manifest_a unto_o they_o when_o god_n shall_v reveal_v they_o unto_o his_o saint_n by_o make_v such_o a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o appear_v so_o that_o they_o may_v discern_v the_o same_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o other_o that_o be_v in_o themselves_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o true_a grace_n shall_v always_o lie_v hide_v but_o it_o will_v be_v manifest_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o to_o the_o comfort_n and_o rejoice_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o saint_n quest_n but_o by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o draw-net_n in_o the_o thirteen_o of_o matthew_n it_o do_v appear_v that_o there_o may_v be_v wicked_a man_n in_o the_o church_n undiscovered_a and_o not_o know_v to_o be_v hypocrite_n until_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n answ_n it_o be_v true_a there_o may_v be_v such_o for_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v discern_v and_o know_v but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o saint_n to_o know_v one_o another_o even_o in_o this_o life_n quest_n if_o all_o the_o saint_n may_v be_v discern_v and_o know_v than_o those_o that_o be_v not_o discern_v to_o be_v saint_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v hypocrite_n answ_n we_o can_v so_o conclude_v of_o they_o for_o though_o they_o be_v nor_o as_o yet_o discern_v and_o know_v yet_o afterward_o they_o may_v be_v or_o they_o may_v be_v saint_n and_o depart_v this_o life_n undiscerned_a through_o want_n of_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o only_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o saint_n quest_n but_o how_o may_v we_o discern_v and_o know_v other_o to_o be_v saint_n answ_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o set_v down_o any_o particular_a note_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v know_v because_o the_o grace_n that_o do_v demonstrate_v they_o to_o be_v saint_n be_v inward_a and_o therefore_o be_v better_o conceive_v then_o can_v be_v express_v in_o word_n by_o we_o nevertheless_o if_o we_o can_v upon_o good_a ground_n assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v saint_n let_v we_o see_v and_o observe_v wherein_o we_o go_v beyond_o a_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o enjoy_v of_o any_o special_a and_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o then_o let_v we_o expect_v and_o look_v for_o the_o same_o grace_n in_o other_o and_o wheresoever_o we_o find_v that_o bless_a work_n of_o grace_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o good_a tree_n ingraft_v into_o christ_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v he_o be_v a_o good_a tree_n because_o he_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n quest_n but_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o righteous_a do_v daily_a sin_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o hypocrite_n may_v also_o do_v many_o good_a thing_n even_o work_v which_o be_v very_o good_a in_o outward_a appearance_n answ_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o evil_n which_o the_o saint_n do_v be_v none_o of_o their_o fruit_n nor_o the_o good_a that_o hypocrite_n do_v be_v none_o of_o their_o fruit_n it_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v their_o fruit_n for_o the_o fruit_n be_v that_o which_o do_v discover_v the_o tree_n either_o to_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a matth._n 7.16.20_o rom._n 7.19_o quest_n what_o be_v then_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o good_a tree_n that_o do_v discover_v itself_o and_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o good_a tree_n answ_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o good_a tree_n ingraft_v into_o christ_n be_v manifold_a but_o principal_o it_o be_v love_n which_o have_v its_o first_o beginning_n from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n love_n to_o they_o and_o be_v first_o return_v to_o god_n again_o and_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n next_o to_o their_o brethren_n the_o beget_v of_o god_n &_o to_o all_o man_n even_o to_o their_o very_a enemy_n do_v good_a even_o to_o they_o that_o hate_v they_o mat._n 5.44_o 1_o joh._n 4.19_o chap._n 5.1_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o evil_a tree_n answ_n it_o be_v also_o manifold_a but_o principal_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o contrary_a to_o this_o fruit_n of_o the_o good_a tree_n as_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o despise_v and_o hate_v of_o his_o truth_n and_o child_n quest_n but_o hypocrite_n may_v dissemble_v a_o love_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o