reasons of Gods hearing our prayers A. 1 Because hee is your Father and knoweth what things you haue need of before you aske him Math. 6 8 and 7.9 2 The Angell of the couenant standing at the altar hauing a golden censer there was giuen vnto him much incense that hee should offer it with the prayers of all Saints vpon the golden altar which was before the throne And the smoke of the incense which came with the prayers of the Saints ascended vp before God out of the Angels hand Reuelat. 8.3 For yee are not come vnto the mount that might be touched and that burned with fire nor vnto blackenesse and darkenesse and tempest and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken vnto them any more But yee are come to Iesus the mediator of the new couenant and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel Heb. 12.18 Which Iesus hath promised that if we shall aske the Father any thing in his name that he will pray vnto the Father for vs Iohn 16.26 By whose prayers our prayers also are sanctified Mat. 23 19. Q. Seeing God hath thus promised to heare our prayers what in the sence of our wants must wee doe A. Hauing therefore boldnesse to enter into the holy place by the blood of Iesus by a new and liuing way which he hath consecrated for vs through the vaile that is to say his flesh and hauing an high Priest ouer the house of God let vs draw neere with a true heart in full assurance of faith Heb. 10.19 And be carefull for nothing but in euery thing by prayer and supplication with thankesgiuing let your rqeuests be made vnto God Phil. 4.6 Draw neere to God and hee will draw neere to you Iames 4.8 And come boldly to the throne of grace that yee may obtaine mercy to find grace to helpe in time of need Heb. 4.16 Mat. 7.7 Luke 11.9 1 Tim. 2.8 1 Pet. 2.4 Col. 4.2 Iob 8.5 Ephes 6.18 Isa 65.16 2 Saying vnto God heare the voice of my supplication when I crie vnto thee when I lift vp my hand towards thy holy oracle Psal 28.2 Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart bee acceptable in thy sight O Lord my strength and my redeemer Psal 19.14 Numb 10.36 1 King 8.26.28.52.57 1 Chro. 4.10 Psal 5.1.28.2.30.10.84.8.86.6.88.1.130.1.143.1 Isa 37.17 Dan. 9.19 Mar. 14.36 Ob. But I wanting a gift of prayer how can I expect that GOD should heare mee A. Likewise also the spirit will helpe your infirmities For though wee know not how to pray as wee ought yet ihe spirit it selfe maketh intercession for vs with gronings which cannot be vttered But he that searcheth of the hearts knoweth what is the minde of the spirit because he maketh intercession for the Saints according to the will of God Rom. 8.26 Q. When God hath heard our praiers what is then to be done A. Say I loue the Lord because he hath heard my voice and my supplications because hee hath inclined his eare vnto mee therefore will I call vpon him as long as I liue Psal 116.1 I said in mine hast I am cut off from before thine eyes neuerthelesse thou heardest the voyce of my supplication when I cryed vnto thee Psal 31.22 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me and strengthenedst me with strength in my soule Psal 138.3 Thou hast giuen me the desire of my heart and hast not withdrawne from mee the request of my lips Psal 21.2.10.17 Praise waiteth for thee in Sion and vnto thee shall the vow be performed O thou that hearest prayers vnto thee shall all flesh come Psal 65.1 Blessed be God which hath not turned away our prayer nor his mercy from vs Psalm 66.20 Ephes 3.20 Psal 66.16 17. Deut. 4.7 CHAP. X. God accepts his in their seruices Q. WHat other fruite can you shew of Gods fatherly disposition towards vs his children A. He shall also be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousnesse Psalm 51.19 For these are good and acceptable in the sight of God our Sauiour 1 Tim. 2.3 And as an odor of a sweet smell Phi. 4.18 For Noah built and altar and the Lord smelt a sweet sauour Gen. 8.20 Moreouer God had respect vnto Abel and his offering Gen. 4.4 And so shall the offerings of Iudah and Ierusalem bee pleasant vnto the Lord as in the daies of old and as in former yeeres Mal. 3.4 Iudges 13.23 Isa 4.2 Ob. I can performe no work worthy of Gods acceptance A. If there be first a willing minde it is accepted according to that a man hath and not according to that hee hath not 2 Cor. 8.12 As well as the widdow with her two mites more than the rich casting in of their abundance Luke 21.1 Marke 12.44 Ob. O my soule thou hast said vnto the Lord thou art my Lord my goodnesse extendeth not to thee but to the Saints Psalm 16.2 A. I was hungry and you gaue mee meate I was thirsty and you gaue me drinke I was a stranger and you tooke mee in naked and you clothed me I was sicke and you visited me I was in prison