.13 For saith Dauid When I kept silence my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long c. I acknowledged my sinne vnto thee and mine iniquity haue I not hid I said I will confesse my transgressions and thou forgauest the iniquity of my sinne Psalm 32.3 c. Luke 15.18 Q. What are the sinnes which God for Christs sake will forgiue A. He will cleanse them from all their iniquities whereby they haue sinned against him and he will pardon all their iniquities whereby they haue sinned and whereby they haue transgressed against him Ier. 33.8 And the blood of Iesus Christ his Son cleanseth vs from all sinne 1 Ioh. 1.7 Psal 130.8 85.2 Q. How farre foorth doth God forgiue sinnes A. To the vtmost extent thereof For 1 God was in Christ reconciling the world vnto himselfe not imputing their trespasses vnto them 2. Cor. 5.19 2 As not seene For he hath not beheld iniquity in Iacob neither hath hee seene peruersenesse in Israel Numb 23.21 Whereby when the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for there shall be none and the sinnes of Iudah and they shall not be found c. Ierem. 50.20 Isa 38.17 Psalm 85.2 Ezek. 16.8 3. As not remembred For he will be mercifull vnto our vnrighteousnesse and our sinnes and iniquities wil he remember no more Heb. 8.12 4 As far away remoued For as heauen is high aboue the earth so great is his mercy towards them that feare him as farre as the East is from the West so farre hath he remooued our transgressions from vs Psal 103.11 12. 5 As swallowed vp He will turne againe hee will haue compassion vpon vs hee will subdue our iniquities and cast all their sinnes into the depth of the sea Micah 7.19 7 As a cloud vanished Hee hath blotted out as a thicke cloude our transgressions and as a cloude our sinnes Isai 44.22 7 As a writing defaced I saith God euen I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions Isai 43.25 Q. Why is the curse of sinne with the guilt taken away by Christ A. GOD sent not his Sonne into the World to condemne vs but that wee through him might bee saued Iohn 3.17 For surely hee hath borne our griefes and carried our sorrowes c. Hee was wounded for our transgressions hee was bruised for ouri-niquities the chastisement of our peace was vpon him and with his stripes we are healed c. Isa 53.4.5 There is therefore no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus Rom. 8.1 For he hath redeemed them from the curs of the Law by being made a curse for them as it is written Cursed is euery one that hangeth on a tree Gal. 3.13 Rom. 5.14 c. Ioh. 3.17 Q. What moued the Lord through Christ to take away our sinnes A. We haue redemption through his blood the forgiuenesse of sinnes according to the riches of his grace Ephes 1.7 And for his owne names sake 1 Ioh. 2.12 If the Lord indeed should marke iniquities who should stand But there is forgiuenesse with him that he may be feared Psalm 130.3 4 Ezech. 20.44 Isa 43.21 Q. What would you infer vpon this so rich and plentious grace of God A. Euen as Dauid who describeth the blessednesse of the man vnto whom God imputeth righteousnesse without works saying Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiuen and whose sinnes are couered Blessed is the man vnto whom the Lord will not impute sinne Romans
against you yet he shall purge them away Psaâ— 65 3â— Moreover every valley shall be exalted and every mountaine and hâ—ll shall be made low and the crooked things shal be made straight and the rough places plaine Isa 40 4. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnall but mighty through GOD to the pulling downe of strong holds casting downe imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it selfe against the knowledge of GOD and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of CHRIST 2 Cor. 10 4. Acts 9 20. Ob. But doe not you as PAVL did of himse fe say of your selfe that what I would doe that I doe not but what I hate that doe I Rom. 7 15 23. Gal. 5.17 A. If I doe that I would not I consent vnto the law that it is good Now then it is no more I that do it but sinne that dwelleth in me Rom. 7 16. And though I walke in the flesh yet doe I not warre after the flesh 2 Cor. 10.3 For the Lord is that spirit and where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty 2 Cor. 3 17 Therefore I thanke GOD through IESVS CHRIST our Lord hat with the mind I serue the Law of GOD though with the flesh the Law of sinne Rom. 7 25. Q. What is required of vs to be done for the furthering of this Grace in our selues A. Dearly beloved I beseech you as strangers and Pilgrims abstaine from fleshly lusts which warre against the Soule 1 Pet. 2 11. 