his_o truth_n and_o child_n answ_n it_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o they_o can_v so_o dissemble_v to_o make_v the_o child_n of_o god_n believe_v and_o account_v they_o for_o saint_n yet_o they_o will_v hope_v the_o best_a of_o they_o until_o their_o dissimulation_n be_v make_v manifest_a and_o they_o discover_v to_o be_v evil_a tree_n quest_n but_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o know_v they_o to_o be_v saint_n of_o a_o sudden_a assoon_o as_o they_o come_v to_o converse_v with_o they_o answ_n no_o certain_o especial_o in_o these_o time_n wherein_o we_o live_v for_o no_o doubt_n corruption_n do_v bear_v great_a sway_n in_o many_o that_o no_o doubt_n be_v saint_n and_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n do_v not_o manifest_v itself_o in_o many_o by_o reason_n of_o many_o discouragement_n that_o they_o meet_v with_o and_o for_o want_v of_o example_n to_o go_v before_o they_o to_o encourage_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o discern_v they_o &_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o it_o be_v hold_v a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o know_v they_o in_o this_o life_n quest_n how_o be_v the_o company_n of_o saint_n call_v in_o the_o scripture_n answ_n they_o be_v call_v by_o many_o honourable_a name_n and_o title_n as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n his_o body_n his_o spouse_n his_o habitation_n his_o temple_n zion_n jerusalem_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o many_o such_o like_a ephes_n 5.30_o 1_o cor._n 12.27_o cant._n 4.8.9.10_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o gal._n 4.26_o quest_n when_o be_v this_o church_n and_o company_n of_o saint_n to_o be_v find_v answ_n this_o church_n be_v disperse_v over_o the_o whole_a world_n even_o among_o the_o very_a heathen_a quest_n how_o can_v it_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o saint_n in_o such_o place_n see_v they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v no_o name_n under_o heaven_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v save_v but_o only_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n act_n 4.12_o answ_n it_o be_v true_a neither_o be_v they_o save_v by_o any_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n but_o by_o christ_n alone_o quest_n how_o can_v they_o be_v save_v by_o he_o who_o never_o come_v to_o know_v he_o either_o to_o come_v or_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n answ_n it_o may_v well_o be_v notwithstanding_o for_o there_o be_v leave_v in_o man_n even_o since_o his_o fall_n a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v and_o serve_v and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n condemn_v of_o they_o for_o disobey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o see_v themselves_o miserable_a and_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o wrath_n of_o this_o just_a god_n though_o they_o know_v not_o how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v so_o at_o the_o first_o and_o also_o they_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n extend_v towards_o they_o manifest_v in_o his_o creature_n god_n also_o work_v in_o they_o by_o his_o spirit_n persuade_v they_o that_o if_o they_o will_v seek_v mercy_n at_o his_o hand_n he_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o their_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o body_n and_o this_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v extend_v unto_o they_o for_o christ_n his_o sake_n though_o they_o know_v not_o by_o who_o mean_n and_o for_o who_o sake_n they_o receive_v it_o rom._n 2.14_o 15.26_o act_n 14.17_o rom._n 1.19_o 20._o qu._n be_v there_o not_o a_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n among_o the_o saint_n although_o they_o be_v thus_o disperse_v answ_n yes_o very_o they_o have_v a_o spiritual_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n all_o partake_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n all_o be_v beget_v by_o one_o father_n all_o bear_v of_o water_n and_o spirit_n all_o partaker_n of_o one_o precious_a faith_n all_o rule_v and_o govern_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n who_o work_v in_o they_o a_o love_n to_o one_o another_o though_o they_o never_o behold_v the_o face_n one_o of_o another_o and_o do_v joy_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o happiness_n and_o prosperity_n one_o of_o another_o and_o for_o that_o end_n be_v daily_a suitor_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n one_o for_o another_o ephes_n 2.14_o chap._n 4.4.5.6_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v make_v know_v one_o to_o another_o answ_n their_o duty_n be_v to_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o worship_n god_n to_o pray_v unto_o he_o and_o to_o praise_v he_o to_o exhort_v comfort_n and_o build_v up_o one_o another_o and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o fellowship_n one_o of_o another_o
