testimonies brought to confirme and demonstrate must be distinguished from the inward operation of the holy Ghost opening our eies to see the light shining in the Scripture and to discern the sense thereof 2. Cor. 1. 22 Q. These reasons may conuince any be he neuer so obstinate but are they sufficient to perswade the heart hereof A. No the testimonie of the 18 Spirit is necessarie q 1. Cor. 2. 14. and onely all-sufficient for this purpose r. 1. Ioh. 2. 20. 27. Expos 18. By nature we are blind in spirituall things 1. Cor. 2. 14. Matth. 15. 14. though therefore the Scripture be a shining light Psal 119. 105. yet vnlesse our eies be opened Psal 119. 18. Act. 26. 18. wee cannot see it no more then a blind man doth the Sunne Ioh. 1. 5. Thâ— Spirit is the author of supernatural light and faith 1. Cor. 2. 8 9. Eph. 1. 17. 1. Ioh. 5. 6. 10. by the inspiration thereof were the Scriptures written 2. Pet. 1. 21. the secrets of God are fully knowne vnto and effectually reuealed by the Spirit 1. Cor. 2. 10. the same law which is written in the Scriptures the Spirit doth write in the hearts of men that be indued therewith Esa 59. 21. Heb. 8. 10. For which reasons it must needs bee that the testimonie of the Spirit is all-sufficient to perswade and assure the heart that the Scriptures are the word of God To preuent mistaking therein obserue these rules 1. The Spirit of God doth assuredly perswade our consciences that the Scriptures are of God by enlightning our eyes to behold the light writing the law in our hearts sealing vp the promises to our consciences and causing vs sensibly to feele the effects therof 1. Cor. 2. 12. Luk. 24. 45. 1. Cor. 14. 37. Ier. 31. 33. 2. Cor. 1. 22. 1. Thes 1. 5. with 1. Thes 2. 13. Act. 16. 14. 2. This perswasion of the Spirit is more certain then can bee prooued with reason or expressed in words for things doubtfull may be proued but things in themselues most cleare and certain be aboue all proofe and reason as the shining of the Sunne needes not to be confirâ—ed by argument to him that hath his eyes open to see the light thereof 3. This testimonie of the Holy Ghost is certaine and manifest to him that hath the Spirit but priuate not publique testifying onely to him who is endued therof but not conuincing others not confirming doctrines to others 4. This testimonie of the Spirit is not to be seuered from the word which is the instrument of the holy Ghost and his publique testimonie It is not therefore iniurious to trie the Spirit by the word of God 1. Ioh. 4. 1. seeing there is a mutuall relation between the truth of the partie witnessing and the truth of the thing witnessed and the holy Spirit the author of the Scripture is euery where like vnto and doth euerie where agree with himselfe 5. The testimonie of the Spirit doth not teach or assure vs of the letterâ— syllabes or seuerall words of holy Scripture which are onely as a vessell to cary and conuey that heauenly light vnto vâ— but it doth seale in our hearts the sauing truth contained in those sacred writings into what language soeuer they be translated Eph. 1. 13. 6. The Spirit doth not lead them in whom it dwelleth absoluâ—ly and at once into all truth but into all truth necessarie to saluation and by degrees Ioh. 16. 13. with Act. 1. 6. 11. 2. so that holy men partakers of the same Spirit may erre in many things and dissent one from another in matters not fundamentall Q. What are the properties of the Scripture A. It is of 19 Diuine Å¿ 2. Tim. 3. 16. authoritie the rule 20 of t Eccl. 12. 10. Gal. 6. 16. faith and manners 21 u Rom. 10. 14. necessarie 22 w Psal 12. 6. pure 23 x Psal 19. 7. perfect and 24 y Prou. 8. 9. plain Expos 19. Such is the excellency of the holy Scripture aboue all other writings whatsoeuer 2. Tim. 3. 15. 2. Pet. 1. 19. that it ought to be credited in all narrations threatnings promises or prophesies 1. Tim. 1. 15. Heb. 11. 11. 2. Pet. 1. 19. and obeyed in all commaundements Iob 22. 22. Ier. 13. 15. Rom. 1. 5. God the Author thereof beeing of incomprehensible wisedome Psa 147. 5. great goodnesse Exod. 18. 9. Psa 34. 8. Rom. 11. 22. absolute power and dominion Gen. 17. 1. Psal 50. 1 â— and truth that can neither deceiue nor be deceiued Rom. 3. 4. Tit. 1. 2. Heb. 6. 18. The authority of the Scripture doth onely and wholly depend vpon God the author of it and therefore though one part may be preferred before another in respect of excellencie of matter and vse Cant. 1. 1. 1. Tim. 1. 15. in authoritie and certaintie euery part is equall and onely Scripture is of diuine authoritie Gal. 1. 8. Mat. 17. 5. 1. Cor. 11. 23. 20. The Scriptures are the word of Christ Col. 3. 16. whose word is vpright Eccl. 12. 10. Phil. 3. 16. the first truth Heb. 13. 8. receiued by immediate diuine reuelation 2. Pet. 1. 