and you came vnto me For verily I say vnto you in as much as you haue done it vnto one of the least of these my brethren you haue done it vnto me Mat. 25.35 And whoso shall receiue but such a little child receiueth me Math. 18.5 Q. What may this teach vs A. Therefore as liuing stones being built vp a spirituall house an holy priesthood let vs offer vp spirituall sacrifice acceptable to God by Iesus Christ 1 Pet. 2.5 And to doe good and to distribute forget not because with such sacrifices God is well pleased Heb. 13.16 For hee that in these things serueth Christ is acceptable to God and approued of men Rom. 14.18 Col. 3.17 2 Cor. 9.7 Ob. If God doe accept vs in our wel-doing whence then this complaint We haue fasted and God seeth not wee haue afflicted our soules and hee taketh no knowledge Isa 58.3 A. If they did well should they not be accepted Gen. 4.7 When they fasted and mourned did they at all fast vnto me And when they did eate and drink did they not eate for themselues and drinke for themselues Zech. 7.5 Behold in the day of their fast they find pleasure and exact all their labours Behold they fast for strife and debate and to smite with the fist of wickednesse Isa 58.4 Thus they haue brought an offering and should I accept this at their hands saith the Lord Mal. 1.13 For the plowing of the wicked is sinne Prou. 21.4 And thereir sacrifice is abomination how much more when they bring it with a wicked minde Pro. 21.27 Ierem. 6.20 14.12 Isa 1.11.58.5 Amos 5.21.5.25 Isa 66.3 Psalme 50.9 Hosea 6.6 1 Cor 7.19 Psalm 40.6 Marke 12.33 Iames 1.22 Luke 11.41 Ier. 7.22 Hos 4.19 Hag. 2.11 Mal. 1.7.13 CHAP. XI
against the motions of the Flesh this feare yet remaines least by any meanes as the Serpent beguiled EVE through his subtiltie so my minde should be corrupted from the simplicitie that is in CHRIST 2. Cor. 11.3 Iob 1.7 A. Resist the Devill and hee will flie from you Iam. 4.7 Now is the iudgement of this world now shall the Prince of this world be cast out Ioh. 12 31. Ob. What hope haue wee to preuaile against so potent an Enemy A. I haue written vnto you Young men because yee haue overcome the wicked oâ— 1. Ioâ— 2.14 For wee know that hee that is begotten of GOD keepeth himselfâ— and that wicked one toucheth him not â— Ioh. 5.18 For the Church of Pergamâ— dwelling even where Sathans throne waâ— yet held fast her professâ—on Revel 2.13 Iob 2.3 Ob. It is not possible for mee in mâ— owne stâ—ength to preuaile A. For this puâ—pose appeared the Sonâ—â— of GOD that he might destroy the workâ— of the Devill 1. Ioâ— 3 8. Who shâ—â—â— bruise Sathan vnder your feet shortly Rom. 16.20 And though the Prince of this world come yet hath hee nought iâ— him Ioh. 14.30 But in two combateâ— was foyled and in the third was put to flâ—ght by him Math. 4.1 So as the gates of Hell prevailed not against him Math. 16.18 Numb 21.9 Q. Wherewith was CHRIST furnished against Sathan A. Forasmuch as the Children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himselfe likewise tooke part of the same that â—hrough Death hee might destroy him that â—â—d the power of Death that is the Devill â—Heb 2.14 And the Saints overcame â—â—m also by the Blood of the Lambe Rev. 12 11. Q. May not Sathan ouercome at the â—ast A. No for CHRIST hath spoyled Principalities and Powers and made a shew of them openly triumphing over them in his Crosse Col. 2.15 And when hee ascended vp on hâ—gh he led Captivitie captiue Ephes 4 8. Wherefore hee is able to saue them to the vtmost that come vnto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Heb. 7.25 For hee giveth vnto them Eternall life and they shall never perish neither shall any plucke them out of his Fathers hands because his Father which gaue them him is greater than all Ioh. 10.28 Psal 68 18. Ob. But the Dragon and his Angels doe still continue their fight against vs A. I haue put enmitie betwixt thee and the Woman and betweene thy seed and her seed it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heele Gen. 3.15 Therefore though they fight yet they prevaile not neither shall their place be found any more in Heaven Revel 12 8. Luk. 10.18 Prou. 29 27. Q. What shall then become of them when they are so cast our A. The great Dragon was cast out that old Serpent called the Devill and Sathan which deceiveth the whole world hee was cast out into the earth and his Angels were cast out with him Reu. 12 9. Ob. How is it then that when the sonnes of God come to present themselues before the Lord Sathan is not shut out Iob 2 1. but is ready to stand at his right hand to resist them Zach. 3.1 A. The Lord said Simon Simon behold Sathan hath desired to haue you that he may sift you as Wheat but I haue prayed for thee that thy faith faile not Luk. 22.31 