2. and reioyce before him heartily Deut. 12. 12. tying our selues vnto him by renewing our couenant Ion. 2. 9. Deut. 29. 3. 10 11 12 13. 2. Chron. 15. 11. 12. and learning to bee more confident in him hauing experience of his great goodnesse Psalm 3. 5 6. and 52. 9. 14. On the day of thanksgiuing we may haue a more liberall vse of Gods creatures both in meate and apparell then is ordinarie Neh. 8. 10. Hest 9. 22. But this must be vsed in moderation and sobrietie that men may bee better fitted for the exercises of religion 1. Kin. 8. 65. This exercise if it be publique must bee ioyned with the preaching of the word if priuate with the reading of the Scripture or some holy exhortation for the better stirring vp of affection Q. What is a religious vowe A. A solemne i Deut. 23. 21 22. Prou. 20. 15. promise vnto God made by a 15 fit person of some 16 lawfull thing which 17 is in his choice to testifie his loue 18 and thankefulnes 15. Such persons are fit to vow who haue knowledge iudgement and ability to discerne of a vowe and of the duties belonging to the performance of the same Eccl. 5. 2. 16. A man may not vow an vnlawfull vile or superstitious thing Deut. 23. 18. for we are obliged to avoid all euill yea all appearance of euill 1. Thess 5. 22. It is presumption and rashnesse to vowe that to God which hee hath forbidden and will not accept Iudg. 11. 30 31. 17. What we are not able to perform either by reason of the common frailty of all men Eccl. 5. 5. with 1. Cor. 7. 7. or of our subiection vnto others as the wife child seruant may not vow without the liberty of their superiours Num. 30. 3 4. 6 7 8. 12. That thing is not to be held in our free choise which we are necessarily bound vnto before our vowe Leu. 27. 26. Deut. 23. 22 23. But yet to quicken and stirre vs vp the better to the performance of our dutie it is lawfull to renew the couenant and vow which we made vnto the Lord in Baptisme Psal 119. 106. To God vowes were commonly made with prayers Gen. 28. 20. Psal 61. 5. and paid with thanksgiuing Psal 65. 1. and 66. 13 14. and 116. 14. Ion. 2. 9. 18. Vowes should be performed speedily Eccl. 5. 5. Deut. 23. 23. Psa 76. 11. I vowe rashly the rashnes is to be repented of the vowe otherwise lawfull is to be performed but a vowe should not in any wise be the bond of iniquity Mat. 15. 5 6. 1. Sam. 25. 22. 39. Act. 23. 21. Q. Can faith being wrought and confirmed in vs be fruitles and vnprofitable A. No 19 for it k Gal. 5. 6. worketh by loue Expos 19. By faith we are knit vnto Christ Rom. 11. 19 20. Eph. 3. 17. and cannot be vtterly fruitlesse Io. 15. 5. seing we receiue the sappe of grace from him Io. 1. 16. Col. 1. 19. Q. What is the principall worke of faith A. It 20 purifieth l Act. 15. 9. the heart Expos 20. To purifie the heart is to abate and crucifie the power of sinne in the beleeuers and by little and little to renew them in holines and righteousnes Gal. 5. 24. and 6. 14. The Spirit of God is the author of sanctification Io. 3. 5. 1. Cor. 6. 11. Gal. 5. 22. Rom. 8. 11. faith is the instrument of the holy Ghost whereby the heart is cleansed Col. 2. 12. Q. What followeth thereupon A. A fighting 21 and combating against sinne and corruption Gal. 5. 17. Expos 21. Those that are sanctified are sanctified in euery part Col. 2. 11. 1. Thess 5. 23. Eph. 4. 24. Col. 3. 10. and yet but in part Pro. 30. 2 3. Phil. 3. 12. Rom. 8. 13. Col. 3. 5. so that grace and corruption are mingled together in the best Rom. 6. 13. and 7. 25. whence followeth a spirituall combate not of the minde with the will or the will with the affections onely Numb 22. 34. nor of diuerse desires onely in respect of sundry and different considerations but of the part regenerate with the part vnregenerate Gal. 5. 17. as of the minde regenerate with the mind vnregenerate and so of the will c. This combate is continuall against the first motions to sinne not onely against outward grosse euill Rom. 8. 13. Eph. 4. 22. Rom. 6. 17. The effect hereof is that a man sanctified cannot doe what he would Gal. 5. 17. sometimes he is grieuous foiled by the flesh Matth. 26. 40. 41. but in the ende the Spirit shall get the victorie 1. Io. 4. 4. and 5. 4. Rom. 8. 2. Reu. 2. 26. Q. What else A. A renouncing l Act. 2. 38. of all euill in 22 affection and of 23 grosse m Act. 19. 18 19. sinne in life and conuersation Expos 22. A pure heart can more delight in euill then a cleane fountaine can send forth corrupt waters Psal 24. 4. Es 32. 6. 8. Pro. 12. 5. therefore a purged heart must renounce all euill Ezek. 36. 26 27. Ier. 32. 39 40. 23. The will is the commander of the outward man 2. Cor. 8. 11. if it be turned vnto God the conuersation must needs be reformed Ier. 3. 14. 17. 1. Sam. 12. 20 21. 1. King 8. 48 49. Q. What is a third thing that followeth hence A. Loue n Psal 119. 97. and 24 delight in that which is good ioyned with a sincere 25 desire purpose and o Phi. 3. 13 14. Act. 11. 23. endeauour dayly to amend whatsoeuer is amisse and to p Psal 119. 6. lead a life according 26 to the lawe of God Expos 24. The same spirit which wrought the grace of faith and cleanseth the heart doth sweetely incline it both to long after and to cleaue with ioy to that which is good Ezek. 36. 37. Ezek. 11. 19 20. Rom. 6. 19. Psal 86. 11. 25. The true beleeuer hath laid aside the practise and desire of all sinne Psal 119. 113. 128. 163. not onely out of a foresight of the ill consequences and fearefull euills that may fall 1. King 8. 47. Ezek. 18. 28. Luk. 15. 17. but euen out of loue to the cheifest good and all goodnes 2. Cor. 5. 14. and that with a true purpose Psal 119. 106. Act. 11. 23. and well aduised deliberation Ruth 1. 16. therefore he is willing to espie out and reforme whatsoeuer is out of order Psal 119. 59. But note here that all haue not the like measure of grace Rom. 12. 3. neither can with like victorie ouercome their corruption Rom. 14. 1. and 15. 1. Phi. 3. 15. The strong should not waxe proud Rom. 11. 20. Gal. 1. 1. Rom. 14. 3. nor the weake be dismayed ouermuch Rom. 14. 4. Mar. 4. 31. 32. 26. The redeemed of the Lord doe see that many waies they are bound to obey Psal 100. 2. 3. and 86. 13. 1. Cor. 6. 19 20. 1. Pet. 1. 17 18. 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