21. and deliuered to the Church sufficient to make the man of God perfect in all good workes 2. Tim. 3. 16. 17. the treasury whence all doctrines must be taken 1. Pet. 4. 11. Act 26. 22. Luk. 16. 29. the touchstone wherby they must be tried Act. 17. 11. Esa 8. 20. without which error in doctrine and manners is vnavoidable Matth. 22. 29. 21. In respect of substance the word of God was alwaies necessary Eph. 2. 20 without which we could neither knowe nor worship God aright Heb. 11. 3. 6. Matth. 22. 29. Ioh. 20. 31. 2. Tim. 3 16. Rom. 15. 4. Luk. 24. 26 27. In respect of the manner of reuealing in writing the Scriptures were neeessarie euer since it pleased God after that manner to make knowne his will Deut. 17. 18. Iosh 1. 8. Rom. 15. 4. Luk. 1. 3. Iude v. 3. and so shal be to the end of the world 1. Cor. 10. 11. Reu. 22. 18. 22. This blessed word of God is free from all euen the least staine of follie errour falshood or vniustice Psal 119. 138. 140. Prou. 30. 5. Ioh. 17. 17. all things being laid down holily and truely both for substance circumstance and manner of speaking Psal 51. 1. Matth. 1. 25. 23. Whatsoeuer was is or shall be necessary or profitable to be knowne beleeued practised or hoped for that is fully comprehended in the bookes of the Prophets and Apostles Luk. 16. â—9 31. Io. 5. 39. Rom. 15. 4. Gal. 1. 8. 9. 2. Tim. 3. 15. 16. 17. The perfection of the Scripture will more plainely appeare if we consider 1. That religion for the substance thereof was euer one and vnchangeable Heb. 13. 8. Eph. 4. 5. Iude. 3. Act. 26. 22. Tit. 1. 1. 2. 2. The lawe of God written by Moses and the Prophets did deliuer whatsoeuer
exactly agreeing with it selfe and with the whole Io. 5. 46. This may sufficiently appeare by comparing the prophesies of the old Testament touching Christ the calling of the Gentiles and reiection of the Iewes with the accomplishment of them declared in the Newe Gen. 3. 15. and 12. 4. and 49. 10. Numb 14. 17. Dan. 9. 25. Matth. 1. 18. Luk. 1. 55. and 24. 27. 44. Act. 26. 22. Deut. 32. 21. Mal. 1. 10. 11. Psal 2. 8. and 110. 2. Act. 11. 18. Psal 118. 22. 23. Matth. 21. 42. Such exact consent as here is to be found is impossible to be fained of men or Angels as the things foretold were remooued from their knowledge and finding out vntill they were reuealed These considerations giue strength to this argument 1. The length of time in which this writing continued viz. from Moses vntil Iohn which preuented all conceits of forgery since they were not written in one nor yet in many ages 2. The multitude of bookes that were written and of writers who were imployed in that seruice 3. The distance of place in which they were written which did hinder that the writers could not conferre together Ier. 2. 1. 2. and 36. 5. Ezeck 1. 1. 4. The silence of the aduersaries who in all that long space mentioned whiles the Scripture was in writing could neuer detect any thing in those bookes as false or erroneous whose silence is of great weight in this case because they were eie witnesses of those things which our Sauiour taught did and suffered according as it was prophesied of him so that they knowe the prophesies sauâ— the accomplishment of them and were acquainted with that which the Apostles had written If the Prophets or Apostles who wrote the same histories doe seeme to dissent in any circumstances this doth nothing derogate from their authority for in themselues they differ not the fault is our ignorance and apprehension by a right and iust interpretation they may easily be reconciled and the dissonancy which seemes to be amongst them in small things doth free them from all suspition of fraud and their sweet consent in all matters of importance doth conuince that they wrote by the guidance of the same Spirit If they had all written one thing they might seeme superfluous if each a new history there could appeare no steps of consent when they relate the same story with the same circumstances they haue their vse one sometimes speaking more plainely then the other and when they agree in matter but seeme to dissent in circumstance the truth is the more confirmed an argument of fuller credit may be drawne out of that dissent for as the Heathen man obserueth too exact diligence is neither approoued of al neither doth it want suspition To this sweete agreement of holy Scripture with it selfe it might be further added that it agreeth with all other truth whatsoeuer there is nothing true in diuinity which is false in Philosophie nothing in Phylosophie is repugnant to the truth in divinity but it may be ouerthrowne by the principles of right and true Phylosophie 15. The matter intreated of in holy Scripture is diuine and wonderfull It explicats vnto vs thâ— nature properties and high acts of God purely and holily It describs the person of Christ so fitly excellently and conueniently that if the mind of man consider it attentiuely of necessity it must acknowledge that it doth exceed the reach of a finite vnderstanding It discouers vnto vs the misery and corruption of man by nature incomprehensible loue of God in Iesus Christ towards man that happy reconciliation if we may so speake of his iustice and mercy by his infinite wisedom ordaining Iesus Christ to be our Mediator and it vnfolds the couenant of grace which God made with man after his fall all which can be drawn from no fountain but diuine reuelation 1. Cor. 2. 