Saying the Lord rebuke thee O Sathan even the Lord that hath chosen Ierusalem rebuke thee Zach. 3.2 Q. Did the Lord IESVS make good his promise A. Yea for though he were once foyled yet he againe recouered for he went â—â—t and wept bitterly Luk. 22.62 Q. Was he not by this foile of his made for euer after the more faint-hearted A. No for with greater courage and boldnes he both Preached and professed the name of Christ. Act. 2 14 3 12 4 8 4 19. Ob. Notwithstanding my feare is that at my appearing before Gods tribunall Sathan will find some thing whereof to accuse me A. Why art thou so fearefull O thou of little faith Math. 8.26 For I heard a loud voyce saying in Heaven now is come Salvation and strength and the Kingdome of our God and the power of his Christ for the accuser of the Brethren is cast downe which accuseth them before our God day and night Reu. 12.10 Moreouer when Christ commeth he will convince the world of iudgement because the Prince of this world is iudged Ioh. 16 8 11. There is therefore no feare in loue but perfect loue casteth out feare 1 Ioh 4 18 And herein is our loue made perfect that wee may haue boldnesse in the day of Iudgment because as he is so are wee in the world 1 Ioh. 4 17. Q. What shall then become of the Divell at the last A. The Divell that deceiveth Men shall be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the Beast and the false Prophet are and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever Revel 20.10 Q. What vse make you hereof A. Therefore reioyce yee Heavens and yee that dwell in them Revel 12 12. 2 Fight the good sight of Faith 1 Tim. 6 2. And staâ—d fast in the faith quit you like men and bee strong 1 Cor. 16 13. in the Lord and in the power of his might 〈◊〉 â—ut on the whole armour of GOD that ye may bee able to stand against the wiles of the Divell Ephes 6 10. 3 Be sober be vigilant because your adversary the Divell as a roaring Lion walketh about seeking whom hee may devoure 1. Pet. 5.8 1 Cor. 16.13 4 Pray with all prayer and supplication in the spirit and watching therevnto with all perseverance and supplication Ephes 6 18. Ob. If the Divell be cast out and is gone what need is there of any more watching against him A. When the vncleane spirit is gone out of a man hee walketh through dry places seeking rest and finding none he saith I will returne vnto my house whence I came out And when he commeth he findeth it swept and garnished Then goeth he and taketh 7. other spirits more wicked than himselfe and they enter in and dwell there and the last state of that man is worse than the first Luk. 11.24 CHAP. XXVII Of the temptations of the World and in particular of Afflictions Ob. NOtwithstanding all my watching and praying if the Divell should cast out of his mouth water as a flood vsing the world as an assistant am I not in danger to be carryed away of the Floud A. No for the earth shall helpe the Woman and by opening of her mouth shall swallow vp the Floud which the Dragon shall cast out of his mouth Revel 12 16 Thus Gallio helped PAVL against the Iewes Acts 18 14. So did the towne-Clarke also against the vprore of the people Acts 19 35. And the Scribes on the Pharises part helped him against the Sadduces Actâ— 23 9 23 22 21 31 32. 2 Coâ— 11 32. Exod. 2 6. Est 9 3. Ob. But doe wee
before vs whâ—ch hope we haue as anker of the soule both sure and stedfast and which entreth into that which is within the vaile whether the fore-runner is for vs entred Heb. 6.17 Q. Shew me then some marks wherby I may discerne whether or no my selfe am one of that number which shal be saued A. 1. This is life Eternall that wee know him to be the onely true God and IESVS CHRIST whom he hath sent Ioh. 17.3 2. GOD so loued the world that hee gaue his onely begotten Son that whosoeuer beleeueth in him should not perish but haue euerlasting life Ioâ— 3.16 These things I write vnto you that beleeue in the name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye haue eternall life 1. Ioh. 5.13 Ioh. 5.24.3.36 Acts 16.31 3. It shall be that whosoeuer shal call on the name of the Lord shall be saued Act. 2 21. 