how_o do_v you_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v this_o sin_n in_o that_o place_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v we_o pray_v for_o answ_n because_o all_o other_o sin_n be_v pardonable_a and_o therefore_o may_v be_v pray_v for_o but_o this_o sin_n be_v unpardonable_a and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v pray_v for_o matthew_n 12.32_o quest_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o this_o sin_n above_o all_o other_o shall_v be_v unpardonable_a answ_n because_o the_o very_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v despise_v and_o reject_v after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o by_o repentance_n see_v they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n heb._n 6.6_o quest_n how_o do_v they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n answ_n even_o like_a as_o the_o jew_n do_v reject_v christ_n and_o crucify_v he_o when_o he_o be_v with_o they_o upon_o earth_n so_o these_o man_n do_v now_o reject_v he_o and_o do_v crucify_v he_o by_o their_o wilful_a contempt_n of_o he_o and_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v so_o do_v they_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n and_o so_o reject_v that_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n it_o be_v impossible_a their_o sin_n shall_v be_v pardon_v for_o there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n heb._n 10.29_o quest_n do_v man_n come_v on_o a_o sudden_a to_o commit_v this_o fearful_a sin_n answ_n no_o but_o by_o degree_n for_o first_o there_o be_v a_o light_a esteem_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o grace_n offer_v therein_o second_o a_o look_a back_n to_o their_o pleasure_n pass_v with_o some_o like_n of_o they_o three_o a_o yield_a consent_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o flesh_n for_o the_o embrace_v of_o they_o again_o and_o so_o by_o little_a and_o little_a return_v like_o the_o dog_n to_o his_o own_o vomit_n again_o and_o like_o the_o sow_n that_o be_v wash_v to_o she_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n 2_o pet._n 2.22_o quest_n do_v all_o the_o reprobate_n commit_v this_o sin_n answ_n no_o because_o many_o of_o they_o be_v never_o so_o far_o enlighten_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o see_v and_o perceive_v those_o thing_n which_o those_o do_v that_o fall_v into_o that_o sin_n quest_n be_v not_o their_o estate_n more_o miserable_a that_o commit_v this_o sin_n than_o other_o that_o do_v not_o commit_v that_o sin_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o shall_v perish_v for_o ever_o answ_n yes_o certain_o for_o although_o the_o estate_n of_o other_o be_v miserable_a yet_o the_o misery_n of_o these_o shall_v far_o exceed_v for_o to_o who_o much_o have_v be_v commit_v of_o he_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v and_o he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_v and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n 2_o pet._n 2.21_o quest_n do_v not_o such_o as_o commit_v this_o sin_n prove_v dangerous_a enemy_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n answ_n yes_o assure_o none_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o those_o that_o once_o have_v profess_v the_o truth_n and_o afterward_o have_v turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v careful_o to_o be_v take_v heed_n of_o and_o to_o be_v avoid_v 2_o pet._n 2.21_o quest_n what_o differ_v effect_n do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v in_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v from_o those_o that_o commit_v this_o horrible_a sin_n answ_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v work_v in_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v a_o far_o more_o excellent_a work_n namely_o that_o great_a work_n of_o regeneration_n consist_v of_o these_o two_o principal_a effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n repentance_n and_o faith_n io._n 3.5_o quest_n be_v none_o partaker_n of_o these_o two_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v answ_n not_o any_o one_o and_o none_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o those_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v possible_o commit_v that_o sin_n but_o all_o other_o that_o be_v only_o enlighten_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o see_v and_o know_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o