7. 8. Eph. 3. 4. 5. Col. 1. 26. The Scripture also containes the lawe of God which teacheth the dutie of man and that is wise and iust the Gentiles themselues being iudges Deu. 4. 5. 6. 7. In the precepts diuerse notes of diuinity may be obserued as 1. The surpassing excellencie of the act requiring that we should denie our selues and lead our liues according to the appointment of the Lord. Matth. 16. 24. 25. Rom. 8. 12. 13. 2. The wonderful equity that doth appeare in euery commaundement 3. The admirable strangenes of some acts which a naturall man would count foolishnes yet prescribed as necessary Io. 3. 36. and 8. 24. 4. The manner how obedience is required viz. that it proceed from a pure heart a good conscience and faith vnfained Deut. 6. 5. 1. Cor. 13. 2. 1. Tim. 1. 5. 5. And the perfection of the law commaunding and allowing all good but forbidding and condemning all sinne and wickednes of what kind soeuer Take a briefe veiwe of the ten commaundements are they not plaine pure briefe perfect iust extending to all binding the conscience and reaching to the very thoughts and doe not all these things commend vnto vs the iustice wisedome holines omnipotencie omniscience perfection and absolute soueraignty of the lawgiuer The promises and threatnings annexed to the law will suffer vs to acknowledge none other author of them but the Lord alone for none can make them but he he only can giue eternall life and inflict eternall condemnation Moreouer these are so set together with the commandements as they can mooue none but only the conscience of him who doth acknowledge the Commandements to be diuine 16. The ende of the Scripture is diuine viz. the glorie of God and the saluation of man not temporall but eternall The doctrines precepts prohibitions and narrations are all referred to the setting forth of Gods praise which shewes that they are from aboue Ioh. 7. 18. and 5. 41. and 8. 50. 54. Gal. 1. 10. And to speake truth what is more equal then that all things should returne thither whence thâ—y had their beginning This word also doth point out vnto man what true blessednes is and how he may be reconciled vnto God beeing lost by sinne which is a firme demonstration to prooue vnto vs the diuinitie thereof for what is more agreeable to the wisedom bountie mercy grace power of God then to restore man fallen and to make him partakers of eternall happinesse and who can shewe vnto man how hee may be admitted into Gods fauour hauing offended or direct lead him forward in the path of life but the Lord alone These arguments are of great force whether they bee seuerally or ioyntly considered and doe as strongly prooue that the Christian Religion is only true as any other reason can that there was is or ought to be any true religion 17. This testimonie of Scripture it selfe is most cleare certaine infallible publique and of it selfe worthy credit it beeing the testimonie of the Lord himselfe who is in all things to be beleeued But the external light of arguments and
Heb. 7. 1 2. Aaron and his successors were but Ministers but Christ is the author of saluation Heb. 5. 9. all which doe shewe the absolutenesse perfection and excellencie of Christ his Priesthood Q. What are the functions of his Priestly office A. Offering 19 vp g Heb. 5. 1. and 9. 26. and 7. 25. himselfe a sacrifice once for all and 20 making request for vs Expos 19. Christ thorough the eternal Spirit Heb. 9. 14. offered vp his soule and body as a sweete smelling sacrifice to the Father Eph. 5. 2. once for all Heb. 10. 12. whereby he was consecrated and did enter into heauen presenting himselfe before the Father for vs Heb. 9. 24. and 10. 20. 20. Christâ— intercession is his most gracious will feruently and vnmooueably desiring that all his members for the perpetuall vertue of his sacrifice may be accepted of the Father Rom. 8. 34. This is both vniuersall and particular heauenly and glorious euer effectuall no way reciprocall and tendered onely for the vertue of his sacrifice Q. Why was Christ a 20 King A. To 21 bridle h Psal 110. 1. Col. 2. 14. 1. Cor. 15. 