2 Pray saying keepe backe thy Servant from presumptuous sinnes let them not haue dominion over me then shalt thou be vpright and innocent from the great transgression Psal 1â— 13. Ob. Notwithstanding doe what I can this burthen of sinne presseth me very sore A. Come vnto me all ye that labour and are heauy laden and I will giue you rest Mat. 11.28 For I am not come to call the Righteous but sinners to repentance Mat. 9.13 Ob. Behold we come vnto thee for thou art the Lord our God Ier. 3 22. But we haue gone astray like lost sheepe Psal 119 176. And the way of man is not in himselfe neither is it in man that walketh to direct his steps Ier. 10 23. A. I am not sent but to the lost sheepe of the house of Israel Mat. 15 24. Therfore I am come to saue that which was lost Mat. 18 11. and to bring againe that which was driven away Ezek. 34.16 For how thinke you If a man haue an hundred sheepe and one of them be gone astray doth he not leaue the ninety and nine and goeth into the Mountaines and seeke that which was gone astray c. Even so it is not the will of the Father which is in Heaven that one of these little ones should perish Mat. 18 12 10 6. Luk. 15 8 c. Ob. The worst as yet remaines for though I see my way before me yet can I not walke therein A. The Spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weake Math. 26 41. Yet a bruised reed will he not breake and smoaking flaxe shall he not quench till hee send forth Iudgement vnto victory Mat. 12 20. And hee said vnto me my grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weaknesse 2 Corinth 12 9. Ob. All this while my appetite after 2Grace is not alayed A. I will powre waters vpon him that is thirsty and flouds vpon the dry ground Isa 44 3 For as the Scriptures haue said out of his belly shall flow Rivers of liuing water which bee spake of the spirit which they that beleeue on him should receiue Ioh. 7 38 39. I am also the bread of life he that coÌ„meth vnto me shal neuer hunger and he that beleeueth on me shall never thirst Iohn 6 35 4 13. Luke 1 53. Ob. It is not meet to take the Childrens bread and to cast it vnto Dogges Mat. 15 26. A. True yet the Dogs eate of the crums which fall from the Masters table Mat. 15 27. And therefore if any man thirst let him come vnto CHRIST and drinke Ioh. 7 37. And hee that hath no money come yea buy and eate yea come buy wine and milke without money and without price Wherefore doe you spend money on that which is not bread And your labour for that which satisfieth not Hearken diligently vnto me and eate that which is good and let your soule delight it selfe in fatnesse Incline your eare come vnto him heare and your soule shall liue Isa 55 1. And the spirit and the bride say come and let him that is a thirst come and whosoever will let him take of the Waters of life freely Revel 22 17. Ioh. 4 10. Q. But in comming shall I not bee rejected A. All that the Father giveth mee shall come to mee and him that commeth to me I will in no wise cast off Ioh. 6.37 Ob. Sir giue mee then this water that I thirst not Ioh. 4.15 For notwithstanding all you haue said It is the very breaking of my heart to thinke that I can serue GOD no better A. The Sacrifices of GOD are a broken Spirit a broken and a contrite heart God will not despise Psal 51 17. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth Eternitie whose name is Holy I dwell in the high and holy place with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit to reviue the spirit of the humble and to reviue the heart of the contrite ones Isa 57.15 To open the blind eyes to bring the Prisoners from the prison and them that sit in darknesse out of the prison house Isa 42.7 That they might bee called the trees of Righteousnesse the planting of the LORD that hee might be glorified Isa 6â— 2 3. Therefore turne yee to the strong holds ye prisoners of hope for even to day doe I declare that I will render double vnto thee Zach. 9 12. Isa 49.8.61 1. Psal 34.18.147 3. Ob. These are sweet promises I confesse but yet I want comfort still A. The Lord