of minde wishes and desiâ—es of heart and delightfull remembrances of euill against contentednes Iob. 31. 29. Q. Is any man able to keepe this law A. Not perfectly for the a Iam. 3. 2. godly often fall the most holy 33 faile b Exod. 28. 36 37 38. 34 alwaies in their best actions but the child of God ought c 1. Ioh. 2. 14. Ioh. 14. 15. 25. may and vsually doth d 1. King 15. 5. walke according to the law sincerely Expos 33. In the seruants of Christ there remaines some roote of bitternes Heb. 12. 1. Rom. 7. 23. the flesh lusteth against the spirit Gal. 5. 17. their knowledge is but in part 1. Cor. 13. 12. Psal 119. 18. their obedience therefore cannot be perfected Ios 9. 14. 15. 2. Sam. 12. 9. 12. 2. Chron. 35. 22. Luk. 1. 20. 34. Often in the matter and manner of doing Iosh 9. 14. 15. continually in the measure of dutie the most holy doe offend Neh. 13. 22. Q. Should not a Christian omit doing of good altogether seeing he cannot doe it in that measure that God requireth A. No but 35 with e 2. Cor. 7. 1. diligence and singlenes of heart striue against corruption looke f 2. Chron. 16. 9. Phil. 4. 13. for the assistance of Gods Spirit and labour to g 1. Pet. 2. 2. and 2. Pet. 3. 18. grow in grace Expos 35. The sinne which cleauing to the worke defiles it is by all means possible to be auoided Math. 6. 1 2 3 4. c. Psal 37. 27. but the worke it selfe is not to be forborne For we haue an absolute charge from God to exercise our selues in all good workes Esa 1. 17. 1. Pet. 3. 11. Col. 1. 10. 2. Pet. 1. 5. and a mercifull promise that he wil forgiue the infirmities which our corruption doth fasten vpon them and fauourably accept our sincere endeauour to walke in all holy obedience though now and then we thorough weakenesse doe steppe awry Iob. 42. 7. 2. Chro. 30. 19 20. Esa 40. 11. Can. 2. 14. Numb 23. 21. Ezek. 34. 16. Q. What meanes should a man vse to grow in grace A. He must throughly examine 36 his h Hag. 1. 5. 7. waies 37 iudge i 1. Cor. 11. 31. himselfe watch 38 ouer his heart at all times in all places occasions and conditions k 2. Tim. 4. 5. Eph. 5. 16. redeeming the 39 time to store his 40 heart with good and preserue l Heb. 10. 35. 36. 38. his 41 faith Expos 36. Examination which is a diligent exquisite and vnpartiall search of our hearts thoughts and waies Lam. 3. 40. by the word of God Rom. 7. 7. as in his presence is a speciall meanes to preserue from pride securitie hardnesse of heart and falling into sinne Heb. 3. 13. Psal 4. 4. It doth quicken to prayer Gen. 24. 63. Psa 19. 12. is a good steppe to repentance Ps 119. 59. Hag. 1. 5. setleth in a Christian course Psal 39. 1. prouokes forward in godlinesse Ps 119. 59. 60. and makes charitable towards others Gal. 6. 37. To iudge a mans selfe is to passe an vnpartiall sentence against himselfe agreeable to the word of God according to the measure of that iniquitie which by examination he findeth in himselfe Ezec. 16. 61. and 20. 43. Dan. 9. 8. Luk. 15. 18 19. This awakeneth the heart Ezec. 36. 31. maketh vs afraid of sinne Gen. 39. 9. spurreth vs to sue to the throne of grace 1. King 8. 38. and preuenteth the iudgements of God 1. Cor. 11. 31. 38. Watchfulnesse which is a narrow carefull and continuall keeping obseruing and ouerseeing of our hearts and all our waies Prou. 4. 23. is both exceeding necessarie seeing that of our selues we are apt to erre Psa 95. 10. and haue many occasions besides to draw vs away from godlinesse Luk. 14. 18. 20. and exceeding profitable to preuent or withstand Sathan 1. Pet. 5. 8. Matth. 26. 41. keep vnder lusts avoid and cut off strayings and wandrings of mind and life 2. Tim. 4. 5. 1. Cor. 16. 13. Psa 101. 2. keepe the heart in good order and to eschewe dangerous decaies fals and discomforts which otherwise men shall runne into 2. Sam. 11. 2. 1. Tim. 2. 14. 2. Cor. 11. 3. 39. To redeeme time is so to husband it that euery moment thereof may bee spent for our best aduantage Eph. 5. 16. Col. 4. 5. Time is a precious thing beeing lost it is vnrecouerable though God may pardon it to the penitent Esa 1. 16. 18. therefore wee must redeeme the time of youth Eccl. 12. 1. of the Gospel 2. Cor. 6. 2. the Sabbath Exod. 20. 10. the time of sickenesse health and vacancie from businesse in our callings c. Luk. 19. 42. Ioh. 9. 4. Gal. 6. 10. Pro. 10. 5. 40. When mans heart is emptied of euill it will quickly gather filth again as garments will dust vnlesse it be fraught with good Matth. 12. 43 44 45. 41. If faith decay in vs as needes it must vnles it be carefully stirred vp preserued and exercised 2. Tim. 1. 6. godlinesse must needes wither 1. Tim 1. 