4. We know that we are passed from death to life because we loue the brethreÌ„ 1. Io. 3.14 5. Whosoeuer shall humble himselfe and become as a little child the same is great in the Kingdome of GOD. Mat. 18.4 Mat 5.3.19.14 6 The Kingdome of Heauen suffereth violence and the violent take it by force Mat. 11.12 and for ioy thereof depart and sell all that they haue to purchase it Mat. 13.44 5.10 7. There shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth nor whosoever worketh abomination or that maketh a lie Reu. 21.27 For without are dogs and Sorcerers and Whoremongers and Murtherers Idolaters Reu. 22.15 Neither shall any that worketh abhomination enter into the Kingdome of GOD. Reu. 21.27 The sinners in Zion are afraid fearefulnesse shall surprise the Hypocrites Who among vs shall dwell with the devouring fire who among vs shall dwell with the everlasting burnings He that walketh righteously and speaketh vprightly he that despiseth the gaine of the oppressions that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes and stoppeth his eare from hearing of blood and shutteth his eyes from seeing of euill hee shall dwell on high Isa 33.14 And to him that ordereth his conuersation aright will I shew the salvation of GOD. Psal 5â— 23.15.1.119.155 Math. 5.19 Ier. 17.13 Ob. These things in some measure I doe find to be in my selfe yet my griefe is that I can be no more sencible of this happinesse A. 1. Now wee see through a glasse darkly but then face to face Now wee know in part But then shall wee know even as also wee are knowne 1. Cor. 13.12 2. We are saved by hope but hope that is seene is not hope For what a man seeth why doth hee hope for it But if we hope for that we see not then doe we with patience waite for it Rom. 8.24 As well as IACOB who said I haue waited for thy salvation O LORD Gen. 49.18 1. Pet. 1.9 3. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seene Heb. 11.1 Whom hauing not seene you loue in whom though you see him not yet beleeuing you reioyce with ioy vnspeakable and full of glory receiuing the end of your faith the saluation of your soules 1. Pet. 1.8 4. For this end pray saying Restore vnto mee the ioy of thy salvation and vphold me with thy free spirit Psal 51.12 And then with ioy shall you draw water out of the wels of saluation Isa 12.3 Ob. I am beset with so many enemies that my feare is I shall fall short of Heauen A. We are kept by the power of GOD through faith vnto saluation ready to bereuealed in the last times 1. Pet. 1.5 When Christ shall put downe all rule and all authority and power For he must reigne till he haue put all his enemies vnder his feet the last whereof that shall be destroyed is death For hee hath put all things vnder his feet but when hee saith all things are put vnder him it is manifest that he is excepted which did put all things vnder him 1. Cor. 15.24 Q. Seeing GOD haâ—h prouided for vs such an inheritance what therefore are we to doe A. 1. We are bound to giue thankes alwayes to GOD because GOD hath from the beginning chosen vs to saluation through sanctification of the spirit and the beliefe of the truth Whereunto hee called vs by the Gospell to the obtaining of the glory of the Lord IESVS CHRIST 2. Thes 2.13 1. Pet. 1.3.4 2 Because the Scriptures are callâ—d the Word of the Kingdome Mat. 13.19 Search the Scrâ—ptures for in them ye thinke to haue eternall life Ioh. 5.39 In which because some things are hard to be vnderstood 2. Pet. 3.16 Let euery man be swift to heare Iam. 1.19 For after that in the Wisedome of GOD the World by Wisedome knew not GOD it pleased GOD by the foolishnes of Preaching to saue them that beleeue 1. Cor. 1.21 3. Seeing wee here haue no continuing City but we seeke one to come Heb. 13.14 And the time here being short it remaineth that both they that haue Wiues be as though they had none and they that weepe as though they wept not and they that reioyce as though they reioyced not and they that buy as though they possessed not and they that vse this world as not abusing it for the fashion of this World passeth away 1. Cor. 7.29 And wee according to his Promise looke for new Heauens and a new earth where dwelleth Righteousnesse 2. Pet. 3.13 Ioh. 6.27 4. Make you friends of the Mammon of vnrighteousnesse that when yee faile they may receiue you into everlasting habitations Luk. 16.9 Sell that yee haue and giue Almes and prouide your selues Bags which waxe not old and treasures in Heaven that faile not Luk. 12.33 Matth. 6.19 5. Hauing therefore these promises let vs cleanse our selues from all filthines of flesh and spirit perfecting holinesse in the feare of GOD 2. Cor. 7.1 And let vs feare left a promise being left vs of entring into his rest any of you should seeme to come short of it Heb. 4.1 Wherein we ought to giue the more earnest heed to the things which wee haue heard least at any time wee should let them slip For if the Word spoken by Angels was stedfast and every transgression and disobedience receiued a iust recompence of reward how shall wee escape if wee neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the LORD and was confirmed to vs by them that heard him Heb. 2.1 Wherefore the rather brethren giue diligence to make your calling and election sure for if yee doe these things yee shall never fall For so an entrance shall be ministred to you abundantly into the everlast ng Kingdome of our Lord and Saviour IESVS CHRIST 2. Pet. 1.10 11. Râ—u 22.14 Heb. 12 28. 1. Cor 15 34 Râ—m 13.11 1. Cor. 6.9 Tit. 2.11 Q You tell me of Heaven and if these bee the condâ—tions of attaining it how shall I â—e animated to come there A. If any man will come after me let