28. 1. Ioh. 10. 16. Hag. 2. 7. and subdue all his enemies but i to 22 gather and k Ezek. 34. 23 24. gouerne 23 his elect and chosen Expos 20. The Kingly office of Christ is his spirituall eternall and absolute dominion Luk. 17. 20. Ioh. 18. 36. Dan. 2. 44. and 7. 14. Heb. 1. 8. Reu. 3. 7. whereby beeing appointed of the Father Psal 2. 6 7. and 45. 7. Psal 110. 2. Matth. 11. 27. Act. 2. 33. Lord of all things in heauen and earth Heb. 2. 7 8. and peculiarly King and Head of his Church Eph. 1. 21 22. he doth confound and destroy all his enemies but doth gather and goueâ—n his elect Hos 1. 7. Esa 33. 22. by his word and spirit for their saluation and the glorie of God Esa 32. 15. and 59. 21. 1. Thess 1. 5. 21. The enemies of Christ are Sathan and all his angels with all their workes to wit sinne and death Gen. 3. 15. Eph. 2. 2. 2. Cor. 4. 4. 2. Cor. 6. 15. to which we must adde all wicked men who bee the instruments of Sathan Ioh. 8. 44. 1. Ioh. 3. 8. amongst whom the Antichrist of Rome is cheife 2. Thess 2. 3. These enemies Christ hath alreadie ouercome in his owne person Eph. 4. 8. Col. 2. 14. Io. 12. 31. he doth daily bridle and represse by his wisedome power word and spirit Luk. 10. 18 19. Luk. 2. 34. Reu. 12. 5. and 2. 27. 2. Cor. 10. 4 5. and he will perfectly subdue at the day of iudgement 1. Cor. 15. 25. adiudging the deuill and all his partakers to eternall condemnation Mat. 25. 46. and vtterly abolishing sinne and death 1. Cor. 15. 26. Further is to be noted that Christ as Mediatour in the execution of his Kingly office doth outwardly call some wicked and vngodly men Mat. 22. 1. 14. and 20. 16. prescribe a law how they ought to walke Iam. 4. 12. bestowe many good things vpon them both spirituall and temporall though not such as accompanie saluation Heb. 6. 4 5. Mat. 13. 19 20 21. Luk. 8. 13 14. Iob 22. 18. and inflict diuerse punishments vpon them in this life and the life to come for their sinne and disobedience Matth. 13. 12. and 25. 28. Es 6. 10. 2. Thess 2. 10 11. Luk. 16. 23. 22. Christ doth not onely by his word call his elect to faith repentance and the participation of the couenant of grace Mark 1. 14 15. Matth. 11. 28. but he doth also effectually mooue them by his Spirit to repent and beleeue Ps 110. 3. 2. Thes 2. 13 14. Eph. 3. 16 17. 23. The functions of Christs Kingly office appertaining to the gouernement of his elect are 1. The prescription of lawes according to which his subiects ought to beleeue and liue which stands not onely in appointing the faithfull by the ministerie of his word to liue godly iustly and soberly but also in writing his lawe in their hearts by his holy Spirit and inabling them by the same Spirit to doe in some measure what hee requireth Tit. 2. 11 12. Ier. 31. 33. Ezeck 36. 27. Ioh. 1. 16. 2. The communication and bestowing of all good things vpon them appertaining to this or a better life so farre as he knowes it needfull or profitable vnder which we are to comprehend the remoouing of things hurtfull and the defending of his subiects against them Psa 68. 18. Iam. 1. 16 17. Ps 23. 1 2 3. 1. Cor. 12. 8 9 10 11. Eph. 1. 7. Act. 26. 18. Matth. 9. 6. Gal. 4. 4 5. Rom. 8. 15 16. 2. Cor. 12. 9. Phil. 4. 13. Luk. 22. 32. Ioh. 17. 11 12. 22. 23. 1. Ioh. 4. 4. Gen. 9. 26. 27. Psal 81. 13 14. Act. 4. 16. and 5. 13. Psal 34. 9 10. Tit. 1. 15. Rom. 14. 14 15. Esa 27. 7. Ier. 46. 28. 3. The receiuing of his elect vnto himselfe and the giuing of eternall life vnto them hauing pronounced sentence on their side Matth. 25. 46. Q. What benefits doe wee receiue by the death and resurrection of Christ A. We are redeemed from the 24 guilt l Col. 1. 14. punishment 25 and power m Luk. 2. 74. Tit. 2. 14. 1. Cor. 15. 13. of sinne shall be raised vp at the last day Expos 24. Christ hath paid our debts and answered whatsoeuer the lawe did require at our hands 1. Pet. 2. 21. 24. and laid downe his life according to the wil of his Father Ioh. 10. 15. so that the law hath nothing against vs Col. 2. 14. Christs death must needs bee acceptable Eph. 5. 2. and consequently wee are not bound ouer to punishment 25. Punishment is inflicted because of sinne Iob. 4. 8. Prou. 22. 8. and 28. 18. Hos 10. 13. and 14. 1. beeing freed from sinne we are not liable to iudgement 1. Sam. 12. 13. Ier. 4. 14. Ezeck 18. 32. It stands not with the iustice of God beeing once fully satisfied to require a second paiment at our hands Gen. 18. 25. Matth. 3. 17. neither will it stand with his glorious mercy the honour of Christ who is a perfect Redeemer Tit. 2. 14. the price of his blood 1. Cor. 6. 21. nor with our faith in praying for full pardon of all our debts Matth. 6. 12. or our peace with God Rom. 5. 1. nor yet with right reason that the guilt of sinne should be remooued and yet punishment for sinne inflicted Q. How are we redeemed from the guilt and punishment of sinne A. God the Father accepting the death of Christ as a full n Rom. 3. 24 25. Col. 1. 14. ransome and satisfaction to his iustice doth freely discharge and acquite vs from all our sinnes Q. How are we redeemed from the power and tyrannie of sinne A. Christ by 26 his o Rom. 6. 3. 4. death killeth sin in vs and by his 27 resurrection doth