5. for faith is the victorie whereby wee ouercome the world 1. Ioh. 5. 4. thereby wee wrestle against sinne by the almightie power of Iesus Christ Gal. 2. 20. and our liues must needes be full of doubtings or securitie drowned with carnall delights 1. Kin. 11. 4. and sinfull pleasures and the word will loose it efficacie Heb. 4. 2. the exercises of religion their sweetnesse To the end that faith might be preserued we must value it aboue gold and siluer 2. Pet. 2. 1. often meditate vpon the sweetnes Psal 119. 103. and 139. 17. constancie Reu. 1. 5. 2. Cor. 1. 20. and perpetuity of the most precious and free promises which are the grounds of faith Hos 14. 5. Ezec. 36. 22. walke according to the rules thereof learne to exercise it liuing thereby Heb. 10. 38. Rom. 1. 17. and sincerely constantly and conscionably vse all those means wherby faith is wrought or nourished Q. How else A. He must take m Ephes 6. 14. vnto him the whole armour 42 of God and with n Prou. 2. 3 4. Coloss 4. 2. care vprightnesse and constancie vse the meanes of grace before prescribed in one o Iob 27. 10. estate as well as another Exp. 42. All Christians are called to be soldiers Reu. 12. 7. to fight vnder Christ Iesus their captaine against the flesh Rom. 8. 13. the world 1. Ioh. 2. 16. and the deuill 1. Pet. 5. 8 9. a spirituall subtile and malitious enemie Eph. 6. 12. Reu. 20. 2. Matth. 13. 28. 39. that can neuer be appeased they had need therefore take vnto them the whole armour of God which they must daily put on and continually keep on that at all times they haue it readie for vse to repell and quench the fierie darts of the deuil The parts of this armour are sinceritie loue of righteousnes the
that the author of holy Scripture doth iustly challenge vnto himselfe which import independance of nature Exod. 3. 14. supereminencie of power and soueraigntie Psal 50. 1. 2. excellencie both of properties workes Gen. 17. 1. Esa 42. 5. and 40 12 26. 2. The manner vsed in teaching commaunding promising and threatning Things aboue reason hidden mysteries such as exceed all humane capacitie are vnfolded without all argumentation or furniture of perswasion 1. Cor. 2. 7. and wee are required to vnderstand and beleeue them relying vpon the truth and credit of the reuealer In giuing the law no proeme is vsed but Thus saith the Lord no conclusion but The Lord hath spoken Exod. 20. 1. 2. Commandements of which no reason can be rendered are enioyned Gen. 2. 17. and that which a naturall man would account foolishnes is peremptorily and with great securitie required Ioh. 3. 36. 1. Cor. 1. 23. 24. no argument beeing brought to perswade or confirme the equitie of those commaunds but onely the will of the Commander Promises aboue likelihood are made to assure of performance no reason is alledged but I the Lord haue spoken Esa 51. 22. and 52. 3. 4. and to incourage against difficulties and dangers present diuine assistāce is promised both as necessarie and sufficient Ex. 4. 12. Ios 1. 9. Ier. 1. 8. Esa 43. 5. In the manner of threatning also the like notes of the diuinitie of the style may bee obserued 3. That without respect of persons he doth prescribe lawes to all men priuate persons and publike Magistrates whole Kingdomes and seuerall estates commaunding what is distastfull to their nature and forbidding what they approue promising not terrene honour but life euerlasting if they bee obedient threatning not with racke or gybbet but eternall death if they disobey Ioel. 1. 1 2. Io. 3. 16. 1. Sam. 12. 25. 4. That the Ministers of the Lord of Hosts do require attention faith and obedience to whatsoeuer they speake in the name of the Lord whether it were prophesie commaundement or rebuke whether they called to repentance and reformation of things amisse or exhorted to obedience 1. Cor. 11. 23. Mic. 1. 1. 2. The lowe and humble manner of speech vsed in holy Scripture cannot iustly offend any man for it was penned to the vse and behoofe both of the learned and vnlearned Rom. 1. 14. though the phrase bee plaine the matter is high and excellent profound and vnutterable Hos 8. 12. Act. 2. 11. Easinesse and plainnesse doth best beseeme the truth a pearle needs not painting nor truth to be vnderpropped with forraine aids it is of it selfe sufficient to vphold and sustaine it selfe it becomes not the Maiestie of a Prince to play the Orator and though the Scripture bee simple in word it is great in power no writings of Man though neuer so well set forth with wit words order or depth of learning can so inlighten the mind mooue the will peirce the heart or stirre vp the affections as doth the word of God Neither do the Scriptures want eloquence if the matter bee well weighed no writing doth or can equalize them in pithinesse of prophesying or feruentnesse of praying The song of Moses and the beginning of Esay in varietie and force of eloquence do farre exceed all autors Greek Latin if comparison be made betwixt those places whatsoeuer is most excellētly indited by man either in Greeke or Latin you may easily discerne the one was written by a diuine the other by an humane spirit 13. The efficacy of this doctrine doth powerfully demonstrate the diuinitie thereof for it conuertes the soule illightens the eies Psa 19. 7 8. discouers sinne Rom. 7. 7. conuinces the gainsaier 2. Tim 3. 16. killeth and terrifieth 2. Cor. 3. 6. reioyceth the heart Psal 19. 8. Psal 119. 103. quickneth Psal 119. 50. 93. and comforteth Rom. 15. 