God hath given CHRIST the tongue of the Learned that hee should know how to speake a word in season to him that is wearie Isa 50 4 Blessed therefore are you that mourne for you shall bee comforted Math. 5.4 Ob. Yet for all this the distresses of my soule are such as bee intollerable to beare and how to bee deliuered I know not A. Who is among you that feareth the Lord that obeyeth the voyce of his servant that walketh in darknesse and hath no light let him trust in the Name of the Lord and stay vpon his GOD Isa 50.10 and seeke vnto him that maketh the seaven Starres and Orion and turneth the shadow of Death into the morning and maketh the day darke with night that calleth for the waters of the Sea and powreth them â—â—t vpon the face of the earth the LORD â—his name Amos 5 8. CHAP. XXVI Of the Temptations of the Devill Ob. THough I should preuaile
with him and be at peace thereby good shall come vnto thee Iob 22 21. For did not HEZIKIAH King of Iudah feare the Lord and the Lord repented him of the evill he had purposed against him Ier. 26 19.12 16. Hos 10 12.6 1. Ier. 26.3 12.6 18 8. Amos 5 4. Ezek. 18 27. Iob 33 23. Ob. I haue indeauoured my selfe in the worke of Repentance what I can and yet my Affliction continueth pressing mee very sore A. Then cry vnto the Lord and hee shall saue you out of your distresses Psal 107.19 Saying Haue mercy vpon me O Lord for I am weake O Lord heale me for my bones are vexed Psal 6.2 Take away thy rod from me and let not thy feare terrifie me Iob. 9.34 Turne thou vnto me and haue mercy vpon mee for I am desolate and Afflicted The troubles of my heart are inlarged O bring thou mee out of my distresse Looke vpon my Affliction and my paine and forgiue me all my sinnes Psal 25 17. O remember not my former iniquities let thy tender mercies speedily prevent mee for I am brought very low Helpe me O God of my saluation for the glorie of thy name deliuer me Psa 79.8 I stretch forth my hand vnto thee my soule thirsteth after thee as a thirsty land Heare me speedily O Lord for my spirit faileth hide not thy face from me lest I be like vnto them that goe downe into the pit Psal 143 6. O Lord correct me but in iudgement not in thine anger lest thou bring me to nothing Ier. 10.24 I am like a flower that is cut downe which flyeth also as a shadow and continueth not and doest thou open thine eyes vpon such a one And bringest thou me to iudgement with thee Iob. 14.2 Thine hands haue made me and fashioned me together round about yet thou dost destroy me Remember I beseech thee that thou hast made me as the clay and wilt thou bring me into the dust againe Iob. 10.8 Are not my dayes few Cease thou and let me alone that I may take comfort a litle before I go whence I shall not returne Iob. 10.20 Psal 79.5.77.7.85 4 25 6 7 39 12 13.88.1.88 14.102.1 118 25.119 77 143 8.11 Iob. 10 1.13 24.14 6. Ier. 17 14.17 Psalm 42 6 119 107. Isa 64.8 Q. When by these meanes I haue found comfort and deliverance what am I then to doe A. In that day thou shalt say O Lord I will praise thee though thou wast angry with me thine anger is turned away thou comfortest me Behold God is my Salvation I will trust and not be afraid for the Lord IEHOVAH is my strength and my song he also is become my Salvation Isa 12.1 My soule wait thou onely vpon God for my expectation is from him He only is my rocke and my salvation he is my defence therefore I shall not bee mooved In God is my Salvation and my glory the rocke of my strength and my refuge is in God Psal 62 5. For thou hast taken away all thy wrath thou hast turned thy selfe from the fiercenesse of thine anger Psal 78 38. Thou hast delivered my soule from death mine eyes from teares and my feet from falling Psal 116.8 My lips therefore shall greatly reioyce when I sing vnto thee and my Soule which ho u hast redeemed my tongue also shall talke of thy Righteousnesse all the day long Psal 71 23. I will say vnto thee thy Righteousnesse O GOD is very high who hath done great things O God who is like vnto thee Thou who hast shewed me great and sore troubles hast quickened me againe and hast brought me vp againe from the depths of the earth thou hast increased my greatnesse and comforted me on every side Psal 71.19 To the end that my glory may sing vnto him and not be silent O Lord my God I will giue thee thankes for ever Psal 30 12 49 