also that it is a blessed thing to beare the yoke Mat. 11. 29. 1. Io. 5. 3. Psal 65. 4. and 119. 14. Gal. 6. 16. and so they resolue to denie their owne will and follow the Lord. Phi. 1. 27. and 3. 20. Act. 26. 7. 1. Pet. 4. 2 3. Q. Wherein is the summe of the Lawe contained A. In the q Deut. 10. 4. and 4. 13. tenne 1 commaundements Expos 1. These tenne commaundements are an abridgement of the whole Lawe the full exposition whereof is to be found in the bookes of the Prophets and Apostles and holy men who wrote by inspiration of the spirit Ex. 34. 27. 1. King 8. 9. Matth. 22. 40. For the right vnderstanding of the tenne commandements called the Decalogue obserue these rules 1. The lawe is spirituall binding the soule and conscience to entire obedience Rom. 7. 14. Matth. 5. 21 22. 27. 28. 2. The meaning of the precept is to be drawne from the maine scope and ende thereof Matth. 5. 33 34 35 36 37. 3. The commaundement which forbiddeth a sinne commaundeth the contrary duty and the commaundement which requireth a duty forbiddeth the contrary sinne Psal 34. 12. 14. Esa 1. 16 17. Mar. 3. 4. 4. Vnder one vice expressely forbidden all of the same kind and that necessarily depend thereon as also the least cause occasion or inticement thereunto are likewise forbidden Mat. 5. 21 22. 27 28. 1. Ioh. 3. 15. 5. Vnder one duty expressed all of the like nature are comprehended as all meanes effects and whatsoeuer is necessarily required for the performance of that duty and therefore in diuerse yea in all the commaundements one and the same duty may in diuerse respects be commaunded and one and the same sin may be forbidden 6. Where the more honourable person is expressed as the man let the woman vnderstand that the precept concerneth her 7. Where the duty of one man standing in relation to another is taught there is taught also the duties of all that stand in the like relation one vnto another as when the duty of one inferiour towards his superiour is taught there is taught the generall dutie which all superiours owe to those that be vnder them which inferiours owe to them that be ouer them and which equalls owe one to another Q. How are they diuided A. Into two 2 Tables Deut. 5. 22. and 10. 1 2. Expos 2. From the commaundements as they are set downe we may obserue 1. That the law is most perfectly wise iust equall and strictly binding the consciences of all men without exception and that continually Deut. 4. 5. c. Psal 19. 7. c. 2. For order of doctrine there is a perfect distinction of one commaundement from another but as touching practise they are so nearely knit together that no one can bee perfectly obeyed vnlesse all be obeyed and he that breaketh one commaundement transgresseth the whole lawe Deut. 27. 26. Gal. 3. 10. Iam. 2. 10. 11. 3. The loue of God is the ground of our loue to our neighbour 1. Ioh. 4. 20. and 5. 1. 4. Our loue to our neighbour is a testimonie of our loue to God Rom. 13. 8 9 10. 5. Such as bee truely religious must haue respect vnto all Gods commandements Psa 119. 6. 6. The duties of the first Table are most excellent and the breaches thereof more grieuous then of the second if equall proportion be obserued and comparison bee made 1. Sam. 2. 25. Esa 7. 13. 7. If two Commaundements cannot bee performed at once the lesser must giue place to the greater so the loue of God must be preferred before the loue of our neighbour and morall duties before outward circumstances Hos 6. 6. Matth. 12. 4. 8. The law is set forth as a rule of life to them that are in Christ therefore our obedience is to be performed vnto God in and through Iesus Christ Matth. 19. 17. 18. 19. Exod. 19. 6 7 8. with 20. 1. c. 9. All sinnes here forbidden are to be shunned and that both alwaies and at all times The duties commaunded are perpetuall to bee practised when the Lord giueth opportunitie and calleth thereunto Q. Which are the Commaundements of the first Table A. The fowre first and they teach vs the dutie which wee owe vnto God immediately Q. Which are the commandements of the second Table A. The sixe last which instruct vs in our dutie towards our neighbour Eph. 6. 2. Q. Which is the first Commandement A. I am the Lord thy God c. Thou shalt haue none other Gods before my face Q. What is the generall dutie required in this commaundement A. That in 3 mind will affection and the effects of these we take the true God in Christ to be our God Expos 3. The speciall duties of this commādement are knowledge of God acknowledgement estimation Deut. 4. 