that_o sin_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o best_a way_n for_o such_o to_o take_v to_o be_v free_a from_o commit_v that_o sin_n answ_n the_o best_a way_n be_v not_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o that_o common_a grace_n of_o enlighten_v only_o but_o to_o labour_v to_o find_v in_o themselves_o those_o two_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v earnest_a with_o the_o lord_n by_o prayer_n that_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n will_v work_v effectual_o for_o the_o break_v their_o heart_n and_o humble_v they_o that_o so_o he_o may_v raise_v they_o up_o again_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n and_o never_o to_o give_v rest_n unto_o their_o soul_n until_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o spirit_n assure_v their_o heart_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o quest_n but_o be_v not_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v unjustified_a abominable_a how_o can_v we_o therefore_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v hear_v we_o or_o grant_v our_o request_n answ_n the_o prayer_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v unjustified_a be_v not_o abominable_a but_o only_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o wicked_a as_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o cast_v the_o word_n of_o god_n behind_o they_o but_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o be_v humble_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o have_v their_o heart_n break_v and_o bring_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v reconcile_v and_o to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o god_n be_v not_o abominable_a but_o be_v please_v unto_o god_n and_o be_v many_o time_n hear_v and_o grant_v by_o he_o quest_n but_o god_n hear_v and_o grant_v the_o request_n of_o none_o but_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o all_o unjustified_a man_n be_v out_o of_o christ_n therefore_o how_o can_v it_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v hear_v they_o or_o that_o their_o prayer_n shall_v be_v please_v unto_o he_o answ_n true_a it_o be_v that_o all_o unjustified_a person_n be_v out_o of_o christ_n that_o be_v be_v not_o ingraft_v into_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o also_o god_n hear_v and_o grant_v no_o request_n but_o for_o christ_n sake_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o god_n do_v hear_v the_o request_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o actual_o in_o christ_n for_o christ_n sake_n for_o god_n be_v merciful_a to_o all_o his_o creature_n only_o in_o christ_n and_o many_o thousand_o enjoy_v mercy_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o christ_n sake_n that_o shall_v never_o enjoy_v salvation_n by_o he_o and_o therefore_o though_o man_n be_v not_o actual_o justify_v yet_o they_o may_v pray_v for_o christ_n sake_n for_o the_o thing_n they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o and_o be_v hear_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o prayer_n please_v and_o not_o sin_n else_o will_v not_o the_o apostle_n have_v advise_v simon_n magus_n be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n to_o pray_v that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v he_o gen._n 16.13_o chap._n 21.16_o act_n 8.22_o quest_n may_v any_o one_o of_o those_o that_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o new_a birth_n and_o ingraft_v into_o christ_n fall_v away_o and_o perish_v answ_n no_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a in_o his_o love_n where_o he_o once_o love_v with_o that_o special_a love_n he_o ever_o love_v for_o the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n rom._n 11.20_o io._n 12.1_o rom._n 5.10_o quest_n but_o they_o fall_v into_o many_o sin_n after_o regeneration_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o god_n just_o cast_v they_o off_o answ_n true_a it_o be_v they_o fall_v into_o sin_n after_o regeneration_n and_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o god_n justice_n only_o we_o can_v say_v but_o he_o may_v cast_v they_o oft_o but_o yet_o god_n will_v be_v true_a in_o his_o promise_n and_o as_o he_o do_v manifest_v his_o mercy_n and_o love_n unto_o they_o in_o their_o new_a birth_n so_o will_v be_v manifest_a his_o mercy_n in_o preserve_v they_o so_o that_o although_o they_o do_v sin_n daily_o yet_o shall_v it_o not_o condemn_v they_o for_o god_n do_v justify_v they_o through_o christ_n death_n and_o if_o god_n justify_v who_o may_v condemn_v rom._n 8.33.34_o quest_n then_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o steadfastness_n of_o man_n in_o grace_n consist_v not_o in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o strength_n but_o in_o the_o unchangeable_a decree_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n answ_n no_o assure_o