4. manifesteth the thoughts 1. Cor. 14. 25. ouerthrowes false religions casteth downe strong holds and the whole kingdom of Satan stoppeth the mouth of Oracles destroies Idols 2. Cor. 10. 4. Zeph. 2. 11. Zach. 13. 2. and remaines inuincible notwithstanding all opposition Act. 5. 38. 39. These things commend the efficacy of this word 1. The nature thereof is opposite to the wisedome and will of a naturall man 1. Cor. 1. 21. and 2. 14. Rom. 8. 6. and yet it hath preuailed 2. It hath preuailed not onely with the grosse and sottish Gentiles who serued other Gods Gal. 4. 8. but euen with the most feirce and bitter enemies thereof Act. 9. 5. 6. 20. 21. 3. The enemies who did oppose this truth were many mighty and subtile as principally the Deuill out of his hatred against Gods glory and mans saluation Eph. 6. 12. Apo. 2. 10. and the Romane Emperours as his instruments the rest of the world furthering and the Iewes stirring them vp all which out of their loue to falsehood and Idolatrie and their malice against the Christian religion did with incredible fury and vigilancie labour the vtrer abolition of this truth Act. 4. 27. and 9. 2. Matth. 10. 18. 22 Io. 16. 2. Act. 13. 50. and 14. 2. 5. 19. 1. Thes 2. 15. 16. 4. The persons whom the Lord did chuse to be publishers of this heauenly doctrine were in number fewe in outward appearance simple rude base and weake and sometimes also negligent Matth. 4. 18. 19. 20. Luk. 6. 13. 2. Cor. 4. 7. 8. Matth. 13. 25. 5. These simple and weake men subdued the world by preaching the Crosse of Christ and prescribing long suffering and patience 1. Cor. 2. 4. 1. Thes .. 3. 4. Act. 9. 16. 2. Tim. 3. 12. The number of all sorts ages condititions sexes nations who gaue credit to this doctrine confirmed the same with the losse of their liues was innumerable Apo. 6. 9. 10. 7. In short time a great part of the habitable world was conuerted brought to the obedience of faith so that Paul filled all places frō Ierusalem to Illyricum with the sound of the Gospel Col. 1. 6. Rom. 35. 19. 8. The more the truth was persecuted the more it did preuaile Act. 8. 3. 4. Phil. 1. 14. 9. Though the Iewes were wasted with many and great slaughters yet the Scriptures did still remaine safe and intire in their custody when the Hebrew language did lie almost vnknowne and had perished altogether had not the Lord prouided for religion then by the Iewes the deadly enemies of Christ was the doctrine of Christian faith preserued 10. To these we may adde the dreadfull iudgements of God which fell vpon the persecutors of the Christian faith amongst whom some were forced at their last gaspe to acknowledge the diuinity of this word All which things doe strongly confirme the propagation defence and conseruauation of this truth and doctrine to be admirable and of God 14. The sweette and admirable consent which is found in all and euery part of Scripture cannot be ascribed to any but the Spirit of God each part so
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
was needfull for and behoouefull to the saluation of the Israelits Deut. 4. 2. and 12. 32. Psa 1. 2. Mal. 4. 4. Hos 8. 12. Luk. 10. 26. 3. Our Sauiour made knowne vnto his disciples the last and full wil of his heauenly Father Io. 14. 26. and. 15. 15. and 16. 13. and 1. 18. and what they receiued of him they faithfully preached vnto the world Act. 20. 27. 1. Cor. 15. 1. 2. 3. Gal. 1. 8. 1. Io. 1. 3. and the summe of what they preached is committed to writing Act. 1. 1. 2. Io. 20. 31. 1. Io. 5. 13. with Act. 8. 5. 1. 1. Cor. 2. 2. Rom. 10. 8. 9. 10. 4. There is nothing necessary to be knowne of Christians ouer and aboue that which is found in the old Testament which is not plainely clearely and fully set downe and to be gathered out of the writings of the Apostles and Euangelists In the whole body of the Scripture all doubts and controuersies are perfectly decided Es 8. 20. Math. 22. 29. 40. Deut. 17. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 2. Tim. 3. 16. 17. and euery particular booke is sufficiently perfect for the proper ende thereof Vnwritten traditions 1. Cor. 4. 6. newe articles of faith Ier. 7. 3. and 19. 5. and newe visions and reuelations are now to be reiected Heb. 1. 1. Io. 4. 25. Io. 15. 15. and 16. 13. with Matth. 28. 19. 2. Cor. 3. 6. 8. 11. with Heb. 8. 13. 24. In themselues the whole Scripture is easie Psal 119. 105. 2. Pet. 1. 19. Prou. 14. 6. such excellent matter could not be deliuered in more significant and fit words Act. 1. 16. with Eph. 1. 17. But all things in Scripture are not alike manifest 2. Pet. 3. 16. The Gentiles by nature haue the law written in their hearts Rom. 2. 14. but to a naturall man the Gospel is obscure accounted foolishnes 1. Cor. 1. 21. and. 2. 14. Things necessary to saluation are so clearely laid downe that the simplest indued with the Spirit cannot be altogether ignorant of the same Es 54. 13. Io. 6. 45. Deu. 30. 11. Matth. 11. 25. 2. Cor. 4. 3. But to them who are in part illightned 1. Cor. 33. 12. many things are obscure and darke 1. Cor. 13. 9. to tame the pride of mans nature 2. Cor. 12. 7. worke in vs a reuerence to the Scripture 2. Pet. 3. 16. 17. 18. stirre vs vp with care and diligence to read pray heare c. and vse Gods meanes to growe in knowledge Pro. 2. 3. 4. 5. acknowledg that all heauenly wisedome doth come from aboue Pro. 2. 6. Iam. 1. 5. 1. King 3. 9. Iob. 28. 32. Q. For what end was the Scripture writtâ—n A. To z 2. Tim. 3. 