many there be which goe in thereat But straight is the Gate and narrow is the way that leadeth vnto life and few there be that find it Mat. 7 13 7 19 5 29 30 31. Q. What must I do when vpon good ground I shall fiâ—d my selfe to bee deliuered from so great a condemnation A. Giue thankes to God and say Great is thy mercy towards me for thou hast delivered my soule from the lowest hell Psal 86.13 Q Why Is it not in mans power to purchase Heaven and to deliuer himselfe from Hell A. Verily verily I say vnto you except a man be borne againe of Water and the Holy Ghost hee cannot enter into the kingdome of Heaven Ioh. â— 3 And without holinesse no man can see the Lord Heb. 12 14. And yet who can say my heart is cleane I am pure from my sinne Prou. 20 9. Iâ—b 9 20. Isa 64 6. Iob. 9.30 31. Psal 93 5. CHAP. XIX Of Sanctification Ob. IF this bee our case who then can be saued Mark 10 26. A. With men this is vnpossible but with GOD all things are possible Math. 19 26. By whom there shall be a fountaine opened to the house of DAVID for sinne and for vncleannesse Zach. 13.1 And you shall be cleane from all your filthinesse and from all your Idols will hee cleanse you Ezek. 36.25 And will turne to you a pure language Zeph. 3 9. that hee who blesseth himselfe in the earth shall blesse himselfe in the GOD of Truth Isa 65 16 And shall serue the Lord their GOD and DAVID their King whom hee will raise vp vnto them Ier. 30 9. Hos 2.16 17. Zeph. 3 13. Psal 37.30 31. 2. Tit. 14. Ioh. 17 19. Heb. 10.7 10. 2. Cor. 13.8 Rom. 8 9. Zach. 8 3. Ezek. 37 28 1. Thes 5 23. Math. 13.33 Isa 4.2 Thus the heart of IEHOSAPHAT was lifted vp in the wayes of the Lord 2. Chro. 17 6. And ZACHARIE and ELIZABETH were both righteous and walked in all the ordinances of the Lord blamelesse Luk. 1 6. Act. 23 1.24 16. Heb. 13 18. Act. 10 22. Ob. Can the Blackmoores skin be changed or a Leopard his spots And can he bee good that is accustomed vnto evill Ier. 13 23. A. Yea for if the blood of Buls and of Goates and Calues and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the vncleane sanctifie to the purifying of the Flesh how much more shall the Blood of CHRIST who through the Eternall spirit offering himselfe without spot vnto GOD purge your Consciences from dead workes to serue the living God Heb. 9 13. Eph. 2 1. Gal. 1 23. Ob. I feele the dwelling of sinne in me still A. So did IOB Iob 9 20.9 30.31 and DAVID Psal 38 4.51 3. and ISAIAH Isa 64 6. and PAVL Rom. 7 18. 1. Tim. 1 15. And so though you also doe walke in the flesh yet doe you â—ut warre after the flesh 2. Cor. 10 3. Sinne shall not haue dominion over you for you are not vnder the Law but vnder Grace Rom. 6 14. For the law of the Spirit of Life which is in CHRIST IESVS shall free thee from the law of Sinne and of Death Rom. 8 2. 1. Cor. 12 3. Q. Why doth CHRIST wash vs who are so vncleane A. CHRIST loueth his Church and gaue himselfe for it that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word and that hee might present it to himselfe a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thâ—ng but that it should be holy and without blemish Ephes 5 25. Hos 14 4. Q. Is there nothing required of vs for the furthering of this Grace in our selues A. Hee that hath this hope purifieth himselfe as hee is pure 1. Ioh. 3 3. you shall therefore sanctifie your selues and â—ee shall be holy for I am holy neither shall you defile your selues with any manner of creeping thing Leu. 11.44 But if you walke in the Spirit you shall not fulfill the lusts of the Flesh Gal. 5 16. For every branch that beareth fruit hee purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit Ioh. 15 2. Rom. 6 12. Leu. 20 8.20.26 But his owne iniquities shall take the wicked himselfe and he shall be holden with the cords of his owne sinnes Prou. 5 22. For God will giue him vp vnto his owne hearts lusts whereby he shall walke in his owne counsels Psal 81 12. 