plain_a truth_n of_o divivinity_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n &_o set_v forth_o by_o way_n of_o question_n and_o answer_v the_o best_a way_n conceive_v for_o the_o information_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o christian_a reader_n wherein_o be_v set_v forth_o many_o excellent_a thing_n which_o be_v not_o common_o publsh_v especial_o the_o destruction_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o year_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o judgement_n and_o his_o reign_v with_o his_o saint_n for_o ever_o upon_o this_o earth_n at_o the_o restitution_n of_o all_o thing_n collossian_n 3.16_o let_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n teach_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o etc._n etc._n 2_o timothy_n 2.27_o consider_v what_o i_o say_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v thou_o understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n london_n print_v for_o j._n k._n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1647._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a and_o religious_a lady_n margaret_z countess_n of_o carlisle_n the_o author_n present_v the_o ensue_a book_n wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n to_o be_v multiply_v right_o honourable_a i_o have_v presume_v upon_o your_o favour_n to_o present_v this_o my_o poor_a labour_n to_o your_o honour_n not_o doubt_v of_o your_o favourable_a acceptance_n from_o he_o who_o desire_v your_o further_a increase_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n you_o have_v give_v many_o testimony_n of_o your_o love_n to_o religion_n by_o your_o careful_a walk_n in_o piety_n to_o the_o good_a example_n of_o other_o which_o have_v rejoice_v my_o heart_n to_o hear_v from_o time_n to_o time_n i_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o that_o you_o may_v go_v on_o till_o you_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a to_o know_v god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o life_n eternal_a i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o this_o ensue_a book_n to_o set_v forth_o some_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n by_o way_n of_o question_n and_o answer_v the_o easy_a way_n i_o conceive_v to_o get_v knowledge_n and_o it_o may_v be_v your_o honour_n may_v find_v it_o more_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v then_o other_o catechism_n i_o have_v labour_v herein_o to_o set_v forth_o how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n a_o poor_a sinner_n come_v to_o be_v justify_v and_o how_o he_o walk_v be_v justify_v both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n as_o also_o something_o concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o ever_o with_o other_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o we_o in_o these_o time_n it_o may_v be_v you_o may_v find_v in_o the_o read_n of_o it_o some_o thing_n you_o never_o hear_v of_o before_o both_o profitable_a and_o comfortable_a if_o your_o honour_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o accept_v of_o this_o my_o poor_a labour_n i_o shall_v take_v it_o as_o a_o great_a favour_n and_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o remain_v your_o humble_a servant_n john_n alcock_n to_o the_o true_o religious_a christian_a that_o desire_v to_o know_v and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n grace_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v christian_n reader_n i_o hear_v present_v thou_o with_o a_o few_o point_n of_o divinity_n by_o way_n of_o question_n and_o answer_n the_o way_n which_o i_o have_v conceive_v to_o be_v best_a for_o the_o information_n of_o judgement_n the_o substance_n of_o it_o i_o write_v about_o twenty_o six_o year_n past_a the_o reason_n that_o move_v i_o thereunto_o be_v first_o to_o keep_v in_o my_o own_o memory_n the_o truth_n god_n have_v teach_v i_o second_o that_o have_v gather_v these_o head_n of_o divinity_n into_o order_n i_o may_v the_o better_o teach_v my_o family_n to_o who_o i_o can_v explain_v any_o thing_n therein_o contain_v know_v my_o own_o sense_n and_o meaning_n which_o i_o can_v not_o so_o well_o do_v out_o of_o other_o man_n work_n i_o have_v since_o the_o first_o writing_n of_o it_o peruse_v it_o and_o somewhat_o enlarge_v it_o and_o will_v have_v do_v more_o if_o weakness_n of_o body_n have_v not_o seize_v upon_o i_o after_o which_o some_o judicious_a friend_n of_o my_o have_v read_v and_o consider_v it_o think_v it_o worth_a their_o labour_n