15.22 22 63 7.66 8.30 3 103.1 4.85 2 3 116 7 9. Isa 61 10 49.13.38 20. Exod. 4 31. Luk. 17.15 Psal 35.18 85.9 116.5 CHAP. XXVIII Of Persecution Ob. I Know now that in the middest of Iudgement the LORD will remember Mercie notwithstanding the feare I haue of falling into the hands of men is the very breaking of my heart A. I Even I am he that comforteth you who art thou that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall dye and of a man that shall be made as grasse And forgettest the Lord thy maker that spreadeth forth the Heavens and layeth the foundations of the earth hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor as if hee were ready to destroy And where is the fury of the oppressor Isa 51 12 Behold I will make thy Face strong against their Faces and thy Fore-head strong against their Fore-heads is an Adamant harder than flint haue I made thy Forehead feare them not neither be dismayed at their lookes though they be a rebellious house Ezek. 3.8 Are not two Sparrowes sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father but the very haires of your head are numbred Feare ye not therefore for you are of more value then many Sparrowes Math. 10.29 So that we may boldly say the Lord is my helper I wil not feare what man can do vnto me Heb. 13 6. â— For the Lord God will helpe me therefore shall I not bee confounded therefore haue I set my face like a flint and I know I shall not be ashamed He is neere that iustifieth me who will contend with me Let vs stand together who is mine Adversary Let him come neere to usee Behold the LORD GOD will helpe me who is hee that shall condemne me Loe all they shall waxe old as a Garment the Moth shall eate them vp Isa 50 7. Numb 22 18.38 verses 24. 12 13 23 8. Heb. 11 27. Psalm 140.12 Ob. But doe I not with these eyes see many of my Brethren how cruelly they haue beene handled by them Psal 22 12 13 143 3 4. A. All that will liue godly in CHRIST IESVS shall suffer persecution 2. Tim. 3.12 As formerly he that was borne after the flesh persecuted him that was borne after the Spirit even so it is now Gal. 4.29 that the Brother shall betray the Brother to death and the Father the Sonne and the Children shall rise vp against their Parents and shall cause them to die And you shall bee hated of all men for my names sake Math. 10.21 These things haue I spoken vnto you that you should not be offended they shall put you out of the Synagogue yea the time commeth that whosoever killeth you will thinke that hee doth GOD Service And these things will they doe vnto you because they haue not knowne the Father nor me But these things haue I told you that when the time shall come ye may remember that I haue told you them Ioh. 16 1. Notwithstanding if the world hate you you know it
ready to speake plainly Isa 32.4 For out â—f the mouthes of Babes and sucklings hath 〈◊〉 ordained strength because of his Eâ—â—mies that hee might still the enemy and â—avenger Psal 8 2. Say not then I am a Child for thou shalt â—nto all that I shall send thee and whatâ—â—ever I command thee thou shalt speake Ierem. 1.7 For who hath made mans Youth Or who maketh the dumbe and be deafe haue not I the Lord Now â—herefore I will be with thy mouth and â—uch thee what thou shalt say Exod. 4 11. When they therefore deliver you vp â—ike no thought how or what you shall â—eake for it shall be given you in that â—ime houre what you shall say Math. 10 19. Luk. 21.14 And I will giue you a â—outh and wisedome which all your adversaries shall not be able to gaine-say nor resist Luk. 21.15 Act. 6 10. For the Scripture saith Whosoever beleeveth on him shall not be ashamed Rom. 10 11. For with the Heart man beleeveth vnto Righteousnesse and with the Mouth confession is made vnto salvation Rom. 10 10 You having therefore the same spiritâ— of Faith according as it is written beleeved and therefore haue I spoken you also beleeue and therefore speake 2. Cor 4 13. And be not afraid and hold not thy peace for I am with thee and no maâ— shall set on thee to hurt thee Acts 18.9 But sanctifie the Lord God in your heart and be ready alway to giue an answere to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you and that with meekenes and feare 1. Pet. 3 15. Math. 10 32. Prou. 16.1 Acts 4.9 Luk. 12.12 Ob. If for the hope of Israel I should thus stand in defence of the truth I