16. 17. Rom. 15. 4. teach â—5 instruct conuince correct and comfort Expos 25. Faith and obedience is the way to happines and the whole dutie of man is faith working by loue Rom. 1. 5. Tit. 1. 1 2. 2. Tim. 1. 13. Gal. 5. 6. and 6. 15. which is assaulted with ignorance errour superstition prophanenes 1. Tim. 1. 6. 19. 20. 2. Pet. 2. 1. 2. 3. and beset with many afflictions 2. Tim. 3. 12. Therefore the Scripture which was giuen to shewe vnto man the way of life and saluation was also written to teach found Doctrine improoue errour correct iniquity instruct to righteousnesse and comfort in the path of holines 1. Tim. 1. 10. 11. Tit. 2. 12. 1. Thes 3. 3. 4. Heb. 12. 1. 2. Q. Doth the knowledge of the Scriptures belong vnto all men A. Yes 26 all men are not onely allowed a Io. 5. 39. but exhorted and b Deut. 17. 18. 19. Reu. 1. 3. commaunded to read heare and c Act. 8. 30. vnderstand the Scripture Expos 26. The Scriptures teach the way of life Pro. 2. 9. Luk. 16. 29. Act. 24. 14. and 13. 46. Psal 16. 11. Io. 6. 68. set forth the duties of euery man in his place and estate of life Deut. 17. 17. 18. 19. 20. Iosh 1. 8. Psal 119. 28. 2. Chro. 23. 11. 1. Tim. 4. 14. and 5. 1. c. 2. Tim. 3. 16. 17. are the ground of faith Rom. 4. 20. 2. Chro. 20. 20. 1. Tim. 1. 15. the Epistle of God sent to his Church Hos 8. 12. Reu. 2. 1. 8. 12. his Testament wherein we may find what legacies he hath bequeathed vnto vs. 2. Cor. 3. 6. 14. Heb. 10. 16. Io. 14. 17. the sword of the Spirit Eph. 6. 17. being knowne and embraced make a man happy Psal 119. 97. 98. Luk. 10. 42. and 16. 29. Psal 1. 2. Reu. 1. 3. but neglected or contemned plunge men into all misery Heb. 2. 3. Matth. 22. 29. Psal 50. 16. therefore all men of what age estate quality or degree soeuer ought to acquaint themselues with the word of God 1. Io. 2. 14. 15. Psal 119. 9. Act. 17. 11. Deut. 6. 7. Act. 18. 25. 28. for it was giuen of God for the benefite and behoofe of all sorts Rom. 1. 14. being milke for babes and meate for strong men 1. Cor. 3. 1. 2. Heb. 5. 13. plaine and easie to inctruct the simple Pro. 1. 4. Psa 19. 7. and full of hidden wisedome to exercise the strong and satisfie the wise Col. 2. 3. 1. Cor. 2. 7. Pro. 1. 5. that both sorts may be able to try the Spirits 1. Io. 4. 1. be wise vnto saluation and growe rich in all spirituall knowledge and vnderstanding Col. 1. 10. and 2. 2. and 3. 16. Q. The Scriptures were written in Hebrewe and Greeke how then should all men read and vnderstand them A. They ought to be d 1. Cor. 14. 18. 19. translated 27 into knowne tongues e Neh. 88. Act. 8. 35. and 28 interpreted Expos 27. The Prophets and Apostles preached their doctrines to the people and nations in their knowne languages Ier. 36. 15. 16. Act. 2. 6. Immediately after the Apostles times many translations were extant All things must be done in the congregation vnto edifying 1. Cor. 14. 26. but an vnknowne tongue doth not edifie Gen. 11. 4. and all are commaunded to try the Spirits 1. Thes 5. 21. 1. Cor. 10. 15. 28. The expounding of the Scriptures is commaunded by God 1. Cor. 14. 1. 3. 4. 5. 39. and practised by the godly Luk. 4. 16. and 24. 27. Matth. 1. 23. 1. Cor. 14. 19. profitable both for the vnfolding of obscure places Neh. 8. 8. and applying of plaine texts 1. Cor. 11. 23. 24. 28. 29. It stands in two things 1. In giuing the right sense Matth. 13. 38. Act. 2. 29. 30. Gal. 3. 16. 2. In a fit application of the same Act. 2. 16. and 1. 16. 1. Cor. 14. 24. 2. Pet. 1. 12. Of one place of Scripture there is but one proper and naturall sense though sometimes things things are so expressed as that the things themselues doe signifie other things according to the Lords ordinance Gal. 4. 22. 23. 24. Ex. 12. 46. with 10. 19. 36. Psa 2. 1. with Act.
with k Psal 116. 1. Psal 28. 6 7. zeale ioy loue Expos 25. The hearing of our holy prayers is a pledge of Gods loue and a sweete and comfortable testimonie of of his mercy Psal 31. 21. 22. prouoking the heart cheerefully to praise Psa 30. 8. 10 11 12. 36. When God answeareth our praiers the light of his countenance shineth vpon vs and this reuiueth the dull spirits Psal 116. 6 7. 9. 2. Sam. 2. 27. 37. Experience of good receiued from God and begged in prayer doth quicken vs thereunto Psal 68. 6 7. and 116. 1 2. 38. God is vnchangeable so that former mercies giuen doe assure vs of future blessings Psal 61. 5 6. 39. Though our hearts are cold by nature yet the sight of Gods loue doth mooue vs effectually to loue the Lord againe Psal 145. 18 19 20. 21. Q. What must we doe if God answere vs not the first or second time A. Examine 40 how we l Iam. 4. 3. pray and m Luk. 18. 1. continue 41 feruent therein waiting n Hab. 2. 3. Psal 5. 3. vpon the Lord vntill we speed Expos 40. Sometimes we aske and receiue not because we aske amisse ignorantly rashly coldly with wearines distrustfully and without loue Iob. 27. 9. Pro. 21. 13. asking either things not good Matth. 20. 21. 22. Luk. 9. 54 55. or not fit for them for whom we pray or to a wrong end But here obserue that they doe pray well that doe take notice of their wants in prayer Psal 31. 22. and sometimes the child of God prayeth best when he knoweth not that he praieth at all Rom. 8. 28. Also God sometimes giueth vs what we pray for when we pray but coldly Ma◠9. 22. 24 25. that he might encourage vs to pray and denies vs sometimes when we pray feruently that we might not trust to our prayers Psa 22. 