to_o write_v it_o out_o as_o also_o worthy_a the_o publish_n in_o print_n and_o advise_v i_o thereunto_o perceive_v some_o thing_n in_o it_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v public_a which_o be_v not_o in_o other_o man_n work_n nor_o common_o teach_v i_o have_v therefore_o yield_v to_o their_o desire_n herein_o and_o also_o it_o be_v my_o own_o desire_n to_o do_v good_a to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n who_o servant_n i_o be_o and_o the_o least_o of_o they_o who_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v account_v one_o of_o they_o yet_o do_v i_o make_v bold_a to_o present_v this_o small_a talon_n of_o i_o unto_o thou_o entreat_v the_o to_o read_v and_o consider_v it_o if_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n as_o i_o know_v it_o be_v receive_v it_o with_o meekness_n of_o heart_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o may_v find_v some_o truth_n in_o it_o which_o thou_o have_v not_o former_o take_v notice_n of_o which_o may_v be_v profitable_a unto_o thou_o and_o some_o scripture_n clear_v from_o the_o false_a exposition_n of_o some_o man_n which_o it_o may_v be_v they_o have_v lead_v the_o into_o some_o error_n &_o hinder_v from_o some_o comfort_n that_o otherwise_o thou_o may_v have_v have_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o hope_v thou_o will_v not_o repent_v thy_o cost_n nor_o thy_o labour_n in_o read_v it_o i_o wish_v unto_o thou_o christian_a reader_n all_o happiness_n and_o thy_o profit_n by_o this_o poor_a work_n of_o i_o if_o thou_o find_v good_a by_o it_o bless_v god_n and_o remember_v i_o in_o thy_o prayer_n who_o will_v remember_v thou_o daily_o and_o desire_v thou_o and_o his_o own_o furtherance_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o remain_v thou_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i.a._n a_o catechism_n or_o certain_a principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n question_n see_v that_o knowledge_n be_v so_o much_o desire_v and_o seek_v after_o of_o most_o man_n what_o knowledge_n be_v most_o necessary_a and_o chief_o to_o be_v desire_v of_o all_o man_n answer_n the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n jeremy_n 9.24_o quest_n wherefore_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n most_o necessary_a and_o chief_o to_o be_v desire_v answ_n because_o it_o be_v eternal_a life_n to_o know_v god_n aright_o jo._n 17.3_o qu._n but_o god_n be_v invisible_a how_o can_v we_o therefore_o come_v to_o know_v he_o ans_fw-fr although_o he_o be_v invisible_a yet_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o manifest_v himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o come_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o qu._n where_o have_v he_o reveal_v and_o manifest_v himself_o answ_n in_o his_o work_n and_o in_o his_o word_n psalm_n 19_o qu._n be_v it_o possible_a to_o know_v god_n by_o his_o work_n ans_fw-fr yes_o it_o be_v possible_a his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n be_v see_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o wise_a govern_n and_o uphold_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o rom._n 1.20_o quest_n which_o be_v that_o word_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o have_v manifest_v himself_o answ_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n quest_n have_v he_o therein_o more_o clear_o manifest_v himself_o then_o in_o his_o work_n answ_n yea_o for_o beside_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n which_o we_o speak_v of_o before_o there_o be_v also_o many_o great_a work_n of_o god_n record_v in_o his_o word_n and_o many_o name_n he_o have_v take_v unto_o himself_o and_o many_o attribute_n which_o show_n and_o declare_v unto_o we_o what_o he_o be_v as_o also_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n which_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o have_v give_v unto_o he_o many_o excellent_a title_n declare_v what_o he_o be_v and_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o have_v evident_o declare_v he_o unto_o we_o all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v and_o learned_a in_o the_o scripture_n gen._n 17.1_o exod._n 12.41_o 42._o chap._n 13.21_o 22_o 23._o exod._n 34.6.7_o quest_n but_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o we_o be_v but_o finite_a creature_n how_o can_v we_o therefore_o come_v to_o know_v he_o who_o be_v of_o such_o a_o excellent_a glory_n dwell_v in_o that_o light_n unapprochable_a ans_fw-fr we_o may_v notwithstanding_o attain_v to_o so_o much_o knowledge_n of_o he_o even_o in_o this_o life_n as_o will_v make_v we_o happy_a and_o we_o must_v content_v ourselves_o to_o know_v
