experience of it Psal. 32.5 I said I will confesse my transgressions vnto the Lord and thou forgauest the iniquity of my sinne As for confession to man it is onely respectiue or conditionall as namely in case of wrong done by one man to another see Iam. 5.16 confesse your faults one to another and pray one for another or in regard of some publike hurt or scandall to the whole Church as in the example of Achan Iosh. 7.19.20 and the like Q. Proue that true repentance is required A. True Râ—pentance which is not onely a contrition or sorrow for sinne and a confession of it but also a conuersion of the whole man with the whole heart vnto God from all his sinnes is specially necessary for the obtaining of pardon this is intended in Math. 3.2 Repent for the kingdome of heauen is at hand and Luk. 13.3 Except ye amend your liues ye shall all likewise perish and Act. 11.18 It is said that they glorified God saying then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance vnto life Q. Proue that our iustification consisteth in the pardon of sinnes A. It is so written Rom. 4 6.7 Euen as Dauid declareth the blessednesse of the man vnto whom God imputeth righteousnesse without workes saying Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiuen and whose sinnes are couered Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth not sinne Q. Proue that we can merit nothing with God A. The Apostle proueth it by the example of the father of the faithfull Rom. 4.2 If Abraham were iustified by workes hee hath wherein to reioyce but not with God for what saith the Scripture Abraham beleeued God and it was counted to him for righteousnesse Psal. 130.3 If thou Lord shouldest marke iniquities O Lord who shall stand and Psal. 143.2 Enter not into iudgement with thy seruant for in thy sight shall no man liuing be iustified Q. Proue that our best workes are imperfect A. It is the confession of the Prophet Isa. 64.6 But we are all as an vncleane thing and all our righteousnesse are as filthy rags and Luk. 17.10 When ye haue done all those things which are commanded you say wee are vnprofitable seruants Q. Prouâ— that the promise is made onely to them that beleeue A. It is written Gal. 3.22 that the Scripture hath concluded all vnder sinne that the promise by faith of Iesus Christ might bee giuen to them that beleeue and Act. 2.39 for the promise is vnto you and to your children and to all that are a farre off euen as many as the Lord our God shall call Q. Proue that they were elected of God before the world was A. That the ground of our iustification and saluation by Christ through faith doth stand in Gods free election and therefore cannot be attained by any merit of our owne is manifest Act. 13.48 where it is said that as many as were ordained to eternall life beleeued And Ephes. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Iesus Christ who hath blessed vs with all spirituall blessings in heauenly things in Christ according as he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world P Of the preaching of the word the ordinary meanes of faith Q. Rehearse the letter P A PReaching of the word of God is the ordinary meanes to worke repentance and faith For God that giueth all grace and so repentance and faith worketh outwardly by the word as by an instrument and inwardly by his spirit Q. Proue that Preaching of the Word is the ordinary meanes to worke repentance A. It is euident in that repentance was the subiect matter of Christs Preaching Matth. 4.17 Iesus began to Preach and to say Repent for the kingdome of heauen is at hand and in that S. Paul saith Act. 17.30 speaking of the preaching of the Gospell that God now commandeth all men euery where to repent and Act. 20.20 I kept backe nothing that was profitable but haue shewed you and taught you publikely and from house to house both to the Iewes and also to the Gentiles the repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Iesus Christ Q. Proue that Preaching of the Word is the meanes of saith A. So we reade Rom. 10.14 How then shall they call on him in whom they haue not beleeued and how shall they beleeue in him of whom they haue not heard and how shall they heare without a Preacher and verse 17. so then faith commeth by hearing and hearing by the word of God Q. Proue that God giueth all grace A. It is written Iam. 1.17 Euery good gift and euery perfect gift is from aboue and commeth downe from the father of lights And 2 Pet. 1.3 according as his diuine power hath giuen vnto vs all things that pertaine to life godlinesse through the knowledge of him that hath called vs