shall for my labour be cast into some Dungeon Ier. 38.6 be bound with a chaine Acts 28.20 And my feet hurt with fetters of Iron Psal 105.18 Ezek. 19.9 Iohn 21 28. A Though you suffer trouble as an evill doer yet the word of God is not bound 2. Tim. 2.9 You may be a bondman in deed yet the Lord God will not forsake you in your bondage Ezra 9 9. No more than he forsooke PAVL and SILAS who â—ing psalmes in Prison Acts 16 25. For the Lord heareth the poore and desâ—seth not his Prisoners Psal 69.33 â—et hath broken the Gates of Brasse and â—â—t the Barres of iron in sunder Psal 107. â—6 And bringeth out those that are â—â—und with chaines Psal 68 6. For the iron gate opened vnto Peter of its owne â—ucord whereby hee escaped the hands of Herod Acts 12 10. Ier. 38.13.52.31 Psal 102.19.116 16. Ob. It may be they will not alwayes deâ—aine me a prisoner but which is worse 〈◊〉 may bee banished into the Land of Strangers abroad Reu. 19.10 Heb. 11.38 Act. 8 1. A. Although they shall cast you a far off â—mong the Heathen and although they do scatter you among the Countries yet will the to you as a little Sanctuary in the Countries where you shall come Exek 11.16 And when you are in the Land of your Enemies I will not cast you away neither will I abhorre you to destroy you vtterly and to breake my Covenant with you for I am the Lord your GOD Leuit. 26.44 But I will giue you a reviuing there Ezra 9 8. And make you to be pittied of all those that shall carry you Captiue Psal 106 46 And make the Enemy to intreat you well Ier. 15.11 And I will be with you as with IOSEPH in Egypt who was a prosperous man Gen. 39 2. forgat all his toyle and all his Fathers house and became fruitfull in the Land of his Affliction Gen. 41 51 52 46 3 47 27 23 11. Ier. 40.4 37 21. Deut. 4 29. Reuel 1.9 10. Psal 105 12. Ier. 31 10. 2 Moreouer heare the Word of the Lord and declare it in the Isles a farre off and say hee that scattered Israel will gather him Ier. 31.10 Feare not for I am with them I will bring their seed from the East and gather them from the West I will say to the North giue vp and to the South keepe not backe Bring my Sonnes from farre and my Daughters from the ends of the earth even every one that is called by my name for I haue created him for my glory Isa 43 5. For as the Shepheard seeketh out his flocke in the day that he is among his Sheepe that are scattered so will I seeke out my Sheepe and will deliver them out of all places where they haue beene scattered in the cloudie and darke day And I will bring them out from the people and gather them from the Countries and I will bring them to their owne Land Ezek. 34 12. So that the redeemed of the Lord shall returne and come with singing vnto Zion and everlasting ioy shall bee vpon their head they shall obtaine gladnes and ioy and sorrow and mourning shall flee away Isa 51 11. Say ye therefore turne againe our captivity O Lord as the streames in the South Psal 126 4. O that Salvation were come out of Zion when the Lord bringeth backe the captivity of his people Iacob shall reioyce and Israel shall be glad Psalm 14 7 53.6 81 5 68 22. Deut. 30 1. Gen. 15.15.48 21. Isa 14 12 26 2 â—9 10.30 10 27 13 49.25 60 15. Ier. 23 3 24 5. Ezek. 36 24. Amos 9 14. Zach. 10 10. Exod. 12.41 Ob. But in the meane while would it not greeue a man to part with his deare friends with what else he hath Ier. 5 2. Lam. 5 15 3 45 46. Dan. 9 15. A. No moâ—e than it would haue grieved Leui who said vnto his Father and to his mother I haue not seene him neither did he acknowledge his Brethren nor knew his owne Children Deut. 33.9 Or than others who tooke ioyfully the spoyling of theyr goods knowing in themselues that they haue in Heaven a better and an induring substance Heb. 10 34. For I say vnto you there is no man that hath left house or Brethren or Sisters or Father or Mother or Wife or Children or Lands for my sake or the Gospell but he shall receiue an hundred fold now in this world Houses and Brethren and Sisters and Mothers and Children and lands with Persecutions and in the world to come life everlasting Mark 10 29 Luk. 14 26 14.33.17.32 Ob. But more greevous things than these are imposed for for his sake are we killed all the day long and are counted as sheepe for the slaughter Psal 44 22 74.4 Lam. 3.42 A. Yet I will not leaue you comfortlesse Ioh. 14 18. But as my sufferings abound in you so your consolation also aboundeth 2 Cor. 1 5. For I will pray the Father and hee shall gâ—ue you another comforter that he may abide with you for ever even the spirit of truth whom the world cannot receiue because it seeth hâ—m not neither knoweth him But ye know him for hee dwelleth with you and shall bee in you