39. Isa 43. 10. Psal 89. 6 7. c. and 9. 1. Ier. 24. 7. and 9. 24. Col. 1. 10. Mic. 7. 18. faith trust 2. Chron. 20. 20. Psal 27. 1. 3. and 3 7. 5. loue Deut 6. 5. Psal 18. 1. Mat. 10. 37. feare reuerence Psal 2. 10 11. and 4. 4. 1. Pet. 1. 17. Matth. 10. 28. Ier. 10. 6 7. and 5. 22. Leuit. 19. 14. Psa 130. 3. Reu. 15. 3 4. hope Lam. 3. 24. 26. Rom. 15. 13. Ier. 17. 13. humility 1. Pet. 5. 6. Mic. 6. 8. Gen. 32. 10. patience Psal 39. 9. Rom. 12. 12. Heb. 10. 36. Iob. 1. 21. Ier. 14. 22. Ioy Psal 33. 1. zeale or feruour of will Gal. 4. 18. desire of Gods presence in heauen Phil. 1. 23. 2. Tim. 4. 8. Reu. 22. 17. 20. inuocation Psal 32. 6. and 65. 2. Phil. 4. 5 6. thankefulnes Psal 75. 1. and 56. 12 13. swearing by God alone Deut. 10. 20. adoration Deut. 6. 13. and 10. 20. Matth. 4. 10. and profession of his name 1. Pet. 3. 15. Matth. 10. 32. Dan. 3. 17. and 6. 11. Rom. 10. 10. Q What is the generall sinne here forbidden A. All 4 failing to giue God that aforesaid honour which is due vnto him or else in 5 whole or in part giuing it vnto any other Expos 4. The sinnes forbidden are Atheisme Psa 14. 1. Tit. 1. 16. Exod. 5. 2. ignorance Ier. 4. 22. and 9. 3. Psa 14. 3. error concerning God Rom. 1. 23. Ioh. 5. 23. Infidelitie distrust Heb. 10. 38. Isa 7. 9. Ier. 17. 5 6. presumption Matth. 4. 7. 1. Cor. 10. 6. 10. Num. 15. 30 31. want of loue 1. Cor. 16. 22. of feare or reuerence Psal 36. 1. Deut. 28. 58 59. prophanenesse Rom. 1. 30. 2. Pet. 3. 4 5. Pro. 1. 22. despaire Genes 4. 13. impatience Exod. 16. 3. and 17. 2 3. deadnesse and hardnes of heart Rom. 2. 5. Luk. 2. 34. and vnthankfulnesse Rom. 1. 21. 5. Also pride Act. 12. 23. Dan. 4. 26 27. Luk. 18. 14. confidence in wit wealth friends wicked deuises Ier. 17. 5 6. and 49. 16. 2. Chro. 16. 12. carnall loue Mat. 10.
quicken vs to newnesse of life Expos 26. Christ by his death did conquer sinne and the old man in vs is truely said to be crucified dead and buried in and with the body of Christ we beeing ingrafted into the similitude of his death Col. 2. 12. 20. 27. Hauing communion with Christ in his life we are raised vp to a spirituall life Rom. 8. 11. and haue our conuersation in heauen Phil. 3. 20. But this life is onely begun here and groweth by degrees beeing perfected in heauen Q What are the benefits of Christs ascention A. The leading p Eph. 4. 8. 11. of captiuitie captiue the giuing of gifts vnto men the powring q Act. 2. 16 17. his spirit vpon his people and preparing r Ioh. 14. 3. a place for them Q. What are the benefits of his intercession A. The persons of the faithfull do alwaies remaine iust and their works Å¿ 1. Pet. 2. 5. Gen. 4. 4. Exod. 28. 38. acceptable in the sight of God hereby also they are defended against the accusations of all their enemies Q. How wil the knowledge of these things worke in the heart of him whom God will saue A. It brings him to a serious t Ier. 8. 6 7. Luk 15. 17. consideration of his owne estate to u Act. 2. 37. grieue for sinne and the feare of Gods displeasure whereby w Act. 9 6. the heart is 28 broken and humbled Expos 28. The heart is broken and humbled when it is cast downe with the sight of sinne Psa 51. 17. bruised with the weight of Gods wrath and melted away for feare Psal 119. 120. 2. Kin. 22. 19. knowing that God hath aduantage against him and that he is worthy to be condemned Q. What else will this knowledge worke A. It will bring x Luk. 15. 18. a man 2â— to confesse his sinne highly to y Matth. 13. 44. prize Christ and hunger 30 after z Esa 55. 1. Ioh. 7. 37. him vntill he obtaine his desire Expos 29. He will acknowledge his sinnes to God as particularly as he can 1. Tim. 1. 13. and with sighes and grones for pardon and forgiuenes Rom. 8. 26. 30. Hunger after Christ must be feruent as a thirstie man longeth for drinke and continuall neuer giuing ouer till the desire be obtained With this desire there is alwaies ioyned an high prizing of Christ and an aduised willingnes to for goe all things for Christs sake Phi. 1. 22. 23. with 3. 7 8. Q. How are we made partakers of Christ with all his benefits A. By 1 faith a Io. 3. 16. and 1. 12. Act. 13. 39. alone Expos 1. By faith alone we are ingrafted into Christ Rom. 11. 20. receiue him Io. 6. 56. haue communion with him Reu. 3. 20. and so are made partakers of all his benefits Io. 3. 36. also faith is the condition of the couenant of grace Act. 16. 31. Io. 3. 18. Mar. 16. 19. Io. 9. 30. Rom. 4. 3. 5. Q. What is faith A. A 2 resisting b Psal 2. 12. Act. 16. 31. vpon Christ alone for saluation Expos 2. Bare assenting to the truth of Gods promises vpon the credit of the reuealer is not true and iustifying faith Matth. 