to glory and vertue Q. Proue that God giueth repentance A. We may learne so much by S. Paul his exhortation to Timothy 2 Tim. 2.25 where he aduiseth him to instruct with meekenesse those that oppose themselues prouing if God at any time will giue them repentance that they may know the truth And it is said Act. 5.31 that God hath lift vp Iesus Christ with his right hand to be a Prince and a Sauiour to giue repentance to Israel and forgiuenesse of sinnes Q. Proue that God giueth faith A. It is expresly affirmed Eph. 2.8 For by grace are ye saued through faith and that not of your selues it is the gift of God And Phil. 1.29 For vnto you it is giuen for Christ that not onely you should beleeue in him but also suffer for his sake Q. Proue that God worketh by the Word as by an instrument A. That the word of God is the outward meanes which God doth vse as an organe or instrument is manifest Iam. 1.18 Of his owne will begat he vs with the word of truth that wee should bee as the first fruits of his creatures And 1 Pet. 1.23 Being borne anew not of mortall seed but of immortall by the word of God and verse 25. This is the word which is preached among you Q. Proue that God worketh inwardly by his spirit A. It is euident by these arguments First it was so prophecied and foretold Ioel 2.28 And it shall come to passe afterward that I will powre out my spirit vpon all flâ—sh and Zach. 12.10 I will powre vpon the house of Dauid and vpon the inhabitants of Ierusalem the spirit of grace and of supplication and they shall look vpon me whom they haue pierced Q. What is the second argument to proue that God worketh inwardly by his spirit A. Secondly The prophesie was accomplished and effected accordingly as the Apostle Peter noteth Acts 2.16 This saith hee is that which was spoken by the Prophet Ioel. And at his Sermon Acts 10.44 It is said That while Peter yet spake these words the
God is greater thâ—n our heart and knoweth all things Q. Proue that the Heathen haue naturall inclination to Religion A. It is euident not onely by the word of God but by experience in the most barbarous Nations who will rather worship an Idoll or the Deuill himselfe or any thing yea an vnknown God then no God at al. Q. How may that appeare A. It is apparent by that appeale of S Paul to the Corinthians 1 Cor. 12.2 Ye know saith he that ye were Gentiles carried away vnto these dumbe Idols euen as ye were led And by that complaint against Israel Psal. 106.35 that they were mingled among the heathen and learned their workes and serued their Idols yea they offered their Sonnes and Daughters vnto Deuils Thus the men of Lystra Act. 14.11.13 were ready to sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas saying The Gods are come downe vnto vs in the likenesse of men And Paul at Athens Act. 17.13 found an Altar with this inscription TO THE VNKNOWNE GOD. Q. Proue that the heathen haue the vse of an oath A. Both experience and Scripture plainely teach it For instance we read that the heathen King Abimelech required an oath of Abraham and performed the like to him Gen. 21.23 Sweare vnto me here by God saith hee c. againe verse 31. Abraham is said to call that place Beersheba that is The well of the oath because there they swore both of them the like we reade of Abimelech and Isaac Gen. 26.28 Now this conscience of an oath proueth euidently that they wâ—re perswaded of a diuine power who is the Auenger of all falshood and periury Q. Proue that the heathen are obseruant of Gods vengeance against sinne A. We may see it in the example of the Philistims 1 Sam 5.7 who being smitten with Emrods acknowledgeâ— that the hand of God was sore vpon them and vpon Dâ—gâ—n thâ—ir God Aâ—â—iâ—e Act. 28.4 when the Barbâ—rians saw the â—iper hang on Pâ—uâ—s hand they said among themselues No doubt this man is a murtherer whom though he hath escaped the sea yet vengeance suffereth not to liue Thus the very heathen acknowledge â—â— God of vengeance Q. How proue you by the light of Grace that there is a God A. It is euident in three respects 1 In regard of the subiect or matter of the Scriptures 2. In respect of the Maiestie of God shining therein 3. If we consider the scope and drift of the Scriptures Q. How is it proued by the mâ—tter of the Scriptures A. In that the Scripture the word of Gods grace doth euery where teach not onely that God is but also how wee may know and serue the true God as S. Paul noteth Act. 17.23 whom saith he ye ignorantly worship him declare I vnto you Q. How may it appeare by the Maiestie of God shining in the Scriptures A. In that the holy Scripture written