2. 41. God for a time may denie what we aske Psal 6. 3. and 13. 1. that he may exercise our humilitie in regard of our wants Lam. 3. 44. Iud. 10. 13. 14. our faith and patience in waiting Matth. 15. 22 23 24. 26 27 28. and trie our obedience whither we will in consciēce obey though we want the comfort promised Psal 44. 17 18 19. 26. Moreouer he deferreth to helpe for a season to quicken vs to prayer make vs knowe our selues carefully preserue his graces when once we haue them and doe vs good in the latter ende Iud. 20. 26. we should not then be faint hearted but hold out vnto the ende being supported with faith hope and loue Psal 40. 1. and 37. 7. Q. Who ought to pray A. Though God require o Matth. 7. 7 8. Psal 14. 2. it of all men vpon earth yet it more specially belongeth to the members of p Ioh. 16. 23. 26. the Church militant Q. Who can or may pray with hope to speede A. Onely they q Psal 66. 18. that 42 depart from iniquity Expos 42. Such onely as feele the burden of sinne and haue a desire to be eased are called to come vnto Christ and haue a promise to find good successe Es 55. ◠Matth. 11. 28. Others doe but mocke God Psal 78. 34. 35 36. neither can they pray with the graces required as faith reuerence feruencie loue c. so long as they loue wickednes Zach. 12. 10. 2. Tim. 2. 19. Prayer is not a worke of nature but of the spirit of sanctification Rom. 8. 15. 28. Gal. 4. 4 5. and he cannot fulfil the lusts of the flesh that hath the spirit of grace dwelling in him Gal. 5. 16. so that the prayers of the wicked are an abhomination to the Lord Pro. 15. 8. Io. 9. 31. Esa 58. 7 8 9. Ezek. 17. 18. Our deparing of sinne is at the first very rude and imperfect Io. 21. 15. 1. Pet. 2. 1. we must pray daily to be renued Col. 1. 9. Phi. 1. 9. 10. 11. 1. Thes 3. 23. Q. For whom must we pray A. For 43 all r 1. Tim. 2. 1. sorts of men now liuing or that shall liue ſ Io. 17. 20. hereafter but 44 not for the t Luk. 16. 24 25. dead Expos 43. The commaundement of God Iam. 5. 16. Eph. 6. 18. Col. 4. 3. Rom. 15. 30. our loue to our brother who is of our flesh and may appertaine to the kingdome of grace Rom. 10. 1. 1. Io. 5. 16. doth require that we pray for al sorts of men liuing both priuate Iam. 5. 14. 1. Sam. 12. 25. publique persons 1. King 1. 36 37. Esr 6. 10. friend Iob. 42. 8. 10. and foe Psal 35. 13. neere in blood Numb 12. 13. Gen. 25. 21. and 17. 18. and 27 28. and 28. 3. 1. Chro. 29. 19. and stranger Col. 1. 9. weake or strong Christians 1. Thes 5. 14. Col. 4. 12. 2. Cor. 1. 11. Heb. 13. 18 19. such as stand 2. Thess 3. 5. or bee gone astray Cant. 8. 8. Ex. 32. 31 32. Rom. 10. 1. All neede the prayers one of another Iam. ◠16. Satan seekes to molest and trouble all men Luk. 22. 31. Iob. 1. 9 10. Eph. 6. 12. 1. Pet. 5. 8. the fall of any man is a dishonour to God Rom. 2. 23 24. a sinners conuersion brings glory to his name Apo. 16. 9. Mal. 2. 1 2. the prayer of the weakest Christian is auaileable with God Psal 65. 2. and 145. 18. Psal 102. 17. at least it shall returne into his owne bosome Psal 35. 13. Ezek. 14. 14. it is a speciall act of loue Matth. 5. 44. a means to reconcile our enemies vnto vs Rom. 12. 20. or to preuent danger or hurt that otherwise we might receiue from him Psal 109. 4. 44. Prayers cannot auaile the dead Reu. 14. 13. 1. Pet. 3. 19. Heb. 9. 27. neither can a prayer for them be a worke of faith for commandement to doe it promise of good to come by it or approoued example to warrant it in Scripture there is not any Superstition did first hatch these praiers and superstition now is the foundation of them Loue is the pretence which the ignorant sort make to defend them but indeede they are vaine ignorant rash and vncharitable Q. May men content themselues to pray in priuate onely or onely in publike A. No but 4◠they must u Act. 2. 42. vse both publique and w Luk. 11. 1. priuate 46 prayer Expos 45. Publique prayer is that which is vsed in the publique meetings and assemblies of Gods feruants This is a principall part of Gods worship Act. 3. 1. acceptable vnto his maiesty because we acknowledge him openly to be the giuer of euery good gift and speake of his free fauours to the praise of his grace Psal 22. 25. and 40. 10. euer vsed in the house of God Mat. 21. 13. sanctifying euery other dutie 1. Tim. 4. 5. commaunded by Christ who hath promised his presence in a speciall manner in the congregation Psal 27. 4. Matth. 18. 20. Also hereby wee
12. To bee baptized into the name of the Father Sonne and holy Ghost is to be cōsecrated vnto the worship and seruice of the Father Sonne and holy Ghost Q. What is the inward grace or thing signified A. Forgiuenesse i Mark 1. 4. Act. 2. 38. of 13 sinnes and k Tit. 3. 5. sanctification Expos 13. Water in Baptisme doth signifie both Christs blood by which all our sinnes are washed away and Christs spirit by which wee are regenerated Rom. 6. 3. Matth. 3. 11. Ioh. 1. 26. Col. 2. 12. wherefore the inward grace in Baptisme is the pardon of our sinnes and renewing of our nature Tit. 3. 5. Q. To what condition doth the party baptized binde himselfe A. To beleeue d Act. 8. 37. in 14 Christ and e Matth. 3. 12. to forsake his sinne Expos 14. Gods promise to vs and our promise to God implyed in the Couenant is sealed in Baptisme Act. 16. 14 15. 