21. 32. Io. 2. 23. Luk. 24. 25. Luk. 8. 13. but when the poore soule doth cast it selfe vpon the free promise of God made in Iesus Christ for pardon of sin it doth truely beleeue Act. 9. 42. Io. 14. 1. Io. 5. 24. with Rom. 4. 5. Es 28. 16. with Rom. 9. 33. Act. 18. 8. with Rom. 10. 10 11. This faith is certaine Mat. 16. 18. though mixed with many doubtings Luk. 1. 18. and 17. 5. Mar. 9. 24. and continuall Luk. 22. 31. 32. though often shaken Luk. 24. 21. A full perswasion seemes rather an effect of a strong faith Rom. 4. 21. then the nature of true faith Ioy is a fruite of faith 1. Pet. 1. 8. Act. 8. 6 7 8. Rom. 5. 4. but not an inseparable companion thereof a man may haue true faith and feele little or no comfort Psal 22. 1. and 31. 10. and 77. 2. Q. What is the ground of faith A. The free 3 promises of c Rom. 4. 18. Heb. 11. 11. God made in Christ concerning the forgiuenes of sinnes and eternall righteousnes Expos 3. Temporall blessings Eccl. 9. 12. ciuill vertues Luk. 18. 12 13. 14. a generall notice that Christ wil saue the elect Matth. 13. 20. 21. sense reason experience feeling Psal 10. 1. and 51. 12. are not the grounds of saith but only the promises which God of his grace hath made vnto vs in Christ which ought to be receiued because God that cannot lie hath spoken them Tit. 1. 2. 2. Tim. 2. 13. Q. How is faith wrought in vs A. Inwardly by d Act. 16. 14. the 4 spirit as the Author outwardly by the e Rom. 10. 14. Heb. 5. 11. 12. and 6. 12. preaching of the word and 5 Catechising as the instrument thereof Expos 4. Faith is the gift of God Ph. 1. 29. and a grace supernaturall a man of himselfe can no more beleeue then a corrupt fountaine can send forth sweete waters 1. Cor. 2. 14. 5. By Catechising vnderstand a pure plaine briefe and orderly instruction of the people in the cheife grounds of Christian religion 1. Cor. 2. 4. 1. Cor. 3. 1. 1. Pet. 3. 15. Heb. 6. 1 2. Rom. 6. 17. so that the people may clearely and manifestly see the way vnto saluation and may knowe how to make vse both of the Lawe and of the Gospel for their humiliation and comfort vnderstanding how one thing dependeth vpon another goeth before or followeth after Hereby Christians are inabled to referre that which they read to some head readily to apply what they heare to fit purpose try it and haue it in readines in the time of neede In a word to profite by the publique ministerie Heb. 5. 11 12. and to knowe how to goe forward in godlines in an holy methode To say nothing that Catechising is profitable to informe the iudgement reforme the affection and quicken both to the duties of a Godly life Q. How doth the word worke faith in vs A. By shewing vs f Rom. 7. 7. Gal. 3. 22. our miserie and the true g Gal. 4. 4 5. meanes of our recouerie encouraging vs h Matth. 11. 28. Es 61. 1 2 3. Reu. 22. 17. being 6 humbled to receiue the promises of the Gospel Expos 6. The word commaundeth the humbled to beleeue promiseth them comfort Matth. 9. 13. Luk. 15. 32. setteth forth the necessity and exellency of faith Io. 3. 18. 39. the danger of vnbeleife Mar. 16. 15. Io. 12. 48. Act. 13. 46. the tender mercies and compassions of the Lord Psal 103. 8. 12. and how he inuiteth perswadeth and intreateth him to beleeue 2. Cor. 5. 20. Q. How doth the Spirit worke by the word A. It doth teach vs wisedome i Ezek. 36. 37. 31. to apply things
generally spoken particularly to our selues secretly vpholdeth against despaire stirreth vp l Ph. 2. 13. in vs good desires doth m Ezek. 11. 19. and 36. 26. soften the heart and drawe n Ioh. 6. 44. vs to rest vpon Christ for saluation before we o Matth. 11. 28. 29. haue the feeling of comfort k Psal 51. 12. Q. By what meanes is faith encreased A. By 7 hearing p 1. Pet. 2. 2. the same word preached or Catechised and likewise q Luk. 17. 5. by earnest 8 prayer Expos 7. Hearing the word preached is ordained of God as a meanes to increase knowledge Matth. 15. 10. Pro. 1. 5. and 8. 33. Psal 73. 16. 17. 1. Cor. 1. 21. and 14. 24. 25. to rectifie the iudgement to giue counsell in doubtfull cases Psa 119. 24. Psal 73. 16. 17. to perfect the faith of the weake Rom. 10. 8. 1. Thess 3. 10. to make stable the strong Act. 20. 32. Rom. 1. 11. 12. to comfort them that are in heauines 1. Thes 2. 11. and 3. 2. and 5. 14. to raise them that are fallen 2. Sam. 12. 12. 13. Gal. 6. 1. to call backe them that wander Es 30. 21. to stirre vp the graces of Gods spirit Cant. 4. 16. 2. Pet. 1. 13. to refresh the soules of the Saints with sweete and heauenly consolations Cant. 1. 1. Psal 119. 162. Col. 2. 2. and to build both weake and strong vnto perfect holines Eph. 4. 11. 1. Pet. 5. 2. 1. Tim. 4. 16. Iam. 1. 21. 