in so plaine and familiar a stile yet being read opened and applyed is so expresse a Caracter or note of the Diuine Maiesty that it conuinceth the conscience of the Hearer in so much that as it is said 1 Cor. 14.25 The secrets of his heart are made manifest and so falling downe on his face he will worship God and say plainely that God is in you indeed Q. How is it proued by the scope and drift of the Scriptures A. In that the Scripture directeth vs to this very point as one of the first principles of Christian Religion namely that there is a God Heb. 11.6 Hee that commeth to God must beleeue that he is and that hee is a rewarder of them that diligently seeke him Q How proue you that there is a God by his workes A. It is manifest by the worke of Creation by the worke of prouidence by the worke of Gods iudgements by his workes of wonder and of his foretelling things to come Q. Proue it by the worke of creation A. It is written Rom. 1.20 The inuisible things of him that is his eternall power and Godhead are seene by the câ—eation of the world being considered in his workes and Psal. 19.1 The heauens declare the glory of God and the firmament sheweth his handy workes Q. Proue it by the worke of prouidence A. It is said Act. 14.17 that hee lâ—ft not hiâ—selfe without witnesse in that â—e did good and gaue vs raine from heauen and fruitfull seasons filling our hearts with food and gladnesse and châ—p 17.27 that euen the very heathen should seeke the Lord if happily they might fâ—ele after him and finde him though he be not farre from euery one of vs for in him wee liue and moue and haue our being Q. Proue it by Gods works of iudgement A. The Psalmist expresly teacheth this Psal. 9.16 The Lord is knowne by executing iudgement the wicked is snâ—â—ed in the worke of his owne hand and Psal. 58.11 Men shall say veâ—ilâ— there is fruit for the righteous doubtlesse there is a God that iudgeth the earth Q Proue it by Gods works of wonder A. By this argument the Dâ—ity is inuincibly proued Psal. 86.10 Thou art great and dost wondrous things thou art God alone and Psâ—l 72.18 Blessed be the Lord God the God of Israel which onely doth wondrous things Q. Proue it by his foretelling things to come A. Vpon this ground all Idols are proued to be in Gods Isai. 41.21.23 Stand to your cause saith the Lord bring forth your strong reasons c. Shew the things that are to come hereafter that wee may know that you are Gods and by the same reason the Deitie of the true God is confirmed Isai. 44.6.7 Thus saith the Lord c I am the first and I am the last and besides me there is no God And who is like mâ—e that shall call and shall declare it and set it in order before me since I appointed the ancient people and what is at hand what things are to come let them shew vnto them Q. You haue proued that God is proue now that we ought to acknowledge God A. It is written Prou. 3.6 In all thy waies acknowledge him and hee shall direct thy pathes and it was Dauids instruction which he gaue to his Sonne Salomon vpon his death bed 1 Chro. 28.9 And thou Salomon my Sonne know the God of thy father and serue him with a perfect heart and with a willing minde for the Lord searcheth all hearts and vnderstandeth al the imaginations of thoughts if thou seeke him hee will be â—ound of theâ— but if thou forsake him hee will cast thee off for euer Q. Proue that we must acknowledge God as he hath reuealed himselfe in his written word A. It is written Deut. 29.29 The secret things belong to the Lord our God but those things which are reuealed belong vnto vs and to our children for euer that we may doe all the words of this law and Rom. 15.4 For whatsoeuer things
I will send vnto you from the father euen the spirit of truth which proceedeth of the Father he shall testifie of me Q. What is the third euidence A. The third euidence is taken from the consideration of the distinct effects or workes attributed to each person as the worke of Creation to the Father Redemption to the Sonne Sanctification to the Holy Ghost For though being outward workes they be common to the whole Deitie yet in respect of personall order and of the manner of working they are distinct the Father working by the Sonne and by the holy Ghost but the Sonne and the holy Ghost working from the Father as being the fountaine of euery action Q. What is the fourth euidence A. The fourth euidence to proue that the persons are distinct and not confounded is grounded vpon certaine termes which doe notâ— personall difference as Ioh. 1.1 the word was with God and Ioh. 5.17 My Father worketh hitherto and I worke So of