vse of these meanes Grace it selfe may decay A. In all places where GOD doth record his Name hee will blesse thee Exod. 20 24. The Lord shall blesse thee out of Zion Psal 128.5 So that thou shalt flourish like a Palme tree and like a Cedar in Libanon Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the Courts of our GOD they shall bring foorth fruit in old age they shall be fat and flourishing to shew that the Lord is vpright he is my rocke and that there is no vnrighteousnesse in him Psal 92 12 84 7 65 4. 1 Cor. 15 10. Math. 13 â—1 32. Isa 61 11. Q. What is required of vs to the â—nd that these meanes of Grace may be thus continued with successe A. 1 Get Davids appetite after them â—aying As the heart panteth after the waâ—â—r brookes so doth my heart pant after â—hee O GOD. My Soule thirsteth for God for the living God when shall I come â—nd appeare before God Psal 42 1. My Soule longeth yea even fainteth for the Courts of the Lord my heart and my flesh â—rieth out for the living God c. For a â—ay in his Courts is better than a thousand 〈◊〉 had rather be a doore keeper in the house â—f my God than to dwell in the tents of â—ickednesse Psal 84 1 10. verses 63 1 2 137 5 6. 2 A delight in them Reioyce with Ieâ—usalem and bee glad with her all you â—hat loue her reioyce for ioy with her â—ll you that mourne for her that yoâ— may sucke and bee satisfied with the breasts of her consolation that you may milke out and be delighted with the aboundance of her glory Isay 66 10. 3 Pray saying O send out thy light and thy truth let them leade mee let them bring mee vnto thy holy Hill and to thy Tabernacles Psalm 43 3. Send mee helpe from thy Sanctuary and strengthen mee out of Zion Remember all my offerings and accept my burnt Sacrifice Psalm 20 2 3. 134.3 4 Keepe thy foot when thou enterest into the house of God and be more neere to heare than to giue the Sacrifice of fooles Eccl. 5 1. For which end wash thy hands in innocencie and so compasse the Altars of God Psal 26 6. 5 When you come to worship the LORD in the beautie of holinesse Psal 96 9. Worship the Father in spirit and in truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him GOD is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and truth Iob. 4.23 6 Remember the Sabbath day to keepe it holy for the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it Exod. 20.8 11. Wherefore if thou turne away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy will on my holy day and call the Sabbath a delight and consecrate is as glorious to the LORD and shalt honour him not doing thine owne wayes not seeking thine owne will not speaking a vaine word then shalt thou delight in the LORD and I will feed thee with the hreitage of IACOB thy Father For the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it â—â—a 58 13. Blessed is the man that doth this and the Sonne of man which layeth hold on it Isa 56 2. And embraceth my Covenant him will I bring vnto my Holy Mountaine and make him ioyfull in mine house of Prayer Isa 56 6.7 Reu. â— 10. Q. If I should forbeare my worke on the Sabbath day I should come to beggery at the last A. See for that the LORD hath given you the Sabbath therefore hee giveth you on the sixt day the bread of two dayes therefore abide you every man in his place let no man goe out of his place on the seaventh day Exod. 16 29 16 5. CHAP XXXVII Of Temporall Blessings and in particuler of long life Q. ALl these promises you haue mentioned are of singular vse vnto the Soule but what provision shall we haue for the body A. You shall inherit the earth Math. 5 5. For as CHRIST so the world is yours 1 Cor. 3 22. Ob. What will the world profit vs if wee bee taken away by Death and be accounted among them that goe downe into the pit Shall Gods loving kindnesse bee declared in the Graue Or his faithfulnesse in destruction Psalm 88 4 11. A. If thou forget not my Law and thy heart keepe my Commandements length of dayes and long life shall they adde vnto thee Prou. 3 1. And