2. He must pray saying O Lord why hast thou made mee to erre from thy wayes and hardened my heart from thy feare Returne for thy servants sake Isa 63 17. Create in me a cleane heart O GOD and renew a right spirit within me Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thâ— holy Spirit from me Psal 51 10. Keepe backe thy servant also from presumptuous sinnes let them not haue dominion over me Psal 19 13. Who can vnderstand his errours Cleanse thou me from my secret faults Psal 19 12. I will runne the wayes of thy Commandements when thou hast inlarged my heart Psal 119 32 41 4. Ioh. 17 17. Q. When wee find this grace of Sanctification to bee wrought in vs what must we then doe A. Because it is GOD which worketh in you both to will and to doe of his good pleasure Phil. 2 13. Theâ—eâ—ore sâ—y yee God bee thanked that we were the servants of Sinne but we haue obeyed from the heart that forme of Doctrine which was deliuered vs. Rom. 6 17. Q. But shall no Sanctifying grace of GOD be wanting A. GOD gaue not CHRIST the Spirit by measure Ioh. 3 34. For it pleaseth the Father thut in him should all fulnesse dwell Col. 1 19. And vnto every one of vs is given Grace according to the measure of the guift of CHRIST Ephes 4 7. So that you shall come behind in no guift 1. Cor. 1 7. But of his fulnesse you shall receiue and grace for grace Ioh. 1 16. Isa 11 2 3. Psal 68 19. Zach. 14 8. Ephes 1 3 4. CHAP. XX. Of Knowledge Faith Trust and Hope Q. WHich is the fiâ—st of those Graces A. To know the Truth Ioh. 8 32. I will saith God giue them an heart to know me that I am the Lord Ier. 24.7 For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel c. I will put my Lawes into their minde and write them in their hearts c. And they shall not teach every man his neighbour and every man his brother saying Know the Lord for all shall know mee from the least to the greatest Heb. 8 10. Ier. 31 33. And the Earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Glory of the LORD as the waters cover the Sea Hâ—b 2 14 Moreouer the light of the Moone shall be as the light of the Sunne and the light of the Sunne shall be seaven-fold as the light of the 7. dayes Isa 30.26 Wherby the people that sate in Darkenesse saw great light and to them which sate in the Region of the
ready to speake plainly Isa 32.4 For out â—f the mouthes of Babes and sucklings hath 〈◊〉 ordained strength because of his Eâ—â—mies that hee might still the enemy and â—avenger Psal 8 2. Say not then I am a Child for thou shalt â—nto all that I shall send thee and whatâ—â—ever I command thee thou shalt speake Ierem. 1.7 For who hath made mans Youth Or who maketh the dumbe and be deafe haue not I the Lord Now â—herefore I will be with thy mouth and â—uch thee what thou shalt say Exod. 4 11. When they therefore deliver you vp â—ike no thought how or what you shall â—eake for it shall be given you in that â—ime houre what you shall say Math. 10 19. Luk. 21.14 And I will giue you a â—outh and wisedome which all your adversaries shall not be able to gaine-say nor resist Luk. 21.15 Act. 6 10. For the Scripture saith Whosoever beleeveth on him shall not be ashamed Rom. 10 11. For with the Heart man beleeveth vnto Righteousnesse and with the Mouth confession is made vnto salvation Rom. 10 10 You having therefore the same spiritâ— of Faith according as it is written beleeved and therefore haue I spoken you also beleeue and therefore speake 2. Cor 4 13. And be not afraid and hold not thy peace for I am with thee and no maâ— shall set on thee to hurt thee Acts 18.9 But sanctifie the Lord God in your heart and be ready alway to giue an answere to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you and that with meekenes and feare 1. Pet. 3 15. Math. 10 32. Prou. 16.1 Acts 4.9 Luk. 12.12 Ob. If for the hope of Israel I should thus stand in defence of the truth I shall for my labour be cast into some Dungeon Ier. 38.6 be bound with a chaine Acts 28.20 And my feet hurt with fetters of Iron Psal 105.18 Ezek. 19.9 Iohn 21 28. A Though you suffer trouble as an evill doer yet the word of God is not bound 2. Tim. 2.9 You may be a bondman in deed yet the Lord God will not forsake you in your bondage Ezra 9 9. No more than he forsooke PAVL and SILAS who â—ing psalmes in Prison Acts 16 25. For the Lord heareth the poore and desâ—seth not his Prisoners Psal 69.33 â—et hath broken the Gates of Brasse and â—â—t the Barres of iron in sunder Psal 107. â—6 And bringeth out those that are â—â—und with chaines Psal 68 6. For the iron gate opened vnto Peter of its owne â—ucord whereby hee escaped the hands of Herod Acts 12 10. Ier. 38.13.52.31 Psal 102.19.116 16. Ob. It may be they will not alwayes deâ—aine me a prisoner but which is worse 〈◊〉 may bee banished into the Land of Strangers abroad Reu. 19.10 Heb. 11.38 Act. 8 1. A. Although they shall cast you a far off â—mong the Heathen and although they do scatter you among the Countries yet will the to you as a little Sanctuary in the Countries where you shall come Exek 11.16 And when you are in the Land of your Enemies I will not cast you away neither will I abhorre you to destroy you vtterly and to breake my Covenant with you for I am the Lord your GOD Leuit. 