the holy Ghost it is said Isai. 48.16 the Lord God and his spirit hath sent me and where it is said 1. Cor. 12.6 that it is the same GOD that worketh all in all it is added Psal. 8. c. by the spirit and by the same spirit often repeated which termes of difference were meerely in vains if the persons were not distinct Q. Why must not the substance be diuided A. We must not diuide the substance because the God head of the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost is all one for we must conceiue in the Deitie another and another person but not another and another thing that is a diuersitie or distinction of persons but not a diuision of the diuine nature so the Father is God the Sonne is God and the holy Ghost is God yet they are not three Gods but one God Q. Proue that euery person distinctly by himselfe is God and first that the Father is God A. It is written Ephes. 4.6 There is one God and Father of all who is aboue all through all and in you all and 1 Cor. 15. 24. Christ is said to haue deliuered vp the Kingdome to God euen the Father Q. Proue that the Sonne is God A. The God-head of the Sonne is plentifully confirmed in Scripture Saint Iohn speaking of our Sauiour Christ Ioh. 1.1 saith In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God and 1 Ioh. 5.20 That the Sonne of God Iesus Christ is true God and eternall life and Ioh. 20.28 That Thomas beleeuing answered and said vnto Iesus My Lord and my God Q. Proue that the Holy Ghost is God A. The God head of the Holy Ghost may appeare amongst many euidences by that saying of Saint Peter to Ananias Act. 5.3.4 That in that hee did lie vnto the Holy Ghost he lied not vnto men but vnto God Againe the deitie of the Holy Ghost may be gathered out of Isa. 48.16 where the Prophet saith And now the Lord God and his holy spirit hath sent me And Act. 13.2 where it is said That as they ministred vnto the Lord and fasted the Holy Ghost said separate me Barnabas and Saul for the worke whereunto I haue called them So Act. 20.28 S. Paul telleth the Elders of the Church That the holy Ghost had made them ouerseeâ—s to feede the Church of God All which could not bee said of the holy Ghost if hee were not God Q. Proue that though there be three persons yet they are but one God A. It is manifest that the three persons are not three Gods but only one God because there can bee but one infinite one eternall one almighty and so consequently but one only God as was proued before And S. Iohn doth expressely affirme 1 Ioh. 5.7 these three are one Q. Proue that they are coeternall A. The Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost must of necessity bee coeternall one as well as the other that is the Father eternall the Sonne eternall and the holy Ghost eternall because they doe all subsist in one and the same diuine nature and are all three one and the same God For the Sonnes eternitie see Ioh. 1.2 The same was in the beginning with God all things were made by him And Ioh. 17.5 Now O Father glorifie thou me with thine owne sâ—lfe with the glory which I had with thee before the world was And theÌ„ coeternity of the Holy Ghost with the Father and the Sonne is noted in that hee ioyned with them in the creation of all things Gen. 1.2 And the spirit of God moued vpon the face of the waters Q. Proue that they are coequall A. Being one and the same diuine nature they must also needs be coequall Of the Sonne it is said Phil. 2.6 That being in the forme of God he thought it no robbery to be equall with God So againe the disposing of spirituall gifts is equally attributed to the holy Ghost aâ— well as to the Father and the Sonne as being God coequall with them 1 Cor. 12.4.5.6.11 E Of the attributes or properties of God Q. Rehearse the Letter E. A. ETernall infinite immutable invisible almighty most wise holy good mercifull and iust is this one God For thus God is pleased to describe himselfe vnto vs in his word because otherwise no man can see or know the nature of God Q. Proue that God is eternall A. That God is eternall without beginning or ending iâ— euident Psal. 90. â— Before the mountaines were made and before thou hadst formed the earth and the world euen from euerlasting to euerlasting thou art God And 1 Tim. 1.17 To the King eternall immortall inuisible the only wise God bee honour and glory for euer and euer Amen Q. Proue that God is infinite A. That God is infinite filling all places and present euery where see Ier. 23.23.24 Am I a God at hand saith the Lord and not a God a farre off can any hide himselfe in secret places that I shall not see him saith the Lord doe