and_o to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o one_o another_o and_o to_o minister_v comfort_n one_o unto_o each_o other_o both_o in_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v able_a and_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o brethren_n require_v heb._n 10.25_o mat._n 18._o jude_n 19.20_o heb._n 13.16_o quest_n what_o special_a promise_n be_v make_v unto_o they_o be_v thus_o assemble_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n answ_n a_o most_o excellent_a and_o comfortable_a promise_n of_o christ_n his_o gracious_a presence_n to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o to_o direct_v they_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o agree_v on_o on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v he_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 18.19_o quest_n be_v not_o this_o promise_n belong_v to_o general_a assembly_n that_o meet_v in_o public_a congregation_n and_o may_v not_o they_o expect_v this_o promise_n to_o be_v perform_v unto_o they_o answ_n if_o that_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o public_a congregation_n do_v meet_v together_o after_o this_o manner_n that_o we_o have_v declare_v than_o they_o may_v expect_v the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o promise_n of_o christ_n but_o none_o but_o only_o the_o saint_n have_v this_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o quest_n but_o we_o hope_v that_o there_o be_v saint_n in_o every_o public_a assembly_n do_v not_o this_o promise_n of_o christ_n therefore_o belong_v unto_o they_o answ_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o his_o people_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n where_o his_o true_a worship_n be_v perform_v and_o his_o word_n true_o preach_v yea_o at_o all_o time_n but_o this_o promise_n of_o christ_n his_o presence_n be_v a_o peculiar_a promise_n make_v to_o the_o saint_n when_o they_o assemble_v together_o and_o agree_v upon_o any_o thing_n to_o ask_v that_o may_v be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o their_o brethren_n math._n 18._o quest_n why_o will_v christ_n be_v with_o this_o church_n and_o with_o no_o other_o answ_n because_o there_o be_v a_o near_a union_n and_o conjunction_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n even_o as_o between_o the_o head_n and_o the_o member_n of_o our_o body_n he_o have_v redeem_v they_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o provide_v for_o and_o to_o furnish_v this_o church_n with_o all_o necessary_a grace_n be_v unto_o they_o a_o priest_n a_o prophet_n and_o a_o king_n heb._n 4.14_o act_n 3.22_o esay_n 9.6_o quest_n how_o be_v christ_n a_o priest_n unto_o they_o answ_n by_o offer_v up_o himself_o once_o for_o they_o unto_o god_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n for_o to_o make_v reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o they_o and_o also_o by_o present_v of_o himself_o before_o god_n for_o they_o and_o by_o offer_v up_o and_o present_v their_o prayer_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o have_v acceptation_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n through_o his_o presentation_n heb._n 2.17_o rom._n 8.34_o heb._n 9.14_o revel_v 8.3_o 4._o quest_n how_o be_v he_o a_o prophet_n unto_o they_o answ_n by_o make_v know_v unto_o they_o his_o father_n will_n reveal_v unto_o they_o the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n make_v know_v unto_o they_o heavenly_a mystery_n teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o also_o by_o send_v his_o minister_n and_o enable_v they_o for_o that_o great_a work_n by_o all_o which_o they_o be_v build_v up_o and_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o wisdom_n and_o heavenly_a understanding_n in_o the_o will_n and_o way_n of_o god_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o continual_a minister_n that_o christ_n have_v leave_v in_o his_o church_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v it_o until_o his_o second_o come_v answ_n he_o do_v at_o first_o give_v unto_o they_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n who_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o make_v the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o be_v to_o be_v guide_n unto_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v to_o succeed_v they_o he_o also_o have_v ordain_v other_o minister_n in_o his_o church_n as_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o be_v expositor_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o for_o the_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n for_o the_o gather_n together_o of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v know_v and_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n