31 32 33. so that we bind our selues thereby to the performance of our duty Infants baptized haue not the vse of reason much lesse faith to beleeue but yet as they bee in the couenant so they doe oblige themselues to beleeue in Christ and depart from iniquitie which they are bound to performe when they come to yeares of discretion Act. 2. 39. with 2. Cor. 6. 17 18. Q. How oft neede a man to be baptized A. It is enough 15 once to be f Act. 7. 8. baptized for baptisme is a pledge of our g Tit. 3. 5. new birth Expos 15. We neuer read that Christ or his Apostles did administer Baptisme more then once to one man And Circumcision the seale of entrance into the Church of the Iewes in the place whereof Baptisme is come was onely once applyed by Gods appointment Gen. 17. 23 24 c. Q. Who ought to be baptized A. Infidels h Act. 8. 12. conuerted to 16 the faith and 17 infants i Act. 2. 39. 1. Cor. 7. 14. of one or both Christian 18 parents Expos 16. All they who be within the couenant and such onely are to be receiued into Baptisme 17. Infants of Christian parents are within the couenant to them appertains the promise of forgiuenesse of sinnes and the Kingdome of God Also Circumcision amongst the Iewes which answereth to our Baptisme was administred to Infants Gen. 17. 12. and 21. 4. Luk. 1. 59. and 2. 21. And when the faithfull which the Scripture saith were conuerted with their whole houshold were baptized it may probably bee thought there were some children amongst them of those housholds who were not excluded Act. 16. 14 15. 18. Though wee acknowledge such onely to be sincere Christians who serue God with vpright hearts Rom. 2. 28 29. yet those are not denied to be Christians who make so much as a generall profession of Christ Act. 11. 26. 1. Cor. 1 2. with 5. 1 2 3. and 15. 12. Q. What is the Lords Supper A. A k 1. Cor. 10. 16. Sacrament of our continuance and growth in Christ Expos 1. Christ is giuen to be spirituall nourishment vnto the soule that wee might grow and increase in him Ioh. 6. 33. 48 50 51 53 54 56. as plants are not onely grafted but doe growe in the stocke and this is sealed in this Sacrament Q. Who is the author of this Sacrament A. The Lord l 1. Cor. 11. 23 24. Iesus 2 in the same night ◠that hee was betrayed Expos 2. Christ who is the Lord and head of his Church Act. 10. 36. Ephes 1. 22. Col. 1. 18. hauing authoritie to institute Sacraments Matth. 28. 18 19. and power effectually to performe whatsoeuer is signified and sealed therein Ioh. 1. 4. Eph. 5. 14. did in his owne person institute and ordaine it 3. When Christ was preparing himselfe to the greatest worke of loue that euer was hauing his thoughts wholly bent to procure the eternall good of his Elect then did he out of his infinite loue euen in the same night that he was to be betrayed appoint this holy Sacrament knowing that the institution and sealing of the Testament ought to goe before the death of the Testator This should stirre vs vp with care and reuerence to receiue this pledge of Christs loue and to come vnto it as vnto a spirituall feast beeing perswaded that Christ will respect vs now hee is glorified seeing he did not forget vs in his agonie and passion Q. What is the outward signe A. Bread 4 and m Mat. 26. 27 28. wine with the actions pertaining to them as 5 breaking giuing receiuing eating and drinking Expos 4. Besides that bread and wine are most vsuall fit and necessarie nourishments Psal 104. 15. they doe of all other best serue to expresse the bodie and blood of Christ Io. 6. 33. Leauened or vnleauened bread are of free vse Act. 20. 7. Matth. 26. 17. 26. but it is expedient that it bee bread that hath substance in it The vse of the wafer cake is iustly blamed as superstitious by our Church And because the Sacrament is a spiritual feast therefore the finest bread and pure wine is of most laudable vse Out of niggardlines to mixe water with wine sauoureth of an ill minde Malac. 1. 7. 8. Christ beeing not onely the true but the sufficient nourishment of the soule intending to giue vs a ful meale appointed both bread and wine and that seuerally to be vsed in the Lords Supper 1. Cor. 11. 23 24. So that it is sacriledge to deliuer this Sacrament in one kind onely and presumption not to administer them seuerally seeing Christ intended to set forth his violent death wherein his bodie and blood were separated 5. The bread is to bee broken according to the example of Christ and his Apostles because this Sacrament was appointed specially to represent the death and passion of our Sauiour Christ in which his bodie was crucified and his blood shed Matth. 26. 26 27 28. Act. 20. 7. Q. What is the inward grace A. Christ n 1. Cor. 11. 24. with all 6 the benefits of 7 his death and passion Expos 6. Not onely Christ his benefits but euen Christ himselfe is offered vnto vs for we cannot bee partakers of the benefits of Christ vnlesse we be vnited vnto him Io. 15. 2. Eph. 4. 16. Col. 2. 19. Christ is truely and spiritually present in the Sacrament exhibited to the saith of euery worthy receiuer but not corporally vnited to the bread and wine in respect of place Act. 3. 21. with Mat. 28. 6. Ioh. 16. 18. 7. The bread signifies the bodie of Christ the wine betokeneth his blood the breaking of the bread setteth foorth the crucifying of Christ c. Q. What is the dutie of the Minister in the administration of the Sacrament A. To o 1. Cor. 11. 23. 24. Matth. 26. 26 27 28. Mark 14. 22. Luk. 22. 19. consecrate 8 it by 9 declaring the institution thereof and 10 prayer ioyned with
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.