not I fill heauen and earth saith the Lord And Ps. 139.7 Whither shall I goe from thy spirit or whither shall I flee from thy presence Q. Proue that God is immutable A. That God is immutable without change see Iam. 1.17 where God is said to be the father of lights with whom is no variablenesse neither shadow of turning And Mal. 3.6 I am the Lord I change not therefore ye sonnes of Iacob are not consumed Q. Proue that God is invisible A. It is manifest by that hath beene said before 1 Tim. 1.17 That as God is eternall without beginning and immortall without end so he is also invisible And Col. 1.15 Christ is called the Image of the invisible God And Ioh. 4.24 it is said That God is a spirit and therefore without bodily or visible substance Q. Proue that God is almighty A. It is written Gen. 17.1 I am the Almighty
the right hand of God And Rom. 8.34 it is said That Christ is at the right hand of God and maketh intercession for vs. And Acts 3.21 Whom the heauens must receiue vntill the time of restitution of all things O Of our receiuing Christ with all his benefits to saluation by faith only Q. Rehearse the Letter O? A. ONly by faith receiuing Iesus Christ into the heart euery man that with contrite heart confesseth his sinnes to God and truly repenteth is pardoned all his sinnes and so doth stand iustified before God For we can merit nothing with God our best works being imperfect And the promise of God is onely made to them that beleeue being elected of God before the world was Q. How and in what sense are we said to be iustified by faith A. We are said to be iustified by saith not for the dignity and merit of it not as it is an inward and inherent quality or virtue not because it hath charity adioyned vnto it and worketh by loue nor because it receiueth any force or power from charity to iustifie but because by faith as by a hand or instrument we receiue Christ by whom we are iustified Q. Proue that we are iustified only by faith A. That wee are iustified by faith only may appeare by these euidences following whereof the first is In that iustification and acceptance of a man with God vnto eternall life is positiuely and absolutely ascribed in Scripture vnto faith This is the very argument of the Apostle alleaged to the same purpose out of the Prophet Habakuk 2.4 The iust shall liue by faith And he expresseth it in his owne person as an instance of the state of euery good Christian Gal. 2.20 I liue saith he by the saith of the Sonne of God who loued me and gaue himselfe for me Q. What is the second instance that we are iustified by faith only A. Secondly the Scriptures doe expresly exclude all workes in vs touching the point of iustification by manifest exclusiue notes or tearmes being equiualent with the exclusiue particle only or alone As for example Gal. 2.16 Knowing that a man is not iustified by the workes of the Law but by the faith of Iesus Christ. And Rom. 3.28 Therefore we conclude that a man is iustified by faith without the deeds of the Law And verse 24. Being iustified freely by his grace Q. What is the third instance of iustification by faith onely A. Thirdly there is a manifest opposition noted in Scripture betweene grace and workes so that if iustification be freely by grace then it cannot be of workes at all See Rom. 11.6 If by grace then it is no more of workes otherwise grace is no more grace But if it be of workes then it is no more grace otherwise worke is no more worke And Rom. 4.4 To him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace but of debt But to him that worketh not but beleeueth on him that iustifieth the vngodly his faith is counted for righteousnesse Q. What is the fourth instance of iustification by fayth only A. Fourthly They that sought righteousnesse not by faith only but by the workes of the Law are said for that very cause not to haue attained righteousnesse See Rom. 9.31.32 But Israel which followed after the law of righteousnesse hath not attained to the law of righteousnesse Wherefore because they sought it not by faith but as it is were by the workes of the Law And Chap. 10.3 For they being ignorant of Gods righteousnesse and going about to establish their owne righteousnesse haue not submitted themselues to the righteousnesse of God For Christ is the end of the law for righteousnesse to euery one that beleeueth Therefore Paul though he was blamelesse before men touching the righteousnesse which is in the law yet he counted all but dung that hee might bee found in Christ by faith Phil. 3.6.9 Q. What is the fifth instance of iustification by faith only A. Fiftly The