not_o so_o much_o by_o any_o outward_a call_n by_o man_n but_o by_o the_o excellency_n of_o gift_n and_o grace_n bestow_v on_o they_o and_o their_o faithful_a employ_v their_o gift_n and_o discharge_v of_o that_o office_n that_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o by_o christ_n ephes_n 4.11_o ephes_n 4.12_o quest_n how_o do_v christ_n manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o king_n unto_o his_o church_n answ_n by_o give_v unto_o they_o holy_a and_o just_a law_n precept_n and_o ordinance_n to_o be_v observe_v of_o they_o and_o also_o by_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o by_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n subject_v their_o heart_n will_n and_o affection_n unto_o he_o and_o to_o his_o truth_n to_o love_v desire_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o and_o to_o yield_v all_o subjection_n unto_o he_o qu._n wherein_o be_v the_o saint_n chief_o to_o be_v exercise_v while_o they_o remain_v here_o for_o their_o mutual_a comfort_n and_o increase_v of_o grace_n in_o they_o answ_n in_o the_o holy_a use_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n prayer_n and_o the_o sacrament_n quest_n wherein_o be_v that_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v answ_n in_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o common_o call_v the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v many_o holy_a direction_n and_o gracious_a promise_n and_o consolation_n able_a to_o sustain_v they_o in_o the_o great_a misery_n that_o can_v befall_v they_o quest_n to_o who_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n commit_v answ_n to_o all_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o comfort_n quest_n who_o may_v dispense_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o other_o answ_n all_o they_o who_o god_n have_v give_v wisdom_n and_o understanding_n therein_o and_o have_v show_v the_o mystery_n thereof_o they_o be_v to_o minister_v unto_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o body_n according_a to_o their_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v quest_n what_o be_v prayer_n answ_n it_o be_v a_o call_n upon_o god_n with_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o all_o lawful_a thing_n that_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o psal_n 142.2_o john_n 16.23.24_o quest_n what_o thing_n be_v necessary_o require_v in_o our_o prayer_n unto_o god_n answ_n there_o be_v these_o three_o thing_n require_v in_o prayer_n first_o confession_n which_o be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o unworthiness_n to_o receive_v psal_n 32.5_o second_o petition_n which_o be_v the_o ask_n of_o thing_n needful_a mat._n 7.7_o three_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v the_o acknowledge_v of_o his_o power_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o the_o return_v he_o praise_n and_o thanks_o for_o his_o former_a mercy_n bestow_v on_o we_o quest_n have_v we_o any_o example_n or_o pattern_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o frame_v all_o our_o prayer_n ans_fw-fr yea_o a_o most_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a form_n give_v unto_o we_o by_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o in_o the_o 6._o of_o matthew_n common_o call_v the_o lord_n prayer_n quest_n be_v we_o not_o bind_v therefore_o unto_o that_o prayer_n to_o use_v it_o and_o none_o but_o it_o ans_fw-fr for_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o we_o be_v but_o not_o the_o form_n of_o word_n and_o although_o we_o may_v use_v the_o same_o word_n yet_o also_o we_o may_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n use_v another_o form_n of_o word_n and_o yet_o offend_v not_o against_o that_o most_o absolute_a rule_n so_o long_o as_o we_o desire_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v therein_o contain_v quest_n may_v we_o join_v in_o prayer_n with_o those_o that_o read_v their_o prayer_n in_o a_o book_n answ_n yes_o doubtless_o if_o their_o prayer_n be_v good_a for_o the_o matter_n and_o perform_v with_o reverence_n and_o affection_n even_o as_o well_o as_o we_o may_v with_o those_o that_o use_v a_o ordinary_a form_n although_o they_o do_v not_o read_v it_o in_o a_o book_n or_o with_o those_o that_o conceive_v prayer_n for_o therein_o be_v we_o stint_v as_o well_o as_o in_o join_v with_o they_o that_o pray_v out_o of_o a_o book_n and_o we_o may_v enlarge_v our_o desire_n in_o join_v with_o one_o and_o with_o the_o other_o quest_n when_o be_v we_o to_o use_v prayer_n ans_fw-fr at_o all_o time_n upon_o all_o occasion_n we_o be_v to_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n by_o holy_a request_n even_o in_o every_o thing_n we_o