the yeares of thy life shall be many Prou. 4.10 And there shall old men and old women dwell in the streets of Ierusalem every man with his staffe in his hand for very age Zach. 8 4. There shall bee there no more an Infant of dayes nor an old man that hath not filled his dayes for the Child shall dye an hundred yeares old For as the dayes of a Tree are the dayes of my people Isa 65 20 22. And with long life will I satisfie them Psalm 91 16. For they shall see their Childrens Children Psal 128 6. And come vnto their Graue in a full age like as a shocke of Corne commeth in due season into the Barne Iob. 5 26. As well as ABRAHAM who dyed in a good old age an old man and full of yeares Gen. 25 8. Psal 33 18 19. Ier. 45 5 39 17. Gen. 15 15 35 29 47 28 50. 23. Iudg. 8 32. 1 Chron. 29 28 2 24 15. 1 Sam. 25 29. Q. Is long Life a blessing of any worth A. The hoarie head is a Crowne of Glory if it be found in the way of Righteousnesse Prou. 16 31. For as the beauty of young men is their stregnth so the glory of the aged is their gray head Prou. 20 29. Q. Is this promise of long life a blessing common vnto all A. No for GOD shall bring the wicked downe into the pit of destruction the bloudy and deceitfull man shall not liue ouâ— halfe his dayes Psal 55.23 His confidence shall he rooted out of his Tabernacle and it shall bring him to the King of terrors Iob. 28 14. As the whirlewind passeth so is the wicked no more onely the righteous is an everlasting foundation Prou. 10.25 For as righteousnesse tendeth vnto life so he that pursueth evill pursueth it to his owne death Prou. 11 19 10 27. Psal 145 20. Ob. But doe you not see many of the wicked how theyr dayes are prolonged A. The woman that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth 1 Tim. 5 6 And men living â—ruitlessely are as trees twice dead and plucked vp by the rootes Iud. 12 And therefore though a sinner doe evill an hundred times and his dayes be prolonged yet surely I know that it shall bee well with them that feare GOD which feare before him Ecc. 8 12. Q What would you hence inferre A. Therefore bee thou not overmuch wicked neither bee thou foolish for why shouldest thou dye before thy time Eccl. 7 17. But set your hearts vnto all thâ— words which I testifie among you this day
high to shew forth thy loving kindnesse in the morning and thy faithfulnesse every night Psal 92 1. For many O Lord my God are thy wonderfull workes which thou hast done and thy thoughts which are to vs ward they cannot be reckoned vp in order vnto thee if I would declare and speake of them they are moe than can be numbred Psal 40 5. Thy mercy also O Lord is in the Heavens and thy faithfulnesse reacheth vnto the Clouds Thy righteousnes is like the great Mountaines thy iudgements are a great Deepe Psal 36 5. How precious are thy thoughts vnto mee O GOD how great is the summe of them â—f I should count them they are moe in number than the sand Psalm 139.17.31.19 â—2 4.5 Blessing and glory and wisdome and thankesgiuing and honour and power and night bee vnto our GOD Râ—u 7.12 For ever and ever 1. Tim. 1.17 and from everlasting to everlasting and let â—ll the people say Amen Psalm 106.48.63.3.4.69.30.31 Isa 63.7.25.1 Psalm 104.33.34.1.35.28.116.13.40.9.45.17 Exod. 15.11 Psalm 57 7.147.1.33.1.34.3.97.1â—.68.4.30.4.47.6.7 Psalm 72.18.135.1.19.136.1.103.20.150.6.72.19 CHAP. XLIX The properties of GODS Promises Q. GReat cause indeed haue we thus to giue thanks for here are many Promises and for all purposes both great and precious if they be as true as good A. These things saith the Amen the faithfull and true witnesse Reu. 3.14 are the true sayings of GOD Reuel 19.9 I IESVS haue sent mine Angell to testifie these things in the Churches Reu. 22.16 Therefore write these words are true and faithfull Reu. 21.5.22 6. For GOD will performe his truth to IACOB and his mercie to ABRAHAM which hee hath sworne to our Fathers from the dayes of old Miâ—h 7. â—0 Hee confirmeth the word of his Serâ—â—nt and he performeth the counsell of his Messengers Isa 44 26. Hee said not vnto the seed of IACOB Seeke yee my face in vaine I the LORD speake righteousnesse I declare the things that are right Isâ— 45 19. For it is GOD that cannot lye who hath thus promised before the World began Titus 1 2. Whe efore let GOD be true and every man a lyar as it is written