26.44 But I will giue you a reviuing there Ezra 9 8. And make you to be pittied of all those that shall carry you Captiue Psal 106 46 And make the Enemy to intreat you well Ier. 15.11 And I will be with you as with IOSEPH in Egypt who was a prosperous man Gen. 39 2. forgat all his toyle and all his Fathers house and became fruitfull in the Land of his Affliction Gen. 41 51 52 46 3 47 27 23 11. Ier. 40.4 37 21. Deut. 4 29. Reuel 1.9 10. Psal 105 12. Ier. 31 10. 2 Moreouer heare the Word of the Lord and declare it in the Isles a farre off and say hee that scattered Israel will gather him Ier. 31.10 Feare not for I am with them I will bring their seed from the East and gather them from the West I will say to the North giue vp and to the South keepe not backe Bring my Sonnes from farre and my Daughters from the ends of the earth even every one that is called by my name for I haue created him for my glory Isa 43 5. For as the Shepheard seeketh out his flocke in the day that he is among his Sheepe that are scattered so will I seeke out my Sheepe and will deliver them out of all places where they haue beene scattered in the cloudie and darke day And I will bring them out from the people and gather them from the Countries and I will bring them to their owne Land Ezek. 34 12. So that the redeemed of the Lord shall returne and come with singing vnto Zion and everlasting ioy shall bee vpon their head they shall obtaine gladnes and ioy and sorrow and mourning shall flee away Isa 51 11. Say ye therefore turne againe our captivity O Lord as the streames in the South Psal 126 4. O that Salvation were come out of Zion when the Lord bringeth backe the captivity of his people Iacob shall reioyce and Israel shall be glad Psalm 14 7 53.6 81 5 68 22. Deut. 30 1. Gen. 15.15.48 21. Isa 14 12 26 2 â—9 10.30 10 27 13 49.25 60 15. Ier. 23 3 24 5. Ezek. 36 24. Amos 9 14. Zach. 10 10. Exod. 12.41 Ob. But in the meane while would it not greeue a man to part with his deare friends with what else he hath Ier. 5 2. Lam. 5 15 3 45 46. Dan. 9 15. A. No moâ—e than it would haue grieved Leui who said vnto his Father and to his mother I haue not seene him neither did he acknowledge his Brethren nor knew his owne Children Deut. 33.9 Or than others who tooke ioyfully the spoyling of theyr goods knowing in themselues that they haue in Heaven a better and an induring substance Heb. 10 34. For I say vnto you there is no man that hath left house or Brethren or Sisters or Father or Mother or Wife or Children or Lands for my sake or the Gospell but he shall receiue an hundred fold now in this world Houses and Brethren and Sisters and Mothers and Children and lands with Persecutions and in the world to come life everlasting Mark 10 29 Luk. 14 26 14.33.17.32 Ob. But more greevous things than these are imposed for for his sake are we killed all the day long and are counted as sheepe for the slaughter Psal 44 22 74.4 Lam. 3.42 A. Yet I will not leaue you comfortlesse Ioh. 14 18. But as my sufferings abound in you so your consolation also aboundeth 2 Cor. 1 5. For I will pray the Father and hee shall gâ—ue you another comforter that he may abide with you for ever even the spirit of truth whom the world cannot receiue because it seeth hâ—m not neither knoweth him But ye know him for hee dwelleth with you and shall bee in you
shall bee as with the people so with the Priest as with the Servant so with the Master as with the Maid so with the Mistresse as with the buyer so with the seller as with the Lender so with the Borrower as with the taker of vsurie so with the giver of vsurie Isa 24 2. Iudg. 18 18.19.22 Q. What benefit doth the Church receiue by the government of Kings A. When the Earth and all the Inhabitants thereof are dissolved he will beare vp the Pillars of it Psal 75. 3. He is the light of ISRAEL 2 Sam. 21 17. And the beautie thereof 2 Sam. 1 19 23 4. The very breath of your nosthrils and vnder his shadow you shall be preserved Lam. 4 20. And a man shall bee as a hiâ—ing place from the Wind and a covert from the Tempest as Rivers of water in a dry place and the shadow of a great Rocke in a weary land Isa 32 2. Kings shall bee your nursing Fathers and Queenes your nursing Mothers Isa 49.23 For the Iewes and all ISRAEL dwelt safely every Man vnder his Vine and vnder his Figge-tree from DAN even to BEER-SHEBA all the dayes of SOLOMON 1 King 4 25. And GOD saved ISRAEL by the hand of IEROBOAM 2 King 14 27. 