brazen Serpent was a type of Christ now as when the Israelites were stung by the fiery serpents they were preserued aliue only by looking vpon the Serpent of brasse so when wee are â—â—â—eng to death by sinne there is nothing required of vs for the cure of our soules but only that wee fixe the eye of our faith vpon Christ. See this very proportion obserued by Christ himselfe Ioh. 3.14.15 As Moses lift vp the Serpent in the wildernesse so must the sonne of man be lifted vp that whosoeuer beleeueth in him should not perish but haue eternall life Q. What is the sixt instance of iustification by faith only A. Sixtly there are many graces accompanying saluation in a Christian soule as faith hope charity wisdome patience humility the feare of God repentance and the like and euery grace hath some excellent vse but of all these none is sit as a spirituall hand to receiue and apply Christ and his righteousnesse to the iustification of a sinner but faith only Q. In what sense then are we said to bee iustified by faith only A. Not that faith is solitary or alone without other graces for it is said Gal. 5.6 to worke by loue And 1 Tim. 1.5 That charity doth proceede out of a pure heart and of a good conscience and of faith vnfained as the fountaine of all other graces But as the eye is not alone but there are with it many other members and parts of the body and yet the faculty of seeing is only in the eye so faith though it bee not alone yet it only hath power to apprehend Christ to iustification Q. Proue that by faith wee receiue Iesus Christ into the heart A. That by faith wee receiue Iesus Christ may be gathered out of those words of the Euangelist Ioh. 1.11.12 He came vnto his owne and his owne receiued him not But as many as receiued him to thâ—m gaue hee power to become the sonnes of God euen to them that beleeue on his name Where wee see that to receiue Christ and to beleeue in him is all one Againe that we receiue Christ into the heart or soule as the fittest receptacle is euident by the Apostles prayer Ephes. 3.16.17 That ye may saith he bee strengthened by his spirit in the in ward man that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith Q. Proue that a contrite heart is required A. It is written Psal. 51 17. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit a broken and a contrite heart O God thou wilt not despise And Ioel 2.13 Rend your heart and not your garments and turne to the Lord your God Q. Proue that confession of sinnes to God is required A. There is an absolute necessity of confessing our sins to God if euer wee will obtaine pardon Therefore it is conditioned 1 Ioh. 1.9 That if wee confesse our sinnes he is faithfull and iust to forgiue vs our sinnes And we may see the
holy Ghost fell on them all which heard the word Q. What is the third argument to proue that God worketh inwardly by his spirit A. Thirdly it is euident that all spirituall gifts are wrought by the spirit as it is in 1 Cor. 12.11 All these saith the Apostle worketh that one and the selfe same spirit diuiding to euery man seuerally as hee will Insomuch as the outward meanes without this inward worke of Gods spirit is of no force Whereupon it is that Paul saith 1 Cor 3.6.7 I haue planted Apollo watered but God gaue the increase So then neither is he that planteth any thing neither hee that watereth but God that giueth the increase Q. What is the fourth argument to proue that God worketh inwardly by his spirit A. Fourthly God acknowledgeth none for his that haue not his spirit working in them See 1 Cor. 3.16 Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you And Rom. 8.9 If any man haue not the spirit of Christ he is none of his This is so euident a truth that the Apostle doubteth not to affirme that no man can so much as say that Iesus is the Lord but by the holy Ghost 1 Cor. 12.3 Q Of the inseparable properties of faith Q. Rehearse the letter Q A. QValities of faith inseparable vnto it are these to vnite vs to God in Christ to assure vs of Gods loue in him to purifie the heart and to worke by loue For vntill we beleeue wee are without God without Christ and without hope but when once wee beleeue wee haue peace with God and cannot but be fruitfull in all good workes Q. Proue that it is the property of faith to vnite vs to God in Christ A. This quality or property of faith namely to vnite vs vnto God in Christ is expresly noted by the Apostle Eph. 2.13 But now in Christ Iesus ye who sometimes were farre off are made nigh by the blâ—od of Christ. And verse 19. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and forreiners but fellow Citizens with the Saints and of the houshold of God Q. Proue that it is the quality of faith to assure vs of Gods loue in Christ A. It is manifest in that it is said Rom. 5.2 That by Christ wee haue accesse by faith into the grace wherein wee stand and reioyce in hope of the glory of God And verse 5. Hope maketh not ashamed because the loue of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy Ghost which is giuen vnto vs. Therefore faith is thus described Heb 11.1 Faith is the substance or ground and assurance of things hoped for and the euidence of things not seene Q. Shew it yet more fully and plainely A. It may appeare more fully and euidently by that confident acclamation and protestation of the Aposâ—le in the behalfe of euery Christian Rom. 8.35 Who shall separate vs from the loue of Christ and verse 38.39 For I am perswaded that neither death nor life nor Angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to comâ— nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate vs from the loue of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. Q. Proue that it is the property of faith to purifie the hart A. The Apostle Peter speaking of the calling of the Gentiles saith Act. 15.8.9 That God which knoweth the hearts beare them witnesse giuing them the holy Ghost euen as he did vnto vs. And put no difference betweene vs and them purifying their hearts by faith and 1 Tim. 1.5 it is said That the end of the commandement is charitie out of a pure heart and of a good conscience and of saith vnfained where wee see that vniting vs to Christ is the cause of the puritie of the heart Q. Proue that it is the propertie of faith to work by loue A. It is obserued as a speciall propertie oâ— faith by the Apostle Gal. 5.6 where hauing said that we through the spirit waite for the hope of righteousâ—esse by faith hâ—e presently addeth these words for saith hee In Iesus Christ neither circumcision auaileth any thing nor vncircumcision but faith which worketh by loue therein noting faith to be the proper efficient cause of loue and loue to be the proper effect of faith Q. Proue that till we beleeue we are without God without Christ without hope A We may see the truâ—h of this by the Apostles description of the state of the Ephesians before their coÌ„uersion Eph. 2.12 At that time saith heâ— ye were without Christ being aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel and strangers from the couenants of promise hauing no hope and without God in the world Q. Proue that when once we beleeue we haue peace with God A. It is so written Rom. 5.1 that being iustified by faith wee haue peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ and chap. 8.1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Iesus who walke not after the flesh but after the spirit Q. Proue that once beleeuing wee cannot but be fruitfull in all good workes A. That when once we beleeue wee cannot but be fruitfull our Sauiour himselfe teacheth by the similitude of the Vine whereunto he doth resemble himselfe and the beleeuers that are in him by faith to the branches Ioh. 15.5 I am the Vine ye are the branches He that abideth in me and I in him the same â—ringeth forth 〈…〉 without me yee 〈…〉 thing Apo‑ 〈…〉 2.14 That Christ 〈…〉 se for vs that hee 〈…〉 from all ini 〈…〉 rifie vnto himselfe 〈…〉 ople zealous of 〈…〉 R Of the meanes of encreasing faith and all other graces Q. Rehearse the Letter R. A. REmember that saith and so all other graces are increased and confirmed by the hearing of the word of God preached as also by reading meditation conference practise prayer and Sacraments For as God requireth of euery Christian a daily increase of grace so he hath appointed these meanes to that end Q Proue in generall that saith and all other graces are increased and confirmed by these meanes A. So much may be gathered in generall by the words of the Eâ—angelist Act. 2.41.42 where speaking of those that were conuerted to the faith he saith Then they that gladly receiued his word were baptized and they continued in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and breaking of bread and prayers noting thereby how being conuerted they did continue and were increased and confirmed in the state of grace by those meanes Q. More particularly proue that Preaching is a meanes to increase and confirme grace A. It is manifest in that the Apostle Peter speaking of the word preached saith 1 Pet. 2.2 As new borne babes desire the sincere milke of the word of GOD that yee may grow thereby and Act. 14 21.2â— it is said that Paul and Barnabas returned c. confirming