that thou mightest be Iustified in thy sayings and ouercome when thou art Iudged Rom. 3.4 2 Cor. 1.18 Pâ—al 58.11.33.5.12 6.30 5. Num. 23 19. Q. What good witnesses can you produce that may conuince vs of the truth of these things A. Though saith CHRIST I beare record of my selfe yet my record is true I am one that beare witnesse of my selfe and the Father that hath sent mee beareth witnesse of mee Ioâ— 8 14 18. who is true and I speake to the world the things which I haue heard from him Ioh. 8 26. The Disciple also whom IESVS loued testâ—fied these things and wee know that his testimony is true Ioh. 21.24 IOHN indeed did no miracle but all things that IOHN spake of this man were true Ioh. 10 41. And every one that hath received his testimony hath set to his seale that GOD is true Ioh. 3 33. 1. Ioh. 1 5. Q. Who haue at any time vpon their owne experience proued them so to be A. Behold this day I am going the way of all the earth and you know in all your hearts and in all your soules that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your GOD spake concerning you all things are come to passe vnto you not one thing hath failed thereof Ios 23 14.21.45 For it came to passe at the end of foure hundred and thirty yeares as was promised Gen. 15 14. even the selfe-same day it came to passe that all the hostes of the LORD went out from the land of Aegypt Exod. 12 41. vnto whom the LORD gaue all the Land which hee sware to giue to theyr Fathers and they possessed it and they dwelt therein And the â—ORD gaue them rest round about acâ—â—rding to all that hee sware vnto their â—athers and there stood not a man of all â—heir enemies before them There failed â—ot ought of any good thing which the LORD hath spoken vnto the house of ISRAHL all came to passe Iosh 21 43. So that he hath dealt well with his servants according to his Word Psal 119.63 And all his counsels of old are faithfulnesse and truth Isa 25 1. 1 King 8 20. 2 Chron. 6 15. Q. What then may this truth of GOD in promising teach vs A. 1 To beleeue for if wee receiue the witnesse of men the witnesse of GOD is greater For this is the witnesse of GOD which hee hath testified of his Sonne 1 Ioh. 5 9. Wherefore sirs bee of good cheere for I beleeue GOD thus it shall bee even as it was told mee Act. 27 25. For shall mortall man be more iust than GOD And shall a man bee more pure than his Maker Iob 4 17. Rom. 3 3 4. Luk. 11.13 2 To say Lord GOD of Israel there is no GOD like thee in Heaven aboue or on Earth beneath who keepeth Covenant and mercy with thy servants that walke before thee with all their hearts 1 King 8 23. Wherefore blessed bee the LORD which spake with his mouth vnto DAVID my Father and hath with his hand fulfilled it 1. King 8.15.20 3 To Pray saying Remember the word vnto thy seruant vpon which thou hast caused me to trust Psal 119.49 4 Thou also shalt keepe my couenant therefore thou and thy seed after thee in their generations Gen. 17 9. As well as the Iewes who did according to their promise Else as the Prophet shooke his lappe and said so GOD shall shake out every man from his house and from his labour that performeth not his promise even thus be he shaken out and emptied vnto which say Amen Nehem. 5 13. 5 For which and also say Lead me in thy truth and teach me for thou art â—e GOD of my saluation Psal 25 5. Ob. I doe now acknowledge GOD to â—ee true of his Word but was he not â—ooued to make these promises for â—ame thing of speciall worth he see to â—e in vs deseruing the same A. Were yee not as the Ethiopians vnto â—e O children of Israel saith the LORD Amos 9.7 For even TERAH the Father of ABRAHAM and the Father â—f NACHOR they serued other Gods Iosh 24.2 So hath the LORD also called thee being a Woman forsaken and afflicted in spirit and as a young wife when thou wast refused saith thy GOD. Isa 54 6 And when he passed by thee and saw thee polluted in thy owne blood he said vnto thee when thou wast in thy blood liue Yea he said vnto thee when thou wast in thy blood live Ezek. 16.6 Isa 51.1.2 Hos 14.4 Ob. Though hee did finde vs wicked yet doth he not leaue vs so and therefore for some fore-seene good that would bee in vs hee might be moued hereunto A. Can a man be profitable vnto God as hee that is wise may be profitable vnto himselfe Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that thou art