2. Sam 8 3. Q. By what meanes doth a King become so blessed an instrument of our good A. Because by GOD it is that Kings Reigne Prou. 8 15. He shall giue him another heart 1 Sam. 10.9 And hee shall be turned into another man 1 Sam. 10 6. And the wisedome of God shall be in him to do Iudgement 1 King 3 28. For it shall be when he sitteth vpon the Throne of his Kingdome that he shall write him a Copie of the Law in a booke And it shall be with him and he shall reade therein all the dayes of his life that hee may learne to feare the Lord his God to keepe all the words of this Law and the Statutes to doe them Deut. 17.18 Whereby a divine sentence shall be in the lips of the King and his mouth transgresseth not in Iudgment Prou. 16 10. But hee shall raigne in Iustice and your Princes shall rule in Iudgement Isa 32 1. For David raigned over all Israel and executed Iudgment and Iustice among all his people 1. Chron. 18 14. And iudged vprightly Psal 75 2. And that was because the Lord loved Israel 1 King 10.9 2 Chron. 2 11. For as when the Righteous are in authority the people reioyce so when the wicked beare rule the people mourne Prou. 29 2.4 Prou. 28 15 16.29 12. Eccl. 10 17. 1 Sam. 28 3 2 5.12 1 Kings 15 1â— 2 10 28 2 14 5 6 2 23 3. 2 Chron. 14 3 29 3 34 3 2 36.22 2 Because the worke will bee too heauie for one man neyther is he able to performe it alone Exod. 18 18. He afâ—er the wisedome of his GOD that is in his heart shall set vp Magistrates and Iudges which may iudge all the people Ezra 7 25. And place such over them â—s are able men such as feare GOD â—en of truth hating covetousnesse to bee â—ulers of thousands and Rulers of hundreds and rulers of fifties and rulers of â—â—nnes to iudge the people at all seasons Exod. 18 21. And the King shall charge them sayâ—â—g Thus shall yee doe in the feare of â—he LORD faithfully and with a perfect â—eart So that whatsoever cause shall come to you of your Brethren that dwell in their Cities c. You shall warne them that they trespasse not against the LORD 2 Chron. 19 9. Yee shall not wrest the Iudgement of the poore in his â—ouse Exod. 23 6. But yee shall iustifie the Righteous and condemne the wicked Deut. 25.1 Which that yee may the better doe yee shall take no gift for the guift blindeth the wise and perverteth the words of the Righteous Exod. 23.8 Neither shall you respect the person of the poore nor honour the person of the mighty Leuit. 15.19 You shall take heed what yee doe for yee iudge not for men but for the LORD who is with you in the Iudgement Wherefore now let the feare of the Lord bee vpon you Take heed and doe it for there is no iniquitie with the Lord our God nor respect of persons nor taking of guifts 2 Chron. 19.6 Thus shall you iudge the people at all seasons and it shall be that every great matter you shall bring vnto me but every small matter you shall iudge so shall it be easier for me when you shall beare the burthen with mee Exod. 18.22 1 Sam. 7 15 16. Deut. 16 19 1 17. Ier. 22 3.21 12. Amos 5 15. Micha 3.1 Psal 82 2. Prou. 18.5 2 Sam. 23 3. Q. What good shall come to vs by these substitutes in Gouernment A. As the Mountaines shall bring peace to the people so the little Hils by righteousnes Psal 72 3. For God led his people like a flocke by the hand of Moses and Aaron Psal 77.20 And Mordecay sought the wealth of his people and spake peace vnto all his seed Esth 10.3 Psal 72.4 Iob. 29.12 2 King 8 6. Q. What may the promise of good Rulers teach vs A. To pray saying Let the Lord the GOD of the spirits of all flesh set a man â—ver the Congregation which may goe out before them and which may goe in before them and which may leade them out and which may bring them in that the. Congregation of the LORD â—â—e not as Sheepe which haue no Shepheard Numb 27.16 But that wee may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all Godlinesse and Honestie 1 Tim. 2 2. Q. When wee haue a King and others sent of him to gouerne vs what is required of vs A. 1 Feare the LORD in truth and with all your hearts because if you shall doe wickedly you shall bee consumed both you and your King 1 Sam. 12.24.25 2 I exhort that supplications and prayers with giving of thankes bee made for Kings and for all that are in authority 1 Tim. 2 1. Wherein because the Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord as the Rivers of water he turneth it whethersoever he will Prou. 21 1. Pray giue the King thy Iudgments O Lord and thy Righteousnes vnto the Kings Sonne that so he may iudge the people with righteousnes and the poore with Iudgment Psal 72 1. And as thou hast set thy Servant over thy people giue him an vnderstanding heart to iudge thy people that heâ— may discerne betweene good and bad for who is able to iudge this so great a people 1 King 3 9 And take away the wicked from the King that his Throne may be established in righteousnes Prou. 25 4. Blesse Lord his substance and accept the worke of his hands smite thorough the loynes of them that rise against him and of them that hate him that they rise not againe Deut. 33 11. Let him abide for ever before thee O prepare mercie and truth which may preserue him so