8. As libertie to pray is a sweete priuiledge Eph. 2. 18. because thereby we doe and may continually commune with the Lord after a familiar manner 2. Sam. 7. 18. Psal 5. 1 2 3. and lay open our griefes into his bosome 1. Sam. 1. 15. Ps 130. 1. 2. and 61. 1 2. we doe testific our dutifull affection to him Luk. 15. 18. and become helpers to others Rom. 15. 30. Ph. 1. 19. 2. Thes 3. 1. Col. 4. 12. so it doth adde strength to faith Luk. 17. 5. for it giues life to the graces of God that are in vs by it we obtaine at the hand of God what good we stand in neede of Matth. 7. 7. Is 65. 24. we growe better acquainted with God Gen. 18. 23. 27. Iam. 4. 8. we fight manfully against corruption Eph. 6. 18. and learne to direct our selues in a godly life by it crosses are preuented remooued or sanctified Ps 3. 4. Es 37. 1. 6. al things are sanctified 1. Tim. 4. 5. and we kept that we fall not into temptation Matth. 26. 41. yea often we obtaine much mort good then we desire or expect 1. Kin. 3. 13. Eph. 3. 20. So that prayer is a key to open the dore of Gods treasure-house Matth. 7. 7. a present remedy to an oppressed mind Psal 6. 1. 8. and 31. 21. 22. a preseruer of the godly mind 2. Thes 3. 5. a giuer of strength to the weake Eph. 3. 14. 16. and an especiall meanes to make a man fit to liue in euery eâ—tate Col. 1. 9. 10. Q. How must we hear that we may get profi A. 9 With r Es 66. 2. reuerence Å¿ Iam. 1. 21. meekenes 10 ioy 11 a t Matth. 13. 44. longing 12 desire u 1. Pet. 2. 2. to learnâ— and giuing 13 credit to the truth w Heb. 4. 1. 2. Expos 9. Reuerence is an affection of the heart arising from an apprehension of Gods maiestie and our owne vilenes whereby we are prepared to heare the word with humilitie feare and attention Act. 10. 33. 1. Thess 2. 13. Io. 12. 48. and 11. 28. Heb. 11. 28. Iob. 42. 5. 6. Psa 62. 11. Act. 16. 14. 10. Meekenes is an affection whereby we are contented to beare the rebukes of the lawe and to haue the duties of the word to be pressed vpon vs 1. Sam. 3. 18. 2. King 20. 19. Psal 25. 9. 12. Heb. 13. 22. 11. Ioy is a delight of the soule for some good thing that is present Act. 8. 8. Ex. 6. 9. 12. A longing desire to learne is an eager appetite to be further acquainted with the knowledge of the truth that we may reape fruite and benefite by the same Pro. 27. 7. Pro. 2. 3. 4. 9. Psa 119. 34. 40. 5. 35. and 7. 17. 13. To giue credit to the truth is to beleeue the whole truth and euery part of it as true and certaine both to others and to our selues so as we expect the benefit promised therein and the effecting and making void of whatsoeuer is there spoken 2. Chron. 20. 20. Esa 7. 9. Q. How else A. We must x Psal 1. 2. and 119. 14. 15. meditate 14 of that wee heare apply it to our 15 selues conferre of y Ioh. 4. 53. it with 16 others and with z Esa 2. 3. Luk. 2. 51. diligence 17 set about the practise of what is required Expos 14. Meditation is the very life of reading and hearing 1. Tim. 4. 15. and it is a separation of our selues purposely from other matters that we may seriously think of what hath been taught Gen. 24. 63. that it may be setled in the mind and worke vpon the affections Ier. 8. 6. for which end we must ioyne examination and prayer Luk. 18. 1. 15. To apply the word to our selues is to lay it to our heart as concerning vs 1. Cor. 11. 28. 2. Cor. 13. 5. that the commaundements may guide vs the threatnings may humble vs for sinnes past 2. Sam. 12. 12 13. and 24. 10. and affright vs from sinne to come the exhortations may incite vs to our dutie with cheerfulnesse Eccl. 12. 11. and the promises may be for our support and comfort whether they bee in plaine speaches or mysticall prophesies Psal 119. 71 72. 52. ver 16. We must communicate to others what wee haue learned and learne of others what we are ignorant of doe not well vnderstand or haue forgotten and by admonition exhortation and comfort helpe to strengthen and edifie one another Heb. 3. 13. Iob 16. 4 5. Rom. 1. 11 12. Leu. 19. 17. Prou. 27. 5 6. 1. Thess 5. 11. 14. Iude v. 20. 17. Inwardly we must heartily desire and striue and outwardly we must bee carefull without delaies to take all opportunities of doing the good that God requireth 2. Chron. 17. 6. and 19. 3. and 27. 6. Luk. 8. 15. beeing humbled for negligence and sinne past watching and fighting against corruption for the time to come 1. Cor. 9. 26 27. cherishing one another with befitting comforts Esa 40. 1. Q. What is Prayer A. It is 1 a calling vpon God in the name of Christ with the a Exo. 14. 15. 1. Sam. 1. 13. 15. heart and somtimes with the 2 voice according to b 1. Ioh. 5. 14. his will for our selues and others Expos 1. The Commaundements Ps 105. 1. 4. and 81. 10. Esa 55. 6. 1. Thess 5. 17. Rom. 12. 12. promises Matth. 7. 7. 21. 22. Mar. 11. 24.