gospel faith liuely hope and the word of God Eph. 6. 14 15 16 17 18. These are kept on by earnest prayer watchfulnes and holy meditation Q. What priuiledges doth God afford vnto his children in this life who labour according to his will to grow in grace A. 1 They may be q 1. Ioh. 3. 13. Io. 1. 12. assured 2 of his fauour and fatherly 3 care r 1. Tim. 4. 10. Mat. 10. 30. ouer them the direction Å¿ Psa 143. 10. of his spirit their t Col. 1. 9 10. growth in 4 grace and u Phi. 1. 6. perseuerance to the ende Expos 1. It is first of all to be obserued that none of these priuiledges can be enioyed without great strife and labour 1. Cor. 16. 13. 2. Not onely some vncertain hope or dimme sight of Gods fauour but assurance therof may in this life be obtained Iob. 19. 25. 2. Cor. 5. 1. 2. Tim. 4. 8. and 1. 12. for the Scripture exhortes vs to make our calling and election sure 2. Pet. 1. 10. layeth many sufficient grounds of assurance 1. Ioh. 4. 13. and 3. 14. Phil. 1. 6. and proposeth diuers examples of them who haue attained thereunto Rom. 8. 34. 38 39. Luk. 2. 29. Heb. 11. 9 10. This is a rare and precious priuiledge because it may constantly bee inioyed with an increase thereof Hos 13. 14. Malac. 3. 6. 1. Thes 4. 1. 10. is alwayes accompanied with ioy vnspeakeable and sweete contentment Cant. 1. 1. Psa 4. 6 7. Ioh. 8. 56. 1. Pet. 1. 8. and the longer it is possessed the sweeter it is daintie meates may become loathsome but we cannot surfet of Gods fauour Psa 17. 15. 3. God would haue his children know that in euery state he wil saue and vphold them Ps 9. 10. and 32. 6 7. euen when his wrath doth burne against his enemies Esa 33. 4 5 6. and 27. 7 8. hee will teach them the good way which they ought to followe Ps 25. 12. 14. Pro. 3. 32. giue his angels charge ouer them carie them in his bosome Ps 91. 11. 12. c. The amiable sweet and comfortable titles that Christ giueth to his spouse calling her my loue my doue my sister my spouse my vndefiled doth shew what great regard he hath of euery Christian Can. 1. 8 9. and 2 14. 4. The seruants of Christ are exhorted and commaunded to grow in grace and godlinesse 1. Thess 4. 1. 10. Col. 1. 10. there are patternes of holy men left vnto vs in Scriptures that haue growne rich in wisedome and holinesse Reuel â— 19. what God commaundeth in the Gospel that Christians should beleeue he wil inable them to doe Ioh. 6. 63. 1. Ioh. 5. 3. what ordinarie grace any of the faithfull did obtaine the same may all the faithfull looke for Zach 12. 10. Eph. 4. 4. 2. Pet. 1. 1. if it be for their good Rom. 8. 28. for they are all vnder the same couenant haue the same redeemer and sanctifier haue the same promises made vnto them 2. Cor. 6. 18. 1. Tim. 2. 5. 6. Ephes 4. 30. 2. 12. Q. What other priuiledges doth God afford vnto them A. They are 5 kept w Psal 32. 10. Act. 16. 25. from comforted in and deliuered out x Prou. 11. 8. of many troubles taught to y Lam. 3. 27. Phil. 4. 12. vse all estates aright 6 preserued z Luk. 1. 6. from 7 soule offences enabled 8 to a Psal 37. 23 24. rise againe if they b Eph. 2. 10. fall instructed to 9 liue godly and haue c Luk. 8. 15. possession 10 of the word Expos 5. The godly shunne the sinnes which others followe with greedinesse Gen. 39. 9. and 42. 18. Neh. 5. 15. Iob 31. 1. order their affaires with godly wisedome Act. 23. 6. and 22. 26. and 18. 11. with 19. 37. and foresee the euill to come and hide themselues Prou. 22. 3. and 26. 12. therfore they are preserued from many troubles that others fall into and yet for want of care and watchfulnesse they often drawe no small greife vpon their heads from which they might be free if they would carefully subdue their passions and looke vnto their waies Can. 5. 2 3 4 5 6. 2. Sam. 11. 2. 3. Psa 51. 8. 6. In prosperitie the godly are taught to edifie themselues Act. 9. 31. to walke in meekenesse lowlinesse feare and comfort of the Lord doing good Iob 14. 15. â—1 24. in aduersitie to be humble patient pray 1. Pet. 5. 6. Iob 1. 21. Psal 39. 9. and 30. 7 8. growe out of loue with this world 2. Cor. 4. 1. 2. 3. 4. prize the Lords fauour Psal 73. 26. 28. cleaue close vnto God examine their hearts and reforme their wayes Lam. 3. 40. Zeph. 2. 1. Es 27. 9. In their callings to take triall of their wisedome faith sinceritie loue of righteousnesse and patience and so to goe about the same mith hearts affecting the things that be aboue Psa 112. 5. Gen. 31. 38 39 40. Gal. 5. 22. Gen. 17. 1 2. Zach. 8. 16. Luk. 21. 19. 7. If the godly be ouertaken with some reproachfull euil Gen. 9. 21. and 19. 33. it is not ordinarie Rom. 8. 1. 2. Cor. 5. 7. but for a time Ps 37. 34. when they haue cast off their armour and neglect their watch 2. Sam. 11. 1. 2. Mat. 26. 40. 41. the Lord suffring them to fall to let them see their weakenes correct their carelesnes cure in them pride of heart and contempt of others and ordering their slips for the glorie of his great name the comfort of the weake and the good of the partie fallen after that by repentance he is risen againe 8. The righteous may fall but the Lord will not suffer them to perish Ioh. 10. 28. Christ hath praied for them Ioh. 17. 20. Luk. 22. 32. the immortall seede abideth in them 1. Ioh. 3. 9. the spirit of God doth quicken them Rom. 8. 2. 11. so that afterward they take heart and courage againe to sight against sinne and Sathan therefore they can neuer be vtterly vanquished though for a time they be throwne downe 2. Cor. 4. 8. 9. 9. If the faithfull seeke vnto the Lord he wil teach them with delight and comfort to liue godly in all places and callings Prou. 2. 3. 4. 9. Esa 30. 21. but yet they shal finde the flesh rebelling against the Spirit Gal. 5. 17. Psal 42. 5. 11. that they might not trust to themselues but in the Lord Prou. 3. 5 6. no longer liue then finde need to pray Lord strengthen me 1. Thess 5. 17. be thankfull to God for the mercies they haue receiued Psal 54. 6 7. not triumph before the victorie nor walke in securitie as though they had no enemie 1. Pet. 5. 8 9. and that by how much the fight is more painfull sharp difficult by so much the victory should be the more delightfull sweet glorious Rom. 16. 20. Reu. 12. 10.